Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, March 14^th, 2006

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Chairman Ray Thayer called the meeting to order at 9:35 AM.

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer, Don Struck and Joan Frey.

Workshop Session Agenda

9:35 AM – Legislative Update

Attendance: Lobbyist Jim Potts (via teleconference), Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman, Goldendale residents Daniel Lichtenwald and James Daniel and Lyle resident and Planning Commission member David Sauter.

Lobbyist Potts noted that this is the first Washington State legislative session in perhaps 20 years that got out earlier than the deadline, having adjourned last Wednesday, March 8, which was a day early. He stated that this was overall a relatively good session for rural counties, but did note that several bills of interest to Klickitat County did not pass, notably SSB 6594, the Sales Tax Streamlining bill. He suggested that political considerations were to blame for the bill not being brought up for a floor vote in the House, though the leadership of that chamber stated that the bill would probably pass next session.

On the other hand, Lobbyist Potts stated that small counties did get money for emergency services, indigent defense, and rural two-lane road safety. Lobbyist Potts added that SSB 6141, which would change the way wind energy facilities are taxed, has passed both legislative chambers and awaits Governor Gregoire’s signature. Chairman Thayer noted that County Assessor Van Vandenberg made a big effort in support of this bill of special importance to Klickitat County.

Lobbyist Potts stated that HB 2424, which grants tax exemptions for farm use of diesel fuel, has passed. He noted however that there is a fair amount of paperwork that must be filed in order to qualify, and he didn’t feel there would be a large impact on the amount of fuel taxes coming back to Klickitat County.

10:06 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Public Works Director/County Engineer Scott Smith, Personnel Director Lori Wolford, Building and Grounds Manager John Ihrig, and residents Daniel Lichtenwald, James Daniel and David Sauter.

Manager Ihrig introduced Steve Schroder, the new Building and Grounds Maintenance Technician, who then left the meeting.

Director Smith stated that Manager Ihrig will be coordinating with Dallesport community officials to blade the turf off of the Dallesport ball field at an estimated cost of $850. He noted that the county will not be involved in any other work on this project.

Director Smith said that they will be submitting a resolution to reinstate the Paths and Trails Fund that was terminated about six years ago, noting that it would receive 0.42% of vehicle fuel taxes that the county gets from the state, unless otherwise spent. Chairman Thayer requested that they provide a copy of the resolution that terminated the fund.

Director Smith proposed a form that would be used for submittal of work requests to the Board that had not been budgeted.

Director Smith stated that there is a meeting scheduled for March 22 with Jan Brending of the City of Bingen regarding changes to the contract for their management of operations at the Dallesport Wastewater system. He added that they would then be in a position to make recommendations to the Board.

Director Wolford said that following interviews that were held last week, they would like to offer the position of Utilities Facilities Specialist to an internal candidate who is now part of a survey team in the department. Director Smith added that because of this individual’s experience, they would like to offer the position at Range 13, Step C, instead of Step A. He noted that if the individual does not accept the proposal they will offer the position to an outside candidate at Range 13, Step A. The Board reached consensus to approve.

Director Wolford presented three Authorizations to Hire: temporary summer student/labor (5 positions), temporary flagger positions (8) and one weigh person, and an Assistant Engineering Technician position. The Board questioned whether the number of temporary positions had increased and Director Smith suggested that one flagger position might be given some coordinating responsibilities, though he emphasized that he was not asking for a formal coordinator position at this time. Chairman Thayer requested that Board consideration be delayed by one week. The Board did reach consensus to approve advertising the Assistant Engineering Technician position, with formal approval scheduled for this afternoon’s regular session.

Director Wolford said that this would be an appropriate time to remind all department heads that Klickitat County has a nepotism policy that will be enforced.

Director Smith stated that estimates are being prepared for remodeling office space in the west side of the Public Works Annex to better house surveyors and technical engineering staff. He noted that once the estimate is complete it will be presented to the Board for consideration.

Manager Ihrig suggested that the county purchase a granite sign to replace the one outside of the Pioneer Center, which has been spray painted with graffiti and was never very readable. He stated that he got a local quote of about $3,500 for the granite sign which would be graffiti resistant. Commissioner Struck suggested that the existing sign be painted with a contrasting color so that the lettering would be more visible. The Board reached consensus to support Commissioner Struck’s suggestion.

Director Smith said that because Hoctor Road will be receiving heavy traffic due to wind energy projects in the area he is recommending procuring outside engineering help to design pavement sections for Hoctor Road. The Board reached consensus to go forward to get cost estimates for the engineering. Chairman Thayer stated that he is familiar with the pavement history of the road and would like to field review the roadway sections with Director Smith.

Director Smith stated that they received a customer suggestion that the county offer a senior discount for Dallesport sewer users, noting that Bingen offers a 20% senior discount. Chairman Thayer responded that just last week the Board saw comparative rates for sewer systems in the region and Dallesport rates were significantly lower than the average, being third lowest overall. The Board reached consensus not to offer a senior discount.

Director Smith said that he would like to schedule a workshop to discuss county policy regarding developer’s responsibility for improving primitive county roads to meet fire access standards. Commissioner Struck replied that he would be in favor.

Director Smith stated that the survey crews have a very full work schedule and he is considering whether to outsource some survey work. He added that this outsourcing could have the additional benefit of having the county’s own survey crews exposed to the newest surveying techniques, noting that the county appears to be well behind many private surveying firms in terms of equipment and technique.

Director Smith said that they will do more research on the cost to install conduit and cable from the White Salmon mechanical shop to the Pioneer Center in order to give the mechanical shop access to county financial records, as well as the internet.

Chairman Thayer stated that during the most recent union negotiations an understanding was reached that there would be a formal request made to the Board when the department wished to change from the winter five-day work week to the summer four-day work week. Director Smith responded that the Board would receive a formal request.

Manager Ihrig provided drawings showing the present configuration of the old jail, as well as the Prosecutor’s and Sheriff’s Offices.

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, March 14, 2006 (Continued)

11:07 AM – Auditor’s Office Update

County Auditor Diana Pafford stated that former Chief Deputy Auditor Jerri Atkins is now working part-time and will be involved in a number of tasks, including further training for the Senior Accountant. Auditor Pafford added that she would be submitting a request for advertising and filling the Chief Deputy Auditor position soon.

Auditor Pafford said that, in response to requests from her staff they are testing the idea of having half of the department work 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while the other half will stay at 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. She stated that they will reevaluate the plan in two weeks, but it seems to be working well so far.

Auditor Pafford said that she is working on revisions to the county’s credit card policy and hopes to be done by next week.

Auditor Pafford noted the contract on today’s agenda with the DJ Agency, the licensing subagent in White Salmon, and briefly discussed vehicle licensing issues. Responding to an inquiry from Commissioner Frey, Auditor Pafford stated that it is her understanding that the subagent should be open normal business hours.

Auditor Pafford said that representatives from the Washington State Secretary of State’s Office are here to provide election training to the two elections deputies in the department.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 11:30 AM.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 1:07 PM.

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer, Don Struck and Joan Frey.

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Struck, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) the Business Agenda with two additions, the first being an Authorization to Hire an Assistant Engineering Technician in the Public Works Department and the second being a contract with the DJ Agency to provide vehicle and vessel licensing services in White Salmon.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

There were no minutes to approve at this time.

Citizen Comment

There was no one wishing to provide public comment.

Miscellaneous Reports/Comments

Discussion on Surplus Vehicle Auction

Building and Grounds Manager John Ihrig discussed the possibility of having an auction of surplus county vehicles this spring, noting that it is unclear how many vehicles are now considered surplus. Executive Secretary Cris McEwen suggested that if there are not enough vehicles to warrant an auction, the county might explore the possibility of arranging a combined auction with the City of Goldendale.

Disposition of a Storage Building at the Guler/Trout Lake County Park

On another topic, Commissioner Struck noted an inquiry from Trout Lake residents on whether the county would be willing to sell a small storage building at the Guler/Trout Lake County Park. Manager Ihrig replied that the building is now being used for storage of garbage cans that the county no longer uses at the Park and should transport the cans to the Fairgrounds where they can be used. The Board requested that a letter be sent to the Trout Lake Community Council informing them that the county may choose to surplus the building, noting that it would need to be sold through a sealed bid process.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Bid Opening – Purchase of Two Triple Axle Trailers

Bids Forwarded (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) to the Public Works Department for their review and recommendation of three bids received to provide two triple-axle trailers:

1. Central Machinery Sales of Pasco, WA – $47,486.60 for “Eagar Beaver” brand trailers, including sales tax and minus trade in allowance,
2. Central Machinery Sales of Pasco, WA – $43,784.40 for “Interstate” brand trailers, including sales tax and minus trade in allowance,
3. Halton Cat of Portland, OR – $56,410.40 for “Tow Master” brand trailers, including sales tax and minus trade in allowance.

Public Meeting – Consider Final Approval of Short Plat No. SPL2005-44; Applicant: Richard Robins

Granted (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) final approval of Short Plat No. SPL2005-44, the applicant being Richard Robins. Associate Planner Jannette Herrington noted in her staff review that this is a re-division of Lot 3 of Short Plat No. SP-99-17 into two lots.

Public Meeting – Consider Preliminary Plat Approval of SUB2005-06; Applicant: Scott Neilson

*

Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Question: Thayer and Frey voted in favor. Struck voted against. Motion passed.) Resolution #05306 adopting the findings of fact and the conclusions of the Planning Commission and approving Preliminary Plat No. SUB2005-05 with conditions attached, the applicant being Scott Neilson. Prior to the motion the public meeting proceeded as follows with Chairman Thayer asking for a staff review:

Planner Herrington stated that Mr. Neilson proposes to divide approximately four acres into five residential lots and he is also requesting a variance to allow a 40 foot wide easement to serve Lots 2 through 5 of this subdivision. She noted that the Planning Commission had concerns at its November 23, 2005 meeting regarding the adequacy (in terms of size) of the lots for septic systems, and the location of the well on Lot 1 in relation to existing structures, which led to the public hearing being continued to a later date so that the applicant could address the concerns. She added that the Public Health Department provided the necessary information and the Planning Commission established findings in support of the subdivision and variance request on February 21, 2006.

Commissioner Struck stated that he had a “philosophical disagreement” with the subdivision, suggesting that the Public Health Department didn’t have enough information to make an informed decision on this issue. He said that the Board of Health needs to evaluate the general issues involved, and stated that it is challenging to provide for septic and backup drain fields, driveways and a home on just a half-acre lot.

Commissioner Frey Departs

For the record, Commissioner Frey left the meeting at 2:07 PM.

Consent Agenda

Approved (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Consent Agenda in its entirety:

*

1. Agreement for Use of the Klickitat County Adult Correction and Detention Facility (#C06706) between Klickitat County and the City of Goldendale to provide suitable jail facilities and personnel for the booking and confinement of city prisoners effective January 1, 2006, terminating December 31, 2006.

*

2. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling a public meeting at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 to consider acceptance of road right-of-way for Foster Road and Pipeline Road, Short Plat No. SPL2006-01; Applicant: Bill Baxter.

*

3. Resolution #05406 appointing Lindsay Miller (fiduciary member/county government) to a three year term on the Skamania Klickitat Family Service Network effective March 14, 2006, expiring December 31, 2008.

*

4. Resolution #05506 reappointing Mike Woods to an additional six year term on the Klickitat County Board of Adjustment filling Position No. 1, representing Commissioner District No. 2, expiring January 1, 2012.

*

5. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling two public meetings as follows:

For Tuesday, March 28, 2006 at 1:30 PM: Consideration of approval of Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA2006-06, the applicant being Louis Huszar, and

For Tuesday, April 4, 2006 at 1:30 PM: Consideration of acceptance of road right-of-way dedication for Short Plat No. SPL2005-26, the applicant being Tad Blouin.

*

6. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling a public meeting for Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at 1:30 PM to consider a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit No. SH-2006-01, Applicant: Port of Klickitat, for the proposed construction of Building 1E portions of which will be within 140’ and proposed parking areas will be within 65’ of the Bingen Marine water body to the north. The property is located within a portion of Section 32, Township 3 North, Range 11 East, W.M. (Bingen Point Property.)

*

7. State of Washington County Road Administration Rural Arterial Program Certification of Road Fund Expenditures for Traffic Law Enforcement certifying the amount spent for traffic law enforcement during the 2005 budget year was $0.00.

*

8. Annual Certification for calendar year 2005 certifying that the management of the county road department was in accordance with the applicable statutes and the policies set by the county legislative authority.

*

9. Washington State County Road Administration Board Certification of Road Fund expenditures for Fish Passage Barrier Removal certifying the amount spent for fish barrier removal outside county rights-of-way during the 2005 calendar year.

*

10. Klickitat County (Public Works Department) Notice of Day Labor Costs expended in 2005 for road projects totaling $1,070,577 in accordance with RCW 36.77.070.

*

11. Request for concurrence to award bid and enter into Small Works Contract (#C06806) SMW #120 to Petersen Brothers Inc. in the amount of $9,472.50 for 2006 countywide guardrail repair.

*

12. Request submitted by the Sheriff’s Department to accept the bid proposal from Performance Power Concepts LLC. in the amount of $14,700.28 for installation of a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) system for the dispatch center. Total project cost is $16,989.28.

*

13. Collection Services Agreement (#C06906) between Klickitat County (Health Department) and Evergreen Financial Services, Inc. for collection of unpaid accounts with fees assessed for collection services to be paid by the debtor.

*

14. Amendment No. 7 (#C07006) to the 2005-2006 Consolidated Contract between the State of Washington Department of Health and Klickitat County, Contract No. C13038, to make necessary changes within the scope of the contract.

*

15. Amendment No. 4 (#C07106) to the Water Resource Inventory Area 31 Service Agreement No. C02404 between Klickitat County and Aspect Consulting increasing the scope of work to include an assessment of the costs of upgrading existing water conveyance systems in WRIA 31 for purposes of water storage.

Department Update/Comment

Personnel Department Update: Retrospective Rating Pool Update

Personnel Director Lori Wolford gave a brief update on the Retrospective Rating Pool program, noting that Klickitat County chose to leave the pool last year based upon the assessments caused by poor overall member L&I performance. She added that unlike other counties that have had poor loss histories, Klickitat County can elect to rejoin the pool and would need to make a decision by this July.

Prosecuting Attorney Update

Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill provided a very brief update, noting that he is still researching an issue requested by Chairman Thayer. He also reviewed plans for renovating the old jail space and gave his input to Public Works Director Scott Smith.

New Business

Authorization to Hire an Assistant Engineering Technician

Approved (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) an Authorization to Hire an Assistant Engineering Technician at $12.98 per hour, in the Public Works Department.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

*

Approved Warrants (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously):

Accounts Payable: (#153333 – 153555) $133,796.43

Combined Payroll: (#086632 – 086907, 153321 – 153332 & Electronic Transfer 350) $463,440.70

For a combined total of $597,237.13

New Business

Contract Between Klickitat County and the DJ Agency

*

Approved (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) a Contract Between Klickitat County and the DJ Agency (#C07106) for the purposes of licensing and titling vehicles and vessels. The DJ Agency is the licensing subagent in White Salmon.

Recess (3:15 PM)

The Board recessed their Regular Session in order to convene a meeting of the Klickitat County Public Corporation.

New Business

Executive Session – Pending and Potential Litigation

The Board convened into a meeting of the Klickitat County Public Corporation at 3:15 PM. Following the conclusion of all business items, the meeting adjourned at 3:18 PM. The Board then immediately reconvened into Regular Session of the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners meeting.

Adjournment

Motion by Struck to adjourn the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners meeting at 3:19 PM, noting that there are no workshops the remainder of this week. Seconded by Thayer. Motion passed unanimously.

*

Reference Document on File