Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, April 18^th, 2006

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Chairman Ray Thayer called the meeting to order at 10:12 AM.

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

Workshop Session Agenda

10:12 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Public Works Director/County Engineer Scott Smith, Assistant County Engineer Bjorn Hedges and county residents Daniel Lichtenwald, James Daniel and David Sauter.

Returning to an issue from three weeks ago, Engineer Hedges stated that the department has returned the BRAC (Bridge Replacement Advisory Committee) funds for the Northwestern Lake Bridge rehabilitation project, noting that they will reapply when bridge funds are again available from the state for replacement.

Engineer Hedges said that the new Permit Technician has been at the job for about two weeks and performing well. He added that they will involve this employee in pursuing easements for drainage ditch and sight distance problem areas, such as the Centerville Highway/Lynden Road intersection.

Engineer Hedges stated that they are still struggling to find a reasonably priced source of rock for road projects in the west end of the county, both for this year and the long term. He noted that they have been offered a 30 year lease on a rock pit near Sleepy Hollow Road, but the terms are significantly more expensive than what the county is used to paying. Director Smith added that they are considering a mailing targeted toward all prospective property owners that might be interested in supplying rock. Chairman Thayer cautioned against making the contact effort too broad, noting that there are relatively few prospective properties. Commissioner Frey stated that she would make the letter distribution as wide as possible in hopes that a word-of-mouth effort might generate some interest. Commissioner Struck agreed that a broader mailing might create some leads.

Engineer Hedges said that the non-destructive/deflectometer pavement testing by the Clark County crew is now complete, including testing the Columbia Gorge Regional (Dallesport) Airport runways, and they now need to translate the data to obtain useful results.

Engineer Hedges stated that the small works contract for county-wide guardrail repairs has now been completed.

Engineer Hedges said that plans to hire a retired road department engineer on a temporary contract basis have hit a snag because of high insurance costs for contractors. He suggested that the county may wish to consider hiring the individual, who was to provide some on-the-job training, as an employee instead. Commissioner Struck responded that this would be an issue to discuss with the county’s commercial insurance provider at 11:00 AM.

Engineer Hedges stated that Roosevelt Grade Road will see very heavy usage in May and June as wind power contractors will be moving equipment along the road that will also be used to transfer waste to the Roosevelt Landfill.

Responding to an inquiry from Chairman Thayer, Director Smith stated that he met with representatives of PPM Energy, Inc. last Thursday regarding fulfillment of the agreement for maintenance of Middle Road. Chairman Thayer said that he strongly recommends repairs to Middle Road from its intersection with East Road to a point about three to four miles north, so as to serve the residents along the road. Director Smith stated that Middle Road was in reasonably good shape when he visited the area last week.

Director Smith stated that they are trying to arrange for a collision investigation course, tentatively scheduled for May 8, for five to six of the department’s employees, explaining that this would be for the evaluation and inspection of road sections after accidents. He added that he is uncertain of the cost but might be able to obtain a trainer for little or no cost.

Director Smith said that there has been a request to revise the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) flood insurance map for the Trout Lake area because of the Bear Creek flood control project. He added that there is some information that he can send to FEMA along with a request for revisions, but their time and money resources are limited and the situation is quite complex. Commissioner Frey agreed, adding that it may take a hydraulic review that would be very expensive. Engineer Hedges stated that the Glenwood area also needs a study. Chairman Thayer responded that such a study would also be very expensive and suggested that the information on hand should be sent to FEMA to see what they think about the issue.

Director Smith stated that they have received a request to allow a right-of-way access through the county owned portion of the Klickitat Mill site. Chairman Thayer asked if there wasn’t another access available to this property. Director Smith replied that he would do some research and report back to the Board next week.

Engineer Hedges said that they were unsuccessful in getting any grants for sidewalk projects in Dallesport or White Salmon and now there are decisions to be made because the overlay planned for NW Loop Road at the intersection of Snowden Road would go over the old sidewalks. He added that he will be discussing the issue with White Salmon Public Works Director Wil Keyser.

Engineer Hedges asked if there were any comments regarding the draft 2006 Programmed Maintenance that was presented to the Board on March 28. The Board responded that they would prefer to address the issue in a workshop to be scheduled at a later date.

Director Smith provided a draft policy regarding “Residential Development Generated Road Improvements” which seeks to define policy on what land developers are expected to do in terms of improving primitive county roads. Commissioner Frey sought a determination of the issue by asking: Can an individual be denied a building permit because they refuse to improve a county road to all-weather status? Chairman Thayer questioned the formula for calculating developer costs as proposed by Director Smith, asking that seasonal traffic when the roads are travelable be excluded from calculations.

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, April 18, 2006 (Continued)

11:10 AM –Annual Commercial Insurance Program Review

Hugh Whitson, agent for McCoy-Holliston Insurance provided a review of the county’s commercial insurance program. Among the points made:

Mr. Whitson stated that the (Washington Rural Counties Insurance) Pool continues to gain financial strength and they are expecting premium increases of just a modest 3 to 5%. He added that there are eight counties presently in the Pool (including Klickitat) and they would ideally like to expand to perhaps ten to eleven. He noted also that Skamania County has been approached with an offer to join and he expects that the Pool could save them a significant amount of money.

Commissioner Struck said that they are dealing with matters regarding the hiring of former employees, including a new situation in the Public Works Department. Mr. Whitson responded that he was aware of issues regarding the Timber Patrol Deputies working under a contract basis, having discussed the situation with Canfield and Associates, the administrator for the Pool. He added that he would be happy to discuss details of the new situation with Canfield and Associates also.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 11:48 AM.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 1:04 PM.

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

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Struck, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) the Business Agenda with one addition: consideration of approval of a Task Order for fish recovery to Watershed Professionals Network.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for April 4, 2006 and April 11, 2006 as presented.

Citizen Comment

There was no one present wishing to provide comment.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Meeting – Consider Approval of Boundary Line Adjustment BLA2006-05; Applicant: Thomas Reinerth

Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA2006-05, which alters the boundary lines of Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4 of SPL2005-15, the applicant being Thomas Reinerth. Associate Planner Jannette Herrington stated in her staff review that the reason given for this adjustment was just to reconfigure the lots.

Public Meeting – Consider Final Plat Approval of Little Mountain Acres Subdivision, SUB2005-04; Owner: Darrin Eckman

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Approved (M/Struck, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Resolution #07106 in the matter of granting final approval of Little Mountain Acres Subdivision, SUB2005-04, which divides 131.42 acres into six lots of approximately twenty acres each, located within a portion of Section 25, Township 6 North, Range 10 East, Willamette Meridian, Klickitat County, the applicant being Darrin Eckman.

Public Meeting: Consider a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit No. SH-2006-01, Applicant: Port of Klickitat, for the Construction of Building 1E (a 15,000 sq. ft. Light Manufacturing Building on Parcel #29 of BSP2005-01, Bingen Point Property)

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Approved (M/Struck, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Shoreline Substantial Development Permit No. SH2006-11, the applicant being the Port of Klickitat, and also adopting the findings of fact, conclusions and decisions, noting that the permit will be forwarded to the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) for final approval. Prior to the motion the public meeting proceeded as follows with Chairman Thayer opening the meeting and asking for a staff review:

Senior Planner Joe Sheridan provided a brief description of the proposal, which is to construct an approximately 15,000 square foot light manufacturing building on Parcel #29 of BSP2005-01, adding that this would be the fourth building in the Port of Klickitat’s Phase 1 business park development plan in Bingen. He noted also that this would be the final approval from the county and afterward it would be forwarded to DOE for final approval.

Port of Klickitat Executive Director Diane Sherwood also provided a review of the project. She emphasized that the narrowness of the Port’s property on the Bingen Point peninsula makes it very challenging to site buildings within the 200 foot shoreline setback (with this building being within 140 feet of the Bingen Marina water body to the north). Director Sherwood added that water, sewer, natural gas and telephone utilities are all in place and a “preload” of the building site has also been accomplished.

Commissioner Struck asked if there had been any comments regarding the SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act Checklist). Planner Sheridan replied that a letter was received from Catherine Reed, Wetlands and Shorelands Specialist with DOE.

Chairman Thayer noted that the Board has discretion to allow public comments at this public meeting and asked if there were any. Receiving no reply, he noted for the record that there was no one present wishing to provide public testimony.

Old Business

Resolution Awarding Bid for Designation of the County Legal Newspaper for Advertising Legal Notices, Delinquent Tax Lists, and Notices Pursuant to Statute

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Adopted (M/Struck, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Resolution #07206 in the matter of awarding a bid for designation of the county legal newspaper for advertising of legal notices, delinquent tax lists, and notices pursuant to statute. Commissioner Struck noted in his motion that, as in the past the bid is awarded to both The Enterprise, based in White Salmon, and The Goldendale Sentinel, both of whom submitted bids of $6.00 per column inch for the first and also subsequent insertions. For purposes of this contract period The Enterprise is designated the county’s “newspaper of record”.

New Business

Community, Trade and Economic Development Grant for the High Prairie Community Center/Fire Hall

Attendance: Cal Edwards (Survey Coordinator for the High Prairie community), Myrin Bentz (High Prairie Community Council President), Fred Henchell (High Prairie Fire District Chairman), Audrey Bentz community member, Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman, Economic Development Department Interim Director Wayne Wooster, Economic Development Administrative Assistant Kathy Norton and county residents Daniel Lichtenwald and David Sauter.

High Prairie representatives, headed by Cal Edwards, presented a proposal to apply for a CTED (Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development) application to construct a joint community building/fire hall. Mr. Edwards stated that the 1.5 acre parcel, donated by Myrin and Audrey Bentz would be the site for a combined community hall and a two bay fire hall with plans to build a third bay at a later time.

Mr. Edwards added that the community is requesting some staff time from the county’s Economic Development Department to help with the application, and also requests that the county make this project the top priority on the WA-CERT (Washington Community Economic Revitalization Team) list.

Chairman Thayer responded that he believed that the WA-CERT list had been discontinued. Commissioner Struck added that it was not clear to him who the pass-through agency would be because Klickitat County would probably be unable to pass grant funding through to a community council and similar grants have gone through the Klickitat County Public Utility District in the past, with the county acting as a pass-through. He stated that the Board would need to discuss the matter with both CTED and the Washington State Auditor’s Office. Commissioner Struck added that the Board would support the High Prairie request if it is feasible to do so.

Director Wooster replied that his department would be happy to research the issue. Chairman Thayer asked that Chief Financial Officer Chipman be kept informed. Officer Chipman responded that he and County Auditor Diana Pafford would be able to review the application.

Commissioner Frey concluded by stating that the county would research the issues involved and report back to the High Prairie community.

Consent Agenda

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

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1. Notice and invitation to bidders scheduling a bid opening for 1:30 PM on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 for the purchase of Four (4) New Mid-Size Four-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Vehicles for use by the Sheriff’s Department.

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2. Fourth Addendum to Professional Services Agreement (#C08606) between Klickitat County, Klickitat County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and David B. Trefry revising compensation for travel time.

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3. Agreement (#C08706) between Washington State Department of Licensing and Klickitat County (Auditor’s Office) to provide public record information such as vehicle and vessel records via DOL’s Internet Vehicle/Information Processing System (IVIPS) as may be necessary.

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4. Resolution #07306 in the matter setting a public hearing to be held at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 to declare certain county vehicles/equipment as surplus and to set a date for disposal at a sealed bid public auction.

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5. Resolution #07406 in the matter of authorizing the Code Compliance Officer to commence proceedings to cause the abatement of the nuisance on Parcel No. 05-18-3200-0004/00; James and Beverly Baehm.

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6. Resolution #07506 in the matter of authorizing the Code Compliance Officer to commence proceedings to cause the abatement of the nuisance on Parcel No. 03-11-0551-0003/00; James and Patricia Clemence.

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7. Notice and invitation to bidders scheduling a bid opening for 1:30 PM on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 for improvements to 0.84 miles of Saxton Bane Road #34320, CRP #263 and 1.21 miles of Woodland Road #34320, CRP #277, consisting of excavation, grading, installing drainage structures, placing road surface and other work related to road construction.

Elected Official Report/Update

Prosecuting Attorney Update

Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill briefed the Board on current issues beginning with the matter of a citation ticket book involving the Building Department and the Sheriff’s Office. He noted that he is in the process of getting the Washington State Patrol to order a ticket book for use by the Building Department.

Prosecutor O’Neill stated that he will be scheduling a date and preparing an agenda for the next Law and Justice Committee meeting.

Prosecutor O’Neill stated that his office has now filed over 80 felony cases since the beginning of this year.

Prosecutor O’Neill said that he is still working on contract issues for the Timber and Cattle Patrol Officers, noting that proposed changes will be discussed with the county’s insurance provider.

Executive Session

The Board convened into Executive Session at 3:04 PM with Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1) (i) to discuss potential and pending litigation in regard to the Cordell, Housden and Condit Dam issues. It was noted that the session would last for 11 minutes. At 3:15 PM it was announced that the session would be extended another 20 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 3:35 PM.

Elected Official Report/Update

Treasurer’s Office Update

Klickitat County Treasurer Dani Burton began her briefing by stating that they have received a back property tax payment of over $1.4 million (spread over all eligible taxing districts, not just county government) from Goldendale Aluminum. She noted also that property tax payments (due April 30) are being received earlier overall than is usually the case.

Treasurer Burton then discussed plans to electronically update various types of tax information, stating that the first step will be to provide information on property taxes, including amounts owed and including any interest and penalties that may have accrued. This would be available to property owners, title companies, real estate agents and other interested parties.

Treasurer Burton then said that the second step would be to provide REET (Real Estate Excise Tax) information that is generated during real property transfers of ownership.

Treasurer Burton added that the final step would be to capture revenue data for electronic transmittal to the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR). She noted that the period for remittance to the state is much shorter than before and this changes their office procedures. She added that a few meetings have taken place to set up a website for information posting but everything is still in the planning stage, noting that they may do an RFP (Request for Proposals) and the DOR is providing grants for the purpose.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#154345 – 154547 and 093340) $186,546.28

There were no payroll/benefits warrants requiring approval.

Executive Session

Executive Session – Pending and Potential Litigation

The Board convened into Executive Session at 4:07 PM with Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1) (i) to discuss potential and pending litigation in regard to the Cordell and Housden issues. It was noted that the session would last for 8 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 4:15 PM.

Board Pending

Fish Recovery Update

Watershed Project Coordinator Dave McClure provided a draft Intergovernmental Agreement for the Yakima Basin Water Resources Agency (formerly the Tri-County Water Resource Agency). He added that he as well as Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill had reviewed the draft and they didn’t feel there were any difficulties with the agreement. He noted also that he will be attending this agency’s board meeting next Thursday in Yakima.

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In regard to another issue Coordinator McClure then recommended approval of a task order directed to Watershed Professionals Network.

Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) Task Order No. 10 to allow Watershed Professionals Network to provide additional technical support for reviewing salmon and steelhead recovery plans affecting the White Salmon River, Rock Creek and Klickitat River drainages. The Board also approved Coordinator McClure’s request to be able to charge his own hours as contractor toward this effort.

Adjournment (4:40 PM)

Motion by Commissioner Frey to adjourn the meeting, noting that there are no workshops later in the week. Seconded by Commissioner Struck and passed unanimously.

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Reference Document on File