Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, July 11^th, 2006

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Chairman Ray Thayer called the meeting to order at 10:08 AM.

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer and Don Struck.

Commissioner Joan Frey was absent due to her attendance at another meeting involving county issues.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:08 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Public Works Director/County Engineer Scott Smith, Assistant County Engineer Bjorn Hedges, and Goldendale resident Daniel Lichtenwald. Office Engineer Keith Grundei was present for the first discussion item and Bob Chapman, East County Road Superintendent was present for the first and second items.

Director Smith and Engineer Grundei discussed design aspects of the Snowden Road project, notably the need to acquire additional right-of-way to increase the radius of roadway curves and thus allow a higher speed advisory. Director Smith noted that discussions with landowners has revealed some reluctance on their part to sell enough property to allow a 30 MPH curve, suggesting that since the road itself is posted for 35 MPH, he would rather not have a reduction of any more than 5 MPH. He asked if the county would pursue condemnation if it became necessary to obtain sufficient right-of-way for a 30 MPH curve. Chairman Thayer responded that the condemnation process is very involved and time consuming, the county has never used condemnation and he would not be in favor of using it in this instance. Commissioner Struck agreed.

Engineer Hedges presented a proposal for reconstruction of Dot Road that would make use of about 30,000 cubic yards of material obtained from the reconstruction of the road south of Newell Road. Engineer Hedges stated that this material would be used for shoulder material on Dot Road north of Newell, and save the county a considerable amount of money. He noted however that the proposal has the disadvantage of delaying until 2007 the overlay that is scheduled for this year. Chairman Thayer replied that he is reluctant to delay the project any further and stated that the Board would discuss the matter and make a decision by next week.

Engineer Hedges said that the Big Horn wind power project hauling operation will be completed by next week. He added that Allied Waste Industries (which operates the Roosevelt Regional Landfill) has been very cooperative, noting that there were issues with Roosevelt Grade Road during the haul operation.

Engineer Hedges stated that Klickitat County has three projects eligible for the Rural Arterial Program (RAP) and the county now needs to decide which project, Sleepy Hollow Road, Hale Road or Lakeside Road it will put forward.

Engineer Hedges said that pavement repairs to NE Pioneer Place in White Salmon have now been completed, noting that the problem has been moisture that has gotten under the pavement and into a layer of sand. Director Smith added that the solution to the moisture problem is probably the installation of French drains to direct water runoff to an adjacent storm drain.

Returning to his proposal of June 13, Engineer Hedges stated that since WSDOT’s Bowman Creek culvert replacement project has been postponed, the salvaging of materials from this project for widening shoulders on the Glenwood Highway is now scheduled to start July 18.

Engineer Hedges said that they have made arrangements with the City of Goldendale to stripe the county’s parking lots in Goldendale (to be done July 12), pending Board approval. The Board reached consensus to go forward.

Engineer Hedges stated that they are reassessing county purchases of items for the department’s truck rodeo, noting that in the past hats were purchased (this year’s cost is $13) for attendees, and jackets and t-shirts have been awarded as prizes to the winners of the various competitions. The Board responded that he should discuss the matter with Auditor Pafford and then revisit the issue with the Board.

Director Smith said that the roof of the Exhibit Hall at the Fairgrounds blew off and they have received two bids for its replacement, the last proposal being for $20,000. He added that they will pursue additional bids and expect to be able to complete the replacement by late summer.

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, July 11, 2006 (Continued)

11:09 AM – Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health Update

Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health Executive Director Rick Weaver and Candi Didier, Director of Klickitat County Services provided an update on mental heath programs that they make available in Klickitat County:

Director Didier said that Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health (CWCMH) has hired a “Peer Counselor” who will be working half time, primarily out of their White Salmon office. She noted that this is someone who has been a client and because of this, offers a unique and valuable perspective to their work.

Director Didier stated that they have begun a parenting education program called “Strong Families” that has been very successful. Director Weaver added that it is a nationally-acclaimed class that has attracted up to 25 participants at a time.

Director Didier said that they have had some recent difficulties in getting hospitals to admit some of their clients in need of stabilization and/or detoxification because they are suffering from behavioral problems, often associated with alcohol or methamphetamine use. She noted that this issue was discussed at the recent Law and Justice Committee meeting. Director Weaver noted that this is a state-wide problem where hospitals try to limit access.

Director Didier stated that their recently hired psychiatrist is being used on a regular basis by local medical doctors.

Director Weaver said that changes at the state level have placed additional demands and responsibilities on RSNs (Regional Support Networks), such as themselves.

Director Weaver said that there is a proposal to have a member of the CWCMH Advisory Board to sit on their Governing Board. Chairman Thayer responded that he was aware of the proposal but it is not certain whether it will go forward.

Director Weaver and Director Didier concluded their remarks by requesting that the Board let them know if any problems develop.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 11:40 AM.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 1:06 PM.

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer and Don Struck.

Commissioner Joan Frey was absent due to her attendance at another meeting involving county issues.

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Business Agenda as presented.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approved (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for June 27, 2006 as presented.

Citizen Comment

Bonnie Bradley addressed the Board on behalf of the Goldendale Junior Rodeo, requesting a reduction in the Fairgrounds lease fees that would be charged for their rodeo, scheduled next month on August 5^th and 6^th. She noted that their organization had made some contributions to the Fairgrounds in the past. She stated that she was unsure how much the lease fees would be for this year’s event. Commissioner Struck suggested that their organization might consider a donation of volunteer clean-up time for both their event, as well as the Klickitat County Fair. The Board requested that they find out how much the fees will be and the Board can then make a decision on their request.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Meeting – Consider Planning Commission Recommendation for Approval of Rezone from Forest Resource to Rural Residential in Trout Lake, ZON2006-02; Applicants: Smith/Villegas

*

Approved (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Ordinance #O071106 in the matter of accepting the Planning Commission recommendation for approval of rezone from FR (Forest Resource) to RR2 (Rural Residential/2 acre minimum) in Trout Lake, ZON2006-02, the applicants being Andrew Smith and Jeaneth Villegas. Prior to approval of the ordinance the public meeting was opened by Chairman Thayer who then asked for a planner’s review:

Planning Director Curt Dreyer stated that there was no public testimony in opposition to the rezone proposal at the Planning Commission’s public hearing and that this is essentially a “housekeeping” matter. He noted that at the time this zoning was established, parcel boundaries were not readily identifiable and that resulted in this property being in a split zoning that should now be removed in the interest of the public and for the convenience of the property owners.

Chairman Thayer noted for the record that neither the applicants nor anyone else was present to testify.

Public Meeting – Consider Planning Commission Recommendation for Approval of Rezone from Industrial to General Commercial in Lyle, ZON2006-02 & CPA2006-01; Applicant: Western Estates

Approved (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Ordinance #O071106-1 in the matter of accepting the Planning Commission recommendation for approval of Comprehensive Plan Amendment CPA2006-01 amending the Klickitat County Comprehensive Plan (Lyle Subarea) map designation for approximately 0.6 acre to Commercial, the applicant being Western Estates, Inc.

Approved (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Ordinance #O071106-2 in the matter of accepting the Planning Commission recommendation for approval of rezone of approximately 0.6 acre from Industrial to Commercial, ZON2006-02, the applicant being Western Estates, Inc. Prior to approval of the ordinances the public meeting was opened by Chairman Thayer who then asked for a planner’s review:

Planning Director Curt Dreyer stated that the purpose of this proposal is to allow a driveway to be created on the property that would then allow access to a small office building. He added that there was no public testimony in opposition to the proposal at the Planning Commission’s public hearing.

Chairman Thayer noted for the record that the applicant was not present and there was no one present who wished to testify.

Elected Officials Report

Auditor Department Update

County Auditor Diana Pafford stated that they have received just one application so far for the vacant Senior Accountant position in the department.

Auditor Pafford said that the Preservation Committee will be considering one proposal that has been submitted for an imaging system for the county.

Auditor Pafford stated that election training is going well and they have had good response to their advertisements recruiting election workers. She noted that there has been more negative publicity on electronic voting machines, with publication of a recent article critical of Diebold. She added that one of their Diebold machines has failed and was shipped back, though noting that they have had good cooperation from the company.

Auditor Pafford said that she and Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill attended the July 5 White Salmon City Council meeting in order to provide information regarding the August 15 recall election of mayor Roger Holen.

Chairman Thayer asked whether individuals who had not attended the major parties’ county conventions could still file for partisan positions and be included on this September’s Primary Election ballot. Auditor Pafford replied that she does not believe that there are any current laws that would prohibit these candidacies and, unless an upcoming court decision would direct election officials differently, her office would accept any properly submitted declaration of candidacy regardless of whether there was an endorsement from the party organization.

Old Business

Public Hearing/Continued (Closed to Public Testimony): Consider an Appeal to the Planning Commission’s Recommendation, Preliminary Plat No. SUB2006-01; Appellant: Brad Gearhart

Authorized (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Planning Department to formulate a resolution adopting the recommendations of the Planning Commission and granting preliminary approval of Columbia Vineyard Estates, SUB2006-01with two modifications. The first is that any future uses other than residential shall require review per the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA). The second is that a 60 foot wide right-of-way shall be provided from Mount Hood Street and looped back to the east end of Elm Street with a 26 foot wide paved surface from Mount Hood Street south to the property boundary. Paving of the remainder of the looped access to the same 26 foot width shall be a condition of approval for any commercial use within the subdivision. Formal approval of the resolution is scheduled for 2:30 PM on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 under Old Business.

Prior to the motion there was discussion on options available to the Board, noting that previous consideration by the Planning Commission had not addressed the possibility of commercial development in the subdivision. Commissioner Struck stated that he preferred to allow the subdivision to go forward in terms of residential use. But he also wished for further (SEPA) review should the applicant, Brad Gearhart choose to develop any of these lots commercially.

Department Update

Economic Development Department Update

Interim Economic Development Director Glen Chipman stated that they had received 19 applications for the Economic Development Director position and after sending out a supplemental questionnaire three applicants chose to withdraw and so far five have responded that they wish to be considered further. Director Chipman said that two of the five are strong candidates. After further discussion Director Chipman stated that he would see if it was feasible to arrange interviews for July 27.

Director Chipman stated that the Klickitat Community Council has requested a spot on the agenda of the next meeting of the EDA (Klickitat County Public Economic Development Authority) to discuss their proposal to have Klickitat County develop and manage an RV park at the Klickitat Millsite. Chairman Thayer responded that this wouldn’t seem to be an EDA issue. Director Chipman said that the department would defer on the issue for the time being.

Director Chipman said that he will be attending tomorrow’s meeting of the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED), noting that they will have a roundtable discussion on economic development.

Consent Agenda

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

*

1. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling a public meeting for 1:30 PM on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 to consider approval for the alteration of Lot 3, SP-99-23, Short Plat No. SPL2005-45; Applicant: Ed Coleman.

*

2. Amendment No. 1A (#C13606) to the Grant Agreement No. G-2851 between the State of Washington, Office of the Secretary of State, Elections Division, and Klickitat County (Auditor’s Office) awarding $900 for the purchase of a scanner associated with the voter registration system that was purchased under grant agreement Amendment 1. Approved funds for Amendment 1 of $60,000 are amended by $900.00 with a new not to exceed sum of $60,900. All other terms and conditions of the original agreement remain in full force and effect.

*

3. Collection Services Agreement (#C13706) between Klickitat County (West District Court) and AllianceOne Receivables Management Inc. for collection of delinquent accounts as the Court deems appropriate. This contract will be effective date of signature by the last party to the agreement. See agreement for compensation and method of payment.

*

4. Independent Contract for Law Enforcement Services (#C13806) between Klickitat County in association with the Timber and Cattle Association, and Welch’s Livestock and Timber Patrol, Inc. to provide law enforcement services for the enforcement of livestock, agricultural and timber related laws within certain areas of Klickitat County.

*

5. County Program Agreement (#C13906) for the Foster Care Public Health, Nurse (Passport) Services Program between the Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Children and Family Services, Agreement No. 0663-99482 and Klickitat County (Health Department) to provide health screening for each child going into foster care. This agreement is effective July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007 with a maximum program agreement amount of $18,180.00.

*

6. County Program Agreement for Alternative Response System Services (#C14006) between the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Division of Children and Family Services, Agreement No. 0663-99027, and Klickitat County. The Alternative Response System provides public health nurse home visits to low-risk child abuse cases by referral from Child Protective Services. This contract is effective July 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006 with the maximum consideration for services not to exceed $5,940.00.

*

7. Agreement (#C14106) between the Washington State Military Department and Klickitat County (Sheriff’s Department), Contract #E07-0278, to provide financial assistance to the County solely for expenses necessary to answer 911 calls originating in the County. This includes performing certain tasks and maintaining certain equipment necessary to operate Wireline and Wireless Enhanced 911. The contract is effective July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007 in an amount not to exceed $149,620 for Wireline and an amount not to exceed $113,548 for Wireless for a total combined amount of $263,168.00.

*

8. Request from the Sheriff’s Department for authorization to begin the advertising process to hire a replacement Communications Officer which is a union position, Step 1 ($12.03 per hour). This position became vacant June 26, 2006.

*

9. Contract Instruction (#C14206) CI-SWAA-KLICKITAT COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES-(IN-HOME) 2006/2007-01, Contract No. 06-07-SWAA-04, the purpose of which is to assure the provision of In-Home Services to eligible residents of SWAA’s Service Area in Klickitat County. This agreement will be in effect July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.

*

10. Klickitat County Public Works Department “Record of Quotes” for the Cunningham Quarry Reclamation and to award bid to Vendor “D” – Tom Arnold Logging at a bid price of $15,000 and who is able to commence work immediately.

*

11. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling public meetings for 1:30 PM on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 as follows:

· Consider approval of the alteration of SPL2004-01, Short Plat No. SPL2006-21; Applicants: Mel and Dixie Walker;

· Consider approval of the boundary line adjustment to Lots 3 & 4 of SP-95-02; Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA2006-13; Applicant: Daryl Woodruff.

*

12. First Amendment to Agreement GCA4457 (#C14306) between the Washington State Department of Transportation and Klickitat County, adding $277,531.00 in FTA 5311 Funds to the agreement. The county’s matching amount is $69,382.00.

*

13. CI-SWAA-Klickitat County Senior Services (In-Home)-2005/2006-03 Contract Instruction (#C14406) to amend the 2005-2006 Agreement between the Human Services Council/Southwest Washington Agency on Aging and Klickitat County Senior Services by extending the period of performance to include July 1, 2005 through July 31, 2006.

*

14. CI-TSB-Klickitat County Senior Services-2005-2006-05 Contract Instruction (#C14506) to amend the 2005-2006 Agreement between the Human Services Council/Transportation Services Brokerage and Klickitat County Senior Services by extending the period of performance to include July 1, 2005 through July 31, 2006.

Elected Official Report/Update

Prosecuting Attorney Update

Senior Services Director Roger Gadway joined Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill to discuss difficulties with state contracts. Prosecutor O’Neill noted that counties had objected to language making them responsible for the acts of subcontractors and had prevailed in having those clauses removed. However the provision has reemerged in a new contract now under his review. Director Gadway expressed understanding and support for Prosecutor O’Neill’s position, though noting that there are no subcontractors involved in the contract in question. Prosecutor O’Neill stated that he would confer with fellow WAPA (Washington Prosecuting Attorneys) members on the issue.

Prosecutor O’Neill stated that last week’s Law and Justice Committee meeting was very informative and the next meeting will be in about a month and a half.

Prosecutor O’Neill stated that his office has had considerable success in prosecuting cases, having gained convictions in every jury case in the last three weeks.

Prosecutor O’Neill noted that the recall petition is being drafted for the August 15 recall election of White Salmon Mayor Roger Holen.

Executive Session

Executive Session – Pending and Potential Litigation

The Board convened into Executive Session at 3:50 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 Housden case. It was noted that the session would last for 10 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 4:00 PM.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

*

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

Accounts Payable: (#156776 – 156821 & 156841 – 157062) $454,177.07

Combined Payroll: (#088899 – 089226, 156822 – 156840 & Electronic Transfer 358) $470,493.60

For a combined total of $924,670.67

Adjournment (4:08 PM)

Motion by Commissioner Struck to adjourn the meeting, noting that there are no workshops this week. Seconded by Chairman Thayer and passed unanimously.

*

Reference Document on File