Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, September 19^th, 2006

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Chairman Pro-Tem Don Struck called the meeting to order at 10:04 AM.

Commissioners present: Don Struck and Joan Frey.

Chairman Ray Thayer was absent.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:04 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Public Works Director/County Engineer Scott Smith, Assistant County Engineer Bjorn Hedges and Goldendale resident Daniel Lichtenwald.

Engineer Hedges stated that the Hale Road project is progressing and surfacing may be done by the end of next week. He added that a decision on whether to try to hard surface the road has not yet been made, though Director Smith recommended that they wait until next year.

Engineer Hedges said that the NW Lincoln Street project started yesterday and all residents had been contacted by letter. He added that they plan to use this same contractor to do an overlay of Washington Street in White Salmon.

Engineer Hedges stated that a pre-construction conference will be held today on the Dot Road project and he anticipates there will be discussion on additional excavation and working days for the project.

Engineer Hedges said that the pavement maintenance program is winding down with one day of chip sealing in the Glenwood area still scheduled.

Engineer Hedges stated that the second lift of the Old Highway 8 overlay for the White Creek project was started yesterday and is scheduled to be completed a week from today.

Engineer Hedges said that both the Saxton Bane Road and Woodland Road projects have been completed except for minor contractor cleanup chores.

Engineer Hedges stated that the survey crew is working significant overtime because of the number of road projects currently going on and the fact that the summer college help is no longer available. Director Smith added that Pioneer Surveying has done half of the Fisher Hill Road project and they are considering having them also do the other half.

Engineer Hedges said that the estimated cost for right-of-way acquisition for the Snowden Road project is $250,000, adding that the cost seems high, but area land values have climbed greatly in recent years. Director Smith stated that it seems less and less likely that they will be able to start this project next year and if they can’t find additional funding they may have to shorten the project.

Engineer Hedges said the department is seeking clarification on county policy regarding road grading during dry conditions. He stated that although the county gets many requests to grade during the summer, it is ineffective to grade dry roads, even with the use of water trucks. Commissioner Frey responded that there are times when grading must be done, citing the need for immediate action on Lakeside Road, where washboarding, deep ruts and large gravel drifts presently limit speeds to 5 MPH. Engineer Hedges replied that they will respond to the situation.

Commissioner Struck reported that the United States Postal Service has approved a plan to landscape between the White Salmon Post Office and the Pioneer Center, provided there is no expense to the USPS.

Director Smith stated that the Grant of Easement to Bob Stanton et al (Item 7 of the Consent Agenda) now includes a metes and bounds property description, and provision for the grantees to construct a chain link fence along both sides of the easement to protect county property from trespassers.

Responding to an inquiry from Commissioner Struck, Engineer Hedges said that he has researched a drainage issue in the Panorama Point area and the department is planning an easily accomplished diversion project to fix the problem. Commissioner Struck stated that he was aware of a report that a settlement/retention pond was filled in by a landowner and Director Smith responded that the Planning Department should be consulted on what, if any enforcement action may be taken to restore the pond (if it is part of the conditions that were set for a property development project). Commissioner Struck stated that he would discuss the matter with Planning Director Curt Dreyer.

Engineer Hedges stated that they received twelve applications for the open Mechanic position and will interview three.

Commissioner Frey stated that the newly revised job description for the Public Works Finance Manager addresses the concerns that she had.

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, September 19, 2006 (Continued)

11:07 AM – Review of State Parks Centennial Plans

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (State Parks) Director Rex Derr, and Park Ranger Richard Davis presented State Park’s plans for their Centennial that will occur in 2013. Director Derr began by informing the Board that State Parks is the fourth oldest park system in the nation and was actually established three years before the National Park System under the U.S. Department of the Interior. He noted that in 2003 State Parks decided to try to improve their “helter skelter” system and plot a strategy for the future. This has lead to three commitment priorities:

1. “Fixing up” the existing parks to make these facilities more educational and enjoyable for the state’s citizens.
2. Expanding existing parks, trails and services.
3. Adding new parks, trails and services.

Director Derr noted that Maryhill State Park south of Goldendale is a good example of a facility that needs renovations, in this case, a new sewer system. He added that State Parks has a $300 million maintenance backlog that needs to be reduced.

In regard to the Klickitat Trail, Director Derr stated that they wish to be good neighbors and want to talk to adjoining landowners on how to accomplish this. Ranger Davis noted that State Parks has entered into an agreement with the United States Forest Service (USFS) which will manage the first section of the trail and now has $200,000 to establish a trail head in Lyle. He noted that the USFS also has hired a consultant to estimate the cost of repairing the Fisher Hill trestle.

Director Derr stated that he has decentralized the Park Service in an attempt to make it more responsive to local needs as they strive for more citizen involvement. He concluded that they would keep the Board informed about plans for their Satus Pass property.

11:48 AM – Economic Development Update

Economic Development Director Michael Canon began his briefing by stating that he attended the Washington State Governor’s Economic & Workforce Development Conference, as well as last Tuesday’s Columbia River Gorge Commission meeting (also attended by Commissioner Struck) where Air Science’s report on air quality trends was presented.

Director Canon said that the Port of Klickitat has established employment standards for prospective businesses that will act as a guideline for the number of new jobs that are expected of firms locating to port properties.

Director Canon said that he is trying to secure office space in the Pioneer Center so that he can work in the west end one to two days per week.

Director Canon said that he is working with WSU Extension Agent Susan Kerr to determine what sort of agricultural focus his department should have.

Director Canon presented a draft paper outlining his proposals for restructuring the department. Commissioner Struck responded that discussion on this item should probably wait until Chairman Thayer returns next week, and Personnel Director Lori Wolford should also be included.

Director Canon stated that he attended that county’s Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) meeting yesterday, where there was extensive discussion of the informational kiosks, notably how to repair the kiosks and questions of ownership. Commissioner Frey noted that the State Auditor’s Office has some concerns regarding an inequality in membership representation of the TAB. Director Canon responded that the group is aware of the problem and open to changes in their membership.

Director Canon said that he has become aware of a manufacturing firm that has some interest in locating to Dallesport and he will share information with the Board as it becomes available.

Director Canon said that he has had conversations with Congressman Hastings regarding job training opportunities in The Dalles, noting that the Congressman has expressed his strong support.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:03 PM.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Chairman Pro-Tem Don Struck reconvened the meeting at 1:09 PM.

Commissioners present: Don Struck and Joan Frey.

Chairman Ray Thayer was absent.

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) the Business Agenda with one addition: A Lease Agreement with Canon Financial Services to provide a copier for the White Salmon Road Shop.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for August 29, 2006 and September 5, 2006 as presented.

Citizen Comment

Bob Stanton discussed the easement that Klickitat County is prepared to grant to him for access to property he owns at the Klickitat Mill site (Item 7 of today’s Consent Agenda). He noted that he is opposed to a proposal suggested by a county employee that would include a reversion clause, and he also opposes a provision that requires him to provide a fence on both sides of the granted easement. Mr. Stanton also contended that the county should have provided an insured easement when he purchased the property at a tax sale five years ago and he expressed disappointment with the delays that he has encountered in securing an easement. Commissioner Struck responded that although the County Treasurer did conduct the tax sale, the county wasn’t in reality the seller of the property and there was ample notice that these properties are sold “as-is”. He agreed with Mr. Stanton that the reversion clause should be removed, but stated that it is the County Prosecutor’s position that there needs to be a fence with the easement grantees being responsible for that portion along the easement, while the county will fence those remaining portions that are needed to secure the county’s mill site holdings. Mr. Stanton replied that he understands the county’s position, and is appreciative that the reversion clause has been eliminated, adding that he will take further action on other matters as he feels is appropriate.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Meeting – Consider Final Approval of Short Plat No. SPL2005-14; Applicant: SDS Company, LLC

Accepted (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) the right-of-way easement for future maintenance of Sleepy Hollow Road and granting final approval of Short Plat No. SPL2005-14, the applicant being the SDS Company, LLC. Associate Planner Jannette Herrington stated in her staff review that this short plat is creating four lots.

Public Meeting – Consider the Planning Commission’s Recommendation of an Amendment to the General Industrial Zone

Summarily approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) the recommendation of the Planning Commission to adopt amendments to the General Industrial Zone as provided in the Klickitat County Zoning Ordinance and the Klickitat County Code, and to direct staff to prepare an ordinance adopting the amendments as recommended by the Planning Commission.

Prior to the motion Planning Director Curt Dreyer presented a staff review noting that the present General Industrial Zone lists “uses” that are permitted outright, but this is a list of compounds and products, rather than types of uses and manufacturing. The proposal would eliminate the list of items and replace it with a list of types of uses. Director Dreyer stated that this proposal was sent to several agencies and there was very limited response, with most respondents stating “no comment”.

Commissioner Struck noted for the record that there was no one present wishing to provide public testimony.

Public Hearing – Consider Revisions and Extensions of the Six Year Road Transportation Improvement Program

Chairman Pro-Tem Struck opened the hearing and indicated the procedural sequence. He noted that there would be an opportunity for verbal testimony, both here and on Thursday evening at the Pioneer Center in White Salmon, and written comment would continue to be accepted for some time (A deadline of October 15, 2006 for written testimony was later announced.) He then asked for a staff review:

Assistant County Engineer Bjorn Hedges noted that there were several informational handouts available to the public, including folding county maps. He also directed attendees to a large county map that indicated by color coding the roads that are on the present six year road plan. Engineer Hedges noted that one handout lists local access roads of “importance”, meaning that these roads have been on the six year plan and/or been the subject of citizen inquiries. Another lists collector roads that are eligible for grants.

Engineer Hedges stated that historically the county has been able to pave an average of ten miles of road each year, with the help of $1 million annually. But they are about half way to paving all roads in the county; a task that will never be totally accomplished. He added that 13.8 miles were paved in 2005, while almost 20 miles are expected to be paved this year, though some of this total is the result of funding that has come from wind power developers as they construct projects in the east part of the county. He noted that improvements to Dot Road were paid for almost entirely by wind power companies.

Engineer Hedges said that additionally the county has done 7.5 miles of structural overlays and chip sealing is also a maintenance priority with a goal of about 60 miles this year and is nearly accomplished. He stated that the department is about to shift to maintenance of gravel roads, with a new philosophy of doing fewer overall miles, but accomplishing a complete maintenance overhaul of those sections that are done, including grading, culvert cleaning, and brush removal.

Engineer Hedges then discussed how costs have increased, noting that the cost of oil and gasoline has dramatically affected their ability to construct and also to maintain roads. He stated that the cost to construct a mile of road has doubled in the last two years and this will mean that while the county was able to pave an average of ten miles annually, that figure will probably drop to perhaps three. He added that while gas prices have jumped considerably, the county’s gas tax revenues have risen only slightly. Similarly, while property valuations have risen sharply, especially in the west end, Klickitat County property tax revenues are relatively flat because of limitations to the overall levy rates that can be imposed in Washington State.

Engineer Hedges explained the various factors that are used to prioritize roads in the six year road plan. These include Average Daily Traffic (ADT), the number of accidents, whether it is a bus or haul route, and condition of the road (including such things as alignment, width and road surface). He added that the Board does welcome and consider public comment also, noting that the county has received a number of letters and petitions.

Commissioner Struck opened the hearing to public comment:

Dale Cameron of Finn Ridge Road, Centerville stated that his first choice for paving would be the southernmost mile of Enyeart Road, with Cameron Road his second choice. He added that Finn Ridge Road could use more gravel and roads in Centerville are generally very washboarded in the summer and could use grading once a month.

Neil Wiidanen of Olson Road, Centerville said that he would like to have the dirt portion widened and upgraded to gravel.

David Mason of Bailey Loop Drive, Goldendale said that he is in favor of improving nearby Van Hoy Road, including paving.

Gloria Mason of Bailey Loop Drive said that the traffic and dust on Van Hoy Road is very bad, with large trucks driving at 50 MPH. She added that she does not understand the financial limitations with landfill money still coming in and property taxes going up significantly.

Dori Cothren of Van Hoy Road, Goldendale noted the petition from her neighborhood requesting improvements to Van Hoy Road. She stated that there are many vertical curves and combined with heavy traffic and dusty conditions, the situation is dangerous, especially for children and people trying to get their mail from boxes in a poor location. She said that many animals are killed on the road and if it cannot be improved, the speed limit should be reduced.

Don Hopper of Bailey Loop Road stated that his grandmother was almost run over, and some vehicles travel at 70 MPH (on Van Hoy Road). He added that the road has blocked culverts and little gravel and they can’t open the windows of their house during the dry season. He questioned why some roads with few residents get paved while others with lots of residents like Van Hoy are not.

Bob Rising of Crafton Road, Goldendale said that his road has a lot of traffic because of three gravel pits and a number of other businesses, but the road has gone ten weeks without being graded, though most of the gravel is now gone. He stated that his property taxes have increased significantly and he wants the county to take care of the roads that people live on. He also thanked the Board for being on the radio on a regular basis.

Clarence Zitterkopf of Schilling Road, High Prairie stated that traffic on his road has quadrupled in recent years and it is a school bus route, yet it has been listed on the six year road plan for a long time. He said that they would like to see it completed up to High Prairie Road, noting that they plan to build another fire station on Schilling Road. He also expressed his appreciation to the county’s grader operator and his work last year, and also thanked the Board for their regular updates on the radio.

Tempera Huskey of Timber Drive, Goldendale stated that they are new residents who must drive on the primitive portion of Pipeline Road which is unsafe because of washboarding, logging trucks, potholes and a lack of culverts.

Mary Jo Goodwin of Timber Drive stated that Pipeline Road has a large number of vehicles during the hunting season. She suggested more speed limit signs would help make it safer.

Robert Goodwin of Timber Drive said that his big concern is the canyon on the east side of Pipeline Road and suggested that the road be widened or an alternate route be provided “on the hill” (west of the road). He added that he has removed many large rocks on the road.

Bonnie Butler of Van Hoy Road stated that there is excessive traffic on her road and the fact that the area is open range is ignored and many animals are killed. She added that grading no longer helps because there is so little gravel, so if the county can’t pave soon, then the road needs more gravel and grading. She also recommended that the speed limit be reduced at least to 35 MPH, stating that the vast majority of drivers, including high school students, drive at 50 MPH and although this is the legal speed limit, it is simply too dangerous.

Engineer Hedges responded to some comments noting that the county needs to try to grade after the roads have had significant rain because it otherwise will not last. He also addressed concerns made by residents who use Pipeline Road, noting that the northern part is a primitive road and identified as such. He suggested that people should beware of purchasing property that is served by roads such as this. He also discussed additional property tax revenues, noting that the county does receive additional taxes for new construction, but the overall levy rates are limited by state law to increases of 1% annually.

Motion by Frey to continue the public hearing to 7:00 PM this Thursday, September 21, 2006 at the Pioneer Center in White Salmon. Seconded by Struck and passed unanimously.

Elected Official Reports

Auditor’s Update

County Auditor Diana Pafford began by commenting on today’s primary election, noting that they have many visitors including two representatives of Diebold Election Systems, Republican Party observers, and staff from the Washington State Secretary of State’s Office.

Noting her recent memorandum on a flextime proposal that has been put forward by a number of department heads, she asked the Board if this issue would be going through the same process as other proposed changes to county policy. Commissioner Struck responded that Auditor Pafford may not have realized that this matter is at an early stage and the Board simply asked the department heads involved to submit a proposal to be circulated for review, so this draft proposal is not about to be formally approved by the Board at this time.

Prosecuting Attorney Update

Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill provided a very short briefing, noting that they interviewed a candidate for the vacant deputy prosecutor position yesterday.

Executive Session

Executive Session – Pending and Potential Litigation

The Board convened into Executive Session at 3:22 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 a recent claim against the county and the Housden case . It was noted that the session would last for 5 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 3:27 PM.

Department Update

Safety Committee Briefing

Personnel Director Lori Wolford, County Treasurer Dani Burton and Building and Grounds Administrative Assistant Anita Clever, members of the Safety Committee discussed a recent accident involving two county employees, one driving a county vehicle, and the issues that this incident raised. There was some question regarding whether the person driving the county vehicle was an exempt employee and also whether her accustomed place of work was at the Pioneer Center in White Salmon, or in Goldendale.

Health Insurance Renewal Update

Director Wolford stated that they have received a counter offer from Premera, the county’s present medical insurance provider that is an increase of just 2.64 % above the current premium, though there is a $5 increase in the co-pay amount for certain prescriptions. She stated that the Insurance Committee is recommending this counter offer in part because there is significant disruption associated with a change in providers. Commissioner Struck and Commissioner Frey both stated that they accept the recommendation. Director Wolford stated that she would prepare formal acceptance documents for next week’s agenda.

Elected Official Report

Request to Increase the District Court Judges Salaries

East District Court Judge Brian Altman and West District Court Judge Robert Weisfield presented a joint request that their salary be increased by 0.1 FTE (Full Time Equivalent) Judge Altman stated that he is spending more and more time in court and has had to give up his private practice, noting that he is presently at 0.6 FTE. Judge Weisfield stated that he has been in his present position since 1978 and is presently at 0.43 FTE. He stated that his time commitment has increased also. Commissioner Frey stated that they would discuss the request with Chairman Thayer when he returns. Commissioner Struck suggested that the Board would make a decision during the budget process.

Consent Agenda

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

*

1. Interlocal Communications/Dispatch Services Agreement (#C19506) between Klickitat County and the City of Goldendale to provide dispatch services to the City effective January 1, 2007, terminating December 31, 2007.

*

2. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling three public meetings for 1:30 PM on Tuesday, October 10, 2006 as follows: Consider acceptance of road right-of-way dedication (Zelinski Road, N. Harris Road and Counts Road), Short Plat No. SPL2006-14; Applicant: TP Development (Greg Haerr), Consider acceptance of road right-of-way dedication (Zelinski Road), Short Plat No. SPL2006-29 Resolution in the matter of establishing a refundable deposit for keys to allow access to the Indoor Arena at the Klickitat County Fairgrounds during the winter riding season, ending each year on April 15.; Applicant: TP Development (Greg Haerr), and Consider approval of short plat alteration, Short Plat No. SPL2006-24; Applicant: Tim Carse.

*

3. Agreement (#C19606) for reimbursable work between Klickitat County and Klickitat County Rural Fire Protection District No. 14 (High Prairie).

*

4. Resolution #13906 in the matter of revising the Departmental Organizational Chart in the Senior Services Department.

*

5. Authorization to Hire two full-time Van Drivers in the Senior Services Department at Range 8, Step A – $10.76 per hour.

*

6. Authorization to Hire two part-time (0.60 FTE) Van Drivers in the Senior Services Department at Range 8, Step A – $10.76 per hour.

*

7. Grant of Easement (Quit Claim Deed) to Robert E. and Stanton and Mary R. Pence, husband and wife; and Kenneth A. Maki and Denise L. Johnson to allow access through the Klickitat Mill Site.

*

8. Memorandum from the Public Works Department to approve purchase of a laptop computer for the GIS Operator.

*

9. Resolution #14006 in the matter of establishing a refundable deposit for keys to allow access to the Indoor Arena at the Klickitat County Fairgrounds during the winter riding season, ending each year on April 15.

*

10. Addendum (#C19706) to the Agreement for Planning Services (#C03706) between Klickitat County and Tenneson Engineering to assist in the preparation of a Buildable Lands Inventory in the Husum Community Planning Area. Contract amount is increased from $8,000 to $9,330.38.

Old Business

Agreement to Provide a Copier for the White Salmon Road Shop

*

Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) a Municipal Lease Agreement (#C19406) between Klickitat County and Canon Financial Services to provide a copier for the White Salmon Road Shop.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

*

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

Accounts Payable: (#159050 – 159329) $395,040.53

There were no payroll/benefits warrants requiring approval at this time.

Adjournment (4:40 PM)

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until 10:30 AM on Thursday, September 21, 2006

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension: Thursday, September 21, 2006

Chairman Pro-Tem Don Struck reconvened the meeting at 10:30 AM. Commissioners present: Don Struck and Joan Frey.

Chairman Ray Thayer was absent.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Hearing – Consider Application #OS-TL-2006-01 for Current Use Reclassification; Applicants: Brian/Ramona Saatkamp

*

Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) an application for reclassification from Open Space Farm and Agriculture to Open Space Timber Land Current Use Assessment for Parcel No. 03-11-1500-0013/01 involving 1.64 acres. Commissioner Frey’s motion also directed staff to develop and prepare findings for Board consideration and adoption on Tuesday, October 3, 2006.

Prior to the motion, Chairman Pro-Tem Struck opened the hearing, noted the procedural sequence and asked for disclosure. Neither he nor Commissioner Frey reported any ex parte contacts or potential conflicts of interest.

In her staff review Deputy Assessor Crista Schroder noted that the applicants own a 19.04 acre parcel contiguous to the 1.64 acre parcel which is the subject of this application and which is in the timber land current use program. Applicants purchased the additional acreage to allow one acre so that they could eventually build a residence while maintaining 20 acres in the program. Deputy Assessor Schroder concluded her staff review by stating that the Assessor’s Office recommends approval of the reclassification.

It was noted for the record that the applicants were present.

Brian Saatkamp stated that it is their goal to keep the property in the timber land program and to grow trees, noting they plan to do some harvesting and will plant trees and develop the property based on their forest management plan.

Chairman Pro-Tem Struck noted for the record that there was no one in opposition to the application.

Public Hearing – Consider Application #OS-TL-2006-02 for Current Use Reclassification; Applicants: Van and Sarah Kellems

*

Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) an application for reclassification from Open Space Farm and Agriculture to Open Space Timber Land Current Use Assessment for Parcel No. 04-10-3400-0009/00 involving 24.25 acres. Commissioner Frey’s motion also directed staff to develop and prepare findings for Board consideration and adoption on Tuesday, October 3, 2006.

Prior to the motion, Chairman Pro-Tem Struck opened the hearing, noted the procedural sequence and asked for disclosure. Neither he nor Commissioner Frey reported any ex parte contacts or potential conflicts of interest.

In her staff review Deputy Assessor Crista Schroder noted that the subject parcel is bordered by the Department of Natural Resources, SDS Co., private timber land and designated forest, further noting that this parcel is contiguous to a larger 75 acre holding of the applicant which is in the timber land current use program. Deputy Assessor Schroder stated that the applicant has attended stewardship training, has a good timber management plan, and understands how to manage timber land. Deputy Assessor Schroder concluded her staff review by stating that the application meets the requirements of the timber land program and that the Assessor’s Office recommends approval of the reclassification.

It was noted for the record that the applicant was present.

Chairman Pro-Tem Struck noted for the record that there was no one in opposition to the application.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 11:50 AM.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension: Thursday, September 21, 2006

Chairman Pro-Tem Don Struck reconvened the meeting at 7:08 PM at the Pioneer Center in White Salmon, Washington.

Commissioners present: Don Struck and Joan Frey.

Chairman Ray Thayer was absent.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Hearing – Consider Revisions and Extensions of the Six Year Road Transportation Improvement Program (White Salmon)

Chairman Pro-Tem Don Struck stated that the purpose of this public hearing is to take further public testimony for the Six Year Road Transportation Improvement Program. He noted that this is a continuation of the public hearing begun this Tuesday, September 19, 2006. Commissioner Struck noted the procedural sequence and also stated that there would be no decisions made this evening. He then asked for a staff review from Public Works Director Scott Smith and Assistant County Engineer Bjorn Hedges:

Director Smith stated that this is a continuation of the process where a six year plan is created for improvements to roads, bridges and paths. He noted that written and verbal comment will be accepted. He also stated that it is his goal to fiscally constrain the selection process so that if a project is listed within the first three years of this program then the residents of the county can count on it being completed. A major point made by Director Smith is that the over 700 miles of local access roads is not eligible for any grant funding and the county has attempted to set aside $1 million annually for improvements to these roads. He noted also that construction and maintenance compete for limited funds in the departmental budget. Engineer Hedges reiterated points made at the earlier public hearing held on Tuesday in Goldendale.

Commissioner Struck opened the hearing to public comment:

Dorothy Herman of NW Cherry Hill Road, White Salmon said that she would like NW Spring Street widened and a walking path added. She noted that this road is presently unsafe because it is heavily traveled and also used by a large number of pedestrians.

George Hysmith of Dean Road, Trout Lake said that his road is scheduled for 2009, but would like it moved up because it is so heavily used and is so dusty. He suggested that the cost to pave it would be cost effective and also noted that there was a maintenance fund for the road before it became part of the county road system and now the fund seems to have disappeared. Commissioner Frey responded that they would research what may have happened to the fund.

Don Gower of Dean Road stated that 24 homes and counting are served by this road, plus substantial traffic from other sources, and the residential “tax base” is about $4 million. He added that Dean Road is the only part of the local school bus route that is not paved and suggested that it would make more economic sense to pave this short section rather than spend more money on gravel and other maintenance costs. He also expressed surprise that road improvement costs have risen so rapidly.

Gerald Stockwell of Postgren Road, Husum and noted that 1.7 miles of Oak Ridge Road is scheduled for paving, but asked why the entire unpaved remainder is not going to be paved, noting that it is heavily used by delivery vehicles, orchardists and others.

Kris Goodwillie of Spring Creek Road, Husum said that she is happy that her road is scheduled to be paved soon, noting that their winery business on Spring Creek Road has many visitors. She stated that the road is graded regularly, but deteriorates rapidly and grape growers sometimes refuse to deliver to their business. She also disputed county records indicating that there have been no accidents on their road.

Jody Gilliland of River Road, Trout Lake asked if her road was taken off the six year plan. Engineer Hedges responded that it was switched to a heavy maintenance road. Ms. Gilliland asked that the county reconsider their decision, noting that it is used by a variety of large delivery trucks and has two dangerous curves. She added that many hunters use the road also.

Steve Dugger of Snowden Road stated that there are portions of this road that are very treacherous and should be upgraded. Engineer Hedges responded that the section in question was paved many years ago and has high volume and a high accident rate. He noted that the county has a grant for guardrails and plans to widen the road but they must first get quite a number of easements.

Len Rolph of Bird Lane, Glenwood stated that he would like to see a half mile of Surface Road paved, noting that there are four families on the road and conditions are very dusty.

Ed Woods of Frontier Road said that Bill Moore Road needs to be widened and the entire road should be plowed during the winter.

David Crumpacker of Wnuk Road stated that his road deserves improvements.

Bob Bowlby of Nash Road, suggested that instead of paving the northern end of Bristol Road, as is proposed, it would be more advantageous to pave the southern end, which would also involve paving a short section of Tunnel Road.

Fred Heany expressed great appreciation for the recent paving of a section of Courtney Road. He also suggested that the calcium chloride treatment that Courtney Road received before being paved was very helpful in retaining moisture and should be considered for other roads. He also expressed support for improvements planned for Snowden Road.

Bruce Wahler of Dean Road said that his road has significant non-residential traffic and is very dusty. He suggested that it be paved because the magnesium chloride treatment and addition of more rock has not helped.

Mary Pierce of Mt. View Road, Lyle stated that Johnson Road has bad curves that are not properly banked and suffers from washboarding in the summer and mud and potholes in the winter. She added that the grading doesn’t last very long.

Pat Kelley of Dean Road said that there has been a large population increase in his neighborhood in the last few years and dusty conditions make it difficult for them to walk. He added that it should be paved as soon as possible because it makes no sense to continue a maintenance program that doesn’t help and is a waste of money.

Don Sanders of Dean Road expressed disappointment that the paving of his road keeps getting delayed.

Ray Klebba of Cherry Hill Road, White Salmon said that NW Spring Street suffers from poor visibility and is dangerous for pedestrians. He also suggested that signs be erected to warn of slippery conditions in the winter.

Bernadette Williams of Wallace Road, Husum said that Spring Creek Road is badly washboarded and needs to be paved.

Motion by Frey to continue the public hearing to accept written testimony only, until October 15, 2006. Seconded by Struck and passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:24 PM.

*

Reference Document on File