Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, October 3^rd, 2006

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, October 3, 2006

Chairman Ray Thayer called the meeting to order at 10:05 AM.

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

Workshop Session Agenda

10:06 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Public Works Director/County Engineer Scott Smith, Assistant County Engineer Bjorn Hedges, Building & Grounds Manager John Ihrig and Goldendale resident Daniel Lichtenwald.

Director Smith and Manager Ihrig initiated a discussion regarding the Trout Lake County Park with Director Smith stating that a proposal has been received from a Trout Lake resident to manage the park. Director Smith also asked if the Board was aware of any dissatisfaction among Trout Lake residents with the management of the park, noting that he felt that the appearance of the park seemed quite satisfactory, and it is in a “break even” financial situation. He added that they plan to present an agreement to the Board to contract with a camp host, perhaps by next week. Manager Ihrig stated that the camp host is doing an excellent job and is working to combat the recent wave of vandalism, noting that the restrooms are now locked at 10:00 PM and then opened the next morning. There was further discussion on how to provide more coverage to prevent vandalism, including different schedules and arrangements to provide more oversight. Director Smith stated that he would provide the Board with the records of hours worked at the park in previous seasons.

Manager Ihrig handed out a memorandum providing an update of both capital and non-capital projects. He stated that it would be very helpful if design and specification information can be established six to twelve months prior to work being started.

Returning to an issue from last week, Engineer Hedges stated that he has reviewed the complaint by a resident of NW Loop Road regarding storm water runoff that is eroding his driveway. Engineer Hedges said that this road is scheduled for an overlay in 2007 and they will ensure that the runoff will be directed to a catch basin, and in the mean time they will also fix ruts in the gravel driveway.

Engineer Hedges stated that work will start today on the Dot Road construction project that was formally approved last week.

Engineer Hedges said that the haul roads used in the Big Horn wind power project are now, as a whole, better than before the project and PPM Energy, Inc. is now requesting that a date be set soon to start the twelve month guarantee period and to release their $550,000 bond. Engineer Hedges advised that it would be appropriate to release most of the bond, but perhaps some of the bond should continue to be held for retainage purposes. Chairman Thayer agreed, suggesting that $100,000 be held back. Engineer Hedges and Director Smith both agreed, noting that others had suggested the $100,000 figure also.

Engineer Hedges stated that rock surfacing on Hale and Sixprong Extension Roads is now complete.

Engineer Hedges said that due to the completion of road projects and other factors they are now reviewing the speed limits on some roads, including Van Hoy Road and the BZ Glenwood Highway. He noted that there are some situations, such as the one going into Glenwood, where there is a very abrupt transition from a high speed limit to a lower one and it may be appropriate to reduce speeds in more than one step. Commissioner Frey replied that the speed limit on Van Hoy Road should be reevaluated.

Revisiting an issue from the September 12 meeting, Engineer Hedges stated that they had a meeting with Hancock Timber representative Nate Putnam regarding plans to upgrade Fisher Hill Road. Discussion topics included water and rock sources and details on the proposed new alignment. Engineer Hedges added that water supplies could be a problem due to limited sources.

Engineer Hedges said that yesterday he submitted two “Safe Routes to Schools” grant applications for $400,000 each for sidewalk improvements in White Salmon and Dallesport. He noted that the applications were reviewed beforehand by Dale Robins, Senior Transportation Planner for the (Southwest Washington) Regional Transportation Council.

Engineer Hedges stated that the department’s use of their “brush hog” to clear vegetation in road right-of-ways invariably results in multiple citizen complaints, but he sees no reasonable alternative because they are efficient and the roadsides “heal” quickly. Chairman Thayer agreed, noting that brush hogs are used nearly universally and the alternatives would be prohibitively expensive and time consuming.

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, October 3, 2006 (Continued)

11:16 AM – Economic Development Update

Attendance: Economic Development Director Michael Canon, Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman and Goldendale resident Daniel Lichtenwald.

Director Canon said that he attended a very positive meeting in Dallesport with the two Chambers of Commerce where discussion was held on upcoming events. He noted that County Auditor Diana Pafford was also in attendance and provided instruction on the new touch screen voting machines.

Director Canon stated that the meeting with representatives of the Goldendale Aluminum Company and the Public Utility District regarding use of the Goldendale Aluminum Plant that was scheduled for last Friday did not take place. He noted that there is expectation that a new date will be set very soon.

Director Canon said that much progress is being made on the Broughton Landing Project in eastern Skamania County, as was indicated by the recent meeting involving the Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce. He added that he was impressed by an attitude on the part of the developers to provide an economic benefit to surrounding existing businesses.

Director Canon stated that he and Commissioner Struck were present at the Multi-Jurisdictional Water Committee meeting held at the Bingen City Hall last week. He noted that further meetings are planned to discuss water issues involving Bingen and White Salmon and there are many options that are being looked at.

Director Canon said that the recent Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) “Economic Gardening” meeting in The Dalles was very interesting but may not have a lot of relevance to Klickitat County because this study involved economic issues in Littleton, Colorado, an urban, high population density area. Director Canon said that he will be receiving more information from MCEDD Executive Director Lee Curtis.

Director Canon stated that he has received no recent information regarding a manufacturer that had earlier expressed interest in locating to Dallesport.

Director Canon said that he and Bickleton Fire Commissioner/EDA member Miland Walling attended last Wednesday’s meeting on the Community Wildfire Protection Plan in Goldendale. He noted that even after approval is obtained for all the fire protection districts and other agencies there is still much work to do.

Director Canon discussed the need to amend the county’s contract with Air Sciences and Executive Secretary Cris McEwen suggested that all changes can be accommodated under one amendment, even though new spending is anticipated for both the remainder of 2006 and also for 2007. Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman agreed, stating that a contract extension should go through the end of 2007 and budget matters can also be easily addressed in a single amendment.

Director Canon said that he plans to go to a training session on October 25 and 26, sponsored by CTED (Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development).

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 11:47 AM.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, October 3, 2006

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 1:12 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: discussion of fish recovery plans for Rock Creek, the Klickitat River and the White Salmon River.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for September 19, 2006 as presented.

Citizen Comment

Chairman of the Yakama Nation General Council Phillip W. “Bing” Olney stated that the Yakama Nation has concerns regarding a property development in the Husum area that is close to one of their cemeteries. He noted that it will increase traffic in the area and believes that it also sets a bad precedent. Chairman Olney added that although there have been disagreements in the past between the Yakama Nation and Klickitat County, they wish to establish a new and better relationship while also continuing their search for financial opportunities for their own people. He noted that they have relied heavily on their timber activities but their forests have been hit hard by insect infestations, including a primitive area that they have set aside near Mt. Adams.

Lavina Washines, Chairman of the Yakama Nation Tribal Council stated that there are many newcomers in Klickitat County who are not familiar with the treaty between the United States federal government and the Yakama Nation that gives them the right to hunt in their “usual and accustomed places”. This results in their hunters being cited for hunting violations and they wind up in local courts. She added that they have a strong interest in water issues and need to be notified of any developments. Commissioner Frey replied that she thought that Klickitat County regularly sent out notices on such things as planning permits and issues. Planning Director Curt Dreyer stated that there are three separate agencies/individuals in the Yakama Nation that are notified in these matters. Ms. Washines responded that they didn’t receive notice of the property development in Husum that was mentioned by Chairman Olney. Commissioner Struck replied that he thought that Yakama Nation representatives were involved in this matter from the beginning but offered to check the record. Ms. Washines also requested Board support as her family pursues a sewer connection for a house that they own across the street from the Goldendale High School.

Sam Jim another member of the Yakama Nation and a long time resident of Georgeville, northeast of Goldendale requested that the county work to correct the Georgeville Road approach to Highway 97, stating that it is too steep and is a danger for the school bus during icy winter conditions.

Another member of the Yakama Nation, Joe Jay Pinkham recounted many experiences that he had in helping members of his tribe as they dealt with utility and regulatory issues involving local governments. He also expressed his hopes that the Yakama Nation and Klickitat County can work together for their mutual benefit. The Board expressed their appreciation to the Yakama Nation representatives for their visit and the chance to discuss these issues.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Meeting – Consider Approval of Preliminary Plat No. SUB2006-02 (Kreps Acres)

*

Approved (M/Struck, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Resolution #14806 accepting the findings of fact and conclusions of the Planning Commission to grant approval of Preliminary Plat No. SUB2006-02 (Kreps Acres Subdivision), the applicant being K Enterprises, LLC. Associate Planner Jannette Herrington noted in her staff review that this proposal would divide 22.5 acres into seven residential lots.

Public Meeting – Consider Approval of Preliminary Plat No. SUB2006-03 (Box Canyon Estates)

*

Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) Resolution #14906 accepting the findings of fact and conclusions of the Planning Commission to grant approval of Preliminary Plat No. SUB2006-03 (Box Canyon Estates), the applicant being Box Canyon Estates/Sunset Estates, Inc. Planner Herrington stated in her staff review that this proposal would divide approximately 30 acres into six residential lots.

Public Meeting – Consider Final Approval of Short Plat No. SPL2006-32; Applicant: Richard McClammy

Accepted (M/Struck, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) the road right-of-way dedication for future maintenance of Van Hoy Road and granting final approval of Short Plat No. SPL2006-32, the applicant being Richard McClammy. Planner Herrington noted in her staff review that this proposes to create four lots.

Public Hearing – 2007 Preliminary Klickitat County Budget

Continued (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) the public hearing to October 12, 2006 when budget workshops will commence. Commissioner Frey noted in her motion that written testimony will be accepted until October 31, 2006. Prior to the motion the public hearing proceeded as follows with Chairman Thayer opening the proceedings and asking for a staff review:

Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman stated that today’s hearing begins the public process and oral testimony will be accepted following his presentation of highlights of the Preliminary 2007 Klickitat County Budget. Among those highlights are the following:

• Levels of county service are projected to remain the same but the overall budget is up about $2.4 million due to the Road Fund being up $3.2 million and the Cumulative Reserve Fund being down $745,000. Also, there is a projected 3% increase in the General Fund and Road Fund when comparing 2007 property taxes from the current amounts. This includes a 1% increase in the levy amount as limited by state law and also an estimated increase of 2% due to new construction.

• All of the 32 funds are balanced and accounted for separately. Budget responsibility is split among 26 operating departments.

• The 2007 Preliminary Budget does not (at least as yet) include new staffing requests, a Cost of Living Adjustment for non-union employees, estimates for new departments or funds (notably the Public Defense Department), liability insurance increases or vehicle rental rate adjustments.

• In addition to the October 12, 2006 workshop which will discuss areas for follow-up, there are other workshops scheduled for November 30, December 6, 7 and 14, with budget adoption due by December 31 as required by state law.

Chairman Thayer opened the proceedings for public comment and getting no response, he noted for the record that there was no one present wishing to provide public testimony.

Executive Session

Executive Session – Personnel Issue

The Board convened into Executive Session at 2:38 PM with County Auditor Diana Pafford in accordance with RCW 42.30.110 (1) (g) to discuss a personnel issue. It was noted that the session would last for 5 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 2:43 PM.

Elected Officials Reports

Auditor’s Office Update

Auditor Pafford recommended that Item 7 of today’s Consent Agenda be pulled pending receipt of more information.

Prosecuting Attorney Update

Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill noted that a portion of the Windy Point appeal has been dismissed. He added that a copy of the revised scheduling order would be provided to the Board.

Executive Session

Executive Session – Pending and Potential Litigation

The Board convened into Executive Session at 2:51 PM with Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill and Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman (first topic only) in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1) (i) to discuss potential and pending litigation in regard to the Housden case and Condit Dam . It was noted that the session would last for 10 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 3:01 PM.

Consent Agenda

Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) the Consent Agenda except for Items 6 and 7. It was also noted that in regard to Item 1, the Administrative Assistant II position is Range 10 and not Range 12.

*

1. Authorization to Hire one new Administrative Assistant II position in the Senior Services Department at Range 10, Step A – $12.42 per hour.

*

2. Resolution #15006 in the matter of scheduling a public hearing for 1:30 PM on Tuesday, November 7, 2006 to consider an abatement assessment which may constitute a special assessment against and a lien upon property or a personal obligation of Dale D./Jane Doe Lowrie, Parcel #05-18-3100-0001/00.

*

3. County Program Agreement Amendment No. 1 (#C20006) to the contract between the Department of Social and Health Services, Health and Recovery Services, Agreement No. 0663-97792, and Klickitat County (Health Department) amending and deleting various terms and conditions.

*

4. Resolution #15106 in the matter of directing fees collected for domestic violence programs pursuant to RCW 36.18.016 to the Victim Witness Fund #115 using BARS #115.345.10.0400 for use in providing services to victims of domestic violence.

*

5. Resolution #15206 in the matter of directing the County Auditor to create the Public Defense Department #32 in the General Fund for which budgets may be approved for expenses commencing with the 2007 budget.

6. (Pulled) Small Works Contract between Klickitat County and Apex Curb & Turf, LLC. in the amount of $17,730.00 for the seeding, fertilizing and mulching of various county roadsides and quarry sites.

7. (Pulled) Department of Justice Technology, 2005 Technology Initiative Grant Program application as previously submitted by the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Department to be used to enhance emergency communication capabilities in the field.

*

8. Memorandum concurring with fair market values for listed parcels and authorizing the Public Works Department to make firm offers for said parcels and begin negotiations with owners to secure road right-of-way for the Snowden Road Project, CRP 223.

*

9. Authorization to Hire an Economic Development Specialist in the Economic Development Department (existing position) at Range 19, Steps A through D, ($3,313 – $3,569 per month).

Old Business

Findings, Conclusion and Decision Supporting the Board Motion of September 21, 2006 to Approve Application for Reclassification: OS-TL-2006-01; Applicants: Brian and Ramona Saatkamp

*

Adopted (M/Struck, S/Frey. Question: Struck and Frey voted in favor. Thayer abstained. Motion passed.) the findings, conclusions and decision, as presented, granting approval of Application No. OS-TL-2006-01 filed by applicants Brian and Ramona Saatkamp for reclassification to Open Space Timber Land for Current Use Agreement, and to authorize the Chairman to sign the Open Space Taxation Agreement, Parcel No. 03-11-1500-0013/01, consisting of 1.64 acres. Commissioner Struck also noted that approval is subject to certain terms and conditions which are incorporated as part of the agreement and will be monitored by the Assessor’s Office for compliance. Any change in the use or parcel size will void this agreement. Chairman Thayer chose to abstain because he was not present during the September 21, 2006 public hearing.

Findings, Conclusion and Decision Supporting the Board Motion of September 21, 2006 to Approve Application for Reclassification: OS-TL-2006-02; Applicants: Van and Sarah Kellems

*

Adopted (M/Frey, S/Struck. Question: Struck and Frey voted in favor. Thayer abstained. Motion passed.) the findings, conclusions and decision, as presented, granting approval of Application No. OS-TL-2006-02 filed by applicants Van and Sarah Kellems for reclassification to Open Space Timber Land for Current Use Agreement, and to authorize the Chairman to sign the Open Space Taxation Agreement, Parcel No. 04-10-3400-0009/00, consisting of 24.25 acres. Commissioner Frey also noted that approval is subject to certain terms and conditions which are incorporated as part of the agreement and will be monitored by the Assessor’s Office for compliance. Any change in the use or parcel size will void this agreement. Chairman Thayer chose to abstain because he was not present during the September 21, 2006 public hearing.

Public Meeting – Consider Approval of Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA2006-18; Applicant: Six S Company

Approved (M/Struck, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA2006-18, which alters the boundary between Lot 2 and Lot 4 of SP-99-36, the applicant being Six S Company. Associate Planner Jannette Herrington stated in her staff review that the reason for this adjustment is to allow the future re-division of Lot 4.

Public Meeting – Consider Final Approval of Short Plat No. SPL2006-10; Applicant: Jim Farrer

Granted (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) final approval of Short Plat No. SPL2006-10, the applicant being Jim Farrer. Planner Herrington noted in her staff review that this is a re-division of Lot 1 of SPL2000-00024 into four lots.

Payment Approvals

Road Department Payment

*

Approved (M/Struck, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $47,439.00, to James Dean Construction, Inc., for the Dot and Newell Roads project, CRP 266. Commissioner Struck noted that this change order will save some trees along Dot Road and also improve the road’s alignment.

Old Business

Extension of the Countywide Burn Ban Through October 15, 2006

*

Approved (M/Struck, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Resolution #15306 in the matter of extending the countywide outdoor burning restrictions within the unincorporated areas of Klickitat County through October 15, 2006. Prior to the motion Doug Hutchison, President of the Klickitat County Interagency Fire Association (KCIFA) requested an extension of the countywide burn ban because of extremely dry conditions. He noted that the KCIFA met last week and all ten of the fifteen rural fire districts in attendance voted in favor of requesting the extension.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

*

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

Accounts Payable: (#159520 – 159740 and cancelled warrants 157829, 158847, 158890, 159489, & 159247) for a net of $528,239.72. There were no payroll/benefits warrants requiring payment at this time.

Old Business

Discussion on Homeless Housing Program

Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman stated that he has discussed the status of the county’s Homeless Housing Program with WGAP (Washington Gorge Action Programs) Executive Director Linda Schneider who will prepare a grant application in time for the November 8, 2006 state deadline. (WGAP was designated as administrator of the Homeless Housing Plan by Resolution #21205 on September 6, 2005, with funding coming from a homeless housing recording surcharge on certain documents.)

Officer Chipman noted also that the county had recently realized that WGAP had submitted a Homeless Housing Plan to the county in late 2005, but the plan was not recognized as such and was thus not adopted by the Board. This meant that monies from the surcharge continued to go to the state. Now CTED (Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development) has stated that it is willing to work with counties that wish to “opt back in” and receive those funds already collected.

Following further discussion Chairman Thayer stated that it would be less confusing if the county could simply be bypassed in the process, with CTED contracting directly with WGAP. Officer Chipman responded that he would check to see if this is an option.

Update on Fish Recovery Plans for Rock Creek, the White Salmon River and the Klickitat River

Planning Director Curt Dreyer and Watershed Project Coordinator Dave McClure discussed fish recovery plans for Rock Creek, the White Salmon River and the Klickitat River with Mr. McClure stating that they are having very significant problems with these draft plans as submitted to the county. These problems are the result of a lack of funding to the county , an extremely unrealistic schedule and the planning process itself. He noted, for example that grant funded fish recovery planning efforts in most other areas of the state have been going on for over two years, while planning in these Klickitat County watersheds started just this year.

Following further discussion the Board stated that they share Mr. McClure’s frustrations. Commissioner Struck stated that the county should go on record that it does not support many of these preliminary findings and is not able to respond in the time frame that they are given.

It was agreed that a letter would be drafted to be reviewed by the Board and then sent to the National Marine Fisheries Service and other interested parties to express the county’s position in this matter.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 4:51 PM.

*

Reference Document on File