Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, November 7^th, 2006

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, November 7, 2006

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

Commissioners present: Don Struck and Joan Frey. Ray Thayer was absent.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:10 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Public Works Director/County Engineer Scott Smith and Equipment Supervisor Steve Nygaard.

Director Smith informed that the Road Department has received calls for sand bags from the Trout Lake Fire Department due to the high level of precipitation and that the overall flood situation for the County is not bad although there are areas experiencing high levels of running water. Director Smith advised that Assistant County Engineer Bjorn Hedges is presently assessing the water situation on Dot Road which is an earthmoving project and it is therefore crucial that it does not get too wet.

Director Smith briefly summarized the revised budget revenue and expenditure projections presented to the Board during last weeks meeting re-emphasizing that the maintenance budget has been overspent by $700,000 primarily due to the increased asphalt costs with $4.7 million expended on maintenance projects versus a budget of $3.98 million. Director Smith noted that although $1 million of the maintenance budget was expended on paved roads other maintenance projects were reduced by approximately $300,000. The 2007 maintenance budget has been reduced from $4.2 million to $3.8 million for a savings of $400,000 and deferring the Adams Loop Overlay will save an additional $100,000. Director Smith stated that essentially the County has spent some of next years maintenance budget to pay for this years maintenance projects including a number of asphalt overlay projects and as a result will not be planning on doing any overlays next year. Director Smith advised he will discuss the budget issues in further detail during next weeks meeting but reiterated that the County needs to decide on a maintenance and construction plan along with a realistic budget projection which would allow 80% of the projects to be completed. If additional projects are assigned then the revenue or budget needs to be provided as well.

Director Smith advised that the county needs to maintain and preserve road pavements before they deteriorate beyond that which can be preserved cost effectively. Roads with large amounts of transverse alligator cracking have deteriorated to a condition where preservation techniques such as chip seals do not work very well. Rather than trying to preserve these roads, the money that would have been used to chip seal over the patches and cracks should be set aside until enough money is available to reconstruct the failed pavement. It will take fiscal discipline to save money for this purpose. Even with fiscal discipline it will take a couple of decades to have certain roads improved to a condition suitable for a chip seal. Director Smith stated that he would provide a list of those roads that are not in a condition to be preserved.

Director Smith commented that he would like to have the Six Year Transportation Improvement Plan resolved within the next few weeks thereby allowing the annual construction plan to be finalized. At this point Director Smith stated that he feels the 2007 through 2009 projects will be completed; adding that the first three years of the plan need to be fiscally constrained and that a plan where it is necessary to defer more than two projects a year is not a sound plan.

Director Smith informed that there is doubt whether or not the County can construct the Fisher Hill project for less than $300,000 a mile noting reconstruction project estimates are generally not less than $350,000 a mile with a typical cost per mile of $450,000 to $500,000. RAP funding which was requested three years ago of $1.3 mil equates to $162,000 per mile based on 8 miles which is considerably low. Reducing the length of the project could jeopardize the grant since the application indicated it was a full-scale reconstruction project.

Director Smith noted that the High Prairie Community was successfully awarded a $389,000 CDBG grant and that he would be meeting with representatives from the High Prairie Community to work out particulars of an Interlocal agreement between the fire district who will own the facility and the community who will be leasing space.

Equipment Supervisor Steve Nygaard advised of an inadvertent error that was made with regard to the six new ¾ ton crew cabs (five 4 X 2’s and one 4 X 4) which were approved for purchase from state bid on August 29, 2006. Mr. Nygaard stated that he had marked a box on his original request to the Board which increased the GVW (gross vehicle weight) for each vehicle from 9600 lbs. to slightly in excess of 10,000 lbs. at a cost of $516 per vehicle not realizing it would result in an upgrade from a ¾ ton to a 1 ton unit until the invoice was received. Mr. Nygaard noted that the invoice was actually less than the approved price of $106,385.40 for the five units and regretted the misrepresentation. Mr. Nygaard advised he would submit a resolution for Board consideration next week indicating the error and resulting correction.

Director Smith reviewed a map and design plan for the parking lot at the Wishram Railroad Park that would provide fourteen parking spaces as well as resolve issues with an adjoining landowner. The Board agreed that it is a good plan and compromise and to proceed with presenting the proposal to the landowner.

Commissioner Frey noted that the Board would like to offer consideration to do additional fog stripping on the Alderdale Road beyond Mercer Ranches. Following a brief discussion it was noted that this topic would be discussed in more detail during next weeks meeting.

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, November 7, 2006 (Continued)

11:00 AM – Economic Development Department Update

Attendance: Economic Development Director Michael Canon and Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman.

Director Canon advised that the Klickitat County Public Utility District (PUD) is currently going through the process and has made application to the Klickitat County Water Conservancy Board to transfer the Cliffs Water System water rights from an industrial use to a municipal use. Director Canon noted that the Determination of Non-Significance has been issued by the PUD with comments to be submitted on or before November 24, 2006.

Director Canon advised that Aeronautical Management Inc. (AMI), managers of the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport, are still awaiting a response from the Federal Aviation Administration on the aspect of the golf course.

On another airport related topic Director Canon advised that Miland Walling and Jim Lehman with AMI may plan a trip to Washington D.C. with regard to their efforts to pursue a federal appropriation to make improvements at the airport.

Director Canon stated that he had met with Scott Hege with Design Structures in The Dalles regarding a potential commercial interest to site a business in the Dallesport Industrial Park and specifically what the PUD can offer with respect to potential power needs, noting the PUD has provided the pertinent information.

Director Canon advised that he has received referrals from various contacts which he made at CTED meetings he recently attended and will provide the necessary follow-up. Also as a result of the contacts made during those meetings an invitation has been received from the Grant County Economic Development Director to attend an evening dinner meeting on November 15^th with the Lt. Governor and legislators to discuss high tech industries and what is involved as far as their needs. The following day will include various site visits and roundtable discussions, noting plans to accept the invitation and attend. Director Canon noted that the county does have an interest in attracting high tech industries to the Dallesport area due to the capacity issues in the Port of The Dalles and that this type of industry will bring with them a certain amount of separate cluster businesses.

Director Canon informed that eleven applications were received for the Business Retention Specialist position that have been screened and narrowed down to four, adding interviews are scheduled for November 15.

Director Canon stated that he has received a request from Lorraine Reynolds with Golden Events Planning asking the county to finance all or part of their participation in a 2007 Bike Expo to be held in Seattle. Director Canon noted this would be an expensive venture with little benefit to the county as a whole.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:00 Noon.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, November 7, 2006

Chairman Pro-Tem Don Struck reconvened the meeting at 1:10 PM.

Commissioners present: Don Struck and Joan Frey. Ray Thayer was absent.

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) the Business Agenda, noting that the meeting with Tim O’Neill has been cancelled due to his attendance at a meeting in Olympia.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

No minutes requiring approval.

Citizen Comment

Goldendale resident Gene Herin thanked the Commissioners for signing his road approach permit at an earlier meeting. Mr. Herin further reiterated his concern with regard to the paving of Easy Street by the County a number of years ago which he believed was not part of the county road system and requested the same consideration to have his road built and paved by the County.

In response Commissioner Frey stated that Easy Street was paved as a maintenance issue and that she believed it was a county road at the time it was paved.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Meeting: Consider approval of alteration to Lots 1-3, SP-83-63, Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA2006-10; Applicant: Paul Gregg

Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) BLA2006-10 which alters Lots 1 through 3 of SP-98-63 and the adjoining deeded lot. Applicant: Paul Gregg. Associate Planner Jannette Herrington noted in her staff review that the purpose for the boundary line adjustment is to create a development buffer for his daughter who owns Lot 3.

Public Meeting: Consider approval of alteration to Lots 1 & 2, SP-97-33, Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA2006-21; Applicant: Randall Holycross

Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) BLA2006-21 which alters Lots 1 and 2 of SP-97-33. Applicant: Randall Holycross. Associate Planner Jannette Herrington noted in her staff review that the purpose of the boundary line adjustment is to maintain road access to an adjoining property to the west of Lot 1, further noting that the boundary line adjustment also moves the septic drain field area for Lot 1 on the lot itself. The zoning is Rural Center and the lots as adjusted meet the requirements of the Rural Center designation.

Public Hearing: 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

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Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) Resolution #16206 in the matter of approving an abatement assessment and lien against the property of Dale D. Lowrie and Jane Doe Lowrie, Parcel No. 05-18-3100-0001/00 in the amount of $5,609.75.

Building and Code Compliance Director Skip Grimes stated in his staff report that the Board of Commissioners authorized the abatement process on May 5, 2003 and that the abatement on the property began on September 18, 2006 by the contractor following an open bidding process. Director Grimes noted that the work has been completed by the contractor in an acceptable manner and that all associated costs have been paid in the amount of $5,609.75.

Chairman Pro-Tem Struck opened the public hearing to public testimony. It was noted for the record that no one was present to offer testimony following which time the public hearing was closed.

Elected Officials Report

Auditor Department Update

County Auditor Diana Pafford began her update by stating that the current election seems to be going smoothly with few complaints lodged and overall problems minimal. Auditor Pafford noted that two individuals have used the DAU’s (disability access units) so far this election. At some point in the future a discussion needs to be held with regard to the polling sites and the need to get more individuals involved in serving as poll workers.

Auditor Pafford informed that the State Audit should be completed within the next couple of weeks, noting performance audits will be part of the State audit process within the next two to three years. This time period will allow the county to strengthen its policies such as with regard to vehicle usage and mileage logs. The performance audit focus will be dictated by queries and concerns expressed by the public through-out the state.

Department Update/Comments

Executive Session – Real Property Acquisition

The Board convened into Executive Session at 2:25 PM with Public Works Director/County Engineer Scott Smith and Assistant Engineer Bjorn Hedges in accordance with RCW 42.30.110 (1) (b) to discuss the potential acquisition of real property. It was noted that the session would last for 5 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 2:30 PM.

Miscellaneous Reports/Comments

Programs for Peaceful Living Update

Present: Kevin Barry, Public Health Director and Gretchen Olsen, Programs for Peaceful Living Program Director.

In opening Public Health Director Kevin Barry informed that the recent flu clinics held by the Health Department were handled very efficiently and went off well with 440 shots given at the Goldendale Clinic and 491 shots at the White Salmon Clinic, noting they plan to conduct the clinics in the same manner next year.

Programs Director Gretchen Olsen provided an introduction advising that she has assumed the position of Programs Director which was a position previously held by Lisa Bjelland who has left for private practice and to complete her doctoral degree, noting Ms. Bjelland will provide therapy to PPL (Programs for Peaceful Living) clients on an as needed contract basis.

Director Olsen stated that PPL provides advocate services to domestic violence and sexual assault victims with approximately 4000 clients served during the 2005-06 fiscal year with 10% of that number being children. PPL served 239 new clients which is a small decrease from previous years due to their extensive prevention and outreach efforts. Director Olsen advised that PPL currently employs two full-time advocate positions in the Goldendale office with two full-time and one part-time position serving clients in the White Salmon Office. Director Olsen advised that PPL is now servicing “general” crime victims as part of Region 10 which includes Yakima, Kittitas, Skamania and Klickitat counties.

Director Olsen noted that the current contract with the County through the Health Department which provides $10,000 to PPL expires December 31, 2006 and encourages favorable consideration for renewal at the present funding level.

Director Olsen stated that PPL’s main source of funding is through the domestic violence shelter contract with the State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services which have specific categories for expenditure. Additional funds are provided through a general crime victims grant as well as some funding is received through the United Way. The funds received from Klickitat County are non-categorical thereby allowing greater latitude on how best to utilize those funds.

The Board noted that they are supportive of providing the same level of funding to PPL in the 2007 budget.

Old Business

Natural resources and critical areas; acknowledging the use of mineral lands analysis pending final action in updating GMA requirements.

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Approved (M/Frey, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) Resolution #16306 relating to natural resources and critical areas and acknowledging receipt of a grant offer from the Washington State Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development; identifying the County’s Growth Management Act (GMA) update schedule; and acknowledging the use of mineral lands analysis on file pending final update action. In his staff review Planning Director Curt Dreyer advised that the resolution as presented directs the Planning Director to use the Loen Report titled “Reconnaissance Investigations of Sand and Gravel deposits in Klickitat County ” and site matrix during the update process and as a guide in making land use planning decisions involving mineral resource issues.

Director Dreyer further advised that a $33,000 grant is available through CTED during this fiscal year for the GMA update with an additional $17,000 available July 1, 2007 for a combined total of $55,000. Director Dreyer stated he would recommend delay of acceptance of the grant offer until next weeks meeting at which time the full board would be available.

Consent Agenda

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

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1. Scheduling a public meeting for 2:00 PM on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 to consider approval of alteration to Lot 4. SP-99-29, Short Plat No. 2006-19; Applicant: Craig Ludwig.

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2. Resolution #16406 in the matter of changing the status of the GIS Operator position in the Public Works Department from a .07 FTE to a 0.8 FTE part-time position at 32 hours per week effective November 1, 2006.

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3. Alternative work schedule for the GIS Operator position within the Public Works Department allowing four eight-hour work days beginning at 7:30 AM and ending at 4:00 PM, effective November 1, 2006.

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4. Contract C21506 between James W. Potts and Klickitat County to provide legislative representation in Olympia during the legislative sessions as well as representation at meetings and conferences of interest to the County.

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5. Small Works Contract C21606 between Klickitat County (Buildings & Grounds Department) and Jay Holtmann Inc. to provide snow removal from the parking lot and access roads at the White Salmon Pioneer Center during the 2006-07 winter season at a cost of $87.50 per hour.

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6. Memorandum granting concurrence and authorization to the Public Works Department to proceed with making firm offers and to begin the negotiation process for acquisition of right-of-way required for the Snowden Road Project, CRP 223, Federal Aid STPR-B201(001).

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7. Letter and certificate of appreciation accepting the resignation of Cheryl Steindorf from the Skamania Klickitat Community Network and thanking her for her past participation.

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8. Scheduling and notice of a joint public meeting with the Skamania County Board of Commissioners to be held at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 to consider approval of the Watershed Management Plan for Western Water Resource Inventory Area 29 which includes Rock Creek, Wind River, and the Little White Salmon River within Skamania County, but does not include water resources within Klickitat County.

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9. Scheduling a public meeting to be held at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, December 12, 2006 to consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve Rezone Request No. ZON2006-06; Applicant: Hollenbeck Properties (Zoe Wood, Representative).

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#160556 – 160711 and cancelled warrant #’s 154394 and 160445) for a combined total of $98,213.36

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 3:30 PM.

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Reference Document on File