Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, November 21^st, 2006

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, November 21, 2006

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

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer and Joan Frey.

Commissioner Don Struck was absent.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:06 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Public Works Director/County Engineer Scott Smith and Assistant County Engineer Bjorn Hedges.

Engineer Hedges stated that the Small Works Contract for guardrail repair (Item 15 of today’s Consent Agenda) is for repair of four sections that were damaged by accidents.

Engineer Hedges said that all centerline and edge striping has been completed county-wide, and this includes new edge striping on Alderdale and McKinley Springs Roads.

Engineer Hedges stated that they have received full reimbursement from WSDOT (WA State Department of Transportation) for road grading that the county performed on Horseshoe Bend Road, as well as WSDOT’s purchase of rock from the Lyle pit.

Engineer Hedges said that he would provide more detail before the December 19 public hearing on proposed speed limit changes for various county roads.

Updating the Board on the Dot Road project, Engineer Hedges stated that they are concentrating their efforts on the upper portion of the project. He also provided copies of The Windfarmer, a newsletter on the White Creek wind power project.

Director Smith provided handouts on roads in the county system that have deteriorated past the point of preservation and how preventative maintenance can reduce overall costs for the county. He stated that the reason for the failure of these roads is that the county has not funded a chip seal maintenance program that would treat all paved roads within a 7-year cycle, adding that by his calculations a chip seal program would cost about a quarter of the amount that more extensive repairs will require when roads get beyond the point where chip sealing does any good. Director Smith recommended implementation of a chip seal maintenance cycle program starting with the 2008 Budget.

Commissioner Frey responded to Director Smith by stating that she appreciated his viewpoint and also noted that the Board is under great pressure from constituents to pave gravel roads, rather than spend county funds on maintenance programs. She stated that the time is coming when the Road Department will not need as much oversight from the Board. Chairman Thayer added that it is difficult to resist spending money on road construction, noting that citizens at the six year road program public hearings never seem to complain about roads that are already paved, but instead request that the county pave their gravel roads.

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, November 21, 2006 (Continued)

11:24 AM – Economic Development Update

Attendance: Economic Development Director Michael Canon and Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman. Klickitat County Public Economic Development Authority (EDA) member Miland Walling joined the meeting at 11:39 AM.

Director Canon began his briefing by updating the Board on last Wednesday’s emerging energy technologies meeting in Moses Lake. He noted that presentations for wind, solar, hydro and biomass energy technologies were covered, with the pros and cons for each discussed. He added that the importance of renewable energy sources was stressed.

Director Canon then discussed last Thursday’s tour that started at Wanapum Dam, just south of Vantage in Grant County, noting that new, fish-friendly turbines have been installed. He added that they also viewed a project to build a $35 million salmon passageway before viewing the Wildhorse Wind Project that produces 230 megawatts of electricity. Director Canon noted that they then toured the Renewable Energy Company’s silicon plant that is the second largest silicon producer in the world.

Director Canon stated that he has offered his services to Antonio Sanchez, Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen’s Chief of Staff, in the area of promoting the state’s international trade activities, specifically in making contacts in Europe.

Director Canon said that he continues to pursue business recruitment efforts, including discussions with a company wishing to build a cold storage facility in the region, and another pursuing a project to convert organic waste products to ethanol.

Director Canon stated that there are strong prospects of one to three test gas wells being drilled in Klickitat County. He added that Grant County Commissioner Leroy Allison has advocated passage of state legislation to create a severance tax for gas wells to promote natural gas exploration.

Director Canon provided draft copies of the “Columbia River Gorge Technology & Renewable Energy Initiative” authored by Dan Spatz, the Resource Development Director for the Columbia Gorge Community College. Director Canon stated that this is an effort to develop a regional strategy to improve renewable energy resources through workforce training and manufacturing outreach.

Director Canon said that the meeting with U.S. Senator Murray’s Seattle office Chief of Staff has been rescheduled for Tuesday afternoon, December 5 at the Pioneer Center. He added that EDA and Board of Commissioners members are invited to discuss ongoing issues, including the Broughton Landing project, White Salmon water rights, the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport and the Goldendale Aluminum Company facility. Chairman Thayer noted that this would be at the same time as the regularly scheduled Board meetings and therefore only one Board member could attend. Executive Secretary Cris McEwen suggested that Director Canon discuss this with Commissioner Struck to see if he is interested in attending.

Director Canon stated that he and Solid Waste Director Tim Hopkinson will review the applications they have received for the Administrative Assistant position that they share, and they will meet next Monday to choose four to six applicants for interviews.

11:48 AM – Executive Session

The Board convened into Executive Session with Economic Development Director Michael Canon in accordance with RCW 42.30.110 (1) (g) to discuss a personnel issue. It was noted that the session would last for 7 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 11:55 AM.

Following the Executive Session Director Canon requested that the Board consider an Authorization to Pay Outside the Base rate to place Denny Newell at Range 19, Step D ($3,569 per month) for the Economic Development Specialist position. The Board agreed to consider the request during this afternoon’s regular session.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:01 PM.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 1:13 PM.

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer and Joan Frey.

Chairman Thayer noted that Commissioner Don Struck was absent due to illness.

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Business Agenda with two changes. The Board will consider an Authorization to Pay Outside of the Base Rate for the Economic Development Specialist position as an add-on under New Business. Also, the Old Business discussion on Planning Department structure has been postponed.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for October 31, 2006 as presented.

Citizen Comment

Jerry Wilson stated that he is against the land exchange between the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and Western Pacific Timber and asked if the county could file an injunction to block this trade. Commissioner Frey replied that any sort of legal action would probably be very difficult, but they have explored other options. Mr. Wilson also asked if our state legislators were invited to the November 30 “Open House” meeting to be held at the Goldendale PUD meeting room (which may be changed to a larger meeting place). Chairman Thayer responded that he has made some contacts and the Board is hoping that the legislators can attend.

Gene Herin stated that the Economic Development Department isn’t doing its job and no new jobs are being created in the county. He recommended that personnel cuts be made to that department. Chairman Thayer replied that over 200 jobs have been created in recent years in the Bingen area (Insitu).

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

There were no public meetings, public hearings or bid openings scheduled.

Elected Official Reports

Auditor Update

Filling in for the absent County Auditor Diana Pafford, Chief Deputy Auditor Pam Pimley said that Auditor-Elect Brenda Sorensen will now be sworn into office at 1:00 PM next Tuesday, November 28 to fill both the short term expiring at the end of this year and also the full term she was elected to on November 7.

Prosecuting Attorney Update

Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill began his briefing by stating that his office won a conviction last week on charges of burglary, assault and riot in the community of Klickitat.

Prosecutor O’Neill stated that Special Deputy Prosecutor David Trefry will assist in an upcoming first degree murder trial, unless there is a plea agreement reached beforehand. He noted also that they will explore a different contract arrangement with Mr. Trefry, perhaps with monthly salary compensation.

Prosecutor O’Neill said that the City of Goldendale has put out for public bid their contract for city prosecuting attorney and his office is considering submittal of a bid.

Chairman Thayer stated that he had received information that the lawsuit involving the Windy Point wind power project had been settled. Prosecutor O’Neill responded that he would provide the Board a copy of the settlement.

Consent Agenda

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

*

1. Professional Services Agreement (#C22306) between Klickitat County and Tina Tsubota to provide licensed day care services to parents who are attending Tobacco Cessation Classes sponsored by the Health Department and funded by a March of Dimes grant.

*

2. Settlement Agreement (#C22406) between Klickitat County and Gayle R. Krenz for acquisition of right-of-way required for the purpose of reconstruction of a portion of Snowden Road #11000 in consideration of $1,246.00 and other considerations.

*

3. Settlement Agreement (#C22506) between Klickitat County and David L./Shelly K. Borton for acquisition of right-of-way required for the purpose of reconstruction of a portion of Snowden Road #11000 in consideration of $1,244.00 and other considerations.

*

4. Settlement Agreement (#C22606) between Klickitat County and Charles L/Rosalie M. Jeter for acquisition of right-of-way required for the purpose of reconstruction of a portion of Snowden Road #11000 in consideration of $2,736.00 and other considerations.

*

5. Settlement Agreement (#C22706) between Klickitat County and George D./Eleanor M. Morris for acquisition of right-of-way required for the purpose of reconstruction of a portion of Snowden Road #11000 in consideration of $3,400.00 and other considerations.

*

6. Settlement Agreement (#C22806) between Klickitat County and Kenneth O./Kathy D. Jeter for acquisition of right-of-way required for the purpose of reconstruction of a portion of Snowden Road #11000 in consideration of $4,670.00 and other considerations.

*

7. Resolution #17106 reappointing members to the Klickitat County Tourism Advisory Board for an additional two (2) year term effective January 1, 2007, expiring December 31, 2008.

*

8. Resolution #17206 appointing or reappointing members to the Klickitat County Public Economic Development Authority for one year terms effective January 1, 2007, expiring December 31, 2007.

*

9. Notice and scheduling of a public hearing to be held at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 to consider enacting an ordinance to change maximum speed limits on various roads.

*

10. Request for a transfer of funds between budget categories within the Prosecuting Attorney’s 2006 budget in the amount of $3,000.00.

*

11. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling a public meeting for 1:30 P.M. on Tuesday, December 12, 2006 to consider acceptance of road right-of-way (Bratton Road), Short Plat No. SPL2006-08; Applicant: Dan Gunkel.

*

12. Amendment No. 13 (#C22906) to the 2005-2006 Consolidated Contract between Klickitat County and the Washington State Department of Health, increasing the contract amount by $42,023 to a revised total maximum consideration of $750,739.

*

13. 2007-2011 Consolidated Contract (#C23006) between Klickitat County and the Washington State Department of Health with a total consideration of $360,455.

*

14. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling public meetings as follows: For Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at 1:30 PM to consider final approval of subdivision SUB2002-00007, Husum Hills; Applicant: Tom Stevenson; and For Tuesday, December 26, 2006 at 1:30 PM to consider acceptance of road right-of-way (Guler Road), Short Plat No. SPL2006-30; Applicant: Wanda Gilliland.

*

15. Small Works Contract (#C23106) between Klickitat County and Peterson Brothers, Inc. for countywide guardrail repair in the amount of $8,055.00.

*

16. Resolution #17306 in the matter of removing the Primitive Road designation from six roads or road portions in the county road system and directing the County Engineer to proceed with proper sign placement.

*

17. Elevator Maintenance Agreement (#C23206) between Klickitat County and ThyssenKrupp Elevator Corporation for three elevators in the Courthouse and one elevator in the Pioneer Center at a cost of $467.00 per quarter, plus sales tax.

*

18. Repair Order (#C23306) for ThyssenKrupp Elevator Corporation to install an automatic battery lowering device on the Pioneer Center elevator at a cost of $1,759.70.

New Business

Authorization to Pay Outside the Base Rate for the Economic Development Specialist

Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) an Authorization to Pay Outside the Base Rate to place Denny Newell at Range 19, Step D ($3,569 per month) as the new Economic Development Specialist.

Old Business

Grant Application with the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development

Planning Director Curt Dreyer briefly discussed a proposed grant application with the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) to assist Klickitat County in updating Growth Management Act requirements for natural resources and critical areas. He noted that Prosecuting Attorney Tim O’Neill had some suggested changes (mostly incorporated) to the proposed contract between the county and CTED and this delayed the presentation to the Board, though the application deadline is not until December 26. Chairman Thayer stated that he would prefer to postpone consideration of this matter until Commissioner Struck returns. The Board reached consensus to consider the matter next week.

Miscellaneous Reports/Comments

Western Pacific Timber/DNR Land Exchange

John Anderson said that he is against the land exchange involving the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and Western Pacific Timber, stating that this will reduce further the small amount of public land that the county still has. He added that there is a significant amount of BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land owned by the federal government in the Rock Creek area that would also be lost if this land exchange goes forward, explaining that the exchange would leave these BLM lands inaccessible because they would then be landlocked. Chairman Thayer thanked Mr. Anderson for his information.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

*

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

Accounts Payable: (#160975 – 161212 and 093347) $789,259.35

There were no payroll/benefits warrants requiring approval.

Adjournment

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

*

Reference Document on File