Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, November 28^th, 2006

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, November 28, 2006

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

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer and Joan Frey.

Commissioner Don Struck was absent due to his attendance at another meeting in White Salmon.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:10 AM – Public Works Department Update

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

Director Smith began by discussing information he has created regarding rates and charges for the Dallesport wastewater system. He stated that although there is strong reason to believe that there will be a number of new users in the near future, probably over 100, he does not see an end to the present situation where Klickitat County is subsidizing the system financially. Director Smith presented a number of alternatives based upon various methods and rationales, including a comparison with other systems in the area, with several pointing to raising the present monthly rate of $31.42 to nearly $44. He noted that this rate increase would still only pay for operating costs and not other expenses such as debt repayment or building a reserve to pay for the eventual replacement of the system. He recommended a rate increase. Chairman Thayer responded that there had been some start-up difficulties, including the exclusion of some areas that should have been part of the initial sewer system and which were added later. He stated that he does support a rate that would pay for operating costs and considering the fact that sewer rates in Dallesport are quite low in comparison to other communities, he does not support a senior discount, as had been proposed by some users.

Director Smith asked if the Board had found the opportunity to review the preliminary information he provided on the six year road plan. Chairman Thayer responded that he noticed that local access road construction landfill funds had been reduced to about $730,000, instead of the usual $1 million. Director Smith stated that the Fisher Hill Road project required some additional funds to match the Rural Arterial Program grants and also noted that over $1 million had been spent on local access roads in the last couple of years. He also restated his goal of reducing six year projects to be more in line with the projected expenditures for the program.

Engineer Hedges said that the Dot Road project has been shut down but they hope to start up soon. Chairman Thayer stated that the project (a programmed overlay from the Schrantz Road intersection north) needs to be funded so that the work is completed and the improvements now made are not lost. He added that the Glenwood Highway also needs to get done. Director Smith replied that this road is actually in better condition than many roads. Chairman Thayer and Commissioner Frey responded that the Glenwood Highway is a very important transportation corridor for agriculture, timber and general traffic.

Engineer Hedges briefly reviewed county snowplowing operations, noting that many areas in the western part of the county received over 18 inches of snow in the last few days. He added that he has found more private operators that are available for emergency snow removal operations on a contract basis.

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, November 28, 2006 (Continued)

11:05 AM – Economic Development Update

Economic Development Director Michael Canon began his briefing by stating that plans are progressing for the December 5 meeting with staff members from Senator Murray’s, Senator Cantwell’s and Representative Hastings’ offices to discuss economic development issues. As he had explained previously, the County Commissioners were invited to attend, but he was aware that only one Board member at the most would be able to be present because it was on a Tuesday, the Board’s regular meeting day. Chairman Thayer responded that Commissioner Struck planned to attend. Director Canon noted that plans include visits to the Broughton Landing site, Insitu, the Pioneer Center and possibly the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport in Dallesport.

Director Canon said that Denny Newell, the incoming Economic Development Specialist starts December 1. He added that four candidates have been selected for interviews for the Administrative Assistant position that is shared by the Solid Waste and Economic Development Departments. He noted that the lack of an Administrative Assistant has caused difficulties and expressed his thanks for the assistance he has received in the interim from Executive Secretary Cris McEwen, Deputy Auditor Bonnie Bradley, and Personnel Department Administrative Assistant Lynn Cooper.

Director Canon asked for direction from the Board on how broad and aggressive the economic development activities need to be. He stated that the overriding purpose as he sees it is to broaden the county’s tax base through economic development so that when the regional landfill is ultimately shutdown, the county will be economically diversified and able to move on with no difficulties. He added that from his perspective the areas needing to be addressed are the following:

• Identifying funding sources for the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport. He noted that recent changes in the United States Congress may actually work in their favor.
• Supporting the utilization of the Goldendale Aluminum Company facility south of Goldendale.
• Continuing the emphasis on developing renewable energy, including wind, solar and bio-diesel production. In addition, supporting natural gas exploration in the county.
• Following up on water rights issues, especially for the White Salmon/Bingen area.
• Using a regional approach to recruit new business with strong emphasis on economic cooperation with The Dalles, including their port district.
• Developing approaches to workforce education in cooperation with the Washington State WorkSource and the WSU Extension/Learning Center.

Director Canon stated that he plans to meet this Thursday with Washington Gorge Action Programs Executive Director Linda Schneider to get details on possible CTED (Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development) funding of a county housing assessment and for funding to assist people displaced by the recent closing of a trailer park in White Salmon. Chairman Thayer suggested that Director Canon begin attending meetings of the Workforce group (South Central Consortium, covering Klickitat, Skamania, Yakima and Kittitas Counties) which meets in Yakima under their Director Patrick Baldoz. Director Canon stated that he would attend their meetings.

Director Canon said that they have just completed printing and mailing the High Prairie newsletter and he plans to do some cost research, because he suspects that the process can be accomplished more economically.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:03 PM.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, November 28, 2006

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

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer and Joan Frey.

Commissioner Don Struck was absent due to his attendance at another meeting in White Salmon.

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Business Agenda with one addition: a proposed grant application to the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development to assist the county in updating Growth Management Act requirements.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for November 14, 2006 as presented.

Citizen Comment

Bickleton School District Superintendent Ric Palmer and three members of the Bickleton School District Board, Susan Powers, John Jensen and Jerry Roberts presented 118 signed surveys to express their community’s concerns regarding wind projects in their area and how they might benefit from the property tax revenue that will be generated from these projects. Superintendent Palmer also wanted to know how to begin a dialog on this matter between themselves and the Board. Chairman Thayer replied that property tax revenues from the wind power projects will not begin until 2008 and he would like to include Commissioner-Elect David Sauter from the outset of discussions. Chairman Thayer stated that he would personally arrange to have a workshop scheduled on this issue in January or February of 2007 and he would let them know of the time and date.

Gene Herin again voiced his opinion that the Economic Development Department isn’t effectively promoting the creation of jobs in the county. Chairman Thayer again reminded Mr. Herin that over 200 family wage jobs have been created by Insitu in the Bingen area. Mr. Herin also asked how much the county is paying Special Counsel Steve DiJulio (of Foster Pepper PLLC), stating that it probably isn’t worthwhile. Chairman Thayer responded that Mr. DiJulio did an excellent job in regard to the county’s contract for the regional landfill. Mr. Herin also repeated his request for the county to help him build a road in his subdivision. Chairman Thayer responded as he had previously that the county cannot assist private individuals with these sorts of projects.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

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

Miscellaneous Reports/Comments

Klickitat County Water Conservancy Board Annual Report

Klickitat County Water Conservancy Board (KCWCB) Vice Chairman Cal Edwards and Watershed Project Coordinator Dave McClure, who is under contract with the KCWCB to provide administrative support, came before the Board to present their 2006 Annual Report. Mr. McClure began by stating that the KCWCB has maintained its activities in accordance with Washington State statutes and rules governing conservancy boards. He also noted that KCWCB members continue to attend training programs sponsored by the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) and/or conducted independent studies of water law in order to stay current with training requirements.

Mr. McClure stated that they continue to process applications for water rights changes and is in the process of considering a water right change application of great significance that was submitted by the Klickitat County Public Utility District (KPUD) for its Cliffs Municipal Water System.

Mr. McClure said that last year KCWCB withdrew two decisions involving the City of Goldendale, based upon DOE’s review of the KCWCB decisions. Mr. Edwards added that in his opinion they were ineffective last year because they were unable to transfer these water rights and the recent Washington State Attorney General’s opinion on this matter was somewhat surprising because it granted DOE so much power to set aside decisions made by water conservancy boards. He added that he was pleased with the support that they have received from their state legislators (from the 15^th District) noting also that this isn’t really a Democrat versus Republican issue, but more rural versus urban.

Mr. McClure stated that there will be a water conservancy board training session on December 5, 2006 in Wenatchee that will explore how water conservancy boards and DOE are to work together in light of the Attorney General’s opinion.

Mr. Edwards said that their Chairman Brooks Heard will be retiring, probably next August and a replacement will need to be made. Mr. McClure added that there is a 32 hour training opportunity in January or February and a new appointee would need this in order to participate in any decisions.

Commissioner Frey responded that the Board would make the appointment of a new member a priority and would also grant the KCWCB’s request for $12,000 to fund their activities in 2007.

Consent Agenda

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

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1. Resolution #17406 in the matter of authorizing the Code Compliance Officer to commence proceedings to cause the abatement of a nuisance on Parcel No. 03-12-2900-0008/00 – Neva J Burris.

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2. Resolution #17506 in the matter of authorizing the Code Compliance Officer to commence proceedings to cause the abatement of a nuisance on Parcel No. 02-15-1754-0608/00 – Lisa Kindrick.

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3. Resolution #17606 in the matter of authorizing the Code Compliance Officer to commence proceedings to cause the abatement of a nuisance on Parcel No. 04-13-2350-0301/00 – Gordon Malella.

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4. HVAC Service Agreement (#C23406) between DIVCO Advantage and Klickitat County which is to provide preventative maintenance services for the heating and air conditioning units for the White Salmon Pioneer Center.

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5. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling a public meeting to be held at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, December 26, 2006 to consider approval of Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA2006-20; Applicant: Ceci Browning.

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6. Request from the Public Health Department for authorization to purchase a laptop computer for their immunization program.

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7. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling a public meeting to be held at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 to consider a Binding Site Plan (BSP2006-02) for an existing RV Park.

Elected Official Report

2007 Budget Revenue Forecast

Klickitat County Treasurer Dani Burton provided a handout detailing county revenues for 2006 as of last week and also presented a revenue forecast for 2007. In regard to revenues for this year she noted that they received payment for delinquent taxes and penalties from the owners of the Goldendale Aluminum Company and this added about $290,000 to county revenues. Also, interest income is up somewhat from anticipated levels. Treasurer Burton stated that although General Property Taxes is $2,367,184 as of November 22, a slumping housing market will probably result in a lesser amount in 2007. She added that the delinquent taxes received also skews the figures for this year, and estimated next year’s General Property Taxes at $2.1 million.

Department Update/Comment

Personnel Department Update

Personnel Director Lori Wolford stated that the county has received a donation of a number of defibrillators from Goldendale residents Dave and LaVonda Oliver and a decision will need to be made on where to store the one for the Courthouse. She added that training on the units is also available, so personnel will need to be selected to learn how to use the units.

Director Wolford stated that in the past the amount of the county’s Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) has been selected to roughly keep pace with the Washington State minimum wage increases. She therefore recommended a COLA of 4% in 2007 (for non-represented employees) because the state’s minimum wage increases for 2006 and 2007 are 3.8% and 3.9% respectively.

Director Wolford said that there are pending changes in the management of Benefit Consultants, the county’s health insurance consulting company.

Executive Session

Executive Session – Risk Pool Claims

The Board convened into Executive Session at 3:05 PM with Personnel Director Lori Wolford to discuss risk pool claims. It was expected to last 5 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 3:10 PM.

New Business

Update on the Gorge TransLink Transportation Project

Attendance: Lee Curtis, Executive Director of the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District, Senior Services Director Roger Gadway, and Economic Development Director Michael Canon.

Director Curtis began by stating that Gorge TransLink (a project involving transportation services from Klickitat, Skamania, Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties) is the recipient of one of four grants awarded nationwide and will use these funds for Phase II of their project. She noted that Phase II involves a consultant that will work with Gorge TransLink to improve coordination and strengthen intercity connectivity between communities in these five counties.

Director Curtis noted that they are not seeking funds from Klickitat County but are extending an invitation to any or all Board members to a stakeholders meeting on January 17, 2007 at the Pioneer Center. She added that the purpose of the meeting is to gather information on any unmet intercity transportation needs and is open to people from all communities in the region.

Old Business

CTED Grant Application for Updating Growth Management Act Requirements

Because of Commissioner Struck’s absence, the Board chose to postpone consideration of a grant application to the Washington State Department of) Community, Trade and Economic Development to assist the county in updating plans and regulations relating to the Growth Management Act to December 12.

Discussion on Planning Department Structure in Regard to Natural Resource and Watershed Issues

Commissioner Don Struck joined the meeting via teleconference at 3:50 PM to discuss natural resource and watershed issues as they relate to the Planning Department. Also present were Planning Director Curt Dreyer, Watershed Project Coordinator Dave McClure, Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman, and Personnel Director Lori Wolford.

Mr. McClure stated that previous discussions had touched on the programs and duties involving natural resources and watershed issues and he noted that there has been discussion regarding the creation of a new county Natural Resources Department. Included in these responsibilities would be oversight of the Water Resource Inventory Areas (WRIAs) and their associated bodies such as technical committees. This new department would also be involved with the Klickitat County Land and Natural Resource Advisory Committee and the Klickitat County Water Conservancy Board. Mr. McClure added that the Natural Resource Department would be involved in a number of issues, including the Columbia River Initiative, the potential listing of the western gray squirrel and the Critical Areas Ordinance.

Mr. McClure provided a proposed organizational chart that includes a Director, a Natural Resources Specialist at Range 17and a half-time Administrative Assistant at Range 9 to provide secretarial functions. Commissioner Struck asked what the net expenditure effect would to the county’s general fund and Mr. McClure replied that there would actually be a $7,000 reduction from what is now proposed in coverage of these areas by the existing Planning Department.

Commissioner Struck asked where the department might be housed if it were approved and Mr. McClure responded that his present quarters on the second floor of Annex 1 would be too small. Other options were discussed including the possibility that the Adult Probation Department might be brought back to the Courthouse, following renovations there. Then the Natural Resources Department could use the Annex 6 office space now being used by Adult Probation.

Executive Session

Executive Session – Personnel Issue

The Board convened into Executive Session at 4:35 PM 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. At 4:40 PM it was announced that the Executive Session would be extended for another 20 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 5:00 PM. Commissioner Struck also ended his participation (via teleconference) in the meeting at that time.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#161231 – 161293 and cancelled warrants 161116 & 160558) for a net of $46,733.66

Combined Payroll: (#091751 – 092074, 161213 – 161230 & Electronic Transfer 368) $632,632.82

For a combined total of $679,366.48

Road Department Payments

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Authorized (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Progress Payments to James Dean Construction, Inc., in the amount of $53.985.71, which includes $2699.29 retainage for a net of $51,286.43 for the project.

Adjournment (5:15 PM)

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until 1:30 PM on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 for a joint meeting with the Skamania County Board of Commissioners and also 10:30 AM on Thursday, November 30, 2006 for scheduled workshops.

Joint Meeting

Regular Meeting Extension: Joint Meeting with the Skamania County Board of Commissioners – Wednesday, November 29, 2006

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1:30 PM – Meeting with the Skamania County Board of Commissioners

The Klickitat County Board of Commissioners, with Ray Thayer and Don Struck present (Joan Frey was absent) held a joint public meeting with the Skamania County Board of Commissioners, consisting of Paul Pearce, Jim Richardson and Al McKee, at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 in Stevenson, Washington 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. Meeting minutes for this joint session are on file.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Thursday, November 30, 2006

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 10:30 AM.

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

Workshop Session Agenda

10:30 AM – Meeting with City of Goldendale Officials

Attendance: Goldendale Mayor Mark Sigfrinius, City Police Chief Rick Johnson and City Clerk-Treasurer Tracy Hansen, Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill, Chief Deputy Prosecutor Craig Juris, and Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman.

City representatives discussed the proposed contract for housing of city prisoners at the Klickitat County Adult Correction and Detention Facility, including language on inmate prescription costs. There was also discussion of the City’s Request for Proposals to serve as the City’s Criminal Prosecuting Attorney, with Prosecutor O’Neill and Deputy Prosecutor Juris expressing interest in submitting a proposal. The Board approved the Prosecutor’s Office going forward with a bid proposal.

11:30 AM – Executive Session

The Board convened into Executive Session in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1) (d) to conduct an annual personnel evaluation. It was noted that the session would last for 45 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 12:15 PM.

12:15 PM – Lunch

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Thursday, November 30, 2006 (Continued)

1:10 PM – 2007 Budget Workshops

The Board met with Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman, County Assessor Van Vandenberg and County Auditor Brenda Sorensen to discuss aspects of the 2007 Budget. Assessor Vandenberg presented projections from property tax revenues. He also noted that the issue of implementation of Initiative 747 is still in the courts, but the 1% limit on tax increases will continue to be adhered to until and unless the courts decide otherwise. Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman also presented projections on county revenues and expenditures.

4:20 PM – Review of Proposed DNR Trust Lands Exchanges

The Board met with Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) representatives, including Assistant Regional Manager George Shelton and Klickitat County District Manager Pete Stocks to discuss the proposed land exchanges of trust lands between the DNR and private land holders. The Board relayed their concerns, especially in relation to grazing and other agricultural activities that may face curtailment if public lands are no longer available to the public.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:20 PM.

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Reference Document on File