Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, March 6^th, 2007

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Chairman Ray Thayer called the meeting to order at 9:05 AM.

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer, Don Struck and David Sauter.

Workshop Session Agenda

9:05 AM – Executive Session

The Board convened into Executive Session with Special Counsel Steve DiJulio and Planning Director Curt Dreyer in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1) (i) to discuss potential and pending litigation in regard to Condit Dam and also contract negotiations regarding solid waste issues. It was noted that the session would last for 45 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 9:50 AM.

10:02 AM – Public Works Department Update

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

Manager Ihrig updated the Board on Goldendale maintenance issues. He stated that all carpeting in the Courthouse has now been shampooed and pruning of the Courthouse grounds will begin next week. Also, Annex 2 will be re-carpeted and the interior painted.

Manager Ihrig said that the Pioneer Center generator upgrade project is now complete. He noted that the generator will provide lighting in restrooms and other limited areas, and will also power selected outlets throughout the building. Also, they are stripping and waxing the vinyl floors in the Pioneer Center.

Manager Ihrig said that the jail roof has failed and because it was still under warranty, will be replaced at the installer’s expense.

Manager Ihrig stated that electrical panels at the Fairgrounds have been upgraded and documented.

Manager Ihrig said that the blown down trees and debris at the Trout Lake Park will be hauled away when road restrictions are lifted. He also noted that advertising for a park attendant is continuing.

Manager Ihrig stated that Dallesport community leaders have requested that the lawnmowers that they use for maintenance of the Dallesport Park be serviced and then returned for their use, so he will try to comply by next week. He added that the restrooms at the Dallesport Park are now available, and are being managed by the school district.

Manager Ihrig said that they have contacted Gary Hages regarding a proposed land trade that would expand the Wishram Park, in exchange for Mr. Hages being allowed to drive through the park’s parking lot to access his property. He also noted that a retaining wall at the park is leaning, so they will provide drainage behind the wall to relieve the water pressure causing the problem.

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, March 6, 2007 (Continued)

Manager Ihrig said that vandalism at the Klickitat Park is being repaired and cleaned up. He also noted that the new sprinkler system that was installed last fall will be used for the first time.

Commissioner Struck said it was reported to him that the senior exercise program that is being held in the White Salmon conference room of the Pioneer Center is damaging the hallway outside and the large table in that room because the table is being constantly moved in and out. He suggested that it would be a good idea to use Pioneer Center’s dining room for the exercise program instead.

Chairman Thayer asked if any progress was being made to eradicate the mold in the jail kitchen. Manager Ihrig responded that the matter was on hold and noted that it is budgeted for next year, though the project, including replacement of the commercial dishwasher could be moved forward. He added that the lowest price they have found for a dishwasher is $18,000. Chairman Thayer replied that they should be able to find a less expensive dishwasher and stated that the project needed to be done this year.

10:18 AM – Executive Session

The Board convened into Executive Session with Personnel Director Lori Wolford and Public Works Director Scott Smith to discuss union bargaining negotiations. It was expected to last 10 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 10:28 AM.

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, March 6, 2007 (Continued)

10:28 AM – Public Works Department Update (Continued)

Director Smith discussed legislation before the Washington State Legislature, stating that he has concerns about HB1765, which would lessen the notification time for a contractor to file a claim against a municipality.

Director Smith said that he has notified PacifiCorp that there is public opposition to their plans to construct a power transmission line in the county right-of-way along Hoctor Road .

Director Smith stated that they are still searching for a qualified contractor to conduct a search for a west end quarry site. After further discussion it was agreed that any contract would be capped at no more than 60 hours, including contract acquisition.

Director Smith said that he Engineer Hedges will meet with Sheriff McComas tomorrow to discuss how to enforce weight restrictions.

Director Smith stated that they have prepared a draft of a seasonal road closures policy that includes proposed road segments that would be affected.

Director Smith said that they are having difficulty in negotiations with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) regarding funding the realignment of State Route 142 at the Wahkiacus Bridge. He noted that despite his belief that the north abutment of the bridge is in danger of being scoured out, thus endangering this section of SR 142, WSDOT has expressed no interest in addressing the issue. Director Smith said that he will request an endorsement of the county’s position from the (Klickitat County) Regional Transportation Policy Organization when they meet tomorrow, and added that it may be worth while to enlist the support of our state legislators.

Director Smith said that plans for the Bristol Road reconstruction project are nearly complete. Engineer Hedges added that they are considering an alternative using a cement treated road base.

Engineer Hedges provided the Maintenance Work List and explained how it is read.

Commissioner Struck said that he has gotten suggestions that a cattle guard on Atwood Road be removed because it is filled with rock and debris. Engineer Hedges responded that a local rancher has requested that these cattle guards remain. He said that he would talk to the rancher about maintenance issues.

Commissioner Struck stated that a Simmons Road resident has suggested the installation of a stop sign where the school parking lot enters NW Simmons Road, noting that there have been several near accidents there.

Engineer Hedges said that preliminary information indicates that the sidewalk projects in White Salmon and Dallesport won’t be funded this year. Director Smith noted however that more grant funding will be available in 2009.

11:05 AM – Economic Development Update

Economic Development Director Mike Canon discussed developments at the Columbia Gorge Regional (Dallesport) Airport, and notably efforts to develop a well. He noted that Klickitat County has pledged its half for well development funding, estimated to cost $460,000, and the City of The Dalles was working on a loan agreement with the Port of The Dalles to pay for their half. Director Canon noted that there was a meeting last month attended by city, county, and airport officials, as well as representatives from Tenneson Engineering and the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) to discuss the possibility of obtaining loans or grants from the Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) for well development. He provided further detail about the process that would be involved and asked what the Board’s timetable might be to apply for a CERB loan. Chairman Thayer responded that the Board would need to look at county finances before committing to another loan and there certainly would be no need to respond by the next loan cycle’s deadline in April. He added that the county should also explore a Public Works Trust Fund loan because the interest rate and the county’s match would be lower.

Director Canon said that the Sheriff’s Office is willing to be the sponsor for the Mid-Columbia Police Activities League (PAL), now that the City of Goldendale has declined to be the sponsor. He noted that this will require Board approval.

Director Canon stated that the Klickitat Citizen’s Council expressed some dissatisfaction with the amount of the EDA grant that they were awarded for siding Rural Fire District #12’s fire hall.

Director Canon said that the composition of a proposed Lodging Tax Advisory Committee must be balanced between lodging tax users and generators and since the Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) does not have this, the two should be separate committees, even though there can be individuals on both bodies. He added that names for the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee will be submitted to the Board after the March 12, 2007 TAB meeting.

Director Canon discussed the WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) federal initiative program that is designed to encourage regional collaboration of public and private entities to promote a more highly skilled workforce that is necessary to attract economic development and jobs to the region. He noted that there are ongoing discussions to include south central Washington State in a WIRED grant request.

Director Canon briefly discussed the upcoming small business development workshop which is limited to 30 local participants. He added that there will be advertising on the local radio station KLCK and The Goldendale Sentinel, and participants are asked to pay $15 for the training and lunch.

Director Canon stated that SB 5557 is moving forward and there are good prospects that it will become law. SB 5557 would raise the sales tax percentage returned to rural counties from the present 0.08% to 0.14%.

Director Canon said that Consultant Miland Walling has had discussions with legislators, including the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee on going forward with the White Salmon Water System Improvement Project. Consultant Walling has also talked to the State Geologist regarding proposed legislation that would promote natural gas exploration.

Director Canon stated that the Economic Development Department is participating in the Columbia Gorge Future Forum, a one day event scheduled for this coming October to stimulate community discussion about the future of the Columbia River Gorge.

Finally, Director Canon said that in response to a department inquiry, GCX Magazine will be conducting telephone interviews with parties involved in wind power development in Klickitat County in anticipation of printing press releases on economic development in the county. He added that he will write an article for GCX Magazine’s Fall Edition that features alternative energy as a topic.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:04 PM.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 1:00 PM. Commissioners present: Ray Thayer, Don Struck and David Sauter.

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Struck, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously) the Business Agenda as presented.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for January 30, 2007 as presented.

Citizen Comment

There was no one present wishing to provide public comment.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Bid Opening – Purchase of a 2007 Loader Mounted Rotary Boom for Use by the Public Works Department

Bids Forwarded (M/Struck, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously) to the Public Works Department for their review and recommendation of three bids received for a 2007 Loader Mounted Rotary Boom for Use by the Public Works Department:

• Halton Company, Portland, OR – $14,416 including sales tax
• Central Machinery ales, Pasco, WA – $12,260.06 including sales tax
• Sahlberg Equipment Company, Buckley, WA – $8,997.20 including sales tax

Consent Agenda

Approved (M/Struck, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously) the Consent Agenda in its entirety, except noting that Item 5 has been changed to reflect an additional $30,000 to cover the expenditure for a booster pump.

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1. Resolution #05907 in the matter of considering a petition requesting annexation of certain properties into the boundaries of Klickitat County Fire Protection District No. 15 involving 370.51 acres.

2. Appointment of Jim Schleusner to Position No. 1 on the Klickitat County Noxious Weed Control Board for a four year term expiring April 1, 2011.

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3. Resolution #06007 in the matter of appointing Ellen Crain to the Klickitat-Skamania Family Service Network as sponsored by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Service, representing Klickitat County Social Services as fiduciary member and alternate to the Director position held by Tishy Stein.

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4. Annual Federal Certification for calendar year 2006 certifying federal forfeiture fund account balances, expenditures and revenues of Federal Equitable Sharing Program Sharing Funds received through asset forfeiture.

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5. Resolution #06107 in the matter of setting a public hearing for 1:30 PM on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 to consider a supplemental budget and amendments for various funds and departments in the amount of $1,157,433.

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6. Settlement Agreement (#C05507) between Klickitat County and Charles E. and Pamela S. Walker for acquisition of right-of-way required for the purpose of reconstruction of a portion of Snowden Road #11000 in consideration of $1,588.00 and other considerations.

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7. Settlement Agreement (#C05607) between Klickitat County and Michael Leon Billette for acquisition of right-of-way required for the purpose of reconstruction of a portion of Snowden Road #11000 in consideration of $2,073.00 and other considerations

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8. Settlement Agreement (#C05707) between Klickitat County and Louis Huszar for acquisition of right-of-way required for the purpose of reconstruction of a portion of Snowden Road #11000 in consideration of $1,266.00 and other considerations.

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9. Settlement Agreement (#C05807) between Klickitat County and Terry W. and Patricia E. Hurd for acquisition of right-of-way required for the purpose of reconstruction of a portion of Snowden Road #11000 in consideration of $2,299.00 and other considerations.

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10. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling public meetings to be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at 1:30 PM as follows: Consideration for acceptance of road right-of-way dedication, Alderdale Road, Short Plat No. SPL2006-82; Applicant: Robert Mercer, AND Consider request to alter condition regarding fencing for Preliminary Plat No. SUB2006-03; Applicant: Michelle Watson - Box Canyon Homes.

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11. Request and authorization from the Sheriff’s Department to accept the quote as submitted by Auto Max, Yakima, Washington for the purchase of two undercover vehicles in the total amount of $9,369.80 which includes trade-in and applicable sales tax.

Elected Official Report

Prosecutor’s Update

Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill stated that there were two coroner’s calls in the past week.

Prosecutor O’Neill said that the sentencing for the man convicted in Klickitat County Superior Court last month for first-degree murder has been postponed until April 16.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#164105 – 164321) $133,695.77

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

Road Department Payments

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Authorized (M/Struck, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously) Progress Payments to James Dean Construction, Inc., in the amount of $184,012.13, which includes $9,200.61 retainage for a net of $174,811.53 for the Dot and Newell Roads project.

Executive Session

Miscellaneous Reports/Comments

Senior Services Budget Issues

Senior Services Director Roger Gadway informed the Board and Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman that his department has not received Medicaid payments funneled through Washington State and this has caused a cash flow problem. He stated that he will likely need a loan to fill in until state payments are received. Commissioner Struck asked if this was something that could be done and Officer Chipman responded that a loan could be arranged. Commissioner Struck also stated that they would contact their state legislators to see what might be done.

Adjournment (3:12 PM)

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until 1:30 PM on Thursday, March 8, 2007

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Thursday, March 8, 2007

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 1:35 PM.

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer, Don Struck and David Sauter.

Workshop Session Agenda

1:35 PM – Consideration of Nuisance Abatement of Parcel No. 02-13-1415-0004/00

Building and Compliance Director Skip Grimes and Code Compliance Officer Joyce DeVries presented a nuisance abatement case involving Parcel No. 02-13-1415-0004/00, Daniel M. Stingl owner. They noted that the junk travel trailer had been removed and they recommended that no abatement need take place. The Board accepted their recommendation in this matter.

2:00 PM – 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 one hour.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 3:00 PM.

3:05 PM – Emergency Management Executive Board

It was noted that a quorum of the Emergency Management Executive Board was not present and therefore no official business was conducted. Emergency Management Coordinator Steve Brown was present and did discuss several items including the 211 System Call Center, his departmental budget, and funding issues, including Homeland Security grants.

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Thursday, March 8, 2007 (Continued)

4:02 PM – Countywide Interoperable Communications System

Attendance: Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman, Sheriff Rick McComas, Undersheriff Erik Anderson and Emergency Management Coordinator Steve Brown.

Discussion began with a briefing by Officer Chipman on the history of the project and on some of the concepts involved with the proposed system. There was also discussion on future decisions that would need to be made regarding project leadership, consultant tasking and operational models. The Board directed that a team approach be taken in regard to project leadership.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 PM.

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Reference Document on File