Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, April 17^th, 2007

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Chairman Ray Thayer called the meeting to order at 9:34 AM

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

Workshop Session Agenda

9:34 AM – Legislative Update

Lobbyist Jim Potts provided an update on the current legislative session, noting that this is the 100^th day of the current session and that Friday, April 20 will probably be the last day.

Lobbyist Potts stated that SB 5557 which authorizes additional sales and use taxation to rural counties for economic development is expected to pass the legislature and come to the Governor’s desk.

Lobbyist Potts said that it looks as though there will be sufficient public health funding in the final budget that gets approved, noting that Klickitat County should get a minimum of $100,000.

Lobbyist Potts suggested a final update sometime next week to provide a wrap-up of the legislative session and after discussion, it was agreed that he would call at 9:15 AM on Tuesday, April 24. He added that he plans to come to Klickitat County in person sometime soon to discuss strategies for the next legislative session.

Lobbyist Potts stated that ESHB 1756 the “Cougar Bill” is now on the Governor’s desk.

Lobbyist Potts said that HB 1543 will provide help to several rural counties by allowing some sales tax revenue to be used for an economic development officer or staff. Lobbyist Potts added that there is clarifying language that allows counties to use this for current or new staff.

Lobbyist Potts stated that SB5561which would allow voter registration up to and including election day has been defeated.

Lobbyist Potts said that SSB 5089 the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Bill has passed and will provide Klickitat County with an additional estimated $20,000 annually, but its effects will not be felt until October of 2008.

Natural Resources Director Dave McClure noted that SB 6117, which requires the state to offer financial support and incentives in regard to increased water reuse and the use of reclaimed water appears to be moving forward. Lobbyist Potts replied that it has now passed both legislative chambers.

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, April 17, 2007 (Continued)

10:07 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Public Works Director/County Engineer Scott Smith and Assistant County Engineer Bjorn Hedges. Personnel Director Lori Wolford was present for the first discussion item.

Engineer Hedges announced his resignation effective April 27, 2007 to take a position for a company involved in energy production and Mr. Hedges will be involved specifically in their wind power projects. He added that he has enjoyed the educational experiences and challenges of the nearly ten years he has worked for Klickitat County. Commissioner Struck responded that the Board greatly appreciates Engineer Hedges’ contributions. Director Smith requested that they be allowed to go forward with the recruitment of a replacement Assistant County Engineer. The Board reached consensus to approve recruitment advertising at Range 23, Steps A through D.

Engineer Hedges stated that the replacement sidewalk on Washington Street in Lyle will be poured this Thursday, adding that the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) may agree to pay for more than just the replacement and might reimburse the county for costs to remove the old sidewalk.

Engineer Hedges said that they have reached a tentative agreement with an individual to lease a rock source in the west end of the county. He noted that research was also done on two other rock sources.

Engineer Hedges stated that contractors working for Hancock Timber will probably have all trees removed from the new road alignment for the Fisher Hill Road project sometime today.

Engineer Hedges said that someone has cut down a number of trees along the right-of-way of Jenkins Creek Road. He noted that the trees within the right-of-way had been marked for removal, but only the more valuable firs had been stolen, leaving the pines and oaks and the mess left over from limbing the firs.

Director Smith stated that they have now acquired all easements for the existing sewer line in Dallesport.

Director Smith said that further research has revealed that FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) will pay for many of the costs associated with the windstorm damage of last winter, including the removal and cleanup of debris from local access and minor collector roads. He added that FEMA will also cover the immediate removal of debris on major collector roads that occurred within the first 48 hours.

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, April 17, 2007 (Continued)

11:05 AM – Economic Development Update

Economic Development Director Mike Canon stated that they are preparing a CERB (Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board) grant/loan application for infrastructure and well development for the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport in Dallesport, noting that the $1.0 million request is for a $500,000 grant and $500,000 loan. Additionally, they will prepare an application for a Public Works Trust Fund (PWTF) loan for Phase II of the integrated water system, as was presented at the workshop on Thursday, March 29. Director Canon said that they expect to meet the deadlines for both applications, and they will be meeting with PWTF Customer Services Representative Bruce Lund to discuss the loan process.

Director Canon stated that the City of The Dalles and the Port of The Dalles have agreed on mutual financing arrangements to provide the City’s share for the well project at the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport, and copies of these agreements have been made available. He added that a contract for the well project is being drafted between the City of The Dalles and Klickitat County and once it has been reviewed by Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill, it will go before the Board for their consideration.

Also in regard to the airport well, Director Canon said that Tim Flynn, a hydrologist for Aspect Consulting has provided copies of a 2005 water well siting and design study, and other related documents.

Director Canon noted that Consultant Miland Walling and representatives of the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport have traveled to Washington DC to discuss funding for airport infrastructure development with Fourth District U.S. Congressman Doc Hastings, and several Congressmen from Oregon. While there Mr. Walling will visit with Washington’s U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray to discuss airport funding, wind power development, natural gas exploration and the Hood River Bridge project.

As discussed two weeks ago, Director Canon said that preparations are continuing for the May 8 Small Business Development Workshop in Goldendale but added that there have been difficulties because of the heavy schedules of the Small Business Development Council training office in Yakima.

Director Canon stated that they have contacted the Workforce Education Council in Yakima and the county’s Economic Development Department will be participating in their meetings.

Director Canon discussed SB 5445 which allows counties to recover costs/reimbursements related to oil and gas permitting and other regulatory activities. He added that the bill has passed the legislature and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature.

Director Canon noted that PPM Energy will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its Big Horn wind power project near Bickleton on May 21 and proclamations and congratulations will come from Governor Gregoire and Lieutenant Governor Owen.

Director Canon stated that the Mid-Columbia Workforce Housing Summit that was held April 6 in Hood River attracted almost equal numbers of participants from Oregon and Washington. He added that discussion centered on the difficulties that many workers have in finding housing they can purchase or rent for their families because of high prices, noting that on the Washington side this is especially true in Skamania County and the Bingen, Lyle, and White Salmon communities. Director Canon said that solutions must be found in order to sustain economic growth and development.

Director Canon said that he and Specialist Newell recently attended the Oregon Economic Development Association’s Spring Meeting in Troutdale, Oregon. He stated that there was some good information, even though most of the presentations were geared toward larger metropolitan areas. A somewhat more relevant meeting was held recently in Rufus on Rural Needs and Issues, though most participants were again from Oregon.

Responding to Commissioner Struck, Director Canon said that he would explore Centennial Clean Water Funding for Dallesport.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 11:55 AM.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 1:07 PM.

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

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Struck, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously) the Business Agenda with one addition: consideration of a resolution to conduct an organizational review of the Senior Services Department.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for April 3, 2007 as presented.

Citizen Comment

Forrest Stauss, of Trout Lake stated that he is opposed to plans suggested by Public Works Director Scott Smith to use a D-8 bulldozer to cut a channel from the Trout Lake School to the White Salmon River, as a solution to the Bear Creek flooding problems. Mr. Stauss contended that this plan would simply move the problem and would allow manure to go into the White Salmon River.

John Nelson, also of Trout Lake said that he is in agreement with Mr. Stauss and would like to see the county apply for a Washington State Department of Ecology grant to fund a solution to the flooding problem, noting that the deadline to apply for a grant is fast approaching. Chairman Thayer responded that he would like to hire Frank Childs, an engineer with Pioneer Surveying and Engineering to evaluate this matter and propose a solution. The Board reached consensus to go forward with Chairman Thayer’s suggestion.

Zon Sprinkle, of White Salmon stated that his property taxes have risen significantly and he would like to get them reduced. Commissioner Struck replied that if Mr. Sprinkle is getting the senior rate from the Assessor’s Office then there is probably nothing more that can be done. Chairman Thayer asked if Mr. Sprinkle had discussed his situation with Assessor Vandenberg and Mr. Sprinkle replied that he had and it didn’t appear that there was much that they could do for him. Commissioner Struck responded that they would discuss the matter with Assessor Vandenberg to see if there was anything that the county could do.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

RFP Opening: Implementing a County-Wide Interoperable Communications System

Bids Forwarded (M/Struck, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously) to Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman for review and recommendation of five responses to the RFP (Request for Proposals) sent out seeking qualified consultants or vendors to assist in implementing a county-wide interoperable communications system:

• Radio Service Company/ Fred Heany, Tri-Cities, WA
• Fusion Interopt Solutions/Debra Allen, LLC, Portland, OR
• Adcomm Engineering Company, Bothell, WA
• Geo Com, St. Cloud, MN
• CTA Communications, Lynchburg VA

Consent Agenda

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

*

1. Request from the Clerk’s Office for authorization to purchase a wireless computer mouse for the courtroom computer at a cost of $39.99 plus applicable sales tax.

*

2. Amendment A to Contract No. E07-027 (#C11307) between the Washington State Military Department and Klickitat County (E911) to provide financial assistance to the County solely for the expenses necessary to answer 911 calls originating in the County, which include performing certain tasks and maintaining certain equipment necessary to operate Wireline and Wireless Enhanced 911.

*

3. Request from the Auditor’s Office for authorization to purchase one (1) Dymo Labelwriter 400 label printer for the Auditor’s computer at an estimated cost of $84.90 plus applicable sales tax and shipping.

*

4. Settlement Agreement (#C11407) between Klickitat County and William H. Simmons for acquisition of right-of-way required for the purpose of reconstruction of a portion of Snowden Road #11000 in consideration of $2,308.00.

*

5. Settlement Agreement (#C11507) between Klickitat County and William H. Simmons for acquisition of right-of-way required for the purpose of reconstruction of a portion of Snowden Road #11000 in consideration of $14,286.00.

*

6. Authorization to Hire to begin the advertising process to fill the Associate Planner position within the Planning Department at a Range 13 (Assistant Planner) Step A ($14.78 per hour) or at a Range 16 (Associate Planner) Step D ($18.53 per hour) depending on qualifications.

*

7. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling two public meetings to be held on Tuesday, April 24 at 1:30 PM as follows: Consider approval of Preliminary Plat No. SUB2006-02 (K Acres); Applicant: Howard Kreps; AND Consider clarification regarding fencing and cattle guard requirements for Preliminary Plat No. SUB2006-03; Applicant: Box Canyon Homes represented by Michelle Watson.

Miscellaneous Reports

Washington State Public Works Board Anniversary Presentation

Washington State Public Works Board representatives Kelly Snyder (Executive Director), Bruce Lund (Client Service Representative), and Stevens County Commissioner Merrill Ott (Public Works Board member) presented a plaque to the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners to commemorate the 22^nd Anniversary of the Public Works Trust Fund. Executive Director Snyder noted that it was 21 years ago that Klickitat County applied for one of the very first Public Works Trust Fund loans to construct a bridge in Centerville. Commissioner Ott stressed the need for complete and accurate paperwork when applying for loans because the Public Works Board gets about twice as many applications as they have funding for.

BCI Group, Inc. Employee Health Benefits Update

BCI Group, Inc. representatives Dick Smith (Chairman of the Board), Steve Beyer (Director of Business Development) and Georgia Donnelly (Director of Services for the Hood River Branch) provided a general update and program review:

Director Beyer provided handouts including an Employee Benefits Overview and several experience reports. He noted that the current experience report (November 2006 to October 2007) shows a net loss so far, meaning that total costs including paid claims are higher than paid premiums by a little over $100,000. Director Beyer provided information that showed that this contrasted with the November 2005 to October 2006 period where there was a net gain of slightly over $180,000.

Director Beyer stated that one way to deal with ever increasing medical premiums is to build in high deductibles that can be offset by “savings plans” established by service users.

Chairman Smith said that the overall increases in medical costs and insurance have created pressures on lawmakers and there is a growing chance that the country may see some sort of national health care plans in the future.

New Business

Conducting an Organizational Review of the Senior Services Department

*

Adopted (M/Struck, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously) Resolution #09007 in the matter of conducting an organizational review of the Senior Services Department by Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman. The assignment shall commence on April 16, 2007 and will continue until a qualified Senior Services Director is recruited, hired and oriented, unless the Board chooses to terminate the arrangement earlier. Officer Chipman shall receive additional compensation of $500 per pay period while performing these additional duties.

Elected Official Report

Prosecuting Attorney Update

Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill began his briefing by stating that there were two coroner’s calls this past week.

Prosecutor O’Neill said that after some research he has concluded that a lot consolidation can be accomplished within state statute without a boundary line adjustment and survey. He stated that he would work with Planning Director Curt Dreyer to draft an ordinance for the Board’s consideration.

Executive Session

Executive Session – Personnel Issue

The Board convened into Executive Session at 3:02 PM with Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill and Personnel Director Lori Wolford in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1) (g) to discuss a personnel issue. It was noted that the session would last until 3:15 PM.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 3:15 PM.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

*

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

Accounts Payable: (#165858 – 166046 & 93353) $176,896.50

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

Adjournment

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

*

Reference Document on File