Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Chairman Ray Thayer called the meeting to order at 10:05 AM. Commissioners present: Ray Thayer, David M. Sauter and Donald G. Struck.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:02 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Public Works Director/County Engineer Scott Smith and Office Engineer Keith Grundei.

Director Smith advised that there is approximately $8 million of road and bridge construction projects scheduled for 2008 and expressed concerns that we won’t have sufficient staff to oversee the projects reminding that both the Assistant Engineer and Project Engineer positions remain vacant. Director Smith stated even when the department is fully staffed with experienced personnel it would be difficult to oversee more than $5 million worth of construction projects. Concluding discussion the consensus of the Board was to move forward with the projects as scheduled by outsourcing the construction administration and inspection of the Harms Bridge and Rock Creek Bridge projects as well as look at outsourcing project inspection for some of the road projects.

Director Smith stated that the pavement striping project has been completed with exception to Hale and Dot Road. Mr. Smith further advised that the contractor will return at their expense to repaint those roads in and around the Goldendale vicinity which did not receive the proper amount of beading due to a malfunction of the bead gun. Chairman Thayer recommended that the county inspector evaluate the roads for reflectivity at night.

Director Smith stated that the current estimate for the Fisher Hill project for 2008 is approximately $2.7 million; adding if the project is reduced by dropping the Glenwood grade portion of the project the estimate reduces to $2 million. He further noted that $2.3 million is budgeted for this project of which $1.3 million is RAP (Rural Arterial Program) funding. Director Smith noted if he is to pursue a scope reduction for the project a justification letter will be required to be submitted to CRAB (County Road Administration Board) by month end. The Board agreed to move forward and pursue a scope reduction by eliminating the Glenwood grade portion of the project; adding that the Glenwood grade portion should rate favorably for a future RAP funded project.

Director Smith reminded that the High Prairie CDBG project is 8 months behind schedule and advised that he has been invited to attend a meeting of the council and fire district at which he will strongly recommend to the council that they need to hire a project engineer to oversee this project. It was noted that the original construction schedule was five months, they are now eight months behind and as of yet haven’t submitted their plans to the Building Department to secure their permit.

In response to a query from Commissioner Struck, Director Smith advised that the small works paving project on Washington Street in White Salmon should begin next week; adding he does not believe that the overlay on NW Lincoln Street can be done at the same time as they are currently pulling the ditches; further adding there is no place for the water to go when it gets to Highway 141 but over the roadway. Director Smith begun negotiation with WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation) on how to handle the water. It was agreed that something needs to be done this year, at least to the crest of the hill.

Director Smith advised that NW Wind Partners has been observed hauling windmill components across Hoctor road. This is a violation of NW Wind Partners conditional use permit because a haul road agreement still has not been signed by Ty Ross/NW Wind Partners to use Hoctor Road. Director Smith again requested that the conditional use permit be revoked.

11:05 AM – Auditor’s Department update

Attendance: Auditor Brenda Sorensen

Auditor Sorensen noted that the Primary Election was certified on September 5^th. Auditor Sorensen advised that four individuals filed a petition in Superior Court on Friday seeking an injunction preventing her from placing Chadd Mitchell’s name on the November ballot for the Hospital District No. 1 commissioner position and to substitute his name with the third highest vote getter (James Daniel). Auditor Sorensen informed that Judge Reynolds considered the petition on Monday, September 10^th and ruled in their favor. Ms. Sorensen advised she will submit the order to have the ballots printed; noting the time line for proofing and printing is very short as the overseas and military ballots have to be mailed by October 5^th with the county ballots mailed on October 19^th.

11:20 AM – Sheriff’s Department update

Attendance: Sheriff Rick McComas, Undersheriff Erik Anderson, and Jail Superintendent Tom Hawes.

Sheriff McComas stated that they continue to research available solutions for storage of evidence; the lack of which continues to be a problem. Sheriff McComas advised that they recently impounded a school bus as evidence on a case which had to be stored at the State Highway Department facility due to its visibility.

Sheriff McComas provided a brief summary of the vacant positions within the divisions of his department. Sheriff McComas stated that there has been an increased interest; noting 8 to 10 applicants recently took the entry level deputy test with all but two successfully passing. Sheriff McComas offered that the recent employment interest may be the result of the department’s recent participation in a job fair as well as word of mouth. The Corrections Department has not been successful in filling the sergeant positions; noting they have tested applicants on two separate occasions with none successfully passing the exam. The Civil Service Commission will be doing another Corrections Test on October 13; noting two people were on the previous list with one being selected as eligible for employment and who is moving through the standard pre-employment process.

A discussion was held regarding reporting of the deputy hours to provide security at the wind farm projects and the need for those hours to be tracked separate from the regular overtime hours; noting the revenue received for the service offsets the expense. It was advised that the County needs to have clear documentation so that the public can see the hours worked versus the revenue received.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:00 Noon.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 1:05 PM. Commissioners present: Ray Thayer, Donald G. Struck and David Sauter.

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Struck, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously) the Business Agenda with one addition: Building and Compliance Director Skip Grimes at 3:15 PM to discuss the need for an emergency hire.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approval of Meeting Minutes

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Approved (M/Sauter, S/Struck Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for August 28, 2007 as presented.

Citizen Comment

Robin Hudson, Goldendale High School Equestrian Club Coach, advised that the Equestrian Club will be using the kitchen at the fairgrounds for a fund raiser during the Washington Foundation Quarter Horse Club show on September 22 and 23^rd and requested consideration for a reduction or waiver of the $200 fee for use of the kitchen for the two day event. Ms. Hudson advised that the funds they raise are used to support the 10 club members with their horse projects including team equipment and clothing, stall fees, and fuel costs to and from the four meets that they compete in. Ms. Hudson stated that the club uses the indoor arena for practices two to three times a week from December through April at a cost of $20 per week and offered for the club members to pressure wash, scrape and repaint the arena bucking chutes with the county providing the paint, in exchange for one riding time a week. Ms. Hudson was advised that the Board would need to consult with Building and Grounds Manager John Ihrig to be sure there is not a conflict after which she would be advised of their decision.

Following discussion with the Buildings and Grounds Manager the Board agreed to waive the $200 fee for use of the kitchen for the two day event and to grant a fee waiver for two weeks use of the indoor arena at $20 per week.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Meeting: Alteration to Lot 2, SP-99-47, Short Plat No. SPL2006-70; Applicants: David and Angela Teel.

Granted (M/Sauter, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) final approval to Short Plat SPL2006-70, which alters Lot 2 of SPL99-47. Applicant: David Teel.

In her staff report Associate Planner Crista Schroder noted that this short plat is creating 2 lots and is an alteration to Lot 2 of Short Plat No. SPL99-47. Planner Schroder noted that the administrative review has been completed with all conditions to preliminary approval having been met.

Public Meeting: Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA2007-12; Applicants: Whitney Miller and Michael Brislawn.

Granted (M/Struck, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously) final approval of Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA-2007-12 which alters Lot 1, SP91-12 and Tax Lot 18 and 18A with the applicants being Whitney Miller and Michael Brislawn.

Planner Crista Schroder stated in her staff review that the purpose of this adjustment is to sell two acres to adjoining landowners; noting the property is zoned Suburban Residential with the lots adjusted to meet the requirements of the zoning designation. Ms. Schroder advised that all required written assurances have been received.

Public Meeting Alteration of Lots 3 & 4, BLA99-08, Short Plat No. SPL2007-30; Applicants: Donnie and Wendy Hodges

Granted (M/Sauter, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) final approval to Short Plat SPL2007-30 which alters Lot 3 of BLA99-08 with the applicant being Don Hodges.

As part of her staff report Planner Schroder advised that this short plat is an alteration of Lot 3 BLA99-08 requiring Board review and approval. Ms. Schroder noted that the administrative review has been completed with all conditions for preliminary approval having been met.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings (Continued)

Public Hearing: Supplemental appropriations and amendments to the 2007 Budget for various departments and funds in the amount of $632,367.

Approved (M/Struck, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously) Resolution #17507 in the matter of allowing supplemental appropriations and amendments for the 2007 Budget for various funds and departments in the amount of $632,367.

Attendance: Various Elected Officials and Department Heads were present.

Prior to making a motion Chairman Thayer opened the public hearing and requested a brief staff review.

Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman briefly summarized the proposal, noting that the details were previously provided to the Board for review. He noted that the Sheriff’s Office request is due to additional costs for wages, overtime and benefits resulting from organizational changes previously approved by the Board as well as from not identifying all approved positions in adoption of the 2007 budget. Officer Chipman noted that there is sufficient fund balance in the General Fund and the Cumulative Reserve Fund for those increases which are not covered by other revenue sources.

Chairman Thayer noted for the record that no one from the public was present to provide testimony.

Local Agency Agreement Supplement

Granted (M/Struck, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously) authorization to the Chairman to sign the WSDOT Local Agency Agreement Supplement No. 1 (C23307), Financial Federal Aid Project No. STPR-B201(001), for the Snowden Road Project, CFDA #20.205, consisting of 2.65 miles.

Consent Agenda

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Struck. Passed unanimously) the Consent Agenda pulling Item No. 4 for further consideration.

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1. Alternative work schedule for the Finance Manager position (exempt position) within the Public Works Department allowing a 4 day/10 hour per day work week beginning at 7:30 AM and ending at 6:30 PM Monday through Thursday of each week effective September 1, 2007 through September 1, 2010.

2. Resolution #17607 in the matter of allocating this year's Secure Rural Schools funding between Title II and Title III projects allocating 15% of the County’s full payment amount for expenditure on projects under Title II and Title III of P.L. 106-393.

3. Scheduling public meetings as follows

Public Meeting to be held on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at 1:30 PM:Consider approval of Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA2006-25; Applicant: SDS Company;

Public Meetings to be held on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 1:30 PM:

Consider approval for alteration of Lot 2, SP-92-22, Short Plat No. SPL2007-16; Applicant: Dan Ellett; AND, Consideration of acceptance of road right-of-way, (Pipeline Road), Short Plat No. SPL2007-39, Applicant: Tom Ireland.

Public Meetings to be held on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 1:30 PM:

Consider approval of Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA2006-09; Applicant: Dan Damyanovich; AND, Consideration approval of alteration of Lot 12, BLA2005-07 (Mt. View Orchards), Short Plat No. SPL2006-46; Applicant: Judi Cyrus.

4. Pulled. County Property Lease Agreement between Klickitat County (Building/Grounds) and Mid-Columbia Children’s Council, Inc. to lease the west half of the Dallesport Community Center which includes the kitchen area for their Head Start Program.

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5. Personnel Authorization to begin the advertising process to fill the .75 FTE position of Volunteer Coordinator (formerly CASA Program Specialist) in the Juvenile Department at a Range 10, Step A ($12.92 per hour). This position was approved on July 31, 2007 and is a grant funded position.

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6. Resolution #17707 in the matter of revising the departmental organizational chart in the Senior Services Department by reducing the hours of the Administrative Assistant II position in the White Salmon Office to .75 FTE (30 hours per week

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7. Resolution #17807 in the matter of revising the departmental organizational chart for the Budget and Technical Services Department by reclassifying the Technical Services Manager position from a Range 17 to a Range 18 to more accurately compensate for the responsibilities of the position.

8. Personnel Authorization to begin the advertising process to fill the vacant Technical Services Manager position in the Budget and Technical Services Department from a Range 18, Step A ($3295 per month) to a Range 18, Step D ($3549 a month). This position has been vacant since April 30, 2007.

9. Contract Amendment No. 1 (C23407), DSHS Agreement No. 0663-99027-02, between the State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Alternative Response System Services and Klickitat County (Health Department) extending the period of performance by six months for a new end date of December 31, 2007.

10. Professional Services Agreement (C23507) between Klickitat County (Public Health Department) and Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health to provide Drug Intervention Support and Education for Youth (DISEY) classes.

11. Resolution #17907 in the matter of temporary closure of Randall Road, County Road No. 21860 from Mile Post 2.61 to Mile Post 4.16 for a certain cross-country event scheduled for October 27 and 28, 2007. Costs of posting, advertising and signing will be the responsibility of the event sponsor.

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12. Interlocal Cooperation Agreement/Bridge Inspection (C23607) between Klickitat County (Public Works Department) and Benton County to utilize Benton County personnel to inspect bridges with the Bridge Inspection Team to complete the inspections before the end of the year.

Unfinished Business

Accepted (M/Struck, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously) the recommendation from the Health Insurance Committee to accept the proposal and move health coverage from Premera Blue Cross/Blue Shield to Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield at a 10.73% annual premium increase over the present carrier and further to retain dental coverage through Guardian.

Prior to the motion Personnel Director Lori Wolford advised that the deadline for a decision is October 12^th; noting insurance meetings for the employees need to be held the following week to explain the changes with all forms signed and processed by November 1. Director Wolford stated that the Insurance Committee is recommending acceptance of the 10.73% increase offered by Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield as well as a 10% reduction in premiums for the dental, vision and long term disability coverage offered through Guardian. Director Wolford advised that she would provide the benefit level comparisons between plans as requested by Chairman Thayer.

Commissioner Struck questioned whether a proposal had been received from Canfield and Associates to which Director Wolford advised that she does have a meeting with their representative on the 13^th to learn about their program which is a self-insurance plan and a relatively new concept that will require some education to understand. She also advised that as of this date no other members of the WRCIP (Washington Rural Counties Insurance Pool) are enrolled in this program.

On a separate issue Chairman Thayer inquired when it could be expected that the flex policy would be presented for approval advising that several departments had employees who were involved in the county fair many of whom were required to use vacation time for the hours they put in outside of their normal work schedule as well as in some instances the County had to pay overtime. Director Wolford advised that she will be presenting the comments received from the departments on the changes to the policy this week.

Elected Official Report/Update

Prosecuting Attorney O’Neill noted he had no items of a general nature for discussion in open session.

Executive Session – Pending and Potential Litigation

The Board convened into Executive Session at 2:50 PM with Prosecuting Attorney Tim O’Neill and Special Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Dave Trefry in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1)(d) and (i) to discuss contract negotiations and potential and pending litigation/claims. It was noted that the session would last for 30 minutes. Special Deputy Trefry left the meeting at 3:10 PM.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 3:20 PM

Unfinished Business

Consolidated Public Hearing, Continued (Closed to Further Public Testimony): (2) SEPA appeals filed by appellants C. L. Newport et al and Columbia River Keepers to the issuance of a MDNS (SEP2007-26) for proposed Short Plats SPL2007-36 and SPL2007-37, Applicant 5 M LLC, represented by Todd Meislahn and to consider proposed short plats west of Hartland Road (High Prairie vicinity).

Motion (M/Struck, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously) to continue the public hearing, closed to further public testimony, until Tuesday, October 9 ant 3:00 PM to allow adequate time to consult with legal counsel to discuss some issues and concerns of the Board.

Prior to the motion Planning Director Curt Dreyer advised it was his understanding that the Board indicated in their motion to continue the hearing that they would be consulting with legal counsel; adding he was unaware if this had been done.

Prosecuting Attorney Tim O’Neill noted that he had not had occasion to discuss this matter with the Board.

Commissioner Struck advised that there seems to be conflicting data with respect to the ground water in the area requiring further analysis of some of the data such as the watershed analysis for that area; adding any decision needs to be based on solid information and good scientific data.

Responding to a question from Todd Meislahn who represents the applicant Chairman Thayer stated that any decision of the Board will be followed with findings of fact.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#170515 - 170726; Cancelled Warrants #170515 thru 170620) for a net of $119,282.02.

Combined Payroll: (#97368 – 97654, County Benefit Warrants #170504 - 170514 and Electronic Transfer #403) $511,623.39

For a combined total of $630,905.41.

The Board convened into Executive Session at 4:00 PM with Building and Compliance Director Skip Grimes 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 for 10 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 4:10 PM.

It was noted for the record that Commissioner Don Struck was excused and left the meeting at 4:10 PM

Motion (M/Sauter, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) to allow advertisement for an emergency hire for a Plans Examiner I or Plans Examiner II position within the Building Inspection department at a Range 14, Step A to C, and Range 15, Step A to C; noting this hire will be on a temporary basis.

Adjournment (4:30 PM)

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until 1:00 PM on Thursday, September 13, 2007.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Thursday, September 13, 2007

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 1:53 PM

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

Workshop Session Agenda

1:30 – Nuisance Abatement

Consideration of Nuisance Abatement of Parcel No. 05-16-3261-0033/00.

Building and Compliance Director Skip Grimes presented a nuisance abatement case involving Parcel No. 05-16-3261-0033/00; Linda Phelps.

The Board directed staff to prepare the necessary resolution to deny authorization to commence nuisance abatement proceedings.

Consideration of Nuisance Abatement of Parcel No. 05-17-2951-0013/00.

Building and Compliance Director Skip Grimes presented a nuisance abatement case involving Parcel No. 05-17-2951-0013/00; Lloyd W. and Chris Sweetin.

The Board directed staff to prepare the necessary resolution authorizing commence of nuisance abatement proceedings.

Consideration of Nuisance Abatement of Parcel No. 04-18-0700-0003/00.

Building and Compliance Director Skip Grimes presented a nuisance abatement case involving Parcel No. 05-17-2951-0013/00; Vasile Nemes, Nicolaie G. Nemes and Livius M. Anton.

The Board directed staff to prepare the necessary resolution to deny authorization to commence nuisance abatement proceedings.

2:00 – Senior Programs Review

In attendance: Senior Services Director Roger Gadway, newly hired Director Sharon Carter and Personnel Director Lori Wolford.

Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman provided a summary of his review of the Senior Services Department including organizational chart options as well as management options for both offices followed by a general discussion. It was noted that a meeting has been scheduled with Yakima County on September 25^th to explore future options. A follow-up discussion will take place following the meeting with Yakima County.

3:00 – 2008 Budget process

Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman reviewed the budget process for the benefit of Commissioner Sauter as well as to review the budget calendar and proposed staffing request with particular focus on the Sheriff’s budget.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 PM.

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Reference Document on File