Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Chairman David M. Sauter called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM. Commissioners present: Ray Thayer, David M. Sauter and Rex F. Johnston.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:00 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Public Works Director Gordon Kelsey and Assistant County Engineer Jeff Hunter.

Director Kelsey reported on the 2009 Construction Program, noting that the Harms Road Bridge replacement contractor has the grout pads poured and stem walls in place. Director Kelsey stated that cranes will be arriving on-site today and the temporary bridge will be set in place tomorrow, adding that the contractor plans to have all girders in place by the end of the day on March 3, 2009.

Director Kelsey provided an update on the Old Highway 8 rock slide repair project, noting that the Gorge Commission is currently reviewing the Post Emergency Development Review Application.

Director Kelsey reported that the contractor on the Esteb Quarry crushing project has started work, noting that the contractor expects it will take 22 working days to complete the crushing, without any breakdowns.

Director Kelsey provided Road maintenance project updates, noting that East end crews are cleaning culverts, cold patching, grading roads and brushing in the Bickleton and Goldendale areas as weather permits; And West end crews are removing falling rocks from county roads and brushing as weather permits. Director Kelsey noted that load restrictions are still in effect on the west end.

Director Kelsey advised that the Windy Flats Wind Farm has requested to modify their Road Haul agreement to access another phase of their project from the lower portion of Mary Hill Loops Road.

The Board had a discussion concerning Juniper Canyon Wind Farm’s request for a permit to place a transmission line in the public right-of-way on Gadeberg Road.

Following discussion, the general consensus of the Board was not favorable. Chairman Sauter advised that the Juniper Canyon developers need to work with the area landowners to establish a route for their transmission line.

Director Kelsey provided an update on the 2009 Lock Project, noting that the plan is to finish all interior locks in the Courthouse this year and two doors in the Pioneer Center. Director Kelsey stated that the locks on the outer Courthouse doors will not be replaced until next year.

Director Kelsey advised that the Building and Grounds Department is working with the Dallesport Community Council to develop a plan to manage fees and access to the community center.

The Board had a discussion concerning federal stimulus dollars, with Director Kelsey reporting that there is approximately $790,000 available to the County for stimulus projects.

Commissioner Johnston advised that he has received calls concerning an increased number of speeders on the Snowden Road since the repaving project. Director Kelsey stated that the road can be monitored by setting counters in place which would record speeds of the traffic. Commissioner Johnston expressed support for Director Kelsey’s suggestion, adding that he would also speak to Sheriff McComas.

Prosecuting Attorney’s Update

11:00 AM - Elected Officials Report

Executive Session – Pending and Potential Litigation

The Board convened into Executive Session at 11:00 AM with Prosecuting Attorney Tim O’Neill and Special Counsel Steve DiJulio (via telephone conference), Planning Director Curt Dreyer and Senior Planner Joe Sheridan in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) to discuss pending and potential litigation. It was noted that the session would last for thirty minutes. At 11:30 AM it was announced that the session would be extended another fifteen minutes. At 11:45 AM it was announced that the session would be extended another five minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 11:50 AM.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:00 Noon.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Chairman David M. Sauter reconvened the meeting at 1:00 PM. Commissioners present: Ray Thayer, Rex F. Johnston and David Sauter.

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously): the Business Agenda with one Add-on under New Business: Resolution for the closure of Fisherhill Road to local access only.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approval of Meeting Minutes

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Approved (M/Johnston, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously): the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for February 10, 2009 and February 17, 2009 as presented.

Citizen Comment

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Southeast Region Assistant Regional Manager George Shelton and Area Manager Pete Stocks presented a proposal to exchange approximately 2,200 acres of Klickitat County owned special management area “open space” property located in the Gorge scenic area for 800 acres of forest management ground in the Husum block. No action was taken by the Board at this time.

Goldendale residents Frank and Debra Helton expressed their concerns regarding a complaint filed against one of their neighbors due to excessive junk on the property. Mr. Helton noted that he was told by the Code Compliance Department that the County had no money and would not be doing anything.

Chairman Sauter assured Mr. and Mrs. Helton that the Code Compliance Department does follow through with abatements following the proper procedures, adding that he would speak with the Code Compliance Department and contact them with a follow up.

Hancock Timber representative Nate Putman encouraged the Board to consider appointing additional members to the Klickitat County Land and Natural Resources Advisory Committee.

The Board had a discussion concerning the function of the Klickitat County Land and Natural Resources Advisory Committee, with Chairman Sauter noting that he considers the committee a valuable brain trust which provides council to the Board on natural resource issues. The Board agreed.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Hearing: Consider an amendment to the Klickitat County Code Title 12.16.040 and Ordinance No. O102797-1 (Road Naming and Rural Addressing System)

Approved (M/Johnston, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously): Ordinance No. OØ224Ø9 in the matter of an ordinance amending section 12.16.040 of the Klickitat County Code and Ordinance No. O1Ø2797-1.

Chairman Sauter opened the public hearing, advising that the purpose of the hearing is to hear all interested parties who wish to testify for or against proposed amendments to the Klickitat County Code Title 12.16.040 and ordinance No. O1Ø2797-1 “Road Naming and Rural Addressing System”. He then requested a staff review.

County Mapping Technician Lori Anderson and GIS Coordinator Kim Gleason provided a review of the proposed amendments which directly relate to the road naming process.

Ms. Anderson advised that the primary reason for the proposed update is to eliminate duplicate road names and roads names with variations of existing road names which often cause delays in response time for emergency services and provides confusion with mail and parcel delivery.

Ms. Gleason noted that the proposed amendments will not affect existing road names, only new requests from this point forward.

Chairman Sauter opened the hearing to public testimony:

There was no one present wishing to testify for or against.

Chairman Sauter closed the public hearing to further public testimony and called for Board discussion.

Consent Agenda

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously): the Consent Agenda noting a correction to Item No. 3, Personnel Authorization to advertise to fill a Public Health Nurse position in the Public Health Department at Range 18, instead of 17.

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1) Resolution No. 02309 in the matter of authorizing the Code Compliance Officer to commence proceedings to cause the abatement of a nuisance on Parcels No. 04-17-0369-0029/00, 04-17-0369-0030/00, 04-17-0352-0010/00, 04-17-0352-0011/00, 04-17-0352-0012/00 & 04-17-0300-0004/00; Albert J. Exner & Partica R. Early owners.

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2) Resolution No. 02409 in the matter of appointing Jim Keightley of White Salmon, Washington to the Klickitat County Civil Service Commission to an unexpired six year term which expires December 31, 2011, effective February 24, 2009.

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3) Personnel Authorization to advertise to fill a Public Health Nurse position in the Public Health Department at Range 18, Step A-C, which will become vacant March 2, 2009.

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4) Alternative work schedule for Administrative Assistant II position within the Planning Department allowing a flexible work schedule to work five-8 hour days, Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM- 4:00 PM.

5) Scheduling the following public meetings to be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 1:30 PM:

· Consider acceptance of road right-of-way dedication (Lake County Road) and final approval, Short Plan No. SPL2008-43; Applicant: Eric Schmid.

· Consider approval of adjusting the lot lines of Lots 1 and 3, SPL2007-19, Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA2008-09; Applicant: Judy Gross.

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6) Resolution No. 02609 in the matter of authorizing Frances Kay Carr, Fair Board Treasurer, to request and direct the Klickitat County Treasurer to make investments of excess funds within the County Fair Fund #116 at such time, for such period and in such amounts as will best serve the interest of the County Fair Fund during the 2009 calendar year.

7) Scheduling a public meeting to be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 1:30 PM to consider alteration of Lot 4, SP99-23, Short Plat No. SPL2008-43; Applicant: Ed Coleman.

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8) Task Order No. 10 (C05009) to Watershed Plan Implementation Service Agreement (C09307) between Klickitat County (Natural Resources Department) and Aspect Consulting to assist the Central Klickitat Conservation District with stream gauging and data analysis to develop rating curves, and set up data management procedures for five stream gauges installed in the Little Klickitat River and Swale Creek. The total not to exceed budget for this task is $18,497, which will be paid by the Klickitat Conservation District through Intergovernmental Agreement (C21808) for the Implementation of the Water Resource Inventory Area 30 Watershed Management Plan, effective November 1, 2008 and ending October 15, 2009.

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9) Resolution No. 02709 in the matter of declaring one (1) 2004 Chevrolet Blazer, Serial No. 1GNDT13X94K146566 as surplus to be removed from the Solid Waste Department inventory to be disposed of through public sale or auction by the Klickitat County Treasurer.

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10) Annual Federal Certification for calendar year 2008 certifying federal forfeiture fund account balances, expenditures and revenues of Federal Equitable Sharing Program Sharing Funds (Sheriff’s Department) received through asset forfeiture.

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11) Amendment to Contract No. C24605 (C05109) between Klickitat County (Health Department) and Barbara Klinger, to increase performance hours by eight hours per week to include Prevention program budgetary oversight, spreadsheet development, Title XIX treatment program monitoring as transferred to County Coordinators from DASA administration in 2007-2009 biennium. The maximum compensation for work provided in calendar year, January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009 is $41,971.

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12) Contract Agreement (C05209) between the Klickitat School District and Klickitat County (Health Department) to provide compensation in the not to exceed amount of $2,675 for the High Ropes Program (Community Mobilization Against Substance Abuse Program) for elementary school children, effective from February 25, 2009 through June 30, 2009

13) Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling a public meeting to be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 1:30 PM to consider approval of adjusting the lot lines of Lot 49 BSP2003-01 and tax Lot 99 (Spearfish substation), BLA2008-12, BSP2008-01; Applicant: Klickitat PUD.

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14) Contract Agreement (C05309) between Klickitat County (Natural Resources Department) and Aspect Consulting to provide services to support implementation or amendment of the “Watershed Management Plan Rock-Glade Watershed, Water Resource Inventory Area 31 (WRIA 31), effective January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010. The agreement is a task-order contract with a not to exceed budget of $1,000,000.00; And Task Order No. 1 (C05409) between Klickitat County (Natural Resources Department) and Aspect Consulting to provide technical support for conducting the WRIA 31 Pre-Feasibility Storage Assessment, Effective February 1, 2009 and ending December 31, 2010. The Total not to exceed budget for this task is $153,000.00.

Elected Official Report/Update

Sheriff’s Department Update

Attendance: Sheriff Rick McComas and Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman.

Sheriff Rick McComas provided an update on the ABATE event, noting that bi-monthly meetings have continued to be positive, adding that law enforcement planning for the event will begin in March.

Sheriff McComas presented a letter of support for Crystal Dodge as the program coordinator from the Mid-Columbia Police Activities League Board of Directors for the Boards review and consideration.

Sheriff McComas requested time this week with the Board and Personnel Manager Post to continue the discussion concerning the Youth Coordinator position, due to a commitment that requires him to be out of the area for the next week and a half. Chairman Sauter advised that the Board’s Agenda was full for this week and the discussion would need to be schedule when Sheriff McComas returns.

The Board had a discussion concerning drug seizure property located in Wahkiacus, with Sheriff McComas stating that the property was been listed for sale with little interest shown, adding that he would like to consider it for use as a firearms range.

Chairman Sauter inquired if the firearms range was the Sheriff’s top priority for the use of the property. Sheriff McComas stated that he considered the firearms range his top priority over using the sale of the property to acquire a building in town for the use of the Sheriff’s Department for a planning, training and storage facility.

Following discussion, Sheriff McComas advised that Senator Honeyford had appropriated $20,000 for the purchase of equipment for a firing range, adding that he would like to move forward with the purchase of the equipment and the development of a proposal for the firearms range to present to the Board in the near future.

Commissioner Thayer reminded the Sheriff that the proposed firearms range would be required to go through the conditional use permitting process.

Sheriff McComas reported that a dangerous dog ordinance has been established in Goldendale, noting that he would like the county to take a proactive approach and he will be presenting a proposal for a County dangerous dog ordinance for the Board’s consideration in the future.

New Business

Approved (M/Johnston, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously): Resolution No. 02209 in the matter of temporary closure of Fisher Hill Road, County Road No. 13550 when continued use will damage the road, or will be dangerous to traffic, from Mile Post 16.16 to Mile Post 22.90 between Panakanic Road and Lakeside Road as a result of adverse weather conditions.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#186681 - 186782) for a total of $85,857.41.

There were no Payroll warrants requiring approval.

Adjournment (2:35 PM)

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until 10:30 AM on Thursday, February 26, 2009.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Thursday, February 26, 2009

Vice Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 10:30 AM. Commissioners present: Ray Thayer and Rex Johnston. Commissioner David Sauter was absent due to illness.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:30/12:00 - Discuss responses to a request for proposals for a hydrologic study; status of Roosevelt barge facility.

Attendance: Planning Director Curt Dreyer, Natural Resources Director Dave McClure and Public Health Director Kevin Barry.

Planning Director Curt Dreyer provided an overview of two consultants who had submitted responses to a request for proposals, to prepare a hydrologic study for the proposed Husum/BZ update; he outlined the similarities and differences between submittals by Aspect Consulting and PBS Engineering and Surveying. Natural Resources Director Dave McClure stated that the County and other agencies in the County have had extensive/satisfactory experience with Aspect and no experience with PBS Engineering.

Following discussion, the Board directed staff to contact the Department of Ecology and Skamania County in regard to satisfaction with PBS Engineering’s work. The Board may then decide whether to interview either consultant or to proceed to negotiation for contracting.

Planning Director Curt Dreyer provided an overview of the status of the Shoreline Substantial Development permit application submitted by Hawaii Waste Systems. Director Dreyer noted that the Planning Department is conducting SEPA consultation with state agencies until March 20^th.

Discussion turned to the length of time required to complete the permit process and potential for appeals, with Commissioner Thayer inquiring if there were alternatives, given the additional time that may be required due to appeals.

Following discussion, Director Dreyer advised that he will continue to apprise the Board of permitting issues.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at Noon.

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Reference Document on File