Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, July 28, 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 Gordon Kelsey provided a brief review of Consent Agenda items, payment approvals and release of retainage on the Board’s Agenda for consideration.

Director Kelsey reported on the 2009 Construction Program, providing updates on the Fisher Hill Road project, Horseshoe Bend Road construction, the Rock Creek Bridge project, the Old Jail Remodel, and the fairgrounds wash rack project.

Director Kelsey reported on maintenance road projects and fairgrounds special events scheduled for July, noting that a retirement party for Buildings and Grounds Manager John Ihrig is scheduled for July 31^st and a potluck is scheduled for this Thursday afternoon at the Public Works building in honor of John’s retirement.

Director Kelsey requested and received Board approval to Add-on a Personnel Authorization for the emergency temporary hire of a custodial/grounds operation specialist under New Business for the Board’s consideration later in the afternoon.

The Board had a discussion concerning the possibility of contracting out custodial services, with Director Kelsey advising that he has received one rough quote and will be interviewing additional contractors and will report back to the Board for further discussion.

Commissioner Thayer advised that he had received compliments on the patching work the Goldendale crews are doing on the Bickleton Highway. Commissioner Thayer noted that there is a WSDOT road construction sign on Hoctor Road that is blocking the stop sign at Highway 97 and requested that Director Kelsey check it out.

Commissioner Thayer reported that the Airport Business Park Interview Committee selected an engineering company to be the consultant for the airport business park project and suggested that Assistant County Engineer Hunter or Director Kelsey facilitate the contract negotiations.

Following the Public Works Department update the Board toured the Old Jail remodel project.

11:00 AM – Personnel Manager Randi Post: Personnel Department Update

Attendance: Personnel Manager Randi Post, Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman, Benefit Consultants Inc. representatives Steve Beyer, Dick Smith and Georgia Donnelly and members of the Benefits Committee: Dani Burton, Pam Pimley, Roy Goff, Steve Nygaard, Lori Johnston and Cristi Koffler .

Benefit Consultants Inc. representative Dick Smith presented an overview report on the status of the County’s insurance carriers and proposed rate increases, which was followed by discussion.

Personnel Manager Randi Post provided a Personnel Division Department update which included a review of the job classification study progress, a report on committee activities for the Safety Committee, Labor/Management Committee, Wellness Committee and the Benefit Committee. Ms. Post noted that a resolution to approve the Benefit Committee members is on the Board’s Consent Agenda for consideration this afternoon.

Manager Post presented draft summary notes of program planning for the Wellness Committee, draft Wellness Committee Bylaws and a draft resolution in the matter of the approval of the formation and bylaws of the Wellness Program for the Board’s review and consideration.

Executive Session – Personnel Performance of a Public Employee

The Board convened into Executive Session at 11:57 AM with Personnel Manager Randi Post and Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) to discuss the performance of a public employee. It was noted that the session would last for 3 minutes. At 12:00 it was announced that the session would be extended for another 5 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 12:05 PM.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:05 PM.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, July 28, 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: Personnel Authorization for the emergency temporary hire to fill the vacant Custodial/Grounds Operation Specialist position.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approval of Meeting Minutes

There were no Commissioner Meeting Minutes requiring approval at this time.

Citizen Comment

The Board had a discussion concerning County Treasurer Dani Burton’s inquiry regarding an outstanding Manatron maintenance invoice, with the Board advising that they would look into the matter.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Hearing: Consider an abatement assessment which may constitute a special assessment against and a lien upon the property or a personal obligation of Walter Sexton, Jr. #03-13-2800-0007/00.

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously): Resolution No. 09309 in the matter of an abatement assessment which shall constitute a special assessment against the property of Walter Sexton, Jr. Parcel No. 03-13-2800-0007/00 in the amount of $11,904.86.

Prior to the motion the hearing was opened by Chairman Sauter, who then asked for disclosure with no ex parte contacts or any potential conflicts of interest reported.

Building & Compliance Director Skip Grimes then presented a staff review in which he stated that the Board had authorized abatement of this property by approval of Resolution No. 14107 and a contractor was chose by established procedure. He added that the abatement was accomplished in a satisfactory manner and the contractor has been paid. He stated that the Board has either the choice of approving a special assessment against the property of Mr. Sexton, or approving a personal obligation. Director Grimes recommended the former option.

Chairman Sauter opened the public hearing for the purpose of receiving public comment and/or testimony. For the record Chairman Sauter noted that no one was present wishing to provided comment or testimony.

Chairman Sauter closed the public hearing and called for Board discussion. Following the discussion, Chairman Sauter called for a motion.

New Business

Building and Code Compliance Director Skip Grimes and Code Compliance Office Joyce DeVries: Nuisance Abatement.

Attendance: Building and Code Compliance Director Skip Grimes and Code Compliance Officer Joyce DeVries.

Building and Code Compliance Director Skip Grimes presented a nuisance abatement case involving property located at 217 Main Street in Wishram, Parcel No. 02-15-1754-0571/00; Betty Jones Neal.

Director Grimes noted that this case was taken out of order due to the public health and safety issues that the severely damaged structure presents.

Following discussion, the Board directed staff to prepare the necessary resolution authorizing the commencement of nuisance abatement proceedings.

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously): Personnel Authorization for the emergency temporary hire to fill the vacant Custodial/Grounds Operation Specialist position with in the Buildings and Grounds Department at Range 9, Step A-C, from July 28, 2009 to October 31, 2009.

Miscellaneous Reports/Comments

Columbia Land Trust: Klickitat Haul Road project update

Attendance: Columbia Land Trust representatives, Stewardship Manager Ian Sinks, Land Protection Manager Cherie Kearney and Will Conley, Habitat Restoration Specialist for the Yakama Nation, Planning Director Curt Dreyer, Natural Resources Director Dave McClure and Natural Resources Program Coordinator Dan McCarty.

Columbia Land Trust (CLT) Stewardship Manager Ian Sinks provided an update on Columbia Land Trust’s Klickitat Haul Road project, noting that their intent is to remove pavement from out of the flood plain and where the road is failing leaving the sub-grade and to restore salmon habitat where possible. Mr. Sinks stated that the road is changing for habitat development not to bar the public from use.

Commissioner Thayer suggested that CLT consider holding a public meeting in Klickitat to receive input from the public. Land Protection Manager Cherie Kearney advised that CLT would hold a public meeting, adding that they are interested in hearing from members of the public that use the road for recreation.

Natural Resources Director Dave McClure noted that emergency access has been a concern for area residents and inquired if CLT had talked with the Fire District. Director McClure noted that the road removal had been a passive effort, now it seems to be a more aggressive issue and suggested that CLT consider updating the Klickitat CRC (Citizens Review Committee).

Consent Agenda

Approved (M/Johnston, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Consent Agenda.

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1) Grant Agreement (C21109) between Klickitat County Prosecutor’s Office and CTED (Community, Trade and Economic Development), Office of Crime Victims Advocacy, Community Services Division to provide funding in the not to exceed amount of $36,726 to support Victim/Witness Assistance program activities, effective July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010.

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2) Resolution No. 09409 in the matter of decreasing the FTE of a Registered Nurse position in the Public Health Department from 0.8 to 0.6 FTE, effective August 1, 2009.

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3) Resolution No. 09509 in the matter of reviewing and correcting original step placement of Public Health Department, Health Educator, Meghann Dallin by raising her current step placement by one (1) additional step to acknowledge her Master’s Degree brought to the position which has benefited the County, effective June 16, 2009.

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4) Amendment (C21209) to Contract Agreement (C24605) between Klickitat County (Public Health Department) and Barbara Klinger for the purpose of assuming the responsibilities of the Substance Abuse Prevention Program Coordinator position, effective July 1, 2009. Total monthly increase to existing contract: $1,678 for a revised maximum compensation for work provided in calendar year January 1 through December 31, 2009: $52,044.00.

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5) County Program Agreement (C21309) (DSHS 0963-65957) between Klickitat County (Public Health Department) and the State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to provide Early Family Support Services through public health nurse home visits to low-risk child abuse cases by referral from Child Protective Services, effective July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 with total compensation of $12,000.00.

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6) Agreement (C21409) for Digital Data Sharing between Klickitat County and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for specific digital data compiled by the Public Works Department in an Arc View “shape” file format, effective July 28, 2009.

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7) Professional Services/Consultant Agreement (C21509) between Klickitat County and Outside Edge, Inc. to conduct one (1) three-day process improvement training class known as Zoom. The contract is effective July 28, 2009 through December 31, 2009 and reimbursement shall be based on billings and shall not exceed the sum of $14,500.

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8) Right-of-way Administrative Offer Summary for the Dot Road Cattle Underpass Project, CRP 283, to begin the right-of-way acquisition negotiations; Landowner: Ted R. Miller, Parcel # 04-20-0800-0002/00.

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9) Amendment No. 1 (21609) to Project Agreement No. (09-151N) between Klickitat County (Natural Resources Department) and the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office to add the correct project deliverables for Lead Entity operations for salmon recovery within Klickitat County, effective July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2011.

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10) Resolution No. 09609 in the matter of appointing the following members to the 2009 Klickitat County Benefit Committee for terms beginning August 1, 2009 and expiring December 31, 2009: Dani Burton, Pam Pimley, Rob Goff, Steve Nygaard, Joe Riggers, Lori Johnston and Cristi Koffler.

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11) Request from the Technical Services Division for approval to post a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a County Permitting package.

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12) Professional Services Agreement (21709) between Klickitat County (Public Health Department) and Lauren Fein to provide professional public health chronic disease prevention services. Contractor shall be compensated at an hourly rate of $11.50 for a maximum of 200 hours, effective upon signature of all parties through August 27, 2009.

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13) County Program Agreement (C21809) for the Foster Care Public Health, Nurse Services Program between the Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Children and Family Services, Agreement No. 0963-66916 and Klickitat County (Public Health Department) to provide health screening for each child going into foster care for a maximum program agreement amount of $15,000.00, effective July 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009.

Elected Official Report/Update

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

Executive Session – Potential and Pending Litigation

The Board convened into Executive Session at 2:36 PM with Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill, Special Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Steve DiJulio and Susan Drummond (via teleconference), Planning Director Curt Dreyer and Senior Planner Mo-chi Lindblad in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) to discuss potential and pending litigation. It was noted that the session would last for 35 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 3:11 PM.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#191704 - 191840; DOR Electronic Transfer $477) for a total of $522,676.01.

There were no Payroll warrants requiring approval.

Road Department Payments

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously): Pay estimate to payment No. 1 to Tapani Underground, Inc., in the amount of $360,191.72 for the Fisher Hill Road Project (CRP 250). No Retainage is being held as Tapani Underground, Inc. has posted a Retainage Bond.

Release of Retainage Payment

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously): Release of retainage payment to D-Reed Construction of Lewiston, ID in the amount of $3,534.07 for the Fairgrounds Wash Rack Concrete Project KF9-3-CI008.

Board Pending

Authorized (M/Johnston, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously): Chairman’s signature for Water River Inventory Area 30 (WRIA 30) grant application to be submitted to the Washington State Department of Ecology and authorizing Natural Resources Director Dave McClure’s signature for WRIA 31 grant application to be submitted to the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Director McClure advised that the proposed grant for WRIA 30 will provide $110,000 in funding to continue ground water monitoring in Swale Creek Basin and expand the water well monitoring network across High Prairie to the Klickitat River, as well as to establish ground water level monitoring networks in the Dallesport and Fisher Hill areas. Director McClure noted that monitoring ground water and assessing water availability in these sub-basins is a priority in the WRIA 30 watershed management plan.

Director McClure stated that the other grant application will provide $60,000 in funding to develop a water quality improvement plan for the Rock Creek Basin and possibly to other streams in WRIA 31. Director McClure noted that developing the water quality improvement plan for Rock Creek is a priority in the WRIA 31 watershed management plan.

Renewable Northwest Project, Deputy Director John Audley stated for the record he wanted to thank consultant Miland Walling for his efforts to extend the tax exemption bill for wind energy projects and presented Mr. Walling with a pen Governor Gregoire used to sign the bill.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 3:25 PM.

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Reference Document on File