Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Chairman Rex F. Johnston 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, Assistant County Engineer Jeff Hunter, Planning Director Curt Dreyer and Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill.

The Board continued a previous discussion concerning an issue involving two (2) lots located in Wishram, with Public Works Director Gordon Kelsey providing a time line of the history of the lots and communications with the adjacent property owner, Ty Ross and County departments involved.

Following discussion, Planning Director Curt Dreyer explained that this is a platting and roadway vacation issue with two state statutes trying to be satisfied.

Commissioner Sauter noted that there is no issue with the County vacating the portion of the two (2) lots that is not needed for the right-of-way for the road.

Director Kelsey provided a brief review of three (3) bid opening and a public hearing concerning the Six Year Transportation Improvement Program and Consent Agenda items scheduled for Board consideration during the afternoon Agenda.

The Board had a discussion regarding the 2010 Construction Program and the Six Year Transportation Improvement Program, with Director Kelsey providing a break down of annual construction costs by region, by road fund and cumulative reserve dollars and landfill dollars spent on local 09 roads for the Construction Program, 2000 through 2010.

Director Kelsey provided a brief road maintenance update.

Director Kelsey advised the Board concerning an accident involving a west end employee driving a truck and trailer on alternate SR141 which occurred Friday afternoon, noting that the driver received a citation for driving to fast for the conditions.

Commissioner Thayer requested clarification on the proposed closure of the bathrooms at the Trout Lake Park, with Assistant County Engineer Jeff Hunter noting that the bathrooms will be closed and the water lines drained after the rifle Elk season has ended.

Auditor Brenda Sorensen: Department Update.

11:00 AM – Elected Officials Report

Attendance: Auditor Brenda Sorensen and Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman.

County Auditor Brenda Sorensen provided a department update beginning with Elections, noting that the General Election is quickly approaching and local voter guides should have been received by all households this past weekend.

Auditor Sorensen reported that the installation of the credit card program for the Licensing Department is scheduled for October 20^th.

Auditor Sorensen advised that once the inter-governmental agreement with Thurston County has been fully executed she will be meeting with Tyler to discuss replacement of the existing recording software.

The Board had a discussion concerning the failure of the Auditor’s office main printer, with Auditor Sorensen noting that the loaner printer from Technical Services is working great and requested to keep the loaner until a suitable replacement is found.

Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman:

Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman provided a brief General Fund and revenue update which was followed by Board discussion.

The Board had a discussion concerning the Copier Rental Proposal Agreement with Craig Office Supply, with Director Chipman advising that he has prepared a letter notifying Canon Financial Services of the County’s intent to not renew the lease agreement for Board consideration and signature.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:00 Noon.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, October 12, 2010

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

Agenda

Business Agenda

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

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approval of Meeting Minutes

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Approved (M/Sauter, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously): the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for September 28, 2010 and October 5, 2010 as presented.

Citizen Comment

Larry Jose of Oak Flat Road, Goldendale requested assistance regarding dangerous dogs in his neighborhood that have killed numerous domestic animals and wildlife. Mr. Jose noted that the Sheriff will do nothing to help and this is why the County should have an ordinance concerning these types of situations.

Commission Sauter advised that he would discuss the matter with the Code Compliance Officer and follow up with Mr. Jose.

Dallesport resident Raymond Clough stated that he had requested help from the Board concerning a zoning violation case against him beginning last January, noting that County employees and elected officials had not completed the paper work correctly and repeatedly intimidated county citizens, adding that one of the persons who signed the complaint against him was not a County land owner and inquired if the Board was going to investigate his allegations.

Commissioner Sauter noted that code and nuisance complainants are anonymous, adding that staff followed the proper procedures and had arrived at a different interpretation of the statutes than Mr. Clough, adding that the Court had noted that there were gray areas concerning the statute and ruled in Mr. Cloughs favor.

Chairman Johnston advised that he would investigate Mr. Clough’s allegations and follow up with him.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Bid Opening: for the Centerville Highway-Lyle Path Project CRP 275 which is improvement of 0.23 miles of Keasey Avenue by construction of a 5 foot wide sidewalk, traffic curb, curb and gutter, paving and storm water system and other work, all in accordance with the contract plans, provisions and specifications

Bids Forwarded (M/Thayer, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously): to the Public Works Department for their review and recommendation of thirteen (13) bids received for the Centerville Highway-Lyle Path Project CRP 275, Fed # STPE/STPR-2020(037). Engineer Estate: $237,910.00.

· Olivas Valdez Inc.

Woodland, Washington

$297,127.00

· Woodland Constructors Inc.

Woodland, Washington

$190,229.10

· Crestline Construction

The Dalles, Oregon

$223,113.00

· James Dean Construction

Glenwood, Washington

$228,920.70

· Graves & Associates LLC

White Salmon, Washington

$179,701.80

· Granite Northwest, Inc.

Watsonville, California

$240,240.00

· Colf Landscape Construction

Vancouver, Washington

$215,264.00

· Jim Smith Excavation

Oregon City, Oregon

$248,887.80

· Frank Construction Company

Portland, Oregon

$225,799.00

· JWC Construction

Vancouver, Washington

$190,969.50

· Thompson Brothers Excavating, Inc.

Vancouver, Washington

$229,529.25

· Nutter Corporation

Vancouver, Washington

$259,547.22

· Green Construction Inc.

Washougal, Washington

$194,516.13

Bid Opening: for the purchase of one 12’ wide by 20’ long x 9’ high complete and assembled radio equipment shelter and delivery to the site location in Bickleton, Washington in accordance with the plans, specification and all applicable codes.

Bids Forwarded (M/Sauter, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously): to the Public Works Department for their review and recommendation of three (3) bids received for the radio equipment shelter. Engineer Estate: $40,000.

· Thermo Bond

Elk Point, South Dakota

$37,671.00

· Shelter One

Grants Pass, Oregon

$40,500.00

· Modular Connections

Bessemer, Alabama

$46,619.00

Bid Opening: for improvement of 5.92 miles of Hale Road, CRP309, by widening, minor improvements to horizontal and vertical alignments, installing drainage, surfacing, fencing and other work, all in accordance with the contract plans, provisions and specifications.

Bids Forwarded (M/Thayer, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously): to the Public Works Department for their review and recommendation of eight (8) bids received for the Hale Road Project, CRP 309. Engineer Estate: $1,587,000.00.

· M & M Earthworks

Tigard, Oregon

$1,896,025.00

· Crestline Construction

The Dalles, Oregon

$1,385,043.00

· James Dean Construction

Glenwood, Washington

$1,189,869.10

· Granite Northwest, Inc.

Watsonville, California

$1,836,836.00

· Strider Construction, Inc.

Bellingham, Washington

$1,272,652.90

· Tapani Underground

Battle Ground, Washington

$1,072,129.16

· Thompson Brothers Excavating, Inc.

Vancouver, Washington

$ 997,084.45

· Nutter Corporation

Vancouver, Washington

$1,414,816.22

Public Hearing: Consider proposed revisions and extensions to be made to the Klickitat County Six Year Transportation Improvement Program for 2011-2016.

Continued (M/Sauter, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously): the public hearing until Monday, October 18, 2010 at 6:30 PM at the Pioneer Center in White Salmon to take additional public comment with regard to Six Year Transportation Improvement Program for 2011-2016.

Present: Public Works Director Gordon Kelsey, Public Works Finance Manager Susan Gregson, Assistant County Engineer Jeff Hunter and approximately eleven (11) members of the public.

Chairman Johnston opened the hearing and indicated the procedural sequence following which he requested a staff review.

Director Gordon Kelsey presented an overview of the proposed revisions and extensions to be made to the Six Year Transportation Improvement Plan, advising that the funding that the County provides each year is used primarily for matching funds to leverage state and federal grant funds. Director Kelsey noted that the Transportation Program has remained aggressive due to efforts to catch up a back log of projects.

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Director Kelsey noted that the Public Works Department had received written comments from the Gilliland’s representing several Trout Lake families in support of improvements to River Road; Goldendale area resident, Peter Hammett opposed to improving Saxton-Bane Road; And the Rising family, Goldendale area residents and business owners supporting improvements to Crafton Road.

Public Testimony:

Oak Flat Road residents Francis Atha, Larry Jose, David Rosinstiel, Jesse Garner and Richard Rhinebold provided testimony in support of the planned improvements to Saxton-Bane Road.

Kris Rising, Goldendale resident and business owner testified in support of improvements to Crafton Road.

Saxton-Bane Road residents Gwen Caldwell Bassetti and Peter Hammett spoke in opposition to straightening Saxton-Bane Road, noting that they were afraid the speed of traffic on the road would increase if the curves were removed.

Mike Little, representing several east end agricultural interests requested County consideration for improvements to Columbia Ridge Road, noting that it is a private road that is heavily used by employees, vendors and trucks supplying the wineries.

Consent Agenda

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

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1) Resolution No. 13810 in the matter of not authorizing the Code Compliance Officer to commence proceedings to cause the abatement of a nuisance on Parcel No. 02-13-1660-0110/00; Samuel E. & Kathy L Sprenger as the nuisance no longer exists.

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2) Resolution No. 13910 in the matter of authorizing the Code Compliance Officer to commence proceedings to cause the abatement of a nuisance on Parcel No. 06-19-1300-0017/00; Frederick A. & Bonnie J. Siegried.

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3) Scheduling Public meetings as follow:

· Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at 1:30 PM to consider approval of re-division to Lots 3 & 4, SP-94-16, Short Plat No. SPL2010-15; Applicants: Bruce and Peggy Davenport.

· Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at 1:30 PM to consider acceptance of road right-of-way, Hoctor Road, Short Plat No. SPL2010-14; Applicant: Joan Stone.

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4) Personnel Authorization to Hire to begin the advertising process to fill a vacant Public Health Educator position with either a Public Health Educator or Public Health Nurse position within the Public Health Department to be located at the Pioneer Center in White Salmon at Step 41 for the Public Health Educator position or Step 68 for the Public Health Nurse position. This position will become vacant October 26, 2010 and will be advertised as for either a Health Educator or Public Health Nurse, to maintain maximum flexibility in hiring.

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5) Agreement (C27210) between Klickitat County (Public Health Department) and Klickitat County Title Company for the purpose of supplying a Standard Owners Policy (title insurance) for a land exchange for a trail development between Halverson, a Goldendale land owner, and the Central Klickitat Park and Recreation District in consideration for a payment of $247.25.

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6) Contract (C27310) for Professional Engineering Services between Klickitat County and ADCOMM Engineering Company for the purpose of providing a scope of work for professional engineering services relating to the implementation of a communications system for Klickitat County. The overall radio system design and licensing has a cap of $230,000 for services. ADCOMM will develop a cost-effective design and provide competitive bid specifications for the buildings/towers, digital microwave, simulcast radio infrastructure, and labor installation. The scope of work that deals with the specific radio sites and the dispatch center will be farther defined through work orders authorized by the Radio Project Lead. The Period of this contract shall commence with full execution and shall end December 31, 2012.

7) Scheduling a public meeting to be held on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at 1:30 PM to consider approval of alteration of Lots 2 & 3, BLA2007-18, Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA2010-03; Applicant: Chuck Bryan.

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8) Goldendale High School Work-Site Learning Agreement (27410) between Klickitat County (Technical Services) and Casey Wilhite (Student) for the purpose of outlining the participants’ responsibilities which include the student trainee, parent/guardian, training supervisor/employer and the Goldendale High School coordinator, effective October 12, 2010; And Goldendale High School Work-Site Learning Agreement (C27510) between Klickitat County (Technical Services) and Kyle Darnielle (Student) for the purpose of outlining the participants’ responsibilities which include the student trainee, parent/guardian, training supervisor/employer and the Goldendale High School coordinator, effective October 12, 2010.

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9) Interagency Agreement (C27610) (M11-34002-120) between Klickitat County (Public Health Department) and the Washington State Department of Commerce, Community Services and Housing Division, Public Safety Unit, Community Mobilization Program for the purpose of providing $23,798.00 in grant funding for communities to reduce the incidence of substance abuse and violence for youth and families, effective July 1, 2010 and ending June 30, 2013.

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10) Amendment Agreement (C27710) No. 1 to Ecology Grant No. G1000063 between Klickitat County (Natural Resources Department) and the State of Washington Department of Ecology for the purpose of reducing the grant amount by $5,929.18 for Phase 4, State Share; corresponding local match is reduced by $659.00. The total grant amount under the amended agreement shall not exceed $94,070.82 State Share; corresponding local match is $10,452.00 for this grant contract period. The total project cost is $104,522.82 for the WRIA 31, Phase 4 Implementation. The period of performance for this amendment is effective July 1, 2010 and continues through June 30, 2011.

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11) Amendment Agreement (C27810) No. 2 to Ecology Grant No. G1000063 between Klickitat County (Natural Resources Department) and the State of Washington Department of Ecology for the purpose of increasing the grant amount by $100,000.00 for Phase 4, State Share; corresponding local match is $11,111.00; resulting in a total FY11 project cost of $111,111. The total grant amount under the amended agreement shall not exceed $194,070.82, State Share; corresponding local match is $21,563 for this grant contract period. The total project cost is $215,633.82 for the WRIA 31, Phase 4 Implementation. The period of performance for this amendment is effective July 1, 2010 and continues through June 30, 2011.

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12) Supplemental Agreement (C27910) No. 1 to Agreement (C25909) to provide on-call surveying and engineering services between Klickitat County (Public Works Department) and Skillings-Connolly, Inc. for the purpose of amending the time for beginning and completion from October 31, 2010 to March 31, 2011. All other provisions in the basic agreement remain in effect and unchanged.

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13) County Road Easement Agreement (C28010) between Klickitat County (Public Works Department) and the State of Washington Department of Natural Resources, Peter Goldmark, Commissioner of Public Lands for the purpose of granting a non-exclusive easement in gross for the sole purpose of construction, operation, use and maintenance of a public road over (Fisher Hill Road and Canyon Road) and across portions of Section 2, Township 4 North, Range 12 East more specifically described on that Record of Survey recorded in Klickitat County, Washington on September 16, 2010 in Volume 11, Page 622, and by this reference made a part hereof; provided, and may permit the installation of utilities specifically pertaining to electronic transmission lines, telephone lines or pipelines but for no other purposes in consideration for three thousand dollars ($3,000) through Land Use License 50-SE0919.

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14) Resolution No. 14010 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 24 hour cross-country event scheduled for October 30 and 31, 2010, with the costs of posting, advertising and signing to be paid by the event sponsor.

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15) Local Agency Federal Aid Project Prospectus between Klickitat County (Public Works Department) and the Washington State Department of Transportation for the purpose of providing $540,000.00 in Federal funds for the Klickitat County Loop Road Overlay Project, CRP 307. This project consists mainly of removing the failing existing asphalt surface, re-compacting subgrade and then placing a new Hot Mix Asphalt Overlay. The project will also include repairs to sidewalks, curbs and gutters, installation of a turn pocket at the school entrance and drainage repairs where needed.

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16) Local Agency Agreement (C28110) CFDA No. 20.205 between Klickitat County (Public Works Department) and the Washington State Department of Transportation for the purpose of obligating construction funding in the amount of $16,000.00 for the design phase of the Klickitat County Loop Road Overlay Project, CRP 307.

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17) Resolution No. 14110 in the matter of amending the fairgrounds use schedule for winter storage and rescinding Resolution No. 08595 and incorporating Exhibit “A” entitled “Authorization to Store Personal Property at Fairgrounds” as part of this resolution. The period of storage will be from October 15^th to April 1^st, if personal property is stored in the outdoor covered buildings, a charge of $150.00 is made; if stored in the enclosed secured building a charge of $240.00 is made. After April 1^st, there will be an additional $10.00 a day charge. Vehicles remaining after April 8^th will be towed at the owner’s expense.

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18) Rental Proposal Agreement (C28210) between Klickitat County and Craig Office Supply for Craig Office Supply to “buy out” the current copier equipment leases from Canon Financial Services and then offer Klickitat County the option to rent the said copiers at half the monthly lease/rental rates and to provide the option of “upgrading” any copier chosen by Klickitat County.

New Business

Request from Sheriff Rick McComas to consider approval of an Ordinance in the matter of increasing enhanced 911 tax on the use of switched, radio access and VoIP lines to the maximum allowable amount; And consider approval of an agreement for State Administration of County Enhanced 911 excise taxes between the State of Washington Department of Revenue and Klickitat County.

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously): Provisional Ordinance O1Ø121Ø In the matter of increasing enhanced 911 tax on the use of switched, radio access and VoIP lines to the maximum allowable amount and modifying Sections 3.29.025 and 3.29.065 and adding 3.29.095 to Chapter 3.29, titled “Telephone Excise Tax” of the Klickitat County Code. The rate of the tax imposed up until December 31, 2010 is fifty cents per line. The effective date of the tax herein imposed at a rate of seventy cents per line is January 1, 2011 and notice of the tax shall be provided by Klickitat County to all radio communications service companies, local exchanges companies, and companies providing interconnected voice over internet protocol service at least sixty days in advance of the date on which the first payment is due.

Prior to the motions, Undersheriff Jolene Kallio advised that this request has been prepared for the purpose of satisfying the October 15, 2010 deadline with the State Department of Revenue and is intended to act as the approved Ordinance from October 15, 2010 until October 19, 2010, at which time a public hearing will take place. If, after public comment on October 19, 2010, the Board chooses to decline to adopt the Ordinance, this Provisional Ordinance shall become null and void.

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously): Agreement (C28310) between Klickitat County and the State of Washington Department of Revenue for the purpose of the administration and collection of the county enhanced 911 excise taxes imposed by ordinance, effective January 1, 2011.

Ty Ross: Wishram area lot line adjustment/easement right-of-way issue.

Attendance: Stuart Chisholm from Pioneer Engineering, Ty Ross, Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill, Public Works Director Gordon Kelsey, Assistant County Engineer Jeff Hunter, Planning Director Curt Dreyer and Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman.

The Board continued a previous discussion concerning an issue involving two (2) lots located in Wishram, with Klickitat County resident and property owner, Ty Ross and Stuart Chisholm from Pioneer Engineering presenting possible options to be able to divide one (1) lot with a house and garage from a larger parcel as well as maintain right-of-way for the adjacent county road.

Following discussion, the general consensus of the Board was supportive of the vacation of the unused portions for the County right-of-way on lots 1 and 2, with Planning Director Curt Dreyer noting that a non conforming use permit may be required for the garage which is encroaching on the County right-of-way.

Following further discussion, Ty Ross expressed satisfaction with the options offered by the Public Works and Planning Departments, with Planning Director Dreyer advising that a public hearing will be required for the replat and vacation of the unused portions of lots 1 and 2.

Elected Official Report/Update

Prosecutor’s Update

Prosecuting Attorney Tim O’Neill provided a brief department update, noting that a recent Superior Court ruling concerning metadata (hidden informational codes within e-mails) are subject to the Public Records Act and recommended that the County consider establishing a Public Records Department.

Executive Session: Pending and Potential Litigation

The Board convened into Executive Session at 3:15 PM with Prosecuting Attorney Tim O’Neill in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(l)(i) to discuss potential and pending litigation. It was noted that the executive session would last for five (5) minutes.

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

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#205014 - 205168) for a net of $160,770.96.

Combined Payroll: (#118772 – 119050, County Benefit Warrants #205003 - 205013, Electronic Transfer #524) $548,871.58.

For a combined total of $709,642.54 for the date ending October 11, 2010.

Board Pending

Discussion: Mid-Columbia Housing Authority Affordable Funding Assistance request for the Roosevelt Pueblo Del Rio housing project.

Granted (M/Sauter, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously): Funding assistance request from the Mid-Columbia Housing Authority for $14,960.64 for the Roosevelt Pueblo Del Rio Housing Project.

Prior to the motion the Board had a discussion concerning the unexpected and unusual circumstances that created a shortfall in 2009.

Adjournment (3:30 PM)

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously): There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until 11:30 PM on Thursday, October 14, 2010.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Thursday, October 14, 2010

Chairman Rex F. Johnston reconvened the meeting at 11:30 PM. Commissioners present: Ray Thayer, Rex Johnston and David Sauter.

Workshop Session Agenda

11:30/12:00 - Building and Code Compliance Director Skip Grimes and Code Compliance Officer Joyce DeVries: Nuisance Abatement.

Building and Code Compliance Director Skip Grimes presented a nuisance abatement case involving county alley 15390; Klickitat County Public Works.

Following discussion, Director Grimes noted that the property does not appear to be in need of cleanup and recommended that no abatement of this property be done, with the Board concurring and directing staff to prepare the necessary resolution.

Building and Code Compliance Director Skip Grimes presented a nuisance abatement case involving property located at the south end of Garrett and Hill Streets in Klickitat, Parcel No. 04-13-2260-0009/00; Technology Properties.

Following discussion, Director Grimes noted that the property does not appear to be in need of cleanup and recommended that no abatement of this property be done, with the Board concurring and directing staff to prepare the necessary resolution.

12:00 Lunch

1:00/5:00 Budget Workshops

The Board convened into scheduled budget workshops with Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman and various elected officials and department heads.

Adjournment (4:40 PM)

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until Monday, October 18, 2010 at 6:30 PM in White Salmon.

Revisement and Extension of the Six Year Transportation Improvement Program for 2011-2016

Public Hearing-Continued

Revisement and Extension of the Six Year Transportation Improvement Program for 2011-2016 (White Salmon)

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Commissioners present: Chairman Rex Johnston, Commissioner Ray Thayer and Commissioner David Sauter.

Staff Present: Public Works Director Gordon Kelsey, Assistant County Engineer Jeff Hunter, and Clerk of the Board Cris McEwen.

Approximately twenty five members of the public were present.

Chairman Johnston advised that the purpose of the hearing is to take further public testimony with respect to the proposed revision and extension of the Klickitat County Six Year Road Transportation Improvement Program for plan years 2011-2016; noting this is a continuation of the public hearing which was held in Goldendale on Tuesday, October 12, 2010.

Public Works Director Gordon Kelsey provided a brief overview for those present by explaining the funding sources for the road construction plan as well the requirement by the State to review the transportation plan on an annual basis. Director Kelsey stated that the Six Year Transportation Improvement Plan is intended to serve as a planning tool for the county’s construction program; noting roads must be on the six year plan in order to be constructed and/or improved as well as for eligibility to receive available state and federal dollars.

Director Kelsey noted comments have been received from Terry and Hallie Bradley as well as a letter from Don Struck on behalf of Supporters of Oak Ridge Road favoring the planned improvements.

Chairman Johnston opened the hearing for the receipt of public comment.

It is noted that the comments are in a brief summary format only.

Thomas Woodward, 50 Postgren Road, offered that he owns an orchard off of Postgren Road and is not in favor of widening or paving of Oak Ridge Road.

Dennis White, 367 Oak Ridge Road, stated that he owns and operates a certified organic orchard off of Oak Ridge Road having lived there for 31 years; noting the only downside to the condition of the road is the summer dust. Mr. White advised that he is not in favor of improvements to Oak Ridge Road. Mr. White stated he is unaware of any major accidents having occurred on Oak Ridge Road; noting it has aesthetic value and is a safe road with a low volume of traffic. As a compromise Mr. White proposed that paving be placed on hold until a future time when and if conditions such as increased traffic should warrant it.

Don Struck, 145 Lyons Road landowner and homeowner testified in favor of improvements to Oak Ridge Road; further advising that it has been on the six year road improvement plan for nearly 12 years. Although he does appreciate that some folks may want to keep the road as it is; he noted that it has been one of the top three priorities for improvements in that area for a variety of safety concerns along with Bristol Road and Spring Creek Road, both of which have been improved.

Nate Putnam, Glenwood resident, speaking on a personal basis as well as on behalf of Hancock Forest Management, offered his appreciation to the County for completing the scheduled work on Fisher Hill Road. Mr. Putnam recognized the budget constraints, however encouraged placement of the last segment on the northern end of Fisher Hill on the six year plan. Mr. Putnam stated that the community of Glenwood is challenged to survive; needing families to move into the area, noting Fisher Hill would allow a through route for those families to access family wage jobs. Additionally, Mr. Putnam offered his support to do some maintenance work with widening of key areas on Meyers Grade as well as supports proposed improvements to Lakeside Road.

Jan Muir, 191 Oak Ridge Road, also speaking on behalf of her husband, stated she is opposed to paving of Oak Ridge Road as it will bring more development expressing concerns with increased traffic between Glenwood and Husum.

A. Burnett, 525 Sleepy Hollow Road, questioned why Sleepy Hollow Road only gets graded twice a year as well as why can’t county safety improvement dollars be spent on this road. Mr. Burnett inquired why Sleepy Hollow was not paved as was once proposed.

Pat Tomlin, area landowner, offered his support for paving of Oak Ridge Road; noting both he and his wife own four (4) parcels each in this area. Mr. Tomlin stated that while he agrees with a lot of what Mr. White stated development is imminent.

Frank Backus, SDS Lumber Co. representative offered his appreciation to the County for all of the upgrades which have been done and offered support to bring the road improvement projects up to winter standards to accommodate winter logging and heavy truck use. Mr. Backus stated the he is in favor of improvements to Oak Ridge Road which is a critical link for people above Oak Ridge to get to the hospital, etc.

Mr. Backus advised that there is a need to address the use of county roads by bicycle groups and in particular relative to SR 141 and the Glenwood Road; further volunteering to serve on a committee to address these issues should one be formed.

Gerald Stockwell, 70 Postgren Road, testified that he is in favor of improvements to Oak Ridge Road which he feels is a dangerous road. Mr. Stockwell stated he is aware of at least 3 school bus accidents, 4 auto accidents and two 2 overturned truck accidents that have occurred on this road which sees use by school buses, garbage trucks and all delivery trucks. Mr. Stockwell commented that the road needs to be improved beyond a “pristine” road as the area is developing which brings additional population and increased traffic.

Mike Sandlin, representing Mt. Adams Orchards, stated is he not violently opposed to paving of Oak Ridge Road but is not in favor of it. Mr. Sandlin noted he was under the impression the entire length was to be paved which he has now learned is not the case. Mr. Sandlin advised that he resides on the northern end of the road which is paved and has experienced an increase in speeds traveled.

Mr. Sandlin offered support for consideration of improvements to Columbia Ridge Road in the Alderdale area which experiences a significant amount of transporting of agricultural products.

Jan Palmer, White Salmon resident and member of the Healthy People Alliance, requested consideration for bike lanes, pullouts to stop and walking paths as part of planning throughout the county, noting roads are important to the health and livability of the county and its residents.

Peter Hammett, 945 Saxton Bane Road, advised that he is opposed to paving Saxton-Bane Road in the Goldendale vicinity.

Bonnie White, 367 Oak Ridge Road, commented that she is opposed to paving of Oak Ridge Road. Ms. White questioned the reason for paving; offering that her priority would be to fund law enforcement and/or senior services rather than spend $1.4 mil to pave this road; adding it is a road to no where. Ms. White stated that paving would increase the road maintenance costs in the winter months; further believing it would be a misappropriation of county funds. Ms. White stated that most of the people at this hearing do not live on Oak Ridge Road and paving of the 1.7 mile section would benefit no one other then developers. Ms. White presented a petition signed by fourteen (14) individuals opposed to paving of Oak Ridge Road.

Responding to an earlier question from Mr. Burnett, Commissioner Thayer stated that Sleepy Hollow Road was taken off of the six year program as the result of a large contingent of residents opposed to the improvements.

There be no further public testimony Chairman Johnston closed the public hearing to further public testimony; noting the plan will be adopted prior to the end of the year.

An audio recording has been made of this hearing and is made a part of the official record.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:50 PM.

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Reference Document on File