Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, August 16, 2011

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: Assistant County Engineer Jeff Hunter.

Assistant County Engineer Jeff Hunter provided a department update, reviewing Consent Agenda items and providing a 2011 Construction Program project update, road maintenance project update and an overview of upcoming facilities upgrades and events.

Assistant County Engineer Hunter requested and received verbal approval from the Board to hire two (2) temporary flaggers for a four to six week period to complete road maintenance projects on the east side of the County and on Leidl grade.

Mr. Hunter advised that the Public Works Department has been working with the Underwood Conservation District (UCD) to replace the existing culverts on Indian Creek Road with a system that will allow fish passage, noting that UCD may have grant funding resources that will be able to provide the same type of system for the Oak Ridge Road project.

Mr. Hunter provided facility security upgrade estimates for the Board’s consideration and advised that Public Works will be preparing an updated capital and non-capital project list for a future discussion concerning possible funds that may be available at the Board’s discretion for security upgrades.

Economic Development Director Mike Canon: Department Update

10:40 AM – Economic Development Department Update

Attendance: Economic Development Director Mike Canon, Business Retention Specialist Denny Newell and Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman.

Economic Development Director Mike Canon gave a department update and briefly discussed the following:

· The draft agenda for the September 8^th Klickitat County Public Economic Development Authority (KCPEDA) meeting.

· KCPEDA grant program and changes for 2012.

· Economic Development budget preparations.

· 2012 Community development block grant hearings for Murdock Water Improvements and the Klickitat Community Center.

· Possible State funds for Aerospace training to be offered at Washington’s community colleges.

Treasurer Dani Burton and Consultant Susan Musselman: Radio project potential financing options

11:10 AM - Elected Official Update/Comment

Attendance: County Treasurer Dani Burton, Consultant Susan Musselman and Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman. Also present in the audience were Sheriff Rick McComas, Undersheriff Jolene Kallio, Economic Development Director Mike Canon and Business Retention Specialist Denny Newell.

Treasurer Burton and Consultant Musselman presented financing options for the radio project for the Board’s consideration. Consultant Musselman noted that once the Board decides to pursue a financing option it is usually a sixty (60) day process for the issuance of a bond.

Consultant Musselman requested and received a more detailed timeline for the project with the Board noting that expectations are that the towers and the dispatch center will be completed by September/October 2012.

Following a question and answer period Consultant Musselman advised the Board to wait until 2012 to begin the financing process for the project, noting that with the Federal Reserve’s recent announcement and defined time frame, interest rates are expected to remain low through the end of 2013.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:00 Noon.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, August 16, 2011

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

Agenda

Business Agenda

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

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approval of Meeting Minutes

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Approved (M/Thayer, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously): the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for August 9, 2011 as presented. Commissioner Sauter abstained due to being absent for the meeting.

Citizen Comment

No one was present to offer citizen comment.

Miscellaneous Reports/Comments

Rinna McHuge, Mike Copenhefer, Bickleton Community Council members, John Grim, Project Engineer, PUD Commission Representative: Bickleton Water System project update

Attendance: Bickleton Community Council members: Mike Copenhefer, Rinna McHuge, and Jennifer Wilson, PUD Commission representatives: John Grim, Project Engineer and Ron Ihrig, Director of Operations & Generation and County Staff: Natural Resources Director Dave McClure, Public Health Director Kevin Barry, Environmental Health Director Jeff Martin, Senior Planner Mo-chi Lindblad, Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman, Economic Development Director Mike Canon and Business Retention Specialist Denny Newell.

Bickleton Community Council members: Mike Copenhefer, Rinna McHuge, and Jennifer Wilson provided a progress report regarding the community’s efforts to create a new public water system to serve all the residents of Bickleton. It was explained that the project is necessary because of nitrate contamination of the groundwater caused by septic tank effluent

Project Engineer John Grim provided an overview of the proposed water system, noting that nitrate in drinking water can cause serious health problems. Mr. Grim stated that the State Department of Health, the County Health Department and the Department of Ecology all support the project. A discussion and a question and answer period followed.

Following discussion, Mr. Grim stated that the Community of Bickleton is requesting $500,000.00 in funding assistance from the Landfill Gas Improvement Fund to be applied to the proposed $1.1 million water system plan which will also help to leverage a grant/loan from the USDA Rural Utility Service. The water system project would not be affordable to customers or realistic without a Landfill Gas Improvement Fund grant.

PUD Director of Operations & Generation, Ron Ihrig stated that the PUD Commissioners have said that they would be happy to accept the water system once funding and a commitment from the community are in place.

Following further discussion, the Board noted that they felt that the case was well made and advised that the Landfill Gas Improvements Fund Committee would have the final consideration and make a recommendation concerning the funding request.

Consent Agenda

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously): the Consent Agenda with Item #10 being pulled at the request of the Public Work’s Department.

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1) Request for variance to the annual burn ban as requested by Hancock Forest Management for their 15^th annual “pig roast” to be held at their office at Camp Draper, Glenwood, Washington, effective from 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 8, 2011 to 5:00 PM on Friday, September 9, 2011.

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2) Purchase Authorization to allow the Sheriff’s Department to purchase one (1) 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Vehicle through the State Bid/Contract process from Financial Consultants International, Inc. for a purchase price not to exceed $15,000 plus applicable sales tax, licensing and registration fees from the Sheriff’s Department Marine Fund #108.

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3) Amendment No. 1 (C18111) to EDA Interlocal Agreement (C06411) between Klickitat County (Economic Development Department) and Klickitat School District #402 for the purpose of extending the completion date to June 30, 2012 and amending the Scope of Work to acknowledge that Klickitat School District #402 is engaged in a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded feasibility project (phase 1) and this agreement provides funding for the phase 2 activities. All other terms and conditions of the original agreement remain in full force and effect.

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4) Personnel Authorization to pay outside the base rate and authorizing placement at Grade 37, Step J(10), of the 2011 County pay plan schedule for Tracy Hoctor, Felony Secretary/Legal Administrative Assistant III, which reflects 20 years of experience. This position within the Prosecutor’s Office is a full time position authorized at 40 hours per week.

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5) Request for variance to the annual burn ban as requested by Nancy White, 40 Rocky Road (off of Stoller Road), Trout Lake, Washington all within Klickitat County Fire Protection District No. 1 to allow a small screened fire located in a below ground pit for a religious ceremony on Saturday, August 20, 2011.

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6) Resolution No. 10611 in the matter of setting a public hearing to be held Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 1:30 PM to consider a supplemental budget and amendments for the 2011 budget for various funds and departments in the sum of $622,976.

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7) Purchase Authorization allowing the Public Health Department to purchase an Adobe CS5.5 Design Premium Upgrade from the Washington State Department of Information Services through the Klickitat County Technical Services Division at a total cost of $833.37 which includes applicable tax.

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8) Washington State Military Department Contract E10-180 SHSP’09-PSC, Amendment D (C18211) between Klickitat County (Emergency Management) and Franklin County Emergency Management for the purpose of de-obligating $6,000 from the current contract, reducing the planning pass thru line item to $44,000.

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9) Contract E10-181, Amendment B (C18311) between Klickitat County (Emergency Management) and the Washington State Military Department, Emergency Management Division for the purpose of increasing the contract amount by $6,000 for a revised total of $53,918 for the purchase of equipment.

10) (Pulled) Resolution in the matter of temporary closure of NW Loop Road, Country Road No. 10540 to be closed during the reconstruction project from 8:30 AM on September 2, 2011 to 6:00 AM, September 6, 2011 allowing access to the contractor, local residents and emergency vehicles.

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11) Water Supply Agreement (C18411) between the City of The Dalles, Oregon, Klickitat County, Washington and the Dallesport Water District for the acquisition of water system assets serving the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport and approving water service to the Airport. The term of this Agreement will continue in effect for ninety-nine (99) years from the date hereof, subject to the agreement being mutually modified, or terminated by mutual written agreement by all parties on such terms as they determine are appropriate, except as may otherwise be provided in this agreement.

New Business

Roger Holen, Mid-Columbia Habitat For Humanity: Affordable housing funding assistance request and project update

Attendance: Mid-Columbia Habitat for Humanity President Roger Holen and Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman.

Mid Columbia Habitat for Humanity President Roger Holen provided a project update concerning two low-income housing projects recently completed in Klickitat County. Mr. Holen advised that Habitat is now looking at building a third house which would be the second in Lyle with completion scheduled for sometime next spring and request Board consideration for funding assistance in the amount of $25,000.00 for 2011 and $25,000 for 2012.

Following discussion, the general consensus of the Board was supportive of Mr. Holen’s request, with Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman suggesting Board consideration to amend the motion approving the Consent Agenda and amend item # 6 to reflect the $25,000.00 increase in the Affordable Housing Fund #133 for the 2011 budget. The Board agreed.

Executive Secretary McEwen advised that after the September 6^th public hearing to consider the supplemental budget and amendments she would prepare a funding assistance agreement for Board consideration.

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously): Amendment to the motion approving the Consent Agenda, by amending item #6 setting a public hearing to consider a supplemental budget and amendments for the 2011 budget by increasing the Affordable Housing Fund #133 by $25,000, increasing the total sum for the supplemental budget to $622,976.00.

Elected Official Report/Update

Prosecuting Attorney’s Update

Prosecuting Attorney Lori Hoctor noted she had no items of a general nature for discussion in open session.

Executive Session: Pending Litigation

The Board convened into Executive Session at 2:30 PM with Prosecuting Attorney Lori Hoctor and Senior Planner Mo-chi Lindblad in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) to discuss pending litigation. It was noted that the session would last for fifteen (15) minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 2:45 PM.

The Board held a brief discussion regarding allowing a dental services provider to offer services to Medicaid eligible clients at the Pioneer Center Health Department Office, with Health Director Kevin Barry advising that there are no dentists on the west end of the country that provide this type of service and it would be very beneficial to eligible residents in the area.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#214142 – 214289) for a total of $189,593.24 for the date ending August 15, 2011.

There were no Payroll warrants requiring approval.

Adjournment (3:07 PM)

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously): There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until 1:15 PM on Thursday, August 18, 2011 for scheduled workshops.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Thursday, August 18, 2011

Chairman Rex F. Johnston reconvened the meeting at 1:15 PM. Commissioners present: Ray Thayer, Rex Johnston and David Sauter.

Workshop Session Agenda

1:15/2:00 - Cheryl Steindorf, representative from the Klickitat Community: Update on the progress and plans with regard to the Caboose project

Representatives from the Klickitat Historical Preservationists and the community of Klickitat provided a project update and request for assistance to move the caboose from Goldendale to the community of Klickitat. A discussion followed.

Following discussion, the Board reviewed it’s commitment to fund 25% of the cost to move the caboose. The Board reached consensus to fund up to a maximum of $2,000 of the cost to be funded from un-allocated EDA (Economic Development Authority) grant funds.

2:00/2:30 - 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 property located at 410 Iola Drive, Dallesport, Parcel No. 02-13-3360-0921/00; Daniel E & Debra J. Brock and David L. & Anna M. Brock. Director Grimes reported that two (2) signed written complaints were received alleging that there is an accumulated junk on the property.

Director Grimes advised that the property does appear to be in need of clean up and recommended that abatement of this property be done.

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

Building and Code Compliance Director Skip Grimes presented a nuisance abatement case involving property located at 602 D Street, Dallesport, Parcel No. 02-13-3360-0810/00; Nathaniel V. & Rachel N. Schwab. Director Grimes reported that two (2) signed written complaints were received alleging that there is an accumulation of junk on the property.

Director Grimes advised that the property does appear to be in need of clean up and recommended that abatement of this property be done.

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

2:30/3:30 - Steve Brown, Radio Project Lead: Radio Project Update.

Attendance: Radio Project Lead Steve Brown, Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman, Undersheriff Jolene Kallio, Sheriff Rick McComas, Search & Rescue Coordinator Jeff King, Rural Fire District #7 Fire Chief Tony Browning and Rural Fire District # 5 Fire Chief Dave Brotherton.

Radio Project Lead Steve Brown presented a project update which was followed by discussion and a question and answer period.

Following discussion, the Board clarified protocol for handling radio maintenance service issues instructing dispatch to handle maintenance calls by notifying the current service provider Wheeler’s Communications who can call Adcomm Engineering and/or Radio Project Lead Steve Brown.

3:30/4:30 - Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman: Department Update.

Attendance: Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman, Auditor Brenda Sorensen, Chief Deputy Auditor Pam Pimley, Prosecuting Attorney Lori Hoctor, Undersheriff Jolene Kallio and Radio Project Lead Steve Brown.

Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman provided a review of the 2011 supplemental budget and amendment requests from various departments. Discussion followed.

Following discussion, the Board designated responsibility of all radio related invoices to Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman on an interim basis.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 4:27 PM.

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Reference Document on File

Please Note: The Board of Commissioners’ minutes are action minutes. An audio record is on file as part of the official record and available on Tape #2011-07, Tape Count 1186 through 1274.