Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Chairman Rex F. Johnston called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM. Commissioners present: David M. Sauter and Rex F. Johnston. Commissioner Ray Thayer was absent due to a previous commitment.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:00 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Assistant County Engineer Jeff Hunter.

Assistant County Engineer Jeff Hunter provided a brief Public Works Department update which included a review of Consent Agenda items, a 2011 Construction Program and road maintenance update, and a review of upcoming facilities projects.

Mr. Hunter provided a map of proposed bike routes for a bicyclist event planned for this weekend called Golden Valley Bike Pedal.

Sheriff Rick McComas: Department Update

11:00 AM – Sheriff Department Update

Sheriff Rick McComas initiated a discussion about mobile data terminals (MDT’s), noting that he would like to see a budget for the Radio System Project to see what is included. Sheriff McComas stated that an additional data frequency will be needed to support the use of the MDT’s.

Commissioner Sauter asked if the Sheriff had a plan for implementing the use of MDT’s. The Sheriff responded that yes he had a plan and would be happy to provide a copy. The Sheriff stated that he planned to phase the MDT’s in three phases starting with installing them in 15 to 16 patrol vehicles, Phase II, adding them to 2 administrative vehicles and Phase III, installation in the jail van, noting that eventually the MDT’s would be connected to the courts and prosecutor’s office.

Sheriff McComas stated that he would share the discussion with Radio Project Lead Steve Brown and request that figures for a data frequency be included in the Radio Project and ask Mr. Brown to respond to the Board.

Following further discussion, the Board noted that there are lots of questions to be answered and advised Sheriff McComas that they would visit with Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman regarding the Capital project.

Commissioner Johnston and Sheriff McComas had a brief discussion regarding communicating directly with one another and the budget process.

Sheriff McComas requested that the Board consider looking at the county policy for authorizing the purchase or replacement of technical equipment, noting that the process should be able to be expedited. The Board agreed to review the policy.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:00 Noon.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Chairman Rex F. Johnston reconvened the meeting at 1:00 PM. Commissioners present: Rex F. Johnston and David Sauter. Commissioner Ray Thayer was absent due to a previous commitment.

Agenda

Business Agenda

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

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approval of Meeting Minutes

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Approved (M/Sauter, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for August 30, 2011 as presented.

Citizen Comment

Wishram residents Jeanne Simi and Jan Stewart addressed the Board concerning public safety issues and proposed cuts within the Sheriff’s 2012 budget. Ms. Simi read a letter signed by approximately forty-five county residents expressing their public safety concerns and insisting that the Board find some other way to meet the budgetary constraints.

Ms. Simi stated that the cuts will most likely be personnel layoffs leading to a decrease in patrols, an increase in crime, longer response times and a general lowering of public safety priorities. Ms. Stewart noted that any reductions in patrols and response times will stop the forward progress that has been taking place in several communities.

The Board advised that some departments are taking 18% and 33% cuts compared to the Sheriff Department’s 6.1% cut, the Sheriff’s Department was not singled out nor do the cut need to come from personnel reductions, that is up to the Sheriff to decide.

Ms. Stewart stated that the Wishram Post Office is scheduled to be closed and asked if there was anything that the Board could do to save the Post Office. Ms. Stewart noted that there are many senior residents in Wishram that no longer drive and closing the post office would make it difficult for those residents to receive their medications and mail.

The Board expressed their support and offered to draft a letter in support of the Wishram Post Office to remain open and requesting assistance from Congressman Doc Hastings with the matter.

Elected Official Report/Update

Judge Brian Altman, Superior Court: Discuss supplemental budget request.

Attendance: Superior Court Judge Brian Altman, Superior Court Administrator Mary Jo Hansen and Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman. County staff present in the audience: Deputy Auditor/Payroll Specialist Kathy Dollarhyde and Deputy Auditor/Elections Coordinator Brandi Sullivan.

Judge Altman presented a review of supplemental budget requests involving the Trial Court Improvement Fund, Law Library, personnel benefits and Judge Pro-tem funding as proposed for consideration during the September 13^th public hearing. A discussion followed.

Executive Session: Discuss contract negotiations

The Board convened into Executive Session at 1:43 PM with Superior Court Judge Brian Altman in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1)(d) to discussion a contract issue. It was noted that the executive session would last for fifteen (15) minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 1:57 PM.

Consent Agenda

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

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1) Resolution No. 11611 in the matter of considering and approving a petition requesting annexation of certain properties into the boundaries of Klickitat County Fire Protection District No. 3. The properties to be proposed for annexation are presently outside the boundary line of the fire district but contiguous to the present district boundary as required.

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2) County/Local Health Jurisdiction Agreement (C19611) between the State of Washington Health Care Authority, Division of Health Care Services and Klickitat County (Public Health Department) for the purpose of providing a maximum of $20,000 in funding for the Access to Baby and Child Dentistry program designed to detect and prevent early childhood dental decay by engaging dentists in seeing 0 to 6 year old Medicaid eligible children and engaging local public health departments in outreach and case management, effective July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2013.

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3) Interlocal Cooperation Agreement (C19711) between Skamania County and Klickitat County (Public Health Department) to provide Reproductive Health Services at the Skamania County Community Health Department in Stevenson, Washington. County shall pay contractor a flat rate of $55.00 per hour inclusive of all travel costs effective September 1, 2011 through December 31, 2014.

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4) PHEPR Region 8 Mutual Aid Agreement (C19811) between Benton-Franklin Health District, Walla Walla County Health Department, Yakima Health District and Klickitat County (Public Health Department) for the purpose of making public health resources of the local health agencies available in cases of emergency to assist one another in preventing morbidity and mortality within the region, effective September 14, 2011.

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5) Memorandum granting a waiver of all county development fees associated with the development of the Radio System Fund 306 Capital Improvement Project. This would include but not be limited to the Bickleton, Juniper, Flat Top, a proposed site near Schilling Road, Satus Pass, and Stacker Butte sites. The waiver does not include waiver of the State Code Fee.

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6) Non-Capital Project List Amendment No. 2 which adds two (2) projects: Combine Electrical Meters in Annex 3 ($6,500) and Improve Route to the Superior Court ($1,500). The Combine Electrical Meters will be moved from the Capital Improvement List and the Improve Route to Court will be added. The funding for these projects will come from the funds remaining from projects that have been completed under budget.

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7) Capital Project List Amendment No. 2 which adds one (1) project: Duress Alarm Buttons for the Courthouse and Pioneer Center. ($21,500). The new project will take the place of the ADA Front Entrance Door Project at the Pioneer Center and the Combine Electrical Meters at Annex 3. The Combine Electrical Meters project will be moved to the Non-Capital list.

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8) Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling a public meeting to be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 1:30 PM to consider approval of a re-plat of Lot 26 Gorge View Estates Phase 1, Short Plat No. SPL2011-01; Applicant: MX2 LLC.

Miscellaneous Reports

Linda Schneider, Washington Gorge Action Programs Executive Director: Programs update and update on the homeless housing grant/plan.

Attendance: Washington Gorge Action Programs (WGAP) Executive Director Linda Schneider and County staff: Public Health Director Kevin Barry and Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman.

WGAP Executive Director Linda Schneider provided a brief overview of changes that have been implemented by the Department of Commerce in the way funds for homeless assistance programs are provided. A discussion followed.

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously): Authorization of chair signature for certifications acknowledging Washington Gorge Action Programs as the Lead Grantee applicant for the Consolidated Homeless Grant and Essential Needs Grant applications and that the County coordinates with WGAP as the selected Lead Agency.

Elected Official Report/Update

Prosecuting Attorney’s Update

Prosecuting Attorney Lori Hoctor noted she had no items for discussion in open session or matters requiring executive session at this time.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#214795 - 214911) for a net of $844,064.04.

Combined Payroll: (Canceled Warrants #214582 – 214585, Re-issued Warrants #217793 - 214794) $586.35.

For a combined total of $844,650.39 for the date ending September 6, 2011.

Unfinished Business

Personnel Manager Randi Post: Health insurance renewal update

Attendance: Personnel Manager Randi Post, Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman, County Treasurer/Benefit Committee member Dani Burton and County Auditor Brenda Sorensen.

Personnel Manager Randi Post provided an update on the Benefit Committee efforts to provide feasible health insurance renewal options for 2011-2012, noting that a recommendation to remain with the current providers will be coming before the Board next week. The Benefit Committee will also be recommending providing a county funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) to offset the increase of the deductibles.

The Board had a brief discussion concerning changing the employer’s 75% contribution towards dependent coverage to 70% to stay within the targeted budget, with Manager Post advising that the vast majority of other counties do not contribute to family/spouse coverage. Manager Post stated that she is proud the county believes in providing employees with quality and affordable health plans for the employees and their family members.

Executive Session: Union Negotiations

The Board convened into Executive Session at 2:45 PM with Personnel Manager Randi Post and Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman in accordance with RCW 42.30.140(4)(a) to discuss union bargaining negotiations. It was expected to last fifteen (15) minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 3:00 PM.

The Board continued a previous discussion concerning Sheriff McComas’ proposal to install MDT’s in patrol vehicles, with Administrative Services Director Chipman explaining the capital project process by which the Sheriff needs to follow to add the project to the capital project list.

Director Chipman advised that he has discussed the matter with Sheriff McComas and he will need to develop a management and service plan for the MDT system with a break down of initial costs: equipment/servers, software, licenses, and management/service costs and future replacement costs.

Adjournment

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously): There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 3:20 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 1748 through 1858.