Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, October 18, 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: Public Works Director Gordon Kelsey.

Public Works Director Gordon Kelsey provided a department update, reviewing Consent Agenda items, a pay estimate, and providing an overview of Construction Program projects and road maintenance projects.

A brief update on the removal of Condit Dam followed with Director Kelsey noting that the old piers under the Northwestern Lake Bridge have been removed and it is now on new piers.

Director Kelsey provided a review of ongoing and upcoming facilities work. Director Kelsey noted that the courthouse is currently on generator power, due to a power outage which PUD is repairing.

The Board held a brief discussion concerning a letter from the Dallesport Water District expressing their interest in pursuing management of the entire Dallesport Wastewater System. No action was taken.

Director Kelsey presented a request for “no camping” signs on county owned property to be replaced. The property is on the Klickitat River and is used as a drift boat take out, the signs have been torn down and people have been camping on the property blocking the access for the drift boats.

Following a brief discussion, the Board expressed support to have the “no camping” signs replaced.

The Board had a discussion concerning a request from Iberdrola Renewables, owners of the Bighorn Wind Farm, to rebuild approximately three miles of Bighorn Road. Director Kelsey advised that he would like to first request the wind farm to stop grading the road using their current method. The wind farm uses a contracted grader operator who pushes the gravel off the road and into the ditch. This method widens the road but removes the existing gravel driving surface.

Director Kelsey noted that he will be discussing the road with the Planning Department in association with the next phase of their expansion.

Commissioner Sauter requested and received Board favor for the Public Works Department to move forward with the preparation of a lease agreement for the Community of Klickitat to lease a small portion of County property for the placement of their Caboose until a long term location is determined.

Auditor Brenda Sorensen: Department Update

11:00 AM – Elected Officials Report

Attendance: County Auditor Brenda Sorensen

County Auditor Brenda Sorensen provided an Elections Department update, noting that ballots will be mailed Thursday.

Auditor Sorenson stated that complaints have been received from the public because all candidates were not listed on the Voter’s Pamphlet. Unless candidates submitted a photo and comments she chose not to list them.

Auditor Sorensen advised that a Contract for Services with State of Washington Department of Licensing for the County to process and issue “Quick” or “Super Service” title applications will be coming before the Board for review and consideration.

Auditor Sorensen reported that the Auditor’s Department has been working on Cayenta testing and it has been going fine.

Executive Session: Review proposals public defense services for Superior Court.

The Board convened into Executive Session at 11:30 AM with Superior Court Judge Brian Altman in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(l)(d) to review proposals submitted in response to a “Request for Proposals” for public defense services for Superior Court. It was noted that the Executive Session would last for thirty (30) minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 12:00.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:00 Noon.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, October 18, 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 with Two Add-ons: (2:30) Natural Resources Director Dave McClure: Department update and (3:00) Personnel Manager Randi Post/Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman: Heath Reimbursement Arrangement Plan update.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approval of Meeting Minutes

There were no Commissioner meeting minutes for approval at this time.

Citizen Comment

No one was present to offer citizen comment.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Hearing: To hear public comments on proposal to amend Klickitat County subdivisions and Short Platting Ordinance and Klickitat County code, Title 18 to clarify certain procedural questions, including the use of various exemptions, administrative appeal procedures and typographical errors.

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously): Ordinance # 101811 adopting the attached amendments to Title 18 of the Klickitat County Code (also codified as Klickitat County Subdivision and Short Plat Ordinance) relating to land use, zoning and land division to take effect immediately.

Chairman opened the public hearing to hear public comments on the proposal to amend the Klickitat County Subdivision and Short Platt ordinance and Klickitat County code 18 and requested a staff review.

Associate Planner Crista Schroder and Senior Planner Mo-chi Lindblad provided an overview of the proposal to amend the Subdivision and Short Plat Ordinance #122082 as amended and County Code, to address procedural questions on the use of various exemptions, administrative review and appeal procedures, typographical errors, and other procedural revisions.

Chairman Johnston opened the public hearing to public testimony, noting that there was no one present from the public wishing to comment either in favor of or against the proposal.

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

Miscellaneous Reports/Comments

Paul Spencer, Consultant, Columbia Gorge Housing Authority: Update with regard to the Housing and Resource Center activities as required pursuant to the funding assistance agreement and scope of work to provide improved accessed to housing resources for residents of the County.

Attendance: Mid-Columbia/Columbia Gorge Housing Authority representatives Joel Madsen and Paul Spencer and Mid-Columbia/Columbia Gorge Housing Authority Executive Director Ruby Mason.

Consultant Paul Spencer provided a Housing and Resource Center activities update, noting that through the funding assistance provided by the County the Housing and Resource center office at the Pioneer center has been opened providing easier access to housing resources for County residents.

Executive Director Mason and Mr. Madsen provided a brief overview of plans to building an assisted Living Facility in the White Salmon area.

Ms. Mason noted that the facility would have 32 living units and 16 memory care units and may require some pre-development costs.

Consent Agenda

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

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1) Resolution No. 12911 in the matter of declaring one (1) 2004 Ford Explorer, VIN #1FMZU72K04UC16489, License #65160C as surplus to be removed from the Klickitat County Assessor’s Office inventory to be disposed of through public sale or auction by the Klickitat County Treasurer.

2) Resolution No. 13011 in the matter of providing medical and dental insurance to Senior Services In-Home Aides who work an average of one hundred and twenty hours (120) or more over three (3) consecutive months will be allowed to participate in the Klickitat County medical and dental health insurance plans as a reimbursable benefit from the State of Washington benefits, effective October 1, 2011.

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3) County Property Lease Agreement (C22711) between Klickitat County (Public Works Department) and Mid-Columbia Children’s Council, Inc. to lease the west half of the Dallesport Community Center which includes the kitchen area for the Head Start Education Program, for the sum of three hundred dollars ($300) per month, effective September 1, 2011 to May 31, 2012.

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4) Scheduling a public meeting to be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 1:30 PM to consider acceptance of boundary line adjustment BLA2011-06 which is an alteration of Lot 2 of SPL2009-14; Applicant: Paul Gregg.

5) Resolution No. 13111 in the matter of setting a public hearing to be held Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 1:30 PM to consider an abatement assessment which may constitute a special assessment against and a lien upon the property or a personal obligation of Mary Carey, Parcel #04-18-1800-0013/00.

6) Interlocal Communications/Dispatch Services Agreement (C22811) between Klickitat County (Sheriff Department) and the City of White Salmon on behalf of the Bingen/White Salmon Police Department to provide complete dispatching services for the period of January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013. The City shall pay the total sum of $62,780.12 in quarterly payments as follows:

7) Notice to Contractors and Scheduling of a Bid Opening for 1:30 PM on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, for the Insulate Attic Pioneer Center Project, N10014 Federal Contract F10-52110-034.

8) Resolution No. 13211 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 29 and 30, 2011, with the costs of posting, advertising and signing to be paid by the event sponsor.

9) Lease Agreement (C22911) between Neil and Velma Van Aelst and Klickitat County (Department of Emergency Management) for the lease of an airplane hangar and surrounding grounds at the Goldendale Airport for the storage of Emergency Management and Search and Rescue vehicles, equipment and supplies in consideration for an annual sum of four thousand dollars ($4,000.00), effective September 16, 2011 and ending September 15, 2012.

10) Amendment No. 1 (C23011) to Interlocal Agreement C06311 between Klickitat County (Economic Development Department) and Underwood Conservation District for the purpose of extending the project completion date to June 12, 2012. All other provisions of the original Interlocal Agreement remain in full force and effect.

Klickitat County resident Max Fernandez addressed an issue concerning the criminal dumping of various noxious weeds on his property. Mr. Fernandez stated that County Noxious Weed Coordinator Marty Hudson identified the weeds that were not from his property.

Mr. Fernandez stated that he is very frustrated with the Sheriff’s Office, noting that it has been 48 days since he contacted the Sheriff’s Office and they have not responded and there is still no report on file concerning the incident.

New Business

Landfill Gas Improvement Fund Committee Member Rex Johnston: Committee recommendation to request Board of Commissioners approval to fund the listed projects which they have determined meet the funding criteria and to enter into funding assistance agreements as appropriate.

Prior to the motions the Board reviewed and discussed the Landfill Gas Improvement Fund Committee’s decisions and recommendations regarding applications submitted by the Klickitat PUD for funding assistance for the Bickleton Community Water System Project, the Roosevelt Water System Plan Improvements (Phase III) and the Wishram Wastewater Treatment Facility-West Lagoon Clean-up.

Granted (M/Thayer, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously): Conditional approval to the Bickleton Community’s request for funding assistance to move forward with the Community Water System to service the residents of Bickleton. Funding assistance has been committed in the amount of $250,000 within the 2012/2013 budget years to be applied toward the construction of a public water supply well, 11,000 feet of water pipeline, a 90,000 gallon reservoir, and water services. Approval is conditional and contingent upon the system being designated as a public water system to be governed either by the Public Utility District No. 1 or a Public Water District; There must be sufficient and verifiable financial commitment through funding agencies and customers to maintain the rates at $60.00 per month or less. Written verification and assurances will be required prior to the County entering into a funding assistance agreement.

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously): Landfill Gas Improvement Funding Assistance Agreement (C23111) between Klickitat County and Public Utility District No. 1 of Klickitat County for the purpose of accepting the decision and recommendation of the Landfill Gas Improvement Fund Committee to approve and formalize a commitment by the County to provide funding assistance in the amount of $300,000.00 within the 2012 budget year to be applied toward Phase III of the Roosevelt Water System Plan which includes acquiring land, drilling of a new well, purchasing and installing a new pump in the well, and 2,000 feet of six-inch transmission lines from the new well to the old treatment plan reservoir. Funding under this Agreement commences upon the date of final signature and terminates December 31, 2012.

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously): Landfill Gas Improvement Funding Assistance Agreement (C23211) between Klickitat County and Public Utility District No. 1 of Klickitat County for the purpose of accepting the decision and recommendation of the Landfill Gas Improvement Fund Committee to approve and formalize a commitment by the County to provide funding assistance in the amount of $50,000.00 within the 2011 budget year for Wishram Wastewater System to be applied toward the costs for removal, transportation, and disposal of 2,000 cubic yards of bio-solids from the West Lagoon at the Wishram Wastewater Treatment facility. Funding under this Agreement commences upon the date of final signature and terminates December 31, 2011.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#215975 - 216156) for a total of $255,335.34 for the date ending October 17, 2011.

There were no Payroll warrants requiring approval.

Road Department Payments

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously): pay estimate for payment No. 4/final to Road Runner Stripping Company in the amount of $6,906.22 which includes $345.31 retainage for a total of $6,560.91 for the 2011 Annual Striping Program, Project RN642-11.

Natural Resources Director Dave McClure: Department Update

The Board convened into Executive Session at 2:40 PM with Natural Resources Director Dave McClure 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 ten (10) minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 2:50 PM.

Natural Resources Director Dave McClure provided a brief department update. A discussion followed.

The Board held a discussion concerning cobra participant’s involvement in the Health Reimbursement Arrangement Plan with the general consensus of the Board in support of a monthly fee if they choose to participate in the plan.

Personnel Manager Post advised that she would be preparing a third party agreement and a resolution outlining the HRA policies and procedures for inclusion on next week’s Consent Agenda for Board review and consideration.

The Board convened into Executive Session at 3:35 PM with 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 five (5) minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 3:40 PM.

The Board held a discussion concerning the need to receive updates regarding pending litigation involving personnel issues.

Director Chipman provided a brief update on the radio system, advising that he will be requesting that Adcomm come and provide a history of radio technology for the Board.

Adjournment (3:55 PM)

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously): There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 20, 2011.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Thursday, October 20, 2011

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

Workshop Session Agenda

1:00/5:00 – Budget Workshops.

The Board convened into scheduled 2012 budget workshops with Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman and Superior Court Judge Brian Altman, Court Administrator Mary Jo Hanson, Public Health/Solid Waste Director Kevin Barry, Public Health Administrative Division Manager Lori Koch, Civil Service Clerk Courtney Bridgefarmer and Civil Service Commissioners Jerry Ream and Jim Keightley, Sheriff Rick McComas and Undersheriff Jolene Kallio to review proposed budgets and to clarify questions. County Auditor Brenda Sorensen was present in the audience.

The Board held a discussion concerning the 2012 budget in relation to the Radio System project and Vehicle Fund, which resulted with the Board’s decision to form a Radio System committee comprised of citizens and radio system users to provided input to the Board.

The committee will also assist with the design phase, implementation, and education and will provide input on Emergency Management and how it will be formed for the future.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 4:40 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 #2011-08, Tape Count 638 through 880.