Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Chairman Ray Thayer called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM. Commissioners present: David M. Sauter, Rex F. Johnston and Ray Thayer.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:00 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Assistant County Engineer Jeff Hunter and Planning Director Curt Dreyer.

The Board briefly discussed options for scheduling a workshop to continue a discussion about road and land division requirements and issues. Planning Director Curt Dreyer advised that his interpretation of state statue and Klickitat County Code is based on case law and it may be more appropriate to discuss the matter in Executive Session with legal counsel due to potential litigation.

Assistant County Engineer Jeff Hunter provided a brief review of Consent Agenda items and a Construction Program project update. A road maintenance report and a review of facility improvement projects and upcoming events followed.

Mr. Hunter advised the Board of road issues caused by the recent rains affecting the Northwestern Lake Bridge, Powerhouse Road, Boulder Drive and Brannon Road, which was followed by discussion.

The Board held a brief discussion regarding the Sheriff’s proposed training exercise and request to use various offices in the Courthouse.

Following discussion, the Board reached consensus for the Sheriff to ask each Elected Official/Department Head to use their office space for his training exercise.

Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman: Radio Project Update.

10:45 AM – Radio Project Update

Commissioner Johnston reported that he met with Radio Project Lead Steve Brown last week to discuss the status of leases and construction for the various tower sites and provided an update for the Board.

Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman completed the tower site update, noting that the bid opening for construction at the Kaser Ridge site will be April 12th.

Director Chipman provided an overall radio project budget summary and indicated that for bonding purposes he may need to breakout equipment costs from the tower and shelter costs. Director Chipman noted that ADCOMM Engineering is preparing a list of the equipment that will be needed to complete the project.

Personnel Manager Randi Post: Department Update

11:00 AM – Personnel Department Update

Attendance: Personnel Manager Randi Post, Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman and Public Health/Solid Waste Director Kevin Barry.

Personnel Manager Randi Post presented a Benefit Committee update and provided the latest insurance experience rates and a projected benefits renewal calendar for Board consideration.

Manager Post reported that a new process for accident reports has been developed and she is working on a draft for Prosecutor Lori Hoctor to review and approve that will explain the new process.

Manager Post requested and received consensus from the Board to assign a Job Classification Committee member to assist in reviewing ratings for the compensation level of the new Dispatch/Emergency Management Director position. Executive Secretary Cris McEwen was assigned to the task.

Manager Post provided a brief update on the Safety Committee and the Public Works’ and Sheriff’s labor/management team meetings.

The Board had a brief discussion concerning the Personnel Policy, with Manager Post advising that she is looking at possible revisions and will be inviting Elected Officials and Department Heads for their review and input.

Executive Session: Discuss union negotiations and disciplinary issues

The Board convened into Executive Session at 11:45 AM with Personnel Manager Randi Post and Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1)(d) and (g) to discuss contract negotiations and a disciplinary matter. It was noted that the Executive Session would last for fifteen (15) minutes. At 12:00 it was announced that the Executive Session would be extended for five (5) minutes.

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

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:05PM..

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, April 3, 2012

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

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously): the Business Agenda with one (1) Add-on under New Business: Task Order No. 22, WRIA 30 Watershed Plan Implementation Service Agreement with Aspect Consulting to provide technical support for compiling habitat and related information for the Oregon spotted frog.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approval of Meeting Minutes

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Approved (M/Johnston, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously): the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for March 27, 2012 as presented.

Citizen Comment

Solid Waste Director Kevin Barry provided a brief update on the Solid Waste Management Plan, followed by discussion.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Bid Opening: Designation of the official county newspaper for advertising of all legal notices and delinquent tax lists as well as all notices to be published by newspapers of general circulation in Klickitat County.

Bids Forwarded (M/Sauter, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously): to the Executive Secretary for review and recommendation of two (2) bids received to designate the official county newspaper for advertising of all legal notices and delinquent tax lists as well as notices to be published by Newspapers of general circulation in Klickitat County per the RCW:

• The Goldendale Sentinel, Goldendale, Washington: $6.75 per column inch and $6.75 per column inch for each subsequent week of publication.
• The Enterprise, White Salmon, Washington: $6.75 per column inch and $6.75 per column inch for each subsequent week of publication.

Public Hearing: Consider amending Klickitat County Code Title 15 – Buildings & Construction, and Title 16 – Standards for Mobile/Manufactured Homes, Commercial Coaches, Recreational Vehicles and Recreational Park Trailers as they currently exist to adopt amended fee schedules and certain other provisions

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously): Ordinance No. Ø4Ø312 in the matter of amendments to Klickitat County Code, Title 15, by deleting it in it’s entirety and adopting a new Title 15 which includes amended fee schedules and certain other provisions which shall take effect at 12:01 AM on April 4, 2012; And Ordinance No. Ø4Ø312-1 in the matter of deleting Klickitat County Code, Title 16 in its entirety and adopting a new Title 16 which includes amended fee schedules. The amendments to Klickitat County Code Title 16, shall take effect at 12:01 AM on April 4, 2012.

Chairman Thayer opened the public hearing, advising that the purpose of the hearing is to consider amendments to the Klickitat County Code Title 15, Building and Construction and Title 16, Standards for Mobile/Manufactured Homes, Commercial Coaches, Recreational Vehicles and Recreational Park Trailers by deleting them in their entirety and adopting new Title 15 and Title 16 which amend fee schedules and certain other provisions of Title 15. Chairman Thayer then requested a staff review.

Building and Code Compliance Director Skip Grimes provided a review of the proposed amendments, noting that a fee comparison was done with east side and or like or comparable counties which included Adams, Asotin, Kittitas, Pacific, Skamania and Whitman and Klickitat County’s permit fees were considerably lower.

Director Grimes stated that the proposed amended fee schedules are at or below the comparable counties averages and the fee adjustments are to cover to cost of permit issuance and inspection services.

It is also proposed to delete the out building ordinance for agriculture building structures due to the abuse of the ordinance, noting that there have been six (6) code cases where people where living in un-permitted structures that were built with an outbuilding building permit.

Chairman Thayer opened the hearing to public testimony both in favor of or opposed to the proposed amendments.

Paul Gregg, 271 Horseshoe Bend Road, Goldendale stated that he has concerns about taking the out building permit away from farmers and ranchers, noting that the inexpensive permit is a way for them to keep costs down.

Trout Lake area resident Kerri Smith spoke on behalf of the Elk Meadows RV Park indicating that the RV Park would like to have park model units in the park for people to use that do not own an RV. Ms. Smith indicated that she didn’t realize the proposed changes mainly concerned fee increases.

Director Grimes advised that pursuant to state statute and Klickitat County Code, Title 16, a recreational vehicle is designed as a temporary living quarters for recreational camping, travel, or seasonal use and cannot be occupied for more than sixty days in any one consecutive twelve month period or occupied continuously for more than thirty days.

Director Grimes stated that this matter will be more of a legislative issue where the ordinances would have to be changed to allow the use of the RV’s to be used for longer periods of time.

Commissioner Sauter clarified the intent of the proposed amendments, noting that the issue of extended RV use has been brought up before and some work needs to be done on the matter.

Chairman Thayer stated that he has discussed the RV matter with Mr. Hylton, the owner of the Elk Meadows RV Park and has asked him to send a proposal for further discussion.

Chairman Thayer inquired if there was anyone else present wishing to comment and noted for the record that there was no one else present wishing to testify.

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

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.

The Board convened into Executive Session at 2:10 PM with Prosecuting Attorney Lori Hoctor, Natural Resources Director Dave McClure, Planning Director Curt Dreyer and Senior Planner Mo-chi Lindblad in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(l)(i) to discuss pending litigation. It was noted that the Executive Session would last for fifteen (15) minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 2:25 PM.

Assessor Darlene Johnson: Discuss recently enacted personal property amnesty legislation.

Attendance: Assessor Darlene Johnson and Treasurer Dani Burton.

Assessor Johnson provide an overview of State House Bill 2149 which gives the county legislative authority the ability to authorize the assessor to waive penalties for assessment years 2011 and prior for a person or corporation failing or refusing to deliver to the assessor a list of taxable personal property if they file a correct list and statement of the taxable personal property and complete an application for penalty waiver by July 1, 2012; And remit full payment to the county by September 1, 2012.

Assessor Johnson requested that the Board approve this one year amnesty program to help spur businesses to list their personal property. Assessor Johnson noted that there is a potential to add up to 700 new accounts to the tax roles and that she would like to give the taxpayers every opportunity to do the right thing.

Treasurer Dani Burton stated that she has some reservations about the amnesty program, noting that the legislation was poorly written, the issue is not fair and equitable and is contradictory.

Chairman Thayer suggested that the Board consider the matter and be prepared to make a decision next week. The Board agreed.

Miscellaneous Reports

Darren Nichols, Columbia River Gorge Commission Executive Director, Carl McNew, CRGC Chairman/Klickitat County appointee; and Vice Chairman Keith Chamberlain: Introduction of Director Nichols and general status review and update.

Attendance: Columbia River Gorge Commission (CRGC) Executive Director Darren Nichols, CRGC Chairman Carl McNew, CRGC Vice Chairman Keith Chamberlain and Klickitat County Natural Resources Director Dave McClure and Program Coordinator John Foltz.

CRGC Chairman Carl McNew introduced CRGC Vice Chairman Keith Chamberlain and the new CRGC Executive Director Darren Nichols.

Executive Director Nichols provided an overview of his background and vision for the Columbia River Gorge Commission to protect and enhance the scenic, natural, cultural and recreational resources of the Gorge, while encouraging economic development and growth. Discussion followed.

New Business

Approved (M/Johnston, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously): Task Order No. 22 (C07112), Water Resource Inventory Area 30 Watershed Plan Implementation Service Agreement between Klickitat County and Aspect Consulting to provide technical support for compiling habitat and related information and assist in assembling comments relating to the status review of the Oregon Spotted Frog. The total not to exceed budget for this task is $7,000, effective April 3, 2012.

Consent Agenda

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

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1) Resolution No. 06312 in the matter of declaring the Sheriff’s Office Drug Dog “Jet” as surplus as it has been determined that the Sheriff’s Office drug dog program has not proven to be monetarily or statistically profitable and authorizing the re-homing of “Jet” to the Monroe Police Department which has the ability to make more effective use of the dogs training and ability as a drug detection dog.

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2) Contract Agreement (C07212) and Contract Bond between Klickitat County (Public Works Department) and Apply-A-Line, Inc. for the 2012 Annual Striping Program, RN 642-12, for the total bid price of $228,220.00.

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3) Letter and Resolution No. 06412 in the matter of appointing Vern Harpole to a three (3) year term on the Skamania Klickitat Community Network as a non-fiduciary member sponsored by the Old Lyle Elementary School Supporters Board, effective April 3, 2012 and expiring April 2, 2015.

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4) Notice to Vendors to advertise for purchase and scheduling of a bid opening to be held Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 1:30 PM for the purchase of Liquid Asphalt for the 2012 paving season as per specifications for the Public Works Department.

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5) Contract Agreement (C07312) between Access Electric and Heating, Inc. and Klickitat County (Public Works Department) for the Insulate Attic HVAC Ducting Pioneer Center Project, N10014, Federal Contract #F10-52110-034, as bid in the amount of $13,675.08.

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6) Signature Authorization and Resolution No. 06512 in the matter of designating an applicant agent and alternate to obtain disaster assistance funds for the January 2012 storm. Jeff Hunter, Assistant County Engineer has been designated as the authorized representative and Susan Gregson, Public Works Finance Manager as the alternate to represent Klickitat County in order to secure federal aid reimbursements for repair of damage caused by said storm.

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7) Public Assistance Grant Agreement (C07412) D12-005 between Klickitat County (Public Works Department) and the Emergency Management Division, Washington State Military Department to provide funds for the repair or restoration of damaged public facilities as approved by FEMA, Presidential Disaster Declaration #FEMA-4056-DR-WA – Severe Winter Storm Flooding, Landslide and Mudslides, effective March 5, 2012 and ending March 5, 2016.

Unfinished business

Public Meeting/Continued: Board deliberations to consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation for approval of an amendment to the Klickitat County zoning regulations pertaining to Cluster Development (Section 2.24 of the Klickitat County Zoning Ordinance #62678) and Klickitat County Code Title 19.50).

Approved (M/Johnston, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously): Ordinance Ø4Ø312-2 relating to land use and zoning and adopting the attached as set forth in Attachment A as an amendment to the Klickitat County Ordinance No. 62678 and amending Klickitat County Code Title 19 to take effect immediately.

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously): Resolution No. 06612 relating to Cluster Overlay in Forest Resource Zoning (FR), resolving that the planning agency shall provide a recommendation on the cluster overlay regulations in Forest Resource zoning for the Board’s consideration within ninety (90) days from the adoption date of this resolution.

Prior to the motions the Board continued discussion/deliberations to consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation for approval of an amendment to the Klickitat County zoning regulations pertaining to Cluster Development. The amendment would repeal the current Cluster Development District provisions, which can be applied as an overlay to any zoning designation per rezone application by a landowner; and replace the provisions with a revised Cluster Agriculture Overlay that may be applied as an overlay on the Extensive Agriculture and Open Space zoning districts, per rezone application by a landowner.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#220605 - 220720) for a total of $201,613.00 for the date ending April 2, 2012.

There were no Payroll warrants requiring approval.

Board Pending

Executive Session: Discuss pending litigation matters

The Board convened into Executive Session at 3:53 PM with Prosecuting Attorney Lori Hoctor, Personnel Manager Randi Post and Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(l)(i) to discuss pending litigation. It was noted that the Executive Session would last for fifteen (15) minutes. At 4:08 PM it was announced that the Executive Session would be extended for fifteen (15) minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 4:23 PM.

Adjournment (4:30 PM)

Approved (M/Johnston, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously): There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until 4:00 PM on Thursday, April 5, 2012.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension for Thursday, April 5, 2012

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 4:00 PM. Commissioners present: Ray Thayer, Rex Johnston and David Sauter.

Public Hearing – Husum/BZ Corner Sub-Area Comprehensive Plan

Consider proposed amendments to the Husum/BZ Corner Sub-Area Plan Update, Zoning and Regulations.

Moved (M/Sauter, S/Johnston. Passed Unanimously) to continue the public hearing until Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 2:30 PM at the Courthouse in Goldendale for further discussion and a possible decision by the Board and to leave the public comment period open to written testimony only which must be received no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, April 13, 2012. It was noted that the hearing continuation will be closed to public testimony.

Prior to the above motion Chairman Ray Thayer opened the public hearing by advising those present of the procedural sequence which will be followed.

Staff Present: Planning Director Curt Dreyer, Senior Planner Mo-chi Lindblad, Prosecuting Attorney Lori Hoctor, Special Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Susan Drummond and Executive Secretary/Clerk of the Board Cris McEwen as well as Court Reporter Amy O’Neill.

An attendance sheet has been included as part of the official record; noting approximately 56 members of the public were present.

An * denotes written testimony which is included as part of the official record and is on file in the Planning Department.

Below is a brief synopsis of the testimony offered; noting an audio record of the complete hearing is on file as part of the official record and available on Tape(s) #2012-04(A) & (B).

Chairman Thayer opened the public hearing by requesting staff review.

As part of his staff review Planning Director Curt Dreyer stated that the current plan, zoning and development regulations have not been comprehensively reviewed and updated since about 1982; noting there have been significant changes overtime. Director Dreyer advised that some of the changes include stricter requirements for subdividing land such as zoning regulations which in 1982 allowed for 5,000 square foot lots in the Rural Center zones in BZ and Husum and that today’s new onsite disposal regulations require a 1-acre minimum lot size for lots having availability of a community water system and a 2-acre minimum in areas not served by a community water system. Director Dreyer stated that the Shoreline Master Plan set backs from the OHWM (ordinary high water mark) were revised in 1992 from a 35 foot setback to a 100 foot setback. Mr. Dreyer stated that the Growth Management Act required regulations be adopted to protect critical areas such as areas for habitat, wetlands, ground water quality, geologically hazardous areas as well as frequently flooded areas. Additionally, many state regulations have been revised since 1982, i.e. stormwater management, mining, archaeological protection, air quality as a small sampling all of which have become more stringent over the years; adding the county also addresses many of these regulations through its obligations under SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act).

Additionally, Director Dreyer stated that the area today is home to families dependent on a variety of professions and jobs rather than timber and agriculture which was the case in the 70’s and 80’s; adding there has been a significant change due to the closure of timber mills and logging companies in the area.

Director Dreyer advised that passage of the National Scenic Area Act in 1986 shifted the demand for new home sites to the planning area that otherwise would have been located in the Scenic Area; adding the perception of residents in the planning area is that the limited land zoned for residential use has been a large contributor to high prices and further that the current residential zoning will not be sufficient to meet future growth in the area. Many individual attempts to meet the residential zoning needs have been pursued by landowners and developers over the years, many of which met opposition or concerns from residents within the planning area that the case-by-case approach could lead to “spot zoning” in areas that are valued for timber management, agriculture and habitat. Director Dreyer stated that for the most part the community supported a comprehensive plan review and an update of the plan, zoning and regulations, preferring long-range planning as the preferred method.

Concluding his staff review Director Dreyer stated that the proposed comprehensive plan amendments were developed to adjust to the various changes that have occurred in the planning area since 1982.

Special Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Susan Drummond provided a clarification as to the intent of this public hearing by advising that the SEPA review process has been completed, which included the hearing of a SEPA appeal hearing before the County Hearing Examiner. Therefore this is not a SEPA appeal hearing. Deputy Drummond advised that the SEPA record is before the Commissioners and will inform any decision ultimately made.

Deputy Drummond further clarified that this is a legislative proposal as it is an area wide rezone with regulations and comp plan policies; this is not a site specific rezone before the Commissioners.

Offering an explanation of the Forest Farm and Ranching Pilot Projection project Deputy Drummond described the FFR as explaining, particularly to agencies such as the Department of Ecology and WA Fish and Wildlife, the County’s approach on land banking. The FFR does not require a property owner to acquire credits to build a home or shed consistent with applicable zoning, e.g., RR2 or RR1 or RC, bus is a voluntary program.

Referring to some recent newspaper articles Ms. Drummond stated that this is a proposal to allow for a modest increase in residential growth in Husum and BZ Corners of approximately 300 homes; noting the maps provided correctly reflect where the zoning is being proposed and is in areas where growth is already occurring and where properties are being subdivided.

Deputy Drummond emphasized that the Rural Center zone is the densest zoning designation and allows 5000 square foot lots. Ms. Drummond stated that this zone is being significantly reduced by approximately 243 acres which are being pulled from the confluence of Rattlesnake and Indian Creeks in Husum which is essentially a mitigation measure and reduces development impacts.

A brief synopsis of public testimony follows:

Jerry Smith (Husum) testified that the proposal accurately reflects the current use within the Husum area with the only area of growth contained within the corridor south of the rural center of Husum to the National Scenic Area (NSA); noting that this area is mostly residential with growth already restricted due to its narrowness and size. Mr. Smith stated that the area from Northwestern Lake south to the NSA area is mostly served by water from the City of White Salmon with all other services readily available and that the area north of Northwestern Lake Road receives most of its service from Fordyce Water System in those areas where a well is not a viable alternative. Mr. Smith stated the map and statements circulated by appellants to the plan are inaccurate and additionally Mr. Smith advised that the fecal chloroform contamination in the White Salmon River is actually coming from the Trout Lake Valley; not from the Husum/BZ area. In conclusion Mr. Smith offered his support for the plan which received unanimous approval by the Planning Commission.

Rick Graves (Highway 141, White Salmon) offered that he is in support of the plan and is in agreement with Mr. Smith’s comments. Mr. Graves advised that as a Planning Commission member they looked to the buildable lands inventory to accommodate the growth as submitted by the community; noting that they did make a few changes by eliminating approximately 200 acres of residential zoning in BZ Corners as there was sufficient residential zoning farther south; noting it was their goal to keep the growth on the south end rather than into BZ Corners and the resource lands which they wanted to preserve. Mr. Graves stated that this decision allowed them to preserve agricultural and timber lands in the BZ Corners area and to keep as much growth as possible within the residential areas.

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Jim Fritchey (Highway 141, White Salmon) testified that he is in agreement with the comments made by the last two presenters and stated that the County should consider approval of the plan. Mr. Fritchey stated he supports the proposed plan which was supported by a lot of the community who were very involved over the years; noting it satisfied most of the desires of the community at that time.

Jacob Anderson (Chairman BZ/Husum Council) testified that he initially supported the plan until the Forest Farm Overlay Protection area was included; adding this is the worst possible thing that could be done to this plan. Mr. Anderson offered his opinion that if the county wants to adopt this plan to leave the RR 2 overlay in the WSR as resource lands and then make the transfer after a full public process.

Paul Poknis (Fordyce Water Association President) advised that information used in the water study referencing Fordyce is false and misleading; noting he was not contacted prior to inclusion of this information into the study. Mr. Poknis stated that as a water supplier Fordyce is at their maximum and has no water for this type of development. Mr. Poknis requested until given his clearance that any reference to Fordyce be struck from the water study.

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Ralph Bloemers (Friends of the White Salmon River, Friends of the Gorge, and Citizens for Common Sense on the White Salmon) offered his appreciation for the water study which he noted was critical to get the information necessary to protect a key resource which sustains residents and property values. Mr. Bloemers stated he does not feel that the study performed by Aspect Consulting was done professionally and that he had retained Mark Yinger, a licensed hydro-geologist, to provide an independent review of the study using best available science. Mr. Bloemers advised that Mr. Yinger, through best available science, refutes four key points which are provided as part of the technical memorandum (offered as part of the record under Item #5) concluding the report fails to present reliable, feasible mitigation and grossly understates the potential impacts on water quality and quantity in the basin.

Todd Collins (BZ Husum Council member) stated that the BZ Council discussed the updated plan during their last meeting at which time the community voiced their concerns with regard to the newly released Pilot Forest Farming Ranching and Resource Protection Project which makes significant changes to the plan and does not necessarily represent the intent of the original proposal or the wishes of the community. Mr. Collins stated this change needs to go through an intensive public process and requests removal of the Rural Residential 2 Overlay and to leave the areas within the RR2 overlay as resource lands prior to adoption of the plan.

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Jaco Klinkenberg (Wet Planet Rafting) stated that although the County is not required to follow the federal Wild and Scenic River regulations it is her hope that they would take them into consideration; noting that the White Salmon River is important to the community. Ms. Klinkenberg stated it is important that the river be protected and advised she is against the current proposal due to the one and two acre lot sizes directly adjacent to the river and the impacts it would have on the river.

Dawn Stover (Snowden) offered that the two choices for residential development referenced in the fact sheet are not the only possibilities and suggested that planning needs to be based on where development belongs based on the available resources, not just on where people want to build houses and how many people may come in the future. Ms. Stover advised that the county needs to look at what resources are available today and into the future; adding that the Aspect report focused on what is in existence today but not into the future. Ms. Stover further commented that we need to not just look at the population growth but also at how else the area is going to change.

Dave Berger (Lyle) stated that the White Salmon River is a national resource and treasure and offered that a 600 foot setback is not a bad idea. Mr. Berger advised that he has concerns regarding the Aspect water study and is opposed to the plan and is concerned with protection of the river and resource lands.

Bill Anderson (Husum) stated that he served on the BZ Husum Council during the period of time that the plan was developed. Mr. Anderson stated that the plan is a good plan and could support it 100% if the Forest Farming Ranching and Resource Protection Pilot Project were removed.

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Pat Arnold (Trout Lake) offered her appreciation for the water study but stated if it had gone back to the community for public review and approval at that level there would be no need to be here today. Ms. Arnold stated that the acreages proposed in the plan go away from what is needed based on the 2006 buildable lands inventory which projected a 3% annual growth rate with an estimate of 323 new dwellings in the community by 2026 of which 65 would be in the Rural Center, 119 in RR2 and 139 in Resource Lands; using those numbers against how much is presently zoned there is plenty in those zones to accommodate that growth. Ms. Arnold stated that the County determined there are about 1100 acres of resource lands only in the area most likely to be developed which is still adequate for the projected need in the BLI. Ms. Arnold stated that the plan proposes an increase of residential lots by adding 258 acres RR1 and an increase of RR2 to 1592 which is more than double what it is presently. Ms. Arnold advised that there is no demonstrated need for those types of growth numbers in those two areas and that the current zoning is fine for what the projected needs are. Ms Arnold suggested it would be better off working in the Rural Center making septic and public water systems available which would have less impact on the land. Ms. Arnold stated that this plan should be about conserving what we have; land and water are limited resources.

Krista Thie (White Salmon) stated that she was part of a broad based community group which looked at whether or not the White Salmon River could be a wild and scenic river and determined it could be a scenic river but did not qualify as a wild river due to all of the farms and homes that were along it. Ms. Thie stated that all of the work that has gone into protection of the river is important and should be respected.

Kelly Clothier (Husum) expressed concerns with the one acre zoning which doubles the impacts from permeable layers of roads, roofs, drain fields, patios, fertilizer and pesticides, etc. and which has the potential to reach the river during high rain events in particular. Mr. Clothier stated that he feels a 2-acre minimum would be better.

Don Struck (205 Dogwood Lane, White Salmon) clarified that the Fruit Home Colony subdivisions which was established in 1905 contains 50 parcels expanding about 1 ½ miles along Highway 141 never fit the purpose of resource lands; rather it has always been a residential type area. Secondly, Mr. Struck advised that resource lands in existence since 1986 have always allowed residential development with no minimum lot size and one acre parcels are allowed within resource land; adding it makes sense that this would be a consistent 2-acre zone. Mr. Struck commented that it made no sense for a golf course to be in a rural center zone. Concluding his remarks Mr. Struck advised that he is in general agreement with the plan; however feels there should be a public vetting process to incorporate the pilot project which has been proposed.

Bob Bloom (Husum) commented that he is in agreement with most of the plan however voiced concerns regarding the buffer to the river which he stated is our greatest resource in this area and if it loses some of its scenic value the whole community not just the rafters will be economically affected. Mr. Bloom expressed concerns with the water study stating he does not feel you can have an opinion regarding the amount of water in the aquifer at this point; noting wells that are drawing from it are changing rapidly and that some wells have dropped 30 to 40 feet within the last couple of months even with a record amount of water in the river. Mr. Bloom stated that perhaps this summer when it dries up a bit there would be a better view of what that impact to the aquifer would be.

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Rick Till (Friends of the Columbia Gorge, Portland, Oregon) highlighted written comments he submitted by stating that the proposed sub area plan requires additional work; offering that there are sections which are still incomplete and there is an opportunity to fix them. As an example Mr. Till stated that the plan is broken into a description of existing conditions with most sections having at least one goal and one policy, however some only have one goal and one policy. Additionally, Mr. Till noted that the public services section has no goals or policies moving forward into the future for this area and needs to be fixed. Mr. Till stated that the plan does not adequately address the existence or the economic importance of the river to the community; nor does it address all of the sensitive areas such as woodland habitat or the Oregon White Oak. Mr. Till further commented that the Forest Farm and Ranch Land Plan is incomplete suggesting that the County review the transferable development rights program from Snohomish County included in his written testimony as an example of what can be done.

Lane Smith (Highway 141, White Salmon) commented that he moved to the Husum area due to the freedoms that were here and now sees so many people coming here from somewhere else telling what we can have regarding river setbacks. Mr. Smith advised that the White Salmon River which was one of the reasons that they decided to move here has been destroyed with removal of the dam. Mr. Smith stated he is in favor of the plan although not certain he favors the one to two-acre minimum zoning; offering that larger parcels, perhaps five or ten acres, would be better.

Sally Newell (Underwood) commented that although the Wild and Scenic River Management Plan for the White Salmon River is advisory it would be her hope that the County would consider using it as the river deserves the kind of protection that is in the management plan.

Mark Peppel (White Salmon) advised that he is a member of the White Salmon City Council and is aware of the water issues facing the city; noting that the city’s deep water well has dropped a minimum of 30 feet since Condit Dam was breached; adding they expect the levels to drop even further when the dam is completely breached. Mr. Peppel questioned how water will be accessed from the aquifer with the addition of wells on small lots; noting that the water supply for the whole area is critical and needs to be watched as wells upstream of the dam have already gone dry. Mr. Peppel stated that leaching of drain fields dropping into the creeks and the river during heavy rain events is of great concern. Mr. Peppel advised that White Salmon is now undergoing a six year/twenty year water master plan which should be complete within the next couple months and if it all ties together will play a huge role with what is planned upstream.

Thomas Woodward (Husum) advised that the plan is misleading and that early they were advised that the plan was creating 300 lots which is a false assumption and that the proposed plan creates up to ten times that many lots; noting lots, once created, can be built on.

Clyde Knowles (White Salmon) offered his appreciation for the information the public is receiving this evening which helps everyone become informed.

Dick Rust (Highway 141, White Salmon) stated he is in favor of 2-acre zoning in the area where he owns 14 acres of which 7-acres is an operating orchard near Northwestern Lake zoned extensive agriculture. Mr. Rust stated he will farm as long as possible, however wants the option to be able to subdivide the property if necessary in the future which would be a better use of the land rather than providing no income at all.

Brent Foster (Hood River, Oregon) echoed comments submitted by Friends of the White Salmon River. Mr. Foster stated he has concerns regarding the impacts on the ground with 2-acre zoning; further stating the county has a treasure in its backyard. Mr. Foster advised there is plenty of development and economic opportunities which can occur without a subdivision style zoning and looking long-term would hope that would lead to a decision not to adopt the proposed rezone.

Wayne Lease (Northwestern Lake) requested clarification on whether he was clear in his understanding that this plan only addresses land in Klickitat County as well as water, issues, etc. in the planning area; not south of the proposed plan and not Condit Dams affect on water wells, etc.

Special Deputy Prosecutor Drummond responded the proposal applies to the area within the Husum/BZ planning area as shown on the map.

Sarah Burr Arnold (Trout Lake) questioned whether the zoning extends down past where Condit Dam used to be.

Special Deputy Drummond responded that the planning area extends to just above where the dam used to be.

Ms. Arnold further commented that if the plan extends down as far as Powerhouse Road removal of the lake would affect the water supply for the zoned area and all previous comments to that affect would be relevant.

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Wayne Lease (41 Private Lake Road, Skamania County) advised that 44 wells have gone dry or have been affected by the removal of Condit Dam only one of which appears to be in Klickitat County; adding the effect to the wells changes on a daily basis. Mr. Lease referred to a study done by a consultant for PacifiCorp which states that removal of Condit Dam will not affect the aquifers which is not what happened. Mr. Lease secondly stated that through research the biggest contributor of nitrates is cow manure and fertilizer from farming. Mr. Lease requested a thorough review of his written comments.

Adrian Bradford (White Salmon) advised he would certainly like to be able to use his property the way he wants to and reminded everyone that the White Salmon and the Buck Creek tributary provides water to part of the county as well as to White Salmon, 60% of Bingen and all of Bingen Point. Mr. Bradford commented that we need to be very careful of any impact on the Buck Creek water supply which is pristine, irreplaceable and is a tremendous water source for the county that needs to be protected. Water sources are very unique and need to be very careful of what flows into it.

Norm Dibble (Nester Peak Road, White Salmon) stated he is new to the area and after listening to the testimony sees both the White Salmon River and Buck Creek as amazing places which need to be preserved as a main water source. Mr. Dibble offered that he doesn’t have a particular stance on this plan and expressed his appreciation to be able to listen to both sides of the issue.

Susan Hollingsworth (Bingen/regional coordinator for American Whitewater) advised she too is new to the area and that the White Salmon River is the reason she came to this area. Ms. Hollingsworth echoed the comments by previous speakers about taking a better look at the wild and scenic river management plan; adding while it doesn’t have any regulatory requirements it was developed for a reason and it is people like herself that moved to this area and value the White Salmon River for its scenic qualities and which brings a large amount of economic support to the area.

Adjournment

Approved (M/Johnston, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously): There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:50 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 available on Tape #2012-03, Tape Count 2185 through 3616 and Tape #2012-04, Tape Count 0 through 444, and Tape #2012-04 (A) & (B).