Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, July 26^th, 2005

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Chairman Don Struck called the meeting to order at 9:10 AM. Commissioners present: Don Struck, Joan Frey and Ray Thayer.

Executive Session

Executive Session

9:10 AM – Personnel Director Lori Wolford

The Board convened into Executive Session at 9:10 AM with Personnel Director Lori Wolford in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(g) to review and evaluate applicants for the vacant Public Works Director/County Engineer position. It was noted that the session would last for 60 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 10:10 AM.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:10 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Interim County Engineer Brent Holman, Assistant County Engineer Bjorn Hedges and Goldendale resident Daniel Lichtenwald.

Assistant Engineer Hedges advised that DeAtley Crushing Co. has completed the county-wide crushing in the Badger Gulch and Niva Quarry’s, noting that the contractor crushed 2100 extra tons of crushed top-course at no additional cost to the County.

Assistant Engineer Hedges reminded that the bids for improvements to portions of Niva Road and Randall Road would be opened today. If the bids are over the engineers project estimate Engineer Hedges advised it may be necessary to consider potential projects for deferral until next year, further suggesting the BZ-Glenwood Highway Bridge Overlay/Grinding and the Dallesport Intersection project could be deferred.

Assistant Engineer Hedges informed that he has been considering alternative methods for construction on the Dot Road Construction Plan on the section from Schrantz Road north to include cement treated base as well as the best method to proceed, noting this is the section which was scheduled for a pug mill overlay. Further discussion with Engineer Holman would occur before a recommendation is brought before the board.

Assistant Engineer Hedges stated that the Klickitat County maps have been reprinted at a cost of $.62 each, noting there was little administrative cost involved since it was a reprint. It was recommended that the Chambers be provided an inventory of the maps at a cost of $1.00 each for sale by the Chambers at $2.00 each, noting the County would also sell the maps for a charge of $2.00 per map. The Board concurred to distribute an inventory of maps to both Chambers at a cost of $1.00 each and that they be sold by the County and the Chambers at a cost of $2.00 each.

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, July 26, 2005

As follow-up to a previous discussion Assistant Engineer Hedges advised that he had a conversation with the Wil Keyser, Public Works Director for the City of White Salmon, regarding Washington Street at which time he explained that the portion the County is involved with doesn’t lend itself to combining the work with the City, However, the County would advise the City when the contractor would be on site so they could make the necessary contacts to get their portion of the work done.

Assistant Engineer Hedges informed the Board of local transportation grant opportunities available through the Washington State Department of Transportation of which two are federal grants; the Federal Rural County Two-Lane Roadways, and Intersection and Corridor Safety Programs.

The Rural County Two-Lane Roadways grant is targeted at reducing the accident rate on rural two-lane roads, noting all Washington counties are eligible to apply and may receive up to $500,000 per county for roadway safety improvements. The county has faired well on these grants in the past for improvements such as guardrails, flattening slopes, removing roadside obstacles, etc. and it ties in well with our plans on the maintenance side.

The second grant is the Intersection and Corridor Safety program which is targeted at reducing the accident rates at intersections and within corridors and provides funding for safety projects that eliminate or reduce fatal or injury accidents at high accident intersections and within high accident corridors. We don’t have the traffic counts or accident rates that larger areas will have which leaves uncertainty as to how we would fare overall. This may tie in with the projects that the City of White Salmon wants to do with the County’s participation and specifically with the Simmons/Snowden/Loop Road intersection which has the highest traffic count of an intersection in the County.

The two state grants which are available are the Safe Routes to Schools Program and the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Grant, noting the proposed pathway in Lyle from SR 14 to the high school as well as the Dallesport pathway through Central and Third Streets would be likely candidates.

Assistant Engineer Hedges advised that the crews are very busy with the seal coating projects on various roads and therefore there is a need to rent an additional DVD roller in order to be able to take advantage of the good paving weather. It is anticipated that the rental would be on a short term basis, likely no more than one month, with the cost funded through the maintenance budget.

Assistant Engineer Hedges stated that he attended the Lyle Community Council meeting last week. The Council is concerned with the condition of some of the sidewalks in the community, noting portions have broken up due to tree roots, etc. and have become a hazard and no longer safe to use. The funding isn’t presently available to replace the sidewalks and would propose fixing those sections that are unsafe by removing the old sidewalks and replacing them with scalpings or a crushed rock surface as the crews have available time. Engineer Hedges advised that he handed out the proposed sidewalk policy, noting residents expressed concern with the provision that the property owners would be responsible to maintain the sidewalks and specifically how would the county address 60 year old sidewalks that haven’t been maintained and are in need of replacement versus new sidewalks.

Commissioner Thayer noted that the policy language requiring landowners to be responsible for maintenance of the sidewalks is standard within incorporated cites.

Responding to a question from Engineer Holman whether it was the County’s plan to make the policy an ordinance, Assistant Engineer Hedges noted he had provided the policy to the Board for review and determination on whether to proceed with the ordinance process.

The community council had also raised two minor signage issues. One regarding Highway 14 as it exits onto 7^th Street going east, noting that people are cutting diagonally across the corner as they exit as there are no natural restrictions to prevent drivers from cutting across the corner. It could be solved through line delineation or possibly something more permanent that wouldn’t be affected by snow plows; however, this appears to be a Washington Department of Transportation issue. Assistant Engineer Hedges concluded that he would contact the appropriate individual with WSDOT to advise of the concerns and determine if it is a county or state issue to resolve.

Further concern expressed by the council was the speed of travel on Lyle Avenue. Assistant Engineer Hedges advised that the traffic counters, that had been previously placed, reflected an average speed of 16 MPH; noting increased patrols would not be warranted.

Discussion ensued with reference to the City of White Salmon request for consideration from the County to jointly participate in a project addressing traffic and sidewalk patterns with regard to getting children safely to school. The City is planning on applying for a Transportation Improvement Board grant, however, those funds can only be applied towards those portions of the project lying within the city limits; County participation would be required to address the section from the city limits to the high school. The City of White Salmon has proposed doing the project in 2006 and has proceeded with securing the services of Bell Design to prepare a preliminary design. If they are unsuccessful in securing grant funds the issue will be mute as they do not have the dollars to proceed. Assistant Engineer Hedges noted that this would tie in to the overlay project on Loop Road which is scheduled for 2006. Engineer Holman noted if the grant is applied for jointly it will serve the compliment the grant and score higher points; however, we need time to develop a good design. In conclusion, Assistant Engineer Hedges will inform Wil Keyser with the City of White Salmon of the Boards discussion. Engineer Holman indicated that he could be available to work additional time to assist with preparing the grant if that was needed to meet the grant timelines.

Commissioner Joan Frey advised that she had recently been approached by representatives from the Junior Rodeo Association requesting consideration for a reduction or waiver of the fairgrounds rental rate for their upcoming event. Commissioner Frey noted that the association has purchased and contributed several items including an arena groomer, new PA system, etc. and that their event generates no revenue. If a value can be placed on the improvements that the Association has contributed it would serve justification to either waive or reduce the fees. The Board advised they would entertain discussion of this issue at a later time.

Responding to an inquiry from Commissioner Frey Assistant Engineer Hedges advised that the county does not have the authority to enforce the prohibition of compression brakes on Highway 142 within the unincorporated limits of Lyle or to erect signs that authority lies with the State Department of Transportation.

Commissioner Frey advised that a petition requesting restriction on compression brakes will likely be filled for the portion coming off of High Prairie. Commissioner Thayer noted allowance of compression brakes on that section is a safety issue. Engineer Holman offered that the issue appears to be an enforcement issue with regard to unmuffled combustion brakes, noting that the speed limit on the upper portion of the grade is 35 MPH reducing to 25 MPH on the lower section.

Engineer Holman questioned whether or not it is the Boards’ intent to charge a monthly rent to the departments that will be occupying the Pioneer Center. The Board requested that Mr. Holman research what would be a fair per square foot rate for discussion at a later date.

Engineer Holman informed that the costs on the Courtney Road project are approximately 15% over the estimate amount. The costs of oil and iron has increased significantly over the last year and are the main reason for the higher bids for road projects. The recommendation for accepting the Courtney Road bid opening which occurred last week will be dependent upon the bids to be opened today for the Niva and Randall Road project. Public Works is in the process of reviewing the bids and will report back to the Board on the with a recommendation on the bids for Courtney, Randall, and Niva Road bids.

11:10 AM – Candy Didier, Director of Klickitat County Services, Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health: Mental health program update

Director Didier noted CWCMH involvement with the Meth Action team, advising they would be providing handouts during the county fair on the signs and the affects of methamphetamine use.

Director Didier provided a brief overview of a few of the programs offered to county residents by CWCMH and presented handouts for a new program titled “Children Cope with Divorce”. This is a one time four hour educational seminar which is mandatory for all parents involved in divorce, custody, or parental proceedings with children under the age of 18. The program is not a counseling session; rather it is training and education addressing the needs of children during and after divorce. A cost of $50.00 per person is charged for the seminar and $20.00 per person with a waiver.

Both dependency health and chemical dependency programs received a sizeable increase in funding allowing the Goldendale Office to increase their staff by 1.5 FTE. Youth services and youth outreach will receive a large portion of the increase. These are treatment rather than prevention dollars and have specific criteria that must be met; however, CWCMH will work closely with the county Prevention Specialist.

Director Didier stated that with the states’ cuts to mental health funding CWCMH is focusing on the services that they can provide, rather than the services they can not provide. The state is unwilling to pay for mental health services for individuals with mental health issues who are unable to work; noting crisis funds are available through the Regional Support Network to provide mental health services to those that are hospitalized and require treatment.

Director Didier informed that she will be working with the county’s jail superintendent, Paul Tesi, to develop a contract crafted after one used in Kittitas County to provide services to corrections staff on what they can expect to encounter with mental health and chemically dependent inmates, noting she will be meeting with staff to determine what type of services they feel may be needed.

CWCMH will have a psychiatrist on staff beginning January 1, 2006 and will be gearing toward providing private psychiatric services which will open some doors for local physicians and the private market.

Staff is very involved with various groups and programs through out the county, noting that communications with other agencies has improved.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:06 PM.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Chairman Don Struck reconvened the meeting at 1:10 PM. Commissioners present: Don Struck, Joan Frey and Ray Thayer.

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) the Business Agenda with one addition under New Business: Task Order No. 7 to the Technical Services Agreement with Watershed Professionals Network. It was noted that a decision regarding bid recommendation on Courtney Road would likely be delayed to a later time.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

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Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for July 5, 2005 as presented.

Citizen Comment

Gene Herin questioned how much property would be needed in Dallesport for the proposed meat plant. Chairman Struck responded that around 23 acres would be required.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Bid Opening: Improvements to portions of Niva Road, County Road Number 21900 and Randall Road, County Road Number 21860

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Bids Forwarded (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed Unanimously) to Office Engineer Keith Grundei for review and recommendation of four bids received for improvements to 0.99 mile of Niva Road, County Road Number 21900, CRP 257, and 2.02 miles of Randall Road, County Road Number 21860, CRP 258 by excavation, grading, installing drainage structures, placing road surface and other related work.

· James Dean Construction, Glenwood, WA: $389,574.00

· Harry Johnson Plumbing and Excavating Inc., Walla Walla, WA: $686,761.95

· Jim Riley Excavating, Goldendale, WA: $414,483.00

· Morgan & Son Earthmoving Inc., Ellensburg, WA.: $446,353.70

Public Meeting: Consider Planning Commission recommendation for approval of preliminary plat of Gorge Country View Estates (SUB2005-02) in Wishram Heights, Applicants: Gary Lavine and Lynda Olson.

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Granted (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed Unanimously) preliminary plat approval of Gorge View Country Estates Subdivision SUB-2005-02, Gorge View Country Estates (Wishram Heights), Owner/Applicant: Gary and Linda Lavine and further to summarily accept and adopt the findings of fact and conclusions of the Planning Commission, noting that the entire perimeter of the property must be fenced with a minimum of a four foot hog wire fence with two strands of barbed wire. Staff was requested to prepare the necessary resolution supporting the Boards decision for signature during next weeks meeting.

Attendance: Various members of the community were present as evidenced by the signature sheet which is attached and made part of the record.

In her staff report Associate Planner Jannette Harrington advised that this is a division of approximately 20 acres into 53 lots, one of which is proposed to be an RV parking area only for those individuals who own lots in the subdivision. The required approvals from the Road Department, the Fire District, and the PUD have been received, noting all utilities will need to be installed and improvements will be required to be made prior to approval of the subdivision.

Following is a brief summary of testimony offered by those in attendance.

Applicant/Proponent testimony:

Applicant Linda Lavine reiterated that this is a 52 lot residential subdivision with one additional lot for RV storage, advising that they feel they have complied with all federal, state, and county regulations.

Opponent testimony:

Gene Hanson, legal counsel representing property owners G. Wayne and Marilyn Bryson, cited concerns specific to the proposed access road which abuts their property on the east, as well as water runoff from the hill, noise and pollution from the proposed development. Written communication was received from Mr. Hanson and the Bryson’s.

Neil Kayser advised that he is an adjacent landowner to the proposal and that they graze cattle on their property. He has concerns with regard to fire, flooding, availability of water, trespass issues and liability to the adjacent landowners.

Henry Garner, who owns property north of the development and adjacent to the Kayser property, stated that he is in agreement with the testimony provided by Mr. Kayser, adding he hopes that the developers can work with the landowners to fence off the subdivision adequately enough to reduce the liability to the other landowners.

Betty Jorgenson offered that the proposal backs her property and she is opposed to a development in her back yard. Concern was expressed that proper notification was not provided.

Scott Beer stated that he is concerned with animal control issues specifically with dogs, noting it is already an issue which will only be compounded with the proposed subdivision.

Chuck Heming commented that is concerned with increased traffic, wildfire risk and reduction in the quality of life for the existing residents.

Al Hayward noted that change us coming up the Gorge and this is the opening bell to a lot of expansion and feel that Wishram will see growth. The residents pay a large amount for water and sewer services which they need help paying, growth will help.

Responding to testimony provided Frank Childs with Taylor Engineering advised that they have been assured by the PUD that water is available, noting the addition of residents would likely reduce the monthly rates paid by residents. A drainage pond will be provided following Department of Ecology standards resulting in no increase in flow due to water runoff.

Chairman Struck advised that the zoning is rural center which is what the community wanted and where the services are located. Addressing concerns regarding dog control issues, Chairman Struck advised this is an issue the community will need to address.

New Business

Task Order No. 7 to the Technical Services Agreement with Watershed Professional Networks

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Approved (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Task Order No. 7 for the Technical Services Agreement C24803 between Klickitat County and Watershed Professionals Network to conduct studies and assessments of potential fish and wildlife impacts associated with the proposed transfer of the Klickitat Hatchery from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to the Yakama Nation.

Old Business

Bid Award – Courtney Road CRP 259

Decision has been deferred pending review of the bids received for Niva and Randall Road.

Consent Agenda

Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Consent Agenda in its entirety:

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1. Resolution #12705 setting a public hearing to be held at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 to consider amendment to the Klickitat County Code by adding a new Chapter 1.40 to be titled “Trial Court Improvement Account”.

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2. Request for variance to the annual burn ban as requested by The Campbell Group for their 9^th annual “pig roast” to be held at the Campbell Groups office at Camp Draper effective from 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 15, 2005 to 5:00 PM on Friday, September 16, 2005.

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3. Scheduling the following public meetings to be held at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, August 2, 2005: Consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation for preliminary approval of Subdivision SUB2005-01. Applicant: Todd Douthit AND Consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation for preliminary approval of Subdivision SUB2005-03. Applicant: Louis Huszar.

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4. Resolution #12805 adopting the Klickitat County Safety and Health Program Policy for county employees.

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5. Contract (#C17605) with the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development for Community Mobilization Against Substance Abuse for the 2005-2007 biennium.

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6. Scheduling a public meeting for 1:30 PM on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 to consider alteration of SP-79-106 dedication of right-of-way for Box Canyon Road. Short Plat No. SPL2005-05; Applicant: Jim Pounders.

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7. Scheduling a public meeting for 1:30 PM on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 to consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation for approval of Shoreline Application No. SH-2005-02; Applicant: E. Thompson Reynolds.

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8. Resolution #12905 in the matter of reappointing Ron Gunkel to the Klickitat County Pest and Disease Board.

Elected Official Report/Update

Prosecuting Attorney Update

Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill stated the temporary restraining order against the Phoenix Festival was lifted by the Court once the event applicant agreed to move the event back to the original location specified in the special use permit and following a determination by the Court that they had exceeded the terms of the special use permit by moving the location and that it was not a “camping club.” The applicant also complied with the order of the court by providing proof of insurance coverage within specified limits further naming the county as an additional insured.

It was noted that Judge Reynolds and Judge Altman were disqualified from hearing the Clark Ranch appeal against the PPM Wind Energy Project which has been set for hearing on August 27^th.

The court awarded judgment in favor of the County for statutory attorney fees against the appellant in the Counts Pit matter.

Executive Session – Pending and Potential Litigation

The Board convened into Executive Session at 3:00 PM with Prosecuting Attorney Tim O’Neill in accordance with RCW 42.30.110 (1) (i) to discuss potential and pending litigation in regard to the Klickitat Fish Hatchery transfer, tax foreclosure on a particular parcel, and a dispute between landowners which could result in pending litigation. It was noted that the session would last for 10 minutes.

The Executive Session was extended for an additional five minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 3:15 PM.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable (#146673) $541.40 (July 20, 2005)

Accounts Payable: (#146692– 146976) $1,383,422.14.

Combined Payroll: (#82253 – 82538, 146674 – 146691, Electronic Transfer #336) $587,075.17.

For a combined total of $1,970,497.31.

Fee Waiver

As follow-up to an earlier discussion the Board concurred to waive the fairground fees for the Junior Rodeo, noting justification is based on the value of the equipment and improvements that they have contributed to the fairgrounds.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 4:00 PM.

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Reference Document on File