Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, September 6^th, 2005

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, September 6, 2005

Chairman Pro-Tem Joan Frey called the meeting to order at 10:01 AM.

Commissioners present: Joan Frey and Ray Thayer.

Chairman Don Struck was absent.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:01 AM – Public Works Department Update

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

Commissioner Frey stated that Centerville resident Max Fernandez was very appreciative of the Road Department’s repair efforts on Obrien Road.

Engineer Hedges discussed possible procedural changes that might be taken to address the rising cost of fuel. These would include parking equipment, such as dump trucks, closer to project sites rather than driving them back to maintenance yards or fuel depots. He also noted that they would be evaluating means to prevent fuel thefts.

Following up from last week Engineer Hedges said that repairs have been made to the chip spreader and it is back in operation. He added that oiling will start up again this week.

In another follow-up from last week Engineer Hedges stated that new information indicates that Dot Road will not be a major haul route for wind energy projects in the eastern part of the county. He did note however that although the repairs will not provide an all-weather haul route, one of the energy companies, PPM will be contributing to repairs of Dot Road. Commissioner Frey asked what the timeframe for repairs was and Engineer Hedges replied that by the week of September 26 there will be some limited number of department employees, as well as road equipment, working on this project. He added that by October 11 there will be more crew and equipment dedicated to the project and there should be significant improvement by the third week of October.

As was previously scheduled, Engineer Hedges said that Canyon Road will be closed starting next Monday, September 12 for two weeks while a base course is being placed. He added that the road will be paved this year.

Commissioner Thayer said that there were no quantities specified in the Notice to Contractors/Bid Opening for crushing and stockpiling rock (Item 11 of today’s Consent Agenda). Engineer Hedges responded that by this afternoon they will provide a revision listing the quantities.

Returning to an issue from the August 23, 2005 meeting, Engineer Hedges said that he had replied to the Goldendale Methodist Church’s request for 40 cubic yards of “scalpings” (rejected rock) to create a walking trail for diabetics in the Georgeville community, notifying the church that the county wouldn’t be able to provide the rock because it was requested by a private non-profit agency. Engineer Hedges noted the recent request that the Yakama Nation then made directly to the county. Commissioner Thayer replied that he still had concerns with the legal aspects of the issue and would prefer to table the matter for another week. Commissioner Frey agreed to postpone a decision until then.

Engineer Hedges noted the recent request for public records from legal counsel representing the Bickleton School District (including the 2005 Budget and the latest six-year road plan). Executive Secretary Cris McEwen said that the county had responded by asking for clarification of their request. Commissioner Thayer stated that it was ironic that the request was for documents that were readily available and that the school district could have easily gotten on their own.

Engineer Hedges stated that grant applications will soon be submitted for sidewalks in the vicinity of the Lyle High School for use by students and others.

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, September 6, 2005 (Continued)

11:05 AM – Health Insurance Renewal Update

Personnel Director Lori Wolford was accompanied by County Treasurer Dani Burton and Weed Control Coordinator Marty Hudson, both members of the Health Insurance Committee, to present their recommendations for renewal of the county’s employee health insurance. Coordinator Hudson noted that renewal at the present benefit level for Plan 1 would result in an approximately 17% premium increase, so the committee explored options to reduce this increase and reached a recommendation that would reduce the overall increase to 7.7%. To achieve this there were increases in the deductibles for hospitalization ($100 to $200) and out-of-network services ($300 to $500).

Director Wolford stated that there is a projected increase of over $132,000 in premiums borne by the county next year, while employee costs would rise by a little over $17,000. She stressed that this was a “moving target” and the actual increases will be determined by how many employees opt to stay with Plan 1 or change to Plan 2, which very few employees chose at last renewal time. Treasurer Burton stated that more employees may now choose Plan 2 because the terms are now more similar between the two plans (except for out-of-network services which are not utilized extensively anyway) and the premiums are less for Plan 2.

Coordinator Hudson noted that the overall increase in health insurance premiums is about 20% nationwide. He added that education efforts have made employees realize what a significant benefit their health insurance is. Commissioner Thayer said that he appreciates the efforts of the committee to reduce the increase from about 17% to 7.7% and they would discuss the proposal with Chairman Struck upon his return and probably consider formal approval at next week’s meeting.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 11:22 AM.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, September 6, 2005

Chairman Pro-Tem Jon Frey reconvened the meeting at 1:00 PM.

Commissioners present: Joan Frey and Ray Thayer.

Chairman Don Struck was absent.

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) the Business Agenda with one change: the public hearing for the 2005 budget supplemental has been postponed.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for August 16, 2005 as presented.

Citizen Comment

Ray LaFond came before the Board representing the Central Klickitat County Park and Recreation District. He stated that the Recreation District is exploring the possibility of acquiring a 225 acre parcel adjacent to the Goldendale Hatchery, bordered on the north by Fish Hatchery Road and to the west by Hill Road. Mr. LaFond added that there is consideration of setting up a firing range, to include high powered rifles, and also develop a fishing area where Spring Creek runs through the southern part of the property. He noted that the large size and topography of the property would probably allow for both uses. He stated that he has talked to State Senator Jim Honeyford about the possibility of obtaining the property from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, which is asking $225,000, noting also that state statute allows for the transfer of state property to another governmental entity if a public benefit can be demonstrated. Mr. LaFond said that he has also discussed the possibility of a firing range with law enforcement personnel and the WSU Extension Office, which would like a firearms training facility. Mr. LaFond said that he also plans to talk to Steve Brown, the county’s Emergency Management Coordinator, to see if there is the possibility of getting a Homeland Security grant for the firing range. He stated that he will also talk to adjacent landowners, and has discussed his proposal and the need for a Conditional Use Permit with Planning Director Curt Dreyer.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Hearing – Consider Supplements and Amendments to the 2005 Budget

Executive Secretary Cris McEwen stated that the public hearing was not advertised to the public and will thus have to be cancelled. A new public hearing will then need to be advertised before consideration by the Board.

Miscellaneous Reports/Comments

Title III Funding Request for the Trout Lake Community Wildfire Planning Process

Trout Lake Fire Department Chief Steve Koening and Northwest Service Academy Director Jim Wells came before the Board to request additional Title III funding (from the federal Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000) for the Trout Lake Community Wildfire Protection Plan. They noted that they received $8,000 from Klickitat County last year in Title III funds, and now would like an additional $25,000 to continue to fund positions, pay for office equipment, telephone and other services, purchase equipment such as chain saws and rent a brush chipper. The plan would develop a coordinated emergency communication system, educate community members, identify and map out homes, roads and routes, and other structures, water supplies, etc., pay for widening (clearing brush from the edges of) certain roads, and develop and implement strategies for fuel reduction and fire suppression.

Commissioner Frey responded that the Board is not aware of what sort of funding might be available and Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman is not on hand to answer questions. Commissioner Thayer added that Mr. Chipman would be in the Courthouse tomorrow and that he would personally ask him about this issue and would direct Mr. Chipman to reply directly what funding was available and what the county could do.

Consent Agenda

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

*

1. Resolution #14605 in the matter of declaring one (1) 1975 Ford LTS (Water Truck), Serial #Y902VU89106, License #C34931 as surplus inventory to be removed from the Buildings & Grounds Department to be disposed of through public sale or auction by the County Treasurer.

*

2. Agency Agreement (#C21105) between the State of Washington Department of Licensing and Klickitat County (Auditor) appointing the Auditor as an agent of DOL for the purpose of licensing and titling vehicles and collecting vehicle and vessel fees and excise taxes in addition to the additional duties outlined in the agreement.

*

3. Amendment No. 8 (#C21205) to an agreement between the Department of Ecology and Klickitat County, Water Resource Inventory Area 31, Rock Glade Watershed Planning Phase 3, Grant No. G0200109, increasing the budget, scope of work, and time to conduct development of the watershed management plan.

*

4. Resolution #14705 and letter in the matter of reappointing Joshua McCoy to an additional two year term on the Klickitat County Pest and Disease Board effective July 1, 2005, expiring June 30, 2007.

*

5. Resolution #14805 in the matter of allocating this year’s Secure Rural Schools funding between Title II and Title III projects allocating 15% of the County’s full payment amount for expenditure on projects under Title II and Title III of P.L. 106-393. Of the amount allocated to Title II and Title III projects Klickitat County allocates 100% for federal fiscal year 2005 (for expenditure after fiscal year 2005) expenditure on Title II projects.

*

6. Resolution #14905 in the matter of establishing equipment rental rates for the Equipment Rental and Revolving Fund effective September 1, 2005.

*

7. Agreement to Purchase and Stockpile Rock (#C21305) between Klickitat County and Michael B. and Mary Rose Counts at an established quarry within the north half of the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 22, Township 5 North, Range 14 East, W.M.

*

8. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling a public meeting for 1:30 PM on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 to consider acceptance of alteration of Lot 2, Hayes Subdivision, Short Plat No. SPL2005-19; Applicants: Howard and Cindy Shaw.

*

9. Interagency Agreement (#C21405) between the State of Washington, Administrative Office of the Courts and Klickitat County for the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) biennial contract.

*

10. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling a public hearing for 1:30 PM on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 to consider two (2) appeals to the Responsible Official’s Declaration of Non-Significance SEP2005-28 and SEP2005-29 relating to Short Plat applications SPL2005-20 and SPL2005-21; and preliminary actions for the same. Appellants: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; Applicants: Todd Collins and Jacomijyn Klinkenbert.

*

11. Notice to contractors and scheduling of a bid opening to be held at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, October 11, 2005 for Counts Quarry Crushing SP-27. Work will consist of manufacturing and stockpiling of “Crushed Surfacing Base Course 1 1/4”; Crushed Surfacing Top Course ¾”-0”; Crushed Coverstone; and other work related to crushing and stockpiling.

*

12. Amendment (#C21505) to CI-MTB-Klickitat County Senior Services-2005-2006-02 Contract Instruction, Contract No. 05-06-MTB-KCSS-05 to amend the senior transportation summary to distribute Senior Transportation dollars for July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006.

Elected Official Report/Update

Prosecuting Attorney Update

Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill updated the Board on recent developments, starting with discussions he has held with City of Goldendale officials on the Bounceback bad check diversion program. He added that he has drafted an interlocal agreement for review by the city.

In a follow up from discussions this morning during the Public Works workshop, Prosecutor O’Neill stated that he got a copy of a letter sent to Assistant County Engineer Bjorn Hedges from Tina Antone of the Yakama Nation’s Area Agency on Aging. The letter requested four dump truck loads of reject rock for use in constructing a walking trail for elderly diabetic members of their Georgeville community. The Board noted that they also received a copy of the letter. Prosecutor O’Neill said that he saw no consideration or benefit to the county and therefore it was his opinion that providing the rock would be improper.

Prosecutor O’Neill said that he has had further communications with the Alder Creek Pioneer Center regarding their plans to build a Carousel Museum in Bickleton. He again affirmed that he would send the group a draft agreement relating to land they will lease from the county to construct the museum.

Executive Session

Executive Session – Pending and Potential Litigation

The Board convened into Executive Session at 2:45 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 county jail’s medical assistance contract and also a tax foreclosure matter. It was noted that the session would last for 10 minutes. At 2:55 PM the session was extended for another five minutes.

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

Payment Approvals

Road Department Payments

*

Authorized (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Change Order No. 8 to Todd Construction, Inc., in the amount of $41,871.00 for the Pioneer Center project.

Voucher Certification and Approval

*

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

Accounts Payable: (#147917 – 148103) $302,030.42

There were no payroll/benefits warrants requiring approval at this time.

Adjournment (3:22 PM)

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until 10:30 AM on Thursday, September 8, 2005

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Thursday, September 8, 2005

Chairman Don Struck reconvened the meeting at 10:30 AM.

Commissioners present: Don Struck, Joan Frey and Ray Thayer.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:30 AM – Emergency Management Department Update

There was a general discussion between the Board and Emergency Management Coordinator Steve Brown regarding department issues. Coordinator Brown also brought up topics of concern that have come to light following the recent devastation of the Gulf Coast caused by Hurricane Katrina.

11:50 AM – Lunch

1:00 PM – Executive Session

The Board convened into Executive Session in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1) (g) to conduct interviews for the position of Public Works Director. It was noted that the session would last for 2 hours

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

3:10 PM – Columbia Cascade Housing Authority Discussion

Dave Peters with the Columbia Cascade Housing Authority discussed housing issues in the community of Roosevelt, notably the occupation rates and other status of rental units. There was also discussion regarding fire protection issues, such as procurement of a fire truck and other means of reducing fire insurance rates.

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Thursday, September 8, 2005 (Continued)

3:45 PM – Title II and Title III Funding Issues

The Board and Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman discussed Title II and Title III funding (from the federal Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000) and how it affects junior taxing districts, depending on how funding is utilized. The Board decided that the resolution passed this Tuesday, September 6, (Item #5 of the Consent Agenda) which allocates 100% of the 2005 payment to Title II, would be sent to the Washington Association of Counties. It was noted that it would be too late to change the allocation at this time because budgeting for weed control in the National Forest is dependent on this funding.

4:05 PM – Consideration of Nuisance Abatement Cases

Code Compliance Officer Joyce DeVries presented two nuisance abatement cases. The first involved Parcel Numbers 02-13-1654-0002/00 and 02-13-1653-0003/00 owned by Eric F. Schmid, and the second case involved Parcel Number 02-13-1653-0002/00 owned by Raymond D. Manning. Officer DeVries stated that she paid a site visit to these properties and it appeared that there was no violation of the Nuisance Abatement Ordinance in either case. She therefore recommended that no abatement of the properties be undertaken. The Board agreed that there would be no abatement as per the recommendation.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 4:15 PM.

*

Reference Document on File