Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, October 11^th, 2005

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Chairman Don Struck called the meeting to order at 10:10 AM.

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

Workshop Session Agenda

10:10 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Public Works Director Scott Smith, Assistant County Engineer Bjorn Hedges and Goldendale resident Daniel Lichtenwald.

Engineer Hedges reminded the Board of the upcoming closure of Stonehenge Drive on October 12 and 13.

Engineer Hedges provided copies of correspondence dated October 7, 2005 from Dirt & Aggregate Interchange, Inc., as well as his reply dated October 10 to Mid Columbia Paving Company, the lead contractor for the Canyon Road project. Dirt & Aggregate, the subcontractor hired to install guardrails, contended in their October 7 letter that they encountered large rocks that were unanticipated and they have therefore incurred unexpected costs. Engineer Hedges stated that they are disputing that contention, noting that specifications indicated the presence of the rocks, which were also physically observable during the bid preparation period. He added that copies of the correspondence have also been provided to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Engineer Hedges discussed the Dot Road project, stating that pavement grinding is now complete and yielded excellent results. He added that hauling additional crushed rock is now in progress and then it should take about a week to finish the re-grading and compacting. Engineer Hedges said that the patching on that section of Dot Road south of Schrantz Road has not held however, so they will have to devise a solution. Related to this, Engineer Hedges stated that no agreement has been reached as yet with PPM Energy, Inc. in regard to a $250,000 payment they would make for previous damage and future hauling on Dot Road.

Noting that the Goldendale Maintenance Technician position is still open Engineer Hedges asked if the Board wished to advertise to fill the position or eliminate the position as had previously been discussed. The Board unanimously stated that it was their intent to eliminate the position.

Engineer Hedges discussed the disposition of an older grader that was going to be declared surplus, recommending that the county keep the equipment over this coming winter. The Board agreed to the suggestion.

Engineer Hedges stated that the Courtney Road contract is nearing completion and the county must decide whether to oil the road or wait until next year for further settling. He recommended waiting and the Board agreed.

Engineer Hedges said that he has completed and submitted all grant applications for sidewalks in Dallesport, Lyle and White Salmon, noting that if all applications are awarded the county would receive $1,220,000.

Engineer Hedges stated that work on the hydroseeding contract approved last week will begin this Friday and this work will be completed in a three day period.

Engineer Hedges said that they will shortly begin advertising for snow removal contracts to cover the Goldendale Courthouse and annexes, the White Salmon Pioneer Center and the Loop Road sidewalk.

Engineer Hedges stated that the Pioneer Center move has been completed, though there was a short delay in getting elevator service because of an issue involving the elevator phone. Chairman Struck added that the occupancy permit was signed off yesterday. He added that Building and Grounds Manager John Ihrig, as well as department staff, including Randy Roe and Steve Hamilton, are to be commended for the job they did, sometimes staying until midnight getting the Pioneer Center ready for occupancy.

Engineer Hedges said that he would like to schedule a workshop on Capital Improvements projects involving the Building and Grounds Department.

There was extensive discussion of Engineer Hedges’ request for Board direction in paring down road projects to get the top three to four that require design work. Engineer Hedges stated that one criterion would be to choose roads that already have rock stockpiles in close proximity. Public Works Director Scott Smith stated that Klickitat County has a very small cash carryover in comparison to other counties and suggested that the county should set aside a reserve equal to about the three months of highest expenditures, which would be about $2 million. Director Smith added that the county should be very careful in which projects it selects and stated that there is a need for a strategic plan for the road system. He asked how much of a priority paving local access roads should be and whether major and minor collector roads might suffer because of spending on improvements to local access roads. Commissioner Thayer responded that he believes that most major collectors in the county are in relatively good condition.

Director Smith also stated that maintenance costs generally go up when roads are paved, typically by 150 to 200%. Commissioner Frey replied that she can agree with Director Smith’s comments as applied to farm-to-market and other roads that have high commercial/truck traffic. She noted however, that paving residential and light traffic roads can result in lower overall maintenance costs, and added that dust reduction and school bus safety are factors that enter into these decisions. Engineer Hedges also noted that there are higher vehicle maintenance costs associated with gravel roads. Director Smith agreed.

Following further discussion the Board reached consensus to give high priority to four road projects: Woodland, Saxton-Bane, Thompson and Snowden Roads. Director Smith counseled caution, stating that if the cost of these road projects is added to road expenditures that the county has already committed to, there is very little money left in the road budget for next year. He noted that the bottom line is that residents of the county expect their roads to be done if they see them listed on the six year road plan. He added that some roads now slated for next year’s annual road plan could be deferred while still keeping them on the six year plan.

Chairman Struck suggested that there should be further discussion and consensus was reached to schedule time on Thursday, November 3 (from 1:30 to 5:00 PM).

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, October 11, 2005 (Continued)

11:19 AM - Economic Development Department Update

Attendance: Economic Development Director Dana Peck, Consultant Miland Walling and Goldendale resident Daniel Lichtenwald.

Director Peck expressed thanks for office space made available at the Pioneer Center for Economic Development Specialist Wayne Wooster, adding that he is attending a Columbia Gorge Commission meeting today.

Director Peck stated that there are three individuals interested in appointment to the Klickitat County Tourism Advisory Board, which would provide a quorum for the group, should they be approved by the Board of Commissioners. He noted that this would still leave two vacancies. The Board stated that they were favorably disposed toward the three prospective appointees.

Director Peck said that he has met with both Chambers of Commerce regarding amendments to their agreements with the county on sharing hotel/motel tax revenues from the state. He added that the Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce appears to be supportive of the new arrangement, although Tom Ireland of the Greater Goldendale Chamber of Commerce feels that there is a simpler way to divide these revenues. Director Peck said that he would wait to discuss the issue with Mr. Ireland before proceeding. Director Peck also stated that both chambers have been revitalized and doing an excellent job.

Director Peck provided information on the 2005 Community Development project grants, noting that about half the projects are now complete and he anticipates no problems in having all the projects done by the end of the year (when the grant money expires).

Consultant Miland Walling discussed the issue of taxing wind energy projects as personal property, stating that he has discussed the matter with representatives of the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) and the Governor’s Office. Commissioner Thayer added that County Assessor Van Vandenberg has also been involved with the issue, and research is being done by outside counsel. Director Peck stated that the issue might possibly be resolved within the DOR, or perhaps it might take the passage of state legislation.

Noting that the Energy Overlay Zone also has provisions for establishing solar energy projects in Klickitat County, Director Peck said that there are at least two firms with some interest in bringing solar projects to the county.

Director Peck said that he has learned that landfill gas, as is being collected and then used to fuel generators at the Roosevelt Landfill is probably worth more as the gas itself than converting it into electricity. He added that it can be cleaned and then added to existing natural gas pipelines.

Director Peck stated that the WACERT (Washington Community Economic Revitalization Team) process is no longer being used by Washington State, so the county will no longer have to provide priority lists of county economic development projects.

Director Peck discussed a commitment made by the United States Forest Service (USFS) in 2002 in the form of a match that was to be used for infrastructure construction in Dallesport. He stated that since the funds were never used, the USFS is now willing to apply the matching funds to construction of the new Insitu building in Bingen. Chairman Struck stated that the Board would take the matter under advisement.

Director Peck stated that there has been significant recent economic development in the far east end of the county with the Roosevelt housing project now about two-thirds full and a sizeable jump in school attendance in the Alderdale area. He noted that there is discussion among Alderdale residents about creating a more viable and organized community.

Director Peck said that a new organization, Northwest River Partners has been formed with a focus on irrigation and other related issues. He suggested that he would find out what it might cost for the county to join the group.

Director Peck said that he and Planning Director Curt Dreyer have discussed General Industrial Zone language changes as a topic for the next Klickitat County Economic Development Authority meeting, scheduled for Thursday, October 20.

Director Peck stated that MCEDD (Mid-Columbia Economic Development District) Director Lee Curtis is initiating a demonstration marketing program that will be focused on two areas, probably Dallesport and Goldendale. Director Peck added that MCEDD will be using their own funding for the effort.

Director Peck said that construction is starting on wind power projects in the Bickleton area.

Director Peck stated that construction is also starting on the Google server farm in The Dalles, while construction is completed on the Homeshield building, also in The Dalles.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 11:53 AM

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Chairman Don Struck reconvened the meeting at 1:08 PM.

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

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) the Business Agenda as presented.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for September 20, 2005 as presented.

Citizen Comment

Barbara Knowles presented new complaints about her treatment from staff at the Senior Services Department in Goldendale. The Board said that they would look into her grievances.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Bid Opening – Counts Quarry Crushing, WP-27

Bids forwarded (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) to the Public Works Department for their review and recommendation of three bids received for Counts Quarry Crushing, WP-27. The engineer’s estimate was $222,450:

1. Deatley Crushing Company, Lewiston, Idaho – $281,920
2. North Central Construction, Inc., Moses Lake, Washington – $262,890
3. PCR, Inc., Beaver Creek, Oregon – $350,060

Public Meeting – Consider Acceptance of Planning Commission’s Recommendation of Approval of Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA2005-04) and Rezone Request (ZON2005-05); Applicants: John and Janice Nelson

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Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Ordinance No. O101105 summarily accepting the Planning Commission recommendation and approving application CPA2005-04 amending the Klickitat County Trout Lake Sub Area comprehensive plan map designation of approximately 7 acres from Agriculture/Forest to Rural Residential. The applicants are John and Janice Nelson.

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Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Ordinance No. O101105-1 summarily accepting the Planning Commission recommendation and approving application ZON2005-05 amending the Klickitat County zoning map for approximately 7 acres from Extensive Agriculture to Rural Residential 2. The applicants are John and Janice Nelson.

Prior to the motions the public meeting proceeded as follows with Chairman Struck opening the meeting and asking for a staff report:

Planning Director Curt Dreyer stated that the Board will consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve both the Comprehensive Plan Amendment and the Rezone Request, noting that the Comprehensive Plan must be amended before the zoning change is allowed. He also noted that the Planning Commission determined that the seven acre parcel was part of a larger lot that was divided off of the larger portion of the lot by State Route 141, and this smaller parcel was never managed as agricultural land or forest land.

It was noted that the applicant was not in attendance and neither was there anyone else present wishing to testify for or against this proposal.

Commissioner Thayer noted comments against approving the comprehensive plan amendment and zoning change and suggesting instead that approval should wait for perhaps a year until there is an overall update (of the Trout Lake Subarea Plan). Commissioner Thayer stated however, that an update in this timeframe seems unlikely. He added that there are residential lots just across the road and noted also that the hardware store located on the seven acre lot is a valuable community resource and allowing it to be divided off from the rest of the parcel would keep the business viable (by allowing ownership to be transferred).

Commissioner Frey expressed her agreement with Commissioner Thayer’s comments and added that this property doesn’t appear to be useful for other purposes and therefore development would probably be more appropriate at this location as opposed to other parcels that would better remain in agriculture.

Chairman Struck noted that the September 13, 2005 letter from the Trout Lake Community Council essentially supports the applicant’s desire to split the hardware store site from the rest of the property, even though the council opposes the zone change at this time.

Consent Agenda

Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Consent Agenda except for Item 2 to be reconsidered at a later time:

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1. Lease Agreement (#C23805) between Klickitat County and the Alder Creek Pioneer Association for the lease of county property in Bickleton for the Association’s Carousel Museum.

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2. (Pulled) Klickitat County Public Defender Contract 2006-2007 between Klickitat County (Superior Court) and the following three attorneys: Rick L. Hansen, Gwendolyn L. Grundei, and Gerald A. Matosich for the 2006 and 2007 calendar years.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#148892 – 149122) $225,568.70

Combined Payroll: (#083669 – 083952, 148878 – 148891 & Electronic Transfer 341) $443,367.57

For a combined total of $668,936.57

Road Department Payments

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Approved (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Change Order No. 1 to James Dean Construction, in the amount of $4,800.00 for the Courtney Road project.

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Approved (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Progress Payment No. 2 to James Dean Construction, in the amount of $76,358.19, which includes $3,817.91 retainage for a net of $72,540.28 for the Courtney Road project.

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Approved (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Progress Payment No. 12 to Todd Construction, Inc., in the amount of $204,556.30, which includes $9,514.26 retainage for a net of $195,042.04 for the Pioneer Center project.

Old Business

Public Meeting – Consider Final Approval of Short Plat No. SPL2005-18; Applicant: Eric Ihde

Continued (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) until 3:00 PM on Tuesday, October 18, 2005. Prior to the motion Associate Planner Jannette Herrington informed the Board that there was still missing documentation because it had not been submitted by the applicant.

Elected Official Report/Update

Prosecuting Attorney Update

Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill began his briefing by stating that there is an ongoing problem with backlogged cases in East District Court. He suggested that this may be an indication that part-time district courts can no longer keep up with the case load in the county.

Prosecutor O’Neill stated that union members in the Sheriff’s Department are questioning Civil Service Commission processes. He noted that there have been no formal complaints and there may just need to be policy adjustments.

Executive Session

Executive Session – Pending and Potential Litigation

The Board convened into Executive Session at 3:30 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 PPM Energy, Inc., County Auditor Diana Housden and a pending criminal matter. It was noted that the session would last for 15 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 3:45 PM.

Executive Session

Executive Session – Personnel Issue

The Board convened into Executive Session at 4:00 PM with Economic Development Director Dana Peck and Solid Waste Director Tim Hopkinson in accordance with RCW 42.30.110 (1) (g) to discuss a personnel issue. It was noted that the session would last for 30 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 4:30 PM.

Adjournment (4:30 PM)

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until 10:30 AM on Thursday, October 13, 2005

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Thursday, October 13, 2005

Chairman Don Struck reconvened the meeting at 10:35 AM.

Commissioners present: Don Struck and Ray Thayer.

Commissioner Joan Frey was absent.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:35 AM – Strategic Financial Planning Discussion

Attendance: County Treasurer Dani Burton, County Auditor Diana Housden, Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman and Financial Consultant Susan Musselman.

Attendees discussed long term financial planning and it was agreed that the Finance Committee would begin formulation of a plan to be presented to the Board of Commissioners at some future date.

12:00 Noon – Lunch

1:10 PM – Executive Session

The Board convened into Executive Session with Personnel Director Lori Wolford to discuss union bargaining negotiations. It was expected to last 50 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 2:00 PM.

2:05 PM – Consideration of Nuisance Abatement of Parcel Numbers 02-13-3360-0313/00 and 04-16-2261-0023/00

Building and Compliance Director Skip Grimes and Code Compliance Officer Joyce DeVries presented two nuisance abatement cases involving Parcel No. 02-13-3360-0313/00, Douglas C. and Cheri B. Austin, owners, and Parcel No. 04-16-2261-0023/00, Patricia A. Shamek, owner. In regard to the first case, Officer DeVries recommended that no abatement be pursued. Regarding the latter case, Officer DeVries recommended commencement of nuisance abatement proceedings. The Board agreed with both recommendations and directed the preparation of the appropriate resolutions.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 2:30 PM.

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Reference Document on File