Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, June 19^th, 2007

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Chairman Ray Thayer called the meeting to order at 10:04 AM.

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer and Don Struck.

Commissioner David Sauter was absent due to his attendance at another meeting.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:04 AM – Public Works Department Update

In a follow up from last week, Public Works Director Scott Smith stated that the County Road Administration Board (CRAB) has informed him that the Glenwood Highway overlay can be considered as a maintenance project, which will help the county’s day labor situation by reducing the construction budget but still allow county crews to perform the work. He added that this project will be completed this year.

10:08 AM – Executive Session

The Board convened into Executive Session with Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill, Director Smith and Personnel Director Lori Wolford in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1) (i) to discuss potential and pending litigation in regard to a claim against the county. It was noted that the session would last for 15 minutes. At 10:23 AM it was announced that the session would be extended until 10:35 AM. At 10:35 AM it was announced that the session would be extended until 10:40 AM.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 10:40 AM.

10:40 AM – Public Works Department Update (Continued)

Director Smith said that a decision needs to be made on whether to proceed with the FCAAP (Flood Control Assistance Account Program) grant application for a technical study of the Bear Creek flooding issue. He stated that he is not in favor of doing the technical study because it is probably unnecessary now that they have received a recommendation from Frank Childs of Pioneer Surveying and Engineering to widen the channel between State Route 141 and the Gilliland property and require removal of channel obstructions. Director Smith added however that a representative of the Washington State Department of Ecology has told him that this funding could be transferred to another project and used to update the county’s Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan (CFHMP) instead. Chairman Thayer responded that if the FCAAP grant could be used to update the county’s flood management plan, then that may be worth pursuing but Director Smith should discuss this matter with Planning Director Curt Dreyer, because of his prior involvement and information that the Planning Department has obtained.

Director Smith reviewed the current BST (Bituminous Surface Treatment) projects including Saxton-Bane, Thompson, Woodland, Sixprong Extension, and Hale Road (which has been shortened by four miles). Chairman Thayer said that he has gotten reports that the cover stone used on Thompson Road was dusty and dirty and questioned where the rock came from. Director Smith responded that it came from the Counts pit and added that they have concerns also, as it barely met their standards. He noted that the crews have been instructed that if they have problems on this project they are to stop the oiling.

Director Smith stated that they are now doing chip sealing projects in the west end of the county and Commissioner Struck asked to get a list of the chip sealing projects in his district.

Returning to the Harms Bridge permitting issue from last week Director Smith said that if they do not hear from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife this week, then the project will be postponed until next year.

Returning to another of last week’s issues regarding the county’s lawnmower that is used by the Lyle School District, Director Smith stated that his research has revealed that the Weed Control Department mows the county property near the Dallesport Community Center. Chairman Thayer responded that he would be willing to give the mower to the school district, but Director Smith should research the past agreements between the county and school district in regard to this matter.

Chairman Thayer noted that two weeks ago Office Engineer Keith Grundei had informed the Board that Longview Fibre had requested permission to close Staats Road for a portion of the workweek to conduct log hauling operations. Chairman Thayer asked what the status of the request is now. Director Smith replied that when Longview Fibre found that they would have to advertise the closure in advance, they withdrew their request.

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, June 19, 2007 (Continued)

11:05 AM – Auditor’s Office Update

County Auditor Brenda Sorensen stated that the extended filing period for public office ends tomorrow at 5:00 PM for those nine junior taxing districts that had no filings for one or more open positions. She added that in the past this extended filing period has not included all positions that it was supposed to, noting that some incumbents had chosen not to file at the end of their term and when no one, including themselves, filed for the position, this ‘rolled” the position over and the incumbent held that office for another term. She stated that in the future all expiring positions, including those that are filled will be included in the extended filing period.

Auditor Sorensen said that the August 21 Primary Election will feature two races, the first for Hospital District No. 1 Commissioner with five candidates, and also the Lyle School District where there are three candidates vying for Board Position No. 1.

Auditor Sorensen stated that their Provisional Ballot Envelopes were missing the required “voter affidavit” statement that the user must sign. However Deputy Auditor Tabitha Theriault devised a way to print the necessary statement on the envelopes, thus saving the need for new envelopes.

Auditor Sorensen said that they have requested a quotation for a ballot drop box to be installed in the west-end, probably at the Pioneer Center.

Auditor Sorensen noted several conferences and training opportunities occurring soon, including next week’s Pacific Northwest Regional Elections Conference in Portland, and the UOCAVA (Uniformed and Overseas Citizen Absentee Voting Act) and Canvassing Board Training in Yakima on July 27.

Auditor Sorensen stated that there will be a Pollworker Appreciation Day on August 16 at 1:00 PM at the Pioneer Center and it is expected that Washington State’s Secretary of State Sam Reed will attend, noting that it is also open to the general public.

Auditor Sorensen said that the Washington State Department of Licensing will be replacing all monitors and CPUs throughout the state, including both of their workstations.

Auditor Sorensen noted the upcoming Preservation Committee meeting on July 19 and said she will have information on other systems, so it is hoped that they could make progress toward the goal of obtaining equipment.

Auditor Sorensen stated that the payroll function in the office is going well and there is a Cayenta Management Team meeting this Thursday.

Auditor Sorensen said that an employee has made a request to Personnel Director Lori Wolford, asking to be able to plug in their electric car while they are at work. Director Wolford had informed her that it has been an unwritten policy to disallow employees from plugging in motor warmers for their diesel vehicles. Auditor Sorensen said that since it appeared to her that plugging in an electric car was probably a minor use of electricity compared to the use of an engine block heater, she decided to get an opinion from the Washington State Auditor’s Office and they advised her that plugging in an electric car was probably a deminius (negligible) use of public resources, but recommended that the Board establish a written policy on the matter.

11:22 AM – Sheriff’ s Office Update

Sheriff Rick McComas began by revisiting last week’s discussion on the Port of Klickitat’s request for deputies to patrol their Fourth of July fireworks display at Bingen Point. He stated that after talking to the Port’s Executive Director Dianne Sherwood they have made arrangements involving themselves, local police and the Washington State Patrol to provide the necessary coverage and the display will go on as planned.

Sheriff McComas said that they have made offers of employment to two patrol deputy candidates and now have tentative acceptance from them. He added that they would start next month at the entry level and it won’t be until May of 2008 before their initial training is complete and they can make a significant contribution.

Sheriff McComas stated that Civil Service testing will be conducted on July 14 for corrections and communications officers.

Sheriff McComas said that they have run into difficulties in implementing their video conferencing between the jail and West District Court. Corrections Superintendent Tom Hawes explained that they will be able to use the video link for some things but West District Judge Weisfield has raised objections to using the system for pretrial conferences and where there is a need for an interpreter. Sheriff McComas and Superintendent Hawes stated that they were disappointed that they would not be able to use this system more fully and the cost savings will be much smaller than they anticipated. Chairman Thayer responded that Asotin County has installed such a system and has been able to save a significant amount of money. Commissioner Struck said that he would get more information from Judge Weisfield.

Sheriff McComas stated that PAL (Police Activities League) Coordinator Crystal Dodge has applied for another grant for PAL activities and will get an answer on whether it was successful in about a week.

Superintendent Hawes said that their temporary corrections hire has resigned, but they will let the Civil Service process go forward to permanently fill the position.

Chairman Thayer said he saw a patrol deputy on Hoctor Road recently, and this has helped to reduce speeds on the road. Sheriff McComas responded that they have issued at least ten citations on Hoctor Road and their enforcement efforts will continue.

11:40 AM – Tire Removal Update

Solid Waste Director Tim Hopkinson stated that the removal operation at the Tire Shredder’s tire pile south of Goldendale continues with a contract being awarded by the Washington State Department of Ecology to Entech, Inc. to remove half the tires. Then later a second bid will be issued for the remainder and he believes that all tires will be removed by the end of this year.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 11:47 AM.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 1:02 PM.

Commissioners present: Ray Thayer and Don Struck.

Commissioner David Sauter was absent due to his attendance at another meeting.

Agenda

Business Agenda

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

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approved (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for May 29, 2007 and June 5, 2007 as presented.

Citizen Comment

There was no one present wishing to provide public comment.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Meeting – Consider Approval of Boundary Line Adjustment BLA2007-08; Applicant: Clair Nafziger

Approved (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Boundary Line Adjustment BLA2007-08, which alters the boundary lines of Lot 72 of Ponderosa Park #2 and an adjoining twenty acre parcel adjoining on the south, the applicant being Clair Nafziger, Thomas Heuberger and Bridget Yearian. Prior to approval, the public meeting proceeded as follows with Chairman Thayer opening the hearing and requesting a staff review:

Associate Planner Jannette Herrington stated that the purpose of this adjustment is to allow one party to construct a residence on a portion of the lots that is not jointly owned. She also noted correspondence from Ponderosa Park Owners Association (PPOA) President Gerry Zager who requested that this matter be postponed for 60 days to be certain that their earlier concerns have been addressed and to allow the PPOA to consult with legal counsel. However, Planner Herrington said that in her conversation with Planning Director Curt Dreyer, he indicated that Mr. Zager’s concerns could be adequately addressed if and when this property might be subdivided. Noting the attendance of several individuals, Chairman Thayer then opened the proceeding to those who may have questions or concerns about this proposal:

Randy Carley, a resident of Ponderosa Park, said it was his understanding that no division of this property has been applied for and any access issues would be considered at the time a subdivision is applied for. Planner Herrington responded that this was correct.

Clair Nafziger said that his residence is Portland, OR and is present to answer any questions and to explain the intent of this proposed adjustment. He stated that the twenty acre lot that lies south of Lots 72 and 65 of Ponderosa Park is owned jointly by himself, and Thomas Heuberger and Bridget Yearian. The adjustment would essentially join the west ten acres of the jointly owned lot, to Lot 72, lying directly to the north, thus increasing the acreage of Lot 72 from five acres to fifteen.. This would then reduce the acreage of the twenty acre lot to ten acres (the eastern half). Mr. Nafziger added that access to his ten acre lot would come from Pipeline Road to the east, while access to Lot 72 would continue to be from Aspen to the north.

Gerry Zager stated that access issues were not clear to him and noted that they have concerns. Chairman Thayer replied that access issues would be dealt with in the event that there would be a subdivision application, noting that the fifteen acre lot would have its access through Ponderosa Park.

Ron Sullivan, also a resident of Ponderosa Park inquired if Mr. Nafziger was asking for access for his ten acres through Ponderosa Park. Mr. Nafziger responded that he was not, noting that he had asked if the twenty acre jointly owned lot could be annexed into Ponderosa Park but was told that it would be difficult. In response to a question from Bill Martin, also of Ponderosa Park, Mr. Nafziger stated that if Mr. Heuberger and Ms. Yearian asked for access for their fifteen acre lot through his ten acres he would grant it. He also noted that Meg Letterman, one of the developers of Ponderosa Park, granted his request for access to the twenty acre lot by an extension of Aspen, and this was granted approximately ten years ago and is an easement of record.

Commissioner Struck stated that he was satisfied with the proposal and any concerns that the PPOA may have could be adequately addressed should there be a request to subdivide.

Bid Opening – Purchase of Three Tail Gate Sanders

Bids Forwarded (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) to the Public Works Department for their review and recommendation of four bids received for three (3) tail gate sanders:

· Sahlberg Equipment, Buckley, WA – $17,077.22

· Columbia Equipment, Clackamas, OR – $12,950.21 (add $2,500 if snowplows are not purchased at the same time)

· Washington Auto Carriage, Spokane, WA – $11,810.25 (bid does not meet specifications)

· Northend Truck Equipment, Marysville, WA – $12,277.86 (apparent low bid)

Bid Opening – Purchase of Three Snow Plows

Bids Forwarded (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) to the Public Works Department for their review and recommendation of four bids received for three (3) snow plows:

· Sahlberg Equipment, Buckley, WA – $25,700.06 (some exceptions to specifications)

· Columbia Equipment, Clackamas, OR – $19,938.38 (add $2,500 if tail gate sanders are not purchased at the same time)

· Washington Auto Carriage, Spokane, WA – $18,891.27 (some exceptions to specifications)

· Northend Truck Equipment, Marysville, WA – $19,416.08 (apparent low bid)

Bid Opening – 2007 Pavement Markings

Bids Forwarded (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) to the Public Works Department for their review and recommendation of two bids received for the 2007 Pavement Markings contract:

· Apply-A-Line, Inc., Pacific, WA – $379,638

· Stripe Rite, Inc., Auburn, WA – $339,430

Public Hearing – Consider a Petition to Change the Name of Gorge View Estates Street to Sunridge Court

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Adopted (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Resolution #13307 in the matter of ordering Gorge View Estates Street, County Road No. 20640, to be changed to Sunridge Court. Prior to adoption of the resolution Public Works Director Scott Smith provided a staff review stating that a petition was received from landowners along Gorge View Estates Street requesting the name change and because Sunridge Avenue intersects this road the name change would not lead to confusion, so he therefore recommended approval. Chairman Thayer noted for the record that there was no one present wishing to comment for or against the proposal, and there was no written comment received either.

Public Hearing – Consider Supplemental Appropriations and Amendments to the 2007 Budget in the Amount of $1,143,100 for Various Funds and Departments

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Adopted (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Resolution #13407 in the matter of allowing supplemental appropriations and amendments for the 2007 Budget for various funds and departments in the amount of $1,143,100. Prior to approval of the resolution the hearing proceeded as follows with Chairman Thayer opening the hearing and requesting a staff review:

Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman provided a very brief review of the proposal, noting that details of this proposal were provided at the May 10, 2007 Board workshop. Chairman Thayer asked if there was anyone present wishing to provide public testimony in this matter:

Tracy Hoctor, Secretary and Chief Examiner of the Civil Service Commission stated that the Commission has incurred significant and unanticipated expenses in attempting to fill positions within the Sheriff’s Office.

Planning Director Curt Dreyer stated that expenditures for professional services will be largely recovered by reimbursements back to the county by wind power developers. These reimbursements would probably be about 90%.

Consent Agenda

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

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1. Resolution #13507 in the matter of authorizing the County Auditor to provide a local Voter’s Guide to the electorate of Klickitat County for the 2007 General Election.

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2. Resolution #13607 in the matter of declaring a 1996 Utility Trailer, Serial #WA94180002, License #42471C as surplus to be removed from the Adult Probation Department and to be transferred and assigned to the Buildings and Grounds Division.

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3. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling a public meeting for 1:30 PM on Tuesday, July 17, 2007 to consider approval of Boundary Line Adjustment No. BLA2007-04; Applicant: Lance Peterson.

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4. Settlement Agreement (#C16007) between Klickitat County and West Klickitat Sheriff’s Posse, Inc. for acquisition of right-of-way required for the purpose of reconstruction of a portion of Snowden Road #11000 in consideration of $7,847.00.

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5. Notice of invitation to bidders and scheduling a bid opening for 1:30 PM on Tuesday, July 17, 2007 for Sanding Materials.

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6. Resolution #13707 in the matter of appointing Fran Groth of Alderdale, Washington to the Klickitat County Tourism Advisory Board. Appointment will be to complete an unexpired two year term which expires December 31, 2007; AND Resolution #13807 in the matter of appointing Lorraine Reynolds of Goldendale, Washington to the Klickitat County Tourism Advisory Board. Appointment will be to complete an unexpired two year term which expires December 31, 2007.

Unfinished Business

Resolution Approving Plat No. SUB2006-01 (Columbia Vineyard Subdivision); Applicant: Brad Gearhart

Adopted (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Resolution #13207 in the matter of final approval of Plat No. SUB2006-01 (Columbia Vineyard Subdivision) which is a division of approximately 30 acres into six lots, the applicant being Brad Gearhart. Associate Planner Jannette Herrington stated in her staff review that Lot 6 is 26.82 acres and lies within the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, noting that approval for this proposal from the Columbia River Gorge Commission has been obtained. It was noted for the record that there was no one present wishing to provide public comment, for or against the proposal.

Miscellaneous Reports/Comments

Discussion on the City of Goldendale’s Comprehensive Plan Update and Designation of Urban Growth Boundaries

Attendance: Goldendale Mayor Mark Sigfrinius, Goldendale City Administrator Larry Bellamy and Planning Director Curt Dreyer.

Administrator Bellamy reviewed various planning issues beginning with the City of Goldendale’s water plan, noting that they have been working with two state agencies: the Department of Health and Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development. He added that as part of this process the city must describe their service area, which is essentially their urban growth boundary. He added that as it becomes harder to obtain water rights, developers look toward the cities to supply water.

Related to this Administrator Bellamy stated that the city has had very few subdivisions in the last few years, but now have two: one off of Roosevelt Street and the other in the Glover Street area. He noted that it is important to coordinate planning with Klickitat County as they consider an extension of their urban growth boundary and presented maps indicating this potential expansion. One map added those sections where their water lines are already established, and then another map refined this by following property lines. Administrator Bellamy added that the overriding concern is not to expand so quickly that it becomes difficult to service their entire area.

Administrator Bellamy stated that they are now working on a joint planning agreement between the city and county. Planning Director Curt Dreyer added that the Klickitat County Planning Commission has been discussing this issue and there is already a Memorandum of Understanding between the two jurisdictions, but this is currently limited to a discussion of these issues. He noted also that the county faces similar issues in the west end of the county, involving White Salmon and Bingen.

Executive Session

Executive Session – Pending and Potential Litigation

The Board convened into Executive Session at 3:10 PM with Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill, Chief Deputy Prosecutor Craig Juris and Deputy Prosecutor David Quesnel in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(1) (i) to discuss potential and pending litigation in regard to an employment matter and the Ciske litigation. It was noted that the session would last for 10 minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 3:20 PM.

Elected Official Report

Prosecuting Attorney Update

Commissioner Struck discussed the video conferencing issue that was a topic of this morning’s Sheriff’s Office workshop. Chief Deputy Prosecutor Craig Juris responded that they are attempting to resolve the problems that have arisen, noting that there are some procedures where video conferencing just won’t work. He added that they attempt to contact those defense attorneys to determine who really needs to be transported in person to West District Court. Prosecuting Attorney Tim O'Neill noted that there are other jurisdictions, such as Walla Walla County where the video conferencing system works quite well. Commissioner Struck stated that the Board has concerns because a significant amount of county funds have gone into this system with the expectation that it would be well utilized.

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Approved (M/Struck, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) an Authorization to Hire to begin the hiring process to replace a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I position, at Range 20, Steps A through D.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#167728 – 167968) $213,476.66

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 3:47 PM.

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Reference Document on File