Minutes - Meeting of Monday, April 1^st, 2002

Topic

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Monday, April 1, 2002

Chairman Don Struck called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM.

Commissioners Present: Don Struck and Ray Thayer.

Commissioner Frey was absent, but expected to join the meeting shortly.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:00 AM – Public Works Department Update

Public Works Director Larry Nicholas briefed the Board on current department issues:

• Director Nicholas said that he had received complaints that the Lyle School District was not allowing public use of the Dallesport Park Ballfield even though this is the property of Klickitat County. Commissioners Thayer and Struck noted that the county has invested considerable amounts on playground equipment, fencing and other improvements. Chairman Struck stated that the county needs to talk to the school district’s superintendent and Director Nicholas said he would investigate.

• Director Nicholas noted receipt of a request from Romeo Bonnette and Gary Harth to extend the Dallesport wastewater distribution system further toward the west end of Third Street. He noted that a wetlands designation has been given to some of the lots that would be served by the extension, however the Planning Department stated that this would not necessarily preclude developing the lots. Commissioner Thayer asked what the advisory committee had recommended and Director Nicholas responded that they had advised against it, largely because of the wetlands designation, but they may not have had full information. Chairman Struck said that the Board should pay a site visit and Commissioner Thayer suggested that they should also get consultant Ed Hoyle’s viewpoint.

• Director Nicholas requested authorization to purchase a new computer and software for the Project Engineer that they are now recruiting, stating that the total package would be about $2500. The Board reached consensus to allow the purchase.

• Director Nicholas provided a draft for the Low Maintenance Road Policy that would provide a consistent county response to complaints and inquiries about roads that are not routinely maintained. Executive Secretary Cris McEwen noted that this item would be on next week’s agenda for Board consideration. Chairman Struck noted that coincidentally Skamania County has recently inquired as to whether Klickitat County has adopted such a policy. He asked that a copy of the policy be sent to Brent Holman, their Public Works Director.

• Director Nicholas provided the Board a proposed schedule for remodeling their offices, anticipating a completion date of approximately May 21, 2002. Commissioners Struck and Thayer gave their approval to proceed.

Commissioner Frey Joins Meeting

For the record, Commissioner Frey joined the meeting at 10:30 AM.

Morning Workshop Session – Monday, April 1, 2002 (Continued)

• Director Nicholas stated that he has become involved with Planning Director Curt Dreyer’s efforts to exempt certain older off-premises business signs.

• Director Nicholas said that he would talk to the state Department of Transportation regarding a proposal to provide directional signs at the county’s three Columbia River bridge junctions along State Route 14.

• Director Nicholas said that the possibility of Washington State closing Maryhill State Park this year or next has prompted discussion about finding partners to continue operations, noting that approximately 400,000 visitors come to the park each year. Commissioner Thayer suggested that a private entity might best operate the park and noted that Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman has been attempting to get a copy of the park’s operating budget. Director Nicholas volunteered his services in any county effort to keep the park open. Commissioner Thayer suggested that the county work with state legislators. Commissioner Frey said the Board should take a public stand as the facility is needed for recreation and to bolster the county’s economy during the current downturn.

• Director Nicholas noted the Public Hearing this afternoon to consider vacation of Timmer Lane, noting he will share his perspective at that time.

• Chairman Struck said he had heard reports about replacing or repairing the BZ-Corners bridge and asked if Director Nicholas had become aware of any plans. Director Nicholas said he was unaware of any proposal for work on the bridge.

• Director Nicholas said that he has been unable to find any contractor interested in making modifications to the two large lights at the front steps of the Courthouse, but will continue to pursue it. He also noted that this is the last day for the original contractor to make improvements to stabilize the railing going up the front steps. As a result, this retainage amount will be forfeited and then used for another contractor to make the needed improvements.

11:12 AM – Proposal for Vehicle Replacement Schedule

Attendance: Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman and Sheriff Chris Mace.

Chief Financial Officer Chipman provided a vehicle replacement schedule that has been revised from a schedule calculated from data from last year. The earlier schedule suggested that the Vehicle Rental and Replacement (VR&R) Fund #502 would need a beginning balance of $901,163 to provide the needed funding for a rotating replacement schedule. However the new schedule revises vehicle replacement in various departments to provide a new beginning balance of $696,274. Mr. Chipman stated that since the estimated VR&R fund balance is now $723,000, the new schedule would provide a cushion for unanticipated vehicle purchases.

Discussions with Sheriff Mace indicated that his department desired to replace more high mileage patrol vehicles than proposed by the new plan. Commissioner Thayer suggested that further refinements to the new plan could allow for replacement of another patrol vehicle. Sheriff Mace said that funds could be freed up by using the Inmate Trust Fund to replace the jail van that handles wheelchair bound individuals. Commissioner Frey volunteered that replacement of the 1996 Sable that she drives could be deferred for another year if this would help. Mr. Chipman noted that any plan adopted could be ‘tweaked" over the next few years to more accurately reflect the actual replacement costs.

Participants also discussed possible replacements for current patrol vehicles. Sheriff Mace stated that there are presently vehicles from Chevrolet and Dodge available from the state bid process that would serve his department well.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:05 PM.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Monday, April 1, 2002

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 with three additions under New Business: 1) An update from Solid Waste Director Tim Hopkinson on the Klickitat Mill asbestos clean up. 2) A resolution authorizing investment of the Flood Control Fund #112. 3) A resolution authorizing investment of the Cumulative Reserve Fund #125.

Citizen Comment

Gene Herin – Discussed a March 29, 2002 article in The Yakima Herald-Republic regarding a Washington State Supreme Court ruling that reverses a long term state policy that allowed the drilling of individual wells for each home of subdivisions using more than 5000 gallons per day. Mr. Herin criticized the 5 to 4 ruling saying it is "changing horses in midstream". The article stated that "The ruling means developers now must obtain a state permit for developments larger than one or two homes, purchase an existing water right, or hook up to a municipal system." On another topic, Mr. Herin said that he appreciated Public Health Director Kevin Barry’s comments on radio station KLCK this morning, stating that Director Barry seems to have a reasonable approach to on-site sewage disposal and other issues.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Meeting – Consider Final Approval of Short Plat SPL2001-00043; Applicants: Roger Black and Christee Kite

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Granted (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) final approval of Short Plat No. SPL2001-00043 which is altering Lot B of Boundary Line Adjustment BL-89-01, the applicants being Roger Black and Christee Kite. Assistant Planner Jannette Herrington noted in her staff review that this short plat is dividing Lot B into two lots of four acres and two acres. She added that there is no road right-of-way dedication because Plenty Pines Drive is a private road.

Public Hearing – Consider Vacation of Timmer Lane

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Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the vacation of Timmer Lane, County Road No. 34950, from Mile Post 0.00 to 0.18, Section 4, Township 5 North, Range 17 East, Willamette Meridian. The motion noted approval of the vacation is subject to two conditions: the completion of construction of a new access road for area residents, and the recording of permanent easements allowing access to the new road. Prior to the motion approving the vacation the public hearing proceeded as follows:

Attendance: Public Works Director Larry Nicholas, Zachary H. Strombos, attorney for the Greek Orthodox Diocese of San Francisco and St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Monastery, Father James Retelas of the San Francisco Diocese, Sisters Anna Oikonomou and Angeliki Papakonstantinou of St. John’s Monastery, Boise Cascade Corporation representative Eric Bieker and Timmer Lane vicinity landowners John Kirk and Glenna Hagler.

Chairman Struck opened the public hearing and asked for a staff review:

Public Works Director Larry Nicholas said that the county received a letter from the Greek Orthodox Diocese of San Francisco stating that they will grant an alternate route for those who now use Timmer Lane to access their property. Klickitat County then contacted those parties and received a reply from Boise Cascade stating that they have no objection so long as an alternate access has been constructed and easements recorded. Neither Washington State Parks nor anyone else had any objections and Timmer Lane is not a necessary part of the county road system, so he therefore recommends the vacation.

Chairman Struck then asked for public comment:

Zachary H. Strombos stated that the Greek Orthodox Diocese now has property on both sides of Timmer Lane and has been working with all landowners to assure them of continued access via a new all-weather road. His clients accept both conditions in exchange for the vacation and he believes that all parties are satisfied with this proposal.

Eric Bieker stated that Boise Cascade Corporation is in favor of the vacation provided that the two conditions are first completed.

John Kirk said that he and Glenna Hagler are satisfied with the proposed alternate access.

Chairman Struck closed the public hearing to further testimony and asked for further Board clarification or discussion.

Commissioner Thayer asked where the new access would be and Mr. Strombos identified the proposed route on his map.

Following passage of her motion, Commissioner Frey expressed her appreciation for the cooperation displayed by all parties.

Consent Agenda

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) the Consent Agenda but pulling Items 4 and 5 for future consideration:

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1. Klickitat County Road Department notice of day labor costs that were expended in 2001 for specific road projects.

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2. Request for a transfer of funds in the amount of $3,000.00 between BARS categories within the 2002 Solid Waste Department Budget #140.

3. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling a public meeting at 1:30 PM on Monday, May 13, 2002 to consider a Shoreline Conditional Use Permit (SH2002-0001) and a Floodplain Permit (FP2002-00001) on property owned by Ben Besesa.

4. (Pulled) Resolution/Independent Contractors Agreement between Klickitat County and Becky Blanton to perform consulting and related services in connection with developing and producing quarterly newsletters for communities across Klickitat County

5. (Pulled) Resolution/Independent Contractors Agreement between Klickitat County and Miland Walling to provide consulting services that actively track changes in State and Federal grant and loan programs related to economic and community development in Klickitat County.

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6. Resolution #07202 in the matter of an Engineering Roster Contract for Technical Services Amendment #2 (#C04502) with Environ to provide necessary air quality consulting services related to air quality issues which affect the economic development of Klickitat County and surrounding areas.

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7. Resolution #07302 in the matter of an Engineering Roster Contract for Technical Services Amendment #2 (#C04602) with Air Sciences, Inc. to provide necessary air quality consulting services related to air quality issues which affect the economic development of Klickitat County and surrounding areas.

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8. Resolution #07402 setting a public hearing for 1:30 PM on Monday, April 15, 2002 to consider amending Klickitat County Code Title 15.38 (nuisance abatement).

Road Permits

Permits Approved:

P040102 through P040102-3

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P040102

Joseph P. Dean, White Salmon, WA – Construct an approach to the north side of Lava Rock, County Road No. 17510, at M.P. 0.38.

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P040102-1

Joseph Hughes, Goldendale, WA – Construct an approach to the east side of Fenton Lane, County Road No. 33610, at M.P. 3.14.

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P040102-2

Gary D. Turner, Lyle, WA – Construct an approach to the east side of Schilling Road, County Road No. 21690, at M.P. 2.96.

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P040102-3

Kim and Frank Stutzman, White Salmon, WA – Construct an approach to the south side of Wnuk Road, County Road No. 11200, at M.P. 0.51.

Miscellaneous Comments/Reports

Small Tools and Equipment Moratorium

Chairman Struck asked about the continued necessity of the moratorium on purchase of small tools and equipment. Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman provided fund balances to the Board and following Board consensus to lift the moratorium, Officer Chipman stated that he would draft a memorandum to elected officials and department heads for Board consideration. Noting that the majority of proposed expenditures were for the Sheriff’s Department, participants agreed that a workshop with Sheriff Mace would be scheduled for next week.

Old Business

Public Hearing (Continued) – Consider Abatement Assessment Against Parcel No. 02-13-2112-0001/00; Owners: Robin Saldana, Richard R. Roberts and Linda Mae West

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Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Resolution #06902 in the matter of an abatement assessment, which shall constitute a special assessment of $21,332.68 against the property of Robin Saldana, Richard R. Roberts and Linda Mae West or owner(s) of record as determined on date of assessment, Parcel No. 02-13-2112-0001/00. Such special assessment shall be placed upon the assessment roll and be due and payable.

Attendance: Building and Compliance Director Skip Grimes and Code Compliance Officer Jody Fleury.

Noting the guidance provided by Prosecuting Attorney O’Neill, Director Grimes and Officer Fleury the Board noted that in an effort to follow due process, the entire amount is to be immediately assessed upon the real property with no provision for time payments.

New Business

Investment of Flood Control Fund #112

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Adopted (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Resolution #07002 authorizing the investment of $72,000.00 from the Flood Control Fund #112.

Investment of Cumulative Reserve Fund #125

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Adopted (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Resolution #07102 authorizing the investment of $2,750,000.00 from the Cumulative Reserve Fund #125.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#111151 – 1113616 and including cancelled warrants #110880, 110943, 101628 and 109626) for a net of $204,252.30

Combined Payroll: (#111132 – 111150 & Electronic Trans. # 254) $231,690.14

For a combined total of $435,942.14

Adjournment

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

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Reference Document on File