Minutes - Meeting of Monday, May 6^th, 2002

Topic

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Monday, May 6^th, 2002

Chairman Don Struck called the meeting to order at 10:07 AM.

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

Workshop Session Agenda

9:15 AM – Site Visit to Fairgrounds Shower/Restroom Facility

Chairman Struck and Public Works Director Larry Nicholas toured the new shower and restroom facility at the County Fairgrounds.

10:07 AM – Public Works Department Update

• Commissioner Frey discussed a road approach permit for Ray and Linda Walker that was approved and then revoked by the Road Department. She stated that the Walkers had an existing access on Snowden Road and then applied for the second to serve other lots in a short plat. But then the Road Department changed their position, now wanting only one access point. Director Nicholas replied that he would investigate the issue.

• Director Nicholas presented Change Orders #3 and #4 for the Dallesport Wastewater Treatment System.

• Director Nicholas asked for Board approval to pay advertising costs associated with publishing the notice of temporary closure of East and West Market Streets in Bickleton. The Board reached consensus to approve.

• Director Nicholas noted receipt of a petition by residents of Southwest Heany Road to change the name of the road to Brislawn Loop. This will be forwarded to the Board for the appropriate action.

• Director Nicholas said that a resolution would be prepared for Board consideration to close a portion of Wahkiacus Heights Road from the end of the gravel to Fisher Hill Road. The Campbell Group intends to do clearing and grubbing work for about a two-week period this month. He noted that there is only one resident, and he is supportive of the closure. Commissioner Frey said that she is aware of someone who may use this road for moving cattle. She suggested that Director Nicholas contact David Welch, a timber/cattle patrol contractor, to see if he is aware of anyone who may be affected by the closure.

• Director Nicholas asked for authority to advertise and replace a 1989 Jeep Cherokee in the Building & Grounds Department, with 145,000 miles . He noted that it is unreliable and scheduled for replacement this year. Commissioner Frey suggested that the department consider purchasing a used vehicle. Executive Secretary Cris McEwen noted that Director Nicholas could advertise for both new and used vehicles, recommending that he limit the mileage for the used vehicle. Director Nicholas responded that he would discuss the procedure with Goldendale Road Supervisor Steve Nygaard.

• Director Nicholas said he would like to place sod around the new shower/restroom facility at the fairgrounds, noting he has a source for quality sod at 20.5 cents per square foot. He estimates a total of $1353 for the sod and would use in-house labor. The Board reached consensus to proceed.

• Director Nicholas said he would advertise for bids for both the Courthouse south entrance steps and sidewalk, and the jail reroofing on May 15.

• Director Nicholas said that he would make changes to the Sheriff’s Department capital improvements projects list, noting that Sheriff Mace wants a separate ventilation system for the receiving area of the jail. This would be a negative pressure system designed to protect healthy inmates and staff from inmates arriving with serious illnesses such as tuberculosis. Director Nicholas said he had no cost estimate, but would defer other projects to stay in budget.

• Director Nicholas said he would be scheduling a bid opening for improvements to Klickitat-Appleton Road. Executive Secretary Cris McEwen noted that the Public Works Department has previously forwarded the information and it is Item 2 on today’s Consent Agenda.

• Director Nicholas provided an update on efforts to keep Maryhill State Park open past its planned closing this September, stating he has received financial and visitor information from both Washington State and the Army Corps of Engineers. Director Nicholas said that he is fairly confident that revenues could meet operating expenses, though noting a potential budgetary problem if it was found that sworn officers would need to be retained as rangers in a new operating arrangement. He noted that the Corps of Engineers is very supportive of keeping it open and would probably provide lawn maintenance equipment to a new operator. Commissioner Thayer observed that Maryhill State Park is the "flagship" of parks in Klickitat County and it would make more sense to close a less utilized facility such as Horsethief State Park instead.

• Commissioner Thayer questioned new seal coating procedures being implemented by the Public Works Department, suggesting that they may not be necessary.

• Commissioner Thayer also suggested that the crack sealing contract on today’s agenda might be done in-house instead. Director Nicholas replied that he has been involved in extensive research on crack sealing and feels it is an effective means of extending the life of many roads, noting that the equipment would cost between $150,000 to $180,000.

11:10 AM – Temporary Replacement of WSU Extension Office Employee

WSU Extension Agent Susan Kerr and Personnel Director Lori Wolford came before the Board seeking permission to hire a temporary full-time employee to replace an extension office employee going on maternity leave. Agent Kerr noted that the leave may begin by June 8 and therefore they would like permission to do an emergency hire. She added that the hire would probably not exceed the department’s salary allocation. The Board reached consensus to allow.

11:30 AM – Long Term Care Facility Update

Economic Development Director Dana Peck and Business Recruitment & Retention Specialist Tom Seifert briefed the Board on the proposal to establish a new long-term care facility (nursing home) in Goldendale. The Pathways Group have prepared a preliminary proposal, including a feasibility study costing $22,500. Participants noted that it was their understanding that this would come from the Economic Development Authority, not directly from the county.

There was general discussion regarding grants and loans for economic development with Chairman Struck noting Special Counsel Steve DiJulio’s involvement in determining the proper legal means for Klickitat County to provide these development funds.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 11:45 AM.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Monday, May 6^th, 2002

Chairman Don Struck reconvened the meeting at 1:15 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 changes. A briefing regarding continued operation of Maryhill State Park was cancelled. There were also two additions under New Business: a resolution declaring Sheriff’s Department inventory as surplus, and a resolution scheduling a public hearing to declare certain inventory as surplus.

Citizen Comment

Tildrea Collins – Identified herself as a resident of Klickitat Mountain Meadows and representative of landowners there. She stated that they are concerned about covenant issues, specifically in regard to Public Utility District plans to install power poles and overhead power lines into their subdivision. Ms. Collins stated that a large majority of landowners are opposed to this because it violates subdivision covenants designed to keep the subdivision as natural as possible. She said that it is a few new residents, supported by the PUD that wish to install overhead lines and that the majority wants power to be run underground for esthetic as well as safety reasons.

Chairman Struck replied that he understands the concern, but Klickitat County has no jurisdiction in the issue, as the PUD is not part of county government but a separate entity. He also noted that his cursory reading of the covenants as supplied by Ms. Collins doesn’t seem to indicate that overhead power is specifically prohibited and that the county would not be involved in enforcement of covenants as this is an agreement between landowners.

Commissioner Frey stated that she regrets not being able to help, but this would appear to be a matter for civil court. She suggested that Ms. Collins contact the PUD commissioners with their grievance.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Hearing – Consider Shorelines Substantial Development Permit for Replacement of Herion Bridge

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Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Shoreline Substantial Development Permit No. SH2002-00002 for replacement of the Herion Bridge across the White Salmon River. Prior to approval of the permit the public hearing proceeded as follows with Chairman Struck opening the meeting and asking for a staff review from Assistant County Engineer Bjorn Hedges and Associate Planner Brian Frampton:

Planner Frampton began by stating that Klickitat County proposes to replace the existing Herion Bridge and its wooden timber deck, with a 114 foot long by 24 feet wide precast concrete bridge. The road approaches will also be reconstructed. Engineer Hedges also noted that contingencies have been made to allow for expansion of the width of the bridge for some future need.

Chairman Struck asked if there was any further written testimony to be entered into the record and Engineer Hedges said there was not. (Previous written testimony was received from Rachel Haymon and Ken McDonald who expressed support for replacement of the bridge and requested that aesthetic considerations be included in the new design.) Chairman Struck noted for the record that there was no one present wishing to testify for or against the proposal.

Engineer Hedges stated that the replacement bridge will have an aesthetic design, but they are also concerned about safety and will make changes in the bridge approaches to improve safety.

Chairman Struck inquired as to whether the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) would require a hydraulic permit. Engineer Hedges replied that they would and stated that he had also met on-site with Carl Dugger of the Washington State Department of Fish and Game. He added that the proposal would go to DOE within 30 days of Board approval. DOE will then have the opportunity to request any changes.

As part of the approval motion, Planner Frampton read into the record the Findings of Fact and Conclusions as prepared by the Planning Department.

Miscellaneous Reports/Comments

Proposal Regarding Continued Operation of Maryhill State Park

Presentation of a proposal by George Rohrbacher and Dan Gunkel to continue operation of the Maryhill State Park past its planned September shut down was cancelled by the presenters.

Old Business

Resolution Declaring Sheriff’s Department Inventory as Surplus

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Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Resolution #10302 declaring certain inventory (1991 Jeep Cherokee) in the Sheriff’s Department as surplus and remove from the Sheriff’s Department inventory list.

Resolution Scheduling a Public Meeting to Declare Certain Property as Surplus

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Adopted (/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Resolution #10202 scheduling a public hearing for 1:30 PM on Monday, May 20, 2002 to determine whether to declare certain county property as surplus and setting a date for disposal of same at public auction.

Consent Agenda

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

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1. Resolution #10002 setting a public hearing to consider vacation of a portion of Depot Road, County Road No. 20020, to be held at the Lyle Lions Club Community Center on June 5, 2002 immediately following conclusion of the hearing for the Depot Grade crossing starting at 6:00 PM.

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2. Notice to Contractors and scheduling of a bid opening at 1:30 PM on Monday, June 3, 2002 for the improvement of 5.9 miles of Klickitat-Appleton Road, County Road #13860.

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3. Resolution #10102 expanding the Klickitat County Energy Overlay Advisory Board and appointing Tom Svendsen and Paul Woodin effective this date and terminating December 31, 2002.

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4. Provider Application and Agreement (#C07002) between Klickitat County and the Department of Labor and Industries allowing Senior Services to provide personal care services at home to recipients of Labor and Industries Services.

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5. State of Washington, County Road Administration, Rural Arterial Program Project Agreement (#C07102) for Construction Proposal for Fisher Hill Road, Project No. 2002-01, Road and Sequencer No. 1355002, from M.P. 14.69 to M.P. 22.90 allocating $50,000.00 of RATA funds to the project.

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6. Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Agreement Amendment (#C07202) Lead Entity Operational Grant Agreement No. 38020190(2) correcting the miss-classification of "salaries and benefits" in the grant.

Road Permits

Permits Approved:

P050602 through P050602-17

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P050602

Marvin Norris, Goldendale, WA – Construct two approaches to the south side of Hoctor Road, County Road No. 33000 at M.P. 1.27 and 1.53

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P050602-1

Kenneth O’Leary, Goldendale, WA – Construct an approach to the north side of Saxton Bane Road, County Road No. 34100, at M.P. 0.24.

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P050602-2

Fire District No. 4, Lyle, WA – Construct an approach to the west side of Courtney Road, County Road No. 11700 at M.P. 2.09.

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P050602-3

Grant Tibke, Hood River, OR – Bury and maintain a cable along the east side of Trout Lake Park Road, County Road No. 17300 from M.P. 0.23 to 0.28.

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P050602-4

Sprint, Hood River, OR – Bury and maintain a cable along the west side of Canyon Road, County Road No. 13000 from M.P. 10.41 to 10.42.

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P050602-5

Sprint, Hood River, OR – Bury and maintain a cable along the north side of Lave Road, County Road No. 17510 from M.P. 0.26 to 0.30.

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P050602-6

Northwest Natural Gas Co., The Dalles, OR – Install and maintain a buried line across Bluff Avenue, County Road No. 15020 at M.P. 0.10 to serve 610 Bluff Avenue.

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P050602-7

Nathan Putnam % Rainier Timber Company L.L.C., Glenwood, WA – Construct a temporary approach to the south side of Trout Lake Highway, County Road No. 17000 at M.P. 1.15.

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P050602-8

Kelly A. Ingraham, Goldendale, WA – Construct an approach to the north side of Zielinski Road, County Road No. 22360 at M.P. 0.30.

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P050602-9

David Pessemier, Lakewood, WA – Construct an approach to the north side of Dean Road, County Road No. 17320 at M.P. 0.21.

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P050602-10

Gordon Whitsitt, Goldendale, WA – Construct an approach to the south side of Woodland Road, County Road No. 34320 at M.P. 3.76.

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P050602-11

Arnold Colwell, Canby, OR – Construct an approach to the south side of Oak Flat Road, County Road No. 34470 at M.P. 3.01.

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P050602-12

Fred Heany, White Salmon, WA – Construct an approach to the south side of Courtney Road, County Road No. 11700 at M.P. 2.45.

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P050602-13

Sprint, George Spontak, Hood River, OR – Bury and maintain a cable along the south side of Calvert Road, County Road No. 26420 from M.P. 0.00 to 0.01.

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P050602-14

Sprint, George Spontak, Hood River, OR – Bury and maintain a 1 ½" conduit along the south side of Horseshoe Bend Road, County Road No. 22140 from M.P. 10.66 to 11.68 with a crossing at M.P. 10.66, and crossings of Olson Road, County Road No. 25230 at M.P. 2.96 and Esteb Road, County Road No. 25350 at M.P. 2.37.

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P050602-15

Sprint, George Spontak, Hood River, OR – Bury and maintain various conduits along the west side of Olson Road, County Road No. 25230 from M.P. 0.00 to 2.95.

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P050602-16

Sprint, George Spontak, Hood River, OR – Bury and maintain a cable along the south side of Spring Creek Road, County Road No. 25580 from M.P. 0.00 to 0.02.

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P050602-17

Guy D. Huffsmith, Trout Lake, WA – Construct an approach to the north side of Dean Road, County Road No. 17320 at M.P. 0.94.

New Business

Small Works Contract for 2002 Crack Sealing

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Awarded (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) a Small Works Contract for 2002 Crack Sealing, RM-SMW-101, to improve various sections of County Roads totaling 35.95 miles, to B.C.V., Inc. of Burbank, WA in the amount of $49,950.00.

Prior to the motion awarding the contract Commissioner Thayer stated that he had concerns that some sections of the roads selected may have very few cracks needing this treatment.

Miscellaneous Reports/Comments

Code Compliance Update

Building & Compliance Director Skip Grimes and Code Compliance Officer Jody Fleury briefed the Board on nuisance issues:

• Director Grimes stated that they have received complaints about a junk yard (junk vehicle holding area) behind Browning’s Art and Craft Supplies, west of Goldendale on State Highway 142.

• On another topic, Director Grimes stated that they are considering a procedure that would notify a landowner immediately after they had received the necessary complaints to begin investigation of a nuisance. Officer Fleury said that this would result in contacting the landowner much earlier than has been the norm. This would have two advantages. First, there might be some effort made by the contacted landowner to clean up his property much sooner than has been occurring. Second, the Building and Compliance Department would be able to demonstrate to the parties making a complaint that some action had been taken sooner than is now the case.

Old Business

Public Hearing – Amendment to Nuisance Ordinance

Motion by Commissioner Frey to continue the public hearing to 3:00 PM on Monday, May 13, 2002. Seconded by Commissioner Thayer.

Motion by Commissioner Thayer to amend the previous motion to change the date to Monday, June 20, 2002. Commissioner Thayer stated that this public hearing has been continued three times and he would like to be certain that all issues are resolved before the Board considers the issue again. Commissioner Frey agreed to the amendment to her motion.

Continued (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) the public hearing to 3:00 PM on Monday, May 20, 2002 to consider an amendment to the Klickitat County Code Title 15.38 on abatement of nuisances.

Prior to passage of the motion to continue, Chairman Struck opened the public hearing and stated that he had met with County Treasurer Dani Burton who had indicated concerns with the way properties are assessed under the proposed amendment.

Chairman Struck stated for the record that County Treasurer Burton and Prosecuting Attorney Tim O’Neill would meet to draft language to satisfy concerns regarding the assessment procedure involved with nuisance abatement.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#112180 – 112358) $132,829.07 (There were no payroll or benefit warrants requiring approval at this time.)

Road Department Payments

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Authorized (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously): Progress Payment No. 7 to James W. Fowler Co., in the amount of $928,079.67, which includes $43,358.2 retainage for a net of $884,711.46 for the Dallesport Collection System project, and

Progress Payment No. 7 to IMCO General Construction in the amount of $357,006.17, which includes $16,682.53 retainage for a net of $340,323.64 for the Dallesport Wastewater Treatment Facility project.

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Approved (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Change Order No.4 regarding an extension of the Dallesport Wastewater Collection System involving F Street and Third Avenue. The estimated net change to James W. Fowler Company is $46,497.39 and extends the completion date by seven calendar days.

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Approved (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Change Order No. 3 regarding changes in three aspects of the Dallesport Wastewater Treatment Facility project: First, an agreement to resolve inconsistencies in contract language regarding coordination, connection and service charges for temporary and permanent utilities. Second, replacement of the slow speed submersible mixer for the oxidation ditch by a unit from another manufacturer. Third, changes to the conduit and cable providing power to the replacement slow speed submersible mixer. The estimated net change to IMCO General Construction, Inc. is $8407.53 with no change to the estimated completion date.

Executive Session

Executive Session – Pending Litigation

The Board convened into Executive Session at 4:40 PM with Special Counsel Steve DiJulio (via teleconference) to discuss pending litigation.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 5:20 PM.

Recess (5:30 PM)

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until 10:30 AM on Wednesday, May 8, 2002.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Wednesday, May 8, 2002

Chairman Don Struck reconvened the meeting at 10:40 AM. Commissioners Present: Don Struck and Ray Thayer.

Commissioner Joan Frey was absent.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:40 AM – 2003 Budget Planning and Chief Financial Officer Work Plan

Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman and the Board discussed how to proceed with the 2003 budget process, specifically, whether to utilize summary categories instead of line items. Also discussed was whether to move to a "base budget" process wherein a target budget is presented to each department.

Officer Chipman will also gather information on any changes to expected revenues and will concentrate efforts on several projects including SFG Migration, and implementation this year of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board’s Statement 34 (GASB34).

12:00 Noon – Lunch

2:35 PM – Executive Session

The Board convened into Executive Session with Personnel Director Wolford to discuss the Classification/Compensation Study.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 4:10 PM.

4:10 PM – Roosevelt Housing Project Update; Regional Housing Authority Update

Attendance: Director Ruby Mason of Mid-Columbia Housing Agency, Specialist David Peters of Columbia Cascade Housing, Doug Miller and Lorraine Reynolds of the Klickitat County Public Utility District and Business Recruitment & Retention Specialist Tom Seifert.

Director Mason advised that two single-family homes were scheduled to be placed, one with a rent-to-own option, and the other as a demonstrator to be furnished by Rabanco.

Specialist Peters added that they had solicited requests for low-income applications and received ten, but the applicants were having difficulty meeting the qualifications. He also noted that Columbia Cascade Housing has received grants for farm worker housing as well as for others living in Roosevelt and he hoped that this would translate into more units becoming available.

Director Mason also provided an update on the Regional Housing Authority

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 PM.

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Reference Document on File