Minutes - Meeting of Monday, December 16, 2002

Topic

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Monday, December 16, 2002

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

Commissioners Present: Don Struck and Ray Thayer.

Commissioner Joan Frey was absent but expected to arrive shortly.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:10 AM – Water Conservancy Board Annual Report

Attendance: Klickitat County Water Conservancy Board members Brooks Heard, Dick Beightol, J.P. Enderby and Alan Cheney, Planning Director Curt Dreyer, Watershed Project Coordinator Dave McClure, and Goldendale resident Daniel Lichtenwald.

Brooks Heard provided three handouts: a trifold brochure titled "Water Right Transfer Information", a financial statement, the Conservancy Board’s annual report, and their "2002 Report to Legislature". He then provided a detailed accounting of various points:

Mr. Heard noted that the Water Conservancy Board has expanded from three to five commissioners and the two new commissioners have successfully completed all mandated training as provided by the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE). In reply to Chairman Struck, Mr. Heard stated that the DOE is providing sufficient training, with another eight hour session scheduled for next January. He also noted e-mails that inform the Conservancy Board of court decisions that affect case law. Some commissioners have also attended a water law seminar sponsored by the Washington State Bar Association and continued to read case law.

Mr. Heard said that the Conservancy Board has modified its bylaws to comply with current statutes. They have also asked for a resolution to work outside of Klickitat County, thereby allowing for action on all water rights applications (Resolution #18902).

Mr. Heard said that the Conservancy Board publicly advertised for contractual support staff and received just one response. The applicant, Dave McClure was interviewed and hired. Mr. Heard stated they are pleased with the professionalism that Mr. McClure brings to the position.

Mr. Heard also noted that they have developed a good working relationship with DOE, specifically Janet Carlson, Conservancy Board Coordinator, and Dan Haller, PE for the Central Regional Office.

Commissioner Frey Arrives

For the record, Commissioner Joan Frey arrived at 10:37 AM.

Chairman Struck expressed the Board’s appreciation to Conservancy Board members, stating that he has heard many good comments. He also noted that the Conservancy Board has been given minimal direction in carrying out their duties.

Conservancy Board members thanked the Board of Klickitat County Commissioners and Mr. McClure for their support.

Workshop Session Agenda (Continued)

Morning Workshop Session – Monday, December 16, 2002 (Continued)

11:05 AM – Legal Issues Update from Special Counsel Steve DiJulio

Attendance: Special Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Steve DiJulio, Prosecuting Attorney Tim O’Neill, Planning Director Curt Dreyer, Solid Waste Director Tim Hopkinson, Economic Development Director Dana Peck, Business Recruitment & Retention Specialist Tom Seifert, and Goldendale resident Daniel Lichtenwald.

Special Deputy Prosecuting Attorney DiJulio began his briefing by noting several issues regarding Allied Industries. Of immediate importance was an Addendum to the Agreement Regarding Solid Waste Handling between Klickitat County and Allied Waste Industries, which will be considered during the Regular Session this afternoon. He stated that the purpose of the addendum was essentially to approve Allied’s business reorganization.

He then briefly noted that his consultation work with the Economic Development Department on a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Energy Overlay Zone.

Special Deputy Prosecuting Attorney DiJulio then stated that all items appropriate for open session had been covered. He then requested a one and one-half hour Executive Session to discuss potential and threatened litigation and contract negotiations in regard to Condit Dam, the Gorge Commission, Dallesport zoning and the Critical Areas Ordinance.

11:25 AM – Executive Session

The Board convened into Executive Session with Special Deputy Prosecuting Attorney DiJulio, Planning Director Dreyer, Economic Development Director Peck and Business Recruitment & Retention Specialist Seifert.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 1:06 PM.

(The Board did not take their normal lunch recess, instead electing to have a working lunch in conjunction with the Executive Session.)

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Monday, December 16, 2002

Chairman Don Struck reconvened the meeting at 1:06 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.

Citizen Comment

Jim Rutledge said that a meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers indicated that plans have been finalized for moving the petroglyphs from Roosevelt to Horsethief Lake State Park. He noted that the move should be completed by the end of May 2003. Mr. Rutledge said that he would communicate with the publishers of the Gorge Guide and others about the new location.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Meeting – Consider Acceptance of Rezone Request ZON2002-00001; Applicant: Jim Rutledge

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Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Ordinance No. O121602 approving Zone Change No. ZON2002-00001 and adopting the Planning Commission’s findings of fact and recommendation to amend the Klickitat County Zoning Map, rezoning approximately 1.75 acres from Industrial Park (IP) to General Commercial (GC), the applicant being Jim Rutledge.

Chairman Struck opened the meeting and then Associate Planner Brian Frampton provided a staff review indicating that the change in zoning would result in a more compatible use with surrounding properties.

Public Meeting – Consider Acceptance of Preliminary Plat SUB2002-00006; Applicant: Del Matthews

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Approved (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Resolution #25002 adopting the Planning Commission’s findings of fact and conclusions and approving Preliminary Plat No. SUB2002-00006, the applicant being Del Matthews.

Chairman Struck opened the meeting and then Associate Planner Jannette Herrington provided a staff review which stated that Panorama Point Road would be constructed with a 28 foot paved surface and dedicated to Klickitat County at the time of final approval. The applicant has also asked for a variance to reduce the right-of-way for the driveway serving Lot 12 to a 20 foot wide gravel surface. In response to Commissioner Thayer, Planner Herrington stated that Panorama Point Road would consist of a 24 foot wide driving surface and 4 foot wide sidewalk, or a 28 foot wide paved surface total.

Chairman Struck noted for the record that there was no one present wishing to provide testimony for or against the application.

Miscellaneous Reports/Comments

Glenwood Rodeo Association Property Tax Exemption Issue

Attendance: Keith and Susan Kreps, Harry Miller and Roxie Clemmer. County Assessor Van Vandenberg arrived a few minutes into the session.

Attendees discussed the recent finding by the Washington State Department of Revenue that the Glenwood Rodeo Association isn’t tax exempt and owes back property taxes. Mr. Kreps noted that research has so far found no basis for the Rodeo Association to qualify for an exemption, even though they use the facility only two days each year. Various possible solutions were discussed, including Commissioner Frey’s suggestion of seeking legislative attention and Chairman Struck pledged the Board’s help, including talking to state legislators and county legal counsel. Assessor Vandenberg stated he would continue his efforts to solve the problem.

Old Business

Addendum No. 1 to Solid Waste Handling Agreement

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Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) Resolution #25102 in the matter of Addendum No. 1 to the Agreement Regarding Solid Waste Handling Between Klickitat County and Allied Waste Industries, Inc. (#C22202).

Consent Agenda

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

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1. Request for Transfer Between Budget Categories within the Auditor’s Department, transferring $12,000.00 from Wages and Benefits to Capital Outlay for the costs of replacing the check signature machine with a laser printer system.

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2. Resolution #25202 in the matter of correcting Resolution #24602 amending the 2002 Budget. The attachment to Resolution #24602 used the wrong code for CDBG Fund #131 for returning interest earnings.

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3. Resolution #25302 in the matter of titling a new Ford ½ ton 4X2 pickup truck to the City of Bingen. Purchase was authorized by Resolution #21902 in accordance with the Agreement regarding Operation and Maintenance of the Dallesport Wastewater Treatment Facilities.

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4. Resolution #25402 declaring a 1999 Jeep Cherokee within the Sheriff’s Department inventory as surplus. Vehicle was declared a total loss as the result of an accident and is to be released to McCoy-Holliston Insurance.

5. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling a public meeting for 1:30 PM on Monday, January 6, 2003 to consider acceptance of road right-of-way dedication (Bates Road) within Short Plat No. SPL2001-00016, the applicant being Trevor Baylis.

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6. Intrastate Compact (#C22002) with the Washington State Department of Corrections to hold pre-trial detainees.

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7. Resolution #25502 reappointing Alan Cheney to the Stakeholder Subcommittee for Cultural Resources, Recreation, Wildlife and Wilderness. Reappointment is to an additional three-year term expiring December 31, 2005.

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8. Resolution #25602 making six appointments to the Klickitat County Tourism Advisory Board. All appointments are to fill vacancies for two year terms from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2004:

Bonnie Beeks – Position #1

Mark Zoller – Position #3

Kevin Evans – Position #4

Jan Mosbrucker – Position #6

Jim Rutledge – Position #8

Lee Musgrave – Position #9

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9. County Property Licensing Agreement (#C22102) for use of the Courthouse lawn and sidewalks on Monday, December 16, 2002 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, for a Peace Vigil. Bob Seborer is the contact person and is requesting waiver of the rental fee. (Granted)

10. Memorandum from the Planning Department scheduling a public meeting for 1:30 PM on Monday, January 6, 2003 to consider approval of Binding Site Plan No. BSP2001-00001, the applicant being Goldendale Aluminum Company.

Road Permits

There were no Road Department permits requiring approval at this time.

Old Business

Sheriff’s Department 2003 – 2005 Collective Bargaining Agreements

Consideration of the 2003 – 2005 Collective Bargaining Agreements for Deputy Sheriffs and Non-Uniformed Personnel was continued by Board consensus until this Wednesday, December 18, 2002 to allow for Board review.

Department Update/Comment

Contract with ERF Company for Extended Range Weather Forecasting

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Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) a Contract (#C22302) with the ERF Company, Inc. for extended range weather forecasting. ERF will provide the service for one year with the possibility of extensions. Cost is $320 per month.

Small Works Contract for Cleanup of Klickitat Mill

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Approved (M/Frey, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously) a Small Works Contract (#C22402) with Tom Arnold Logging, Inc. in the amount of $17,411 for clean up of the Klickitat Mill.

Public Works Department Update

In addition to the preceding contracts with the ERF Company and Tom Arnold Logging, Public Works Director Larry Nicholas briefed the Board on several non-action items as well:

• Director Nicholas said that requests for quotations for snow removal of county parking lots resulted in seven bids. He recommended awarding the contract to O’Leary & Son Excavating.
• Director Nicholas informed the Board that requests for bids for rock crushing for the Glenwood Highway Project resulted in only one quotation, despite contacting four contractors. He added that the one quotation that was received seemed high and he is not prepared to make any recommendation at this time but will keep the Board apprised of the situation.
• Director Nicholas noted receipt of a request to vacate 20 feet of right-of-way along the north side of Sixth Avenue in Dallesport. He added that the county’s right-of-way is currently 120 feet wide and that he would prepare the paperwork for Board consideration.
• Director Nicholas said that advertising for the GIS Operator position has closed and approximately ten applications were received. He hopes to wrap up the selection process this week. Director Nicholas also noted that the remodel project to provide a workstation for the GIS Operator will cost about $5,500.
• Director Nicholas asked when the Classification/Compensation Study would be finished. Chairman Struck replied that the Board hopes to complete it by the first of the year, with implementation expected soon after.

Miscellaneous Reports/Comments

Chief Deputy Auditor Jerri Atkins and Deputy Auditor (Payroll) Nikki Amundson discussed the Public Health Department’s purchase of "value pack" airline tickets. They noted that the tickets are a good bargain but there is a problem with auditing because there is no prior travel authorization and they are no longer receiving the ticket stubs. Commissioner Frey said that the Board would talk to Public Health Director Kevin Barry regarding the issue.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

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

Accounts Payable: (#118853 – 119101 & 93292) $791,559.53.

Combined Payroll: (#118839 – 118852 & Electronic Trans. # 271) $113,738.40

For a combined total of $905,297.93

Road Department Payments

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Authorized (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Pay Estimate #62 to North Central Construction, Inc., in the amount of $184,974.33, which includes $9,248.72 retainage for a net of $175,725.61 for the Hoctor Road/Old Highway 8 project.

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Authorized (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Pay Estimate #6 to James Dean Construction, Inc., in the amount of $217,830.52, which includes $10,891.53 retainage for a net of $206,938.99 for the Klickitat-Appleton Road project.

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Authorized (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) Payment Request #14 to IMCO General Construction in the amount of $166,372.71, which includes $7,774.43 retainage for a net of $158,598.29 for the Dallesport Wastewater Treatment project.

Adjournment (4:30 PM)

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until 10:30 AM on Wednesday, December 18, 2002.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Wednesday, December 18, 2002

Chairman Don Struck reconvened the meeting at 10:37 AM.

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

Workshop Session Agenda

10:37 AM – Sheriff’s Department Contracts

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Frey. Passed unanimously) a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Klickitat County Deputy Sheriff’s Association representing Deputy Sheriffs (#C22502), and a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Klickitat County Deputy Sheriff’s Union Representing Non-Uniformed Personnel (#C22602).

10:40 AM – 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 12:00 Noon.

12:00 Noon – Lunch Recess

1:40 PM – Towing Dispatch Issue

Attendance: County Sheriff Chris Mace, Business Recruitment & Retention Specialist Tom Seifert and Edgar Holbrook, owner/manager of Bishop Towing & Recovery and approximately six of his employees.

Mr. Holbrook presented concerns that if the Sheriff’s Department does not contract towing services out on a rotational basis, then those companies that are not selected may be forced to lay off employees, resulting in the loss of economic benefits to the county.

Sheriff Mace stated that he is concerned that a rotating call-out procedure might result in complaints and the loss of timely response. It was noted that this is an issue for the Sheriff to decide. Sheriff Mace concluded by stating that he would review the various proposals and then make a decision.

2:20 PM – 2003 Budget Workshop

Chief Financial Officer Glen Chipman and the Board discussed aspects of the 2003 Budget.

5:00 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 5:40 PM.

Adjournment

There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:40 PM.

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Reference Document on File