Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Chairman Rex F. Johnston called the meeting to order at 9:45 AM. Commissioners present: Ray Thayer, David M. Sauter and Rex F. Johnston.

Workshop Session Agenda

9:45 – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Assistant County Engineer Jeff Hunter.

Assistant County Engineer Jeff Hunter provided a brief review of Consent Agenda items, pay estimates, road maintenance projects and an update of 2011 Construction Program projects.

Assistant County Engineer Hunter reported on current and upcoming facilities projects and repairs, noting that the Courthouse elevator has been having issues and the service company will be looking at the problem today.

The Board had a discussion concerning possible locations for a law enforcement fire arms range for the Sheriff’s Department and city police departments, with Mr. Hunter advising that the Public Works Department is currently using the Esteb Pit and suggested that the Rattlesnake Pit would be a better choice.

Mr. Hunter reported that The Dalles Gun Club is also looking for a firing range location and had inquired about the possibility of using the old Horsethief landfill. The Dalles Gun Club was advised that the old landfill was not a suitable location and were shown the old Rattlesnake Pit as an alternative site to consider.

Following discussion, Commissioner Sauter stated that he has discussed the possibility of locating a firing range on Port property with the Port Commissioners who have expressed support for such an option.

The Board had a brief discussion regarding the Knight/Big Eddy Transmission Line Project and the County’s concern regarding having a road haul agreement with BPA and not their contractor, with Mr. Hunter noting that legal counsel would like to discuss the issue with the project manger one last time before getting involved.

Assistant County Engineer Hunter advised that the Christian Cowboys Association has requested consideration for an additional $1,000 to be waived from their fairgrounds rental fees due to current economic conditions. Mr. Hunter suggested that in addition to last years concessions the Association could clean the grandstands twice in exchange for the additional waiver amount. The general consensus of the Board was supportive, with Mr. Hunter advising that he would prepare the appropriate paperwork.

The Board held a brief discussion concerning cost reimbursement for Public Works services pertaining to the development of windmill projects, with Mr. Hunter advising that Public Works receives reimbursement for some services and other Public Works related fees were included in the amendments to Title 2 of the Klickitat County Code “Land Development Fees” which provides hourly rates for stormwater and geotechnical reviews.

Auditor Brenda Sorensen: Department Update.

10:30 AM – Elected Officials Update

Attendance: County Auditor Brenda Sorensen and Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman.

County Auditor Brenda Sorensen presented a brief department update, reporting that the Elections staff continues to work on the redistricting project and that the Tyler Eagle Recorder system which allows County staff and the public to search for documents went live on Monday, May 23^rd without any major problems.

Executive Session: Discuss the performance of a public employee.

The Board convened into Executive Session with County Auditor Brenda Sorenson at 10:50 AM in accordance with RCW 42.110(1)(g) to discuss the performance of a public employee. It was noted that the executive session would last for ten (10) minutes. At 11:00 AM it was announced that the session would be extended for five (5) minutes. At 11:05 AM County Auditor Sorenson left the session and Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman was asked to join the session and it was announced that the session would be extended for an additional ten (10) minutes.

The Board reconvened back into regular session at 11:15 AM.

Sheriff Rick McComas: Department Update.

11:15 AM – Elected Officials Update

Attendance: Sheriff Rick McComas, Undersheriff Jolene Kallio, Assistant County Engineer Jeff Hunter and Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman.

Sheriff Rick McComas and Undersheriff Jolene Kallio provided an overview of the 2011 Search & Rescue Conference which they recently attended in Cowlitz County, reporting that it was a good experience and provided insight for the planning of the 2012 conference which will be hosted by Klickitat County.

Sheriff McComas reported that officers have been experiencing computer problems at the Pioneer Center. Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman stated that the issue has been addressed several times; officers are trying to send to much data which slows the system down. Director Chipman advised that Technical Services is waiting on a bid from the Washington State DIS (Department of Information Services) for an upgrade to resolve the problem.

Sheriff McComas stated that he was advised by Radio Project Lead, Steve Brown that mobile data terminal (MDT) capability has not been included in the Public Safety Radio Project plan. Sheriff McComas noted that officers need MDT in their patrol cars and at some point MDT’s need to be in the Sheriff Department’s future. The MDT will allow officers to work from their patrol cars while remaining in communities rather than in the office.

Sheriff McComas advised that he is participating in a test program with Sherman and Wasco Counties to test the use of a MDT which has been loaned to the department to determine if the Oregon coverage and data base would be adequate for Klickitat County. Sheriff McComas stated that the associated costs of utilizing Oregon’s system and data base will need to be determined.

Director Chipman advised that the radio system is capable of accommodating MDT usage; a fifth channel for data maybe added after the radio towers are in place and the voice channels for Law Enforcement, Fire, Emergency Management and Public Works are operational, adding that the MDT’s are listed in the Capital Improvement Plan and should be addressed during its update during the budget process.

The Board continued a previous discussion concerning possible options for establishing a firing range in the County. Commissioner Sauter stated that the Port has 1,000 acres and there should be a suitable site to lease for a firing range.

Sheriff McComas advised that administrative space is limited and continues to create issues in the office and that he is still looking for adequate space for the deputies. Sheriff McComas offered a possible solution to the limited space problem, noting that an offer has been extended to negotiate an agreement to lease and/or purchase the old nursing home facility. A discussion followed.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:00 Noon.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Chairman Rex F. Johnston reconvened the meeting at 1:00 PM. Commissioners present: Ray Thayer, Rex F. Johnston and David Sauter.

Agenda

Business Agenda

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

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approval of Meeting Minutes

*

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously): the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes for May 24, 2011 as presented.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Hearing: To hear public comments on proposal to amend Klickitat County Energy Overlay Zone Ordinance No. O081710 and Klickitat County Code, Title 19.

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously): Ordinance OØ53111 relating to Land Use and Zoning; revising Ordinance No. OØ8171Ø; and amending Klickitat County Code Title 19 relating to Zoning and the Energy Overlay Zone.

Chairman Johnston opened the public hearing to consider staff recommended amendments to Klickitat County Code, Title 19 and Ordinance No. OØ8171Ø in the matter of providing clarification on the noticing requirements and on technical advisory committee reporting procedure and requested a staff review.

Senior Planner Mo-chi Lindblad reported that on August 17, 2010, the Board adopted Ordinance OØ8171Ø, which amended portions of the EOZ Ordinance. On August 10, 2010 the County adopted Resolution No. 10910 to document compliance with the 2005 settlement agreement between the County and Friends of the Columbia Gorge.

On September 7, 2010, Friends of the Columbia Gorge filed litigation in Klickitat County Superior Court; Case No. 10-2-00295-8 after which Friends and the County agreed to enter into a settlement agreement to settle the appeal. Under the Settlement Agreement, Friends agreed to withdraw the appeal if Klickitat County amends Klickitat County Code Sections 19.39:5.C.3, 19.39:5.D to clarify the noticing requirements of specified project changes and Klickitat County Code Section 19.39:9.B(k) to make a clarification on technical advisory committee reporting procedures.

*

Senior Planner Lindblad noted that Friends of the Columbia Gorge submitted written comments in support of the proposed changes and also suggested two additional changes. Ms. Lindblad stated that the Planning Department’s recommendation is to stay with the amendments as proposed. The suggested changes are already being implemented by the Planning Department.

Chairman Johnston opened the hearing to public testimony and noted for the record that there was no one present wishing to testify.

Chairman Johnston closed the public hearing to further public testimony and called for Board discussion.

Citizen Comment

Goldendale area resident, Ms. Jo VanHoy stated that she feels that the open range ordinance now open to cattle only is unfair. Her neighbor’s cows repeatedly escape and cross the cattle guard on to her property and eat her crops and the owner refuses to do anything, but once when her sheep got out of the fence it was a major ordeal with the neighbor threatening to shoot them.

Commissioner Thayer provided a brief history of the process which resulted in amending the open range ordinance two years ago, noting that the issues that were happening at the time involved horses, goats, lamas and sheep. In discussions with the Livestock Growers the consensus was that they were not having problems with cattle at that time and it was recommended to not include cattle.

Commissioner Sauter noted that most calls about cattle are handled immediately; the ranchers take complaints very seriously and usually take care of any problems.

Commissioner Thayer stated that he would contact the Cattlemen’s Association to discuss the matter.

Mr. Joseph Gonyeau of Turkey Ranch Road, Goldendale stated that as a power industry engineer for 30+ years he feels that the windmills are not being appraised for what they should be. In the beginning of the EOZ process the public was told that the values for the windmills would be $1 million per megawatt, presently they are assessed at $660,000 per megawatt. Mr. Gonyeau noted that in 2009 one wind farm sold for $2.82 million per megawatt.

Mr. Gonyeau stated that the County is not appraising the windmills high enough, noting that their assessed values are generating revenue, but questioned if it was enough.

Commissioner Sauter advised that he has been aware of the values placed on the windmills, noting that this is not the Board’s area of authority.

Consent Agenda

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously) the Consent Agenda.

*

1) Amended Agreement (C12011) between Klickitat County (Planning Department) and Windy Flats Phase III, LLC for the purpose of addressing reimbursement of costs and fees associated with processing various land use approvals, including energy overlay zone permitting relating to both of Windy Flats Phase III, LLC’s projects Windy Flats West and the Lower Davenport area of the Windy Point Wind Energy Project.

*

2) Agreement (C12111) between Klickitat County and The Goldendale Sentinel for publication of all legal notices and delinquent tax lists as well as notices to be published by newspapers of “general circulation” effective July 1, 2011, terminating June 30, 2012. Bid was awarded to The Enterprise, White Salmon, Washington, and The Goldendale Sentinel, Goldendale, Washington, at a cost of $6.50 per column inch for the first and subsequent insertions. For purposes of the contract period The Goldendale Sentinel will be the County’s “newspaper of record” with all publication of legal notices, delinquent tax lists and other notices to be published by the newspaper of “general circulation” to occur in The Enterprise and The Goldendale Sentinel.

*

3) Agreement (C12211) between Klickitat County and The Enterprise for publication of all legal notices and delinquent tax lists as well as notices to be published by newspapers of “general circulation” effective July 1, 2011, terminating June 30, 2012. Bid was awarded to The Enterprise, White Salmon, Washington, and The Goldendale Sentinel, Goldendale, Washington, at a cost of $6.50 per column inch for the first and subsequent insertions. For purposes of the contract period The Goldendale Sentinel will be the County’s “newspaper of record” with all publication of legal notices, delinquent tax lists and other notices to be published by the newspaper of “general circulation” to occur in The Enterprise and The Goldendale Sentinel.

*

4) Resolution No. 06511 and Letters appointing Wayne Eames of Goldendale, Washington, representing Commissioner District No. 1 and appointing Lowell Smith of Goldendale, Washington, representing Commissioner District No. 1 to unexpired three-year terms on the Klickitat County Senior Advisory Board, effective May 31, 2011, expiring December 31, 2014; And Letter and Certificate of appreciation to Eric Olsen of Goldendale, Washington for his past service on the Senior Advisory Board.

5) Letter of Agency (C12311) between Klickitat County (Administrative Services Department) and X5 Solutions, Inc. authorizing X5 Solutions to act on the County’s behalf in assigning long distance carriers. This authorization shall remain in effect for 60 days from date of signature.

*

6) Personnel Authorization to begin the advertising process to fill the vacant Clerical Administrative Assistant I position within the Public Works Department at Grade 34, Step 1.

*

7) Amendment No. 1 (C12411) to State of Washington County Road Administration Board Rural Arterial Program Project Agreement for Construction Proposal to improve Hale Road, Road No. 46180 to allow phased construction methodology under conditions described in WAC 136-170-030. All other terms and conditions of the original Project Agreement shall remain in full force and effect except as modified by this Amendment No. 1; And Amendment No. 1 (C12511) to State of Washington County Road Administration Board Rural Arterial Program Project Agreement for Construction Proposal to improve Lakeside Road No. 19270 to allow phased construction methodology under conditions described in WAC 136-170-030. All other terms and conditions of the original Project Agreement shall remain in full force and effect except as modified by this Amendment No. 1.

*

8) Resolution No. 06611 in the matter of establishment of restrictions on certain bridges as follows: Northwestern Lake Road, Bridge No. 118, Powerhouse Road, Bridge No. 119 and Middle Road, Bridge No. 361 and that restrictions on Martin Road, Bridge No. 109 and Harms Road, Bridge No. 205 by Resolution No. 23198 and Glenwood Highway, Bridge No. 115 by Resolution No. 03403 be repealed.

*

9) Resolution No. 06701 in the matter of scheduling a public hearing to be held Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 1:30 PM to consider the vacation of a portion of White Salmon River Road, County Road No. 16500. Portion to be vacated is located approximately 1900 feet west of the NE corner of Section 35, Township 4 North, Range 10 East, W.M.

*

10) Notice of Public Hearing to be held Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 1:30 PM prior to granting a non exclusive Franchise Agreement between Klickitat County (Public Works Department) and Sawtooth Technologies, LLC for the construction, maintenance and operations of telecommunication lines together with wires and other appurtenances, upon, under, along and across various Klickitat County roads.

11) Scheduling a public meeting to be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 1:30 PM to consider approval of alternation of Lot 10, Block B, Plat of Dallesport, Short Plat No. SPL2010-23; Applicant: Nate Pyle; And Scheduling a public meeting to be held on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 1:30 PM to consider approval of alternation of Lot 1, BLA2008-09, Short Plat No. SPL2010-17; Applicant: Judy Gross.

Commissioner Sauter Leaves

For the record, Commissioner Sauter left the meeting at 2:00 PM due to a previous commitment.

Elected Official Report/Update

Prosecutor’s Update

The Board held a brief discussion with Prosecuting Attorney Lori Hoctor specific to procedural issues with regard to a public hearing on June 7, 2011 for consideration of a petition requesting withdrawal of certain territory from the boundaries of Fire Protection District No. 3.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

*

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

Accounts Payable: (#211746 - 211858) for a net of $226,690.98.

Combined Payroll: (Special Payroll Warrants #M0026 and Special County Electric Transfer #550) $ $839.70.

For a combined total of $227,530.98 for the date ending May 31, 2011.

Road Department Payments

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously): pay estimate No. 4 and Final to Graves & Associates in the amount of $77,040.03 which includes $3,852.00 retainage for a total of $73,188.03 for the Centerville Highway-Lyle Path Project, CRP 275.

Unfinished Business

Steve Brown, Radio Project Lead: Radio project update

Attendance: Radio Project Lead Steve Brown and Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman. Observers in the audience were: Sheriff Rick McComas, Undersheriff Jolene Kallio, Economic Development Director Mike Canon and Goldendale Police Chief Rick Johnson.

Radio Project Lead, Steve Brown provided a Radio Project update and a review of activities at each of the ten (10) radio tower sites and dispatch center which included potential schedules and estimate of costs. Mr. Brown also provided a spreadsheet and budgetary timelines for the Board’s consideration. Further discussion followed.

Adjournment

Approved (M/Thayer, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously): There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 3:03 PM.

*

Reference Document on File

Please Note: The Board of Commissioners’ minutes are action minutes. An audio record is on file as part of the official record and available on Tape #2011-05, Tape Count 175 through 404.