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OKANOGAN COUNTY WATCH

Okanogan County Watch
Helping Citizens Stay Informed

Photo Credit: Justin Haug

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meets every Monday and Tuesday at the Commissioner's hearing room at the Virginia Grainger building in Okanogan. Volunteer citizens take notes at most BOCC meetings and post them here. The volunteer notes are a paraphrasing of what they observe and hear and are not considered part of any official records. For officially approved minutes of Board of Commissioner meetings, normally published at a later date, see www.okanogancounty.org.

For information on various County boards and commissions, click on the County Boards tab above. Notes and video from some of these meetings can be found here.

We have started doing live video on You Tube for occasional presentations and hearings. They will be saved on our You Tube channel indefinitely and can be viewed any time. Due to the limited number of people available for this task, we are video taping a limited number of meetings. The videos may be of regular meetings, presentations and public hearings at BOCC or Advisory Committee meetings such as Planning Commission, Watershed Councils, etc. If anyone has a request for us to video specific County-related subjects that are addressed in public meetings or hearings, please contact us and we will make an effort to do so.

For links to the most current agendas for the BOCC meeting and the Planning Study Sessions, scroll to the end of the BOCC notes section.

We need video volunteers! It's easy- all you need is a smart phone or other device that can connect to a WiFi signal. We'll show you how. Click on the button below to let us know when you are available and we will contact you.

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Upcoming Public Hearings and meetings (Location is Commissioner's Hearing Room unless otherwise noted):
August 19, 2019 7 pm: Planning Commission public hearing on draft Comprehensive plan and EIS.

The Okanogan County Auditor updates the budget numbers monthly and puts them on the County Website. Click here to check out how your money is being spent.

BOCC Notes

Recent BOCC meeting notes are posted below, along with a short summary of what was discussed. For older notes, click on Archived Notes tab above. Click here for a list of acronyms and County Personnel.

bocc_notes_8-12-19.pdf
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WRIA 49 Planning Unit
AH notes a discrepancy between what the RCW (Revised Code of Washington) says compared to what the Washington Department of Ecology (“Ecology”) is saying and expresses the desire that everyone should be “on the same page”. Then the availability of 200 acre-ft. of water – potentially for mitigating for future development – was discussed.  AHu notes the importance of being prepared to acquire the water when it becomes available. The commissioners wondered why Ecology had not notified the planning unit of the available water.  AH directs AHu to find out when the next round of grant funding for mitigation projects will happen.
Interim Control regarding pulling back the Neighborhood Commercial Zone around unincorporated towns.
At the direction of the commissioners, the planning department is developing an ordinance for interim controls that would reduce the size of neighborhood commercial zones around unincorporated towns, on the basis that some zones are far too large to be served by town infrastructure.  AHu reports that the map is finished and the language is under development.
Planning Update
1:30 JD absent.  LJ provides paperwork to the commissioners.  After reading, AH makes a motion to transfer Public Works funds from one fund to another; CB seconds; motion passes.
Lake Management District - Lake Osoyoos treatment invoice
AHu – First invoice. Need to convene as board of Lake Management District

BOCC meeting 8/5/19. Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.

bocc_notes_8-5-19_app_status_report_2017-2019.xlsx.pdf
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Interim Planning Director Angie Hubbard conducts a study session with the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Click on the time listed next to the subject to go directly to that point in the video.
2:15 Commissioners convene as the Tonasket EMS District and approve a voucher for $21,700 for July’s Lifeline services.
3:30 Discussion of Planning Department Monthly Report. (Spreadsheet can be found in the left column.)
8:38 Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 49 (Okanogan River) Planning Unit
8:38 Request for quotations for two grants, etc.
10:40 Discussion of phones to be used for WRIA 49 meetings.
13:40 WRIA 49 membership list . Commissioners discuss filling the vacancies of Nicole Kuchenbuch and John Wyss. The discussion includes problems with using building permits to predict accurately future water use. CB says the task is to mitigate for domestic wells.
50:30 DOE has its policy interpretation and final Net Ecological Benefit (NEB) guidelines on-line and available. AHub will send it to the commissioners. Also discussion of the Shoreline Management Plan.
52:45 FEMA letter. The county has 30 days to make comments about accepting FEMA engineering methods. JD suggests AHub consults with Josh Thompson, County Engineer. Perry Huston received an email on July 17 saying draft of updated maps of flood plains should be ready for release in Fall of 2020. The county will get to look at them before they go out to the public. JD wants the map of Elway double checked.

bocc_notes_7-30-19.pdf
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Civil Attorney: Ok. Co. & WSDOT, cooperation with communications, new forms from Clerk’s Office, Executive Session review, question from a constituent; Fair Events: Office assistant sick, MOU, Track/Arena, Capital improvement thoughts, Possible Fall & Spring rodeos, fee schedule changes; Interim Planning: Water summit, Champerty Shores, Census 2020, Changes in Planning Dept.; Exec. Session. – Ongoing litigation (French Creek); Risk &HR: Executive Session w/ Risk Pool Attorney on phone. Current litigation, Job descriptions for BOCC – Planning & Com. Dev., Corrections testing; BOCC & Admin: Senior Housing grant, Franchise agreement; Assessor’s Office: Assessments on new construction, Adjustment Board hearings; Misc. Business: Budget allocation of Public Works fiber line, Statler Bridge Bid opening; Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, 2020 budget & priorities, Similkameen Trail, Hwy 7, Tonasket Bridge north, Elmway Levee, Barkley & MVID Ditch, Purchasing Policy; Public Comment: none; Miller Pit Buy: Long-term asset for road material, Visual impact issue; Misc. Admin: BOCC Admin. Officer, Land use concerns, Superior Court use of BOCC Chambers; Public Hearing: Surplus of ER & R Dump Truck & Plow; Public Hearing (from 7/29) – Supplemental: Federal PILT to Current Expense Reserve; Question about Bio-Char; Clerk’s Office: Domestic Violence Funds.

BOCC meeting 7/29/19. Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.

The following description contains the time stamps for the various topics discussed. Click on the time to go directly to the subject you are interested in.
1:50 Update on the Eastlake Shores Long Plat. BOCC grants preliminary approval of the Plat 2-0.
4:30 Reminder of the continued hearing on Purchase and Sales agreement at 2:00 PM next Tuesday.
5:17 Reminder that the WRIA 49 Watershed Planning Unit will meet at 6:00 PM on Thursday, August 1. The time of the meeting was originally scheduled for 11:00 AM.
7:05 Update of the Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) meeting. The group met last Thursday to discuss cost sharing programs to implement stewardship programs. Also discussed were two vacancies in the VSP work group, one in Andy Hover’s district (Dist. 2) and one in Jim DeTro’s district (Dist.3). Individuals will reach out to potential new members and bring the names back to the BOCC.
8:05 The comment period has reopened on the Draft North Cascades Grizzly Bear Restoration Plan EIS. The comment period ends October 24. Commissioners discuss potential comments which would be in addition to those the BOCC has already made.
10:33 AH and AHub discuss the status of the Comprehensive Plan.
14:45 Discussion to move the hearing, scheduled for 4:00 PM concerning Supplemental Appropriation, Current Expense Reserve, Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Allocation to tomorrow at 3:15.

bocc_notes_7-23-19.pdf
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Video of the Census 2020 discussion is on our YouTube channel. Click here to view Census presentation.

Civil Attorney: Review of Summary Judgement on the French Creek, OBHC contract, Comp. Plan: date on hearing, boat races permits; Interim Planning Director: Capital Facility plan; Admin & Fair Grounds Maintenance: Fair Grounds Arena & Track, HVAC last week; OCCDA: Fee reduction for use of Agriplex Annex; Fair Events: Billboard issue, AED, LTAC funding, Fair camping contracts, Point of Sale contract for credit cards; HR & Risk: Court Commissioner, Part time employees in Juvenile, OBHC meeting with BOCC; Building Dept & Auditor: Procedural question, Funding Superior Court judges; Public Comment: Jennifer Ward (Tonasket Resident) - Tonasket City and Okanogan Co. Law Enforcement Service; Census Bureau Presentation – Road to 2020; Building: Purchasing of a replacement PU; John Culton, Sen. Murray Eastern Washington Aide – Assorted topics.

BOCC meeting 7/22/19. Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.

Note: There are parts of this video with some skips, due to low bandwidth. The video is jerky but the audio is mostly clear.
ALSO: The Planning Director for the County, Perry Huston, gave notice last week and resigned as of Friday, July 19th. One of the assistant planners, Angela Hubbard, is serving as interim planning director starting with this meeting.
03:50 - Tonasket EMS voucher approval
05:11 - Comprehensive plan update (parts of this discussion have skipped). The gist of it is that the Draft EIS is out for public comment, and there will be a public hearing before the Planning Commission on August 19th.
07:25 - WRIA 49 watershed plan - next meeting Aug 1. Commissioner Hover will attend (in addition to Commissioner Branch), so notice will need to be published.
08:00 - Well tracking grant update
08:15 - Water Summit. Discussion of the procedure for notifying invited participants. Commissioner Hover mentions that the Methow Watershed council would like to be on the list.
09:35 - Planning Dept budget
10:48 - reminder of the Census 2020 outreach meeting.
11:18 - Champerty Shores sewer extension. Discussion about forming an LID and details of how the project will be managed.
15:40 - Discussion of how to structure the Planning Dept now that Director Huston is gone. (There is heavy skipping during this section.) BOCC approves resolution to officially appoint Angela Hubbard as interim planning director.
22:10 - BOCC do routine business such as approving vouchers, etc.

bocc_notes_7-16-19.pdf
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Staff meeting canceled, Admin & Fair Grounds Maintenance: Temporary screens in the HVAC system, AH - new Methow Valley pit; Executive Sessions: Complaints or Charges against a public official, Potential or ongoing litigation; BOCC Exec. Secretary: HR for next week canceled; Finance Committee: Departmental 2019 Budget worksheets, Drug Task Force Fund, SW investment funds, Sheriff Special Fund, Scanning of remaining records, Revenue up from Federal PILT, expenditures are under target, Fair Facilities, End of year projections, State Audit, Bldg Dept., Budget meetings?, vehicle replacements; Public Works: SW: Ellisforde Landfill Closure, Apple Maggot update, Tonnage update; Engineer: Maintenance & Roads, Sub-standard cattleguard, Permanent vs Temporary M-2 costs, Hwy 7, Tonasket bridge north construction, Statler Bridge, Barkley & MVID Ditch, Edelweiss sewer force main; Public Comment: Jennifer Ward – Tonasket City & Police, John Oakes – return stolen guns, mfr. home permit; Building Dept.: Permits behind last year but ahead on revenue, Bldg Dept. Enterprise fund; Surplus 7 roll-off SW Containers, Noxious Weeds: Search and Enforcement warrants, Milfoil treatment on Lake Osoyoos, New County Weed Code, Zebra and Quagga mussels; Bid Opening: Domestic Violence Fund.

BOCC meeting 7/15/19. Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.

ordinance_2019-10_lower_methow_zoning_change.pdf
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bocc_7-15-19_lower_methow_water_usage_projections.pdf
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Note- the start of the meeting is delayed several minutes while waiting for a quorum. There are portions where the video skips, due to low bandwidth.
10:40 - Public hearing on Ordinance 2019-10 (Amendments to minimum zoning requirements in lower Methow Valley). Planning Director gives intro and review of the ordinance. (A copy of this ordinance is available to the left.)
20:30 - public comments begin (2 commenters)
25:45 - Planning Director discusses his budget
27:43 - brief discussion about an issue regarding Oroville EMS levy
28:20 - Discussion about Crown Columbia/Lundgren water claim transfer that is before the Water Conservancy Board. County has been requested to do the Environmental Review (SEPA).
35:40 - WRIA 49 Planning Group update.
52:44 - Water Summit. Planning Director suggests that a facilitator run the meeting.
57:00 - Comprehensive plan update.
1:00:30 - brief mention of Census 2020 outreach meeting, M Tank Ceiling project, and Champerty shores sewer extension.
1:02:25 - brief mention of extension of the Purchase and Sale agreement for land in lower Methow (gravel pit).

bocc_notes_7-09-19.pdf
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1_motion_for_summary_judgment.pdf
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2_sj_memo_of_law.pdf
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3_hart_report_w-_exhibits.pdf
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4_kuehler_dec_w__exhibits.pdf
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5_tackman_dec_w-_exhibits.pdf
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6_thomson_dec_w-_exhibits.pdf
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7_certificate_of_service.pdf
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Civil Attorney: Professional services agreement, Letter of concern on immigration, French Creek Rd litigation (see documents attached to the left), Court of Appeals; Fair Events: Arena Roping Chute, Horse stalls, Commercial Building, Remand and Reload scrap; Admin & Fair Grounds Maintenance: Ameresco - Injection well & HVAC at the Jail, Mop sink at Agriplex Annex, Air bubble; Admin & Planning: WRIA 48 water rules, Tonasket EMS audit, Oroville EMS levy, Champerty Shores, Cannabis licensing; BOCC Exec Secretary: DIVCO agreement, Mid Valley Hospital support on grant; HR & Risk Management: 2ndhalf 2018 & 1sthalf 2019 Criminal Justice billings, Annual Loss Control visit, Employee ID Cards, Corrections testing; Misc. Business, Auditor: MOU with Oroville for ballot box, Elections, Pres. Election next year, Vote WA system, Precincts review, Licensing, Full payment to Building Dept, Fair facilities, State Auditor’s Office; Building Dept.: Wage increase effects, vehicle replacements, Discussion of changes; Public Works: Maintenance & Road, Primitive Rds, Statler Bridge, Hwy 7 - Tonasket N, Barkley & MVID, Edelweiss Sewer, Weed Spray program, Office Mgr. job, Leader Lake Rd; Assessor: Travel voucher for Wenatchee, Cannabis; TV District, Public Health: Community research on needs, infrastructure & services, Fuel costs, Purchase of new software, Personal vehicle mileage rate, Elected Officials position, Community Health, Environment; Resolution 84-2019: Statler Bridge, Public Hearing – Dispatch / Communications. 2/10 of 1% Sales Tax increase.

bocc_notes_7-8-19.pdf
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Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP)
CN describes a problem, from the point of view of the Conservation District, with the project funding contract, involving the need for a signature by the county. This raises issues about who will be the responsible party in the case of non-completion of projects. He expresses willingness for the Conservation District to take sole responsibility for the execution of projects and suggests that they simply keep the county informed of project contracts that are being undertaken. The commissioners agree.
Exempt well policies WRIA 48
PH is developing a draft water policy letter proposing mitigations that could allow additional exempt wells in water availability study areas (i.e., closed basins). Details were not provided. There was a lengthy conversation involving who to solicit input from. How to support the cities meeting their need for additional water was also discussed. The subject will be revisited next Monday (7/15/19).

Public Hearing on proposed gravel pit in lower Methow Valley 7/8/19. Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.

This video is the public hearing that was held at the Okanogan County Commissioners hearing room to take comments on the proposed purchase of property near the town of Methow for the purpose of providing gravel for County road maintenance. The meeting started with an introduction by Planning Director Perry Huston who reviewed the proposed purchase and sale agreement. The Road Maintenance Manager, Gary George, then gave a presentation with details on cost analysis and comparison, history of the need for gravel and sand, and how the proposed site will be used. (A copy of the report that Mr. George mentioned is on this website listed with the notes for 6/24/19). That presentation was followed by several comments from the public. The Commissioners then had a discussion and decided not to hold a final vote on the property purchase at this time. They will review new information and discuss it again on July 30th at 2 pm. The time stamps for the various topics and comments are listed below - click on the time to go directly to that point in the video.
4:30 - BOCC Chair DeTro begins the meeting. Planning Director Perry Huston gives intro and reviews Purchase and Sale agreement.
15:45 - Road Maintenance Manager Gary George gives presentation
37:50 - Public testimony begins
1:08:40 - Commissioners discuss the issue some more.

bocc_notes_7-02-19.pdf
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Fair Events: State Grange went pretty well, Non-slippery floor mats, Sponsorships on arena fencing, Floor sink in kitchen area, Public input on the website; Planning & Admin: 2 Planning Commission vacancies, consideration of advertising a position opening, retaining experience and learning of previous appointees, keeping diversity and recognizing difficulty of finding suitable appointees; Civil Attorney: Exec Session. Potential litigation – French Creek, Treasurer/Assessor, an ongoing “Domestic topic”; Clerk’s Office: Records to NW Vital Records, RFP on Domestic Violence records; Executive Session – BOCC & PH: Performance of a public official; HR & Risk Management: Executive Session. DG, TC & BOCC. Current litigation, New HR; Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Fairgrounds track & arena, Statler Bridge, Hwy 7 – north from Tonasket, Salmon Cr. @ Cowan’s, Barkley & MVID Ditch project, Elmway Levee, Edelweiss sewer force main, SOS grant for scanning records, Radar gap / NOAA mtg; Miscellaneous Business.

bocc_notes_7-1-19.pdf
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definitions.dwellingunit.070119.docx
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ordinance.amend17a.400.120.mitigation.docx
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resolution.wria48.exemptwellpolicies.docx
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wria49.newfunding.agreementtemplate.062119.final.docx
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ofm_april1_press_release.pdf
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1) Non-agenda item: poorly written Code causes problems. Final take-away: the purpose for items in Code should be made clear and supported in the Comprehensive Plan. In the case in point, there are contradictory definitions of Accessory Dwelling Units, Multi-family dwellings, overnight rentals, total impervious surface, “footprint” of dwellings, and garages. In addition, it was emphasized that interpretations of the Planning Department do not replace clarity in Code. Revision of some Code and related definitions must be done. (See Attachment  “Definitions. DwellingUnit.070119”)
2) Water Availability Study Areas, WRIA 48: Mitigation Language edited. AH shares draft Wolf Ck restricted area draft mitigation plan from Ecology. Groundwater injection discussed, possible triggering of SEPA.  Branch addresses necessity of sampling/testing vs simple review. Regarding this, AH states:” I like this because it talks about Ecology guidance, etc. When I hear Mr. Huston does this, does that. I don’t like it.  I like it when I hear he is following the guidance.” Infiltration galleries, possible need for a more rigorous evaluation process regarding wells discussed. (See Attachment Ordinance.Amend17A.400.120.mitigation.07012019)
3) Draft Resolution: Exempt well policies,  WRIA 48: Financing of mitigations: affluent vs average person. County’s possible role. Branch suggests mini-summit on county mitigation draft attended by CELP, Ecology, WRIA 49 Planning Unit, Water Conservancy Board, maybe others - all BOCC agree. PH to request dates from Ecology. (see Attachment Resolution.wria48.exemptwellpolicies)
4) WRIA 49 Watershed Plan Update: New Funding Request- Well tracking grant. Application for additional $250,000 grant is in, for things that could not be done with the $300,000:  Prioritization, Net Ecological Benefit. (See Attachment WRIA49.NewFunding.AgreementTemplate.062119.Final.062819 2)
5) Census 2020:  OFM has downgraded Okanogan County in relation to growth. We are now #29 out of the 39 counties. (See Attachment ofm_april1_press_release)

bocc_notes_6-25-19.pdf
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public_works_org._chart.pdf
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Judges & Court: Audit of nutrition program at Jail & Juvenile, Part time transportation/detention position, Current overall budget at 43%, Town Hall meetings, Judge Culp – thanks BOCC, Juvenile/Jail 1/10 of 1% Sales Tax add-on; Civil Attorney: Conflict attorney, Immigration holds, FOIA request, French Creek; Fair Events:State Grange, Revenue from rentals, Location for Fair RV signage, Ticket booth entry, Arena components, Ecology blocks; Planning & Admin: Stop work order, Overlay for the lower Methow and Capital facilities; Executive Session, HR & Risk Mgmt: Fuel line, Complaint about ID cards, a Personnel & Administrative manual, Website upgrade, Burn Ban in effect; Auditor: Federal PILT, 2020 budget; Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Fairgrounds track & arena, Org. Chart (see attachment to the left) Carlton drainage, Statler Bridge, Hwy 7, Tonasket Bridge north, Elmway Levee USACOE, Radar gap / NOAA, Similkameen, Seasonal Temp CDL drivers; Public Comment: Clearing House” for permits, Park; Department Head meeting, USFS – Tonasket Ranger: Rumor TRD might merge into Colville Forest, Forest Plan amendment for Old Growth, Changes to Wolf Protocol, Range Riders, Best way to contact County, Quarterly meetings; Public Health.

Study session on proposed gravel pit in lower Methow Valley 6/24/19. Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.

2013_aggregate_study_summary.pdf
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2013_aggregate_study.pdf
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Click here to go directly to the video of the gravel pit study session. County Commissioners listen to Planning Director Perry Huston, and Road Maintenance Manager Gary George address questions from the public about the proposed purchase of land in the Lower Methow Valley for use as a gravel pit site. The study that was done in 2013 regarding the need for a source of gravel is posted in the left hand column, along with a power point summary of the report.

BOCC meeting 6/17/19. Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.

ordinance.amend17a.400.120.mitigation.051719.docx
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resolution.wria48.exemptwellpolicies.061319.docx
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01:44 Meeting begins. Public hearing on interim Ordinance 2019-009 (multi-family residences)
10:00 Public testimony from Melanie Rowland representing the Methow Valley Citizens Council. (Unfortunately the video skips at this point and the complete testimony is not audible.)
11:20 Discussion about changing the language in OCC 17A.400.120 to allow for more mitigation options for providing water to areas where it is limited. (See document in the left column. NOTE: THIS IS A DRAFT - NOT A FINAL DOCUMENT).
1:06:00 Discussion about how to provide public with a document that will show what the County's policies are on exemp wells in WRIA 48 (Methow Valley). (See document in the left column. NOTE: THIS IS A DRAFT - NOT A FINAL DOCUMENT).
1:53:50 Tonasket EMS audit
1:57:50 Discussion about proposed gravel pit near town of Methow. Community meeting was requested in the area to allow more participation from local citizens.
2:12:20 M-Tank ceiling project update
2:13:30 Comprehensive plan update
2:15:00 WRIA 49 planning group update
2:16:00 Code enforcement update (cannabis farm, salvage yard, lower Methow- the video skps at this point and some fo the audio is lost). 2:22:15 Perry Huston talks about need for addressing lot size in neighborhood commercial zone (with respect to Comp plan).

bocc_notes_6-11-19.pdf
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Civil Attorney: Cemetery District, Public Record requests, Assessor information request, SB 497 – Economy & Immigrant Workplace Act (Sanctuary State law), French Creek materials, Federal class action suit; Fair Events: Revised Fee Schedule, Fair Advisory Committee, Registrations & Contracts, Superintendents “barns” – Home Ec & Arts, Career Fair at Agriplex, Complaints on Agriplex event, Used floor scrubber; Admin & Fair Maintenance: M-Tank Beeman Contract, Mine exploration, Planning Commission; BOCC Exec. Secretary, HR & Risk Management: HR position, Sheriff at Brewster, Jail trying to fill a medical position; BOCC Exec. Secretary, Miscellaneous Business; Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Wood Stove buy-back, 6-Year Trans. Improvement Program, Statler Bridge, Hwy 7, Tonasket Bridge north, OCOG, Similkameen Trail, Fairgrounds 5 CY dump truck, Road Side Hazard contract, Arena/Track; Public Health: Board of Health member has resigned, DCYF Contract, Update to Public Health software, Community Health Update, Environment, Water issues – Cisterns; Miscellaneous Business, County ID Card Policy, Study Session, Miscellaneous Business, Cattle Guard franchise.

bocc_notes_6-10-19.pdf
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study_session_notice-lower_methow_gravel_pit.doc
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notice_of_pub_hearing-_lower_methow_gravel_pit.doc
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purchase___sale_agreement-gravel_pit.pdf
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ordinance_2019-10_lower_methow_zoning_change.pdf
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M Tank Ceiling Project: Revised contract with the architectural firm discussion of additional tasks (bid package preparation, review of bids and inspection of materials and workmanship).  The commissioners approve the contract.
Purchase and Sale Agreement:  The county is purchasing property in the Lower Methow Valley to use as a gravel pit. (See notices posted to the left). PH reports that 478 postcards for notification are prepared and ready to send out at the commissioners’ direction (to nearby residents). Discussion of public meeting on the proposed gravel pit.  The commissioners agree on a study session, to be held on the 24th.
Lake Management District #1: The commissioners act as a board of equalization for the Lake Management District #1.  They discussed how to discharge that duty.
Water Availability Study Areas Mitigation Language:
The commissioners had a lengthy discussion with PH, DH and Di regarding the confusion over the legalities of building homes in closed basins. The Department of Ecology has been providing inconsistent information about what is permissible.  CB advocated for declaring the county’s approach in a position paper, prioritizing 1) allowing existing wells to be used for domestic water supply, 2) supporting municipalities’ acquisition of water for future development and 3) pursuing a means of allowing development of existing lots. AH agrees.  The potential for using cisterns was discussed; there are complications with the Department of Health policies.
Code Enforcement: PH has recently issued stop work orders at two locations.  AH asks about changing code violations to a civil infraction. DHi noted that current practices waste a lot of time and expressed the opinion that recording penalties against the property title is an effective solution; PH agrees.
WRIA 49 Update: The Watershed Planning Unit intends to ask for money for an assessment model to identify which basins give the ‘biggest bang for the buck’ (presumably for mitigation activities).  The Planning Unit has a vacancy due to a recent resignation.
Interim Ordinance Changing R1 Zoning to R5 Zoning in the Lower Methow Valley: PH presents an ordinance establishing interim controls to change R1 zoning to R5 zoning in the lower Methow Valley.  The commissioners unanimously approve it.  A public hearing will be scheduled. (Copy of ordinance is posted in the column to the left).

bocc_notes_6-3-19.pdf
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Civil Attorney: Auditor letter of current litigation & suits, Jail – Safe Harbors – Immigrants in the workforce - new law, French Creek; Fair Events: Fee schedule, Progress on the track/arena; Admin & Fair Maintenance: Arena/Track, Workers having issues getting started, Replacement dump truck, Agriplex lighting options; Planning & Admin: Similkameen trail culvert cleanout, Maintenance rock in Methow, Beeman contract for the M-tank contract, VSP contract from DOE, 2 enforcements, DOE, Purchase of a County tax foreclosure; HR & Risk Management: HR position - 15 applicants, Possible signage at Solid Waste; Communications/Dispatch:Draft resolution for a Fall sales tax vote. Wording for ballot proposition, Advisory Committee by-laws, Staffing, No exit interview process; Sheriff: Car fire in the Aeneas Valley; Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Similkameen Trail, Fairgrounds 5 CY Dump Truck, WSDOT US-97 Omak area study, Road Log Update, Searchable access County minutes, USDA grant money (Arena/Track); Public Comment: none; Treatment Services Manager& Therapeutic Ct. Mgr.; Washington Association of Counties update.

For previous minutes from 2019 go to the Archived Notes page.

Commissioners Agenda
To access the most current agenda for BOCC meetings, click here.

The BOCC meetings often include Planning Study Sessions conducted by the Director of Planning and Development. For the most current updates on the Study Session topics, click here to go to the planning department website, then click on the "Study Session" tab at the top of the page.

Our County Commissioners

(Click here to view a map that shows the Okanogan County Districts.)

To view a list of Commissioner districts by voting precinct, click here. (This list is current as of 2011 - some precincts may have been consolidated since then, but it is the most accurate we have at this time.)

Jim DeTro, Chair
Represents District 3 (Northeast Okanogan County)

Chris Branch, Vice-Chair
Represents District 1 (Southeast Okanogan County)

Andy Hover
Represents District 2 (West Okanogan County)

The Commissioners hearing room is located at 123 5th Ave, Room 150, Okanogan, WA 98840