​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 or video 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.
Upcoming Public Hearings and meetings (Location is Commissioner's Hearing Room unless otherwise noted):   


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.
3-20-2020 BOCC declaration of state of emergency due to COVID-19 Virus. 
Click on link below.
​https://bit.ly/396Nvu9
BOCC meeting 3-9-2020 can be viewed on our You Tube channel.  Note: Best audio is with use of headphones.
Afternoon session
4:00 PP introduced as new Planning Director.
5:00 AHub begins the Planning Department update. Grant Amendment, WRIA 49
7:40 AHub discusses upcoming Planning Commission meeting. They’ll continue to discuss water rights goals and policies in the Comp Plan.
27:19 AH and CB discuss procedures and requirements for hearings for the Planning Department.
32:55 Public Hearing for a Budget Supplemental Appropriation (of $5485) Emergency Management. LJ says MG can’t attend but can be reached by phone. AH would like to discuss this matter with MG and moves to change the hearing to next Monday at 2 PM. AH, BC and LJ talk about ways to encourage staff members to attend such hearings. Motion to move hearing to March 16 is passed.
43:00 Commissioners wait for the Oroville/Tonasket Irrigation District (OTID) meeting to begin.
1:00:00 Meeting with RR scheduled to begin after OTID discussion.
1:01:30 Discussion of a bill for $4420.99 that OTID has received from Okanogan Public Works. JO makes the case that the bill should be dismissed. JT, JO and the BOCC discuss the situation. Commissioners decide to mull it over. 
1:14:00 RR discusses ongoing issues with property he owns. He says he would like it known that he’s discussed this with the Commission on several occasions. Commissions & LJ show him how to make a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request from LJ and explain the procedure to him.
bocc_3-03-2020.pdf
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Summary: Civil Attorney: Water issues, Potential arbitrators over a grievance, Executive session with AHu, BOCC & DG.  Potential litigation, Inter-Local agreement with Brewster, Interim Planning Director: WRIA, Amendment to grant, Agreed changes into the Comp. Plan, Inter-Local agreement Brewster, Admin & Fair Ground Maintenance: North fence Fair grounds, Split HVAC system, ½ time custodian Courthouse, Boiler for floor heating Agriplex, Agriplex 2 HVAC units, Fair Events: Old portable dividers, WIFI at Annex, Fair cost for the use of Grounds, New arena/racetrack barn, Propane & electricity usage, Projects on the grounds, Social media, Fair Board & “Little Beef” barn, HR & Risk:, BOCC Misc: Tonasket Ranger District transfer to Colville NF, PW Bid Opening, Public Works: SW Updates – Personnel, SW Annual training, Apple Maggot, Community Compost Project, Maintenance & Roads, Statler Bridge, Omak-Riverside Eastside overlay, Surplus, Plans for contingency issues due to Corona, Public Comments: None, BOCC Misc, Exec Session: Interview of possible Planning Director
BOCC meeting 3-2-2020 can be viewed on our You Tube Channel.  Note: best audio quality is with use of headphones.
Okanogan Board of County Commissioners
March 2, 2020
Morning session
6:11 
Dan Higbee discusses:
Definition of agricultural buildings
Rebids for a new pickup truck. The vehicle will be bought from Sunrise Chevrolet in Omak.
2019 Annual Report
16:05
Lauri Jones from the Public Health department has called. AH requests some information about the department’s vehicles. There’s also a discussion concerning the Coronavirus situation in Okanogan
County.

Afternoon session
5:00 
Salary Review for Anna Lyon, Manager of the Noxious Weed Control Board. Commissioners decide to meet with two members of the Weed Board before making a decision. Lyon hopes to be able to get two board members for Tuesday, March 10, or as a backup, Monday, March 16.
28:46
Brief discussion concerning BLM approval for Patterson Lake and grant approval from DOE for
$50,000 which would include Patterson Lake. They don’t yet have the final paperwork for either of these.
30:50 
Commissioners go into Executive Session to conduct a job interview.
bocc_2-25-2020.pdf
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Summary: Admin & Fair Grds: Possible split system, Lighting in the Agriplex Floor heat at the Agriplex, Fair north end Fence move, County auctions, Fair Events: New Fee Schedule and Contract form, In-kind section, Potential camp host, Entertainment contracts, Exec. Session: AHu, BOCC, DG – 110.1(i) Potential litigation, Risk & HR: Possible shared Senior Planner position, Claims in Public Works, Cleanup on Salmon Creek, Central Services: Servers, New Back-up systems, Replacement costs, Fiber to PW, RFP for new website, Wireless routers, New entry level employee, Network Analyst position change, Cyber Security training, Arnie Marchand – Oroville City planning: Possible part time Planner position, Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Statler Bridge, RAP preliminary, Big repair/rebuilds on roads, Two updated PW policies, Option of Enterprise offering fleet arrangements, BOCC – Misc: Purchase of Miller Pit, a Bid package for crusher work, “Learning Analysis” for the Spring Coulee fire, old pits in the Methow, Miller pit boundary Survey, Public Comment: Discussion of criteria and process around sub-area planning, Continued Public Hearing - Ord. 2019 – 11: Interim Land Use Control: written comments – a wide range from no to more, Conflict between Instream Flow rule, RCW & WAC, possible unintended consequences, Continue public hearing July 28 @ 2:00, Close written comments, Dave Hylton – Public Health, BOCC Misc.
bocc_2-24-2020.pdf
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Summary of Significant Items:  Methow Interim Control Ordinance: If hearing held within 90 days, RCW 36.70.795 allows interim ordinance to be renewable after 6 months if there is a plan. Hover requests addresses of those commenting if possible.  Planning commissions/Watershed Councils:  AH asks AHu to bring up to PC that in the Methow there is a watershed council that could be a resource for them for integration with the implementation plan for WRIA 48, particularly an upcoming WDOE presentation on rule revision. CAO vs. Shorelines:  AHu alerts BOCC to inconsistencies among CAO, Shorelines/Channel migration zones.  Options discussed. NACo: (National Association of Counties) - Offer to produce free videos for county website, and videos for county businesses and other interests on website.  
bocc_2-18-2020.pdf
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Summary: Fair Events: Rename a building?, NCW Friends of the Fair Auction, Contracts – Entertainment, “Welcome to the Fairgrounds” sign, Work-in-Kind for youth & indigent for rental or usages at Fair, Exec. Session. Potential Litigation, HR & Risk: RFP for new website in progress, Finance Committee: Cash on hand, Bank Depository letter, Work-in-Kind @ Fairgrounds, BOCC: Review of afternoon business, franchising and franchises on East Lake Sewer, Public Hearing: Utility Franchise – Domestic Water - Copple Rd, Building Department: PU bid be rejected and then rebid, Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Statler Bridge, BOCC, Public Comment: GT & AH discuss PC, R. Rylander: Discussion of history and difficulties over plat subdivision, permitting​
bocc_2-11-2020.pdf
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Summary: Fairgrounds: Beef Barn/Queen Project, Booth dividers for vendors, Fair Board appointments, LED lights for Agriplex, mini-split ductless heaters for Annex, Auditor: Ballot boxes, voter registration, annual report, candidate filing, Twisp License Sub Agent, Public Works: chipper from Ecology, DOE Leachate testing request, Statler bridge, Emergency notification protocol, LID STP grant update, Pertinent State Bills, Public Health: updates, pay grade revision to reflect current job descriptions, Hep A, Corona, Opioid Epidemic. Environmental Health – septic system installer classes, free Hep A vaccines, staffing, kudos to emergency management. Risk Management – public record requests of staff information, union negotiations.
bocc_mtg_02-10-20.pdf
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Labels: Update – Planning Department; Public Hearing – Legislation to Authorize Local State Shared Tax for Affordable and Supportive Housing.
bocc__notes_2-4-2020.pdf
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Summary: Civil Attorney: Records requests, New Fair documents, Yakama Nation needs; Interim Planning Director: Planning Commission, More Fully Planned Sub-Unit process, Comp Plan general policy & goals, WRIA 49 add alternates; Fair Events: Fee schedule review, new contracts, costs of kinds of events, Enlarged old photos with barnwood frames, Work in kind process for youth and low income; Risk & HR: Draft resolution on Fair handling of cash, Union agreement for the Road Dept; BOCC Exec. Secretary: Records request, Grant Writing USA workshop; Dispatch: Dispatch advisory board, Contract agreements from sub districts, Project Manager position, Dispatch conversion to Enterprise Fund, Costs to sub districts are based on call volume, Equipment @ Tunk & Coulee Dam, Screening for Coronavirus on 911 & EMS calls, Standards of performance, State of Dept. of Corrections; Public Works: Road & Maintenance, Purchasing policy revision, Service Truck purchase, CRAB RAP projects, Public Works projects - WRIS NEB, Miller Pit acquisition; Public Comment: None; Miscellaneous: BOCC travel stipend; Fair Queen Whitney Wilson Fair Improvement Project: Cleanup, re-build & use of unused Beef Barn as a “Little Beef” barn; Building Dept.: Staff job descriptions & wage scales.
BOCC meeting 2/3/20 PM.  Available for viewing on our YouTube channel. Note: the videos are best listened to with headphones on your device.
Click on time stamp to go directly to that point in the video.JD—Jim DeTro AH—Andy Hover CB—Chris Branch LJ—Lelana Johns—clerk to the County Commissioners CH—Cari Hall, County Auditor TH—Tony Hawley, County Sheriff MG—Maurice Goodall, Emergency Management AHub—Angie Hubbard, Interim Director of Planning Afternoon session
00:00 Commissioner Branch and note-taker discuss the importance of fire departments.
1:54 Angie Hubbard discusses alternative members to a WRIA committee. The city of Okanogan wants Mayor Jon Culp as its alternate and the Economic Alliance wants George Brady.
3:10 Angie Hubbard discusses filling a vacancy on a Planning Unit. Since no one has expressed interest, the position will go unfilled.
​4:25 Planning Commission meets tonight. Members have received a rough draft of the plan and Hubbard talks about what she expects the commission to discuss.
​21:50 Commissioner Hover leaves to attend a discussion about a new Lidar (light, detection and ranging) system.
BOCC meeting 2/3/20 AM.  Available for viewing on our YouTube channel. Note: the videos are best listened to with headphones on your device.
Click on time stamp to go directly to that point in the video.
​JD—Jim DeTro AH—Andy Hover CB—Chris Branch LJ—Lelana Johns—clerk to the County Commissioners CH—Cari Hall, County Auditor TH—Tony Hawley, County Sheriff MG—Maurice Goodall, Emergency Management AHub—Angie Hubbard, Interim Director of Planning Morning session
3:20 Discussion with Sheriff Hawley & Auditor Cari Hall concerning security at the Auditor’s office during elections. Cari Hall says the Washington Secretary of State has urged the county auditors to be very security conscious during the 2020 election year. She has discussed security arrangements with the Sheriff’s Office.
9:05 Cari Hall discusses the new Sub-Agent’s office in Twisp, replacing the office that closed several months ago. The office can provide full licensing, car tabs, title for a new car, etc.
11:05 Discussion of Emergency Management billing with Maurice Goodall and Cari Hall. Hall tells the Commissioners two different ways to deal with billing from 2019.
33:10 Maurice Goodall gives a brief update of Emergency Management.
35:40 Commissioner DeTro corrects the minutes of January 28, 2020. The Commissioners also discuss their new floor mats.
40:20 Commissions Branch and Hover discuss the upcoming 4 th annual North Central Washington Tourism Summit in Wenatchee on Thursday. AH will be unable to attend.
41:30 Commissioner Hover corrects the minutes of January 27, 2020.
bocc_1-27-2020.pdf
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Summary of Topics Discussed: Questions regarding weekly Consent Agenda; Discussion of state fuel tax, roads, traffic; Update on State Legislative Session & discussion - Jim Potts;  Duties of County Planning Commission, date of creation, clarifications needed;  LTAC membership; Meeting with Ameresco reps Rob Henealine and Kirsten Deilson re County energy project: Complexities of new Commerce grant applications, well locations; contract, & more. Public Hearing tonight (Interim Control) and staff report (very brief.) Two Executive Sessions, one dealing with Lifeline.
bocc_1-28-2020.pdf
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Summary: BOCC: Talk past the 3 min. limit, Interim Planning: WRIA meeting Thursday @ 6:00, Reach by Reach & lift moratorium?, Fair Events: Auditor & Treasurer – State Audit, New fee schedule and contracts, Irrigation system upgrade, Camp Host, Relay Race group, Potential Gun Show, Vintage Faire back in 2021, Can sell advert space, Admin & Fair Maintenance: Agriplex vacuum, Surplus auction, Civil Attorney: Interlocal agreements for Building Inspection services, Exec Session – 110.1 (i) Potential Litigation, Settlement Agreement on Records request, HR & Risk: Chewiliken cattleguard, Assessor’s Office: MJ funds to Counties to cover indigent defense, Supervisory Drafting position & adding Drafting tech position, Software update, Levy Process, Open Space removals, Methow Valley Montessori Pre-School, software vendor for new assessor’s photos, Public Works: Travel advance, SW office, WSDA Green Waste Permit, Parametrix update, Maintenance & Roads, Snow Blower, Salmon Creek Rd truck incident, Purchasing Policy update, Public Comment: None, Misc. Business, DMO 2019 Annual Budget review / OCTC: Slide Show, OTAK, Obtaining Tourism/Housing info, Ag Pest Control: Apple Maggot, Codling moth, Little Cherry Disease, Misc. Business
interim_ordinance_hearing_1_27_2020.pdf
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Public Hearing on Interim Control Ordinance 2019-11,  1/27/2020
miller_pit.pdf
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Miller Pit Resolution
bocc_1-21-2020.pdf
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Summary: Fair Events: Meet with Auditor & Treasurer, Current Fee Schedule, Checklist for users, events, 15 Current event deposits, 7 pending, 13 inquires, Possible location of a north end advertising, Possible location of a north end advertising, FAC to update their policies, code of ethics and procedures, State Auditor last 3 exit details, Risk & HR: New Fair Events Manager, Mayors, jail & Sheriff on jail fees, New OBHC Director, “Lines” for closed basins, Finance Cmte: Current cash on hand is higher than expected, SW interagency loan, Working with grants, Public Works: New Tonasket Shop, Access to Chief Tonasket Park, Truck accident on Weekend - PW needs a clear policy to follow, Public Comment: MG (Emergency), GT (County Watch), Building: Quarterly Report, Loup Loup Ski Hill, Contractors, Weeds: Flowering Rush, Assessment Reviews, Updating the Weed policy, Methow Ranger District – Twisp River Restoration Plan: Proposed road closures, Code Amendment public hearing,
bocc_1-14-2020_r_.pdf
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Summary: Public Comment: Citizen comment concerning “revolving door” of prosecutor’s office, Civil Attorney: Building Dept. contracts, Record request, Research, State Senator Shelly Short, Admin & Fair Maintenance: Custodial opening, Sand filter - irrigation system, Part time custodial position, Heat Exchanger & Compressor, Fair Grounds LED, Building Dept: New truck, Misc: Rental rates for Hancock Building, Possible State surcharge on property insurance, HR & Risk: MRSC webinar, Executive session - negotiation strategy, Roster of Engineers & Architects, Planning Director, Grant - Office of Public Defense, County Auditor: No bad news, Assessor & Mfg Home, Elections, Sec. of State about security, Current elections, Fire District certification, Observe the election process on election night, Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Johnson Creek @ Greenacres: CCT proposed culvert, Miller Pit, Statler Bridge replacement, 2020 Budget, Purchasing policy, RFQ qualified Architects, Windows in the PW Building, County Board of Health: Admin Reports, Community Health, Environmental Health, WDFW on Wildlife Population: How WDFW does population sampling in the Western Okanogan, Citizen Questions, Deer habitat the primary driver of population #, AH & JD – discuss anecdotal experience in contrast to survey results
bocc_mtg_01-13-20.pdf
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Summary of significant discussions
Update – Planning Department
AHu updates the commissioners on a grant proposal having to do with Salmon Creek and water being prepared in coordination with the Conservation District.  The monthly Planning Commission meeting is being rescheduled from Jan. 27th to Feb. 3rd.  AHu presents a spreadsheet summarizing permitting activity handled by the Planning Department, by month and year, since 2017.
Discussion – Courthouse Security – Dennis Rabidou
DR briefs the commissioners on the activities of a task force charged with implementing state legislation to ensure adequate security at courthouses across the state.  Okanogan County is an early priority, due to certain unique factors.  The task force is requesting an estimate by January 23rd for the infrastructure costs of improving courthouse security.  The options for getting a rough estimate in that timeframe were discussed.
Discussion – Presentation Cattle Producers Grant Funding
SN informs the commissioners of a grant proposal for non-lethal deterrence of wolves to protect cattle.  The grant will fund four positions (one in each of the northern tier counties – Okanogan, Ferry, Stevens and Pen D’Oreille) to work with Sheriffs Offices and investigate possible wolf depredation.  State protocols for wolf removal were discussed and criticized.  The cattlemen feel that a 10 month process allows the problem to spread throughout entire packs and that human presence (e.g. range riders) without threat does not provide deterrence.  Lots of interesting views were expressed.
​
bocc_1-7-2020.pdf
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Summary: Civil Attorney: Records lawsuit, Services contract - Building Dept, Amendment to Code Section on record requests, Interim Fair Events: HS Rodeo, Finance Cmte: Supplemental for loan from SW Closure fund, Fair loan, Carryover to 2020 - $2.125 mil, Budget lines for State Auditor, Admin & Fair Maintenance: Interview facilities position, Adding people at Admin & Fair, First Aid kits, Sand filter - Fairgrounds irrigation, Building Dept: Inspection contracts with cities, Replacement vehicle, HR & Risk: Resolutions all drafted & sent to LJ, Employment contracts, Annual evals, Conditional offer for Fair Events position, Misc: Oroville Rural EMS, Methow Valley EMS, BOCC Clerk: LOA – Labor agreements with Teamsters, Letter of Support to State Commerce grant, Methow Valley Communication Commissioner, Draft letter to WDFW, County Clerk: Scanning of records project, Misc: Discussion of WRIA meeting and DOE advisory role, Public Works: Maintenance & Roads - Miller Pit permit, Miles Lake Dam, Frost Rd, Statler Bridge Replacement, Transfer Stations operation manuals, Purchasing policy update, WASCE meeting with WSDOT, Windows in PW Building, State Audit costs, Public Comment: GT - Citizen & TV District, Department Heads & Elected Officials Meeting
NOTE: no coverage Jan 6, due to inclement weather.
bocc_12-31-2019.pdf
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Summary: Civil Attorney: Ex Session. 30 Min. Pending litigation, 2 cases. BOCC & DG, HR & Risk: 3 resolutions, Fair candidates, Emergency Services contract, Janus Decision, Weed position, Misc: 3 resolutions, Law Enforcement agreement, Discussion possible salary increase:  elected officials only, Citizens Salary Commission, discussion 2020, Approve proceedings, HR: Fair position, Planning Director, Public Comment: Mary Iglesias: Methow area, Citizen mitigation input on gravel pit, Misc.
bocc_notes_12-30-19.pdf
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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DISCUSSIONS AND DECISIONS: 
Vet’s Relief Board: Official composition and operation of Board clarified, Home Outreach greatly improved;  Emergency Management Director: Technical details reimplementation of salary increase for EM Director Goodall; Contract discussed; Methow Interim Control Public Hearing, Jan. 27th: AH determines it should be at Barn in Winthrop rather than Twisp; Planning Commission meeting changed to another date.  Vaughn Jolley Short Plat Application: Will be affected by Interim Control, but Jolley still wants a hearing. To be arranged. Veranda Beach: They now want more home sites instead of a lodge. Microphones:  After note taker complaint in re sound, it’s discovered that mics are going on and off in a totally inconsistent manner. Branch suggests that electrical spray be tried. After lengthy experimentation and discussion, that seems to work. Highway 153 plowing: Public Works and BOCC very concerned about safety issues with current changes re ice, plowing & sand at state level. DOT has been contacted. Fire Assessments in re “No Man’s Land” - discussed; Employment Agreements: Kelly Ross, Josh Thomson, Tanya Craig.  ​
Note: no CW coverage Dec 24, commissioner session reduced.
ocpw_gravel_pit_--_final_he_decision.pdf
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bocc_notes_12-23-2019.pdf
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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DISCUSSIONS AND DECISIONS:
Comm. Hover will not drive over from the Methow tomorrow, due to blank agenda tomorrow. Reasons for large increase in bills from State Auditor explained. Executive sessions evaluating employees’ performances: Dan Higbee (contract approved) and Maurice Goodall (lengthy discussion as to whether the County or the Emergency Management Council should hold his contract.) Needed improvements in clarity of regulations and procedures of Emergency Management Council/Commissioners are identified. Retroactive salary increase to Goodall ok’d. Difficulties in Commissioners receiving each others’ e-mails during meetings discussed. December 18th minutes (in which Interim Control is Imposed) - discussion of correct adjournment time.  Changes in format of BOCC meeting minutes and discussion of last-minute changes in agendas. Agenda and changes will now be at the top of the minutes, Conflict: January 27th: Hearing on Interim Control Ordinance in Methow Valley at 5PM, Planning Commission at 7PM in Okanogan. Debate regarding Methow Basin Plan, water quantity solutions, goals, how to determine public opinion, etc. Public participation: gate on French Creek road in light of Summary Judgment that it is a county road.       
bocc_12-17-2019.pdf
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Summary: District Court & Justice: Time spent on domestic disputes, Union negotiation, Budget approved for 2020, BOCC Clerk: Reviewing various department purchases, Interim Fair Events: Okanogan Dogs, Outdoor light, Porch roof, Admin & Fair Maintenance: Ameresco & Alcedo emails, Repair of Water Heater, Civil Attorney: Exec. session, Watershed Council,  Finance Committee: Monthly budget & finance review, Missing budget info, Computer issues, Fire Districts, Vehicle Reserve Fund, November cash in Current Expense, Revenue, Doctor in the Jail, Doctor in the Jail, Expenditures & Carry Over, Public Works: Roads & Maintenance, Ellisforde Transfer Station, Statler Bridge, Purchasing Policy Draft, Discussion of Emergency Preparedness, Misc: VSO, Salary of the Emergency Manager position, Emergency Advisory Committee meeting, HR & Risk:, Housing Study Review & Recommendation: Sets interviews for Jan. 15, Misc: Fire Dist. #3, Lake Management District Special Assessment Rolls, Approve proceedings
12-16-2019_bocc_.pdf
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Summary: Public Hearing- Lake Management District Appeal, Interviews Planning Director, WRIA 48 Planning Unit Technical Meeting, January 9 and 10, Ecology Grants, Payroll Vouchers
bocc_12-10-2019.pdf
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Summary: Civil Attorney: French Creek, Public records, Planning ordinance, Admin & Fairgrounds Maintenance: Request part-time employee, Fair Events: Spring horse race, FAC meeting, Bathroom door, Daily reconciliation of books, Interim Planning Director: Exec Session: 110.1(i) – Pending on ongoing litigation, Miscellaneous: General discussion in assumptions of surveys of property and boundary lines, HR & Risk: Planning Directory interview questions, Fair Events position, Department Head performance reviews, Assessor: Update on Cannabis, Fire District #4 annexation, Public Works & SW: Waste Characterization, MTCA Funding mtg, Maintenance & Road, Request to close Public Works & SW offices, Miller Pit CUP, Statler Bridge, Purchasing policy draft, 2020 Budget, Public Health Board: Miscellaneous, Community Health, Environmental WSDOT: Consequences of 1st big snow in Methow, County concerns, Supplemental: Current Expense Equipment Reserve, Miscellaneous Business
bocc_mtg_12-09-19.pdf
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Summary of significant discussions
Discussion – Methow Valley EMS
The contract between the county and Aero Methow requires that all levee revenues collected by the county on behalf of Aero Methow be paid out in the same calendar year.  Due to the timing of tax collections by the county, this means that Aero Methow would have about three months early in the year where they would not receive funding from the county.  Evidently, this provision has not been strictly adhered to, but the state auditor has identified this as a problem.  Potential amendments to the contract were discussed, involving establishing a reserve account.
Land Issues
RR tries to describe a complicated, long-lasting dispute between himself, a developer, Washington State Department of Transportation and the county sheriff’s office.  After listening, JD asks what they, the commissioners, can do for him.  RR is planning to sue the various parties.  JD notes that the sheriff is an elected official and not accountable to the commissioners.  RR expresses appreciation for being listened to.
Discussion – DNR’s Public Meeting
DNR representatives describe the process of selling parcels.  Twelve parcels in Okanogan County are slated to be auctioned.  Most of those are in the Methow Valley.  DNR maintains a land bank to allow them to sell and buy parcels that are managed for school funding revenues.  They have a minimum number of acres they are required to maintain ownership of, thus their sales and purchases are aimed at consolidation for management efficiency and increased revenues. Parcel values are independently appraised and that value becomes the minimum bid.  Because of public comments, an informational meeting will be held on Thursday in Winthrop (?). 
​
bocc_12-03-2019.pdf
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Summary: WSDOT: Cost of De-Icer & sand, Local Director from WSDOT, Risk & HR: Sheriff’s Office admin – medical premium, Department head evaluations, Interviews for Planning Director candidates, Fair Events coordinator, Search & Rescue vehicle, Dispatch & Cmu: 92% of budgeted funds spent, Dispatch Advisory Cmte, Letter of notice, MicroWave project with WSDOT, Conversation around roads & developments, Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Statler Bridge, Purchasing Policy Draft, NACE conference, 2020 Budget - Similkameen Trail, Edelweiss Sewer, Similkameen Trail facility plan, Web site update, Public Comment: none, Public Hearing – Various Current Supplements: 159 – 2019 Resolution, Miscellaneous: General discussion of Planning, Comp. Plan. Vision of future, Recognize economic needs
bocc_notes_11-26-19.pdf
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Admin & Fair Maintenance: Storage container to the Fairgrounds, Maintenance needs 2nd, Quotes for the door at the Courthouse; Interim Planning Dir: DOE about an SEIS,Civil Attorney: Exec Session 110.1(i) Potential or current litigation; Interim Fair Events: Best Rodeo of the Year, Gun show booked, FAC meeting, Agriplex & storage of RVs; Door bid on Courthouse, HR & Risk: MV ski trail system; OBHC & DR: New Juvenile position, New CEO, Vehicles for Juvenile, Positions; Bid Opening: Omak / Riverside Eastside Road; Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Statler Bridge, Purchasing policy, County Leaders Conference: WSACE, 102 Budget, Similkameen Trail, Emergency preparedness; Public Comment: GT - Apple maggot detected in 2018 in Oroville area, TV District; Planning Director interviews, Misc. Business, Methow RD: Twisp Restoration Project, Roads are hard to keep up with maintenance, E-Bikes a motorized vehicle, Work session with BOCC, McClure communication site.
BOCC meeting 11/18/19.  Available for viewing on our YouTube channel. Note: the videos are best listened to with headphones on your device.
The Homeless Housing Coalition addresses the BOCC about two items of business:
01:45 - Request for funding from recording fees, and
​53:00 - The hiring of a contractor to administer a program related to homelessness.
bocc_notes_11-12-19.pdf
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Interim Planning Dir: WRIA: Discussion of NEB, Aspect Consulting will present, Columbia River people want to present about water available; Interim Fair Events: SC & Fair events coming to Kelly, Sam Buchart needed a price, Clarify use of the track infield, Cyclone fence on north end, Amend rental contract, Will review the fee schedule; Admin & Fair Maintenance: track issues; Public Works: AH asks about fence move, Maintenance & Roads, Solid Water office, WSDOT Coordinating, I-976, Statler Bridge Replacement, Salmon Cr. Rd @ Cowan’s, MVID/Barkley, Similkameen Trail, Methow Trail easements, Parks & Rec funds, On I-976; Treasurer/Auditor: Building Department Enterprise, Law changes – impacts; Exec: Session: Pending or ongoing litigation; Public Health: State Auditor Entrance Conference, 2020 Public Health Budget Discussion, Newer Vehicle purchase discussion, Community Health Update, Environmental Health Update; Juvenile & Judicial: Admin Services position, vehicles; Prosecutor: Felony Deputy Prosecutor’s position; Risk Management & HR: Pass for this now; WSU Extension: Brainstorming Session; Public Hearing: Liability Ins. Fund 146 Supplemental (Premium); Misc. Business.
bocc_notes_11-5-19.pdf
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Civil Attorney: Risk Pool Attorney on the Federal Case, Similar issue at Jail, Records requests, French Creek issues, Dispatch concerns, OBHC agreement, Future Wise is OK with a delay; Fair Events: SC has left, Agriplex booked, Contract next year’s rodeo, Consider an overall fee; Admin & Fair Maintenance: Prosecutor’s Building, Surplus auction, Capital Facilities Plan revision, Aging and Adult care; Building Dept.: Building inspection services, Additional workload, 2020 Building Dept. budget, Building Dept. enterprise fund; BOCC: Public Health items; Prosecutor’s Office Budget Session, Treasurer & BOCC: Interfund loans; Public Comment: Okanogan County TV District; Community Action: Youth Homeless grants, Dept. of Commerce, Food & nutrition program, Homeless Fund, Lighting/Heating program, Succession plan.
BOCC meeting 11/4/19.  Available for viewing on our YouTube channel. Note: the videos are best listened to with headphones on your device.
The topics discusses are listed below- click on the time stamp to go directly to that place in the video.
3:40 Planning Department Update. • Lake Management District assessments being challenged, • CXT vault toilets • WRIA discussion • SEPA appeals form filed without a $300 filing fee. (It’s being reviewed by Tanya.) • Wolf comment letter submitted
12:15 Commissioners discuss process for assessing the applications submitted for the Planning Director position.
17:40 Budget Work Session, Planning Department. Cari Hall, Lisa, Leah McCormick, Angie Hubbard & Rocky attend.
1:38:15 Budget Work Session, Search and Rescue. Cari Hall, Lisa, Leah McCormick, Sheriff Hawley with two others.
2:10:40 Budget Work Session,, WSU Extension. Cari Hall, Lisa, Leah McCormick, Sheila from Extension.
2:23:30 Cari Hall discusses two unexpected sources of revenue.
​2:38:45 WSU Extension summary
bocc_notes_11-4-19-am.pdf
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Public Works Dept update: roads, steam cleaning of yard waste, Statler Bridge, Salmon Creek Rd.
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.)
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Jim DeTro, Chair
Represents District 3 (Northeast Okanogan County)
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Chris Branch, Vice-Chair
Represents District 1 (Southeast Okanogan County)
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Andy Hover
Represents District 2  (West Okanogan County)
The Commissioners hearing room is located at 123 5th Ave, Room 150, Okanogan, WA 98840
Copyright © 2018