​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.
Upcoming Public Hearings and meetings (Location is Commissioner's Hearing Room unless otherwise noted):  
July 23, 2019  2 pm: Public outreach meeting regarding the upcoming 2020 Census.  
​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 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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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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tCivil 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.
bocc_notes_05-28-19.pdf
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Pledge of Allegiance; FPA (Forest Practices Application) in the Methow Valley; Planning & Admin: M-tank contract for ceiling, Supplemental budget for Planning Dept, WRIA & Aspect Consulting; Admin & Fair Grounds Maintenance: Fair maintenance employee, Outside lights at the Agriplex; Fair Events: Billboard location, Fee Schedule changes recommendations; Civil Attorney: Immigration holds, Noxious Weeds warrants to inspect, Interlocal for the County take on the Tonasket Municipal Ct. cases, Listing of various lawsuits & legal actions, Microwave network, FPA & County Shoreline Management; HR & Risk Management: Fair Maintenance & Veterans positions, HR assistant position, Resignation in Dispatch, Draft contract for OBHC, FPA & County Shoreline Management, Building Dept Budget example; Alta Vista Irrigation & City of Okanogan Improvement Project; Supplemental Appropriation for Noxious Weeds; Public Works: Arena/Racetrack, Maintenance & Roads, Solid Waste, Fairgrounds – 5 CY dump truck, FEMA 2014 & 2015 PW cost closeout, Federal safety call for projects, Audit on the ER & R; Review of Chewuch FPA application; Public Comment – None; Public Hearing – CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) Planning Only Grant; Public Hearing – CDBG General Purpose Grant; OBHC Coordination Presentation.
bocc_notes_05-21-19.pdf
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Civil Attorney: Treasurer office on a tax foreclosure, Clerk’s Office on serving of search warrants, Tonasket recall, Document research and FOIA requests; Fair Events: Changes for State Grange, Arena; Admin & Fair Grds Maintenance: Used floor scrubber, Compressor over the Jail, Heat pump replace over Planning and Building Dept, Fair maintenance temp jobs, Increase business at the Fair; Planning & Admin: Architectural fee – M-Tank, OTID Water Bank, Champerty Shores, Planning Commission; Finance Committee: Cash on hand & Investment balance, Planning Dept. at negative revenue, Revenue & Expenses, Fiscal Year projections, Fair Events use of credit card, State Auditor’s Office audit, Champerty Shores Local Improvement District; Hot Asphalt Bid #9140-07 Public Works, New Cattle Guard Franchise, County Wide Road Hazard Removal, Carlton-Twisp Road Speed Limit Petition, Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, ER & R maintenance, Fairgrounds track; Public Comment – none; Central Services: Server update process, Security audit, PC updates, Patrol Car laptops, Telephone, Fiber to Public Works start date is July 8, Wireless; HR & Risk Management: HR Assistant Job Description, Temp positions - Fair, Department of Corrections Inmate Housing Agreement State prisoners - Felons on probation who have committed a probation violation; Noxious Weeds: Public Hearing for Supplemental. No Quorum, rescheduled. Will be continued to May 28 @ 10:45; Building Dept:State Auditor ruling, Wage & expenses are low; Dispatch: Communication Sales Tax Review, Public Hearing July 9;  Approve BOCC Proceedings 4/29-30 & 5/6-7, Approve Consent Agenda.
BOCC meeting 5/20/19.  Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.
bocc_5-20-19_draft_ordinance_wasa.pdf
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bocc_5-20-19_wolf_letter.pdf
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bocc_5-20-19_draft_ordinance_multi-family_structures.pdf
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The general topics covered are outlined below. To go directly to the topic you are interested in, click on the time stamp next to it. When possible, we have obtained copies of the documents that are being discussed - they are posted to the left of this outline. 01:30 - Public hearing on OCC17A.400 (Water Availability Study Areas). Commissioners vote to amend and then adopt the interim ordinance. (document posted in left column) 
10:05 - Discussion of proposed new paragraph 6 under OCC17A.400.130 (D).
39:00 - Discussion about timeline for Planning Commission review of proposed language
43:00 - Review of letter written for BOCC by Planning Director Perry Huston regarding de-listing of wolves. (Copy posted in left column)
46:20 - Discussion of Comprehensive Plan, and the difference between theoretical development potential, and actual development.
53:10 - Discussion about confusing County Code regarding multi-family dwellings. Perry Huston presents proposed ordinance for interim amendments to various sections of Code. Ordinance adopted by BOCC, Public hearing tentatively scheduled for June 17 at 1:30 pm. (document posted in left column).
1:12:00 - Discussion of WRIA 48 and 49, and the differences between the two. It is noted that part of WRIA 48 (Methow Valley) has different zoning than the rest. Perry Huston informs BOCC that he has started preparing an interim ordinance to change zoning in the lower Methow Valley (outside the Methow Review District) to 5 acre minimums. BOCC instructs him to finalize the document and bring to them for review.  (documents posted in left column)
1:33:30 - Parry Huston updates BOCC on WRIA 49 tech advisory committee. They will be presenting a report to WRIA 49 group at next meeting on June 6.
1:38:25 - Update on code enforcement: Salvage yard in north county, Poorman Creek Rd in Methow Valley.
1:46:25 - Update on M Tank Ceiling project
1:47:10 - Update on Champerty Shores sewer project and Local Improvement district.
2:01:00 - Discussion of need to change County Code to clean up old language regarding change from Weed Districts to Noxious Weed Board.
2:04:00 - brief mention of Oroville EMS levy and Communications Sales Tax
bocc_notes_05-13-19.pdf
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RFQ – M Tank Ceiling- The commissioners review submissions for the Request for Qualifications issued for the M Tank Ceiling project.  
WRIA 49 watershed plan update - Okanogan Conservation District facilitator for the watershed planning unit suggests that three individuals be added to the technical advisory committee and is asking the county to agree. 
Code Enforcement- PH briefs the commissioners on a code violation and stop work order within the shoreline zone of the Twisp River.  
Non-scheduled subject: privately installed gate on an existing road- PH describes a newly-installed gate on private property along an existing road.  
Non-scheduled subject: proposed amendments (interim controls) to the Zoning Code's density provisions for R-1 (17A.40.060)
PH presents a draft of proposed revisions to the Density ordinance that would establish interim controls reducing allowed density of development on lots currently zoned for ‘up to 5 multi-family dwellings per acre. 
bocc_notes_5-7-19.pdf
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Civil Attorney: Canvassing certification, Another Tonasket Recall, Property tax foreclosure; Fair Events: Fair rental payment, RV payment envelope, Billboard location, repairs need, Community Service; Admin. & Fair Grounds Maintenance: Planning Dept. HVAC, Compressor at Court House, Used floor scrubber; Planning & Admin: Risk Pool discussion & Volker letter on Comp. Plan in Executive Session 110.1 (i); HR & Risk Management: LRI institute, Potential Counselor position, Therapeutic Ct. discussion, NCIData Fiber contract, Jail Services for cities; Public Works Utility Franchise, Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Tonasket City easement, WTC field trip & Public Hearing to May 23rrd, Box culvert on Salmon Creek, Survey contract, Levee rebuild near Twisp, Elmway levee, Oroville EMS levy, Fairgrounds track materials; No Public Comment, BOCC Clerk): Temporary Veteran’s position, Extension Office manager; WDFW – Regional Director Jim Brown: Wolf Management Policy Comment Protocol, 3 Processes- Periodic Status review, Possible moving of animals, Post-Delisting Management; Lack of knowledge and effort outside the NE & NC Washington, Budget issues.
BOCC meeting 5/6/19.  Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.
5-6-2019_home_away_letter.pdf
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5-6-19_occac_board_report.pdf
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The topics discussed are outlined below, along with the time that they occur in the video. Click on the time to go directly to that topic.
4:15 Perry Huston introduces two topics to be added to the agenda: 1. A letter received from HomeAway.com, Inc., concerning nightly rentals in Okanogan County. (NOTE: A copy of this letter is posted to the left of this column) 2. Tonasket EMS monthly voucher.
4:55 Commissioners convene as the Tonasket EMS Governing Body. They approve the monthly voucher.
6:01 Reconvene as BOCC.
6:15 WRIA 49 (Okanogan River) Continuing to work on the buildable lands analysis.
17:04 Discussion of R-1, R-5 & R-20 zoning
20:50 Discussion about transferring water rights and the ramifications 36:50 Exempt segregations and Large Lot Subdivisions. Discussion of rules of subdividing large lots. Commissioners refer to RCW 58.17.040, 58.17.030, (which can be found here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.as... ) and Okanogan County Code 16.24.020 (found here: https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Oka... ) At 1:05:30, Perry Huston asks if the Commissioners see value in having processes on the books by which land owners can subdivide property and not prove up on water, roads, etc.
1:24:20 Brief discussion of the M tank Ceiling project.
1:24:27 Discussion returns to Exempt segregations.
1:47:20 Binding Site Plans Discussion of RCW 58.17.035—Alternative methods of land division—Binding Site Plans. https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.as... 1:54:00 Comprehensive Plan update.
1:56:30 Planning Department Budget
1:58:40 Noxious weeds
2:00:05 Okanogan Housing Authority National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
2:07:31 Champerty Shores HOA and sewer extension
2:11:03 Mitigation Strategies
2:20:45 Okanogan County Community Action Council. Quarterly update by Lael Duncan, OCCAC Executive Director. (NOTE: a copy of the report is posted to the left.)
​2:35:20 Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB). Request for planning grant for Broadband planning action.
​At 3:08:58 Clerk Lanie Johns summarizes the discussion and the motion passed by the Commissioners supporting the grant request
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 and Administrative Officer, Perry Huston.  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