​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 (Location is Commissioner's Hearing Room):  
Hearings will be posted as we become aware of them.
Okanogan County Watch is featured on Northwest Now - a public television program produced at KBTC in Tacoma, WA.  Click here to watch.

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 3/18/19.  Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.
Planning Dept update by Perry Huston. The topics covered are outlined below, with the time stamp where they occur in the video. Click on the time for the topic you are interested in to go directly to that point in the video.
00:00 - 06:45 - Casual converstion about State Legislation - tiny houses, etc.
06:45 - 32:00 - Conditional use permit (CUP) for cannabis farm near Tonasket. Discussion includes details about this particular permit request, and discussion about cannabis regulations in general.
32:00 - 33:20 - Short discussion about presentation by Aspect Engineering and Erlandson Surveying about mitigation options for WRIA 49. Tentatively scheduled for April 1 afternoon BOCC meeting.
33:20 - 44:30 - Discussion about Perry's attendance at discussion group convened by WA state DOE regarding mitigation options for providing water to properties, including transportation.
44:25 - 48:00 - Comprehensive Plan update. Plans to add language about wildfire protection. Indicates that draft will be ready for review on April 2nd. Also plans to give to Planning commission on March 25th. Suggestion to have Public Hearing on April 28th, in the middle of the comment period.
48:00 -49:00 - WRIA 49 working group administrative update (appointment letters, grant funding, etc.)
49:00 - 54:15 - Discussion about building code enforcement. Focused on a particular property on the Twisp River, then moved into enforcement in general.
54:15 - 58:00 - General discussion about Conditional Use Permits and how to manage them.
58:00 - 1:25:28 - Discussion about how to notify the public of minor land use changes such as Boundary Line Adjustments, Building permits, etc. Suggestion to list them all on a website rather than publish in the newspapers.
1:25:28 - 1:28:50 - Reminder of upcoming public hearings on March 25th: WATV's in district 1 at 1:30 pm, and Tonasket Airport overlay at 3 pm.
1:28:50 - 1:31:00 - Champerty Shores sewer extension
​1:31:00 - 1:36:00 - Report on condition of hillside above Veranda Beach.
1:36:00 - 1:55:45 - Nightly rental code enforcement discussion. How many are there that are unlicensed? How much effort does the county want to put into it? Can County ask Air BnB to collect lodging taxes? Discussion about need for affordable housing and ways to achieve it. 1:55:45 - end - Discussion about budget review analysis.
bocc_notes_3-12-19.pdf
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Civil Attorney: Pateros for police activities, Building inspection agreements, Dispersal of funds for Domestic Violence services, Medical for furloughed inmates, Possible dog ordinance, TV District; Fair Events:  Thursday FAC meeting, 2019 Camp Host position, Rover Pass, Listing of FAC obligations, Commercial Building; Admin & Fair Grounds Maintenance: Contract for Juvenile & Admin sewer, Irrigation system at the Fair Grounds; Freedom Foundation: Request for appointment to discuss open union negotiations; HR & Risk Management: Need for County offices to have AED, First Aid and Stop Major Bleeding kits; Auditor: Changes in an enterprise fund, L & I rates, Clerk position (licensing & recording of documents), Legislature – current bills, Contingency Reserve; Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Consultant selections, WSACE discussions, Similkameen Trail, Open Jobs & Employment; Public Health: Introductions, Group A systems, Resolution for State to provide foundation funds, Financial Report, Community Health Report, Environmental Health Report; Informal discussion on salary commissions, Public Hearing on supplemental budget adjustment, Consent Agenda, Public Comment & Call-in: None
bocc_notes_03-11-19.pdf
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Nightly rentals licensing update; WRIA 49 Watershed Plan Update.
bocc_notes_3-6-2019.pdf
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Civil Attorney: Building Inspector - contracts for services, Pateros for Police services, FutureWise Meeting, Reviewing documents, Tonasket recall hearing; Fair Events: Summer temporary position, looks busier than last year, Long term priorities, Old race track material; BOCC Clerk: Update printer for the office; Admin & Fair Maintenance: Getting ready for summer, Juvenile Sewer repair low bidder; Planning & Admin: Veranda Beach road controversy, Cabin on the river; HR & Risk: Tonasket Law Enforcement Agreement, Criminal Justice billings, Jail Bunk beds, Solid Waste LOA, Risk Pool and Sheriff’s Office, Risk Pool Conference; Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Network Connection, WATV routes & signage, Capital Facilities Plan, Levee Repairs, M2 truck driver, Wages for SW temp. employees, Similkameen Trail; Miscellaneous: Discussion of cougars, Opportunity for a shared planning position, Emergency Services Organization, Quarterly meeting of NE Counties; Emergency Manager position; Public Comment: GT - Corrections Officer, TV District, Encouraging County support; Miscellaneous
BOCC meeting 3/4/19.  Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.
This video is best heard through headphones on your device. There are occasional skips in the audio at the beginning, which we apologize for. The wireless signal is inconsistent and causes this to happen from time to time. The topics covered are listed below, with the time stamp of when they begin. Click on the time stamp associated with the topic you are interested in to go directly to that point in the video.
07:00 - Discussion/debate regarding permit exempt wells/water issues: Group B v. Class A; Restriction to indoor watering only, as mitigation; RCW 90.44.050; AG Opinion 2005 Nov. 17-18; Campbell-Gwynn; WAC 246-291.005; WAC 173-548-030 (Lower, Middle, Upper Methow.) Definition of single domestic; Consumptive use (definition). Local Review, Permit, Fees.
1:27:26 - WRIA 49. Facilitator contract, Planning Unit members roster, Appointment letters.
1:27:50 - WRIA 49 Grant funding agreement-review resolution. More on water.
1:48:00 Comp Plan Update. Expected before Planning Commission in April, introduce in March. Primitive lands analysis - cite or “fold in.” 1:49:40 - IGA with Colvilles, Archeological Resources Project Review 1:52:15 - LUPA Legislation: Publishing notice under state law: water quality in subdivisions
1:53:43 - Planning Short Course offered
1:55:20 - Tonasket EMS Resolution, Presentation, Contract
1:57:20 - Champerty Shores Sewage
1:57:44 - Planning Director's Absence, 3/11-3/15/19. 3/11 Air B&B, Nightly rentals presentation; investigating Okanogan Valley also; impacts upon affordable housing, tourism tax to affordable housing possible?
2:07:06 - Formalizing LUPA requirements:Notice - Pub Health requirements for water qual. in subdivisions.
​2:14:00 - (Not on Agenda) Scoping Response
bocc_notes_2-26-2019.pdf
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Fair Events: Omak Fire Department practice at Agriplex, Floor work in the Annex; Admin & Fair Maintenance: Juvenile Sewer Bid, Stairs the back of Juvenile, Job reclassification for maintenance at Fair Grounds; BOCC Clerk: Ricoh copier lease is up; Exec. Session: Pending or potential litigation; Assessor: Survived first big test, Mobil devices no longer supported, conservation easement purchase & valuation, mineral or timber right sales & valuation, CCT land purchases, Perpetual timber rights; HR & Risk Management: Report on salary comparisons, Sheriff reviewing policies & procedures; Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Network connection to Public works, Pickup bids from last week, WATV signage, Twisp-Carlton Rd speed reduction petition, Okanogan Levee Repairs, Area 1 Leadman, Similkameen; Letter from Assessor; Public Comment: TV District update; Supplemental appropriation: Superior Court; Salley Bull – Citizen: OB services, Affects NVH, MVH & Three Rivers; Central Services: Backup Software Purchase for County System; Weeds: Emergency staffing request; Veterans Affairs: Veterans Affairs Inter; ,Miscellaneous, Emergency: Emergency Management Committee.
bocc_notes_2-25-2019.pdf
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Public hearing:  Wheeled ATV's - opening roads in District 1,  part of District 2; written comment closed, meeting continued to March 25, 1:30 PM. Capital Facilities: Resolution for ballot; remodeled vs new Juvenile facility. WRIA 49 update:  new sound system for phone call-ins; funding issues; Public hearing: Cannabis ordinances approved (OCC 17A.290, 17A.220) to replace interim controls; 5-acre minimums; cannabis vs. industrial hemp, Needed work on Comp Plan/Zoning: Odors & lighting issues in re cannabis raise need to address  lighting county-wide; changes in zoning to address incompatible uses. Long-term Planning position funding: Planning/Roads Dept’s, Oroville, OCOG?
bocc_notes_2-19-2019.pdf
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Discussion on Wolf Advisory Committee call; Admin & Fair Maintenance: Sewer Bids concerning far lower bid, Repairing of bridge to Treasurer outside door; Fair Events: Propane refill process; Civil Attorney: Tonasket Mayor Recall, Contract with OBHC, French Creek case, Small Works Roster procedure; Planning & Admin: WRIA 49 update; Finance Committee: Treasurer: Cash on hand, Discussion of effects and process of closing SW fund, Residual, Current basis points, Revenue for February, State PILT, Champerty Shores bonds; Auditor: budget allocations to match current reality, filling open position, Added expense, handling of recent election, Bill sent to State for ballot boxes; State Transportation Commission; Public Works: Discussion of needed bridge replacements, Bid Openings; Engineering: Maintenance & Roads, Network Connection to PWorks Bldg, Yakima Nation coordination, 2019 Gravel Crushing, Hwy 7, Tonasket Bridge North, Riverside Levee, Similkameen Trail; SW & Admin: Computer Fiber Network, Apple Maggot Update; Executive Session on purchasing of property; Public Comment: KBTC - filming and interviewing of County Watch, Encourage BOCC to encourage citizen participation, Social Media consultant; Central Services: Fiber to Public Works Building, Temporary and long term fixes, 196 Fund Usage for Patrol Car Computer Upgrade; Sheriff: Financial Records Clerk; Dave Greveling: Uncollected Funds & Finder’s Fee; Miscellaneous Admin Business
bocc_notes_2-12-2019.pdf
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Civil Attorney: Nespelem property sale, Call from the Auditor, Response to lawsuit, TV District, costs of Tonasket recall; Fair Events: FAC meeting last Thursday, Hort Assn., Sunrise RV; Admin & Fair Grounds Maintenance: Jail kitchen drain fixed, Thermostat in Agriplex Annex stove, Colors for painting, Floor drain; Admin & Planning: 2 bills - affordable housing & timeline for permitting, Road signage, Airport Development, Possible apple maggot catches,Treasurer: Home taxes, Treasurer’s Conference, Back-entrance bridge, Tax statements going out soon, Champerty shores taxing district, TV District; Auditor’s Office: Ballot boxes, Voter Registration drives, Tonasket Mayor recall, Ballot bills, Open position in Auditor’s office; Public Works: Liquid Asphalt bid, New apple maggot, Soil Stabilizer bid, Surface Water problem; Public Health: Citizen’s Comments: NVH loosing OB services, Process of permitting an OTA, Maternal & Childhood grant, Community Health, Environmental Health; BOCC: Juvenile Sewer repair bids, HR & Risk Management; Emergency: Report on Water problem; Emerging Opportunity Grants
bocc_notes_02-11-19.pdf
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Capital Facility Plan- trail status, Parks & Rec advisory group; WRIA 49 Watershed Plan- operating procedures, chair elected, Conservation District to provide facilitation; Comprehensive Plan- public records request, scoping EIS status; Intergovernmental Agreement- affordable housing project); Champerty Shores Sewer Extension.
bocc_notes_2-05-19.pdf
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Planning & Admin: Champerty Shores, Legislation on increasing communication tax, WRIA 49; Admin & Fair Grounds Maintenance: Proline to cut concrete jail floor, Bids for jail/admin sewer repair, Adequate heat in the Agriplex, Arena tear down, Removal of 4 big cotton woods; Civil Attorney: GT about TV District progress and issues, Nespelem property, Exec Session @ 9:55 on pending litigation; HR & Risk Management: "Panic Button” system, Capital Improvements; Public Works: Fiber/T1 line from Admin to Public Works building; SW & Admin: New Office Mgr, SW Grant; Engineering: Maintenance & Roads, Elmway Levee, Riverside Levee, Similkameen Trail, Discussion with BOCC on funding from OCOG; Public Comment: Okanogan TV District, Phone in comments; Emergency Services: public health issue of measles, ice dam; WSU job re-classification, Discussion of salary / wages of various County positions.
BOCC meeting 2/4/19.  Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.
Note: this video is best heard through headphones on your device. Start times for the various topics of discussion are listed below- click on the time stamp to go directly to that part of the video.
 07:00 - PH, JT and Commissioners discuss issues related to long term planning and hiring a Planner II. PH thinks it’s possible to have someone in place by March or April, but if there’s a delay, JT could use staff he already has to start work.
26:30 - Commissioner Hover askes about getting technology that will allow public to see maps with boundaries of closed basins.
31:40 - PH reminds commissioners about two upcoming public hearings on February 25th. Wheeled All Terrain Vehicles in District 1 (Chris Branch’s District) 1:30 pm, and OCC 17A.290 (Cannabis Operations) and 17A.220 (District Use Chart) at 3 pm. 33:00 - PH updates the commissioners about several bills in the state legislature that may impact Planning. One bill involves whether state-mandated environmental review must include review of the end use. He uses the shipping of coal as an example. Other bills involve building tiny houses in the counties impacted by the Grown Management Act, annexations.
56:00 - Draft letter concerning cannabis processing permitting near Aeneas Lake.
1:01:15 - Capital Facilities Plan—Update
1:02:30 - Comprehensive Plan Update
1:03:20 - WRIA 49 Watershed Plan Update Administrative agenda
1:06:00 Tonasket EMS Vouchers
1:08:30 Oroville EMS Update
1:14:15 Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Omak/Housing Authority
1:17:35 Champerty Shores Sewer Extension Update 1:18:50 WATV Dist. 1 Public Hearing Feb. 25, 2019 1:20:00 Discussion of improvements to the Fair Grounds.
1:29:50 Radio Network Improvements Fund. (Discussion with Mike Worden and Sheriff Tony Hawley concerning improvements to the dispatch system and financing them.)
bocc_notes_1-29-2019.pdf
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 Measuring water levels, Sage Grouse populations, Civil Attorney: Public records requests, Omak HS for a mock trial, Tax title property seizure at Nespelem, Interrogatory to the County on the French Creek, Bail bond justification, Clerk’s Office office key, Planning & Admin: Notetaker unavailable, Admin & Fair Grounds Maintenance: 5 vendors Jail/Admin sewer project, Jail kitchen drain blockage, Fair Events: Washington State Grange, Jones Hall, Operations and Events manual, Floor drain in the Agriplex Annex, Possible Agriplex usage, Omak/Okanogan Business Week, 5 tips for supporting a ballot propositions, Discussion of dealings with Okanogan TV District & CCT, HR, Risk Mgmt & Claims, Proposed HB 1579, Noxious Weeds: Supplemental 2019 budget, Aid from F&W for aquatics, Cooperation depends on local managers, Emergency road kits, Additional help 2019 field season, Washington Invasive Weed Council, Education sessions a month & ID, Job Descriptions, “Bad Event” list and manual, Public Works: Department Organization, SW & Admin: Office Manager new position, Summer Temps, Engineer: Maintenance & Road, Elmway Levee repairs, Riverside Levee, Similkameen Trail, Omak/Okanogan Rotary, Public Comment, Miscellaneous Business, Miscellaneous Actions
bocc_notes_1-28-19.pdf
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County Water  Availability Study Areas & Amendment to 17.400.120;  Extended speculation on possible mitigations that could both preserve senior water rights and allow subdivision while eliminating impact of exempt wells upon instream flows; WRIA 48 - recent reversal of WDOE procedures in closed basins; How county is currently answering public questions re water situation; Hover pushes to move ahead on certain mitigations; Site analyses & vesting; Surveyor questions re closed basins; Long-term planning, Primitive Roads analysis (to be under Huston), Public works staffing; Transportation Plan /Circulation Element; WRIA 49 Update;  Limiting Factors/Population growth; Tonasket Hospital Emergency & county marketing, economics, & CERB Board.
bocc_notes_1-28-19_gold_creek_restricted_area_update.pdf
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Updated report on the hydrology of Gold Cr. from WA State DOE.  Referred to in the BOCC meeting 1/28/19.
bocc_notes_1-22-2019.pdf
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Fair Events: Business Week Agriplex rental, Admin & Fair Grounds Maintenance: Juvenile sewer drain,  Boiler system in the Agriplex,   Planning and Admin: Capital Facility plan, Capital Improvement Plan, Water Overlay implementation, Public Works: Engineering:  Maintenance & Roads - Salmon Creek is encroaching, WATV Routes & Signage, UAV for topo, Similkameen Trail, Elmway Levee, Riverside Levee, Edelweiss Sewer System, Conconully Sewer System, Public Comment:  Comments on accountability, Supplemental Appropriation for Public Health Department,  Discussion with E. Fritz VSO, WSU Extension Update, Miscellaneous.
bocc_notes_1-15-2019.pdf
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AH: MSRC policy for purchases, JD: Multiple accesses to a state highway, Civil Attorney: Property in Nespelem in a tax seizure, justification for bail bondsmen, process of sealing records, Pest Board - large orchard holding and abatement due to Codling moth, legal costs if found innocent by self-defense, Planning & Admin: FEMA mapping, Fair Events: Fair Advisory Board meeting, Fee Schedule & Cleaning deposit, Washington Friends inquiry, Admin & Fair Bldgs Maintenance: Jail & admin drains scoped, Walkway & entry to the Courthouse, Finance Committee + Juvenile: Discussion of 160 fund potential, Public Comment: AH to Tonasket, TV District/KSPS meeting, Building Dept: Quarterly Report, WDFW: Elk & Wolf update, Possible land acquisition, Misc. Admin
bocc_notes_01-14-19.pdf
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Comprehensive Plan (roads); Mapping Project; WRIA 49 Watershed Plan; Tunk Watershed Water Availability Study Area (unscheduled discussion); Airport Safety Zones – Tonasket; Champerty Shores Sewer Extension
bocc_notes_1-08-2019.pdf
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Civil Attorney: Land use special deputy, Code Enforcement; Juvenile & Admin Bldg Security: Juvenile carpet replacement & Leakages, emergency repairs, Capital projects facilities Plan list, Large purchase reviewed by Treasurer & Auditor, RFQ for professional services; Admin & Fair Grounds Maintenance: request for maintenance; Fair Events: Billboard & Annex floor; Planning & Admin: property annexation – Omak; HR & Risk Management: Update on claims, Friday Civil Service oral boards, leave policy; Tonasket PD contract with County for Sheriff’s coverage; Veterans Affairs: Partial Stand Down, Increased outreach, Native American program, additional office personnel; Public Works: Engineer: Maintenance & Roads, WATV, Similkameen Trail inspection, Equipment purchases for 2019, CRC pit use agreement, Sinlahekin culvert, Enloe Dam; Public Health: Vacant Public Health Board position filled, 35 reported Pertussis cases in County.
BOCC meeting 1/7/19.  Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.
The audio for this session is best heard through headphones on your device. The topics discussed are outlines below, with the time stamp for each topic. Click on the time listed to go directly to that point in the video.
Public Hearing on Okanogan County Code (OCC) 17A.400.130 Water Availability Study Areas: Upper Tunk, Lower Tunk, Tamarack Springs
04:00 - 21:30 - Planning Director Perry Huston reviews OCC 17A.400.130. (copies of maps and handouts are on our website) 21:30 - 54:30 - public testimony on OCC 17A.400.130
54:30 - 1:32:00 - Commissioners discuss the testimony and the proposed ordinance amending OCC 17A.400.130
1:32:00 - 1:32:30 - OCC 17A.290 Cannabis Operations, District Use Chart, End of SEPA comment period
1:32:30 - 1:39:15 - Nightly Rentals Licensing Several minutes were lost during the videoing, including the first part of this discussion. During part of this, PH said he’d had the commissioners sign letters to a group of people, but realized later that the letter was not appropriate for some of them and so he didn’t send those. Later, during the WRIA 49 Watershed Plan Update, LJ references those letters.
​1:39:15 - 1:44:40 Commissioner Hover discuses a meeting he'll be attending this afternoon to discuss the Tonasket Police Department contracting with the Sheriff's Office to perform some of its duties.
1:44:40 - 1:47:00 - Comprehensive Plan, Update--Scoping period extended, Index of comments. (Planning Director did not have information on how many comments had been received to date). 1:47:00 - 1:55:15 - WRIA 49 Watershed Plan Update
1:55:15 - 1:57:45 - Airport Safety Zones, Tonasket Update
1:57:45 - 1:59:30 - WRIA48. Closed Tributaries Update
1:59:30 - 2:02:20 - Champerty Shores Sewer Extension
2:02:20 - 2:02:40 - WATV District 1 Update
​2:02:40 - end Wolf Incident Tracking System Update
bocc_notes_1-7-19_draft_ordinance_occ_17a.400.130.pdf
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Draft Ordinance for Water Availability Study area for Upper and lower Tunk and Tamarack Springs. This document was discussed at the BOCC meeting on 1/7/19.
bocc_notes_1-7-19_background_info_on_occ_17a.400.130.pdf
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Background information on the Water Availability Study area for Upper and lower Tunk and Tamarack Springs.  Document includes maps. This document was discussed at the BOCC meeting on 1/7/19.
BOCC meeting 12/31/18.  Available for viewing on our YouTube channel. There are two videos: Part 1, and Part 2.
​
This video is best heard through headphones on your device. Topics are outlined below, with the time stamp of where the topic begins. To go directly to the topic you are interested in, click on the time stamp. (Note- the first 6 minutes or so are casual chit chat before the actual meeting begins).
00:00 - 06:20 - casual conversation waiting for BOCC to take their seats.  
06:20 - 17:30 - reviewing maps of Lower Methow basins. (maps are laying flat on the table and cannot be seen).
17:30 - 53:30 - Comprehensive plan scoping. One comment received to date, some discussion about that comment.
53:00- 55:40 - More looking at maps and discussion of HUC and closed basins.
55:40 - 1:10:30 - WRIA 49 appointments, grant application, operating procedures. Short discussion towards the end of this segment about whether the committee will use majority vote or consensus.
1:10:30 - 1:17:50 - Tonasket Airport protection overlay 1:17:50 - end - Code enforcement. Two specific properties are discussed. BOCC need to decide how to approach enforcement in situations where individuals build without a permit and refuse to correct the violations despite repeated warnings. Discussion considers civil vs criminal charges, which county officials are responsible for contacting the individuals, and whether the county can absorb the cost of correcting the violations themselves. Note:You Tube crashed part way through the code enforcement discussion. The video ends abruptly, but we were able to re-start it, and the rest of the meeting is continued on the Part 2 video for this date. Only about 1 minute of discussion was lost.
Video, Part 2
00:00 - 31:50 - code enforcement discussion. One structure in the Methow Valley area that was built without a permit despite numerous attempts by the county to get property owner to comply. the second property is in the Okanogan area, and involves a former scrap metal collection business. 31:50 - 41:00 - Oroville EMS levy discussion. When to place it on the ballot, public outreach, etc.
41:00 - end - Short discussion about WRIA 48 closed basin and how they align with adjudicated water rights. Comm. Hover suggests that it would be good to know how much of those water rights are actually being used. Comm. DeTro mentions discussion with PUD about the Enloe Dam and possibilities of leaving it in place and converting the water rights for using elsewhere in the county.
bocc_notes_12-24-18.pdf
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Lake Management Dist. formed, to be managed by Noxious Weed Board; Wenatchee Valley College denied fee waiver for fairground roller skating; WRIA 49: 3 possible candidates for facilitator showed interest, grant timing awkward with timing for hiring facilitator, committee members not yet finalized; Champerty Shores: Infrastructure discussed (lift stations, sewer & water), city expansion area; WATV’s: SEPA Threshold Determination comment period extended for Dist 1&2, objections to proceeding with Dists 1&2 when ATV signage for Dist 3 remains undecided.  
bocc_notes_12-18-2018.pdf
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 Civil Attorney, Fair Events: WVC students, Admin & Courthouse & Fair Maintenance: Facility Software, Planning & Admin: Broadband Development, Developments in Dispatch, Auditor: Budget numbers good, Okanogan Homeless Shelter Open House, Public Comment.: Update on Okanogan TV District, Public Works: Admin: Open Positions, New Position, SWAC Appointments, SWAC Expenses, Apple Maggot, Leachate ponds, SW Conditional Use Permit, SAO rental, Engineering: Maintenance & Road: Other items covered, Cattle Guard renewal letters, Similkameen Trail, History of old Park & Recreation Committee & Fund, Resolutions & Approvals, Discussion on Youth Homelessness
BOCC meeting, 12/17/18.  Video Only.  Available for viewing on our You Tube Channel.
Planning department study session, with Perry Huston. The time stamps of the topics are listed below. Click on the time to go directly to that section. The audio may be best heard through headphones on your device.
4:00 - Public hearing: Lake Management District #1
55:58 - WRIA 49 Watershed Plan update
56:55 - WRIA 49 Permit Exempt wells
1:38:31 - Code Enforcement update
1:42:06 - Oroville EMS
1:42:55 - Regional Fire Protection Service Authorities
bocc_notes_12-11-18.pdf
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Civil Attorney:New jail ordinance, Central Services, Reimbursement for SWAC members, Issues at Public Health, Issues at Public Health, Fair Events:Sent projected revenue, Fair budget, NCW Business Week,Planning & Administration:Champerty Shores (Lake Osoyoos), BOCC Clerk:Dept Head meeting, Facility Software training,Risk Management & Human Relations: Exempt Employee Leave policy, Union votes on the 2019 contracts, Evaluations, Civil Service testing Saturday for Corrections, Dispatch & Records, Crunch time, Consent agenda approved, Public Works: Admin & SW:Open positions, New Position, SWAC update, Conditional Use permit, Computer Network – Fiber Connection, Admin Building door & windows, Minimum rental fees on Admin Bldg, Engineering:Maintenance & Roads, Edelweiss Sewer System, Road Log, Culverts, WSDOT coordination, WSDOT coordination, Hwy 97 WSDOT traffic study, Public Health:Public Health– Pertussis,Environment: Up to eyeballs in enforcement, Discussion of admin building condition, Change in Prosecutor’s Office
bocc_notes_12-10-18.pdf
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Vault toilet project  apparently approved.  
Broad Band in local rural areas: Colvillle Tribe plans to provide ½ of matching funds for grant, spearheaded by Ferry County. 
VSP: Payment to Conservation District proceeding for work on VSP.
WRIA 49: RFQs for facilitatorhave been sent,  Will be sent again. WDOE progress on grant stalled for now. Membership appointment letters to be sent in time for January meeting.  Latest membership list included in notes. 
Tunk Valley overlay: Public hearing January 7, 2019. 
WATV’s:  Dist 1 & parts of  Dist 2, maps, etc: Public notice to be sent out Wednesday for SEPA review and comment. 
Lake Management, District 1:  Public hearing next week in re assessments. 
Compliance Update:  Compliance on nightly rentals good. Problems with salvage operation discussed.
Oroville EMS:  PH to attend Oroville hearing. Public vs Private fire protection, ambulance service delivery,  payment structure discussed.
Transfer of County Propertiesto "Tabor:" Not on agenda; forms signed by BOCC. 
bocc_notes_11-27-2018.pdf
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TV District #1; Maintenance & Fair Grounds:  tractor repair, Agriplex upgrades; Fair Events: Estimated revenue, Community Xmas Basket; Admin & Fair Grounds Maintenance: Training opportunity, Supplementary boiler heating system; Planning and Admin: Fair Well, Oroville EMS levy, Well Continuity discussion, Current SW CUP, Ferry Co., Okanogan SW landfill; BOCC & Admin Clerk: FAC position; New Assessor: Current business; Public Works: Admin & SW: Open Positions, Budget Update, Rental fees, SW meeting Wed., Nov. 28, CCT Waste Disposal & potential CUP amendment, SWAC update, New Snow Groomer, Engineering: Maintenance & Road, Statler Bridge replacement, Snow & Ice plowing policy; Current Expense Levy; Public Hearing on County Budget 2019, Re-allocation within SW Fund 123, Road Levy increase by amount authorized by law, Methow EMS levy increase, County Budget Hearing – Review of Revenue, swearing in of new County Prosecutor, Scheduling, Approve MOU between Okanogan County & USFS.
BOCC meeting, 11/26/18.  Video Only.  Available for viewing on our You Tube Channel.
Regular meeting of BOCC. The time stamp for each topic is noted below - click on the time to go directly to that portion of the video.
05:20 - brief discussion with Auditor Elect regarding need to order ballot envelopes for next Special Election
07:00 - Oroville EMS - Discussion of options for handling another attempt at funding the Oroville EMS.
32:20 - Nightly rentals. Report on licensing of nightly rentals.
43:30 - VSP - Discussion of technicality regarding the signing of documents.
44:20 - WRIA 49. Discussion about planning unit and how the groiup will be organized and who will be in charge.
55:00 - Water Availability Study Area. Discussion of map that the DOE has showing all recorded water rights, and how it will be used to determine how much water is available in WRIA 49. Link to State website showing these water rights: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/waterreso...
59:10 - Code Enforcement. Perry reports on visits he made to properties that had code violation complaints.
1:05:25 - Tabor quit claims
1:13:00 - Fairgrounds well
1:17:20 - Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with USFS regarding parking arrangement.
bocc_notes_11-20-2018.pdf
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Discussing meaning of “public water”, Civil Attorney: Email, Risk Pool, Exec. Session – potential litigation, Code enforcement possibility, Public Records request, Clerk’s office – HB 1783, Elmway levee, electronic signatures; Fair Events: Move next FAC meeting to Dec. 6, Agriplex tables, Rotary assistance, Chronicle reporter, budget; Admin & Fair Grounds Maintenance: Well decision, Portable propane auxiliary heater, Tables, Aging & Adult Care office space; BOCC & Admin Clerk: Oroville EMS voucher; Planning & Admin: Working on well, USFS MOU for using BOCC parking lot, Planning Commission - interim control on the 3 Tunk Valley sub-drainages, Cannabis; PUD decision on Enloe is final; Public Works: Engineering: Hwy 20 through holidays, Water/flooding issue on Hwy 153, Possible culvert replacement on Johnson Creek @ Greenacres, Statler Bridge, Buffalo Lake rd, Kartar Valley Rd, Sinlahekin Rd, Blue Lake culvert; Admin & SW: SW Tipping Fees, Adoption of final SWMP, SW from Ferry County, Apple Maggot Implementation;  Public Comment: 1) I-1639 – asking for County “Gun Sanctuary” statute, 2) TV District #1 – possible dissolution and next steps; County EMS levies; Central Services: Fiber optic line, Own ISP?, Email server, Ongoing projects; Courthouse Complex Maintenance Budget Review, Vouchers.
bocc_notes_11-19-18.pdf
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Development: Lester PD 2017-1 Developmnt Agree't and Zone Code amendment approved. Champerty Shores -Sewage. Water: WRIA 48 - WDOE revisions to 1991 basin maps complete: Cow Ck, Gold Ck.. WDOE to e-mail, discuss. Possible mitigation for property loss? (Aquifer Storage & Recovery.) VSP - Implementation contract with Cons. Dist. WRIA 49 - sign-in sheet available. Consumptive use, WRIAs 48 - 49 - inconsistent? RFQ for facilitator. Sign-on letter to Zinke for Headwaters Campaign  approved. Code: Overnight Rentals - Notices sent, licenses required. Enforce't: Compliance vs. prosecution as goal, methodology.  Code Enforce't update:  Recent enforce't efforts, esp in  Methow Valley ( Complaint basis &  otherwise)- Shorelines, floodplains, wetlands, waterways, soapy spots, autos on skyline, burning. Penalties disc. Land Use:  Comp Plan: EIS Scoping notices sent, comment deadline 1/4/19, 5PM.. Info now posted on Planning website;  Pub. Wks concern: lack of coordination bet. Comp Plan and 2014Transportation Plan/EIS.   ATV’s - Thomson to set up Dist #2 ATV comment.  TV District 1 finances, locations.
comp_plan_draft_10-12-18.docx
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Current draft of Comprehensive Plan.  The County is  accepting Public comments on the scoping of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) until 1/4/19. Relevant materials can be found on the OK County Planning dept website.  Click here to get to the Planning Dept page, then click on the box at the top of the page that says "Comprehensive Plan Update".
bocc_notes_11-13-2018.pdf
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Planning & Admin: Timeline for Comp Plan, Draft EIS, Planning Commission, public hearing option, Taber land acquisition, Conservation District role in WRIA 49, and RFQ for Facilitator for WRIA 49 process; Fair Events: Fair Advisory Committee (FAC), FAC expenditure report, Janitorial & Porta-Potty pumping bill, budget, Well driller Report; USFS parking request; Executive Session: potential land purchase; Miscellaneous: Enloe Dam project, “Tribal hunting” of wolves off reservation; Treasurer: Taxes from 2018, Tax Sale is set for December, delinquent taxes; TV Dist 1: Dissolution of the district, George Thornton appointed to TV District 1 board; Public Hearing: Jail Improvement Fund 193, Confederate Flag in the Tonasket Veteran’s Day parade; Public Hearing: CTJA Fund 160, election results certification; Public Works: Admin & SW: Open Positions, Office Space Rental Fees, SW Budget, SW Disposal Fee Changes, Meeting with CCT Waste Disposal over CUP agreement, Transfer Station Holiday Closures, Apple Maggot; Engineering: Maintenance & Roads, Statler Bridge replacement project, Sinlahekin Rd, Blue Lake outlet culvert, Electronic Signature policy, BOCC certification of CRAB proposal; County Board of Health.: 2019 fee schedule, County Employees & Flu Shots, CDC Grant for Opioid & Overdose, Salary discussion, Community Health, Environmental Health; Supplemental for CJTA Fund, Risk & HR: County elected officials sworn in Dec. 26, 27; Prosecutor Nov. 27, Public Health Vouchers, Veteran’s Board budget session.
bocc_notes_11-6-2018.pdf
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TV District dissolution, Civil Attorney: Land forfeiture hearing, Elmway document with Corps of Engineers, Public records requests, Future Wise asking about Comp. Plan, Exec. Session at 2:00, Public records request, Fair Events: Fair advisory committee, Well driller, Long-term planning, Admin & Fair Grounds Maintenance: Burn piles at Fair, Scrap materials, Waiting for well driller, Planning & Admin: Admin. Assistant, Champerty Shores, Conservation District on implementing VSP, Conservation District over WRIA 49 process, CUP on Pickens Mtn, BOCC Admin Clerk: USFS using BOCC parking lot, Risk Management & HR:, Public Hearing on Homeless Housing Fund 142, Concern over “Rock Church” in Okanogan, Public Hearing for Supplemental Appropriation – Various Funds, Public Hearing – Dual use of Roads – Snowmobiles & Vehicles, Public Works: Engineering - Maintenance & Roads, Public Works reserve, Sinlahekin Rd., Blue Lake outlet culvert, Barkely & MVID Ditch project, Public Works admin building maintenance, Pits for road materials, WATV routes, Organization Chart, Admin & SW - Open Positions, SW Operator/ Mechanic request for temp employee, Finance Div. Assistance, SW Fee Schedule, Apple Maggot, Public Comment: Chris Fisher CF (CCT Fisheries) on Johnson Creek - Concern about how CCT efforts are being depicted. Discrepancy between hearsay and reality in public discussion. 2:02 Executive Session – Pending legal, Pickens Mtn property, Outstanding BOCC Business.
sw_fee_schedule_11-6-18.pdf
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Solid Waste tipping fee schedule approved by BOCC on 11/6/18.  Fees were recommended by SWAC, and will go into effect 3/1/19.
bocc_notes11-05-18.pdf
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WRIA 49 Planning Grant; Tunk Watershed Water Availability Study; OCC 17A Nightly Rentals; Tabor quit claim; Comprehensive Plan review.
For previous minutes from 2018 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