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OKANOGAN COUNTY WATCH

Okanogan County Watch
Helping Citizens Stay Informed

Photo Credit: Justin Haug

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meets every Monday and Tuesday at the Commissioner's hearing room at the Virginia Grainger building in Okanogan. Volunteer citizens take notes 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.

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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.

miller_pit.pdf
File Size:	1314 kb
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Miller Pit Resolution

bocc_1-21-2020.pdf
File Size:	207 kb
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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
File Size:	295 kb
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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
File Size:	329 kb
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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
File Size:	204 kb
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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
File Size:	188 kb
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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
File Size:	939 kb
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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
File Size:	3907 kb
File Type:	pdf

bocc_notes_12-23-2019.pdf
File Size:	928 kb
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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
File Size:	199 kb
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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
File Size:	181 kb
File Type:	pdf

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
File Size:	221 kb
File Type:	pdf

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
File Size:	327 kb
File Type:	pdf

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
File Size:	194 kb
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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
File Size:	96 kb
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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
File Size:	102 kb
File Type:	pdf

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
File Size:	94 kb
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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
File Size:	65 kb
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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.)

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

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

Andy Hover
Represents District 2 (West Okanogan County)

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