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OKANOGAN COUNTY WATCH

Okanogan County Watch
Helping Citizens Stay Informed

Photo Credit: Justin Haug

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

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

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

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

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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.

bocc_notes_9-17-19.pdf
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9-17-19_after_fair_action.pdf
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County wide burn ban will be lifted as of midnight 9/17/2019, Planning: Working on public records - Veranda Beach; Fair Events: State Auditor post audit, Cost of Audit, Loup Loup Ski Foundation, Fair office temp; Admin & Fair Grounds Maintenance: Rough draft of an after-action report on the Fair (this document is posted to the left); Civil Attorney: Various; Noxious Weeds: McClure Mtn access; Finance: All revenues are on course, no issues, Public Works: Revenue and expenses analysis, Solid Waste - Paint Product Stewardship, Washington Invasive Species Council, Maintenance & Roads, Buzzard Lake Rd, Hwy 97 Deer fence, Statler Bridge replacement, CCT road list, Barkley & MVID Ditch Project, Similkameen Trail, ER&R supplemental Budget, Surplus Dump truck; Executive Session: Potential or ongoing litigation; Miscellaneous Business

BOCC meeting 9/16/19. Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.

Afternoon session of Okanogan County Commissioner meeting. The topics are outlined below - click on the time stamp to go directly to that point in the video.
01:00 - Discussion about authorizing a signature so Well Tracking Grants 02:15 - WRIA 49 planning unit. Discussion about the scope of work that Aspect Engineering will be doing.
04:15 - Update on Comprehensive Plan. Discussion about the Planning Commission request for an economic analysis and legal review timeline. 07:15 - Discussion about contract with town of Concunully regarding site analysis done by county for the town.
13:50 - Discussion about upcoming Grizzly bear meeting at the Agriplex on October 7th.
17:40 - short break during which BOCC discuss various subjects - reviewing how the Fair went, admin items.
27:45 - Commissioners discuss lifting of fire ban 31:10 - Applicant to the Fair Advisory Board, Brock Hires, speaks to BOCC about why he wants to be on the FAB.
40:20 - Commissioner DeTro discusses Farm Bureau outreach and funding for professional comment on the Grizzly issue.
43:00 to end - BOCC review paperwork and adjourn early.

bocc_notes_9-10-19.pdf
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Fair Events: Increase of gate, ATM operator, New security firm, Compliments on the new arena & track, Contracts, Work Source Career Expo, Halleluiah Event, Sound system; Admin & Fair Maintenance: Work order - old arena and rebuild, Big crowd Sat. night, Detailing of hours worked by Maintenance, Big puddles that need to be addressed, Layout design of a permanent irrigation system; Planning: Public records requests, Comp. Plan; Civil Prosecutor: Twisp interlocal agreement, Public records requests, Sheriff’s services to Brewster; Executive Session: Potential & ongoing litigation; County Watch: PC Informational meeting; Auditor: Fee Changes, Preliminary 2020 budget, Elections 101 training, 2019 general ballot, New fee revenue, Licensing appointee for the Methow, Fair Staff Hours, Disabled Access Committee; Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Statler Bridge, Johnson Creek at Greenacres Rd, Public Works Bldg, Buffalo Lake Rd, CCT Road List, Conconully Sewer, Barkely & MVID Ditch, Barkely & MVID Ditch, Similkameen Trail, JD Misc, Comments on Buffalo Lake Rd; BOCC Clerk: Audit response letter; Public Health Board: Public Comment, Approved Vouchers, Payroll, Minutes, Consolidated contract amendment, Supplement budget, Annual Board Member Confidentially Agreement, Environmental, Treasurer report, County asked to previous $145,000,; BOCC Clerk: Misc Business.

BOCC meeting 9/9/19. Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.

Click on the time stamp below to go directly to that point in the video.
3:05 Initiating Governments meeting concerning two Request for Quote (RFQ) proposals: - WRIA 49 Planning Unit Targeted Basin Assessments and net ecological benefit (NEB) - Well tracking domestic permit exempt wells. Included in the discussion are Craig Nelson—Director, Conservation District, George Thornton--WRIA Chair, Todd McDaniel--Omak City Manager, and Jay O’Brian--Oroville-Tonasket Irrigation District (OTID) Director. BOCC approves motions to accept the FRQs from Aspect Consulting. The county will begin to negotiate a contract.
30:55 Commissioners discuss calculating household indoor water consumption.
39:15 Commissioners discuss formalizing agreement with Dept. of Ecology’s grant and details of the contract with Aspect Consulting. 42:45 Commissioners convene as Tonasket EMS District approve and the voucher for August contract with Lifeline.
43:50 Reconvene as BOCC. Discuss a draft of the grizzly bear comment letter. They discuss whether to join with other counties on a letter or not.
49:10 Commissioners discuss a draft of a letter from FEMA to be sent to approximately 507 people potentially affected by base elevations surveys. Their property may be included in the 100 year flood plain when it was not included before.
1:00:15 Sateekhwa Park, a city park in Winthrop, is on land owned by the County. Fire Adapted Winthrop has a fire management plan for the park and Winthrop wants the county to approve the Washington Conservation Corps to do the work. The commissioners discuss liability issues.
1:14:50 Commissioners discuss the Monthly Report.
1:16:45 VSP contract between the Okanogan Conservation District and the Planning Dept.
1:18:15 Commissioners discuss adopting a policy concerning volunteer work.

part 2 of BOCC meeting 9/9/19. Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.

00:50 Discussion of Homeless Housing Plan Addendum to the Professional Services Contract of the Okanogan County Community Action Council.. Lael Duncan is Executive Director of OCCAC.

BOCC meeting 9/3/19. Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.

Note-taker for first part of the meeting had to leave for other commitments before BOCC meeting concluded. The written notes for the first part of 9/3 are posted below. The remaining part of the meeting is on video - topics are listed below. Click on the time stamp to go directly to that point in the video.
00:01- Joined meeting in progress. Quarterly update from Tonasket Forest Ranger District Kathleen Johnson.
2:10- Commisioner Branch asks about Mt. Hope project
22:30- Tonasket Forest Ranger update concludes and Commissioners briefly discuss signing of a contract (not sure what it pertains to, but it appears to be regarding hiring of a security company for the upcoming County Fair).
27:30- Commissioners discuss the planning director job description. Starting with review of previous discussion on the subject from last week's meeting.
31:30- Commissioner Hover discusses difference between Planning Director vs Planning Department.
33:30- Commissioner Hover reads from (revised) proposed job description of Planning Director. and the Board discusses particulars around the mention of Growth Management Act and working with the Colville Tribe.
41:45- Commissioner Branch suggests having a committee that assists in the decision of hiring a planning director. Discussion follows. 49:30- Discussion turns to salary for the Planning Director position.
1:01:15- Commissioners agree on salary range and the discussion turns to who is going to be responsible for Administrative jobs such as managing projects, writing contracts, etc.
1:08:30- Commissioners vote on posting the job for Planning Director.
1:09:20- Commissioners address a reporter who arrived after the planning director discussion started and review some of the things that were said before she arrived.

bocc_notes_9-3-19.pdf
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Treasurer: Christian Johnson - Staff shortage & Fair coverage; Fair Events: No real issues, Fair; Civil Attorney: Oroville & Rural EMS contract with Lifeline, Fees for public records requests, Methow 2 cfs rule, Treasurer’s agreement; Building Dept.: Building inspections for cities; Planning: RFQ submission, High-density areas and Cannabis, Engh Rd Cannabis odor, Examining conflicts; BOCC: CB working to assist towns with building inspections, Ongoing planning issues?; Risk & HR: Witness advocacy - Prosecutor’s Office, Change part-time position to fulltime, BOCC in full support; BOCC: Resume soliciting, Employee morale threatened, No change to current policy; Building: Interlocals to cover city inspections; Emergency Services: DNR & County Sheriff joint investigation, Assisting with media; Misc. Business: Removal of 2 – 20’ containers from County Parking lot to County Fair, Powers of Planning Commission; Public Comment: Emily Sisson - Job description for Planning Director, GT - PD job description; WSU Extension: 2020Acting Director of WSU Extension. Mike Gaffney w/ Kayla Wells-Moses, Budget and Staffing.

bocc_notes_8-27-19.pdf
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Civil Attorney: Reviewed some agreements, Oroville & Rural EMS levy passed, Public records requests, Exec Session – New filing from Yakama Tribe. New French Creek info; Fair Events: Overtime during Fair prep & Fair itself, Pig Barn, No more space for exhibitors, Agriplex committed except one spot, Tickets for passes on sale for $30 per weekend, $10 per day; Interim Planning: PC Board recommends hiring attorney/qualified consultant; Executive Session: DG, BOCC. 25 min. Return at 9:27. Ongoing litigation; Risk & HR: Potential Fair vendor of knives, Any problems?; Prosecutors Office: Requesting permission to adjust County policy barring unsolicited resumes; 6–year Transportation Plan: Proposed projects, funded and prospective, Enables seeking grants and funding & future planning; Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Ellisforde Transfer Contract, Washington Invasive Species Council, Twisp Scale Replacement, Product Stewardship for paint, DOE Air Quality Grant, Peter Dan RD, Salmon Cr. Rd @ Cowan’s, Vacate platted roads in Methow, CCT road list, Barkley & MVID Ditch project, Edelweiss Sewer System; Public Comment: JD inquiries about progress in TV District. GT: nothing new; Treasurer: Comment & concern on status of TV District; CBDG Housing Rehab Grant Close Out, Misc. Business, Planning Director (PD).

bocc_notes_8-26-19.pdf
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- County Commissioners confirmed the opinion of Interim Director Hubbard that a call regarding a potential Cannabis operation was located in a high density area. Since the application has not been filed, no decisions were necessary at this time.
- Discussion and explanation of why the county needs an agreement with the Federal Highway commission to receive grant money for construction of a vault toilet in the Early Winters vicinity. Methow Trails Assn will do the installation work.
- WRIA 49 - brief discussion. Map of well locations handed out; includes developed and non-developed parcels. BOCC asks for further information to the added to map. Rob McDaniel appointed to fill vacancy due to Wyss resignation.

bocc_notes_8-20-19.pdf
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Civil Attorney: Canvassing Board, Public records requests, Dispatch service agreement, Solid Waste & Ellisforde Transfer Station, Prosecutor’s office recording witness, Conflict attorney, Supplemental budget request - Prosecutor’s Office; Fair events: County Fair preparations, Night Security Rover; Admin & Fair Grds Maintenance: Finishing touches on arena, Sheep barn, Clean up from all the work, Temp. in the Fair Office, Mural on the Agriplex & ecology blocks, Fair needs a big PR effort, Sound people here Monday; Interim Planning: Planning Commission met Monday night. Hearing on the Comp. Plan; Executive Session: potential litigation; Finance Committee: Monthly financial reports on County website, Summary Reports, Carry Over end of 2019: 1.2 – 1.5 million, Preliminary 2020 Budget, State Auditor, Grant funds - advertising on elections, PNT/Similkameen Trail funds, Oroville Ballot Box, Primary voter must declare a party; Central Services: Open position to Eric, Fiber line to Public Works, Internal staff meeting, Conference call system; BOCC Clerk, Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, FHWA Bridge inspection, Statler Bridge, Salmon Cr. Rd @ Cowan’s, Petition to vacate platted, CCT Road list, Elmway Levee USACE project, Barkely & MVID Ditch project, Elmer City issue with sewer system; Public Comment: GT – TV District & Planning, Nancy Soriano – Planning Director, Consultant for Comp. Plan, Tunk valley water; GCDE: Form local CMTE, Possible actions for funding, Expanding a voting cute.; Public Hearing. Supplemental, Misc. Business: Building Dept. PU , Elections Officer position; Risk & HR: Tracking Resolutions and Jobs, Negotiations, Risk Pool visit, Civil Service.

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

2018.13.08_jim_brown_-_wdfw_-_land_acquisition_miller_pit.pdf
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sfdu00_09.xlsx.pdf
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ewing_memo.pdf
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.This video is best listened to with headphones on your device.
08:00 Commissioner Hover discusses a letter that was written to WDFW regarding willingness for County to partner with WDFW on purchase on land in the lower Methow Valley for use as a gravel pit. (Copy of letter is posted in the left column).
15:40 Discussion of letter continues as part of Planning Dept. update. 16:10 Interim planner askes about closing Planning office for a few hours for staff training. BOCC requests that one person remain on duty.
17:48 WRIA 49 planning unit building permit data. Interim Planning Director Angie Hubbard presents a graph that shows building permit data for that area for the past 18 years. (Copy of graph is posted in the left column)
22:25 update on well tracking grant application
22:55 Discussion of Comp plan comment period and possible extension. 25:00 Discussion of interim controls on reducing neighborhood commercial zones around unincorporated towns in Okanogan County. 37:50 Commissioner Hover asks Angie Hubbard about how she interacts with the WRIA49 planning group
42:40 short break. Commissioner Hover comments on work being done at the Fairgrounds.
46:25 Commissioner Hover discusses a letter he received requesting an interview about Grizzly bear re-introduction.
48:30 Commissioners Hover and Branch discuss language that is in the Planning Director job description
1:00:00 Discussion about WRIA49 planning unit, with Facilitator Craig Nelson, Committee chair George Thornton, and representatives from the inititating governments. Several members of the Farm Bureau are present in the audience. Discussion centers around the process used during the WRIA 49 meetings, and the possibility of obtaining water for mitigation. There is a rumor that there is 200 acre-feet available from the Office of the Columbia River. Commissioners Hover and DeTro announce that they are going to be attending all meetings of WRIA49 planning unit from this point on. Discussion about using consensus vs Robert Rules. Former Commissioner Ray Campbell presents a document from Farm Bureau member Dick Ewing to Commissioners. (A copy of this document is posted in the left column).
2:14:00 Auditor Cari Hall discusses issues regarding elections that have arisen due to new laws. She requests either a new machine, or an additional employee. The BOCC approves the creating of a new position and hiring a new employee.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

bocc_notes_7-1-19.pdf
File Size:	320 kb
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definitions.dwellingunit.070119.docx
File Size:	23 kb
File Type:	docx

ordinance.amend17a.400.120.mitigation.docx
File Size:	9 kb
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resolution.wria48.exemptwellpolicies.docx
File Size:	11 kb
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wria49.newfunding.agreementtemplate.062119.final.docx
File Size:	23 kb
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ofm_april1_press_release.pdf
File Size:	475 kb
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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
File Size:	15 kb
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resolution.wria48.exemptwellpolicies.061319.docx
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File Type:	docx

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
File Size:	213 kb
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study_session_notice-lower_methow_gravel_pit.doc
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notice_of_pub_hearing-_lower_methow_gravel_pit.doc
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purchase___sale_agreement-gravel_pit.pdf
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ordinance_2019-10_lower_methow_zoning_change.pdf
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M Tank Ceiling Project: Revised contract with the architectural firm discussion of additional tasks (bid package preparation, review of bids and inspection of materials and workmanship).  The commissioners approve the contract.
Purchase and Sale Agreement:  The county is purchasing property in the Lower Methow Valley to use as a gravel pit. (See notices posted to the left). PH reports that 478 postcards for notification are prepared and ready to send out at the commissioners’ direction (to nearby residents). Discussion of public meeting on the proposed gravel pit.  The commissioners agree on a study session, to be held on the 24th.
Lake Management District #1: The commissioners act as a board of equalization for the Lake Management District #1.  They discussed how to discharge that duty.
Water Availability Study Areas Mitigation Language:
The commissioners had a lengthy discussion with PH, DH and Di regarding the confusion over the legalities of building homes in closed basins. The Department of Ecology has been providing inconsistent information about what is permissible.  CB advocated for declaring the county’s approach in a position paper, prioritizing 1) allowing existing wells to be used for domestic water supply, 2) supporting municipalities’ acquisition of water for future development and 3) pursuing a means of allowing development of existing lots. AH agrees.  The potential for using cisterns was discussed; there are complications with the Department of Health policies.
Code Enforcement: PH has recently issued stop work orders at two locations.  AH asks about changing code violations to a civil infraction. DHi noted that current practices waste a lot of time and expressed the opinion that recording penalties against the property title is an effective solution; PH agrees.
WRIA 49 Update: The Watershed Planning Unit intends to ask for money for an assessment model to identify which basins give the ‘biggest bang for the buck’ (presumably for mitigation activities).  The Planning Unit has a vacancy due to a recent resignation.
Interim Ordinance Changing R1 Zoning to R5 Zoning in the Lower Methow Valley: PH presents an ordinance establishing interim controls to change R1 zoning to R5 zoning in the lower Methow Valley.  The commissioners unanimously approve it.  A public hearing will be scheduled. (Copy of ordinance is posted in the column to the left).

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

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

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

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

Our County Commissioners

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

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

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

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

Andy Hover
Represents District 2 (West Okanogan County)

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