OKANOGAN COUNTY WATCH - Home

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.

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.

I want to be a video volunteer!

Upcoming Public Hearings (Location is Commissioner's Hearing Room):
April 29th, 1:30 pm: interim Ordinance 2019-005 (Water Availability Study Areas)

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_4-16-19.pdf
File Size:	113 kb
File Type:	pdf

Public Health septic permit, Fair Events: New temp starts next Monday, Day use of the arena, Billboard sign, Fair Board meeting location; Admin & Fair Grounds Maintenance: Ogborn Plbg, Still working on a sprayer, herbicide/fertilizer mix; Planning & Admin:Nightly rentals, property on the Cameron Lake Rd, Civil Attorney: Executive Session 110.1 (i) – French Creek & Comprehensive Plan; Finance Committee: Treasurer & Auditor; Bid Openings: Twisp Transfer Station Scale, Hwy 7 N of Tonasket Bridge road work; Public Works: 123 SW Fund, fire at SW Central landfill, Recovery Fee of $25, Roads & Maintenance, Network Connection to Public Works Bldg, Edelweiss Sewer System, Current Rd projects, STF funding; Public Comment: Bob Nelson, Moomaw Rd. Excessive dust on the road is a health hazard; Building Department Quarterly Report: Slow Feb. (weather), Can’t make money, can recover costs, Building Code is International, Permit Tech Hours increase; Miscellaneous: SW investment, Economic Development Council Summit, OBHC contract with County; HR& Risk:, Oroville Housing Authority - Oroville Harvest Shelter:, Exec Session on French Creek, Exec Session on OBHC Contract

bocc_notes_4-15-19.pdf
File Size:	173 kb
File Type:	pdf

Tonasket Airport Safety Overlay; BIA notice – Review; M tank ceiling project; Oroville EMS Levy discussion; Mitigation strategies for exempt wells; Making hemp possible

bocc_notes_4-9-19.pdf
File Size:	102 kb
File Type:	pdf

Civil Attorney: Perpetual timber rights, Coroner with FOIA, Software purchase agreement for Dispatch, Fiber line contract for Public Works & NCI Datacom, Agreement to extend services (Sewer & water Veranda & Champerty), Twisp interlocal contract - County providing building inspection, Filing domestic dissolution fee; Fair Events: Vintage Faire, Summer temps, Staff meeting Thursday, Proposed sign – Fair RV Park, Ribbons for the Fair, Premium Book, work on the Arena area; Admin & Fair Grounds Maintenance: Domestic water working, Trustees at the Fair Grounds – County Temp replacement, Weed spraying, Permanent irrigation installation in the N & S RV areas; Planning & Admin: Illegal cabin on the Twisp R., Input for capital improvements planning; Executive Session 110.(i): FutureWise discussions, French Creek; Auditor: BOCC web site - Financial Reports, Few updates this month, Supplemental Budget Request form, ballot boxes on Colville land; Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Network Connection, Potential Pits, WATV signs & routes, Drone for topo maps, Twisp-Carlton Rd speed reduction, Similkameen Trail, Okanogan Council of Governments; Public Health Board: Approval of minutes & financial reports, Community Health, Environment Health, Laurie Jones comment; Miscellaneous Business: memorandum to secure surveying services, credit application - NW Wholesale; Public Comment: Dave Mullins: commenting on failed EMS levy in Oroville rural, not ready for a 1/10 or 2/10 Communications levy this year.

BOCC meeting 4/8/19. Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.

The topics discussed are outlined below, along with the time they occur on the video. To go directly to that place in the video, click on the time stamp for that topic.
04:10 - meeting begins. Com. Branch inquires about a sales tax issue 7:25 - Perry Huston reviews old business, including solid waste and a CUP related to a cannabis operation.
15:30 - WRIA 49 watershed plan update
22:10 - Comprehensive plan update.
23:50 - Critical Areas Ordinance. Discussion on how to proceed.
32:15 - Discussion about zoning and development, how zoning will impact the buildable lands analysis. Perry refers to County Ordinance 17A.60.060. (https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Oka...).
1:02:40 - Discussion about a proposed Clearing and Grading Ordinance, as it might apply to road construction.
1:15:54 - Break from Clearing and Grading discussion to talk about the ceiling repair to the M-tank section of the jail.
1:23:46 - Resume discussion on Clearing and Grading.
1:48:45 - Commissioner Hover introduces subject of school bus stop locations, and their proximity to cannabis operations.
1:54:40 - Tonasket EMS voucher approval
1:57:20 Commissioner DeTro discusses bill before the WA state legislature (HB1028) which has failed. The bill is in regard to WATV's. The commissioner suggests following the example of Ferry County and use an existing RCW (46.61.415) to change speed limits on certain roads. (https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.as...).

bocc_notes_4-2-19.pdf
File Size:	118 kb
File Type:	pdf

Civil Attorney: Fiber line between Admin and Public Works, Inter-local agreement with Twisp and County, Civil Service Commission rules, Questions from Treasurer, FutureWise & French Creek issues; Fair Events: State Grange summer rental, Change in Fee schedule, Summer temp positions, Premium Books, Vendor apps., CBD vendors, Projected revenue; Admin & Fair Grds Maintenance: Sewer project, Taking down Fair arena, ADA compliant arena bleachers, Weed spraying, Fair Maintenance employee, Sewer change order; Planning & Admin: Fire District 6 well, Tribal permit to work on the Fair Arena, dog ordinance; HR, Risk, & Claims: Risk Pool Conference, Appraiser I position, Chief Appraiser reclassification, NCI Datacom Agreement, Subrogation Demand, Signatory Authority for Claim damage, LRI, Waive requirement for bond; Dispatch & Sheriff’s: Needed upgrades, DOT project on shared sites, Possible add-on to sales tax for Communications, Staffing, Tonasket service, Wildlife Sheriff’s position, Sheriff, Corrections & Prosecutor on trustee usage; Public Works: Roads, Open Positions, SAO Office Rental, Upcoming gravel crushing contract; Miscellaneous Business, Public Comment: Christa Levine (Tonasket City Council) - potential street project; Resolutions, Superior Court Clerk’s Office report: Need replace & transfer information on microfiche reels, Odyssey system is running amazingly well; Consent Agenda approved.

BOCC meeting 4/1/19. Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.

mallot_parcel_4-1-19.pdf
File Size:	3021 kb
File Type:	pdf

2019-005_water_availability_study_areas.pdf
File Size:	4670 kb
File Type:	pdf

Planning Director, Perry Huston, updates the commissioners on current issues. The topics are outlined below - click on the time stamp to go directly to that topic.
1:50 - Discussion of recently received bids for newspapers printing official legal notices. The Commissioners award the contract to the Methow Valley News and the Oroville Gazette.
21:15 - Addition to agenda. Proposed ordinance 17A.400.130—Water Availability Study Areas Restricted Areas will be called Water Availability Study Areas. Perry Huston displays a map showing (in red) the areas that have already been reviewed, and (in yellow) that areas that have yet to be reviewed. Projects already under consideration by the Planning Department are not affected by the ordinance. NOTE: A copy of this ordinance is to the left of this summary)
38:30 - Perry Huston informs the Commissioners that rumors are circulating about a proposed marijuana farm that could be sited on a parcel near Malott that’s for sale. The Commissioners and Perry Huston discuss zoning codes and land use designations with respect to whether they’re successful in excluding marijuana farms from residential areas. NOTE: A pdf map of the parcel under discussion is to the left of this summary.
1:29:30 - Tonasket Airport Safety Overlays. Perry Huston has sent the draft overlay ordinance to the Commissioners. It’s scheduled for review on April 15 at 1:30 pm.
1:30:00 - Voluntary Stewardship Program. Perry Huston tells the Commissioners there’s additional money available from the Conservation Commission. Because the Conservation District would like some of that money, Perry asks the Commissioners to amend the contract with the District to include the ~$24,000 amount.
1:34:15 - WRIA 49 Watershed Plan Update. Facilitator contract will have a budget of $108,000.
1:35:40 - Wolf de-listing. Perry Huston distributes a draft of the Commissioners’ comment to the US Fish and Wildlife Service concerning the delisting of wolves. Commissioners discuss wolf management plan of the Colvilles.
1:47:50 - Comprehensive Plan Update. Perry Huston discusses the Planning Commission’s schedule.
1:52:40 - WRIA 49 Planning Unit Appointment Letters. Perry Huston gives three appointment letters to the Commissioners to sign. There is a fourth letter, but they don’t yet have that person’s address.
1:54:45 - Department of Defense Documents. Perry Huston has sent the Commissioners samples outreach forms, etc. He hasn’t scheduled a meeting with the DoD outreach person yet.
1:56:45 - Question from Commissioner Branch. Commissioner Branch askes Perry Huston about the status of the provisional use permit for the landfill to take waste from outside the county. Perry has discussed it but there hasn’t been an official application filed.

bocc_notes_3-26-19.pdf
File Size:	98 kb
File Type:	pdf

BOCC: Declining medical services, Juvenile/youth job opportunity; Admin & Fair Ground Maintenance: Juvenile/Admin sewer line repair, 2 temporary Fair Grounds maintenance workers, Litter @ the Fair, Permanent irrigation system; Civil Attorney: Executive Session- FutureWise and French Creek issue; Planning & Admin: Comprehensive Plan review schedule, Review of the budget process, Delisting of the wolf, Primitive road’s resolution; Assessor: On time & keeping up, Done with field inspections, Loss of field devices; Admin Secretary: Methow Valley Watershed Council, Veterans Assistance Manual; Bid Opening for Gravel Crushing; Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Network Connection, Solid Waste summer hours, Apple Maggot, Maintenance Manager discussion, Washington Transportation Committee visit, Similkameen Trail; Public Comment:Jim Brennan via call-in - Adequate, affordable housing, Especially for low income, limited income and disabled; Department Heads Quarterly meeting: ID cards, Capital Facility Plan, AED, First Aid & “Stop the Bleed” kits, 1/10 of 1% sales tax addition being considered; Miscellaneous Business.

BOCC meeting 3/25/19. Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.

bocc_notes_3-25-19_exempt_well_water_use.pdf
File Size:	445 kb
File Type:	pdf

Planning Director, Perry Huston, updates Commissioners on current status of Planning Dept issues. The general subects are outlined below, along with the time they occur in the video. To go directly to that topic, click on the time stamp that is highlighted in blue.
5:15- Continued Public Hearing concerning Wheeled All-Terrain Vehicles: The commissioners, Josh Thompson and Perry Huston discuss signage issues, ORVs, Farm Exempt ORVs and WATVs. Commissioners unanimously approve Ordinance 2019-3.
19:30 - Change of Use Process: The Commissioners and Perry Huston discuss the process for a change of use and when such a change would require an environmental review and SEPA. The discussion includes marijuana farms and nightly rentals
44:25 - Permit Exempt Wells: The Commissioners, Perry Huston and David Hilton discuss issues concerning permit exempt wells, State Department of Ecology vs. Campbell Gwinn (https://caselaw.findlaw.com/wa-suprem... ), 5,000 gallons per day for domestic use, including irrigation of ½ acre of lawn or non-commercial vegetable garden, and stock watering. The document Commissioner Hover projects and reads from is the DOE’s Water Resources Management Program Methow River Basin. https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/6a5e18... NOTE: the slides regarding permit exempt wells that are shown and discussed in the video can be found in the left hand column. https://www.countywatch.org. 1:20:20 - Perry Huston discusses the grant he’s pursuing to create a well-tracking database. David Hilton tells the Commissions that they created a GIS database several decades ago that ties wells, including domestic wells, to parcel numbers. The data was gathered when the well was being dug.
1:33:50 - Public Hearing—Airport Safety Overlay-Tonasket: The Commissioners and Perry Huston discuss zoning around the Tonasket airport. Perry references Okanogan County Code 17A.300 (https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Oka... ) They also discuss problems in general with zoning around airports and that the Tonasket airport will be easier to do than other airports in the county. Brewster will be considered next.
1:59:45 - Public comment on Airport overlay. Salley Bull is the only commenter.
2:06:34 - WRIA 48—Restricted Areas: Perry Huston shows the commissioners a large map showing which areas have been reviewed and which not reviewed. Commissioner Hover wants to be sure that the lakes are identified.
2:15:20 - Benson Creek and French Creek will be reviewed next. 2:25:50 - Voluntary Stewardship Program: Additional funding is available.
2:28:00 - WRIA49 Watershed Plan Update
2:28:15 - Department of Defense: Perry has a contact with the DoD in Kitsap County who is in charge of outreach & complaints about low-flying jets. The contact has sent maps that identify areas of operations & contact information for those who want more information or want to make a complaint. She would also like to schedule a meeting with the BOCC.
2:33:00 - Commissioner DeTro asks a question about the Wenatchee Okanogan Travel Plan Commissioner Hover had mentioned at an earlier meeting. Commissioner Hover says the commissioners should submit a comment during the scoping for the Travel Plan.
2:36:07 - Commissioner Hover discusses federal de-listing of wolves. Commissioner Hover wants the BOCC to submit a comment.
2:37:30 - Commissioners discuss reimbursement rates for hospitals, ambulances, and nursing and assisted living facilities

bocc_notes_3-19-19.pdf
File Size:	95 kb
File Type:	pdf

Civil Attorney:Property tax foreclosure case, Dog Ordinance, Building – made city agreements, Public Records requests, Medical bulling for inmates on furlough, Search & Rescue issue, April 2 FutureWise, Fair Events: Gate Ticket taking, Consulting services; Admin & Fair Maintenance: May 1 temp positions; Executive Session: Potential litigation; Finance Committee: Review of Cash on hand and investment balance, Revenue Recap, Credit Card policy, Fund 93-932 is a Solid Waste, Interest off residual funds, Annual report by Auditor; Planning and Admin: Method of Revenue and budgeting, Sharing a Planning position with Oroville; WSU Extension: Appendix A form, Reclassification Office Manager, 4H, Monthly email update to BOCC; Public Comment: Road Maintenance; Bid Opening: County Legal Newspaper; Miscellaneous Business.

BOCC meeting 3/18/19. Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.

bocc_notes_3-18-19_nightly_rentals_memo.pdf
File Size:	6456 kb
File Type:	pdf

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. NOTE: Memo on this subject is posted in the left hand column.
1:55:45 - end - Discussion about budget review analysis.

bocc_notes_3-12-19.pdf
File Size:	100 kb
File Type:	pdf

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
File Size:	124 kb
File Type:	pdf

Nightly rentals licensing update; WRIA 49 Watershed Plan Update.

bocc_notes_3-6-2019.pdf
File Size:	94 kb
File Type:	pdf

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
File Size:	108 kb
File Type:	pdf

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
File Size:	282 kb
File Type:	pdf

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
File Size:	106 kb
File Type:	pdf

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
File Size:	103 kb
File Type:	pdf

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
File Size:	129 kb
File Type:	pdf

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
File Size:	107 kb
File Type:	pdf

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
File Size:	178 kb
File Type:	pdf

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
File Size:	393 kb
File Type:	pdf

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
File Size:	2022 kb
File Type:	pdf

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
File Size:	143 kb
File Type:	pdf

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
File Size:	147 kb
File Type:	pdf

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
File Size:	177 kb
File Type:	pdf

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
File Size:	130 kb
File Type:	pdf

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
File Size:	5257 kb
File Type:	pdf

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.

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

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

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

Our County Commissioners

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

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

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