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

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

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

For links to the most current agendas for the BOCC meeting and the Planning Study Sessions, scroll to the end of the BOCC notes section.
We need video volunteers!  It's easy- all you need is a smart phone or other device that can connect to a WiFi signal.  We'll show you how.  Click on the button below to let us know when you are available and we will contact you.
Upcoming Public Hearings (Location is Commissioner's Hearing Room):  
June 24th, 2019 1:30 pm: Study session to discuss proposed gravel pit in Lower Methow Valley.
July 8th, 2019 1:30 pm: Public hearing regarding proposed gravel pit in Lower Methow Valley.
July 9, 2019 (after Public health meeting): hearing on proposed sales tax for Communications.
July 15, 2019 1:30 pm: Public hearing regarding interim ordinance 2019-10 (zoning changes regarding minimum lot size in the lower Methow Valley)

The Okanogan County Auditor updates the budget numbers monthly and puts them on the County Website.  Click here to check out how your money is being spent.

BOCC Notes

Recent BOCC meeting notes are posted below, along with a short summary of what was discussed.  For older notes, click on Archived Notes tab above.  Click here for a list of acronyms and County Personnel.
BOCC meeting 6/17/19.  Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.
ordinance.amend17a.400.120.mitigation.051719.docx
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resolution.wria48.exemptwellpolicies.061319.docx
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01:44 Meeting begins. Public hearing on interim Ordinance 2019-009 (multi-family residences)
10:00 Public testimony from Melanie Rowland representing the Methow Valley Citizens Council. (Unfortunately the video skips at this point and the complete testimony is not audible.)
11:20 Discussion about changing the language in OCC 17A.400.120 to allow for more mitigation options for providing water to areas where it is limited. (See document in the left column. NOTE: THIS IS A DRAFT - NOT A FINAL DOCUMENT).
1:06:00 Discussion about how to provide public with a document that will show what the County's policies are on exemp wells in WRIA 48 (Methow Valley). (See document in the left column. NOTE: THIS IS A DRAFT - NOT A FINAL DOCUMENT).
1:53:50 Tonasket EMS audit
1:57:50 Discussion about proposed gravel pit near town of Methow. Community meeting was requested in the area to allow more participation from local citizens.
2:12:20 M-Tank ceiling project update
2:13:30 Comprehensive plan update
2:15:00 WRIA 49 planning group update
​2:16:00 Code enforcement update (cannabis farm, salvage yard, lower Methow- the video skps at this point and some fo the audio is lost). 2:22:15 Perry Huston talks about need for addressing lot size in neighborhood commercial zone (with respect to Comp plan).
bocc_notes_6-11-19.pdf
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Civil Attorney: Cemetery District, Public Record requests, Assessor information request, SB 497 – Economy & Immigrant Workplace Act (Sanctuary State law), French Creek materials, Federal class action suit; Fair Events: Revised Fee Schedule, Fair Advisory Committee, Registrations & Contracts, Superintendents “barns” – Home Ec & Arts, Career Fair at Agriplex, Complaints on Agriplex event, Used floor scrubber; Admin & Fair Maintenance: M-Tank Beeman Contract, Mine exploration, Planning Commission; BOCC Exec. Secretary, HR & Risk Management: HR position, Sheriff at Brewster, Jail trying to fill a medical position; BOCC Exec. Secretary, Miscellaneous Business; Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Wood Stove buy-back, 6-Year Trans. Improvement Program, Statler Bridge, Hwy 7, Tonasket Bridge north, OCOG, Similkameen Trail, Fairgrounds 5 CY dump truck, Road Side Hazard contract, Arena/Track; Public Health: Board of Health member has resigned, DCYF Contract, Update to Public Health software, Community Health Update, Environment, Water issues – Cisterns; Miscellaneous Business, County ID Card Policy, Study Session, Miscellaneous Business, Cattle Guard franchise.
bocc_notes_6-10-19.pdf
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study_session_notice-lower_methow_gravel_pit.doc
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notice_of_pub_hearing-_lower_methow_gravel_pit.doc
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purchase___sale_agreement-gravel_pit.pdf
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ordinance_2019-10_lower_methow_zoning_change.pdf
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M Tank Ceiling Project: Revised contract with the architectural firm discussion of additional tasks (bid package preparation, review of bids and inspection of materials and workmanship).  The commissioners approve the contract. 
Purchase and Sale Agreement:  The county is purchasing property in the Lower Methow Valley to use as a gravel pit.  (See notices posted to the left). PH reports that 478 postcards for notification are prepared and ready to send out at the commissioners’ direction (to nearby residents). Discussion of public meeting on the proposed gravel pit.  The commissioners agree on a study session, to be held on the 24th. 
Lake Management District #1: The commissioners act as a board of equalization for the Lake Management District #1.  They discussed how to discharge that duty.
Water Availability Study Areas Mitigation Language:
The commissioners had a lengthy discussion with PH, DH and Di regarding the confusion over the legalities of building homes in closed basins. The Department of Ecology has been providing inconsistent information about what is permissible.  CB advocated for declaring the county’s approach in a position paper, prioritizing 1) allowing existing wells to be used for domestic water supply, 2) supporting municipalities’ acquisition of water for future development and 3) pursuing a means of allowing development of existing lots. AH agrees.  The potential for using cisterns was discussed; there are complications with the Department of Health policies.
Code Enforcement: PH has recently issued stop work orders at two locations.  AH asks about changing code violations to a civil infraction. DHi noted that current practices waste a lot of time and expressed the opinion that recording penalties against the property title is an effective solution; PH agrees.  
WRIA 49 Update: The Watershed Planning Unit intends to ask for money for an assessment model to identify which basins give the ‘biggest bang for the buck’ (presumably for mitigation activities).  The Planning Unit has a vacancy due to a recent resignation.
Interim Ordinance Changing R1 Zoning to R5 Zoning in the Lower Methow Valley: PH presents an ordinance establishing interim controls to change R1 zoning to R5 zoning in the lower Methow Valley.  The commissioners unanimously approve it.  A public hearing will be scheduled. (Copy of ordinance is posted in the column to the left).
bocc_notes_6-3-19.pdf
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tCivil Attorney: Auditor letter of current litigation & suits, Jail – Safe Harbors – Immigrants in the workforce - new law, French Creek; Fair Events: Fee schedule, Progress on the track/arena; Admin & Fair Maintenance: Arena/Track, Workers having issues getting started, Replacement dump truck, Agriplex lighting options; Planning & Admin: Similkameen trail culvert cleanout, Maintenance rock in Methow, Beeman contract for the M-tank contract, VSP contract from DOE, 2 enforcements, DOE, Purchase of a County tax foreclosure; HR & Risk Management: HR position - 15 applicants, Possible signage at Solid Waste; Communications/Dispatch:Draft resolution for a Fall sales tax vote. Wording for ballot proposition, Advisory Committee by-laws, Staffing, No exit interview process; Sheriff: Car fire in the Aeneas Valley; Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Similkameen Trail, Fairgrounds 5 CY Dump Truck, WSDOT US-97 Omak area study, Road Log Update, Searchable access County minutes, USDA grant money (Arena/Track); Public Comment: none; Treatment Services Manager& Therapeutic Ct. Mgr.; Washington Association of Counties update.
bocc_notes_05-28-19.pdf
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Pledge of Allegiance; FPA (Forest Practices Application) in the Methow Valley; Planning & Admin: M-tank contract for ceiling, Supplemental budget for Planning Dept, WRIA & Aspect Consulting; Admin & Fair Grounds Maintenance: Fair maintenance employee, Outside lights at the Agriplex; Fair Events: Billboard location, Fee Schedule changes recommendations; Civil Attorney: Immigration holds, Noxious Weeds warrants to inspect, Interlocal for the County take on the Tonasket Municipal Ct. cases, Listing of various lawsuits & legal actions, Microwave network, FPA & County Shoreline Management; HR & Risk Management: Fair Maintenance & Veterans positions, HR assistant position, Resignation in Dispatch, Draft contract for OBHC, FPA & County Shoreline Management, Building Dept Budget example; Alta Vista Irrigation & City of Okanogan Improvement Project; Supplemental Appropriation for Noxious Weeds; Public Works: Arena/Racetrack, Maintenance & Roads, Solid Waste, Fairgrounds – 5 CY dump truck, FEMA 2014 & 2015 PW cost closeout, Federal safety call for projects, Audit on the ER & R; Review of Chewuch FPA application; Public Comment – None; Public Hearing – CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) Planning Only Grant; Public Hearing – CDBG General Purpose Grant; OBHC Coordination Presentation.
bocc_notes_05-21-19.pdf
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Civil Attorney: Treasurer office on a tax foreclosure, Clerk’s Office on serving of search warrants, Tonasket recall, Document research and FOIA requests; Fair Events: Changes for State Grange, Arena; Admin & Fair Grds Maintenance: Used floor scrubber, Compressor over the Jail, Heat pump replace over Planning and Building Dept, Fair maintenance temp jobs, Increase business at the Fair; Planning & Admin: Architectural fee – M-Tank, OTID Water Bank, Champerty Shores, Planning Commission; Finance Committee: Cash on hand & Investment balance, Planning Dept. at negative revenue, Revenue & Expenses, Fiscal Year projections, Fair Events use of credit card, State Auditor’s Office audit, Champerty Shores Local Improvement District; Hot Asphalt Bid #9140-07 Public Works, New Cattle Guard Franchise, County Wide Road Hazard Removal, Carlton-Twisp Road Speed Limit Petition, Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, ER & R maintenance, Fairgrounds track; Public Comment – none; Central Services: Server update process, Security audit, PC updates, Patrol Car laptops, Telephone, Fiber to Public Works start date is July 8, Wireless; HR & Risk Management: HR Assistant Job Description, Temp positions - Fair, Department of Corrections Inmate Housing Agreement State prisoners - Felons on probation who have committed a probation violation; Noxious Weeds: Public Hearing for Supplemental. No Quorum, rescheduled. Will be continued to May 28 @ 10:45; Building Dept:State Auditor ruling, Wage & expenses are low; Dispatch: Communication Sales Tax Review, Public Hearing July 9;  Approve BOCC Proceedings 4/29-30 & 5/6-7, Approve Consent Agenda.
BOCC meeting 5/20/19.  Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.
bocc_5-20-19_draft_ordinance_wasa.pdf
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bocc_5-20-19_wolf_letter.pdf
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bocc_5-20-19_draft_ordinance_multi-family_structures.pdf
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lower_methow_maps_and_parcel_info.pdf
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The general topics covered are outlined below. To go directly to the topic you are interested in, click on the time stamp next to it. When possible, we have obtained copies of the documents that are being discussed - they are posted to the left of this outline. 01:30 - Public hearing on OCC17A.400 (Water Availability Study Areas). Commissioners vote to amend and then adopt the interim ordinance. (document posted in left column) 
10:05 - Discussion of proposed new paragraph 6 under OCC17A.400.130 (D).
39:00 - Discussion about timeline for Planning Commission review of proposed language
43:00 - Review of letter written for BOCC by Planning Director Perry Huston regarding de-listing of wolves. (Copy posted in left column)
46:20 - Discussion of Comprehensive Plan, and the difference between theoretical development potential, and actual development.
53:10 - Discussion about confusing County Code regarding multi-family dwellings. Perry Huston presents proposed ordinance for interim amendments to various sections of Code. Ordinance adopted by BOCC, Public hearing tentatively scheduled for June 17 at 1:30 pm. (document posted in left column).
1:12:00 - Discussion of WRIA 48 and 49, and the differences between the two. It is noted that part of WRIA 48 (Methow Valley) has different zoning than the rest. Perry Huston informs BOCC that he has started preparing an interim ordinance to change zoning in the lower Methow Valley (outside the Methow Review District) to 5 acre minimums. BOCC instructs him to finalize the document and bring to them for review.  (documents posted in left column)
1:33:30 - Parry Huston updates BOCC on WRIA 49 tech advisory committee. They will be presenting a report to WRIA 49 group at next meeting on June 6.
1:38:25 - Update on code enforcement: Salvage yard in north county, Poorman Creek Rd in Methow Valley.
1:46:25 - Update on M Tank Ceiling project
1:47:10 - Update on Champerty Shores sewer project and Local Improvement district.
2:01:00 - Discussion of need to change County Code to clean up old language regarding change from Weed Districts to Noxious Weed Board.
2:04:00 - brief mention of Oroville EMS levy and Communications Sales Tax
bocc_notes_05-13-19.pdf
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RFQ – M Tank Ceiling- The commissioners review submissions for the Request for Qualifications issued for the M Tank Ceiling project.  
WRIA 49 watershed plan update - Okanogan Conservation District facilitator for the watershed planning unit suggests that three individuals be added to the technical advisory committee and is asking the county to agree. 
Code Enforcement- PH briefs the commissioners on a code violation and stop work order within the shoreline zone of the Twisp River.  
Non-scheduled subject: privately installed gate on an existing road- PH describes a newly-installed gate on private property along an existing road.  
Non-scheduled subject: proposed amendments (interim controls) to the Zoning Code's density provisions for R-1 (17A.40.060)
PH presents a draft of proposed revisions to the Density ordinance that would establish interim controls reducing allowed density of development on lots currently zoned for ‘up to 5 multi-family dwellings per acre. 
bocc_notes_5-7-19.pdf
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Civil Attorney: Canvassing certification, Another Tonasket Recall, Property tax foreclosure; Fair Events: Fair rental payment, RV payment envelope, Billboard location, repairs need, Community Service; Admin. & Fair Grounds Maintenance: Planning Dept. HVAC, Compressor at Court House, Used floor scrubber; Planning & Admin: Risk Pool discussion & Volker letter on Comp. Plan in Executive Session 110.1 (i); HR & Risk Management: LRI institute, Potential Counselor position, Therapeutic Ct. discussion, NCIData Fiber contract, Jail Services for cities; Public Works Utility Franchise, Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Tonasket City easement, WTC field trip & Public Hearing to May 23rrd, Box culvert on Salmon Creek, Survey contract, Levee rebuild near Twisp, Elmway levee, Oroville EMS levy, Fairgrounds track materials; No Public Comment, BOCC Clerk): Temporary Veteran’s position, Extension Office manager; WDFW – Regional Director Jim Brown: Wolf Management Policy Comment Protocol, 3 Processes- Periodic Status review, Possible moving of animals, Post-Delisting Management; Lack of knowledge and effort outside the NE & NC Washington, Budget issues.
BOCC meeting 5/6/19.  Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.
5-6-2019_home_away_letter.pdf
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5-6-19_occac_board_report.pdf
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The topics discussed are outlined below, along with the time that they occur in the video. Click on the time to go directly to that topic.
4:15 Perry Huston introduces two topics to be added to the agenda: 1. A letter received from HomeAway.com, Inc., concerning nightly rentals in Okanogan County. (NOTE: A copy of this letter is posted to the left of this column) 2. Tonasket EMS monthly voucher.
4:55 Commissioners convene as the Tonasket EMS Governing Body. They approve the monthly voucher.
6:01 Reconvene as BOCC.
6:15 WRIA 49 (Okanogan River) Continuing to work on the buildable lands analysis.
17:04 Discussion of R-1, R-5 & R-20 zoning
20:50 Discussion about transferring water rights and the ramifications 36:50 Exempt segregations and Large Lot Subdivisions. Discussion of rules of subdividing large lots. Commissioners refer to RCW 58.17.040, 58.17.030, (which can be found here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.as... ) and Okanogan County Code 16.24.020 (found here: https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Oka... ) At 1:05:30, Perry Huston asks if the Commissioners see value in having processes on the books by which land owners can subdivide property and not prove up on water, roads, etc.
1:24:20 Brief discussion of the M tank Ceiling project.
1:24:27 Discussion returns to Exempt segregations.
1:47:20 Binding Site Plans Discussion of RCW 58.17.035—Alternative methods of land division—Binding Site Plans. https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.as... 1:54:00 Comprehensive Plan update.
1:56:30 Planning Department Budget
1:58:40 Noxious weeds
2:00:05 Okanogan Housing Authority National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
2:07:31 Champerty Shores HOA and sewer extension
2:11:03 Mitigation Strategies
2:20:45 Okanogan County Community Action Council. Quarterly update by Lael Duncan, OCCAC Executive Director. (NOTE: a copy of the report is posted to the left.)
​2:35:20 Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB). Request for planning grant for Broadband planning action.
​At 3:08:58 Clerk Lanie Johns summarizes the discussion and the motion passed by the Commissioners supporting the grant request
bocc_notes_4-30-19.pdf
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Fair Events: WorkSource person, Gate Ticket Group - RFP or RFQ, 75thFair Anniversary, “Training” Opportunity for Public Works; Admin & Fair Grounds Maintenance: Fair Arena and Track, HVAC unit; Planning & Admin: NOTHING!; BOCC Executive Secretary: NECOG meeting arrangements; Assessor’sOffice: Replacement software for the iPads, State PILT bill, Zone 4 - greater Oroville Area for re-assessment; HR & Risk:  Conflict of Interest Policy for elected officials, Full State PILT, Payment for jail services, Looking at Jail usage; Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, WTC Tour May 14-15, OCOG Mainstreet Hwy Study consultant contract, 2019 Federal Safety funds, Fairgrounds Track, Primitive Roads Resolution, Wood Chipper (Solid Waste); Citizen Comment: Vern Hirst – thanking the BOCC for opening more ATV, WATV routes; Supplemental Appropriation: Assessor’s Office; Therapeutic Courts Services Contract – OBHC, Maintenance Tech Position (Fairgrounds).
BOCC meeting 4/29/19.  Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.
bocc_4-29-19_supporting_documents.pdf
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4-29-19_parcels_by_basins.pdf
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2018-02_26_methow_reaches.pdf
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2019-01-15_methow_groundwater_restricted_areas.pdf
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2019-005_water_availability_study_areas.pdf
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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.
05:00 Public Hearing - Amendment to OCC17A.400.130 Water Availability Study Areas. Planning Director Perry Huston reviews the issues to be decided by this hearing. NOTE: THE DOCUMENTS THAT ARE BEING DISCUSSED ARE TO THE LEFT OF THIS COLUMN.
26:40 Testimony from Harry Burkholder and Deanna Melton 42:15 Public testimony ends. BOCC and Perry Huston continue to discuss the Water Availability Study Areas. Decide to continue the Public hearing at their May 20th meeting. Written comments can be submitted until then.
53:40 Mitigation strategies discussion. Discussions with WA State DOE concerning mitigation strategies with respect to bringing water from outside restricted areas.
58:10 Exempt Segregations and Large Lot Subdivisions. Planning Director dicsusses requirements to primitive roads that change when there is more than 100 Average Daily Travels (ADTs) Discussion shifts to recently passed WA STate legislation
1:28:46 Discussion of Senate Bill 1798 - Short Term Rentals. Text of Bill can be found at http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/bienniu...
1:44:09 - Discussion of Senate Bill 5383 - Tiny House Existing restricted plans. Text of Bill can be found at : http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/bienniu...
1:58:00 - Discussion of Senate Bill 5284 - Smoke Detector Requirement Local enforcement. Text of bill can be found at http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/bienniu...
2:01:03 - Comprehensive plan update.
bocc_notes_4-23-19.pdf
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Therapeutic Court discussion; Civil Attorney: Liability limitations on Equine activity, Horse Racing liability statute, Easement at the junction of Hwy 97 & 20; BOCC Admin Clerk: Jim Zach, Potts & Assoc., Legislative Update; Fair Events: Summer temp, Fair billboard, PUD & Fairgrounds arena work; Planning & Admin: PC meeting, Nightly Rental letters, Water availability study; Executive Session: BOCC, PH & DG. Pending potential litigation; Central Services: Line of sight issues at Fair Grounds, Upcoming retirement; Public Works: Recent hire of M2 Driver/mechanic position, DoT tour – May 14, Road & Maintenance, Network Connection, Office Manager position; WATV routes / SHB 1028, Edelweiss sewer, STP funding, Discussion of Hwy 97/20 old state pit; Forest Health Collaborative, Public Comment: GT comment on PC workload; Noxious Weeds:Summer Temps, Field Safety training, Basic First Aid, Weed ID day, Supplemental budget request, Weed control on any body of water, County Code on Weeds; Miscellaneous Business: Nutrient Ag Solutions - Credit Application, Approve Consent Agenda, Signing authority to Finance Manager Supervisor, Fiber line contract.
bocc_notes_4-16-19.pdf
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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
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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
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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
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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
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2019-005_water_availability_study_areas.pdf
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Civil Attorney: Pateros for police activities, Building inspection agreements, Dispersal of funds for Domestic Violence services, Medical for furloughed inmates, Possible dog ordinance, TV District; Fair Events:  Thursday FAC meeting, 2019 Camp Host position, Rover Pass, Listing of FAC obligations, Commercial Building; Admin & Fair Grounds Maintenance: Contract for Juvenile & Admin sewer, Irrigation system at the Fair Grounds; Freedom Foundation: Request for appointment to discuss open union negotiations; HR & Risk Management: Need for County offices to have AED, First Aid and Stop Major Bleeding kits; Auditor: Changes in an enterprise fund, L & I rates, Clerk position (licensing & recording of documents), Legislature – current bills, Contingency Reserve; Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Consultant selections, WSACE discussions, Similkameen Trail, Open Jobs & Employment; Public Health: Introductions, Group A systems, Resolution for State to provide foundation funds, Financial Report, Community Health Report, Environmental Health Report; Informal discussion on salary commissions, Public Hearing on supplemental budget adjustment, Consent Agenda, Public Comment & Call-in: None
bocc_notes_03-11-19.pdf
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Nightly rentals licensing update; WRIA 49 Watershed Plan Update.
bocc_notes_3-6-2019.pdf
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Civil Attorney: Building Inspector - contracts for services, Pateros for Police services, FutureWise Meeting, Reviewing documents, Tonasket recall hearing; Fair Events: Summer temporary position, looks busier than last year, Long term priorities, Old race track material; BOCC Clerk: Update printer for the office; Admin & Fair Maintenance: Getting ready for summer, Juvenile Sewer repair low bidder; Planning & Admin: Veranda Beach road controversy, Cabin on the river; HR & Risk: Tonasket Law Enforcement Agreement, Criminal Justice billings, Jail Bunk beds, Solid Waste LOA, Risk Pool and Sheriff’s Office, Risk Pool Conference; Public Works: Maintenance & Roads, Network Connection, WATV routes & signage, Capital Facilities Plan, Levee Repairs, M2 truck driver, Wages for SW temp. employees, Similkameen Trail; Miscellaneous: Discussion of cougars, Opportunity for a shared planning position, Emergency Services Organization, Quarterly meeting of NE Counties; Emergency Manager position; Public Comment: GT - Corrections Officer, TV District, Encouraging County support; Miscellaneous
BOCC meeting 3/4/19.  Available for viewing on our YouTube channel.
This video is best heard through headphones on your device. There are occasional skips in the audio at the beginning, which we apologize for. The wireless signal is inconsistent and causes this to happen from time to time. The topics covered are listed below, with the time stamp of when they begin. Click on the time stamp associated with the topic you are interested in to go directly to that point in the video.
07:00 - Discussion/debate regarding permit exempt wells/water issues: Group B v. Class A; Restriction to indoor watering only, as mitigation; RCW 90.44.050; AG Opinion 2005 Nov. 17-18; Campbell-Gwynn; WAC 246-291.005; WAC 173-548-030 (Lower, Middle, Upper Methow.) Definition of single domestic; Consumptive use (definition). Local Review, Permit, Fees.
1:27:26 - WRIA 49. Facilitator contract, Planning Unit members roster, Appointment letters.
1:27:50 - WRIA 49 Grant funding agreement-review resolution. More on water.
1:48:00 Comp Plan Update. Expected before Planning Commission in April, introduce in March. Primitive lands analysis - cite or “fold in.” 1:49:40 - IGA with Colvilles, Archeological Resources Project Review 1:52:15 - LUPA Legislation: Publishing notice under state law: water quality in subdivisions
1:53:43 - Planning Short Course offered
1:55:20 - Tonasket EMS Resolution, Presentation, Contract
1:57:20 - Champerty Shores Sewage
1:57:44 - Planning Director's Absence, 3/11-3/15/19. 3/11 Air B&B, Nightly rentals presentation; investigating Okanogan Valley also; impacts upon affordable housing, tourism tax to affordable housing possible?
2:07:06 - Formalizing LUPA requirements:Notice - Pub Health requirements for water qual. in subdivisions.
​2:14:00 - (Not on Agenda) Scoping Response
For previous minutes from 2019 go to the Archived Notes page.
Commissioners Agenda
To access the most current agenda for BOCC meetings, click ​here.

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

Our County Commissioners

(Click here to view a map that shows the Okanogan County Districts.)
To view a list of Commissioner districts by voting precinct, click here. (This list is current as of 2011 - some precincts may have been consolidated since then, but it is the most accurate we have at this time.)
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Jim DeTro, Chair
Represents District 3 (Northeast Okanogan County)
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Chris Branch, Vice-Chair
Represents District 1 (Southeast Okanogan County)
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Andy Hover
Represents District 2  (West Okanogan County)
The Commissioners hearing room is located at 123 5th Ave, Room 150, Okanogan, WA 98840
Copyright © 2018