Okanogan County Commissioners' Meetings Notes

• Executive Session under 42.30.110.1.i for Potential Litigation with Civil Deputy, HR/Risk Manager for 10 minutes

• BOCC recognizes newly organized Union (removing them from the Teamsters Union) for Sheriffs Dispatchers

• Board considers letter of support/partnership with Pacific Northwest Trails Assn.

• Finance Committee Discussion: end of year -going into 2025 budget. State Audit to do exit conference before the end of the month.

• Sheriff’s Communication Center Director: all positions are currently filled, budgeting for purchase of dual band capable radios for Sheriff’s Office and other departments this is a $2.3 - $2.5 million purchase. BOCC approves Resolution 180-2024.

• Board discusses the zone code hearing comments: water availability, Conditional Use Permits for churches, some things have been in code over 30 years, and how much Planning Department can actually assist customers.

• Solid Waste Program should be available for review in 2025; Green waste program going well. Solid Waste has been awarded a $1.19 million grant, but more information is needed.

• Public Works Update: Still waiting on heaters for shops. Siding is nearly complete. We've gotten an exemption to buying electric for plow trucks – not sure for how long. Not using much overtime.

• Executive Session under 42.30.110.i, Potential litigation inviting Civil Deputy, Solid Waste Manager, County Engineer.

• 11:46 Recess for Lunch

• Ecology air quality planner says Okanogan being monitored for compliance of new particle standards, is optimistic end-of-year data will bring county down into “attainment” category; feedback to the standard requested, public hearing December 10th, 4PM; Link to on line public hearing: https://ecology.wa.gov/events/aq/state-implementation-plans/pm25-recommendation-public-hearing-12-10-24. Written comments due by Dec 13, at 11:59 PM. Woodstoves slowly being exchanged for certified stoves but vendors in short supply; citizen complains about orchard burning during burn bans, is told Okanogan is more compliant with restrictions than other counties

• ARPA funds approved for Tunk Mt. fire hardening ($42,984) and Indigent Defense ($15,500)

• Tonasket ranger reports: - Mt. Hull timber sales of 45M board feet winding up this winter, ranger explains criteria for trees left uncut - forest relatively “unscathed” by wildfires, none over 10 acres, longer window for prescribed burns needed - Budget- plagued Forest Service no longer hiring temporary workers - Colville Forest leading nation for timber volume removed - better communication needed for prescribed burns - $300,000 in Title II funds received for road maintenance and snow plowing of access to sno-parks and for removal of abandoned vehicles and noxious weeds

• Meeting adjourns at 4:08

• The commissioners hear routine updates from Nick Bates, Fairgrounds Manager, Mike Worden, Count Dispatch Center, Maurice Goodall, Emergency Management, and Tim Meadows, Maintenance Supervisor.

• Pete Palmer, Planning Director, and the commissioners talk about preparations for tonight’s hearing about the zone code changes. Comments will be limited to three minutes and attendees will not be allowed to donate their time to others.

• The commissioners adopt two new sections to the Okanogan County Code. They then discuss potential changes in the zone code to change violations from misdemeanors to civil infractions. Commissioner Hover and former commissioner Sheilah (Kennedy) Delfeld engage in a dialogue about this topic. Commissioner Branch emphasizes the importance of countering mis- and disinformation.

• Commissioners discuss again how they will run the hearing. They won’t answer questions posed by people commenting, and they’ll wait until all the comments are heard before discussing it among themselves. They all feel former Commissioner DeTro ran hearings very well.

• Commissioners, Esther Milner, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor, and Shelley Keitzman, Human Resources and Risk Management, discuss creating an in-house group for Public Defenders instead of contracting out. They decide to adopt a Public Defender District modeled after similar districts in Douglas and other counties. They also decide to move forward with updating communications technology in the court rooms.

• Meeting recesses at 2:41. Commissioners will meet again at 5:00 PM at the Agriplex for the zone code change hearing.

12-2-2024 5PM BOCC Public Hearing on Okanogan County Zone Code Revisions.

• Commissioners held a hearing on Monday evening at the Agriplex to hear testimony concerning the recent changes proposed to the county’s zone code.

• Approximately 80 people attended, with 36 giving testimony.

• People from both the east and west sides of the county spoke.

• The commissioners will discuss later in the month how they will react what they heard at the hearing.

• Discussion on zoning codes: need for flexibility, violations as infractions, notmisdemeanors; Commissioner Hover suggests working group to refine ridge topbuilding and night skies ordinances.

• Juvenile court now fully staffed, physician’s assistant or doctor should replace nurse because of complexity of cases; new cameras planned

• Corrections chief approached about $90,000 released prisoners are supposed to pay but don’t for electronic home monitoring; Hover seeks to reduce this cost

• Resolutions approved to - fill Prosecutor’s $100,000 budget gap mainly due to hiring outside defense lawyers - convert two sheriff’s deputies formerly patrolling Tonasket to field deputies - combine two therapeutic court positions - amend homeless encampment clean-up policy - grant reduction on Agriplex rental for Okanogan High School’s play-off practices

• Commissioner Branch shares discussion with Chelan commissioner on need for evaluation and treatment center, recommends use of bond money to hire county administrator, is preparing for his successors in-depth list of organizations he participates in; short discussion on problems of today’s youth

• No Public Comment

• County Assessor: Next Monday, Dec 2, is certification of levies for Junior Districts, 11 of Board of Equalization appeals went on to the State Board of Appeals – more than normal, staffing changes/retirements, assessed values are closer ratio to market value, looking into changing mapping software,

• Sheriff’s Office, Civil Deputy, and County Engineer: Discuss draft policy for cleanup of homeless encampments. Storage & property retrieval problems outlined. Policy does not cover vehicles. Civil Deputy utilized Spokane's policy for a guideline.

• Public Works: maintenance and road conditions; several complaints due to the deep slush after last week’s storm followed by warm temps. Shops utilizing temporary electric heaters – need to adjust/negotiate contractual agreements, continued difficulty with truck purchases within state guidelines of purchasing electric, DOT looking at new wildlife crossings.

• Lunch recess at 11:35

• About a dozen people attend the meeting to make public comments. They would like the commissioners’ Zone Code public hearing, scheduled for Monday, Dec. 2 at 5:00 PM, moved to a different date and time. They suggest March 25. They are also unhappy with the change to a minimum lot size of 160 acres in the Tunk Vally that the commissioners made in 2023. The one-hour exchange between the commenters and the commissioners is sometimes contentious. The commissioners do not reschedule the meeting.

• The commissioners hold budget study sessions for two budgets involving the Homeless Housing Coalition.

• The commissioners review the Economic Alliance’s 2024 project prioritization list.

• In the afternoon, the commissioners hold a public hearing to discuss proposed procedural amendments to the Okanogan County Code.

• Meeting adjourned at 2:07

The commissioners hear routine updates from Nick Bates, the Fairgrounds Manager, Maurice Goodall, Emergency Management and Tim Meadows, Maintenance Supervisor. Bates describes the arrangements for the Commissioners’ public hearing regarding the Zoning Code at the Agriplex on Monday Dec. 2 at 5:00 

• Pete Palmer, Planning Director, tells the commissioners that the Zone Code update has received over 130 public comments, mostly from the Methow Valley. The Commissioners' will hear more comments at its Dec. 2 meeting at the Agriplex. Also, Planning has learned of a new grant source that could be used for flood hazard management. 

• Shelley Keitzman has prepared resolutions for raises in salaries for various exempt and non-exempt county employees and elected officials. Many of the raises are required by law. Also, Keitzman, Esther Milner, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor, and Commissioner Hover will meet on Dec. 2 to discuss plans for hiring Public Defenders instead of contracting for their services. The contract the county currently operates under expires on Dec. 31. 

• Commissioners hold Budget Work Sessions for the Auditor’s and Treasurer’s Offices. 

• Meeting adjourned at 12:54.

• Prosecutor’s office budget review: - Of $100,000 in law books, all but $3,000 is foronline subscriptions - Lengthy discussion on state decreasing defense funding, people should pay their share, lawyers testified before Supreme Court against new rule to radically decrease defenders’ caseloads - Commissioner Hover gets positive feedback on county having “in house” defense lawyers like most counties do - IT upgrades should enable doing more legal work remotely

• Noxious Weeds budget reflects savings on 2024 treatments, new office technician post, planned equipment and vehicle replacement

• Search and Rescue too dependent on volunteers, does rescues for bordering counties, !00% recreational rescues non-local; coordinator candidate ready, pending board’s approval; Commissioner Hover announces county’s budget deficit at around $600,000 but supports maintaining SAR staff, Branch supports funding separately from sheriff’s office, discussion to be continued

• Meeting adjourned at 5:17

• Executive Session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(iii) Risk of Proposed Action with HR/Risk Manager, Civil Deputy, Sheriff’s staff.

• No Public Comment

• Budgeting Session with Treasurer, Auditor, and Finance Manager for the Extension Office

• Approval of County pass through grant application for Economic Alliance up to $250,000 for a 3-year time period.

• Update from County Auditor: 83% turnout with lines of voters in person, election to certify on November 26th, overall County Election went well. There are problems with the new MUNIS computer program – unable to start payroll on January 1, 2025; will extend timeline.

• Public Works update by County Engineer: Crews are back to 5-day x 8 hrs. schedule. Board approves SnoPark plowing (in conjuction with State Parks) for Crawfish Lake and Harts Pass (State not doing it this year)

• Board planning for meeting with Carolan (contractor for Opioid monies) to determine appropriate projects for this funding.

• Meeting adjourned at 11:34

• Veterans Services budget discussed, Emergency management budget approved

• Commissioner Branch presents detailed opioid abatement program proposal to submit to Opioid Council for receipt of settlement funds, Commissioner Hover prioritizes funding existing county programs with these in hopes of shoring up county’s $400,000 budget shortfall, intense discussion ensues

• District Court judge seeks funds for probation officers and drug testing; few probation officer fees or traffic fines coming in; could drug tests be done with coroner’s Randox machine? Commissioner Hover wonders about having a traffic officer, and using opioid settlement funds toward probation officer salaries; discussion on high cost of electronic home monitoring devices people should pay for themselves but can’t

• Law book budget allocated $15,000; even paperbacks cost up to $1,200 each. Commissioner Branch likens this to monopolies held by land lines.

• Long lines for voting in auditor’s office suggest some mistrust in state’s long-time mail-in voting system

• Public controversy over sheriff vehicle “wrap” featuring tribute to veterans

• Meeting adjourned at 4:51

• No Public Comment

• Sheriff’s Dispatch Deputy/Communications officer to update on the Sheriff/Coroner storage new building: 1. Working with the Contractor, Halme and needs to clarify limited authority to make decisions on possible contract changes as they occur, BOCC approve immediate authority to Mike Worden, Communications Office and the BOCC Chair. 2. Discussion on parcel land swap with the City of Okanogan – will need to communicate with the City Planner, Chris Johnson.

• Building Department Manager, Dan Higbee updates on new fee schedule for construction permits. Board members have ideas for simplifying the schedule.

• Update from the West-East Design Group (Consultant)regarding the Homeless Housing Plan. Staff plan to be here for 2 weeks gathering information; from schools, community members, OBHC, Homeless Coalition, and other partners. The first phase should be completed by December 2024. First Draft by March 2025, with final draft June 2025. This is funded by a Department of Commerce Grant. Work to be completed by December 2025.

• Public Works Update by County Engineer, Josh Thomson: Bid for roofing and siding on Public Works building approved. We have a draft policy on dealing with homeless sites/clean-up. Last Wednesday, Public Works cleaned up a homeless camp after the Sheriff gave 72 hours notice to the occupants. This was under Hwy 7 Bridge in Oroville. It took 2 dump truck loads to the dump. An official policy is being created for this. Public Works still needing to purchase a 3rd truck and water truck but was waiting to be able to buy diesel, rather than electric. An electric vehicle might be able to be used at the Dump. Engineer reports there are 2 sno-parks that are not going to be groomed by the State Parks Grant; Crawfish Lake and Harts Pass.

• The meeting adjourned until PM @ 11:30.

• Commissioners hold an execute session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for 15 minutes to discuss ongoing litigation. Esther Milner, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor and Shelley Keitzman, Human Resources and Risk Management, are invited.

• Nick Bates, Fairgrounds Manager, updates the commissioners on the flooding at the Agriplex. He thinks it can be fixed for less than $5,000.

• Pete Palmer, Planning Director, tells the commissioners that the Public Health Department will no longer issue an Overnight Transient Accommodation permit, and so the County Code should be changed so that the permit isn’t required for Nightly Rentals. They decide to consult with Esther Milner about the best way to make the change.

• Susan Speiker, Superior Court Clerk, tells the commissioners of an “event” which caused the Washington State Court System to decide to go off-line for possibly a week.

• Commissioners held budget sessions for Superior Court, Juvenile Court, the Coroner’s Office, and Facility Maintenance.

• Meeting adjourned for the day at 4:07.

• No Public Comment

• Economic Alliance Director requests County to sponsor grant application for technical assistance grant – Board to wait until Commissioner Hover is in attendance to make this decision.  A consultant will be talking with community leaders utilizing town halls. Grant discussion.

• HR/Risk Manager reports wage increase requests from the Sheriff’s Office and Public Works. Department of Enterprise Services contacted about energy audit. $25,000 - $75,000 estimate

• Approved utility franchise to Ziply Fiber

• Public Works update: Dec 3 informational discussion with EPA; Homeless encampment cleanup efforts-Hwy 7 bridge and Similkameen Trail.

• Adjourn at 12:25

• Public Comment: Ruth Hall asks about the County Burn Ban. It is expected to be lifted at 12:01 am this Friday the 25thof October.

• On Zoom discussion with Aero Methow/Methow Valley Emergency Management Services (EMS) District, the Town of Twisp, and the Town of Winthrop to discuss how best to handle money from levies and for towns to possibly contract directly with the EMS/Aero Methow, rather than continue to go through the County.

• Public Works update from County Engineer

• Beginning discussion of a proposed ordinance to manage homeless encampments including the Sheriff’s staff, Civil Deputy, County Engineer, and HR/Risk Manager. More discussions to follow on making policy. Currently, an encampment needs to be cleaned up in Oroville.

• BOCC approves the Tonasket and Methow Valley EMS Districts budgets.

• Adjourn at 11:59. BOCC to meet tomorrow, Wednesday starting at 10:00 for budgeting sessions.

• Ms. Jackson comments about a private road being damaged by a heavy school bus. The commissioners offer several solutions.

• Pete Plamer, Director of Planning, Gene Wyllson, GIS Coordinator, and the commissioners discuss the zoning map and try to figure out a way to make it easier to read. Gene will try using different colors so that similar colors aren’t used for contiguous zones.

• Commissioners discuss the 2025 budget for the Building Department. Wages have risen rapidly, while building inspection fees haven’t risen in years. The commissioners want to look at fees for other counties before making a decision about fees.

• Commissioners discuss transferring items currently owned by the Sheriff’s Office to the Friends of the Range non-profit. The items were bought with a NRA grant to provide gun safety training to private citizens. The Sheriff and the Commissioners have no objection as long as the paperwork is in order.

• Meeting adjourned at 3:43.

• HR/Risk Manager reports on research for vision care options for County Employees. BOCC approves Option 8. This affects 146 employees.

• Public Comment: Isabelle Spohn (IS)comments on Planning Commission needing to be more respectful in notifying Commission members of scheduled and cancelled meetings. Also, IS points out problems for the Public being able to access the Zone Maps in order to adequately comment on Zoning Code whose comment period deadline is coming soon. IS suggests that they extend the comment deadline due to this difficulty.

• Jill Servais reports on the Spay/Neuter event happening at the fairgrounds – shows video of the lineup of cars with dogs and cats, showing considerable interest in the event. They serve about 300 animals per day.

• BOCC approves supplemental budget appropriation for the Prosecuting Attorney's office for $120,000.00

• Finance Committee: including the Aeneas Lake Irrigation District to shore up their finances and need for policy around registered warrants.

• Public Works: Withdrawal of Cameron Lake Road Project.

• Meeting recessed at 11:38

• Noxious Weed Board head reports: - Late treatments planned on Spectacle Lake,Lake Osoyoos, and Eagle Bluff fire area where Bureau of Land Management grants to cover 25% of cost; hopefully same aid for Walker Creek/Bonaparte mountain to follow - New policy lets land owners borrow spraying equipment; office technician post created to manage policy, help elsewhere as needed - Discussion on future use of drones for surveying

• American Rescue Plan allocations approved for Health District and Electric Coop’s internet infrastructure;

• Community Action expects aid from state Department of Agriculture for food pantry, needs funds soon to close out on property acquisition

• Architect fields questions regarding Emergency Management’s probable sharing of Public Works building 2nd floor with Public Health, need for separate restrooms; courthouse cupola windows to be done by the 22nd; Commissioner Hover asks for pause in design work to allow for budgeting as some county funds will be needed to replace bond money

• Meeting adjourned at 2:33.

• Maurice Goodall, Emergency Management is asked about moving his office to the remodeled upstairs of the Public Health building. He said the move would be OK if the public health bathrooms are separate from the Emergency Management bathrooms, the new space would be properly wired for the Emergency Operations Center, and parking is adequate.

• Pete Palmer, Director of Planning says she is fine-tuning the budget for the water-banking grant. She also reports that the tracking software is up and running.

• Nick Bates reports that the Good Fix Spay and Neuter clinic at the Agriplex is attracting a lot of people. The line began to form at 3:00 AM for the first-come first-served clinic.

• Sheriff Budrow requests an executive session concerning a young woman with medical needs who is in the county jail. Esther Milner, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor is included in the 15-minute session held to discuss potential litigation (RCW 42.30.110(1)(i).

• The commissioners hold budget sessions for the 2025 budget for the jail and the Sheriff’s Office.

• Sheriff Budrow uses a Power Point presentation to make his case for hiring two more deputies who would be traffic officers.

• Meeting adjourned at 3:49.

• Public hearings held to -move $900,000 in opioid settlement money - account forNoxious Weed revenues from grants, other sources

• Timber industry representative appeals to BOCC to write letter protesting Fish &Wildlife’s power grab that’s “grinding to a halt” multiple forest treatment projects, notes Forest Service debt, empty supervisor position, devastating changes to 35% of Okanogan-Wenatchee Forest, decrease in projected sales, litigations in Methow Valley

• Electric Co-op to receive $483,883 in American Rescue Plan funds

• Response to architect’s inquiry delayed to determine if -Public Health wants to stayin Public Works building or move to Ringhoffer (Forest Service) building - Emergency Management wants to stay in Grainger building or join Public Health in emergency operations (EOC)center -there’s room for EOC in Ringhoffer building

• Fee dropped for re-inspection of overnight transient accommodations, will be replaced by hourly rate

• New fee when certain documents aren’t turned in on time will avoid costly permit re-application

• Most overnight rentals meet permit-exempt requirements– review possible but public health permit no longer required

• Second floor of Public Works building remodel plans advance; space could accommodate Emergency Management along with Public Health

• As new state law requires inspection of on-site sewer systems when deeds are transferred or property sold, Environmental Health director needs committee to determine criteria for mandatory sewer system repair or mention “buyer beware”

• Community Health’s Krisha Warnstadt attended conference, says small counties, unable to grow programs, go under-served in terms of federal grant funds; learned about “maternal-care deserts”

• Covid spiked in September but “moving to a wall of lower activity; early influenza year coming on?

• County biggest user of state-wide hospital transfer center; Medical Officer recommends “reverse transfers” to local hospitals when care needs lessen

• Commissioners seek proposals from providers to submit to regional council for opioid settlement moneys

• Juvy needs highly qualified nurse or physician’s assistant

• Discussion with Lifeline Representative and County Assessor about merging two Emergency Management Services (EMS) Districts; Tonasket and Oroville or other plan for better service.

• No public comment

• 20-minute Executive Session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) Potential litigation. Inviting Jody (?), Dave Yarnell (Undersheriff), HR Manager, and Civil Deputy

• Conversation with Architect, MJ Neal, regarding projects; Sheriff/Coroner building, Superior Court remodel, Courthouse windows, remodel. Costs to this date in preparation for budgeting.

• BOCC needs to stop spending from bond fund in order to get the budgeting in the correct time period and see where the County is financially.

• Recess until 3:00 in the afternoon.

• The commissioners agree to sell a 3.4-acre parcel just south of Carlton on the river to the WDFW. The parcel is completely surrounded by WDFW land and the county has no use for it.

• The Planning Department will advertise an upcoming second round of comments for the proposed zone code changes. Because the Planning Commission is having a hard time forming a quorum, the BOCC decides to run the code change as a legislative change that won’t require the recommendation of the Planning Commission. The proposed changes do not affect any particular parcel of land. Instead, the changes will say the county is going to use the permit tracking software system.

• Tim Meadows, Maintenance Supervisor, is moving forward to get a new fire alarm system for the Ringhoffer Building and blinds for the Courthouse windows.

• Commissioner Branch shares his idea that the county could save money on public records requests if it posted more documents online. Commissioner Hover is skeptical and will check with Cameron to see what requests are being made.

• Prompted by an email from a woman in the Tunk Valley, the commissioners discuss well drilling and later road building in the Tunk.

• Through a series of public hearings, the commissioners raise by 1% the amount various levies the county can collect in 2025.

• The commissioners, Cari Hall, County Auditor, Pam Johnson, County Treasurer and Lisa Schreckengas, Finance Manager, discuss the 2024 ending amounts for various budgets in preparation for writing the 2025 county budget.

• Meeting adjourned at 3:40.

• No public comments

• Discussion of Tonasket Emergency Management Services (EMS) levy and BOCC considering combining Tonasket and Oroville EMS Districts. December 13th is the cutoff for February election.

• Finance Committee with County Treasurer and Finance Manager: 1. finishing up September finances. Investment rate dropped to 4.88% in October, Treasurer able to lock in rate for some investments, in preparation of more lowering of the rate. 2. Aeneas Irrigation District finances and upcoming budgeting process 3. Gate receipts at the fair lower than last year- $8,800.00 4. preparation for sale of tax title property in Winthrop - .16 acre, unable to build on by itself due to being in 5 acre minimum zone.

• Update from Sheriff’s Office Communications/Dispatch Deputy; 1. need letter of intent to award bid on the Sheriff’s/Coroner building of $4.2 million to Halmic (sp?) Construction, dependent upon ARPA funding. Need to locate the septic. 2. Sheriff is considering moving radio techs to that building. 3. Have just filled 12 of 13 positions. 4. Considering AI training to be able to determine how we are doing in answering calls. It is looking promising.

• Executive Session for 13 minutes with Dispatch Deputy and HR/Risk Manager regarding Union negotiations.

• Board approves renewal of Okanogan Irrigation District Waterline franchise.

• Public Works update by County Engineer: 1. preparing roads for winter, hauling sand 2. Foster Bridge repair to begin next week. 3. Mazama paving project is completed. 4. looking at start date for Loomis kiosk. 5. purchase of 2 dump trucks and a water truck.

• Meeting adjourned at 11:33

• In Behavioral Health update: - psychiatric prescriber sought - funds needed to extend crisis team’s hours (opioid settlement money?) - Commissioner Hover presses OBHC director on protocol for mental health incidents in jail - conversations needed between law enforcement, Behavioral Health - regional facility needed

• HR/Risk Pool still looking for vision insurance plans

• Executive session - ongoing potential litigation

• Media company progressing on county Video Tour update

• Motions approved for revised fairgrounds fee schedule, Chewuck Canal piping, Winthrop sewer lift station, 12-hour shifts at “juvy”, $4.2M quote for sheriff’s/coroner’s building

• Commissioners continue mental health discussion

• Isabelle Spohn makes a comment about the need to define the boundaries between Subunits B and C in the Methow Review District (MRD).

• Maurice Goodall, Emergency Management asks if there will be a public hearing before adopting the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The BOCC say they do not need to hold a hearing because the plan is advisory only. Commissioner Branch wants to make sure that the CWPP is widely available after it’s completed.

• Tom Even, of the Okanogan County Veterans Service Office, gives the commissioners the quarterly update. PACT Act claims are increasing, which is good. The vets and commissioners also discuss transportation issues—getting people from Okanogan County to appointments at the VA in Wenatchee and Spokane.

• Kayla Wells-Yoakum and Angelyn Sheppard from the WSU County Extension program ask the commissioners for advice about including funding in their budget for occasional short clinics. Participation in 4-H is increasing in the county and 4-H thinks that the short clinics could help membership increase even more.

• Rena Shawver of the Community Action Council tell the commissioners that the Housing Coalition recommends putting $250,000 towards the purchase of 60 acres of land near Omak to be used to build 62 low-income housing units. After much perusal of the budget, the recommendation is approved.

• Commissioners, Pete Palmer, Isabelle Spohn and Lorah Super of the Okanogan Conservation District discuss the possibility of two subunit advisory committees for the lower Methow Valley. These would be comparable to the current committee in Mazama. They think the subunits should extend all the way down the Methow River to just above Pateros. The Planning Department will hold facilitated meetings at the beginning of 2025, and Pete will include money for facilitators in next year’s budget.

• Meeting adjourned for the day at 3:46.

• No Public Comments

• Search and Rescue, Conservation staff (Community Wildfire Protection Plan- CWPP) request Title III funding. (No decision made at the meeting) BOCC asks CWPP for priorities; Wednesday the 25this public meeting on results of the CWPP.

• 2 Public Hearings- Budget Supplemental Appropriations for Loomis Kiosk Survey and CE Clerk Training.

• Public Works Update: 1. Lost River Road, Foster Bridge repair, and asphalt pad at landfill. 2. Loomis Kiosk – looking at LTAC funds. 3. Twin Lakes Speed Study complete. 4. 1stdraft on construction project. 5. Equipment needed to purchase – new guidelines for buying so many electric vehicles, along with diesel fueled ones.

• Meeting adjourned at 11:41, will return at 1:30 PM

• Bids for Morgue/Sheriff’s storage building upwards of $4M, sewer hook-up to add costs

• Architects ready to sound out departments for best combination at former forest service building, possibly auditor, treasurer, assessor, elections; planning, building could share space in to-be-renovated public works building

• Grant funds for courthouse to insure disabled access to courtrooms, jury rooms and bathrooms; interior will adopt more historic look; asbestos testing needed

• Commissioner Hover announces BOCC consensus that administrator to insure continuity and oversight should be hired

• Department heads reports: Dispatch to use AI in transcribing audio, move will off-set rising staff costs – Sheriff faces flack from “anti-coasties” in Tonasket, is collaborating with Omak School District to create Law Enforcement study course; court clerk pursued by dissatisfied customer, is grateful for security agents; assessor reports big construction year but homeprices at 82% of market;

• Commissioners discuss battery disposal, archiving of building project plans, security policy, RV park rentals, and use of opioid settlement spending

• Meeting adjourned at 4:14

• Commissioner Hover discusses changes in the membership of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.

• Isabelle Spohn, a member of the public, comments on appointing members to planning committees for Methow Review District’s sub-units B & C, and would also like clearly defined boundaries between the sub-units.

• Nick Bates, Fairgrounds Manager, discusses a proposed raise for one of his employees. He also makes a case for more security after hours during next year’s fair.

• Pete Palmer, Planning Director tells the commissioners that the comment period for the zone code review will begin a week later than originally planned.

• The commissioners have recently received a number of emails complaining about new road closures on DNR for Off Road Vehicles. The DNR responds that no new roads have been closed, but that they’ve been able to hire new enforcement personnel and so there is more signage and enforcement of roads that have been closed for a long time but were being heavily used. The problem of illegal use of motorized vehicles is especially acute in the Loomis Landscape.

• The commissioners discuss how to consolidate the Oroville Rural EMS District with the Tonasket EMS District with State Senator Shelly Short, Esther Milner, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor and Larry Gilman, County Assessor. The RCW includes a process to consolidate fire districts, there is nothing in state law that allows a county to combine two rural EMS districts. Sen. Short will try to get the situation fixed in the next legislative session.

• The commissioners hold an executive session for 12 minutes under RCW 42.20.110(1)(i)—potential litigation. Esther Milner and Shelley Keitzman (Human Resources and Risk Management) are included.

• Meeting adjourns at 11:55.

• Public Comment: Ruth Hall asks if a decision has been made regarding the BOCC candidate's challenge to the Voters' Registration, decision was made and is on the Auditor’s website under voter registration challenge. (case dismissed)

• The BOCC vs. Drug Task Force responsibility for maintenance of county building. Near Sheriff’s new building. May need to extend sewer system to this other building or combine land parcels. Community Action looking at a building on Engh Road that needs infrastructure-could have asked for ARPA funds.

• Budgeting/Finance Committee-Treasurer and Auditor: 1. Revenue and expenditures. 2. Investments (interest rates expected to lower soon). 3. How to work with Chelan Co and Carolon for administration of Opioid Settlement funds - $917,167.00 so far. 4. Scheduling budgeting sessions with different departments, 5. State Auditor’s audit- Entrance exam, considering asking EMS Districts to act like Fire Districts.

• Hearing for Ziply Franchise continued – no agreement yet

• Public Works: Working on dirt roads where there is access to water. Upcoming road projects, Mazama and Foster Bridge. Loomis Kiosk discussion. Asphalt contracts approved by the Board. SnoPark lacks funding.

• Lengthy discussion with Consultant from TD & H Engineering regarding the water system at the fairgrounds; Considering drilling new well, and other details for upgrade.

• Board recessed at 12:52

• City of Okanogan requires to-be-built morgue/sheriff’s storage building and existing task force building on Railroad Avenue be hooked to sewer system, bid period extended, strategies discussed

• HR director presents job description for possible hire of county administrator; duties would include overseeing budget, union negotiations, collaboration with commissioners...; Board is “on board” but to accommodate $150,000 salary, WSU Extension might have to go

• Juvenile services chief discusses architects’ tour of facility; needs include overhaul of video system, new showers; population higher this year, more mental health issues; new laws may raise age of detainees to 25

• Commissioner Branch evokes need for water resource manager to run water bank, will include this request in grant application from Ecology

• Amendment passed to pay for sheriff vehicles, lieutenant’s salary, security services out of current expense fund; Community Action allocation approved

• Whistler Canyon to get water line

• Commissioner Hover tries to attend the meeting via Zoom, but the sound is not adjusted correctly. He can barely hear and barely be heard.

• Lanie Johns and someone from Central Services try for about 25 minutes to fix the audio problems, and then the sound goes off altogether.

• Pete Palmer, Director of Planning updates the commissioners, but cannot be heard by anyone not in the room. She is still talking when the AV Capture video ends at 9:37.

Public Comment: Ruth Hall comments on the County Fair and expresses criticism regarding not  taking cash for admission, at certain gates.  

• Public Hearing regarding purchase of 3 vehicles for the Sheriffs' Office from Juvenile for  $84,000.00  • Discussion: working with municipalities on infrastructure and annexations  

• 2 executive sessions 45-minute average each – RCW 42.30.110(l)(i) potential/ongoing litigation  

• Solid Waste Update: Will purchase paper composting bag instead of using plastic, landfill only  takes small batteries, non-alkaline batteries need to be recycled, and grant for reducing methane  gas.  

• Public Works Update: Boulder Creek Road, Siwash Creek Road, has results of speed study on  Johnson Creek Road – 80% of cars go 53 mph. BOCC not inclined to change the speed, but  request enforcement of current speed.  Discussed speed limit in front of Liberty Bell. Bureau of  Reclamation to be hauling some gravel to Buckmiller Road for dam work in Conconully.  

• Meeting recessed at 12:17

• Maria Hines reports food council’s assessment surveys “going viral” already in early phase of distribution, expects to exceed goal of 384 turned in; WSU extension and Colville tribes particpating; will raffle off $100 visa gift certificates to incentivize

• Funds approved for strategic planning/succession planning ($41,000, a recurring bill), consolidated contract amended to increase support for vaccinations, a weight improvement project, other founational services, total contract after amendments: $8M; food council funding increased to to $20,000 annually for three years

• Board being audited by state for $28,000 fee, engagement letter signed

• Immunization campaign aimed at school aged children; campaign started for detection of lead levels in blood, maybe traceable to pesticides in marijuana cultivation

• Health officer reports measle, pertussis, chicken pox and vaccine-preventable pneumonia outbreaks in Washington and neighboring states; still looking to reduce number of out-of-county hospital transfers, improve and expand treatment in local facilities

• Sheriff’s office to hire additional grant-funded core outreach specialist

• Photocopier contract with Xerox not only more expensive than originally thought but company refuses to address malfunction issues

• Community Wildfire Protection Plan draft finished, awaits feedback from Board, public comment and public hearing

• Meeting adjourned at 4 :06

• Jackson makes a comment about her daughter being harassed at the fair by the boyfriend of someone who has been previously served with a protection order. She says the protection order has been broken 11 times, but no one will take it seriously.

• Pete Palmer, Planning Director says the zone code revision will soon be ready for its comment period. The commissioners ask her to make a press release in hopes that the papers will all carry the story. The press release will be in addition to a legal notice. Palmer is also ready to start the process to update the Shorelines Management Plan.

• Nice Bates had a busy week during the fair. He reported that the barn managers did exceptional jobs in managing their barns.

• Commissioners meet with members of the Homeless Housing Coalition to discuss drawing up a strategic plan to deal with homelessness in the county. Commissioner Branch says a good plan will take a lot of work to develop.

• Commissioners meet in executive session for 35 minutes under RCW 40.32.110(1)(i), potential litigation with the sheriff, the undersheriff, one more person from the sheriff’s department, Shelley Keitzman (Human Resources and Risk Management) and Esther Milner (Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor.

• Commissioners meet in executive session for 30 minutes under RCW 40.32.110(1)(i), potential litigation with Albert Lin (County Prosecutor) Shelley Keitzman and Esther Milner.

• Meeting adjourns for the day at 2:48.

• State audit team explains upcoming audit of financial report and federal grant compliance audit; estimated cost: $38,000 plus travel expenses

• Courthouse window replacement to start soon

• Tonasket Ranger District quarterly report: uptick in prescribed burns–3,400 acres treated since last fall; “social license” needed to increase acres treated while keeping public informed; collaboration with DNR/Winthrop smokejumper base on firefighting; successful containment of fires; comment period but no possibility to object to Buckhorn scoping in advance of timber sales and fuels/vegetation “stuff” under Emergency Action Determination; Great Outdoors Act funds to pay for Lost lake water system and other campground upgrades; free firewood permits on Colville Forest; timber sales to allow for bunkhouse upgrade

•  Discussion on “exempt subdivisions” being an oxymoron, and how subdivisions, especially in Tunk Valley, impact county’s road maintenance responsibilities, leads to brainstorming on how to remedy declining fuel tax revenues in wake of EV expansion; debate over utility of EVs

• No Public Comments

• BOCC discusses resolving the water well situation at the Fairgrounds, reviews & signs fair contracts for the upcoming fair.

• Budget Supplementals for horse barn repairs and Public Defense funding

• HR/Risk Manager reports on upcoming energy audit program, 8 buildings will need to be included in the audit, not expecting them to be fully funded.

• HR also asks for permission to hire an additional Registered Nurse for the jail, and also to give incentive pay to jail staff who get certified as a pharmacy tech

• Public Works: Lost River wash out, upcoming Foster Bridge project, Public Works buildings, applying for funding for Whistler Canyon bathroom, contract signed to survey for the Loomis kiosk.

• Meeting adjourned at 11:14, until 1:30 pm

•  Motion assigning “local significant” points to sites vying for Resource Assistance Program funds amended to give priority to Bonaparte Lake Rd.

•  In county code revision discussion, public records officer contract amended slightly; this new position helping keep track of issues and meet timelines; discussion to be continued in January

•  Chief Civil Deputy Milner says flood plain issue needs better enforcement code, Commissioner Branch recommends Douglas County’s making non-compliance infraction instead of misdemeanor, allowing for progressive compliance

•  Discussion on RVs being used as permanent residences– same standards as mobile homes should apply

•  Discussion on permissibility of well-drilling on properly-zoned property; legal availability not same as guarantee of water availability.

•  Fair contracts approved; certificate of partial demolition of sheriff’s storage/coroner’s facility by Groat Bros. signed

•  Commissioner Branch in anticipation of retirement recommends continuity in county’s involvement with Regional Health District meetings, the Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Committee and Washington State Association of Counties, urges clarification on emergency medical services, and keeping Aging and Adult Care on board’s radar

•  Discussion about two unbuildable “ex-title properties”, one of which Commissioner Hover wants to auction off

•  Meeting adjourned at 3:09

• Planning Director hiring a compliance officer, by promoting within, Board approves

• Public Comment:  Ruth Hall agrees with Commissioner Hover to bring requests from State and Federal agencies to the Board in public meetings.

• Superior Court Clerk Update: 1. Will be getting free training from the Administration of Courts. 2. Planning for an exchange program with Walla Walla Court Clerk for training by very experienced, knowledgeable staff. 3. Ongoing projects going well. 4. Difficulty/challenge of having staff videotaped by 1st Amendment people. 5. Working with 2 local schools to visit courthouse for educational opportunity.6. Budget is tight due to copy machine repairs. 7. Conference with other court staff for best practices.

• County Assessor Update: 1. Able to certify the tax rolls early this year – before September deadline. 2. Shares data on countywide property taxable values. 3. Audit had a procedural finding to be remedied. 4. Reports on this year's levy rate. 5. Discusses market and timing for creating new EMS district.

• Executive session for ongoing litigation

• Board considers creating a new EMS District from north of Monse to Canadian border, excluding the municipalities.

• Public Works Update by County Engineer: 1. Looking for new gravel pits. 2. Johnson Creek Road Study will be right after Labor Day. 3. received estimate for Loomis easement survey. 4. Prioritizing prospective funding list – Bonaparte Road reconstruction. Loomis/Oroville area road and widen Twisp River Road.

• Meeting adjourned at 11:45

• Pete Palmer, Planning Director, asks the commissioners for a raise for her administrative secretary. She also reminds the commissioners about the discussion in the afternoon about the letter to FEMA about the levees in Oroville and Omak.

• Because of the small number of herbicide applicators in the county, Larry Hudson of the Noxious Weed Board would like to buy spraying equipment for landowners to check out to spray their own land. Hudson would also need a new technician to administer the program. Ferry County has a similar program. The commissioners tell Hudson to check with the attorney and bring the proposal back to them.

• The commissioners convene as the Oroville EMS district, and then the Tonasket EMS district and review the 2025 budgets. Because the Tonasket district missed the deadline to put the levy on the ballot in 2024, the soonest a new levy can be voted on is February 2025, and it would begin in January 2026. Tonasket can use its reserve budget to operate in 2025. They have a long discussion about the possibility of the two EMS districts merging in 2025.

• Commissioners and others discuss signing the FEMA letter saying that Oroville and Omak have levees built to FEMA standards. If they don’t sign, property owners who want to build or repair existing buildings using federal money will not be eligible to buy FEMA flood insurance. FEMA also plans to change its floodplain maps. After a long discussion, the commissioners sign the letter.

• Meeting adjourned at 4:55.

• No Public Comment

• Central Services: new hire to begin training, considering using grant to purchase new laptops, 2 quotes received for Court Audio/Visual upgrade.

• Prosecuting Attorney's Office Clerical Assistant, Teagen Levine, discusses problems with body cams storage and sharing between agencies.

• Financial Committee: meeting on July financial statement.

• Bid openings for Mazama County Road paving and Public Services Building.

• Public Works Update and Discussion: Angelee Brown regarding safety issues on Johnson Creek Road, and request to reduce the speed and increase enforcement.

• Mention of a crossing issue, possibly in a Tonasket park

• Mention of an employment agreement for a nurse at the jail whose time to be split between opioid disorder treatment management and all the other medications

• Over $15,000 in opioid settlement spending approved

• Room One to receive $15,314 in ARPA funds

• Money for purchase and outfitting of three sheriff vehicles to come from Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) interest, sheriff vehicle fund being in the red

• 26-minute hole in AV Capture recording

• Continuation of public hearing to approve $25,000 to resolve a software issue in the prosecutor’s office

• Short discussion between commissioners Branch and Neal about security system monitoring, the web, drones and the feds.

• Pete Palmer, Director of Planning, and the commissioners set priorities for what code revisions the county should work on next. Because of the stipulation order, Palmer says it’s a “no-brainer” to prioritize the Shoreline Management Plan and the Development Permit Procedures and Administration Plan.

• The commissioners hear a presentation from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife about six sites in the county that the WDFW is considering buying.

• Meeting adjourned at 12:25.

• 2016 Colorado to be traded in for a new truck

• County taking over the role of Public Health in issuing permits ot overnight rentals

• Public Health building due to be remodeled; ventilation problems and other issues

• Overdoses up around 100 since January compared to last year

• Building permits down 10%

• Covid coming down, presently two cases a day

• Food council to be contined three more years

• CB reflects on Covid response, political aspect, foresees future situations will also require drastic measures

• Board discusses process for changing speed limits.

• Public Comment Period: Roni Jackson comments on her research of land parcels near her. Reports trying without success for an appointment with the Assessor. Concerned about policies and codes.

• Finance Committee: Report on the new Munis computer program. Programming budget formulas. Some downfalls of new program. Pluses & minuses.

• Public Hearing- 6-year transportation improvement plan presented and approved.

• Public Works: Inquiry about “Watch for Pedestrians” signs, maintenance & road conditions, watching fire danger, working on Loomis easement for kiosk- contacting adjacent property owners.

• Discussion/schedule for invite to bid on sheriff’s storage & coroner’s facility with Chief Special Operations Deputy.

• JN reports no rodeo at the fair this year. “Nobody is interested in doing it” without a 3-year commitment. BOCC has already invested over $2 million in the Fairgrounds in the last few years, contrary to rumor mill.

• Meeting adjourned at noon. Dept of Health in the PM, and other business.

• Sheriff’s office to purchase three vehicles from Juvenile that weren’t being used. The price is advantageous; with $36,000 needed to up-fit these as police vehicles the total request is for $84,060.

• Tonasket’s EMS levy is expiring in December and can only go back on the ballot next February.

• Sheriff’s storage building budget increased to allow for asbestos removal

• MJ Neal’s contract amended to allow for hourly billing in courthouse single-entry project

• Engineer certification needed for flood damage levy

• Executive session involving Chief Civil Deputy Milner, Planning Director Palmer, and a certain Jenna.

No official meeting held due to agenda notification error.

•  Human Resources Director Keitzman announces a clean energy audit including buildings between 20,000 and 50,000 sq. ft., must be up to standard by 2027

•  Jail chief to be given discretion on grant-funded nurses’ contracts

•  Zone code amendments to be discussed in public hearing include three-acre or more quarries reverting to conditional use permit, PUD verification of charging stations’ impact on energy demand, re-inserting deleted portions preventing reduction of water supplies to senior water rights holders relative to fire flow certification

•  Disagreement on necessity to include demands for reduced outdoor lighting in current amendments; consensus on ridgetop restrictions

•  Planning chief directed to move forward on amendments to nightly rental code that would eliminate requirement for permit from health district

•   Commissioner Branch says Dept. of Ecology Staff should invite Planning chief when investigation possible permit violations; discussion on over-reach on permit

•  Meeting adjourned at 2:57 (Notes will be loaded soon!)

• Emergency Services Manager explains his process for determining when to send out notifications to the public: level I – advisory, Level II – Be ready, Level III- Evacuate.

• Public Comment: Ruth Hall thanks Emergency Services Manager for explaining his process of notification and is glad he acknowledges that it can get better. He works with the Fire Chiefs in the different districts. Roni Jackson asks about the Auditors Office You Tube not being functional at the moment and is interested in learning the election results.

• Sheriff’s Office Dispatch/Communications manager updates Board on layout of the new storage building, from the architects. The Board approves. The Command Trailer will be at the Stampede this weekend. More participation is needed from the parties involved.

• The Sheriff explains that the jail is at capacity, and he would like to contract with Ferry County for some beds/cells so that there are some empty cells for this weekend. Each bed will be $85 per day and there are 15 beds available.

• Public Works update from County Engineer

• Solid Waste Manager updates the BOCC on what's going on with Solid Waste. They will have a booth at the fair again. Upcoming changes on composting. Working on Solid Waste Comprehensive Plan.

• Overruns for the repair of the Horse Barn at the fair due to the condition of the posts. Board authorizes the extra expenditure on the needed repairs.

• Board approves Consent Agenda minus ratifying the Carelon Contract for the Opioid Settlement Administration.

• The meeting adjourned at 11:23. Coming back at 1:30 in the PM.

• Commissioners Hover tells about his drive over Washington Pass on Saturday, and whether or not the DOT is justified in closing the highway due to the Easy Pass Fire.

• Nick Bates, Fairground manager, updates the commissioners on repairs to the Horse Barn and other preparations for the upcoming Fair.

• Meeting adjourned for the day at 10:00.

• Partners in creation of 5-year homeless plan ask about BOCC’s role: funding, facilitating infrastructure; housing solutions needed for median-income households; redrawn flood map may adversely affect low income residents

• Frontmen of Country approved for Fair entertainment

• In-person state audit coming up

• Board of Equalization asks for extension; Oroville requests federal relief funds for extrication tools to be used after vehicular accidents

• Meeting adjourned at 2:19

• Public Comment: Isabelle Spohn educates BOCC on history of the creation of the Sub Area A in  the Methow Valley and also expressed concerns about Emergency Services communication  during a catastrophic event. 

• Economic Alliance Director and other board members request additional allocation monies  from the County, more in line with other counties. BOCC authorizes another $50,000.00 to be  included in next year's budget, bringing annual total to $150,000, and with BOCC request for  more tracking of monies. • Economic Alliance discusses possible new Block Grant for the Micro Enterprise Program 

• MJ Neal & Associates, Architect consultant’s report on plans for Courthouse rehabilitation and  also changes to the Public Works/Health Department building. 

• Public Works: project updates, and authorizing more training for GIS staff. 

• After executive session with Sheriff, Civil Deputy, and HR, BOCC to have Civil Deputy send a  letter of termination of County Sheriff services to City of Tonasket. 

• BOCC considering the need for survey to put up sign in Loomis area, will discuss this next  week. 

• Meeting recessed at 12:15, to reconvene in the PM.

• Pete Palmer, Director of Planning, urges the commissioners to continue working on the recommendations for zone code changes made by the Planning Commission. They hope to finish that work up probably in a meeting next week.

• Palmer and Maurice Goodall, Emergency Management, discuss the communications problems between the county and the Tribal Council that occurred last week during the Swalwell Fire on the reservation.

• Mike Wardon, Okanogan County Dispatch Center, updates the commissions on applying to buy 250 radios for fire districts, EMS districts and the police. This is 1/3 of the radios that the county will need for interagency communications during emergencies.

• Teddy Chow, Prosecutor’s Office, asks the commissioners to buy the Karpel case management software for the office.

• Meeting adjourned at 12:15.

• Satisfied with previous work force development session, board to use foundational funds to pay for Pilot Rock Consultating to do staff training, individual staff coaching and succession planning

• Village Reach doing community health assessment for seniors with mixed results, relieving board epidemiologist who left health district to work for state.

• Motion of understanding passed for one-time $20,000 allocation to the Community Coalition for youth prevention; they will also analyze a youth survey

• Covid cases, hospitalizations “bumping up” like every summer but cases “not severe”

• Hospital visits for heart and lung ailments up as Pioneer, Easy, Miners, Swawila and Bridge Creek fires burn on; Health Officer Wallace lists clean air strategies for back- to-school season; air filters distributed to neediest residents

• Okanogan biggest user of hospital transfer program, health system crippled by staffing shortages, EMS limitations; broader discussion needed

• Additional environmental health position approved

• Blue Sky Mindsʼ food assesment and food council gaining momentum, sparking enthusiasm from other counties

• Planning’s permit-tracking software not fulfilling expectations; programs created “in house” already provide interactive maps, should soon show issuance of permits in real time

• Cannabis operation to receive disapproval letter

• Waterproofing for courthouse approved. Price tag: $181,573

• Motion passed for funding of sheriff’s field deputy position

• Abatement services change order passed to allow additional asbestos removal on Railroad Ave. property

• Discussions concerning -courthouse plans (more room for courts, exterior staircase for access from jail), -move of “for fee” services to Forest Service building and Dispatch to Grainger building; -is new juvenile facility needed or not?

· Public Comment: Ruth Hall asks if the recent Supreme Court decision affects the Opioid Settlement monies for the Counties. CB: Those monies are already distributed to the Counties. BOCC in contact with the contractor, Carolane, for the Opioid Settlement monies.

· Budget Supplemental Hearing for $301.530 to go to Community Action Council for Operating Crisis Response – Homeless grant.

· HR/Risk Management: Upcoming changes for exempt employees, vision coverage will need to be purchased separately.

· Two Executive Sessions regarding possible litigation.

· Public Works: County chip seal project nearing completion, heat systems in new shops may need to go out for new bids, will start advertising for reconstruction on Public Works building, 6 year plan list to be scheduled for public hearing, a lot of fires the last couple of days, Peter Dan Road closed due to fire. Board recessed at 11:45; Board of Health in the PM.

• Pete Palmer, Director of Planning and the commissioners discuss creating a position for someone creating and administering a county water bank. Palmer mentions that climate change is real and the county should plan for it.

• The commissioners and the Sheriff’s Office will end the hiring bonus because all the patrol officer positions are filled. They also discuss creating a new position to cover the north county because several years ago, Tonasket contracted with the Sheriff’s Office to provide policing services.

• The commissioners and Kayla Wells Yoakum of WSU Extension discuss creating a new half-time position to recruit volunteers and then, when there are enough volunteers to run the programs, recruit young people to enroll in the programs. The position would be funded by grants, not the county.

• The commissioners hold a 30-minute executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)—potential litigation, inviting Esther Milner, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor, Pete Palmer and Rocky Robbins of the Planning Department.

• The commissioners decide to talk to Pete Palmer next week about appointing members to advisory committees for Subunits B and C.

• Meeting was adjourned for the day at 2:14.

• Pete Palmer, Planning Director explains the history of how a meat packing plant in the county came to require a conditional use permit.

• Arturo Ramon Ramirez, Probation Officer, and Darla Schreckengast, District Court Administrator discuss the possibility of charging the county’s municipalities for probation services, just as they charge the municipalities for jail and prosecution services. Many counties in western Washington already do this.

• Pete Palmer returns to discuss ten parcels which are out of compliance with shoreline and floodplain regulations. The Department of Ecology wants them brought into compliance or it will refer the matter to FEMA, possibly making it harder for county residents to get flood insurance. They also discuss Ecology’s proposed revisions to the County Code.

• Commissioners adjourn for lunch at 12:27.

• Definition of airports and airstrips discussed; both will be allowed on R20 designations under conditional use permit instead of just airstrips, to allow for commercial spraying or freight hauling

• Congressional candidate Tiffany Smiley makes campaing stop

• Commissioners recommend petroleum plants and propane/natural gas storagebe allowed on R20s only as conditional use

• Density for multi-family dwellings determined on case-by-case basis by Public Health

• Conditional use recommended on R160s for cement, lime and gypsum plants, carbonate plants, nightly rentals

• Portable sawmills should be conditional, not permitted use, says Cmm’r Branch, farms added back into neighborhood commercial category, lot coverage discussed

• Noxious Weeds chief signals thistle on co. property: Grainger Building, Spring Coulee and fairgrounds, gets go-ahead to act fast; shortage of commercial applicators; last year’s milfoil treatment cut Osoyoos levels by more than half, preparations started for this year’s; Bonapart awaiting funding for treatment, Leader Lake more clogged up than ever

• Isabelle Spohn comments on misinformation given to members of the Planning Commission by Pete Palmer, Planning Director. She told the PC that the Methow Review District extends all the way down to the Columbia River, but it does not. Spohn also said that seven residents of the lower valley applied for positions on the Methow Advisory District’s Sub-Unit C Advisory Committee, but no one has heard if they’d been appointed or not.

• Laurie Morgan comments on shortcomings of the WSU Extension Office which is not returning her phone calls. She needs to find a crop for dryland farming that can pull nitrogen out of the soil. The commissioners will try to find a WSU faculty member who can help her.

• Pete Palmer and the commissioners go through the recommended changes to the District Use Chart (DUC) in the county’s zone code. They discuss changes to R1s and R5s in permitted and conditional uses in approximately 10 types of activities.

• Recess for lunch at 12:46.

• Roundtable discussion with Aeneas Lake Irrigation District and Finance Committee

• BOCC and Finance Committee work on contract for fair entertainment

• Discussion of Fairgrounds Rental to High School Rodeo, communication difficulties regarding condition of fairgrounds and cost.

• The Sheriff’s Office patrol division is finally full. County will be terminating hiring bonus.

• Renewal of Utility Franchise for Colville Gaming, LLC – Water & Septic

• Cattleguard franchise for USFS on Lookout Mt Road

• Solid Waste Manager: Green Waste Program progress and solid waste plan

• Public Works: roads and maintenance update. Still working on sign for Loomis area. Difficulties hiring qualified mechanical staff, no applications received.

• Discussion on County's voting power within the WASAC/lobbyist group

• Meeting adjourned 12:31. BOCC not meeting Tuesday the 9th of July

• Pete Palmer, Director of Planning, tells the commissioners about the Planning Commission’s recent meeting. She thinks that training in the Open Public Meetings Act for non-Growth Management Act counties would be useful, as well as training in the basics of Robert’s Rules of Order. They also discuss whether or not the county needs a full-time employee to establish a water bank.

• Esther Milner, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor and Josh Thompson of Public Works discuss changes in procedures for using the Small Works Roster needed to bring the county into compliance with state regulations. Unfortunately, there is no audio for much of the meeting.

• Pete Palmer returns after lunch to discuss changes in the zone code recommended by the Planning Commission at its recent meeting. The commissioners plan to meet later with the Planning Commission to discuss the changes.

• Meeting adjourned at 3:14

• Demolition of morgue/sheriff’s storage building halted to sub-contract removal of
over-threshold asbestos and lead
• County website video being updated to include new clinic on reservation, RN
training program, outdoor recreation, national jet ski championship; will highlight
local meat and produce
• Commissioner Branch called to emergency meeting about future of Economic
Development district
• Vague discussions about Branch’s chairing of Workforce Development Council, his
experiences with state legislature
• Reference made to courts remaining in courthouse, Planning, Building and Public
Works sharing space in new building
• Departments should learn proper language for making requests for budget
supplements
• Aeneas Irrigation to receive letter of support for $110,000 grant
• Assessor discusses possible land purchase in Ellisforde for EMS district
• Meeting adjourned at noon

• Stephanie Downey, Junior Rodeo representative, presents long list of disappointments after 3-day event at fairgrounds: bill for unused (but blocked off) electricity-equipped RV sites, un-watered ground, lack of hoses, building locked on morning of prom, feeling unwelcome; commissioners say management is new, trying to run it like a business, contract should be more clear; they’ll discuss it at Monday’s session when Commissioner Hover is present

• Letter to Archeology and Historical Preservation for Courthouse renovation grant signed; architect outlines timeline of what must be done before construction can start

• Meeting adjourned at 2:03

• Commissioners go into executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)—current litigation—inviting Esther Milner (Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor), Pete Palmer (Director of Planning) and Rocky Robbins (Planner) for 20 minutes.

• Nick Bates, Fairgrounds Manager discusses bids for weed control at the racetrack and repairs to the Horse Barns.

• Pete Palmer, Planning Director, tells the commissioner about work by the Mazama Advisory Committee on the sub-area plan. The committee has an intern from Western Washington University working this summer on the plan update, but if very many other sub-areas wanted to write their own plan, the Planning Department might not have the manpower to assist them.

• Tom Even, Veterans Service Officer and others update the commissioners on the work of the Veterans Relief Board. They are receiving many calls about the PACT Act (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022).

• Wayne Walker of the Tonasket EMS District tells the commissioners (sitting as the EMS District Commissioners) about several problems in the district. Their most urgent need is for a new ambulance, as their best one is becoming increasingly unreliable. A new ambulance would cost at least $250,000 and would not be delivered until about 280 days after it is ordered. The commissioners promise to develop a plan in the near future. They also discuss the possibility of merging the Tonasket EMS District with the Oroville EMS District.

• Meeting adjourned for the day at 12:51.

• Land Trust head Kate Miller drums up county support for Community Forest Project on 500-acre Antoine Creek site, reassures AH, wary of reduction in ag property, of continued mixed use; salmon habitat to benefit, “virtual fencing” envisioned

• Commissioners hash out new wording for fair food vendor contracts with Fair Advisory Committee, will allow arrivals as early as a week before the fair if cleared with the fairgrounds; drains and septic system discussed

• Architects from MJ Neal asked for plan to remodel Public Health office above Public Works on South Second Ave., possibly housing Building and Planning departments there as well

· The Board discusses whether to do background checks on appointed committee and board members. Who do they want to have the background checks, and what is the reason.

• Public Comment: Ms. Jackson states that background checks are a good idea, but some states/departments shred them.

• Received one bid for the Courthouse exterior/window project $549,737 to a Wenatchee based company- Jessup.

• Juvenile Probation Department: Mike Beaver discusses program to help juveniles that are going through the court system. Also, discusses difficulties getting positions filled.

• Public Works: County Engineer & HR, report on raising wages in accordance with other counties' comparisons. Creating a part time Engineering Tech position. Ordering a new grader and reconditioning the old compactor.

• Public Health Department Director: in to discuss upgrades to the Public Works/Public Health buildings with possible use of ARPA funds. More planning regarding changes with the Departments and the new Justice Center. Will coordinate with architects.

Clerk forwards a draft of the water safety project for fairgrounds, and also received e-mail regarding a couple of county parcels that needs to be sprayed per Noxious Weed Board.

• Commissioners and Nick Bates, Fairgrounds Manager, the situation with the High School Rodeo. They reserved a number of spaces in the RV park, and the spaces were used. However, the Rodeo’s representative said they weren’t reimbursed for many of the spaces, and so can’t pay the Fairgrounds. The Commissioners will insist the bill is paid, and in the future, groups who ask the Fairgrounds to reserve spaces in the RV will know they’re expected to pay for all the spaces.

• Commissioners and members of the Housing Coalition hold a long discussion about affordable housing and homelessness in the County

• Commissioners adjourn for lunch at 12:40.

• Commissioners hear an update on the work of Westeast Design Group concerning their work on housing in the county.

• Commissioners adjourn for the day at 2:55.

• Sheriff Budrow’s proposed reduction of maximum jail population from 100 to 75 by subcontracting to Ferry and Kititas counties (“shipping bodies off”) to cost roughly $.5M for remainder of 2024

• Contract to hire lieutenant for jail finalized; with other salary increases, Commissioner Hover estimates yearly increase of $200,000; BOCC must bite bullet, dig into reserves

• Executive session called to discuss ongoing potential litigation with attorneys Esther Milner and Jenna Mandell-Rice

· Public Comment: Ms. Jackson asks if Commissioner candidates have to undergo a background check. Not to begin with, but during the campaign, things are usually revealed per CB & AH.

· Director of WSU SNAP Education program explains her work with the schools to the BOCC, along with the Advanced Food Safety Training for restaurants.

· Board received a letter of interest for Fair Advisory Board – some discussion regarding whether to do background checks for appointed committees, boards, commissions, will check with HR.

· WSU Extension director in to discuss creation of a half time position for 4-H programs in the County.

· Public Works: Chip seal starting up again in certain areas, getting paperwork completed for easement with Wildlife Council/ shooting range, staffing needs, and comparison of wages in other counties.

· Meeting adjourned 11:38

• Maria Hines presents non-profit Blue Sky Minds’ food assessment covering farmers, needy consumers, food waste and infrastructure; 10-year Food Action Plan outlined; Food Council membership up from 35 to 135 members in two years

• Environmental Health Director Mike Harr faced with applying newly-signed bills reducing organic waste at solid waste plants, suggests opportunity to create new industry since no composting facilities in county

• Covid death reported, two pertussis cases in past two weeks; increase noted in EMS service calls and ER visits, some not emergencies, Health Officer Jim Wallace calls for systems to make services more available, or recognition of need to expand resources

• In community health report hiring woes mentioned, efficiency at Confluence praised, director Lauri Jones laments record-setting 20 overdoses in May

• Environmental Health Director satisfied, enthused after meeting with counterparts from other counties

• Pete Palmer, Planning Director, brings Camden Irwin to show the Commissioners the interactive map he’s created. The map shows the zoning for any parcel number in the County.

• Nick Bates, Fairgrounds Manager brings several problems to the Commissioners:The woman who has a concession stand at the Fair says she wants to set up several days early, and that she’s set up early for the last 30 years. The Fair Advisory Committee (FAC) doesn’t want to allow her to set up early. The commissioners want all the concessionaires to be treated equally.
  Ticket Tomato, an on-line ticket sales company, presented the FAC with a contract that contained changes from what NB thought was agreed to in a zoom meeting. The commissioners will accept one change but not others.
  The High School Rodeo hasn’t paid for all the RV spaces they reserved for their event. They say that the RVers didn’t pay them. The Commissioners will decide this issue next week.
  

• BOCC goes into executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)—potential litigation, inviting Esther Milner (Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor), Albert Lin (County Prosecutor) Teddy Chow (Assistant Prosecutor) for 45 minutes.

• Albert Lin, County Prosecutor, and Teddy Chow, Assistant Prosecutor, demonstrate a new case management software to use in court, saying the software they use now is too cumbersome and slow.

• Sheriff Budrow discusses staffing shortages in his department with the Commissioners. The commissioners discuss possible solutions, such as hiring six temporary officers for the jail for one month from the Department of Corrections, establishing a regional jail with Douglas and Chelan Counties and an increase in the sales tax to fund new hires.

• Meeting adjourns at 2:38.

• Hadley Road long plat near Brewster “pre-approved”; discussion on urban encroachment on ag land, Round Up use, comprehensive planning

• County transitions to new accounting software, junior districts must pick up slack, manage own reporting, invoices

• Dispatch now fully staffed, radio project discussed, morgue/sheriff’s building demolition “good to go”

• Brainstorming on strays: change in city ordinance?Animal control officer? County engineer says landowner’s road “improvement” needs fixing, proposes wage scale changes, assistant engineer and designer sought, Rodeo trails roadwork, Twisp-to-Winthrop trail discussed

• Prosecutor obtains raise for Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, conversation about workloads, criteria for raises, rising cost of public safety, land use litigation, balancing of “challenges” and economic development

• Isabelle Spohn comments about recent lack of transparency with regard to the Planning Commission.

• Nick Bates (Fairgrounds Manager), Maurice Goodall (Emergency Management) and Tim Meadows (Maintenance Supervisor) give their weekly updates to the commissioners.

• Rena Shawver (Executive Director, Community Action Council) updates the commissioners about the Community Action Council and the Homeless Coalition.

• Meeting adjourns for the day at 11:16.

· No Public Comment.

· Budget Supplemental- Dept of Commerce grant to Sheriff’s Office $246,000 for CORE program (mental health accompanying officers on crisis calls).

· Update from County Assessor: change of property value notices being mailed on May 31, legislative district changes (Ok County is now all District 7), annual assessments are required, physical assessments in the north county this year, there are currently 1200 open permits for new construction. The housing market has slowed but property values are still increasing. Assessments have not caught up with the market values.

· Received bids for HVAC work on the Virginia Grainer building, approved award to Comfort Zone Services.

· Considering proposal to make Juneteenth a holiday to go along with the weekend rather than on actual date.

· Public Works Update: New Dura Patcher arriving. Working with Methow Trails on Winthrop to Twisp trail. Meeting with Rotary Club on Thursday, regarding project funding.

· Meeting adjourned at noon.

Public Comment: Ms. Jackson reports that she listened to the Planning Commission Meeting last night. She was concerned that for such an important process, Pete was hurrying them along telling them to move quickly. Ms. Jackson suggests that they take their time to educate themselves in this process. She also asked the Board to clarify the process for changing zoning and wondered about the role of “Pete”. CB and AH answered her questions. The board received questions from a constituent in the Oroville/Tonasket area who is wanting to build a USDA approved meat processing facility and needs to know how to deal with waste.

Finance Committee: Looking for funding to fulfill the Becca Bill requirement of the Courts, and for the Water Conservancy Board. Getting ready for the equipment surplus auction.

Solid Waste: Reports on new methane gas laws beginning June 1, and the upcoming apple maggot quarantine for the north county.

Public Works: Working with the Liberty Woodlands (HOA) on their sewer system.

Meeting adjourned 12:11

• Pete Palmer, Planning Director, describes a thorny problem concerning a lot that was divided in half when the owner died, leaving one half to each of her two children, but the lot never went through the county’s subdivision process. Now one of the children wants to sell her property but can’t. The commissioners are stumped by this problem and refer Palmer to the county attorney.

• Roni Holder-Diefenbach, Executive Director of the Economic Alliance, and the commissioners discuss various infrastructure projects for RHD’s upcoming meeting with a federal interagency funding group, wanting to know funding priorities for affordable housing in the county.

• Commissioners meet in executive session with Esther Milner, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor and Shelley Keitzman, Human Resources and Risk Management, for 15 minutes under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)—on going litigation.

• Meeting adjourns for the day at 12:05.

• Board approves $3,600 increase for sanitary surveys–chlorination, distribution.

• Legal advisor presents “Roles and Responsibilities” guidelines for the board

• Pertussis, Measles on the rise

• Okanogan biggest state utilizer of hospital transfer program, lack of beds in Wenatchee tied to staffing issues, Health Officer recommends improving capacity for high acuity patients in local hospitals

• Spending strategy in the works to appropriate federal money ($280/year for four years) before deadline

• Community Health director stresses importance of Community Health Assessment

· No Public Comment.

· The clerk establishing dates for bid process on the 2nd phase of the courthouse exterior renovation.

· Treasurers Report: filing certificates of delinquency on unpaid property taxes from the 2021 year. Contract approved for Omak Chronicle to be the newspaper of record for County legal notices.

· The Board signs a proclamation that May 2024 is Mental Health Awareness month -Mental Health Color Walk this weekend.

· Bid Opening for Loomis-Oroville Road Drainage project.

· Public Works: BOCC needs to grant easement for Town of Twisp access to sewer treatment plant. The contractor to add more snow breaks on the new County shops, chip seal is happening mostly in Oroville and Omak this year, explains cattleguard relinquishment and requirement to be 20 foot wide.

· No business for Wednesday.

· The meeting adjourned at 11:41.

• The commissioners explain to the Planning Commission (PC) what they’re expecting from them—that the PC will make recommendations only to the changes in red in the red-line document. Then the BOCC will make changes to the zone code based on the PC’s recommendations, and the revised zone code will then have a 30 day comment period.

• The PC expects to have the review done after their next two meetings.

• The BOCC will consider other changes in the zone code later on.

• The meeting adjourned at 8:46.

· Public Comment: Ruth Hall thanks BOCC for their service.

· Fairground Update: Contacting Engineering firm (TD&H) about needed improvements at the fairgrounds. Discussion of rental amounts at AgriPlex for Fair Queen activities, and other youth related activities.

· Discussion of review of the ARPA fund allocation.

· Community Action Council (CAC) – Rena Sawver, Executive Director, discusses current housing coalition and March services rendered to County resident for housing, food, and financial services, 85% of funding comes from Department of Commerce grants, and future projects.

· Public Works: no progress on new shops, waste oil pump system, discussion of the electric car pollution in the manufacturing, open positions.

· Meeting adjourned at 11:28

• Bid for demolition of morgue and sheriff’s equipment shelter on Railroad Ave. awarded to Groat Bros., $148,432 tag includes clean-up and disposal of tanks, new structures’ environmental footprint should be smaller

• Economic Alliance director needs challenges to internet providers’ promised coverage to bolster argument for broadband grants, funds already secured by Okanogan County Electric Co-op for 222 Methow residents and PUD for “middle mile” up to Conconully; need to prove lines of credit preventing some applications but director and USDA rep confident about continued funding; isolated areas need dependable land line infrastructure since internet vulnerable to power outages

• Commissioners and clerk struggle to make federal Rescue Plan (ARPA) spending figures add up, time frame of reports compared to annual budgets complicates calculations, clerk is reassuring; total two-year allocation: $8.2M

• Nick Bates, Fairground manager discusses adopting a new policy on fee waivers. The fairgrounds will also create bi-lingual contracts in the hope there will be fewer misunderstandings about what a contract requires. The spay/neuter clinic was a big success.

• Pete Palmer, Planning Director, and the commissioners have a long discussion about the process the Planning Commission should be taking with regard to changes in the zone code. The Planning Commission would like to create a new document for the BOCC to consider, while the BOCC says the Planning Commission should review the comments received about the changes in the recent BOCC hearing, and make recommendations about the comments, not create a new document. If the Planning Commission wants to recommend a new document to the BOCC, there’s a different process for that. The BOCC and the Planning Commission will hold a joint meeting next Monday, May 13, at 7:00 PM to discuss this issue. This is in addition to the special meeting of the Planning Commission on Monday, May 20.

• The County Finance Committee (the BOCC, Treasurer and Auditor) review the county’s annual report to the State Auditor and the BOCC votes to submit the report.

• Meeting adjourned for the day at noon.

• DNR prepared for wildfire season with 195 available firefighters, 21 staffed engines, Huey helicopter at Omak airport; says Conservation District’s preparedness plan becoming model for the state; operational grants could finance more pressurized water take-outs from irrigation ditches; several national weather briedfings indicate “pretty average” fire year; 2024 timber sales to total 20M, many around Loomis

• Commissioners Hover and Neil discuss tick proliferation, clerk informs them of washes over paved road in burned area of Sinlaheken

• High School Rodeo rep asks for discount for upcoming event, says earnings go to scholarships, commissioners to discuss resolution setting rate for school-affiliated clubs on Monday when all three are present, money tight after $2M spent on fairgrounds over last few years, adding sheriff’s deputies now higher priority

• Meeting adjourned at 2:47

· County making plans for the online surplus auction.

· No public comment.

· 7 bids for property demolition of Railroad Ave in preparation for Sheriff’s Office/Coroner’s building, recommendation back to Board next week.

· Public Works: projects, open positions to be filled, road maintenance.

· Okanogan Wildlife Council presented easement papers for gun club by the landfill.

· Meeting adjourned 10:59

• Nick Bates, Fairgrounds Manager, updates the commissions on repairs to the little beef barn and the irrigation system near the arena. They discuss how to approach repairing the snow damage to the horse barn.

• Maurice Goodall, appearing as a private citizen, explains how a building on a parcel next to one he owns is egregiously violating the setbacks for the lot. The commissioners discuss how the problem happened and possible solutions. Commissioner Branch thinks the discuss of solutions should continue in executive session.

• Commissioners hold an executive session for 20 minutes, under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)—existing litigation, inviting Pete Palmer, Planning Director and Esther Milner, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor.

• Commissioners adjourn for the day at 12:00.

· Public Comment: Ms. Jackson comments on the Planning Commission meeting, found it interesting and long. Surprised they only meet 1X monthly for all there is to do. Ruth Hall comments that it is good to have a full Board of Equalization (BOE) now – all three districts.

· AH notes the ARPA fund is $80,000 over-allocated, then confers with LJ throughout the meeting to get the figures straight.

· Solid Waste: Twisp Transfer Station summer hours will begin earlier this year; composting business interested in wood chips from the County.

· Public Works: County is still in process of determining which departments will be moving where with the new building. Letter of Re-Commitment for Forest Collaborative participants.

· HR/Risk Manager: Grant funded Outreach Specialist position for the Sheriff’s Office to be finalized; then begin the hiring process.

· Board discusses needing to get the Planning Commissions process back on track.

· Meeting adjourned at 11:44

• During public comments, Sheilah and Jeff Delfeld tell the commissioners about their problems getting a mailbox on their property on Rodeo Trail Rd. If it’s simply a matter of locating the mailbox, there’s no permitting necessary, but if they want a new address on Rodeo Trail Rd. instead of Hwy 97, they need to get it from the Colville Tribe.

• Pete Palmer, Planning Director, has made a new red-line document for the Planning Commission to consider at their meeting this evening. It incorporates all the comments received about the draft zoning code, and Palmer hopes that the Planning Commission will recommend that it be sent to the County Commissioners and be put out for a new 30-day comment period.

• The commissioners hear a presentation about a proposed conservation easement for a 2,312 acre cattle ranch near Carter Mountain.

• The commissioners hold a 30 minute executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(g)—to consider the performance of a public employee, inviting Vicky Poole, HR Analyst/Civil Service Examiner.

• Meeting adjourns for the day at 11:45.

• Public Comment: Ms. Jackson – relates concerns regarding public housing and drug use by occupants asking for more investigation into the matter.

• Blue Sky Minds approved to use BOCC logo on food assessment and website to show cooperative relationship with the County.

• Finance Committee Meeting: Aeneas Valley Irrigation District able to pay back some of money owed to County. ARPA funds approved for two Community Action projects – one for food crisis funding; BOCC supportive of Twisp’s land purchase; supports Wa. State Dept of Parks & Recreation purchase of property near Pearrygin Lake. The board discussed the bid for work on the courthouse elevators. 

• Public Works: Conditions have been completed for the vacation of an unnamed connector road between Meek road and Susan road in the Lost River Airport Tracts Association, so an order of vacation will be filed. Grading roads and finishing up with the stabilizer. Damage to the Chesaw Road. Road restrictions being lifted in Chesaw. Chip seal project ongoing. No chip seal projects slated for next year. Two letters to go out for Okanogan County Organization of Governments: the Colville Tribes and the town of Riverside. 

• Appointment letters signed for new Board of Equalization member, TV District #1, and Methow Watershed Council.

• Consideration of officially adopting the Housing Task Force.

• Meeting adjourned at 11:38.

• Commissioners and Pete Palmer, Planning Director, discuss the issue of county email addresses for members of the Planning Commission. They also discuss the issue of procedures for interaction between the Planning Commission, the Planning Department and the County Commissioners.

• The Washington Association of Counties asks the commissioners for their priorities in next year’s legislative session. The commissioners' top priority is receiving state money to help pay for indigent defense.

• The commissioners hear a presentation from the Housing Coalition about possible solutions to homelessness in the county.

• The meeting adjourned at 3:36.

· Public Comment:

o Salley Bull, member of Planning Commission and Board of Equalization asking for County e-mail to protect her privacy. She is also concerned about using the Chat feature during Zoom hearings due to derogatory comments and threats to officials entered via this platform.

o Raven (on Zoom) has recommendations for the Sheriffs' Office regarding enforcing protection orders especially for high-risk victims of domestic violence that are being stalked. Raven states that the Sheriffs' Office and Prosecutors Office are not enforcing the law regarding weapons and forbidden (by protection order) places.

o Ruth Hall clarified with the BOCC that Dennis Rabidou is resigning, and they are getting ready to hire 2 people to fill his duties.

· Juvenile Jail Administrator and Superior Court Administration: OBHC CEO in to discuss other numbers and treatment alternatives for mentally ill/substance abuse individuals in crisis and ongoing services.

· Solid Waste Manager: on receiving green waste and reducing organics in landfill.

· Public Works: Adding stabilizer to dirt roads. Using Dyna Patch for road repairs. Public Works building needs repairs. Looking at used equipment to replace broken equipment. STP chip project approved.

· No Wednesday meeting.

· Meeting adjourned at 12:22

• Local resident renting property with pool asks for “two-pronged” regulating approach, single family dwellings should apply international pool/spa norms

• Commissioner Hover has the minutes changed to reflect a nuance in vaccination stance.

• Health Administrator requests board approval of promoting current employee to fill the Community Health Director position she vacated last year, discussion ensues over feasibility of that person continuing former duties as well.

• Pool regulations brought up to conformity ; further discussion for later meeting

• Health officer reports one pertussis case in county; in Texas avian flu jumped from birds to cows to humans

• Food Action Plan nears completion, features ideas from diverse sectors: farm toschool program, gleaning farm produce, freezer cars on trains, local processingfacilities for ranchers and orchardists

• Support services supervisor invited to talk about her job

• The Omak Chronicle’s bid to print legal notices was accepted last week. The new contract will begin July 1. In addition to the Chronicle, the county will continue to print legal notices in the Methow Valley News and the Okanogan Gazette for items that concern only those areas of the county.

• Kirk Johnson and Dick Ewing make comments concerning the county’s proposed re-zone and legal requirement for lot sizes.

• Pete Palmer, Director of Planning, updates the commissioners on the proposed re-zone.

• Maurice Goodall, Emergency Management, will buy a used 9½ foot cargo container to use in storing his sand bags and other equipment.

• Commissioners discuss the script and filming dates with CGI Productions for the updated video introduction to the county. Filming is tentatively scheduled for July 9-12.

• Commissioners review a proposal from MJ Neal & Associates architectural firm about courthouse renovations. They discuss a proposed land swap or purchase of the church between the courthouse and the Grainger Building. Commissioner Hover says the courthouse is just on the cusp of being too small.

• Commissioners adjourn for the day at 2:37.

· County Clerk directed to work with Room One in Twisp to allocate ARPA funds of $100,000; $50,000 per year over two-year period.

· Public Comment: Ms. Jackson requests information/help with county codes for burning, timeframes. Finance Committee: Meeting with Aeneas Lake Irrigation District to work on becoming solvent, rather than utilizing County funds. Economic Alliance to help with finding grants/loans to help financial situation, and the District will work with the PUD to help decrease costs of electricity. Will meet with Finance Committee again in June.

· Sheriff’s Dispatch Deputy Update: staffing: 11 of 13 positions filled, radio project looks favorable – there is more to do – awaiting funding from Congress budget. Working on the Sheriff’s building on Railroad Avenue – site visit on 4/17. Picked up the Radio Tech van for the new employee to use.

· Public Works:  Loomis/Oroville drainage project. Working on asphalt pad at the landfill, this is from the grant tied to organics. Looking at the Loomis right of way for the kiosk sign. Will ask DNR about a boundary line adjustment to accommodate the kiosk.

· Meeting adjourned at 11:46

• For $84,000, heartbeat detector and ankle bracelet monitors to help depleted jail staff deal with health crises; corrections officer training on the rise, Okanogan awaits graduates

• Records Coordinator position to be reinstated, Deputy Board Clerk will apply

• County administrator discussion revived

• What to show in refreshed version of county website video

• Regional director from Ecology forecasts 60% to 70% water availability, AH advocates meeting between Methow Watershed Council and Ecology, sediment study results awaited before dismantling Enloe Dam, Commissioner Hover asks about funds for water bank and Aeneas Lake irrigation district

• Resigning Juvenile Court/Superior Court administrator to be replaced by two employees

• Courtroom renovation discussed amid uncertainty over courtsʼ eventual location

• Emergency manager must transfer hundreds of sandbags to new storage site

· Rena Shawver updates BOCC on Community Action Council work, focusing on housing. Okanogan County has a housing crisis of extreme proportion.

· Discussion about plans for updating the County promotional video that is on the website.

· Discussion about future updates to historic courthouse building

· Update from Noxious weed manager. Employee promotions, public presentation for Lake Mgmt District.

• Public Comments: Ms. Jackson asks about reported sightings of white busses dropping off illegal immigrants in Omak who would then become part of the local homeless population. She asks what the commissioners are doing to protect the community. The commissioners say they will look into the matter but point out that orchardists are doing a lot of spraying right now and that Gebbers Farms has busses to transport their workers to the orchards. Ms. Jackson also asked why there are no meeting minutes posted for March on the commissioners’ website. They reply they haven’t corrected the March minutes yet.

• Commissioners hold an executive session under RCW42.30.110(1)(iii)—legal risks of a current practice, inviting Esther Milner, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor, and Cameron Burnette, Deputy Clerk of the Board.

• Maurice Goodall, Emergency Management reports that the two Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP) held recently went well. The meeting in Okanogan was attended by about 80 people.

• Commissioner Hover proposes giving Room One, a social services organization in the Methow Valley, $100,000 of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds over two years. They would use the money to serve the homeless population.

• The commissioners discuss contract modifications with the Okanogan County Tourist Council concerning their kiosks.

• The meeting adjourns for lunch at 12:40.

· No Public Comment.

· Carelon Behavioral Health Organization (BHSAO) representatives in to explain to BOCC their contract with the Wa State Health Care Authority (HCA) for Crisis (Substance Abuse and Mental Health)Services in three County groups in the State of Washington; Spokane (which includes Okanogan County), Southwest Washington, and Pierce County. Carelon is a for-profit nationwide organization – part of Elevance health. Okanogan Behavioral HealthCare (OBHC), which is a subcontractor of Carelon also joined the discussion.

· Public Works: poor road conditions coming out of winter in Chesaw & Havillah, also, Libby Creek Road, Foster Bridge Road Repair. Landfill cleaning out, green waste program, Whistler Canyon trailhead, and possible kiosk in Loomis area. Report on progress of new county shops.

· Adjourned at 11:57

• auto purchases over $50,000 subject to competitive bid

• Corrections officer after first year reports shifting staff around, wants more interaction with inmates, less filling out forms, is consulting with Tribes on mental health

• Sheriff’s office and Omak Police Dept. seek grant to employ mental health worker; sheriff urges collaboration between agencies to prepare for “a huge fire season”

• Prosecutor presents new Bar Association guidelines for gradual reduction of average public defender caseloads from 150 to 47, anticipates need to prioritize offenses affecting public safety

• Court Clerk reports 15-year record number of state filings

• Green waste accepted at landfill free of charge thanks to air quality grant

• Assessor hopeful state proposal to lower property tax passes next session

• Coroner’s office faces certification hassle, prepares building swap

• Planning director applauded, called “toughest-skinned person of the year” after taking heat for zone code revision, wants to get permit software running

• Ag Dept.’s $17,500 grant to cover Fair program

• Commissioners to draw up agreement for opioid settlement spending; fund administrator’s report forthcoming

• ARPA dollars to pay for recruiting defense attorneys

• Commissioners Hover and Branch conjecture on implications of indigent defense legislation proposals, Hover says there’s room for NAACP to get involved.

• Pete Palmer, Planning Director, discusses a grant application for water banking. Commissioner Branch says he thinks the county should hire a Water Resources Manager to handle water banking instead of using someone in the Planning Department. Palmer also discusses plans for the continued re-zone hearing that’s scheduled for the Argiplex that evening.

• The Sheriff’s Office is applying for a Fire Arms Safety and Violence Prevention grant. The grant includes funding to hire a core outreach specialist to serve as a co-responder and develop a collaborative relationship between the Sheriff’s Office, fire fighters and EMTs. Commissioner Branch thinks hiring the right person for this job will be the key to its success.

• The commissioners hold a 30 minute executive session, under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)—to discuss potential litigation, inviting Esther Milner, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor.

• Meeting adjourns at 2:05.

· The State Legislature passed a bill to decrease Public Defender caseloads, but without extra funding for the Counties, expecting the Counties to bear the expense of hiring more staff.

· Public Comment: Isabelle Spohn suggests the BOCC put the Community Wildfire Protection Plan meetings on their website to get the message out for the best participation. Emergency Response Coordinator feels they have done a good job of getting these meetings (for public input) advertised, BOCC to get them advertised on their schedule/agenda.

· HR/Risk Manager: Received communication from the Public Defender contractor requesting funding to hire 2 new Public Defenders. She will work with Clerk of Board and Auditor to write this up. BOCC is considering using ARPA funds to pay for this. The County currently pays over a million dollars for Public Defender services.

· Public Works Update: Most road restrictions lifted today, new shops are still waiting for completion, closeout of Cameron Lake Road project funds to be used for chip seal.

· Meeting adjourned 10:21. No PM session.

• Nick Bates, newly hired Fairgrounds Manager, is surveying the buildings that need repair. Also, he would like to make changes to the rental fee schedule.

• Pete Palmer, Director of Planning, has hired a new Senior Planner and a Planner I to fill empty positions. She also hired another Planner I to replace an employee who will be leaving soon.

• Tom Even, Okanogan Veterans Services Officer gives his quarterly update to the Commissioners. They discuss housing for homeless veterans.

• Sheriff Budrow says he’s received a grant to provide a Designated Crisis Responder who would work with deputies, fire fighters and EMS personnel in dealing with people in crisis. The hope is to be able to deal with such people without jailing them.

·  Resolutions passed involving: Public Records Act, Organizational chart, Claims Officer, Group B water systems

·  Covid allocation extended to June 30th, Cases number 10-12 a week

·  Commissioner Hover expresses support for freedom of choice regarding vaccines

·  Salary of new Local Emergency Response Coordonator discussed

·  New legislation requires septic inspections for every transaction, cloud data base discussed; system failure reported near Oroville, hook-up to sewer extension possible, grouping several would lower the cost

· Discussion about Community Action Council having a huge shortfall – needing $300,000.

· No Public Comment.

· Zak Kennedy – Counties' lobbyist reports on end of Legislative Session – what initiatives passed, which did not, and what next year may look like. He is hopeful the Cap & Trade Tax, along with the Capital Gains tax will be repealed next year.

· Public Works: County engineer reports on road maintenance – some road restrictions are ending due to weather warming up. Road crew began their 4 X10 schedule this week, Cameron Lake Road project is not going to happen – never did hear back from the Tribe.

· Okanogan Wildlife Council (Buck Workman and Mike Ferrens), which owns the shooting range up by the landfill request permanent road easement to access the shooting range. This road is shared with the County's rock crushing access. A survey would need to be done in order to give official easement to go longer than 2037.

· HR/Risk Manager and Juvenile are doing a salary survey for staff – hoping to hire two new staff members.

· Dispatch purchase of a tech van for the new Radio Tech position. BOCC approves purchase from only bid from Wendle in Spokane for $71,321.

· Need to organize trail easements for the new Trails position.

· Work session/Discussion regarding Opioid Abatement monies designated for Okanogan County projects, and how to work the with Opioid Abatement Council.

· Meeting adjourned at noon. Public Health @1:30 and BOCC back in session at 3:00.

• Commissioners hear about a property tax issue with a retired orchardist. Later they discuss the situation with Larry Gilman, County Assessor, who tells them that the man is ineligible for the Open Space tax rate.

• Shelley Keitzman, of Human Resources, introduces Nick Bates, the new Fairgrounds Manager. He says he’s had experience before with fairgrounds that have not been maintained well.

• Commissioners hear a proposal from CGI Video Tours to update their five year old video, introducing people to the county.

• The commissioners and the Sheriff discuss lowering the speed limit on the road that runs past the two schools in the Methow Valley School District.

• Meeting adjourns at 2:20.

·  Executive sessions held to discuss union negotiations,mediation proceedings, ongoing litigation

·  Motion of understanding addresses fairgrounds crew moving garden program equipment

·  Contract discussions needed with Fair events company Romeo.

·  Consensus on Hearings Examiner candidate

·  Board Clerk enthusiastic about coming homeless housing presentation; Discussion on “Catch 22” of needing to use grant money to develop plan necessary to be awarded more grant money

·  HVAC in jail price tag: $96,000, plans revised

·  Brief discussion on emergency medical services’ regional association

· Board considers using ARPA funds for some Oroville Fire Department equipment.

· No public comments.

· The Sheriff’s Dept Communications Director requests permission to look for new Ford transit van for the new technician position.

· HR/Risk Manager asks for authorization to purchase two gun lockers for weapons storage in the Court House due to security concerns. Purchase is approved. Discussion of preference of keeping Opioid Settlement monies for County in County Fund, but willing to pay administrative fee to the Opioid Settlement Council – “we know best use of funds in our county”.

· Public Hearing on closeout of Covid 1 & 2 funds through Community Action- $400,000.

· Solid Waste Manager: Receives approval to get on Open Line (on radio station) to explain the new organics program grant and also the grant to improve air quality – accepting 'green' waste with no charge.

· Public Works: The new Trails/Planning position person, Amy Staggs, gives update to Board on Whistler Canyon and other possible projects.

· 11:37 meeting adjourned.

• Commissioners discuss several times the upcoming Planning Commission meeting on March 25 and how to ensure it runs smoothly. Commissioners Branch points out how harmful social media can be in spreading misinformation.

• Susan Speiker, Clerk of the Courts, gives the Commissioners her quarterly update.

• Commissioner Hover reads an article critical of him at the Feb. 26 BOCC meeting, not realizing it’s a satire from the Omak Republic.

• Meeting adjourns at 12:00.

· Discussion of fee-waiver policy at the fairgrounds,

· Public Comment: Mrs Jackson having problems with her Grade A well water system and wants to know who to complain to. There are 117 hookups on this Suncrest System LLC, and numerous problems that need to be reported.

· WSU extension office brings Memo of Agreement concerning the Master Gardeners demo garden at the fair – approved.

· Fairgrounds Manager's last day is March 1st. New manager to start on March 5th.

· County Assessor Update: Assessed values have increased 16%, but the levy rate went down. Would like to change policy on pest acres assessment – will discuss with the pest board, there is an opening for a personal property clerk, assessor doesn't understand the State School rate.

· Finance Update: Discussion on funding and logistics regarding the Water Conservancy Board in relation to county bookkeeping, auditor and treasurer will talk with their Chelan counterparts to see how it is done there.

· Solid Waste Update: Manager regarding grant for air quality – for green waste, also farm slaughter/butchering waste business.

· County Engineer Update: Road maintenance, dirt roads are drying up. Waiting for comments from WDFW on some newly possible WATV routes. Progress on Cameron Lake Road project – problems with eminent domain with Colville Tribe.

· Meeting adjourned at 12:00 noon.

• Bridge project to receive $22,000 from Recreation and Conservation; $60,000 approved for cybersecurity

• Raven Aea pursues case for county administrator, law enforcement training

• Planning director reports on standing-room-only public hearing for zoning amendment, better      understanding of process and changes needed; successor for resigning Hearing Examiner chosen; resident questions planning process; commissioners regret silence imposed by attorney-client privilege

• City of Okanogan’s Elmway water main extension gets federal boost; contract approved for group to write broadband grant application

• Oroville’s request to create port district discussed

• At several times during today’s session, the commissioners discussed the Planning Commission’s public hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 20, and how to make future hearing run more smoothly.

• Commissioners held two 30 minute executive sessions, both under RCW 42.30.110(1)(iii) to discuss the legal risk of a proposed action. The first meeting included Esther Milner, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor and the second included Milner and Shelley Keitzman of Human Resources and Risk Management.

· Commissioners checking on status of HB 2057 relating to funding Search & Rescue –currently in Executive Session in Olympia.

· Zak Kennedy (lobbyist) gives updates on house and senate bills of interest to Counties, also predicts next year will be a really tight budget at State level.

· Public Comment: Isabelle Spohn, community member expresses real concerns about the Planning Commission process, especially regarding tonight's hearing on the rezone and the lack of clear mapping of zoning areas in the county, especially in the Methow Valley. BOCC points out this hearing is for recommendation back to them, and then there will be another public meeting/hearing before the final decision.

· Financial Committee Meeting with Treasurer, Auditor, and Finance Manager:  Approval of new debt and investment policy, 5.50 % interest on investments currently, discussion of registered warrants outstanding, and how to deal with Aeneas Lake Irrigation District that is unable to pay expenses from assessments - running on public funds. Two bid openings for liquid asphalt and soil stabilizer with Public Works.

· Solid Waste Manager: New EPA rule changes coming and recycling bills in the legislature.

· Public Works: Road maintenance and 2 Senior Mechanic positions to advertise due to upcoming retirements.

· BOCC will be at Planning Meeting this evening.

· Meeting adjourned at 11:58 until 1:30 in the PM.

· IT director met with company to equip courtrooms for virtual, portable camera planned for room used for Hearings Examiner and Executive sessions

· Civil Prosecutor announces $260,000 in recent settlement funds for regional opioid council, Commissioner Branch attended meeting

· Letter of interest for planning positionsparks discussion on county politization, zoning code revision misinformation

· Public received misinformation on zoning code revision,Planning Director will have to open that evening’s hearing with clarifications and corrections; zoning map’s colors and lines could benefit from interagency collaboration

· WSU Extension Coordinator preparing “4H Needs You” campaign to enlist adult volunteers, Okanogan Valley youth may integrate “Family Clubs” in meantime; local Master Gardner/4H Coordinator applying state 4H rules for Fair, priorizing safety, shomanship, cleanliness, no more “open”, only supervised projects exposed in 4H barn; access to and salary for possible regional coordinator discussed

· HR director seeks to fill previously held full-time fairgrounds clerk position, budget must be juggled with to finance this; “re-curring user Sunrise RV had planned event without signing contract, will have alternate Agriplex dates with fees waived

· Motley discussion : Oroville water systems, Group B systems, road problems from subdivisions on Tunk Mt.

· Meeting disbanded at 4:10

· Board approves $19,000 to be paid to Blue Sky Minds, along with Memo of Understanding to conduct an assessment of Okanogan County's food/growers needs – will report back quarterly.

· Board approves procurement policy to purchase Emergency Response vehicle, preferably local purchase up to $55,000.

· Report from Dr Wallace: We’re out of respiratory illness season (Covid, Influenza, RSV), ER visits have risen, hospitalization rates are down. Have been working with schools/day cares and Long Term Care facilities for outbreaks. Continued Opioid Overdose problem, along with sexually transmitted infections. Director presents power point to report on Public Health 2023 activity.& data. Environmental Health Officer reports wrap-up of 2023; septic difficult on an acre. (100 foot radius sanitary zone needed- easier with a 2 acre minimum.

· BOCC reports zone code is up for review.

· Adjourn 2:58

• Commissioners clean up previous meeting notes, Branch comments on logging

• Affordable housing grant support letter approved

• Used oil from elevators to be recycled for heat

• Road restrictions lifted, Cameron Lakes road project rejected by Indian affairs bureau

• Public Works next projects: drainage at Bonaparte, overlay near Oroville, Loomis-Oroville Rd.

• Minimum wage going up, budget adjustment necessary

• Letter of support for affordable housing grant approved

• Branch reports on regional opioid council’s progress, meetings among local actors, prospect of shared treatment evaluation center

• Meeting adjourned at 11:42

· 3 Public comments: regarding vacant seat on Planning Commission, and accusing BOCC of numerous “severe violations” of RCWs regarding the zoning update process. Request to cease process immediately

· Emergency Management update: MG concerned that he was not included in discussion about new building for Coroner and Sheriff dept storage; complaint about having to watch “offensive images” as part of required harassment training.  The training program is pushing things that are not normal.

· Discussion on Hearing Examiner letter of termination. DB objects to way his termination was handled, does not want to stay in H.E. position any longer, resigns effective immediately.

· Further discussion on zoning code update procedure.  Explanations of why it was done this way, legal requirements due to stipulation order agreed to by BOCC resulting from lawsuit by Yakima Nation.

· Discussion about applicant for planning commission vacancy.  Concern about her strong opinions on property rights.

· CB reports on meeting with animal rescue organizations

· Short discussion about taxes

· Human Resource director signing everyone up for Sexual Harassment Training, it’s “auto-assigned” to all new employees; relays call from state Criminal Justice Training Commission to solicit legislative support to add six new classes to existing four, currently employment candidates seeking certification must wait up to 24 months

· Repairs for recently-bought tractor, damaged by fairgrounds employee, quoted at around $20,000, FG budget must cover it; discussion about what price purchases require how much competitive bidding

· Board examines case of person wishing to acquire county land adjacent to his to facilitate access, land must first be assessed

· Video Tour of county on website to be renewed at no extra cost, sponsorship and sharing the video with businesses’ websites discussed

· Access to Hearing Examiner’s website discussed

· Comm’r Branch not convinced by photos that Mission timber cut constitutes any irregularity, talks about subjectivity on part of Wilderness Society-paid monitor he accompanied to a cut; says lot of home development made possible by forest roads

· Public comments regarding ATVs, logging in the Methow Valley

· Legislative update: new definition of ‘Frontier County”; wolf bills; 6 initiatives on ballot; property tax assessment methods

· Finance Committee discussion

· Election observing

· Update on communications and mobile command unit; legal complications of ordering a coffee maker

· In Public Comment Aeneas Valley resident gives litany of complaints including

police roughing up his wife, neighbor stealing his back hoe and laxism toward drug dealing; County Watch note-taker asks to re-position clock since camera angle has changed; Mission timber cut in Methow criticized

· Emergency Manager says Wildfire Protection Plan to be discussed at six public

meetings throughout county, has aided three houses with frozen pipe issues

· New Fairground Manager seeks mediation for tensions with Fair Advisory

Committee; complains of regularly having to “kick people out’’ who signed contracts he wasn’t notified of when he took the job, will try to satisfy commissioner’s request to move scheduled Agriplex venue

· Brief discussion on need to visually document Housing Board’s funding efforts for

better understanding

· Long discussion with local resident/management specialist Raven Aea on

benefits an appointed County Administrator could bring to county government where elected officials cannot complain about other elected officials

· Orchardists’ had bad year and beef producers having trouble; help available

through Farm Service Agency?

·  Community Action describes current housing crisis, will subcontract with consulting company to apply for grant to identify barriers to affordable housing, and develop 5-year housing plan; zoning an issue; Commissioners to sign letter of support

·  Dispatch Coordinator asks about demolition bid on site of future sheriff’s equipment /coroner’s building; tanks of “residual oil-related tar “could pose problem

·  Fairground volunteers shouldn’t have free rein with county equipment

·  Discussion on distribution of funds for public safety, competition between Omak and county to recruit qualified officers

·  Electric Co-op in Methow to receive American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds for broadband; wants to buy neighboring land for equipment but zoning change needed

·  County got “dinged” in audit of ARPA funds for not documenting proof  of non-disbarment for contractors and sub-recipients, Commissioner Hover objects

· Public comment opposing military training flights over wilderness areas

· Superior and Juvenile Court update - numerous vacancies

· Voluntary Stewardship Program advisory committee appointments

· Discussion about wolves

· Public Works and Solid Waste updates- road restrictions and legislation to watch

· WATV Discussion with WDFW personnel regarding the Methow Valley area. Goals and strategy.  Map of roads under discussion, but not yet proposed, attached.

· BOCC hears comments from Raven Aae concerning National Stalking Awareness Month. She urges the commissioners to consider hiring a county manager whose duties would include investigating complaints against the Sheriff’s and Prosecutor’s Office.

· Maurice Goodall, Emergency Management and Michael Harr, Director, Environmental Health, update the BOCC on the water emergency at the River Road Mobile Home Park near Tonasket. The development’s well went dry two months ago.

· BOCC hear a summary of the State Auditor’s audit of the county.

· Okanogan PUD wants to re-write the contract for $500,000 of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds. They would like the funds to pay for construction materials instead of planning for the Conconully broadband project. The BOCC is happy to make the change. Commissioners and the PUD also discuss electrical power supply to the county. The PUD is concerned that because power demand is growing, they may not be able to supply the county during a cold snap or heat wave next year.

· BOCC meets twice in executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)—potential litigation. The first meeting lasts 20 minutes and includes Esther Milner, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor, and Pete Palmer, Director of Planning. After the meeting the BOCC directs Palmer to write a letter of termination to Dan Beardslee, the Hearing Examiner, and to create a request for proposal for the services of a hearing examiner. The second executive session is for 10 minutes and Esther Milner is invited.

· Adjourn at 2:21 until tomorrow.

 • Asbestos removal in courthouse hallways, slated for summer, will bring altered  circulation and relocated offices  

• Windows in annex to match courthouse’s 

• Either polished concrete or something else for courthouse flooring surface,  depending on historical preservation group’s recommendation 

• Five resolutions signed affecting funds for housing (resolution 5-2024), Search  and Rescue, hiring nurses to cover jail, and un-obligated funds certification 

• Commissioners sign letter supporting broadband connectivity on reservation 

• No free bottled water-rule to be waived for maintenance workers  

• Sunrise RV publicized but didn’t sign contract for annual event in Agiplex, site  already rented out for same weekend  

• Mini debate on where to put asphalt in 2nd Ave. building parking lot

·  Public Health requirements of Lazy Lightning long plat complied with, approval by commissioners

(In meeting with MJ Neal Architects to discuss floor plan of proposed Justice Center)

·  Sheriff Budrow opposes relocating courts to former Forest Service Building, security concerns cited, especially transportation of prisoners from jail to south 2nd Ave.; Court Clerk Susan Speiker and Prosecutor Albert Lin also against project

• BOCC willing to change course if security concerns in historic courthouse can be resolved, will re-consult department heads for consensus

• Symbolic aspect of courthouse, respect for the institution of the court evoked

• Architects, commissioners, staff agree grouping public services on new site makes sense

• Most of current courthouse renovation plans would be unaffected by project turn-around

· Discussion of County Code regarding manufactured homes

· Code enforcement

· Public Works Dept update (proposed legislation on transitioning from gas-powered to electric equipment, tax reform, storm water, etc.)

· Discussion on LTAC application process

· Discussion on Homeless Housing Coalition and grant application

· Different ID cards for Superior Court Employees

• Planning Director Pete Palmer says the Eastern Washington Airspace Extension is asking for comments about its proposal to lower the floor limit to 300’ in additional areas in the county—mostly in the Methow and the Reservation. The floor limit is already 300’ in some parts of the county. Also, the Department of Ecology wants the county to update its Floodplain regulations.

• Commissioners hold a 10-minute executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) to evaluate the performance of a public employee, with Pete Palmer invited.

• Commissioners hold a 30-minute executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(ii) to discuss risks of potential litigation, inviting the Albert Lin, County Prosecutor, Esther Milner, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor and Shelley Keitzman, Human Resources and Risk Management.

• The commissioners were updated on last week’s Courthouse Security Meeting. They are considering buying lockers for courthouse visitors to store items that aren’t allowed in the courtrooms.

• Mike Worden, Dispatch Center, asks the commissioners to consider hiring a new radio technician and buying a new vehicle.

• Meeting adjourned at 11:38

• The Finance Committee (BOCC, County Treasurer and County Auditor) holds its first meeting of the year. Cari Hall, County Auditor, updates the commissioners about the results of the state’s annual audit of the county.

• Josh Thomson, County Engineer, and the commissioners discuss how to deal with the fact that under the county re-zone only 15 of the county’s 19 gravel pits will be allowed.

• Meeting adjourned at 11:50

• Executive session with Prosecutor, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor and Planning Director to discuss a law asserting the right to hold executive sessions. Prosecutor mentions      “overwhelming” incident in child support service which prompted letting 2 employees take rest of day off.

• Building Dept. report says this year “not far off normal”; new energy code to be adopted but not finalized yet, Wilderness-Urban Interface code required as of March 15th; requiring snow roofs for mobile homes would raise affordable housing issue ; salary boost for most valuable employee requested

• Okanogan Conservation District representatives present progress on County Wildfire Protection Plan to assess and reduce risk from wildfires, completion planned for June; not a regulatory document but adding acreage to Wilderness Urban Interface will increase funding; Community study reaps 670 responses.

• Memorandum of Understanding to participate in grizzly restoration environmental impact study approved.

• PUD proposal for engineering of internet project doesn’t satisfy Board.

• Brief discussion during minutes approval suggests difference in Lodging Tax applications between Methow and Okanogan valleys; tourism discussed.

· Meeting adjourned at 4:51

Because of technical difficuties, the notetaker could only listen to the last part of this meeting.

Summary of Important Discussions:

• Medical officer says 140 reported overdoses last year, real number probably three times higher; should be more information available in the right places

• Former Brewster fire chief hired as new Emergency Response Coordinator.

• Public Health Director Lauri Jones says workers at housing shelter in Okanogan “in over their heads” with people coming at night and complex medical issues.

• Drug use in jail, long discussion about need for full-time nurses, experienced in mental health, who do more than administer drug treatments, maybe from the west side? “Recovery navigators” recommended, plan for discussion between sheriff and public health actors

- Presentation by Wes McCart, Stevens County Commissioner on a new organization National Center for Public Lands Counties) that he is urging Okanogan County to participate in.

- Contract signed to fund WSU Extension Agent

- Discussion about parking lot at new Justice Center

- Discussion about a grant to fund Public Defender

- Public Works update – concern that proposed Zone Code rules around gravel pits will be a problem for the county. All the county pits (and most private ones) would be out of compliance under the proposed new rules.

- Discussion about Whistler Canyon horse unloading site.

- BOCC approves proposal for new Sheriff/Coroner equipment building.

Jail commissary to be flagged as retail to eliminate tax-processing chore, no  revenue change, family, friends can make purchases; inmates to get tablets 

• Tonasket district ranger says two timber sales completed on Mt. Hull, last sale  requires winter units; emergency action protocol signed; local contractors sought for  bunkhouse construction and fence rebuilding; Smoky’s birthday to be celebrated  with library story times; collaborative thinning project benefits bighorns; 3,000 acres  of prescribed burn tallied; Conconully roadwork to continue this spring; 2023 was  “good grass year” for livestock; Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) due in  June 

• Board agrees to sign letter to Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife after  Commissioner Hover points to inconsistencies between Conservation Policy Draft;  and state agency’s 25-year plan with regards to hunting and fishing 

• County will pay Methow Arts Alliance’s radio ad bill but group missed deadline for  2024 LTAC (Lodging Tax Advisory Committee) funding 

• Murmur heard about Grainger parking lot and another parking lot needing makeover

· Commissioners discuss the possibility of putting a proposal on the ballot to raise the sales tax rate .3%. The proceeds would be shared between the county and the cities and be used to fund new positions in the Sheriff’s Office, 24 hour coverage in two EMS districts and capital expenditures for rural fire districts.

· During public comments, Raven Aae tells the commissioners of her experience as a victim of stalking in the county. She asks the commissioners to create an ombudsman position so that an independent person would handle complaints against the Sheriff’s and Prosecutor’s Offices.

· Commissioners hold two executive sessions under RCW 42.30.110(1)(g)—performance of a public employee, each for 10 minutes. In the first session, Shelley Keitzman of Human Relations is invited, and in the second, Keitzman and Pete Palmer of Planning are included.

· Cari Hall, County Auditor, and Jamie Groomes, Chief Deputy Auditor, discuss how the office will process elections in the next few months. Signature checking will be done where it’s been done in the past, and the ballot processing will be done in the room where Licensing was planning to be.

· Commissioners hold an executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)—on-going litigation involving land use for 30 minutes and extended to another 30 minutes. Albert Lin, County Prosecutor, Esther Milner Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor and two outside attorneys (Jenna Mandell-Rice and Charlene Kozki of Van Ness Feldman) are included.

Meeting adjourns at 12:33.

· Jon Neal Elected BOCC Chair, Andy Hover elected Vice Chair.

· No Public Comment.

· Discussion about how to support Public Lands: wildfire, forest management, wildlife management.

· Finance: some policy changes into the new year, still balancing things out from yearend- 2023, state audit happening, roll out of new software going well with a few issues that have been resolved.

· Risk Management: Horse barn “damage” claim.

· Sheriff and Undersheriff not understanding the budget process timelines, and unhappy about not being notified of final budget, also not getting staff requested – upgrading deputy to lieutenant with commensurate pay – may use stipend for extra duties, also animal control position not approved/funded – but it is not off the table.

· Approved Resolution upgrading some salaries due to minimum wage increase.

· Executive Sessions for Employee Evaluations.

· Public Comment: via e-mail, Sheilah Kennedy concerned about the criminal activity along Rodeo Trail Road and Hwy 97 – suggests hiring more deputies instead of constructing the coroner’s building.

· Judge Grimm to make a 'wish' list for technology updates for court. Drafting a letter to State Representatives to support Communications upgrade funding -$3 billion.

· Public Works update: 3rd fire at recycle bin, road conditions quiet, working on Mazama Bridge Project. New part time position in Public Works/Engineering Tech. Board authorizes new Search & Rescue coordinator position,

· Meeting adjourned 11:18

· Continued 2024 budget hearing – Budget approved for 2024 – Resolution 206-2023.

· Board made exception of rolling over unused leave over 240 hours into the next year for Building Supervisor.

· Approved Union Contracts for County Court employees and the Sheriff’s Office,

· Public Works update by County Engineer.

· Meeting adjourned 11:30 – not afternoon meeting or Wednesday meeting.

• Commissioners discuss the recent US Fish & Wildlife listing of the lynx as endangered. Commissioner Hover would like the board to make a comment on the proposed plan, noting that wildfire is the biggest threat to lynx habitat.

• Marie Hines, of Blue Sky Mind, presents her plan to produce a food system assessment of Okanogan County and the Colville Reservation and create a10-year Food Action Plan. She asks the commissioners for $9,500 to go with the $9,500 she hopes to get from Public Health, but the commissioners think that one allocation of $20,000 from the $1,000,000 ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) money that Public Health has received makes more sense.

• Commissioners hold three executive sessions, each 30 minutes long. Two are under RCW 42.30.110(1)(iii) and one is under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i).

• Adjourn at 3:13.

· Approved county vouchers for $1,089,000. Approved budget supplement appropriation to finish the Goat Creek Bridge project.

· HR/Risk Manager: Performance evaluations getting scheduled, 6 union contracts are ready to ratify. Communications/Dispatch: 12 of 13 positions are filled – improvement from last year at this time. The mobile command vehicle will be delivered this Thursday – this was financed with ARPA monies. We are 2/3 of the way on the new radio project on Pilcher Mountain, also planning for Molson site, and progress being made on equipment building for Sheriff/Coroner.

· County Auditor: Recording fees are going up significantly at the first of the year – these are set by the State, expecting 2 special elections next year, plus the Presidential general election in November. Approval of Resolutions providing 2 bailiff positions in District Court, changing legal secretary to a Records Clerk, adding civil clerk/bailiff in the Prosecutors Office.

· Public Works: not too much road work due to lack of snow, continuing to work on the Sheridan Road issue – will place a county road sign to help with the confusion.

· Meeting adjourned at 11:31, Board of Health this afternoon at 1:30, but no meeting afterwards, nor on Wednesday.

• In public comment, Blue Sky Minds lauded for serving students in need

• Leadership training in Wenatchee with other NCW counties strengthening management teams

• Resolution 2023-16 on procurement policy approved to comply with RCW, geared more to large public works projects than public health

• Health Officer’s salary upped from $125 to $150/hour

• Approval of $10,000 contract with Blue Sky Minds county hunger assessment tabled until group can present “deliverables” to board members

• Health Officer’s report signals rising Covid and RSV rates, each totaling 4% of county hospitalizations; State reviewing what could have been done better in reaction to Covid, governor’s approach called “abrasive”

• Brief discussion on tribal sovereignty; Cmm’r Branch says government not providing what they need

• End of bookmobile in north a mental health worry

• Long discussion on mental health crisis: decentralization, staff shortages, “ER becoming a mental health facility”; mental health nurse planned for jail

• Commissioners discuss taking 5% of the Weed and Pest Boards assessments for administrative expenses in the Assessor’s Office and the Treasurer’s Office. Several other districts pay that fee.

• Commissioners hear a discussion of asbestos abatement in the Court House presented by MJ Neal Associates and Asbestos Central.

• Commissioners hold a public hearing about a road vacation near the Lost River Airstrip.

• Commissioners allocate .09 money from a list prioritized by the Infrastructure Committee of the Economic Alliance.

• The 2024 budget has its final adjustments and is posted on the Commissioners’ website. The public hearing was continued to Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 9:30.

• Meeting adjourns at 3:29.

· No Public Comment.

· Budget Session for Prosecuting Attorney's Office: Pay increase for staff and creating a new position. Approved resolutions with wage changes.

· Public Hearings on Utility Franchises: Oroville and Elmer City.

· Public Works update: quite a bit of overtime due to snowy road conditions. Problems with Cougar Creek Road/Sheridan Road names and on Google Maps. Purchase of truck and snowplow between departments for the fairgrounds.

· Meeting adjourned at 12:02 until the afternoon session.

• Juvenile Services budget reviewed, CASA (court-appointed special advocates) grants, U of W homelessness project grant received; services headed for deficit in 2025 at current expenditures

• Sheriff to receive new vehicle for $45,800

• Office closures starting noon the Friday before Christmas to allow for county employees’ party

• Computer services paid $143,479 for warranties this year, exceeding budget by $40,000

• New cameras partially funded through ARPA to equip hearing room

• Sheriff’s budget: search and rescue post approved, animal control post possibly to be jointly financed with cities

• City of Okanogan to decide on an annexation hearing to prepare for new juvenile correctional facility on Justice Center site

• Meeting adjourned at 3:10

• During the Planning Department update, the Commissioners review the schedule for the zone code revision, hear about two non-conforming lots, the Methow Watershed Foundation’s proposal to hire a consultant and attend a conference. Also, they make plans for the public hearing this evening in Oroville for Lake Osoyoos’ Lake Management District.

• Brent Trimm updates the Commissioners about the sale of livestock at the Fair. The total amount of payout to the kids was $651,520.12.

• Commissioners are finalizing the 2024 county budget. The draft budget is now available to view on their website. The public hearing about the budget will continue on Monday, Dec. 11 in the afternoon.

• Commissioners adjourn at 3:35

· New fairgrounds manager asks for $25,000 increase, prioritizes repair over replacement of dilapidated buildings, starting with horse barn; aims at more “common involvement”, fundraisers, advertising; new water system must be done in time for fair

· Treasurer and Auditor urge conservatism in estimating interest from general obligations bond

· District Court upgrading legal assistant post; annual replacement of evidence rulebook and courtroom rulebook for three courtrooms a necessity, price tag: $12,000; probation officer salary puts budget in the red, broader analysis of duties could qualify post for opiate settlement money

· New flooring to replace worn carpets in courthouse

· Auditor’s budget includes restoring historical documents and recording them online, replacement of election equipment in case of malfunction

· Treasurer discusses bond payment transfers, final Eastlake sewer bond payment next June

· ARPA fund recipients listed, Commissioner Hover says they need more projects, Commissioner Branch says equity issues part of the ARPA law and that they “didn’t do that”

· Branch raises subject of vehicles for Court to be in user’s name, contrary to other vehicles registered in name of county; Hover objects, Branch says keep an open mind

· Meeting adjourned at 4:02 p.m.

· Budget work sessions for the Coroner’s Office, County Fair, and Veterans.

· WATV Club proposes opening some back roads to ATVs; Methow Forest Ranger in meeting to discuss with BOCC the possibility of connecting county roads and Forest Service roads in a more comprehensive trail system. Decision made to focus on 3 different trails and AH to meet with Methow Valley Trails Collaborative group at next meeting to begin discussion.

· Resolution approved adding Thanksgiving Eve to a list of office holiday closures.

· Adjourn 5:00. BOCC to meet on Wednesday at 9:00 AM.

· No public comment

· BOCC authorized dispatch/Sheriff’s Office to purchase vehicle from Seattle for under $55,000, HR/Risk Manager: updates BOCC on vehicle purchase and employee evaluations have been sent out. Assessor Update: recap of costs this year and increases for next year; also describes 2 options for changing levy/ budgeting amounts; Levy shift or Diversion. Budget work sessions for WSU Extension along with information on what office is doing.

· Public Works: waiting for snow – noticing less expenditures due to no significant snow yet, notes transfer agents with Solid Waste are always using overtime, looking for land for new pit – preferably in the North County, also surplus parcel for sale.

· Meeting adjourned at 11:24. Will reconvene at 1:00.

• Commissioners finalize the 2024 budget for many departments.

• Pete Palmer, Planning Director, updates the commissioners on her schedule for updating the zoning code.

• Commissioners and Sheriff Budrow discuss creating new positions for a Search and Rescue position, an Animal Control Officer and two deputies. The sheriff is concerned that if the department is not fully staffed, the county is opening itself up to lawsuits.

• Adjourn for the day at 5:03.

• Notes begin with BOH meeting followed by PM BOCC session.

• Courthouse offices closing at 2:00 on Thanksgiving eve.

• Discussion with Okanogan County Homeless Coalition for current solutions and recommendations for spending/focus in 2024.

• 5% wage increase for non-bargaining County employees.

• Budgeting sessions with finance committee and Superior Court and Prosecuting Attorney office – requests for more staff and wage increases.

• Cost over-runs on Lower Goat Creek Bridge repairs.

• Meeting adjourned 5:50.

- Karen Beatty gives update on status of technology used by the County (phone system, website, etc.)

- AVID board discusses financial situation with County Financial Committee. They have been using registered warrants, which cannot continue.

• Several times during the meeting, the commissioners discuss the issue of funding the Sheriff’s proposal for two new deputies for traffic control.

• Pete Palmer, Director of Planning, met with five employees of the Department of Ecology and discussed applications for water rights files years ago but never acted upon. DOE will review them and most likely they will be denied.

• Meeting adjourned at 11:26

• Before a discussion of the Sheriff’s Department’s budgets, Sheriff Budrow asks for clarification on several issues.Why there are no insurance benefits for families of non-union employees in the department.
  Why the sheriff doesn’t have the two traffic patrol officers he feels are required.
  Why the Patrol Division wasn’t increased when the Tonasket contract was signed.
  

• Commissioners discuss budgets for Maintenance and Noxious Weeds.

• Adjourn at 4:45.

• Three people from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) update the commissioners on their plan to close parts of the Methow Wildlife Areas from Dec. 15 to Mar. 31 to help improve mule deer habitat.

• The commissioners learn from Pam Johnson, County Treasurer that the Aeneas Lake Irrigation District has amassed approximately $300,000 in debt. The irrigation district commissioners will meet with the county commissioners on Nov. 20 to discuss remedies to the situation.

• The commissioners would like to speak with Barbara Walters, Executive Director of the North Central Washington Libraries, about bookmobile service is the county. She didn’t talk about cuts to the service when she spoke to them on Oct. 16.

· Senator Murray appropriated $3million for the Communications Center.

· No Public Comment.

· Finance Committee: budget discussion; appropriating revenue from investment income ($770,000), and other budget line items.

· 6 Public hearings on Budget Supplemental Appropriations.

· Public Works update: readying for winter weather, discussion of Similkameen trail, and other recreational trails. County owned parcel of land .16 acre unusable – easement requested. County Engineer drawing map with DOT regarding whether roads are rural or urban. Address issue on Cougar Creek Road; Sheridan, east and west forks of the Creek Rd. Board considers putting money into the County Trail system.

· Meeting adjourned at 12:14

- Fairgrounds considering waiving fees for certain organizations.

- DOE has identified 13 properties that are illegally in the flood plain. County has sent letters

- There will be a new chapter in the County Code (#19) to address enforcement on land use issues

- New software for tracking building permits will be coming online soon.

- County Clerk gives presentation on what her office does.

- OBHC report. Retention of employees is improving, still have work to do.

- Discussion about grizzly bear re-introduction and wildlife management in general.

- Work on budget for Emergency Mgmt Dist and others.

- Discussion about procedure for forming a new Lake Management District for the purpose of treating lake Osoyoos for milfoil.

- Introduction of new Fairgrounds Facilities Manager, including discussion of salary and responsibilities, and relationship with Fair Advisory Committee (FAC)

• Commissioners have a long discussion with people from the Forest Service, Methow Trails, the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, and the Methow Valley Trails Collaborative concerning new trails, wildlife, overuse and improving outdoor recreation opportunities in the north county.

• Adjourn at 11:48.

The Commissioners held five budget work sessions.

03:15—Budget Work Session, Clerk’s Office, Susan Speiker

44:40—Budget Work Session, Emergency Management, Maurice Goodall

1:50:40—Budget Work Session, Planning, Pete Palmer

Adjourn for lunch at 12:10

2:55:35—Budget Work Session, Treasurer, Pam Johnson

3:31:10—Budget Work Session, Assessor, Larry Gilman

4:19:35—Budget Work Session, Building, Dan Higbee

Adjourn for the day at 4:19

• Security firm to be hired and firearms to be banned when events at the Agriplex include alcohol; new rules discussed after someone shot hole in bathroom wall during weekend event where alcohol was served

• Building permits down, predictably, following a few “quite crazy” years; permitting software aimed at consolidating data and providing integrative maps still not up and running, training required; Commissioner Branch hints at inaction on the part of Planning

• Weeds eradicated at Walker Creek and Palmer Mt. fire control areas, the Carlton Complex, and Crawfish Lake; Weed Board collaborating with Colville Tribe; ballot to collect from Osoyoos Lake Management Group discussed; milfoil treated at Spectacle and Whitestone.

• Meeting adjourned at 2:48 until Wednesday morning.

· No Public Comment.

· Discussion of healthy sustainable economical food system with Blue Sky Minds founder Maria Hines; local farm to table options.

· Finance Committee: Coroner found a 2nd vehicle that money has been earmarked for - 2022 Chevrolet Silverado $39,702 -approved. Investment income, budgeting strategies, more budgeting on Wednesday.

· Public Works: grading roads and culvert cleaning – readying for winter. Current and planned projects.

· Adjourn for lunch – 11:34.