Photo Credit: Justin Haug
There are many advisory boards to assist the BOCC in making decisions. County Watch has started a list below of the ones we know about, along with who the members are and meeting times and locations, if we know them. Our goal is to list all boards that have members who are appointed by the BOCC, or who report to the BOCC, but the information is sometimes difficult to find. Our volunteers have submitted several Requests For Public Documents through official channels, and have received some information, but much of it is outdated or incomplete. Please contact us if you know of any County boards or commissions that are missing from this list, or can help us fill in any of the missing information.
All meetings of advisory boards whose members are appointed by the BOCC are open to the public.
All meetings of advisory boards whose members are appointed by the BOCC are open to the public.
These boards, commissions and groups are listed in alphabetical order.
Airport Technical Advisory Group
website: www.okanogancounty.org/planning/
(click on "Airport/TAC" link at top of page)
The website for this group does not appear to have been updated since September 2012. We have no information on who the group members are at this time.
website: www.okanogancounty.org/planning/
(click on "Airport/TAC" link at top of page)
The website for this group does not appear to have been updated since September 2012. We have no information on who the group members are at this time.
Board of Adjustment
The duties of this board are now covered by the Hearing Examiner (see description below). It is unclear whether the Board of Adjustment remains in existence as a legal, but inactive entity.
The duties of this board are now covered by the Hearing Examiner (see description below). It is unclear whether the Board of Adjustment remains in existence as a legal, but inactive entity.
Board of Equalization
(Listens to appeals of Property Assessments.)
website:www.okanogancounty.org/Assessor/boardof.htm
Members
Bill Bargen, Okanogan
Salley Bull, Oroville
Fred Noyes, Winthrop
Meetings
We have no information on when or where meetings take place at this time.
(Listens to appeals of Property Assessments.)
website:www.okanogancounty.org/Assessor/boardof.htm
Members
Bill Bargen, Okanogan
Salley Bull, Oroville
Fred Noyes, Winthrop
Meetings
We have no information on when or where meetings take place at this time.
Board of Health
The mission of Okanogan County Public Health is to promote health, prevent conditions of disease and/or disability, and to protect the health of the residents of Okanogan County.
website: www.okanogancounty.org/ochd/about_us.html
Chris Branch, County Commissioner, District 1
Andy Hover, County Commissioner, District 2
Jim DeTro, County Commissioner, District 3
Janice May (Brewster), City Representative
Mariann Williams, ARNPBoard Member
James Wright, Board Member
Vacant, Board Member
Meetings
When: 2nd Tuesday of each month at 1:30 pm
Where: Public Services Building, 1234 South 2nd Avenue, Okanogan
Notes for the Public Health meetings are contained in the regular BOCC meeting notes for the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
The mission of Okanogan County Public Health is to promote health, prevent conditions of disease and/or disability, and to protect the health of the residents of Okanogan County.
website: www.okanogancounty.org/ochd/about_us.html
Chris Branch, County Commissioner, District 1
Andy Hover, County Commissioner, District 2
Jim DeTro, County Commissioner, District 3
Janice May (Brewster), City Representative
Mariann Williams, ARNPBoard Member
James Wright, Board Member
Vacant, Board Member
Meetings
When: 2nd Tuesday of each month at 1:30 pm
Where: Public Services Building, 1234 South 2nd Avenue, Okanogan
Notes for the Public Health meetings are contained in the regular BOCC meeting notes for the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
Builders Advisory Board
The duties of this board are now covered by the Hearing Examiner (see description below). It is unclear whether the Builders Advisory Board remains in existence as a legal, but inactive entity.
The duties of this board are now covered by the Hearing Examiner (see description below). It is unclear whether the Builders Advisory Board remains in existence as a legal, but inactive entity.
Civil Service Commission
Civil Service is charged with the recruitment, testing, hiring, and promotion of all sheriff's office employees under
Chapter 41.14 RCW
website: www.okanogancounty.org/civilservice/
Commissioners
Bertha Wandler - Chair
Lee Pilkinton- Vice Chair
Vacant- Member
Meetings
When: Third thursday of each month at 11:00 AM
Where: Okanogan County Commissioners small conference room.
Civil Service is charged with the recruitment, testing, hiring, and promotion of all sheriff's office employees under
Chapter 41.14 RCW
website: www.okanogancounty.org/civilservice/
Commissioners
Bertha Wandler - Chair
Lee Pilkinton- Vice Chair
Vacant- Member
Meetings
When: Third thursday of each month at 11:00 AM
Where: Okanogan County Commissioners small conference room.
Communication Districts
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Okanogan TV District #1
(Maintains affordable television and radio on public airwaves in our community) website: www.tvdistrict1.org Chair - Victoria Velategui Member - George Thornton Member - Bill Black Meetings When: second Wednesday of each month at 4:00pm Where: Omak Public Library, Pioneer Room. |
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Methow Communications District #2
Provides TV and radio communications throughout the Methow Valley. Provides the power for emergency and cellphone services on McClure Mountain for the following:
website: www.methowcommunications.org Board Ken Westman (Upper Methow, Chair): 996-3189 Dick Hamel (Winthrop): Dianna Tuinstra (Methow): Bill Tackman (Lower Methow): 996-3409 Janet Varrelman (Pateros): 923-2884 Meetings When: second Monday of each month at 1:00PM Where: Twisp Town Hall conference room. |
Fair Advisory Committee
website: none
Tracey Reagles 3/3/15
Mike Egerton 6/10/2014
Kris Sims 6/10/2014
Bill White 6/10/2014
Kathleen Maltais 6/10/2014
Wanda McFarland 7/1/2014
Erin White 2/9/15
Sam Buchert (no date)
Kathleen Maultis
Carol Sivak
There are currently 4 open positions
The above list of members was obtained from conversation with a committee member in March 2018.
Meetings
When: First Thursday of the month
Where: Commissioners hearing room
website: none
Tracey Reagles 3/3/15
Mike Egerton 6/10/2014
Kris Sims 6/10/2014
Bill White 6/10/2014
Kathleen Maltais 6/10/2014
Wanda McFarland 7/1/2014
Erin White 2/9/15
Sam Buchert (no date)
Kathleen Maultis
Carol Sivak
There are currently 4 open positions
The above list of members was obtained from conversation with a committee member in March 2018.
Meetings
When: First Thursday of the month
Where: Commissioners hearing room
Hearing Examiner
The Hearing Examiner position was created in 2013, to take effect starting January 2014. From the Okanogan County Code: "The role of the examiner shall be to interpret, review and implement regulations as provided in this chapter." (OCC 2.65)
"Upon implementation of the office of hearing examiner the duties of the board of adjustment shall be substituted by those powers and duties as stated herein unless the hearing examiner or hearing examiner pro tempore are unable to perform their duties respectively. The jurisdiction of the Okanogan County planning commission shall be modified and amended by those powers and duties granted the examiner as stated herein."
website: www.okanogancounty.org/planning/
(Click on the "Boards" tab at top of page.)
Okanogan County Hearing Examiner: Dan Beardslee
It appears that the Hearing Examiner holds hearings as necessary. We have not been able to find a regular published schedule of hearings.
The Hearing Examiner position was created in 2013, to take effect starting January 2014. From the Okanogan County Code: "The role of the examiner shall be to interpret, review and implement regulations as provided in this chapter." (OCC 2.65)
"Upon implementation of the office of hearing examiner the duties of the board of adjustment shall be substituted by those powers and duties as stated herein unless the hearing examiner or hearing examiner pro tempore are unable to perform their duties respectively. The jurisdiction of the Okanogan County planning commission shall be modified and amended by those powers and duties granted the examiner as stated herein."
website: www.okanogancounty.org/planning/
(Click on the "Boards" tab at top of page.)
Okanogan County Hearing Examiner: Dan Beardslee
It appears that the Hearing Examiner holds hearings as necessary. We have not been able to find a regular published schedule of hearings.
Horticultural Pest Board
Controls efforts to fight pests and disease in the county horticultural industry.
website: www.okanogancounty.org/Commissioners/pest.htm
Okanogan County Pest Control Agent, Dan McCarthy
No other information about this board is available at this time.
Controls efforts to fight pests and disease in the county horticultural industry.
website: www.okanogancounty.org/Commissioners/pest.htm
Okanogan County Pest Control Agent, Dan McCarthy
No other information about this board is available at this time.
LEOFF Board (Law Enforcement Officers)
Hears requests for disability retirements for police and fire fighters.
website: none known
We found this board listed on a County website, but could find no information about who the members are or when they meet. Their meetings appear on the BOCC agendas, and appear to be quarterly.
Hears requests for disability retirements for police and fire fighters.
website: none known
We found this board listed on a County website, but could find no information about who the members are or when they meet. Their meetings appear on the BOCC agendas, and appear to be quarterly.
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC)
Reviews applications for use of lodging tax funds for the purposes of promoting tourism in Okanogan County with the goal of increasing the number of overnight stays at lodging facilities. LTAC makes recommendations for funding to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), who approve or disapprove the recommendation.
website: none
Board (as of Sept 2017):
Steve Devin – Collector
Don Linnertz – Receiver
Arnie Marchand – Collector
Peggy Nevsimal – Receiver
Open Position – Receiver
Alyson Barham – Collector
Lanie Johns - Secretary
We have no information about meetings of this committee at this time.
Reviews applications for use of lodging tax funds for the purposes of promoting tourism in Okanogan County with the goal of increasing the number of overnight stays at lodging facilities. LTAC makes recommendations for funding to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), who approve or disapprove the recommendation.
website: none
Board (as of Sept 2017):
Steve Devin – Collector
Don Linnertz – Receiver
Arnie Marchand – Collector
Peggy Nevsimal – Receiver
Open Position – Receiver
Alyson Barham – Collector
Lanie Johns - Secretary
We have no information about meetings of this committee at this time.
Marijuana Advisory Committee (Also referred to as the Cannabis Advisory Committee)
This committee was authorized in June of 2017 by the BOCC, which directed the Planning Director and Administrative Officer to make the appointments without BOCC final approval.
website: www.okanogancounty.org/planning/
(Click on the Cannabis Committee tab at top of page.)
Members
Andi Ervin
Don Grey
George Zittle
Jeremy Moberg
Keith Kistler
Kelsey Taylor
Linda Pierce
Matt Frigone
Paul Neir
Brad Skelton
No official information on when and where meetings take place is posted, but from looking at the agenda, it appears that this committee meets Wednesdays at 2 pm in the Natural Resources room in the Virginia Grainger Building.
This committee was authorized in June of 2017 by the BOCC, which directed the Planning Director and Administrative Officer to make the appointments without BOCC final approval.
website: www.okanogancounty.org/planning/
(Click on the Cannabis Committee tab at top of page.)
Members
Andi Ervin
Don Grey
George Zittle
Jeremy Moberg
Keith Kistler
Kelsey Taylor
Linda Pierce
Matt Frigone
Paul Neir
Brad Skelton
No official information on when and where meetings take place is posted, but from looking at the agenda, it appears that this committee meets Wednesdays at 2 pm in the Natural Resources room in the Virginia Grainger Building.
Marketing Board
Plans marketing of Okanogan County for generating tourism and economic development.
website: none
We found this board listed on a County website, but could find no information about who the members are or if it still exists.
Plans marketing of Okanogan County for generating tourism and economic development.
website: none
We found this board listed on a County website, but could find no information about who the members are or if it still exists.
Mazama Advisory Committee
MAC was formed to help advise the County Commissioners and Planning Commission
website: https://mazamaadvisorycommittee.wordpress.com/about-mac/
Members
Claire Bunney
Doug Devin
Jim Gregg
John Sunderland
Karen Reneau
Midge Cross
Open position (Wolf Creek Area)
Meetings
We have no information available about meeting schedules at this time.
MAC was formed to help advise the County Commissioners and Planning Commission
website: https://mazamaadvisorycommittee.wordpress.com/about-mac/
Members
Claire Bunney
Doug Devin
Jim Gregg
John Sunderland
Karen Reneau
Midge Cross
Open position (Wolf Creek Area)
Meetings
We have no information available about meeting schedules at this time.
Noxious Weed Control Board
To protect all lands and waters in Okanogan County from the devastating influences of non-native noxious weeds.
website: www.okanogancounty.org/nw/
Board
Area 1: Dave McClure
509-631-1060
Area 2: Mike Rayton
509-429-1422
Area 3: Steve Kieffer
509-429-9900
Area 4: Vicki Davis
509-486-2714
Area 5: Jan Asmussen
509-486-2138
Meetings
When: fourth Wednesday of the month at 4 pm
Where: 123 5th Ave, Room 150, Okanogan, WA 98840
To protect all lands and waters in Okanogan County from the devastating influences of non-native noxious weeds.
website: www.okanogancounty.org/nw/
Board
Area 1: Dave McClure
509-631-1060
Area 2: Mike Rayton
509-429-1422
Area 3: Steve Kieffer
509-429-9900
Area 4: Vicki Davis
509-486-2714
Area 5: Jan Asmussen
509-486-2138
Meetings
When: fourth Wednesday of the month at 4 pm
Where: 123 5th Ave, Room 150, Okanogan, WA 98840
Okanogan Housing Authority
“Assisting residents of Okanogan County acquire and retain affordable housing while strengthening our communities by removing barriers; empowering dignity; and building trust.”
website:www.okanoganhousing.org/index.html
Chair - Yvonne Bussler-White
Co-Chair - Ron Whiteside
Secretary - Bonita Duncan
Laura Hernandez
Mike Azzano
Harry Best
No information on time and place of meetings is available at this time.
“Assisting residents of Okanogan County acquire and retain affordable housing while strengthening our communities by removing barriers; empowering dignity; and building trust.”
website:www.okanoganhousing.org/index.html
Chair - Yvonne Bussler-White
Co-Chair - Ron Whiteside
Secretary - Bonita Duncan
Laura Hernandez
Mike Azzano
Harry Best
No information on time and place of meetings is available at this time.
Open Space Advisory Board
Advises the assessor on determination of open space agricultural land.
website: none known
Board members
Dan McCarthy
Jerry Barnes
Rick Witt
Ken Kramer
David McClure
The Open Space Advisory Committee meets once per year, usually in mid to late March to set values for the following year.
Advises the assessor on determination of open space agricultural land.
website: none known
Board members
Dan McCarthy
Jerry Barnes
Rick Witt
Ken Kramer
David McClure
The Open Space Advisory Committee meets once per year, usually in mid to late March to set values for the following year.
Planning Commission
Makes recommendations to county commissioners on long range planning and zoning issues. The jurisdiction of this Commission was amended when the Hearing Examiner position was created in 2013. See OCC 2.65.180.
website: www.okanogancounty.org/planning/
(click on "Boards" link at top of page)
Salley Bull, Oroville expires 2020 District 3
Dave Schulz, Twisp expires 2018 District 2
Phil Dart, Oroville expires 2020 District 3
Al Roberts, Omak expires 2021 District 1
Gina McCoy - District 2
George Thornton - At-Large
Meetings
When: Fourth Monday of the month at 7 pm.
Where: Commissioners Hearing Room (123 5th Ave, Room 150, Okanogan, WA 98840)
Makes recommendations to county commissioners on long range planning and zoning issues. The jurisdiction of this Commission was amended when the Hearing Examiner position was created in 2013. See OCC 2.65.180.
website: www.okanogancounty.org/planning/
(click on "Boards" link at top of page)
Salley Bull, Oroville expires 2020 District 3
Dave Schulz, Twisp expires 2018 District 2
Phil Dart, Oroville expires 2020 District 3
Al Roberts, Omak expires 2021 District 1
Gina McCoy - District 2
George Thornton - At-Large
Meetings
When: Fourth Monday of the month at 7 pm.
Where: Commissioners Hearing Room (123 5th Ave, Room 150, Okanogan, WA 98840)
Public Transportation Board
We believe that this board was replaced by the Transportation for Greater Okanogan (TranGO) system.
website: www.okanogantransit.com/about/
Board Members
Cindy Gagne (Chair)
Carlene Anders(Co-chair, Mayor of Pateros)
Andy Hover (BOCC Dist 2)
Jon Neal
Sally Ranzau (Mayor of Winthrop)
Tim Rieb
Aaron Studen
Denise Varner
Dennis Brown (Mayor of Tonasket)
Meetings
When: Second Monday of the month, from 6:30 - 8 pm
Where: TranGO Office 303 2nd Ave S, Suite A, Okanogan, WA 98840
We believe that this board was replaced by the Transportation for Greater Okanogan (TranGO) system.
website: www.okanogantransit.com/about/
Board Members
Cindy Gagne (Chair)
Carlene Anders(Co-chair, Mayor of Pateros)
Andy Hover (BOCC Dist 2)
Jon Neal
Sally Ranzau (Mayor of Winthrop)
Tim Rieb
Aaron Studen
Denise Varner
Dennis Brown (Mayor of Tonasket)
Meetings
When: Second Monday of the month, from 6:30 - 8 pm
Where: TranGO Office 303 2nd Ave S, Suite A, Okanogan, WA 98840
Shoreline Master Program Caucus
We have not been able to find an official description of this group.
Website: www.okanogancounty.org/planning/www.okanogancounty.org/planning/
(Click on the "Shoreline Master Program" on the left, and then scroll to the bottom of the page to see the list of board members.)
Agriculture- Jerry Barnes
Agriculture - Alternate Sara Kretz
Environment Lee Bernheisel
Environment - Alternate Jason Paulson
Recreation/Business Raleigh Chinn
Recreation/Business - Alternate Angel Lund
Home Owners John Umberger (deceased)
Home Owners - Alternate Open
Natural Resources Jon Wyss
Natural Resources - Alternate Bonnie Lawrence
We have no information at this time about when and where this group meets.
We have not been able to find an official description of this group.
Website: www.okanogancounty.org/planning/www.okanogancounty.org/planning/
(Click on the "Shoreline Master Program" on the left, and then scroll to the bottom of the page to see the list of board members.)
Agriculture- Jerry Barnes
Agriculture - Alternate Sara Kretz
Environment Lee Bernheisel
Environment - Alternate Jason Paulson
Recreation/Business Raleigh Chinn
Recreation/Business - Alternate Angel Lund
Home Owners John Umberger (deceased)
Home Owners - Alternate Open
Natural Resources Jon Wyss
Natural Resources - Alternate Bonnie Lawrence
We have no information at this time about when and where this group meets.
Snowmobile Advisory Board
Advises the commissioners and public works on managing snowmobile trails and parks.
website: None known.
Board Members
Scott Ripley - District 3B position, Expires 1/31/2020
Tom Windsor - Position 2, District 2, Expires 1/31/2020
Meetings
We believe they meet on the first Monday of the month at 6 pm in the Public Works Department conference room at the Public Service Building in Okanogan, based on a calendar listing in the Quad City Herald dated 1/25/18.
Advises the commissioners and public works on managing snowmobile trails and parks.
website: None known.
Board Members
Scott Ripley - District 3B position, Expires 1/31/2020
Tom Windsor - Position 2, District 2, Expires 1/31/2020
Meetings
We believe they meet on the first Monday of the month at 6 pm in the Public Works Department conference room at the Public Service Building in Okanogan, based on a calendar listing in the Quad City Herald dated 1/25/18.
Solid Waste Advisory Committee
Advises the public works director on management of the county landfill.
website: none known
Richard Howe - Omak, Position #1, Expires Nov 1, 2019
Wayne Turner - Okanogan, Position #4, Expires Nov. 1, 2019
Joaquin Bustamante - Nespelem, Position #2 Expires Nov. 1, 2017
Stan Carter - Okanogan, Position #7, Expires Nov 1, 2018
Leslie Michel - Okanogan, Position #8, Expires Nov. 1, 2018
George Brady - Pateros, Position #9, At Large, Expires Nov. 1, 2018
The above list of members was obtained from a public document request in 2017.
Meetings
We have no information on where or where meetings take place at this time.
Advises the public works director on management of the county landfill.
website: none known
Richard Howe - Omak, Position #1, Expires Nov 1, 2019
Wayne Turner - Okanogan, Position #4, Expires Nov. 1, 2019
Joaquin Bustamante - Nespelem, Position #2 Expires Nov. 1, 2017
Stan Carter - Okanogan, Position #7, Expires Nov 1, 2018
Leslie Michel - Okanogan, Position #8, Expires Nov. 1, 2018
George Brady - Pateros, Position #9, At Large, Expires Nov. 1, 2018
The above list of members was obtained from a public document request in 2017.
Meetings
We have no information on where or where meetings take place at this time.
Tourism Advisory Board
Advise the county commissioners on how to distribute motel/hotel tax money for tourism promotion.
This board is listed on a County website, however, we believe that this may have been replaced by the LTAC board (see above listing).
Advise the county commissioners on how to distribute motel/hotel tax money for tourism promotion.
This board is listed on a County website, however, we believe that this may have been replaced by the LTAC board (see above listing).
Veterans Relief Board
Provides emergency financial assistance to qualified veterans.
Arnold Cleveland, Okanogan - local veterans’ branch in the Colville Tribal reservation. No expiration date.
The above list of members was obtained from a public document request in 2017.
We have no information about when or where this board meets.
Provides emergency financial assistance to qualified veterans.
Arnold Cleveland, Okanogan - local veterans’ branch in the Colville Tribal reservation. No expiration date.
The above list of members was obtained from a public document request in 2017.
We have no information about when or where this board meets.
Voluntary Stewardship Program Council
VSP has two primary objectives: protect critical areas and maintain and improve the long-term viability of agriculture
website: www.okanogancounty.org/planning/
Also www.okanogancd.org/voluntary-stewardship
No current board member list is available at this time.
Meetings
When: First Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm
Where: 123 5th Avenue North, Okanogan, in the Natural Resources Conference Room,
VSP has two primary objectives: protect critical areas and maintain and improve the long-term viability of agriculture
website: www.okanogancounty.org/planning/
Also www.okanogancd.org/voluntary-stewardship
No current board member list is available at this time.
Meetings
When: First Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm
Where: 123 5th Avenue North, Okanogan, in the Natural Resources Conference Room,
Water Conservancy Board
Processes water right transfer applications.
website: https://okanogancounty.org/Commissioners/Boards%20and%20Committees/Water%20Conservancy%20Board%20Page.html
Meetings
When: First Wednesday of the month
Where: Commissioners Hearing Room (123 5th Ave, Room 150, Okanogan, WA 98840)
Processes water right transfer applications.
website: https://okanogancounty.org/Commissioners/Boards%20and%20Committees/Water%20Conservancy%20Board%20Page.html
Meetings
When: First Wednesday of the month
Where: Commissioners Hearing Room (123 5th Ave, Room 150, Okanogan, WA 98840)
Watershed Councils
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Methow Watershed Council
website: www.methowwatershed.com Chair: Greg Knott, Position 1 (North Methow) Vice-Chair: Mike Fort, Position 2 (At Large) Dick Ewing, Position 3 (Middle Methow) Travis Thornton, Position 4 (At Large) Bill Tackman, Position 5 (Lower Methow) Ashley Thrasher, Position 6 (At Large) Rick Karro, Position 7 (Town of Winthrop) John Fleming, Position 8 (Town of Twisp) Andy Hover, Position 9 (Okanogan County) Meetings When: Third Thursday of each month at 5 pm. Where: Riverbank Building in Twisp Okanogan Watershed Council (WRIA 49 Planning Group)
This group originally existed as the Okanogan Watershed Council and met until funding ran out. It was recently re-created as a result of State Legislation that requires Counties to manage their water usage. They had their first meeting on October 4, 2018. It is not known at this time what the regular meeting schedule is. There are still vacancies on the committee. For more information on this group, including membership info and applications, go to the Planning Department web site, and click on the WRIA Planning Unit Information link at the top of the page. Zoning Committee
The Zoning Committee has not met since October of 2015, according to the County records that we could find. It's work is reflected in the current zoning ordinance. It is not known if another committee will be appointed for the upcoming zoning ordinance review. website: none known Members in 2015: Kris Erlandsen (Douglas County) Dan Beardslee (East Wenatchee) John Sunderlund (Upper Methow, Sub Unit A) Jason Paulson (Upper Methow, Sub Unit A) Casey Kuchenbuch (Conconully Area) Nicole Kuchenbuch (Conconully Area) Rod Haeberle (Conconully Area) Jon Wyss (Douglas County) |