These notes were taken by an Okanogan County Watch volunteer. Every attempt is made to be accurate. Notes are verbatim when possible, and otherwise summarized or paraphrased.
Note takers comments or clarifications are in italics. These notes are not the official county record of the meeting. For officially approved minutes, which are normally published at a later time, CLICK HERE.
The time stamps refer to the times on the AV Capture archive of the meeting on this date at the County livestream archive. To locate items in real time, the clock on the wall in the AV Capture screen can be helpful.
12.17.2024 Tues AM BOCC
Meeting Highlights:
· Dean Karaff representing organized residents of the Methow Valley that are interested in the Dark Sky (light restriction) & Ridgetop- building prohibition being put into the Comprehensive Plan. There were 130 comments in favor of this during the zoning hearing comment period. This applies to new construction only. We are also in support of an expanded Methow Review District to Pateros, encompassing the entire Methow Valley. Dean Karaff offers to answer any question and is willing to provide a briefing to the BOCC – anything that might help the Board understand the request.
· Annual update from the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) Okanogan Tourism Council represented by Jenn Tate and Carolyn Davis. LTAC funding.
· Finance Committee meeting with Auditor, Treasurer, and Finance Manager; Planning for end of the year and 2025 adopted budget going forward. Questions on how to utilize Opioid funding, more discussion on Aeneas Lake Irrigation District need for operating funds.
· Executive Session under 42.30-110.l.d to review negotiations on a contract for 10 minutes, inviting Josh Thomson (JT), County Engineer
· Public Works Update: Contractor still working on heaters for new shops. Siding work continues on the Public Works building. Still working on a land swap with City of Okanogan, and advertising the Old Hwy 97 project for 2024 funding. Considering scheduling for snow removal on weekends.
· Planning Director shares revision to the Zone Code based on hearing comments. She runs this by the BOCC who also give input on verbiage. Will start with a Resolution for the BOCC and then, an
· Ordinance for the changes is needed. It is currently in draft form.
· BOCC transfers money from Reserves to fund the 2025 Budget. A letter to be sent to departments for them to live within their budget.
Meeting adjourned at 11:44