BOARD OF SKAMANIA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MEETING for WEEK of October 6, 2003
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 6, 2003, with all Commissioners present, opening with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Representatives from the Columbia River Gorge Quilt Show addressed concerns with scheduling a motorcycle event at the same time as the annual Quilt Show and asked that the Quilt Show be considered a permanent annual event for the third weekend of September. The Board acknowledged their agreement with this request and requested advanced notification be given if the Quilt Show should be cancelled.
Proposals were opened for the Water Resource Inventory Area 29 Phase 3 Facilitation and Plan Writing as follows, and were forwarded to Planning and Community Development for review and recommendation:
§ Sound Resolutions
§ Economic and Engineering Services, Inc.
§ URS Corporation
§ Norton-Arnold & Company
§ Entrix, Inc.
§ Clear Water West, Inc.
§ Normandeau Associates
§ Environmental Consulting Associates, LLC
Brent Holman, Public Works Director/ County Engineer, advised of final closeout and completion of the flood control grant, completion of the Hamilton Creek flood control project, and gave updates on the Drano Lake project and North Bonneville Industrial Site Plan project.
Plaques for 25-years of faithful service to Skamania County were presented to Ed Hopkins and Audrey Olson.
Terry Blaisdell, Central Services Computer Technician, gave an update on medical leave for the Director, advised of working on a project for Senior Services, and gave an overview of a new software program currently under review for the Assessor’s Office.
Consent Agenda Items were approved as follows:
A. Minutes for week of September 29, 2003.
B. Acknowledge receipt of Notice of Completion of Public Works contract with Porter W. Yett Co., Inc for Ryan Allen Road Improvement Project.
C. Acknowledge receipt of letter from Peter M. Jenkins requesting paving project on Smith Cripe Road.
D. Personnel Committee Transmittal for On-Call Clerical revised job description.
E. Application for license renewal for community mental health services for Counseling Center.
F. Call for bids for Forest Services 90 Road Snow Removal, set deadline to receive bids for 4 PM October 17, 2003 and set date to open sealed bids for 10 AM October 20, 2003.
G. Call for bids for Drano Lake Improvement Project, set deadline to receive bids for 4 PM October 24, 2003 and set date to open sealed bids for 10 AM October 27, 2003.
An agreement was approved with Mill A School District to provide funding for a Jr. Deputy Program at Mill A School for drug/alcohol and violence prevention education to students.
A license agreement was approved with Victoria Pfeiffer for placement of a radio repeater and antenna at 142 Collins Road.
Title III Projects for 2004 were presented for final consideration. Marilyn Butler, Director of Administrative Services, presented project descriptions and comments and/or changes, and advised that project budgets are slightly higher than the requested amount due to adjustments to salaries and benefits.
1. Forest Youth Success Program, sponsored by Stevenson Carson School District and WSU Cooperative Extension. To continue and provide summer employment for high school age youth to conduct projects on the national forest, and to teach forest ecology and management and to conduct an after-school program for younger students that teaches forest ecology and management, as well as life skills. The program request for 2004 includes continued funding for a program director, eight crew leaders, and the employment of up to 48 youth, and operating supplies and services. Changes from 2003: Stevenson-Carson School District will no longer do elementary program for school districts other than Stevenson-Carson. Northwest Service Academy will provide programs for other schools. Will have two crew sites for summer success program. Total approved: $247,360.
2. North Country EMS St. Helen’s Project, sponsored by North Country EMS. To continue to provide Emergency Medical Services to visitors, recreationalist, residents, and employees of the Northwest area of Skamania County including Mt. St. Helen’s National Volcanic Monument located in Skamania County. This project requests funding for personnel to staff an ambulance and rescue vehicle for the months of June, July, August, and September. No significant changes from 2003. Total approved: $35,000.
3. Forest Work Crew, sponsored by Skamania County Sheriff. To reimburse Skamania County Sheriff Department for the supervision of in-custody inmates who perform a variety of projects to promote and enhance the ecosystem of Federal Forests in and around Skamania County. The Funds requested are to maintain a three-quarter-time corrections sergeant and a three-quarter-time correction officer to supervise work crew. No significant changes from 2003. Total approved: $85,342.
4. Sheriff’s Emergency Services, sponsored by Skamania County Sheriff. To continue to enhance and improve the level of Search and Rescue Services in Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Columbia River Gorge NSA, as well as reduce and improve response times to all types of emergency calls. The funds requested are to maintain the full time Road Deputy Sergeant position, and the half time civilian position, and reduce the half time Road Deputy (from 2003 budget) to one-quarter time position for 2004. No significant changes from 2003. Total approved: $130,451.
5. Firewise Planning for Woodland Dwellers, sponsored by WSU Cooperative Extension. Designed to continue teaching basic home and woodland prevention techniques to woodland owners and dwellers; to develop data base of interface dwellings to assist Skamania County fire districts, EMS providers, Fire Marshall, and both the Sheriff and Planning Departments; to assist fire districts in obtaining wildfire equipment and training. The 2004 fiscal year request includes salary and benefits for a three-quarter-time wildfire director, a half-time office assistant, and eight part-time surveyors. Changes from 2003: Previous program was a multi-county program using Forest Service and Title III funding. This program would only cover Skamania County and employees would become County employees rather that WSU employees. The position descriptions and salary ranges would need to be established consistent with the County personnel structure. When the program was proposed, it was uncertain whether or not Forest Service funds would be available. Recommendation: Approve the project with the understanding that if Forest Service funds are available for the project, Skamania County would use those funds to first pay for the program and Title III funds would be used to make up any difference. Total approved: $90,253.
6. Skamania County Wildfire Equipment and Training, sponsored by WSU Cooperative Extension. New program for 2004. A fund for reimbursable equipment, planning or training costs of Skamania County fire districts, fire departments, and other local firefighting organizations for fighting wildfires on Forest Service lands. This project is a combination of several project requests submitted to the Board and expanded to allow full or partial funding of reimbursement requests. Comments: Any Skamania County fire district or organization who may be called to fight forest fires on National Forest Lands can apply for equipment and training. If the training is for emergency wildfire fighting or training to be ready to assist or respond to Forest Service land fires, the County can pay for that cost. If the equipment will be used on Forest Service Lands and within the fire district, the County can only pay a reasonable portion of the equipment cost. Total approved: $64,900.
7. Schoolhouse Creek Community Forestry/Education Program, sponsored by Washougal School District and Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group. New program for 2004. A multi-year project designed to promote local access for community members and wildlife, restore forest health by replacing non-native plants with native plants that could provide sustainable economic benefits while providing students in the Washougal School District with forest related educational curriculum. The 2004 project will provide preliminary work to purchase easements to improve non-motorized access to public land, development, implementation of after-school program, and matching funds for the local share of community forestry project. Comments: Funds will be used to provide local match for Community Forestry Grant. Funds will also be used to do preliminary work for acquisition of access easements (survey, appraisal). Washougal School District plans to develop after-school forest education curriculum that integrates Schoolhouse Creek activities. Total approved: $65,000.
8. Skamania County Forest Explorers, sponsored by ESD 112 (Northwest Service Academy) and WSU Cooperative Extension. New program for 2004. This program is a modification of the Forest Youth Success Program, designed to develop and implement an after school forest ecology education program for elementary and middle school aged students in Mill A School, Skamania School, Cape Horn Sky School, Canyon Creek Middle School, and Mt. Pleasant School. Comments: This program picks up after-school forestry education programs for schools that will no longer be serviced by Stevenson-Carson Forest Youth Success Program. If Washougal School District develops its own program, this program will not serve Cape Horn Skye School and Canyon Creek Middle School. Additionally, AmeriCorps may provide some funds to subsidize the AmeriCorps program participants. Recommendation: Approve the program with conditions 1) AmeriCorps funds will be used for the project as allowed and Skamania County would only make up the cost difference. 2) AmeriCorps program would be reduced in Washougal School District develops and implements its own after school program. Total approved: $58,838.
Following discussion of comments and recommendations presented, Title III projects for 2004 were approved with conditions, as recommended, in the total funding amount of $874,287, which includes a 12.5% administrative fee of $97,143.
The meeting recessed at 11:40 a.m. Monday, October 6, 2003 and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. the same date, with all Commissioners present.
Charly Boyd, Watershed/Shorelines Planner, gave a background summary of the Watershed Management Plan Working Conceptual Drafts for Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 25 & 26 and WRIA 27 & 28, and asked for input as how the Board would like to proceed. Following discussion and recommendations from the Planning Department, the following was approved:
§ WRIA 25 meetings will not be attended at this time, but will be monitored through minutes.
§ WRIA 27 & 28 meetings will be attended by Commissioner Quinn, with Charly Boyd as an alternate.
§ WRIA 29 meetings will be attended by Commissioner Talent.
§ WRIA 30 meetings will be attended by Commissioner McKee.
§ Yakima Nation Subbasin Planning meetings will be attended by Charly Boyd.
§ Klickitat Technical Advisory Group meetings will be attended by Tom Linde.
§ Wind River Watershed Council meetings will be attended by Commissioner McKee and Charly Boyd.
§ White Salmon Watershed Council meetings – need to seek solicitations for citizen participation.
§ Bi-monthly updates will be given by Charly Boyd.
Noah Adams, a member of the Skamania County Pool Steering Committee, gave a presentation on funding options for the swim pool. The presentation included goals for development of short term and long term funding stability, and ideas for decreasing operating costs and increasing revenue. The Committee asked the County to consider a $38,000 commitment to the swim pool in the 2004 Budget. No action was taken as a result of this presentation.
The meeting recessed at 4:20 p.m. Monday, October 6, 2003 and reconvened at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 7, 2003, with Commissioners Talent and Quinn present. Commissioner McKee was attending a National Fire Plan meeting in Portland, OR.
Karen Witherspoon, Planning and Community Development Director, reported on the progress of the West End Community meetings and advised of the next meeting, as well as upcoming meetings for the Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 29 Oversight Committee, and the Columbia River Gorge Commission. She advised of proposed changes to the RCW’s related to Counties adopting regulations to administer Class IV general forest practice applications and asked the Board to contact our legislators in support of the proposed text.
Darlene Dickson, Senior Services Director, addressed several issues with regards to the Senior Services Department as follows:
§ She advised of the need for two buses for transportation on State Route 14 for the Demonstration Transportation Project, and advised that these vehicles can be purchased for $1,000 each from C-Tran in Clark County, rather than leasing. Motion was approved to authorize the purchase of two 1993 Ford Collins 25-foot, 14 passenger, lift equipment vehicles from C-Tran for $1,000 each.
§ She advised of the need for a decision as to whether or not to charge a fare for the Demonstration Transportation Project, advising that the Department of Transportation recommended a $1.00 fare. Following discussion, all were in agreement to charge a 50-cent fare.
§ She advised that an Underwood resident has requested that transportation be provided from White Salmon Middle School to Underwood for students who attend an after school program. Additional information will be provided regarding this request.
§ She advised of Public Transit Training scheduled for November 12-13, 2003 in Spokane, required under the Demonstration Transportation Project. Commissioner Talent will attend with Darlene Dickson.
§ She advised of difficulties keeping part-time drivers at less than 60% time employed because these employees are not eligible for benefits. She advised of available funds in the budget to increase the driver’s time, which would make them eligible for benefits. The Board advised Ms. Dickson to consult with the Director of Administrative Services regarding this proposal.
Resolution 2003-40 was approved, canceling county warrants not redeemed within one-year of the date of issuance.
The meeting recessed at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 7, 2003 and reconvened at 1:50 p.m. the same date, with all Commissioners present
The Board participated in a staff workshop to discuss 2004 Budget Workshops, with no action taken.
The meeting recessed at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 7, 2003 and reconvened at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2003, with all Commissioners present.
The Board participated in a workshop to discuss the 2004 Preliminary Budget. The following budgets were discussed, with no action taken: County Road, Building & Well, Solid Waste, and Equipment, Rental & Revolving Fund.
The meeting recessed at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2003 and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. the same date, with Commissioners McKee and Quinn present. Commissioner Talent was attending a Regional Transportation Policy Organization meeting in Goldendale, WA to discuss County transportation issues with Representatives Chandler and Newhouse.
The Board participated in a workshop to discuss the 2004 Preliminary Budget. The following budgets were discussed, with no action taken: Noxious Weed Control, Boundary Review Board, Planning & Community Development, Central Services, Animal Control, Buildings & Grounds, and Capital Improvements.
The meeting recessed at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2003 and reconvened at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 9, 2003, with all Commissioners present.
Vouchers for the period ending October 8, 2003 were approved in the amount of $75,697.13, with the exception of voucher #72212 to Sawtooth Technologies in the amount of $107.70, which was not approved at this time, pending additional information.
Payroll for the period ending September 30, 2003 was approved in the amount of $850,211.07.
A proclamation was approved, declaring the month of October 2003 as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month in Skamania County.
Due to recent rains and cooler weather, motion was approved to lift the closure of outdoor burning on private lands in Skamania County, effective immediately. The Clerk was directed to advise the Public Works Department and request them to notify the Department of Natural Resources.
The meeting recessed at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 9, 2003 and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. the same date, with all Commissioners present.
A contract was approved with the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development to provide funding for a site development plan for the county-owned industrial site in North Bonneville.
A workshop was held to discuss the 2004 Preliminary Budget. The following budgets were discussed, with no action taken: Senior Services, Community Events & Recreation, Pool, Fair, WSU Cooperative Extension, Counseling Center, and Public Health.
A voucher was approved to Sawtooth Technologies in the amount of $107.70.
The meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m. Thursday, October 9, 2003.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SKAMANIA COUNTY, WASHINGTON