BOARD OF SKAMANIA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MEETING for WEEK of December 29, 2003

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2003, with all Commissioners present, opening with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Brent Holman, Public Works Director/County Engineer, gave updates on the North Bonneville Industrial Property site plan, Drano Lake Improvement Project, rockslide on Cook Underwood Road, and advised of snow accumulation throughout the County.

Rick Jessel, Counseling Center Director, reported on programs for mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities.

Consent Agenda Items were approved as follows:

A. Minutes of December 22, 2003.

B. Set public hearing for 1:30 PM Monday, February 9, 2004 to consider Shoreline Application from Public Works Dept to install additional guardrail along Skamania Landing Road and replace wooden bridge rails along Butler Eddy Bridge.

C. Acknowledge Levy Certifications from Jr. Taxing Districts for levy amounts to be collected in 2004 for Cemetery District, Home Valley Water District, and Fire District #2.

D. Reappointments to Mosquito Control District

§ Albert Gosiak, Position #2, 2-year term expiring January 2, 2006.

§ David Kuhn, Position #4, 2-year term expiring January 2, 2006.

A license agreement and special right of way use permit was approved with Swigert Prindle Trust for use of an existing water line within the right of way of Ernest Lane and Prindle Road.

Following discussion, a license agreement with the Public Utility District #1 of Skamania County for use of a retained easement over the vacated Shaddox Springs Road was returned to the Public Works Department for revisions to Section One: Grant of License and Section Five: Termination of License.

Contract amendment #5 was approved with the Department of Ecology to provide funding for development of Phase #3 of the Water Resource Inventory Area 29 Watershed Plan. Commissioner Quinn expressed his reluctance in approving this contract.

Resolution 2003-64 was approved, creating a County Clerk Collection Fund for the purpose of collection of legal financial obligations from criminal offenders.

A contract was approved with HAL Systems Corporation for implementation of document imaging and retention systems for the Auditor and Clerk.

Resolution 2003-63 was approved, amending the 2003 Work Plan of the Community Strategic Plan.

Resolution 2003-57 was approved, creating an Inmate Welfare Fund for the purpose of purchasing supplies and services and for resale of supplies for the jail commissary for the benefit of inmates.

A public hearing was held to consider Resolution 2003-58 Supplemental Budget #4 for the 2003 budget for various funds due to unanticipated expenditures for 2003. Motion was approved unanimously to adopt Resolution 2003-58, Supplemental Budget #4 for 2003 with the following change: addition of $390 for WSU Extension for supplies for the 21^st Century Bridges Program.

The meeting recessed at 11:45 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2003 and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. the same date, with all Commissioners present.

A public hearing was held to consider Ordinance 2003-14, amending Skamania County Code Title 23, Section 23.07.010, to repeal the sunset provision to adopt an ordinance to regulate conversions of forestland. Karen Witherspoon, Planning and Community Development Director, advised that the Washington State legislature is currently working on removing the requirement for counties not under the Growth Management Act from having to adopt legislation to implement Class IV general forest practice applications and advised that it is no longer necessary to have a sunset provision. Motion was approved unanimously to adopt Ordinance 2003-14, amending Section 23.07.010 of Skamania County Code, to repeal the sunset provision to adopt an ordinance to regulate conversions of forestland.

Mike Garvison, Auditor, advised of an issue with the Mosquito Control District regarding their contract award process.

The meeting recessed at 2:15 p.m. Monday, December 29, 2003 and reconvened at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2003, with all Commissioners present.

Vouchers for the period ending December 30, 2003 were approved in the amount of $335,012.51, with the expectation that in the future Equipment, Rental and Revolving Funds payments and related expenses be listed in more specific detail for amounts of $5,000 and greater.

Resolution 2003-62 was approved, to partially repay Current Expense loans.

Resolution 2003-65 was approved, distributing 2003 Federal Forest Funds from the Treasurer’s Trust received from the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

David Thomas advised of safety concerns regarding increased traffic and speed on Second Street in the City of Stevenson. The Board advised him to contact the City of Stevenson regarding his concerns.

The meeting recessed at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2003 and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. the same date, with all Commissioners present.

The Board discussed a vehicle stipend for the Sheriff, already included in the 2004 budget, due to using his personal vehicle for County business. The stipend will become effective January 1, 2004. The Auditor was requested to advise the Sheriff of taxes due for amounts received.

Kody Price, of the Stevenson Business Association, addressed concerns regarding cost, time and help to decorate the spruce tree on the Courthouse lawn for the holidays. The Board advised they will explore options prior to the next holiday season, which include checking with other entities, possibly replacing the existing tree with a smaller species, checking with the WSU Extension Agent regarding types of trees available, and recruiting volunteers for decorating.

Sharon Dobyne, Administrative Assistant for the Assessor, and Gary Martin, Assessor, explained state requirements and levy certifications for junior taxing districts, and submitted additional levy certifications for acknowledgement. Motion was approved to acknowledge levy certifications for the Public Utility District No. 1, Hospital District, Fire District #1, Fire District #3, Fire District #4, Fire District #6, City of Stevenson, and City of North Bonneville and a special assessment for the Mosquito Control District.

The meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m. Thursday, December 30, 2003.

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

SKAMANIA COUNTY, WASHINGTON