BOARD OF SKAMANIA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Meeting for Week of November 29, 2004
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 29, 2004 at the Commissioner’s Meeting Room, 240 NW Vancouver Avenue in Stevenson, with Commissioners McKee, Quinn and Talent present, opening with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Joe Bacus, Mary Repar, and W.D. Truitt advised of concerns regarding the proposed conveyance of Wind River Nursery to the Public Development Authority and requested the Board to schedule an informational public meeting in the evening to allow public comment.
Brent Holman, Public Works Director/County Engineer, advised of employee training, options received from Underwood Community Council regarding Underwood Transfer Site, beaver problems on Washougal River Road, maintenance on Little Buck Creek Road, and tree removal on upper Wind River Road.
John Carlson, Emergency Management Coordinator, gave an update on Mount St. Helens activity, continuation of Community Emergency Response Team planning, upcoming bioterrorism exercise to be conducted by Washington State Public Health, and winter storm preparedness.
Winter emergency information was presented from Public Works and Buildings and Grounds Departments.
Commissioner Quinn moved, seconded by Commissioner Talent and motion carried to approve the Consent Agenda, as follows:
A. Minutes of November 22, 2004.
B. Set public hearing for 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 13, 2004 to consider Ordinance 2004-06 imposing a timber excise tax on timber harvested on private lands.
Commissioner Talent moved, seconded by Commissioner Quinn and motion carried to approve an application to Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs for a local law enforcement block grant for funding to purchase seven tasers.
Commissioner Quinn moved, seconded by Commissioner Talent and motion carried to approve a contract with Challenger/British Soccer to provide summer soccer instruction and an outdoor soccer field or training area.
A public hearing was held to consider a Community Development Block Grant Public Services Application (CDBG) for 2005. The grant would provide $123,150 in CDBG funds for essential services for low- and moderate-income persons in Skamania and Klickitat Counties. Linda Schneider, Klickitat-Skamania Development Council Executive Director, explained the services provided through this grant, which include employment, emergency assistance, nutrition, and linkages to provide information and referral to other agencies. Information regarding the availability of CDBG funds, eligible uses, and income guidelines were available and distributed to interested parties in attendance. Commissioner Quinn moved, seconded by Commissioner Talent and motion carried to approve Resolution 2004-42, authorizing submission of the 2005 CDBG Public Services Grant Application and Certifications of Compliance.
The Board discussed the written facilities maintenance report submitted at the end of the each month from Buildings and Grounds and the need to review this report on a weekly basis. Commissioner McKee advised he would request Tony Estey, Buildings and Grounds Director to submit the report on a weekly basis.
The meeting recessed at 11:45 a.m. Monday, November 29, 2004 and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. the same date, with Commissioners McKee, Quinn and Talent present.
A public hearing was held to consider establishing the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program for 2005-20010. Brent Holman, County Engineer gave an overview of the recommended construction project plans, 2004 Bridge Inspection Report and recommended repair list, and the 2005 equipment purchase program. Commissioner Talent moved, seconded by Commissioner Quinn and motion carried to adopt the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program for 2005 through 2010.
Ole Helgerson, WSU Extension Agent, requested a budget amendment or reallocation of budgeted funds for the 2005 Title III Wildfire Project to increase the Wildfire Coordinator position from 75% to full time. No decision was made at this time, pending additional information.
The meeting recessed at 2:25 p.m. Monday, November 29, 2004 and reconvened at 3:45 p.m. the same date, with Commissioners McKee, Quinn and Talent present.
Commissioner Talent moved, seconded by Commissioner Quinn and motion carried to approve vouchers for the period ending November 29, 2004 in the amount of $745,603.89.
The meeting recessed at 3:55 p.m. Monday, November 29, 2004 and reconvened at 9:20 a.m. Tuesday, November 30, 2004, with Commissioners McKee, Quinn and Talent present.
The Board participated in a staff workshop to discuss the budget, with no action taken.
Charly Boyd, Watershed/Shorelines Planner advised that the proposed Water Resource Inventory Area 27 & 28 watershed plan contains an instream flow section to create reservations of water for each jurisdiction in each subbasin to supply future water uses. She recommended an allocation of 0.43 cfs for the Skamania County portion of the Washougal River subbasin and advised this allocation would accommodate the County’s total buildout in the Washougal River subbasin. Representatives from the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board, Department of Ecology, and Department of Fish and Wildlife acknowledged that Skamania County’s requested amount of 0.43cfs is acceptable. The Board had no objections to the recommendation.
Chris Hughey, Stevenson-North Bonneville Community Librarian for Fort Vancouver Regional Library District gave an overview of library services and programs available.
The meeting recessed at 11:25 a.m. Tuesday, November 30, 2004 and reconvened at 2:55 p.m. the same date, with Commissioners McKee, Quinn and Talent present.
The Board participated in a staff workshop to discuss the budget and Wind River Nursery, with no action taken.
The meeting recessed at 4:05 p.m. Tuesday, November 30, 2004 and reconvened at 10:25 a.m. Thursday, December 2, 2004, with Commissioners McKee, Quinn and Talent present.
Auditor Mike Garvison gave an election update on the results of the Governor’s race and advised of a possible statewide hand recount.
The Board participated in a workshop with Ryan Lopossa from Cowlitz County Public Works regarding the Lewis River Settlement Agreement with PacifiCorp and Cowlitz PUD. Discussion included an overview of the project description and specific elements of the agreement.
The meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m. Thursday, December 2, 2004.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SKAMANIA COUNTY, WASHINGTON