BOARD OF SKAMANIA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MEETING for WEEK of OCTOBER 8, 2001
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. with all Commissioners present, opening with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes for the week of August 13, 2001 and October 1, 2001 were approved as presented.
Henry Stephens addressed the Board regarding the need for affordable housing for low-income residents of the County.
Brad Andersen, Skamania County Prosecutor, advised the Board that Williams Pipeline would be expanding the natural gas line through Skamania County in 2002. He suggested the County may wish to adopt an ordinance with regards to public safety prior to this expansion. He also suggested that if he Board decides to proceed with this recommendation, that the appropriate department be directed to draft an ordinance and report back to him. He also advised of a model ordinance that he has provided.
Brent Holman, Public Works Director, gave an update on the Canyon Creek Road project, a potential landslide area in Willard, culvert replacement, and shoulder work along Wind River Road.
Motion was made, seconded and carried to approve items A, B, and C on the consent agenda as follows:
A. Declare week of October 14-20, 2001 as National 4-H Week
B. Notice of Completion of Contract for Criminal Justice Facility for Network Connectors, Inc.
C. Fair Premium Vouchers
Brent Holman, Public Works Director, advised that due to cooler, wetter weather, the Department of Natural Resources has recommended to lift the burn ban at the end of the October 12, 2001 expiration.
The Board acknowledged receipt of the 2002 Annual Construction Program and Equipment Purchase Report. Discussion included projected costs for purchase of right-of-way and proposed equipment purchases.
A contract was approved with the Department of Ecology to provide grant funding for the Public Works Department for development of a Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan. Maximum eligible project cost is $100,000 with the State’s share being $75,000 and the County’s share being $25,000. The term of this grant is from July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2003.
An application was approved for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Klickitat-Skamania Development Council to secure funding for staff training for their weatherization and home rehabilitation program. This is to meet imposed rules and regulations concerning proper hazard reduction of contaminants from lead-based paint removal.
The Board discussed the establishment of a regional housing authority. Commissioner McKee explained the advantages of a regional housing authority, stating it would be more cost effective to operate than an individual County housing authority. It would allow new funding opportunities to provide decent, affordable housing including rehabilitation and homeownership for lower income households. Such an authority would also qualify to issue bonds. Board members would be elected officials or appointed by elected officials. Discussion included the benefits of a housing authority and the need for affordable housing for low-income residents in Skamania County. Commissioner McKee advised that he would contact Klickitat and Clark Counties to obtain more information regarding this issue.
The meeting recessed at 11:50 a.m., Monday, October 8, 2001 and reconvened at 1:48 p.m. the same date with all Commissioners present.
A public hearing was held to consider two applications from Matthew and Elaine Califf for a change of classification for 3 acres from designated forest land to current use timber land for 5 acres from designated farm and agricultural land to current use timber land, tax parcel number 02-05-33-0-0-2504-00 and 20 acres from designated forest land to 19 acres current use land and 1 acre residential, tax parcel number 02-05-34-0-0-0702-00 located on Silver Star Lane in western Skamania County. Mathew Califf was available for this hearing via phone. The Board acknowledged receipt of a letter from R. Robert Burns recommending approval of these applications. Gary Martin, County Assessor, explained the requirements to qualify for this program and advised of conditions to be met. Motion was made, seconded and carried to approve the applications as presented for a change of classification from designated forest and farm and agricultural land to current use timber land for tax parcel numbers 02-05-33-0-0-2504-00 and 02-05-34-0-0-0702.
The meeting recessed at 2:03 p.m., Monday, October 8, 2001 and reconvened at 2:15 p.m. the same date with all Commissioners present.
The Board and Marilyn Breckel, Administrative Services Manager, participated in a staff workshop to discuss the Wind River Nursery, Washington Counties Administrative Association, budget levy rate options and budget process, market positions, and personnel with no action taken.
The meeting recessed at 4:35 p.m., Monday, October 8, 2001 and reconvened at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 9, 2001 with all Commissioners present.
Ken Cohen, Community Events & Recreation Director, gave an update on current and proposed projects for his department.
A request for authorization from the City of Salem, Oregon to use County Resolution 2001-17 to purchase a Regenerative Air Street Sweeper for the City of Salem was approved.
The meeting recessed at 10:40 a.m., Tuesday, October 9, 2001 and reconvened at 11:00 a.m. the same date with all Commissioners present.
The Board reviewed and discussed the proposal presented by Brent Holman, Public Works Director/County Engineer to reorganize and centralize the County road crews and the equipment repair operations. He gave an update of the proposal that was presented to the Board on September 4, 2001 advising that savings in operations and equipment are estimated to be approximately $300,000 to $500,000 per year. Holman submitted his findings in response to questions from concerned citizens and employees. Those questions and responses will be made available at a later date. Former County Commissioners and one member of the public were present to discuss their concerns regarding this proposal. No action was taken on this issue at this time.
The meeting recessed at 12:25 p.m., Tuesday, October 9, 2001 and reconvened at 1:35 p.m. the same date with all Commissioners present.
Motion was made, seconded and carried to acknowledge Chairman McKee’s signing of the following Criminal Justice Facility Project contract change order:
Payroll for the period ending September 30, 2001 was approved in the amount of $641,863.88.
A public hearing was held to consider a request from Steve and Gina Chambers for an extension of time for completion of Wildwood Subdivision final plat on a parcel of land located on Wildwood Lane in Carson, tax parcel number 03-08-21-2-0-0800. Mark Mazeski, Senior Planner for the Department of Planning & Community Development, advised that after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the development, the Planning Commission has recommended to allow for an extension of one year and seven months due to a change in State law requirements for completion of the final plat. Steve Chambers was present to address questions presented by the Board. Motion was made, seconded and approved to extend the deadline to submit the final plat for Wildwood Subdivision for one year and seven months from this date, with the final date for completion as May 9, 2003.
The Board reviewed and considered an application from Eugene “Bud” Harris, for the Harris Family Trust and Sirrah Corporation, for a rezone of approximately 181 acres from Forest/Agricutlure-20 to Residential-5. Said property is located at the end of Hillsberry Road in western Skamania County, tax parcel numbers 02-05-35-00-0900 and 1001. Mark Mazeski, Senior Planner for the Department of Planning & Community Development, advised that the Planning Commission has recommended denying this application citing this rezone does not appear appropriate at this time due to a lack of significant change in circumstance to justify this rezone. and that very little has changed since the original zoning in this area was completed in 1990. Mr. Harris and Treavor Hayworth, developer for the applicant, advised that the current Comprehensive Plan allows for two acre minimum parcels and this rezone request is in compliance with that Plan. After review and consideration, motion was made, seconded and carried to set this matter for public hearing at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 6, 2001.
The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 9, 2001, noting that all Commissioners will be attending the Western District Conference in Long Beach, WA the remainder of the week.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
SKAMANIA COUNTY, WASHINGTON
ATTEST: __________________________________
Commissioner
___________________________________
Commissioner
____________________________ ___________________________________
Clerk of the Board Commissioner
AYE _______
NAY _______
ABSTAIN _______
ABSENT ______