BOARD OF SKAMANIA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MEETING for WEEK of OCTOBER 15, 2001
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. with all Commissioners present, opening with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Dave l”Hommedieu advised that, in light of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, he would like to show recognition to our local law enforcement and volunteer fire departments by campaigning for funds for the Stevenson lighting project for the purchase of two lights to be dedicated in honor of our local law enforcement and volunteer fire department.
Brent Holman, Public Works Director, gave an update on countywide general maintenance projects, Canyon Creek Road project, Fanning Hill slide area, and culvert replacement.
Ole Helgerson, Cooperative Extension Agent, gave an update on forestry programs, 4-H issues, and status of the small animal barn and storage issues at the fair grounds.
Motion was made, seconded and carried to approve items A and B on the consent agenda as follows:
A. Proclamation declaring October 21-31, 2001 as Drug & Alcohol Awareness Week
B. Washington State Liquor Control Board liquor license renewal for Washougal River Mercantile located at 4232 Canyon Creek Road
Susie Strom, Program Coordinator for Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, gave an overview of the Drug & Alcohol Awareness program.
Contract amendment #1 was approved with the Department of Social and Health Services and Skamania County Counseling Center adding a spending plan and reducing funds by $3,109.00 for substance abuse treatment and prevention. Maximum total contract amount is $226,868.00. The term of this contract is from July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2003.
The Board reviewed and discussed open burning regulations and possible amendments to Ordinance 1994-07 Outdoor Burning Regulations. Motion was made, seconded and carried to designate SW Clean Air Agency as the permitting agency for large outdoor burns in Skamania County. Brent Holman will forward a copy of this proposed ordinance to SW Clean Air Agency for their review and comments.
The Board discussed a letter from Rick Fields of the Northwoods Community in northern Skamania County that was acknowledged at a previous meeting. He is requesting representation from Skamania County during the relicensing process between FERC and PacifiCorp concerning the operation of Swift Reservoir and is also asking the County to look into the issue of Northwoods residents paying taxes to Skamania County and claiming they are not receiving any services from the County. Chairman McKee advised he would draft a letter of response to Mr. Fields.
Minutes for the week of October 8, 2001 were approved as presented.
The meeting recessed at 11:20 a.m., Monday, October 8, 2001 and reconvened at 11:25 p.m. the same date with all Commissioners present.
Motion was made, seconded and carried to move into an executive session for approximately 15 minutes to discuss personnel.
The Board came out of executive session at approximately 11:40 a.m. with no action taken.
The meeting recessed at 11:40 a.m., Monday, October 15, 2001 and reconvened at 11:40 a.m., Tuesday, October 16, 2001 with all Commissioners present.
The Board and Debi Van Camp, Human Resource/Safety Specialist, participated in a staff workshop to discuss Weed Board hours, Title III project disbursement of funds, office space and surplus, with no action taken. Motion was made, seconded and carried to approve the purchase of 30 new picnic tables for various County parks.
The meeting recessed at 12:12 p.m., Tuesday, October 16, 2001 and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. the same date with all Commissioners present.
A public hearing was held to consider a Notice of Administrative Appeal of a Short Plat submitted by Frank Kasziewicz regarding the short plat for Marvin and Cathy Clemans for property located at the corner of Skye Road and Harder Road in western Skamania County, tax parcel number 02-05-19-00-1301. The reason for the appeal is stated that the location of the private road for access to Lot 1 is located on the Kasziewicz property and no easement has been granted to the Clemans for access. Frank Kasziewicz and Marvin and Cathy Clemans were present for this hearing. After testimony from both parties and County officials, determination was made that this plat is not ready to record based on the fact that title for an easement to access the lots from Skye Road has not been granted. The hearing recessed for approximately five minutes to request Brad Andersen, Prosecutor, to join the meeting to clarify the requirement for legal access to this property prior to final plat approval. Prosecutor Andersen advised that this matter should be resolved in court or resolved between the parties prior to final plat approval and further recommended continuing this hearing for 90 days to allow him to prepare a legal opinion. Motion was made, seconded and carried to continue this hearing for 90 days (approximately January 16, 2002) to allow time for the Prosecutor to prepare a legal opinion regarding this matter and to allow time for the parties to explore options for resolving access to these lots from Skye Road.
The meeting recessed at 2:25 p.m., Tuesday, October 16, 2001 and reconvened at 2:40 p.m. the same date with all Commissioners present.
Motion was made, seconded and carried to move into an executive session for approximately 55 minutes to discuss personnel.
The Board came out of executive session, with no action taken, to resume regular business.
Vouchers for the period of October 5, 2001 through October 16, 2001 were approved and signed in the total amount of $712,846.22.
The meeting recessed at 3:35 p.m., Tuesday, October 16, 2001 and reconvened at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 18, 2001 with Commission Quinn and Commissioner Talent present. Commissioner Quinn served as acting Chair, noting Commissioner McKee was absent due to attending a meeting regarding Swift Dam relicensing in Longview, WA.
Larry Mulcihy, Safety Committee Chair, presented the Safety Committee Report.
The Board approved Resolution 2001-63 authorizing the Board to sign a Senior Services proposal requesting operating assistance through Federal Transit Administration, Section 5310.
The Board approved an application to the Department of Transportation for a proposal to provide operating assistance through Federal Transit Administration, Section 5310 to Skamania County Senior Services for passenger transportation services for elderly and disabled persons in Skamania County.
The meeting recessed at 10:25 a.m., Thursday, October 18, 2001 and reconvened at 1:35 p.m. the same date with Commissioner Quinn and Commissioner Talent present. Commissioner Quinn served as acting Chair, noting Commissioner McKee’s absence as previously stated.
A letter was approved to Sharon Tiffany, Director for Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center, supporting efforts to secure access to the Interpretive Center via State Highway 14.
The meeting adjourned at 1:38 p.m., Thursday, October 18, 2001.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
SKAMANIA COUNTY, WASHINGTON
ATTEST: __________________________________
Commissioner
___________________________________
Commissioner
____________________________ ___________________________________
Clerk of the Board Commissioner
AYE _______
NAY _______
ABSTAIN _______
ABSENT ______