BOARD OF SKAMANIA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MEETING for WEEK of OCTOBER 29, 2001

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

Brent Holman, Public Works Director, gave an update on preparation for the County Road Administration Board review, issuance of large burn permits, employee leave, damage from wind storms, paint striping on Canyon Creek Road and replacement of culvert liners.  He also advised of a phone call recognizing an outstanding job an employee at the recycling center is doing.

Motion was made, seconded and carried to approve items A, B and C on the consent agenda as follows:

A.                            Set for public hearing at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 13, 2001, for Community Development Block Grant Application for funding to provide essential services to low-income residents in Skamania and Klickitat Counties.

B.                            Acknowledge receipt and set for public hearing at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 20, 2001, Current Use Timber Land Application from Robert A. Sourek, Jr. for property located off Bear Creek Road, tax parcel number 03-08-08-0-0-0201-00.

C.                            Set deadline to receive sealed bids for 4:00 p.m., Friday, November 16, 2001.  Set date to open bids for 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 19, 2001, for Purchase and Installation of PVC Liner at Skamania County Swim Pool.

A contract amendment was approved with the Department of Social and Health Services and Skamania County Counseling Center extending the term of the contract and adding a second year of funding for the Infant/Toddler Early Intervention Program in the amount of $22,695.00.  The term of this contract is from October 1, 2001 to September 30, 2003.

The Board approved Resolution 2001-64 directing the County Treasurer to loan $15, 000 from the Cumulative Reserve Loan Fund to the Law Library Fund.  This transaction is considered an interfund loan and is to be repaid from the 2001 federal forest funds (anticipated as revenue in the 2001 budget) no later than January 31, 2002, together with interest at 2%.

The Board approved Resolution 2001-65 directing the County Treasurer to pay the sum of $300,000 as partial payment of the Current Expense Fund’s indebtedness incurred by Resolution 2000-20, Loan to Cumulative Reserve Loan Fund.

The Board approved Resolution 2001-66 directing the County Treasurer to loan $600,000 from the Cumulative Reserve Loan Fund to the Current Expense Fund.  This transaction is considered an interfund loan and is to be repaid from the first available funds, together with interest at 4%, not later than three (3) years from the date of signing.

The Board discussed the need for redistricting of County Commissioner Districts due to growth increase in western Skamania County resulting in several hundred more residents in District 1 than in Districts 2 and 3.  No action was taken on this issue at this time.

The meeting recessed at 11:10 a.m., Monday, October 29, 2001 and reconvened at 11:33 a.m. the same date with all Commissioners present.

The Board participated in a staff workshop to discuss the scheduling of budget workshops, with no action taken.

The Board acknowledged that the County Auditor presented the 2002 Budget on October 11, 2001.

Minutes for the week of October 22, 2001 were approved as presented.

The Board discussed office space for WSU Cooperative Extension.  Motion was made, seconded and carried to direct Tony Estey, Buildings & Grounds Director, to remodel the Annex II (Old City Hall) to accommodate the move of WSU Cooperative Extension from the Courthouse to the Annex II; reserving the basement for Civil Service, with a small amount of storage available to WSU Cooperative Extension; and the final floor plan subject to approval by the Board.

The meeting recessed at 12:05 p.m., Monday, October 29, 2001 and reconvened at 3:00 p.m. the same date with all Commissioners present.

The Board interviewed Debbie Tennison for the vacant position on the Civil Service Board, with no action taken at this time.

The meeting recessed at 3:30 p.m., Monday, October 29, 2001 and reconvened at 10:05 a.m., Tuesday, October 30, 2001 with all Commissioners present.

Dr. Rick Jessel, Mental Health Director, met with the Board to explain the Infant/Toddler Early Intervention Program.  A contract amendment regarding this program was approved on October 29, 2001.

The meeting recessed at 10:40 a.m., Tuesday, October 30, 2001 and reconvened at 1:45 p.m., the same date with all Commissioners present.

Bill Vogler, Executive Director of Washington State Association of Counties and Debbie Wilke, Executive Director of the Washington Association of County Officials gave a presentation to County Elected Officials regarding results of the recent legislative session, discussed the efforts that will be necessary in the next legislative session and long-term plans regarding future funding for counties.  County Elected Officials discussed matters relating to redistricting, Secure Rural Schools funding distribution, National Fire Plan, substitution rules for timber export, property tax exemptions for seniors and concern regarding growth in regional organizations affecting the citizens of Skamania County.

The meeting recessed at 3:40 p.m., Tuesday, October 30, 2001 and reconvened at 7:05 p.m., the same date with all Commissioners present.

A public informational meeting was held at Canyon Creek Middle School, 9731 Washougal River Road to receive public comment and discuss noise abatement and a possible noise abatement ordinance.  The audience was advised that this was an informational meeting only.  Sheriff Deputy Cal Owens advised he is working with the Board of Commissioners to resolve ongoing issues in this area and addressed the need for basic tools for enforcement.  Testimony was received both for and against a noise ordinance, with no action taken at this time.  Additional meetings will be held on November 7, 2001 at the Courthouse Annex in Stevenson and November 8, 2001 at Underwood Community Center in Underwood to receive input from residents in all areas of the County.  The Board advised that their decision as to what action to take would be based on feedback from the public after the conclusion of meetings throughout the County.

The meeting recessed at 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 30, 2001 and reconvened at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 1, 2001 with Commissioner Quinn and Commissioner Talent present.  Commission Quinn served at acting chair.  Commissioner McKee was absent due to attending an Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation meeting in Portland, OR.

Keith Ligget, Consultant for the National Scenic Area Land Use Application Brochure, and gave a presentation on of the layout and contents of the brochure.  The purpose of the brochure is to provide information to property owners on the application process and permit requirements.  A second presentation of this brochure will be scheduled in December.  The final brochure is tentatively scheduled for distribution in February 2002.

Vouchers were approved for the period of October 17, 2001 through October 31, 2001 in the amount of $220,319.45.

The meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m., Thursday, November 1, 2001.

                                     BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                          SKAMANIA COUNTY, WASHINGTON

ATTEST:                                                                    ______________________________________

                                                                                                Commissioner

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                                                                                                Commissioner

____________________________                            ______________________________________

Clerk of the Board                                                              Commissioner

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