BOARD OF SKAMANIA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MEETING for WEEK of NOVEMBER 5, 2001
The meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m. with all Commissioners present, opening with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Rich Lang, Public Works Surveyor, addressed the Board with a request to waive the $50.00 fee for National Scenic Area applications for landowners requesting to obtain excess earth materials from the proposed Ryan-Allen Road Project. He further stated that the Department of Planning and Community development is in agreement with this request. He also advised that having local sites to deposit excess materials will result in savings on hauling costs. Brent Holman, Public Works Director, advised that the Public Works Department is willing to pay the fees from the County Road Fund. Motion was made, seconded and carried to allow the Public Works Department to proceed as they see best for this project and to allow the County Road Fund to pay or waive the fee.
Rich Lang, Public Works Surveyor, addressed the Board with a request to consider the purchase of a 3.5 acre parcel near County Road District No. 1 Shop for use as a stock pile site. No action was taken on this request.
Brent Holman, Public Works Director, gave an update on road projects, bridge work, budget review and employee leave.
A contract was approved with Bryce McCollum of Cooridor and Skamania County Counseling Center to provide outpatient treatment to chemical dependency youth as assessed and referred by Skamania County Counseling Center for an amount not to exceed $9,575.00. The term of this contract is from September 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002.
Contracts were approved with Klickitat–Skamania Development Council as a subrecipient to administer a Community Development Block Grant program for the years 2000 and 2001 in the amount of $95,214.00 for each year. This program provides services for low-to moderate income persons within Klickitat and Skamania Counties for money management, emergency assistance, nutrition and Linkages Work Program.
An Interlocal Agreement with the City of Stevenson for the creation of a plaza area at the south end of the Courthouse lawn was tabled at this time.
The Board acknowledged receipt of a letter from Josephine Bent regarding health insurance for retirees.
The minutes of October 29, 2001 were approved as presented.
A request for additional work time from Dan Wallenmeyer, Weed Board Coordinator, was tabled at this time.
The meeting recessed at 11:20 a.m., Monday, November 5, 2001 and reconvened at 11:25 a.m. the same date with all Commissioners present.
Dan Wallenmeyer, Weed Board Coordinator, addressed his request for additional work time via telephone. Motion was made, seconded and approved to authorize additional work hours for travel and attendance at the Yakima Weed Conference on November 6-9, 2001, provided funds are available from the 2001 Weed Board budget for this request.
The Board approved an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Stevenson for the creation of a plaza area at the south end of the Courthouse lawn. The County will transfer to the City a $50,000 grant awarded by the Washington Investment Board to help improve County property in the City’s downtown core, and will contribute up to $25,000 in Rural Counties Tax Abatement Program Funds as a match requirement.
The meeting recessed at 11:40 a.m., Monday, November 5, 2001 and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. the same date with all Commissioners present.
The Board participated in a workshop for the 2002 Preliminary Budget. An overview of the 2002 Budget and revenues, new/increased programs using County funds and County support for other organizations were reviewed and discussed, with no action taken.
The meeting recessed at 4:30 a.m., Monday, November 5, 2001 and reconvened at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday November 6, 2001 with all Commissioners present.
Tony Estey, Buildings and Grounds Director, gave an update on buildings and maintenance performed at various County buildings and grounds, reported on calls for Animal Control for August through October 2001 and submitted a letter requesting to acknowledge the extraordinary dedication and service demonstrated by the Buildings and Grounds facility maintenance/trades specialists crew in the remodel of the Sheriff’s Office.
A public hearing was held to consider an application from Eugene “Bud” Harris, for the Harris Family Trust and Sirrah Corporation, for a rezone of approximately 181 acres from Forest/Agriculture-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. A recap of previous meetings regarding this rezone application was given by Mark Mazeski, Senior Planner for the Department of Planning & Community Development. He 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. Testimony was received from Eugene Harris and Robert Harris, property owners and Treavor Hayworth, developer for the applicants, stating that the current Comprehensive Plan allows for two acre minimum parcels and development of this property is in the best interest of Skamania County due to the limitations of developable land outside the National Scenic Area. Testimony was received from the public regarding traffic issues in this area. Commissioner Quinn moved to deny the Planning Commission’s recommendation and approve the rezone request from Forest/Agriculture-20 to Residential-5. The motion died for lack of a second. After considerable discussion, Commissioner Quinn again moved to deny the Planning Commission’s recommendation and approve the rezone request from Forest/Agriculture-20 to Residential-5. Commissioner McKee stepped down as chair and seconded the motion. Motion carried, noting Commissioner Talent’s nay vote.
A public hearing was held to consider adoption of Ordinance 2001-07, amending Ordinance 1994-06 and Skamania County Code, Chapter 8.14 Outdoor Burning Regulations. Brent Holman, Public Works Director, advised of the need for compliance with recent changes to State law. He also advised that the proposed amendments have been approved by SW Clean Air Agency, who is designated as the permitting agency for large outdoor burns in Skamania County. Motion was made, seconded and carried to adopt Ordinance 2001-07 as presented.
Receipt was acknowledged of a letter submitted from Fred Cloe, Fire District No. 5, regarding the need for a trained Fire Marshall.
Motion was made, seconded and approved to acknowledge Chairman McKee’s signing of the following Criminal Justice Facility Project contract change order:
· Williamsen & Bleid amendment #2 for painting in the amount of $8,430.00 for a total contract amount of $51,932.00.
The meeting recessed at 11:50 a.m., Tuesday, November 6, 2001 and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. the same date with all Commissioners present.
The Board participated in a workshop for the 2002 Preliminary Budget. Public Works - County Road, Solid Waste, Equipment Rental and Revolving Fund (ER&R) Building and Well were reviewed and discussed, with no action taken.
The meeting recessed at 4:25 p.m., Tuesday, November 6, 2001 and reconvened at 5:00 p.m. the same date with all Commissioners present.
The Board interviewed Mike Garvison for the upcoming vacant position of County Auditor, with no action taken.
The meeting recessed at 5:45 p.m., Tuesday, November 6, 2001 and reconvened at 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 7, 2001 with all Commissioners present.
The Board participated in a workshop for the 2002 Preliminary Budget. Capital Improvements and major equipment (except ER&R replacement equipment) were reviewed and discussed, with no action taken.
The meeting recessed at 11:45 a.m., Wednesday, November 7, 2001 and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. the same date with all Commissioners present.
The Board participated in a workshop for the 2002 Preliminary Budget. Grant Programs, including additions and changes, were reviewed and discussed, with no action taken.
The meeting recessed at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 7, 2001 and reconvened at 5:00 p.m. the same date with all Commissioners present.
The Board interviewed Mary Fehr for the upcoming vacant position of County Auditor, with no action taken.
The meeting recessed at 5:25 p.m., Wednesday, November 7, 2001 and reconvened at 7:00 p.m. the same date with all Commissioners present.
A public informational meeting was held at the Courthouse Annex Meeting Room, 170 NW Vancouver Avenue in Stevenson 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 throughout the County 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. A previous meeting was held on October 30, 2001 at Canyon Creek Middle School and another meeting will be held on November 8, 2001 at Underwood Community Center in order 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 8:10 p.m., Wednesday, November 7, 2001 and reconvened at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 8, 2001 with Commissioner McKee and Commissioner Talent present. Commissioner Quinn was absent due to personal business.
Payroll for the period ending October 31, 2001 was approved in the total amount of $664,184.12.
The Board approved special vouchers to Visa - $147.21, Visa - $277.64, Visa - $657.99, and Office Max - $1,234.04 for credit card purchases.
The Board will be attending a cluster development workshop at Skamania Lodge at 1:00 p.m. and a site visit to the Hamilton Creek area at 3:00 p.m. No action will be taken at either of these events.
The meeting recessed at 11:10 a.m., Wednesday, November 8, 2001 and reconvened at 4:55 p.m. the same date with all Commissioners present.
The Board approved an extension of the deadline for notice to contractors to submit sealed proposals until 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 27, 2001 for purchase and installation of a PVC liner at Skamania County Swim Pool. The opening of sealed proposals received will commence at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 29, 2001.
The Board interviewed Angela Morrill for the upcoming vacant position of County Auditor, with no action taken.
The Board met in executive session to discuss personnel from 5:20 p.m. until 5:35 p.m.
The meeting recessed at 5:35 p.m., Thursday, November 8, 2001 and reconvened at 7:15 p.m. the same date with all Commissioners present.
A public informational meeting was held at the Underwood Community Center, 951 Schoolhouse Road in Underwood 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. The Board advised they have been working with Sheriff Deputy Cal Owens to resolve ongoing issues throughout the County 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. Two previous meetings were held on October 30, 2001 at Canyon Creek Middle School and November 8, 2001 at the Courthouse Annex in order 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 8:10 p.m., Thursday, November 8, 2001 and reconvened at 9:00 a.m., Friday, November 9, 2001 with all Commissioners present.
The Board participated in a workshop for the 2002 Preliminary Budget. Personnel and Commissioners Budget were reviewed and discussed, with no action taken.
The meeting adjourned at 11:55 a.m., Friday, November 9, 2001.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
SKAMANIA COUNTY, WASHINGTON
ATTEST: ______________________________________
Commissioner
___________________________________
Commissioner
____________________________ ______________________________________
Clerk of the Board Commissioner
AYE _______
NAY _______
ABSTAIN _______
ABSENT ______