BOARD OF SKAMANIA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MEETING for WEEK of NOVEMBER 26, 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 November 19, 2001 were approved as presented.
Brent Holman, Public Works Director, gave an update on Road Crew maintenance, advised of a rock slide at milepost 3.0 Cook Underwood Road, and discussed snow plowing.
Dr. Richard Jessel, Mental Health Director, gave an update on programs for mental health, alcohol and drug abuse, and developmental disabilities.
A contract was approved with Greater Columbia Behavioral Health and Skamania County Counseling Center to provide funding for mental health treatment, crisis and emergency services in the amount of $634,395. Term of the contract is from November 1, 2001 to June 30, 2003.
A contact was approved with Washington State Military Department and Skamania County Sheriff’s Department to provide funding for the operation of the County’s Enhanced 911 center in the amount of $111,041. The County’s contribution of $29,808 will be paid from taxed phone revenue, for a total contract amount of $140,849. Term of the contract is from July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002.
An Interlocal Agreement was approved between Skamania County and the Cities of Stevenson and North Bonneville designating the County as the responsible party to prepare a comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan and a Moderate Risk Waste Plan to include the corporate limits of the Cities of Stevenson and North Bonneville. The Cities also agree to defer to the County any financial aid that may be available for this project. The term of this agreement is from November 26, 2001 to November 26, 2007.
The Board approved Resolution 2001-71 and Resolution 2001-72, Joint Counties Resolutions of Clark, Klickitat and Skamania Boards of Commissioners appointing Jerry King and Karen Peterson as Trustees to the Ft. Vancouver Regional Library.
Motion was made, seconded and carried to cancel the public hearing regarding the Notice of Nuisance Violation scheduled for December 3, 2001 at 1:30 p.m. for Merle Knowles for property located at 5472 Wind River Road. Mr. Knowles is considering signing a Compliance Agreement with the County with regards to removing all the material(s) constituting the nuisance.
The meeting recessed at 11:25 a.m., Monday, November 26, 2001 and reconvened at 1:40 p.m. the same date with all Commissioners present.
Van Youngquist gave an update on the status of the proposed State Road 504 extension project to extend a road from Skamania County to connect with State Road 504 near Mount Saint Helens. Discussion included the need for support to proceed with the project, with already existing funds. The Commissioners voiced no objection to proceeding with already appropriated funds.
The Board met in executive session to discuss personnel from 2:45 p.m. until 3:15 p.m.
An executive hearing regarding personnel was held from 3:15 p.m. until 4:40 p.m., with no action taken.
The meeting recessed at 4:40 p.m., Monday, November 26, 2001 and reconvened at 10:05 a.m., Tuesday, November 27, 2001 with Commissioner McKee and Commissioner Quinn present. Commissioner Talent was absent due to attending a Department of Transportation concerning winter driving conditions meeting at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, WA.
Karen Witherspoon, Planning and Community Development Director, gave an update on pending applications, a zoning meeting in western Skamania County and the status of updating County ordinances.
Commissioner Talent joined the meeting at approximately 10:30 a.m.
Larry Mulcihy, Safety Committee Chairman, gave a summary of accident reports, advising that additional information was requested from an employee regarding report number 2001-17 and has not been received to date. Motion was made, seconded and carried to recommend that the Department Head require the employee to provide the requested information to the Safety Committee within three days or proceed with disciplinary action. The next Safety Committee report was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on December 13, 2001.
Kay Koontz, Executive Director for Southwest Washington Health District, gave a presentation regarding the Health District’s responsibilities for surveillance and bio-terrorism preparedness. She advised of a $127,000 grant received from Southwest Washington Medical Center to initiate increased public health capacity to respond to bioterrorist threat and advised that budget funding is being requested from Health District members to sustain the capacity of the program for future years. No action was taken on this request.
The meeting recessed at 11:55 a.m., Tuesday, November 27, 2001 and reconvened at 3:30 p.m. the same date with all Commissioners present.
Vouchers for the period ending November 27, 2001 were approved in the amount of $228,212.21.
An executive hearing regarding personnel was held from 3:35 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., with no action taken.
The meeting recessed at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 27, 2001 and reconvened at 9:00 a.m., Thursday, November 29, 2001 with all Commissioners present.
R. Thompson Reynolds, Superior Court Judge, addressed the Board with the need for increased security on the third floor of the Courthouse, advising this recommendation is based on meetings of Skamania County Law and Justice Council, security audits by the State and concern from the public and jurors. He advised of security concerns expressed by Elected Officials on the first and second floors of the Courthouse. The Board was informed that a metal detector has been given to the County from Clark County at no cost. Judge Reynolds recommended total Courthouse security to take place in three phases: 1) Funnel all entrances through one door on the second floor north entrance; 2) install a metal detector at the entrance on the second floor; 3) hire security personnel. No action was taken at this time.
The Board met in executive session regarding personnel from 9:45 a.m. until 10:25 p.m. with no action taken.
Commissioner Quinn left the meeting at 10:25 a.m. to attend a meeting at Southwest Washington Health District in Vancouver, WA.
Sealed bid opening was held for the purchase and installation of a PVC Liner at Skamania County Swim Pool. Bids were received as follows and referred to Tony Estey, Buildings & Grounds Director and Ken Cohen, Community Events & Recreation Director for review and recommendation.
Natare Corporation $49,434.00
Aquatic Renovation Systems, Inc. $33,328.00
A public hearing was held to consider Resolution 2001-67 Supplemental #3 for 2001 budget for various funds. Marilyn Breckel, Administrative Services Manager, explained the circumstances involved in several department funds having unanticipated expenditures for 2001. Gary Olson, Auditor, advised that an additional $4,533 needs to be added to the Auditor’s budget to cover salary and benefits for an extension of hours approved for temporary help. Commissioner Talent moved to approve Resolution No. 2001-67, Supplemental #3 for 2001 budget for various funds, including an additional $4,533 for the Auditor’s budget, for a total amount of $1,256,795. Commissioner McKee stepped down as chair to second the motion, which carried.
The meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m., Thursday, November 29, 2001.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
SKAMANIA COUNTY, WASHINGTON
ATTEST:
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Commissioner
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Commissioner
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Clerk of the Board Commissioner
AYE _______
NAY _______
ABSTAIN _______
ABSENT ______