October 24, 2016
(1)
The Commissioners’ meeting was called to order in their meeting room at 9:00 a.m. Karen Skoog was excused until 10:30. Steve Kiss led the invocation. Mike Manus led the flag salute.
(2)
The Board discussed the establishment of an EMS District.
(3)
K. Skoog arrived at 10:15.
(4)
Consultant Gregg Dohrn was present for a discussion regarding the Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP). Also present were Assistant Planner Andy Huddleston and County resident Gary Chantry. G. Dohrn provided a briefing on the VSP as it relates to the Growth Management Act (GMA), described county land data, and proposed options to best serve the county.
(5)
A. Huddleston was present to sign the agreement for the Interim Community Development Director as approved at the Board’s October 17, 2016 meeting.
Employment Agreement for Interim Community Development Director
AGREEMENT NO. 2016-54, COMMISSIONERS’ RECORDING
The group discussed the Natural Resources Committee and goals for the Community Development department.
(6)
Consent Agenda – Motion was made by S. Kiss to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion was seconded by K. Skoog. Motion carried unanimously. The Consent Agenda includes this week’s Agenda, the Minutes of the Board’s October 17, 2016 meeting and the following items:
Investment Earnings (year-to-date): $23,126.39
Application for Advance Travel Expense:
Assessor –
Joshua Peightal, Fundamentals of Real Property Appraisal, Ellensburg, November 13-18, $241.70 for mileage and $300.00 for meals.
Contract with James W. Potts and Zak Kennedy for Legislative Representation
CONTRACT NO. 2016-29, COMMISSIONERS’ RECORDING
(7)
The Board recessed for lunch at 12:00.
(8)
Sheriff, Jail, Dispatch, Emergency Management 2017 Budget Review – Present were Sheriff Alan Botzheim, Executive Administrative Assistant Dawn Taylor, Jail Captain Geoff Rusho, Dispatch 911 Coordinator Steve West, Emergency Management Deputy Director JoAnn Boggs, Auditor Marianne Nichols and Financial Manager Jill Shacklett.
(9)
Prosecutor Dolly Hunt was present for a legal update. Also present were Attorney Nathan Smith, G. Dohrn, Hydrogeologist Gene St. Godard, A. Huddleston, Building Inspector Rick Cruse, Community Development Administrative Assistant Terri Ann Hedtke, and business representatives/community members/county residents which included: Judy Kokanos, Mary Ann Jones, David Hood, Tim Ibbetson, Silvana Sorace, Maralyse Wight, J. Garrett Wight, Tracy Tate, G. Chantry, Ben Dahlin, Ryan LeVasseur, Charlie Slocum, Tyler John LeVasseur, Brad Miller, Ron Duncan, Bill Webber, Marilyn Webber, Cheryl Joy, Phil Wacker, Herb Waesthoff and Bob Speerstra.
D. Hunt, N. Smith and G. Dohrn provided a briefing to the Board regarding potential impacts to the County following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Whatcom v. Hirst. Discussion included: the responsibility of GMA counties issuing permits to verify that water is available; the watersheds within the county; and, water banking.
(10)
M. Manus was excused at 4:15 to attend a meeting regarding ambulance services.
(11)
Public Comment Period – G. Dohrn was in attendance to invite questions from the community members still present from the Prosecutor’s meeting. He also collected email addresses from those in attendance wishing to receive additional information regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling in Whatcom v. Hirst.
(12)
Motion to continue the meeting to October 25 was made by S. Kiss. Motion was seconded by K. Skoog. Motion carried unanimously.
October 25, 2016
(13)
Coffee Talk – The Commissioners’ meeting room was open at 8:30 a.m. for refreshments.
(14)
The meeting resumed at 9:00 a.m. K. Skoog was excused until 9:30.
(15)
M. Manus called to order the meeting of the Elected Officials and Department Heads. The following were in attendance: Clerk Tammie Ownbey, A. Botzheim, Public Works Director Sam Castro, Human Resources Manager Spencer Shanholtzer, Counseling Services Student Intern Katie Parnell, Public Works Office Manager/Risk Manager Teresa Brooks, M. Nichols, Treasurer Terri Miller, Interim Community Development Director Andy Huddleston, IT Director Mark Lemen, Assessor Jim McCroskey, Counseling Service Director Annabelle Payne, Probation Officer Scott Cornwell, D. Hunt, J. Shacklett, Weed Control Coordinator Sharon Sorby, county resident Bob Eugene, and Newport Miner News Editor Don Gronning.
M. Manus spoke about ambulance services and the potential formation of an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) District.
S. Kiss provided an update on the Economic Development Council including involvement in the community, opportunity for growth, and customer service training.
M. Manus provided an update on the proposed industrial project with HiTest Sand including a description of the business and the studies which must be performed.
S. Shanholtzer provided information on trainings available to county employees.
K. Skoog provided a summary of the Supreme Court ruling in Whatcom v. Hirst.
(16)
A. Payne was present for a Counseling Services update. Also present was K. Parnell. Topics discussed included an electronic medical records company and the Substance Use Disorder Program including caseload, funding, and a presidential proclamation. Also discussed was the Youth Task Force.
(17)
WSU County Extension Director Mike Jensen was present for an update. Topics discussed included the upcoming Forest Stewardship Coached Planning workshop, the Grizzly Discovery Center, 4-H policies including volunteer training, food and nutrition education through the hiring of a Snap-Ed Coordinator, and a Tech Wizard Grant.
(18)
WSU Extension 2017 Budget Review – Present were M. Jensen, M. Nichols and J. Shacklett.
(19)
The Board recessed for lunch at 12:00.
(20)
The Board discussed a consultant review of a document regarding the grazing allotment.
(21)
A. Botzheim was present for a review of salaries for politically appointed positions. Also present were G. Rusho, Undersheriff Grant Sirevog and J. Shacklett.
(22)
Conference Call with Spokane and Stevens Counties – Present by telephone conference were: Stevens County – Commissioners Don Dashiell, Wes McCart and Steve Parker along with their legal counsel and members of Stevens County staff; Spokane County - Commissioners Shelly O’Quinn, Al French and Nancy McLaughlin along with their legal counsel and members of Spokane County staff; EWCoG Attorney Peter Scott; G. Dohrn; N. Smith; and, G. St. Godard. Also present in the Commissioners’ meeting room were D. Hunt, S. Sorace, B. Eugene and D. Gronning. The group discussed the impact to GMA counties following the Whatcom v. Hirst Supreme Court ruling. Also discussed was the need to continue discussions regarding the WRIA 55 water bank.
(23)
Youth Emergency Services (YES) 2017 Budget Review – Present were Program Director Martina Coordes, YES Board members Thubten Jigme and Thubten Chodren, Case Manager Sarah Sego, M. Nichols and J. Shacklett. The group reviewed services provided, anticipated funding, and budget requests.
(24)
D. Hunt requested an executive session regarding potential litigation pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for 30 minutes from 4:00-4:30. Also in attendance were G. Dohrn and A. Huddleston. Present via conference call was N. Smith. M. Manus requested an additional 45 minutes to 5:15.
(25)
Correspondence Received:
10.13 Pend Oreille County Public Hospital District #2-Levy Certification & Resolution
10.14 N. Haider-WSU Survey
10.15 J. Gurnea-land assessment & follow up
10.16 WSAC-Columbia River Treaty Special Dues Assessment
(26)
As of this date, the Board approved vouchers for payment as listed and made available by the Auditor’s Office. The following vouchers/warrants/electronic payments are approved for payment:
Salary and Claim
Current Expense $ 314,894.23
Counseling Services $ 60,069.47
Crime Victims Compensation $ 213.23
Fair $ 1,020.42
Park $ 595.96
Road $ 91,567.30
Veteran’s Assistance $ 229.00
Emergency 911 Communications $ 32,658.03
Growth Management $ 929.05
Public Facilities $ 2,379.49
Capital Projects $ 8,619.56
Solid Waste $ 16,170.65
Risk Management $ 2,299.50
Equipment R&R $ 59,915.60
Unemployment Compensation $ 6,663.68
IT Fund $ 10,430.43
TOTAL $ 608,655.60
Checks 160392 through 160493 totaling $155,446.93 and Electronic Funds Transfer 9762 totaling $361.64 dated October 24, 2016. Includes Jr. Taxing Districts.
Checks 160377 through 160391 and 160558 through 160580 totaling $44,661.12 and Electronic Funds Transfers 9577 through 9761 and 9764 through 9769 dated October 25, 2016. Includes Jr. Taxing Districts.
(27)
M. Manus declared the meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
ATTEST: s/ APPROVED: s/
Clerk of the Board Chair of the Board
Page | 3 ______