BOARD OF SKAMANIA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MEETING for WEEK of May 19, 2003
The Board met in executive session from 9:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. to regarding litigation, with no action taken.
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 19, 2003, with all Commissioners present, opening with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Brent Holman, Public Works Director/County Engineer, reported on projects for Rock Creek Cove, Carson Stormwater Plan, Washougal River Road, Schoolhouse Road, and Ryan Allen Road. He also reported on employee training for stormwater infiltration, conducting bridge inspections, and Carson Hot Springs issues. The Board granted authorization to the County Road Department to help the City of Hood River with a chip seal project.
Ole Helgerson, WSU Cooperative Extension Agent, reported on 4-H activities, forestry projects, gardening and pest management, and fire prevention programs, projects and workshops. He requested permission to park WSU pickups on County property for security purposes, with the Board advising him to check with the County Road Superintendent about the availability of parking at the County shops in Stevenson.
Consent Agenda Items were approved as follows:
A. Minutes of May 12, 2003.
B. Acknowledge receipt of Claim for Damages from Kimberly Hassell and forward to Risk Manager.
C. Acknowledge receipt of letter from Skamania County Emergency Medical Services Council regarding burning restrictions.
D. Set public hearing to consider Resolution 2003-20, Supplemental Budget #1 for 2003, for 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 2, 2003.
A contract was approved with George Schmid & Sons, Inc. to reconstruct a portion of the Washougal River Road.
An agreement was approved with Office Machine Maintenance to provide routine maintenance and service calls for the postage machine.
The Board considered Ordinance 2003-05, amending parking restrictions at Drano Lake Boat Launch for special tribal fishing rights, reviewed at a public hearing held on May 6, 2003. Following discussion of the need for clarification of the Wednesday 12 noon or midnight deadline for parking, decision was tabled until 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 20, 2003.
The meeting recessed at 10:40 a.m. Monday, May 19, 2003 and reconvened at 11:15 a.m. the same date, with all Commissioners present.
A settlement agreement was approved between Brian and Jody Bea, the Columbia River Gorge Commission and Skamania County, resolving aspects of a legal dispute regarding construction of the Bea’s home located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
The meeting recessed at 11:20 a.m. Monday, May 19, 2003 and reconvened at 11:40 a.m. the same date, with all Commissioners present.
Mike Garvison, Auditor, presented a copy of a letter to be sent to registered voters in Skamania County advising that, in an effort to cut election costs and improve voter participation, Skamania County will be an all vote by mail county, effective with the 2003 Primary Election. This change was made in accordance with RCW 29.38.010 and WAC 434-240-320. Commissioner Quinn advised he is not in favor of vote by mail because of the possibility of fraud and the need for a choice by the people as to how they wish to vote.
The meeting recessed at 11:50 a.m. Monday, May 19, 2003 and reconvened at 1:35 p.m. the same date, with all Commissioners present.
The Board participated in a staff workshop to discuss a WSAC budget workshop, Skamania Forward, Wind River Nursery Special Use Permit, Hotel/Motel Tax Ordinance, Real Estate Excise Tax Ordinance, unfinished Commissioner business, and timber review proposal, with no action taken.
The meeting recessed at 3:15 p.m. Monday, May 19, 2003 and reconvened at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 20, 2003, with all Commissioners present.
Ken Cohen, Community Events and Recreation Director, reported on Rock Creek Park playground project, receiving a grant for Camp Wa-Ri-Ki feasibility study and market analysis, the 2003 Fair, proposed Irish festival, proposed major music festival for 2004, mentor program, proposed youth leadership summit, and Drano Lake project. He advised of the need for enforcement at Drano Lake for failure to purchase a boat launch permit. Commissioner McKee advised he would follow-up on this issue.
Karen Witherspoon, Planning and Community Development Director, reported on the following: pending application list, advertising for a vacant Office Assistant 3 position, upcoming meetings for the West End Community, Water Resource Inventory Area 29 and National Scenic Area Management Plan.
The Board considered Ordinance 2003-05, amending parking restrictions at Drano Lake Boat Launch for special tribal fishing rights, reviewed at a public hearing held on May 6, 2003. Commissioner McKee clarified that the deadline for parking is Wednesday 12 Noon. Motion was approved to adopt Ordinance 2003-05 amending parking restrictions at Drano Lake Boat Launch for Yakima Indians with tribal issued permits for the Yakima Indian Drano Lake Special Fishery from the hour of 9:00 p.m. Tuesday through 12 noon the following Wednesday during the months of April and May.
The Board participated in a staff workshop to discuss personnel, with no action taken.
The meeting recessed at 11:45 a.m., Tuesday, May 20, 2003 and reconvened at 1:45 p.m. the same date, with all Commissioners present.
The Board met in executive session from 1:45 p.m. until 3:35 p.m. regarding personnel, with no action taken.
The meeting recessed at 3:35 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, 2003 and reconvened at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 22, 2003, with Commissioners Talent and Quinn present. Commissioner McKee was attending a Washington State Association of Counties Budget Workshop in Tacoma, WA.
Vouchers for the period ending May 22, 2003 were approved in the amount of $81,679.13.
The Board discussed the need to decide the next course of action with regards to property located in North Bonneville owned by the County. This matter will be further discussed next week.
The meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m. Thursday May 22, 2003.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SKAMANIA COUNTY, WASHINGTON