BOARD OF SKAMANIA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Meeting for Week of April 4, 2005

 

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 4, 2005 at the Commissioner’s Meeting Room, 240 NW Vancouver Avenue in Stevenson, with Commissioners Albert E. McKee, Chair, Paul Pearce and James D. Richardson present, opening with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Saundra Willing advised of reading a newspaper article regarding a proposal by the Department of Natural Resources to build on trust lands for 30% instead of 25%.  Commissioner McKee clarified that the land referred to was school trust land.

 

Mary Repar submitted a letter of concern regarding the scheduling of public meetings, the cost for obtaining audio of a public meeting, and requested staff workshop discussion items to be placed on the written agenda.

 

Commissioner Pearce moved, seconded by Commissioner Richardson and motion carried to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:

1.       Minutes for week of March 28, 2005.

2.       Special occasion liquor license for American Legion Cape Horn Post 122.

3.       Acknowledge receipt of Claim for Damages from Verizon Communications.

4.       Set public hearing for 1:30 PM Monday, April 18, 2005 to receive public testimony on proposed Watershed Management Plans for Water Resource Inventory Areas 25/26 and 27/28.

5.       Certification of approval to Skamania County Council on Domestic Violence/Substance Abuse for submittal of application for funding from the Emergency Shelter Grant Program.

6.       Personnel Committee recommendation of approval of revised job description for Wildfire Surveyor position.

7.       Resolution 2005-11, adopting a new Special Events Insurance Requirements & Procedures Policy.

8.       Appoint Elmer Stacey to Board of Equalization for At-Large position.

 

Tony Estey, Buildings and Grounds Director, reported on maintenance, repairs and remodeling at various buildings and grounds and animal control activities.

 

Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner Pearce and motion carried to acknowledge receipt of a letter from Barbara Hassell regarding concerns with a log jam in the Little White Salmon River causing bank erosion on her property next to Big Cedars Park.  The Board directed Tony Estey to send a letter to all neighboring property owners advising that the log jam issue should be addressed directly with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and to send a copy of the letter to the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

 

Terry Blaisdell, Central Services Director, reported email, the purchase and replacement of computers in various departments, status of the new phone system, purchase of a new recording system for District Court, and advised of working on the performance of software for various programs.  He requested use of the kitchen area of the first floor conference room to store new computers until they are placed in various departments.  The Board advised they would review this request. 

 

The Board expressed thanks to all volunteers, businesses, and community response agencies for their outstanding efforts in responding to the recent passenger train derailment on April 3, 2005.

 

Commissioner Pearce moved, seconded by Commissioner Richardson and motion carried to authorize the Sheriff’s purchase of a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) instead of a pickup as authorized and funded in the 2005 budget.

 

The meeting recessed at 11:05 a.m. Monday, April 4, 2005 and reconvened at 2:50 p.m. the same date, with Commissioners McKee, Pearce and Richardson present.

 

The Board met in executive session from 2:50 p.m. until 3:20 p.m. regarding personnel, with no action taken.

 

The meeting recessed at 3:20 p.m. Monday, April 4, 2005 and reconvened at 9:05 a.m. Tuesday, April 5, 2005, with Commissioners McKee, Pearce and Richardson present.

 

The Board met in executive session from 9:05 a.m. until 9:50 a.m. regarding personnel, with no action taken.

 

The Board participated in a staff workshop to discuss Fair Board contracts and policies, with no action taken.

 

Tod LeFevre, Public Works Director/County Engineer, reported on activities for the Road Department, Solid Waste, Building Department, engineering, bridges, and Equipment, Rental and Revolving Fund.

 

Tod LeFevre, Public Works Director/County Engineer, submitted a letter listing factors involved and viable options for the Board’s consideration regarding Larry Mulcihy’s issue with Eyman Cemetery Road.  Commissioner Pearce moved, seconded by Commissioner Richardson and motion carried to direct Public Works to send a letter to Larry Mulcihy advising that no changes will be made to the road turn-around at the end of Eyman Cemetery Road, the existing turn-around meets the needs of the County, fire/medical agencies, and school system, and by prescriptive use the County owns and will continue to manage the entire paved surface.

 

Karen Witherspoon, Planning and Community Development Director, advised of upcoming meetings for the Columbia River Gorge Commission, Planning Commission, and Water Resource Inventory Areas.

 

Commissioner Pearce moved, seconded by Commissioner Richardson and motion carried to reallocate 2004 funds to 2005 for the Butler Eddy Bridge project, authorize Public Works to proceed with the project, and to proceed with a supplemental budget.

 

The meeting recessed at 11:10 a.m. Tuesday, April 5, 2005 and reconvened at 2:25 p.m. the same date, with Commissioners McKee and Richardson present.

 

The Board participated in a staff workshop to discuss Retro Pool, safety training, Public Development Authority contracts, Sheriff’s evidence room, and water rights, with no action taken.

 

The meeting recessed at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, 2005 and reconvened at 10:05 a.m. Thursday, April 7, 2005 with Commissioners McKee, Pearce and Richardson present.

 

Commissioner Pearce moved, seconded by Commissioner Richardson and motion carried to approve payroll for the period ending March 31, 2005 in the amount of $922,267.66.

 

Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner Pearce and motion carried to approve vouchers for the period ending April 6, 2005 in the amount of $172,164.16.

 

Commissioner Pearce moved, seconded by Commissioner Richardson and motion carried to approve Resolution 2005-14 extending the term of an interfund loan from the Cumulative Reserve Loan Fund to the Solid Waste Fund to April 8, 2006.

 


The meeting adjourned at 10:15 a.m. Thursday, April 7, 2005.

 

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

SKAMANIA COUNTY, WASHINGTON