BOARD OF SKAMANIA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Meeting for Week of February 27, 2006

 

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 27, 2006 at the Commissioner’s Meeting Room, 240 NW Vancouver Avenue in Stevenson, with Commissioners Paul Pearce, Chair, James D. Richardson and Albert McKee present, opening with the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 

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

1.       Minutes of February 20, 2006.

2.       Interagency agreement with Administrative Office of the courts for reimbursement to County Clerk for jury source list processing.

3.       Set public hearing for 1:30 PM Monday, March 20, 2006 to consider Ordinance 2006-01 amending Rock Creek and Maple View Precinct boundaries due to the DeGroote Annexation into the City of Stevenson.

 

John Carlson, Emergency Management Coordinator reported on monitoring of Mount St. Helens, Community Emergency Response Teams training activities, recovery phase training, National Incident Management System compliance, self defense kit training, amateur radio testing, Emergency Operations Center progress, and Emergency Management website.

 

Rick Jessel, Counseling Center Director reported on programs for mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities.

 

Commissioner Pearce reported on the Greater Columbia Behavioral Health meeting of February 23, 2006 held at Kennewick, WA.

 

Commissioner McKee moved, seconded by Richardson and motion carried unanimously to acknowledge receipt of a letter and proposal from Rick Weaver, President of Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health for reorganization of mental health/chemical dependency/developmental disabilities system management in Skamania County.

 

The meeting recessed at 10:50 a.m. Monday, February 27, 2006 and reconvened at 11:00 a.m. the same date, with Commissioners Pearce, Richardson and McKee present.

 

The Board participated in a workshop with members of the Weed Board, Dan Wallenmeyer, Noxious Weed Coordinator, and Scott Pineo, Community Events and Recreation Director to discuss the Eurasian Watermilfoil Project.  Issues discussed included, project administration, in-kind services match, contracting for services, and the need for a cost estimate for treating Rock Creek, Wind River, and Drano Lake, with no action taken.

 

The meeting recessed at 11:40 a.m. Monday, February 27, 2006 and reconvened at 9:05 a.m. Tuesday, February 28, 2006, with Commissioners Pearce, Richardson and McKee present.

 

The Board participated in a staff workshop to discuss the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area appropriations request, with no action taken.

 

Brad Uhlig, Solid Waste Supervisor requested to increase the Solid Waste Laborers positions from 75% to 90%.  The Board advised that a request for a supplemental budget needed to be submitted for consideration.

 

Rich Lang, County Surveyor advised of a right of way issue on Estabrook Road.

 

Tod LeFevre, Public Works Director/County Engineer reported on personnel, Road Department, Building Department, engineering, bridges, and equipment, rental and revolving fund.

 

Commissioner McKee moved, seconded by Commissioner Richardson and motion carried unanimously to approve an addendum to the medical equipment portion of the authorization to purchase approved on February 13, 2006 for the Region IV mass casualty trailer and associated equipment.

 

Sharon Tiffany, Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Director reported on accessions, exhibits, upcoming events, marketing, fund raising activities, and administration.

 

Peggy Bryan, Executive Director for Skamania County Economic Development Council presented the 2005 Wind River Public Development Authority (PDA) Annual Report on behalf of the PDA.

 

The Board met with Claire Lavendel, Forest Supervisor; Tom Knappenberger, Public Affairs Officer; and Nancy Rike, District Ranger for the Gifford Pinchot National Forest for an annual meeting.  Topics and issues related to Skamania County included Hemlock Dam removal/appeal update, Wind River Federal Highway improvement project, county payments for Title II/Title III projects, timber programs for 2006, recreation fees advisory committee, personnel, and the need to improve communications between the County and the Forest Service.

 

The meeting recessed at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 28, 2006 and reconvened at 1:40 p.m. the same date, with Commissioners Pearce, Richardson and McKee present.

 

The Board met in executive session regarding potential litigation from 1:40 p.m. until 3:10 p.m., with no action taken.

 

The meeting recessed at 3:10 p.m. Tuesday, February 28, 2006 and reconvened at 10:10 a.m. Thursday, March 2, 2006, with Commissioners Pearce and Richardson present.

 

Tony Estey, Buildings and Grounds Director advised of actual costs for the installation of three electrical transformers at the Fairgrounds.  Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner Pearce and motion carried to amend a previous motion of February 23, 2006 authorizing three-phase power for the Fairgrounds in the amount of $5,000, and authorize up to $15,000 for the cost of the project.

 

Tony Estey, Buildings and Grounds Director advised of hazardous trees at Big Cedars Campground that need to be removed.  The Board directed Mr. Estey to remove the trees and donate the firewood to Senior Services to be distributed to elderly citizens.

 

The meeting recessed at 10:20 a.m. Thursday, March 2, 2006 and reconvened at 11:10 a.m. the same date, with Commissioners Pearce and Richardson present.

 

Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner Pearce and motion carried to approve an interlocal agreement with the City of Stevenson for building inspection and plan review services.

 

The meeting recessed at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 2, 2006 and reconvened at 1:00 p.m. the same date, with Commissioners Pearce and Richardson present.

 

The Board participated in a staff workshop to discuss a 1% wage increase for Law Enforcement Guild employees, with no action taken.

 

The Board met in executive session regarding personnel from 1:15 p.m. until 1:50 p.m., with no action taken.

 

Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner Pearce and motion carried to change the scheduled date for the 1% wage increase for Law Enforcement Guild employees from July 1, 2006 to the effective date of January 1, 2006 as allowed under the “me too” clause.

 

The meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 2, 2006.

 

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

SKAMANIA COUNTY, WASHINGTON