BOARD OF SKAMANIA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Meeting for Week of April 10, 2006

 

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

 

Bob Talent, former County Commissioner presented a replica of a Chinook Paddle from Skamania County Chamber of Commerce awarded to Skamania County Commissioners in appreciation of event sponsorship of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial held in Skamania County April 7-10, 2006.

 

Commissioners Al McKee and Paul Pearce reported on the National Forest Counties and Schools Coalition Annual Conference held in Sparks, NV April 7-9, 2006.

 

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

1.       Minutes for week of April 3, 2006.

2.       Acknowledge receipt of Washington Counties Risk Pool’s financial statements and accountability audit reports by Washington State Auditor’s Office.

3.       Set public hearing for 1:30 PM Monday, May 22, 2006 to consider an application from Public Works for a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit & Shoreline Variance to realign Salmon Falls Road at it’s crossing of Canyon Creek Road.

4.       Contract with Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (E06-023) to provide funding to enhance preparedness against threats of domestic & foreign terrorist activity.

5.       Amendment #1 to agreement with US Army Corps of Engineers to provide funding for work crew assistance for public lands improvement & conservation work at various sites around & near Bonneville Lock & Dam.

6.       Submission of 2007 Title II Application to the Resource Advisory Committee for funding for snow plowing Wind River Road, Curley Creek Road, and Forest Service Road 90 from the intersection of Curley Creek Road to Eagle Cliff Store to keep the roads open for access to winter recreation on the Gifford Pinchot Forest.

 

Tod LeFevre, Public Works Director/County Engineer reported on personnel, Road Department, Solid Waste, Building Department/Fire Marshal, engineering, surveying/right of way, bridges and equipment, rental and revolving fund.

 

Commissioner McKee moved, seconded by Commissioner Richardson and motion carried unanimously to approve payroll for the period ending March 31, 2006 in the amount of $1,116,506.81.

 

Karen Witherspoon, Planning and Community Development Director advised of recent legislation that allows small and slower-growing counties an extra three years to review and update comprehensive plans, development regulations, and critical area ordinances, and recommended the County stay with the current proposed project schedule.  The Board was in agreement with the recommendation.

 

The Board discussed the $30.00 permit fee for fireworks stands and snow load requirements for manufactured homes approved in Ordinance 2006-03 Skamania County Code Title 15 Buildings and Construction and requested a workshop be scheduled with the Building Inspector to further discuss these issues.

 

The meeting recessed at 12:05 p.m. Monday, April 10, 2006 and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. the same date, with Commissioners Pearce, Richardson and McKee present.

 

Commissioner McKee moved, seconded by Commissioner Richardson and motion carried unanimously to acknowledge receipt of a letter from Washington State Department of Transportation awarding $295,000 in funding, as part of the Regional Mobility Grant Program, for the Salmon Falls Park and Ride Project and to congratulate the Public Works Department on the success of acquiring funds for the project.

 

Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to approve a local government certification for submittal of Skamania County Council on Domestic Violence’s grant application to the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development for funding from the Emergency Shelter Grant Program to help support utilities, maintenance and operations at the Holly House Shelter.

 

Representatives from Washington Rural Counties Insurance Pool (WRCIP) gave a presentation on WRCIP Insurance Program.

 

The meeting recessed at 2:20 p.m. Monday, April 10, 2006 and reconvened at 2:40 p.m. the same date, with Commissioners Pearce, Richardson and McKee present.

 

The Board met in executive session regarding personnel from 2:40 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., with no action taken.

 

The meeting recessed at 3:00 p.m. Monday, April 10, 2006 and reconvened at 10:10 a.m. Thursday, April 13, 2006, with Commissioners Pearce and Richardson present.

 

Commissioner Richardson advised of concerns regarding the starvation of elk in Skamania County because of mismanagement of elk habitat on public lands.

 

Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner Pearce and motion carried to approve vouchers for the period ending April 13, 2006, in the total amount of $157,845.99.

 

Walt Loehrke, Columbia River Gorge Commission (CRGC) member reported on the CRGC meeting of April 11, 2006.  Discussion included lack of enforcement in Multnomah County, budget, the selection process for an interim director, and the proposed Broughton development.

 

The meeting recessed at 10:45 a.m. Thursday, April 13, 2006 and reconvened at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 14, 2006 for a special meeting, with Commissioners Pearce and Richardson present.

 

The Board participated in a workshop with elected officials to review and discuss proposed changes to the Personnel Policy, with no action taken.

 

The meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m. Friday, April 14, 2006.

 

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

SKAMANIA COUNTY, WASHINGTON