BOARD OF SKAMANIA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Meeting for Week of December 19, 2006

 

A special meeting was held on Monday, December 18, 2006 at the Commissioner’s Meeting Room, 240 NW Vancouver Avenue in Stevenson for the purpose of holding a workshop and public hearings.

 

Commissioners Pearce and Richardson participated in a workshop with Planning and Community Development, the County Assessor and Prosecutor from 9:10 a.m. until 10:10 a.m. regarding the Westend Subarea Plan and Current Use Programs, with no action taken.

 

The Board met in executive session regarding potential litigation from 10:10 a.m. until 10:20 a.m., with no action taken.

 

The meeting recessed at 10:20 a.m. Monday, December 18, 2006 and reconvened at 10:30 a.m. the same date, with Commissioners Pearce, Richardson and McKee present.

 

A public hearing was held at 10:30 a.m., continued from November 28, 2006, to consider Ordinance 2006-13 amending Skamania County Code Title 10 Traffic, Chapter 10.08 Parking Restrictions, by adding new Section 10.08.065 Smith-Beckon Road, new Section 10.08.075 Washougal River Road, amending Section 10.08.100 Metzger Road; and amending Section 10.16.011 Violation-Parking-Penalty by adding a reference to Sections 10.08.065 and 10.08.075.  The hearing was continued to allow Public Works to provide information regarding no parking on Smith-Beckon Road during ball games at the Wind River Middle School ball fields.  Rick Hollatz, Public Works Engineering Technician advised that, as part of a conditional use permit issued to Stevenson-Carson School District, the Board of Adjustment required “No Ball Field Parking” signs be placed along Smith-Beckon Road, and advised that Public Works recommends deleting Section 10.08.065 Smith-Beckon Road from the Ordinance.  Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner Pearce and motion carried unanimously to approve Ordinance 2003-12 as revised.

 

The meeting recessed at 10:40 a.m. Monday, December 18, 2006 and reconvened at 11:00 a.m. the same date, with Commissioners Pearce, Richardson and McKee present.

 

Commissioner McKee moved, seconded by Commissioner Richardson and motion carried unanimously to approve District Court Commissioner/Administrative Assistant revised job description and reclassification at Range 20 as an exempt position, effective January 1, 2007.

 

Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to approve District Court Clerk revised job description and reclassification at Range 16, effective January 1, 2007.

 

Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to approve Planning and Community Development Planning Technician revised job description and reclassification at Range 16, effective January 1, 2007.

 

Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to approve Planning and Community Development Administrative Assistant revised job description and reclassification at Range 15, effective January 1, 2007.

 

The meeting recessed at 11:30 a.m. Monday, December 18, 2006 and reconvened at 6:00 p.m. the same date, with Commissioners Pearce, Richardson and McKee present.

 

A public hearing was held, continued from November 28, 2006, at Fire District #4 Fire Hall, 10042 Washougal River Road for Board deliberations to consider adopting the Westend Subarea Plan, as submitted by the Planning Commissioner, with proposed changes by the Board of Commissioners.  The hearing was previously closed to public comment.  Commissioner Pearce gave a summary of the Board’s action of November 28, 2006 and advised that they are considering a 20-year comprehensive plan for the Westend.  Following discussion regarding the Neighborhood Commercial designation at the 5 corners area and the need for a commercial designation area, Commissioner Pearce moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to designate the area that fronts on both sides of the Washougal River Road from the Washougal River Mercantile to the American Legion Hall as Community Commercial, and designate the area that fronts on both sides of the Washougal River Road from the American Legion Hall to North Fork Road as Neighborhood Commercial.  The Board was in agreement to not make any changes to Section 20.  Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to change Neighborhood Commercial to be 5,000 square foot total floor area, not 5,000 square foot footprint.  The Board discussed the final process, advised that the Westend Subarea Plan would be sent back to the Planning Commission for a public hearing on January 16, 2007, and advised that a description of Community Commercial would be available on the County’s website by the end of December.

 

The meeting recessed at 6:20 p.m. Monday, December 18, 2006.

 

The Board participated in a staff workshop to discuss the budget from 9:15 a.m. until 9:50 a.m. on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 with Commissioners Paul Pearce, Chair, James D. Richardson and Albert E. McKee present, with no action taken.

 

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 19, 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.

 

Duane Huber advised of flooding issues in the Carson area on Fuller Road.

 

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

1.       Minutes for week of December 12, 2006.

2.       Resolution 2006-60 call for bids for two cubic yard drop boxes with retractable lids and one 39 cubic yard recycle container with center divider, set deadline to receive bids for 4:00 PM Friday, January 19, 2007, set date to open bids for 10:00 AM Tuesday, January 23, 2007.

3.       Amendment #1 to interlocal agreement with Greater Columbia Behavioral Health amending the general terms & conditions for mental health block grant funding to conform to state requirements.

4.       Amendment #2 to agreement with Oregon Corrections Enterprises to extend the term to March 20, 2007 for converting projection of digital ortho photos as needed for developing GIS mapping services for Title III Firewise Program.

 
Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner Pearce and motion carried unanimously to approve Resolution 2006-59 changing solid waste disposal fees.

 

Richard Robinson, Public Works Engineering Technician reported on Public Works, Road Department, Solid Waste, Building Department, engineering, surveying/right of way, bridges, and equipment and rental revolving fund.

 

Karen Witherspoon, Planning and Community Development Director reported on the Hearing Examiner Code amendment, Westend Subarea Plan, Western WRIA 29, Swift Subarea moratorium extension, revisions to the Public Participation Plan for Critical Areas update, and upcoming staff retreat.

 

Sandy Wang, Buildings and Grounds Office Assistant reported on department staffing, various projects, Wincams program, and presented a facilities report for buildings and grounds maintenance and custodial maintenance.

 

Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to increase the District Court Judge’s time from .4 to .5, effective January 1, 2007.

 

Ann Lueders, Community Events and Recreations Executive Assistant reported on facility usage, community education and recreation programming, and upcoming events.

 

Ann Lueders, Safety Committee Chair presented a summary of the Safety Committee meeting of December 12, 2006.  Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to agree with the Safety Committee’s findings and recommendations for report #2006-25.  Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to agree with the Safety Committee’s findings and recommendations for report #2006-29.   

Commissioner McKee moved, seconded by Commissioner Richardson and motion carried unanimously to agree with the Safety Committee’s findings and recommendations for report #2006-30.  Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to agree with the Safety Committee’s findings and recommendations for reports #2006-31 and #2006-32. 

  

The meeting recessed at 11:17 a.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2006 and reconvened at 11:25 a.m. the same date, with Commissioners Pearce, Richardson and McKee present.

 

The Board participated in a staff workshop to discuss the budget, with no action taken.

 

The Board met in executive session regarding personnel from 11:30 a.m. until 11:50 a.m., with no action taken.

 

The meeting recessed at 11:50 a.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2006 and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. the same date, with Commissioners Pearce, Richardson and McKee present.

 

Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to approve 2007 Equipment Rental Rates.

 

A public hearing was held to consider Resolution 2006-54 establishing a comprehensive transportation improvement program for road and bridge construction work for the ensuing six calendar years.  Tod LeFevre, Public Works Director/County Engineer gave an overview of the recommended construction project plans.  Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to adopt Resolution 2006-54 establishing the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program for the years 2007 through 2012.

 

Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to approve Resolution 2006-55 adopting the 2007 Annual Transportation Plan, 2006 Bridge Inspection Report, and recommended repair list. 

 

A public hearing was held to consider Resolution 2006-61 setting Current Expense and County Road Property Tax Levies for 2007.  The Assessor and staff advised that the County had not levied taxes at the highest regular tax allowable by law.  The Board advised that tax levies would remain at a 1% increase for 2007.  The hearing was closed to public comment.  Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to approve Resolution 2006-61 setting the Current Expense property tax levy for 2007 at $1,472,105 and setting the County Road property tax levy for 2007 at $1,172,604.

 

A public hearing was held to consider Resolution 2006-62 adopting the 2007 Skamania County Budget.  Marilyn Butler, Director of Administrative Services presented a summary of corrections and proposed changes to the 2007 preliminary budget for adoption in the final budget.  Public Works recommended that the budgeted amount for motor pool vehicle #621 replacement be changed from $20,000 to $24,000.  Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to approve Resolution 2006-62 adopting the 2007 Skamania County Budget, with corrections and changes, in the total amount of $51,993,654.

 

The meeting recessed at 2:10 p.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2006 and reconvened at 5:30 p.m. the same date, with Commissioners Pearce, Richardson and McKee present.

 

A public hearing was held to consider Ordinance 2006-16 adopting new Chapter 2.80 to Skamania County Code entitled Office of Hearing Examiner.  Karen Witherspoon, Planning and Community Development Director explained that the purpose of the Hearing Examiner is to provide an administrative land use regulatory system that separates the county’s land use regulatory function from its land use legislative planning function.  Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to approve Ordinance 2006-16.  Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to authorize the Planning and Community Development Department to begin drafting text changes to Skamania County Code Titles 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 21A, 22, and 23 to include the Hearing Examiner system.

 

The meeting recessed at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2006 and reconvened at 9:25 a.m. Wednesday, December 20, 2006, with Commissioners Pearce, Richardson and McKee present.

 

The Board participated in a workshop with Public Works to discuss George Barnes property, Hamilton Creek, and 2007 projects, with no action taken.

 

Following consultation with the Prosecutor, Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to create a corrected deed for tax parcel 03-08-35-2-2-0100 referencing a boundary line question.

 

The Board participated in a workshop with Planning and Community Development to discuss Western WRIA 29 Instream Flow Project, Development Forum, Gorge Commission Future Forum, long-range project list, and Carson Storm Water District, with no action taken.

 

Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to cancel the Development Forum scheduled for 7:00 p.m. this evening in Underwood due to the prediction of freezing rain, and reschedule for 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at Underwood.

 

The Board met in executive session regarding personnel from 11:05 a.m. until 11:20 a.m., with no action taken.

 

The Board participated in a workshop with the Recreation and Facilities Director to discuss building security, custodial contract, and a property lease at the Bridge of the Gods, with no action taken.

 

The meeting recessed at 11:50 a.m. Wednesday, December 20, 2006 and reconvened at 10:15 a.m. Thursday, December 21, 2006, with Commissioners Pearce, Richardson and McKee present.

 

The Board participated in a staff workshop to discuss a supplemental budget, with no action taken.

 

Commissioner McKee moved, seconded by Commissioner Richardson and motion carried unanimously to approve $3,000 for a fly over of Hamilton Creek.

 

The Board discussed the split in steps of the salary range for the Human Resource/Safety/Administrative Technician position and the need to consider combining the split steps as a result of the reclassification of the position.

 

A public hearing was held to consider Resolution 2006-57 Supplemental Budget #3 for 2006 to supplement budgets for various department funds due to unanticipated expenditures and revenues unknown at the time of passing the 2006 budget.  Marilyn Butler, Director of Administrative Services presented a summary of budgets to be supplemented.  Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to approve Resolution 2006-57 Supplemental Budget #3 for 2006.

 

Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to approve vouchers for the period ending December 21, 2006, 2006 in the total amount of $112,151.32

 

The meeting recessed at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 21, 2006 and reconvened at 11:15 a.m. the same date, with Commissioners Pearce, Richardson and McKee present.

 

A public hearing was held to consider Ordinance 2006-15 adopting new Chapter 6.12 to Skamania County Code entitled “Right To Farm” to promote and protect agriculture and farm forestry and its dependent rural communities through the enhancement, protection and perpetuation of the ability of the private sector to produce food and fiber in accordance with RCW 7.48.305, and to recognize and encourage subsistence farming on all parcels of land within Skamania County.  Karen Witherspoon, Planning and Community Development Director gave a staff report.  Comments from other staff included building permits for agricultural buildings, potential health concerns, and nuisance issues.  Comments from the public included support for the ordinance, the need to include commercial forestry, nuisance complaints, and concern for fire suppression.  Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to acknowledge an email letter from Sally Newell.  Following discussion of Section 6.12.050(3) Agricultural buildings and structure, not used for human occupancy, should be allowed without a building permit being required, the Board was in agreement to remove this Section from the Ordinance.  Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to continue the hearing to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 30, 2007, with comment open to the public, and written comment extended an additional 15 days from this date, to allow time to research commercial forestry.

 

The meeting recessed at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, December 21, 2006 and reconvened at 1:45 p.m. the same date, with Commissioners Pearce, Richardson and McKee present.

 

The Board reviewed the Vista Springs Subdivision Phase I Final Plat submitted by David and Tracy Scarborough, creating six lots located on the east side of Aalvik Road northwest of Stevenson.  Mark Mazeski, Senior Planner gave a staff report and advised that the Planning Commission recommended approval.  Following discussion of the stormwater plan and maintenance of culverts, Commissioner Richardson moved, seconded by Commissioner McKee and motion carried unanimously to approve the Vista Springs Subdivision Phase I Final Plat and direct the Chair to sign the mylar.

 

A public hearing was held to consider Ordinance 2006-17 amending Skamania County Code Title 2, Chapter 2.44, Section 2.44.020 changing district lines for County Commissioner Districts due to increased voter registrations in the west end of Skamania County.  Mike Garvison, Auditor and Dave O’Brien, Elections Supervisor presented three redistricting proposals for consideration.  Commissioner McKee moved, seconded by Commissioner Richardson and motion carried unanimously to select Option #1 and to adopt Ordinance 2006-17, removing Cascades and North Bonneville Precincts from District No.1 and adding them to District #2; removing Stabler Precinct from District #2 and adding it to District #3.

 

The Board met in executive session regarding potential litigation and personnel from 2:55 p.m. until 3:10 p.m., with no action taken.

 

The meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m. Thursday, December 21, 2006.

 

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

SKAMANIA COUNTY, WASHINGTON