These notes were taken by an Okanogan County Watch volunteer. Every attempt is made to be accurate. Notes are verbatim when possible, and otherwise summarized or paraphrased.
Note takers comments or clarifications are in italics. These notes are not the official county record of the meeting. For officially approved minutes, which are normally published at a later time, CLICK HERE.
The time stamps refer to the times on the AV Capture archive of the meeting on this date at the County livestream archive. To locate items in real time, the clock on the wall in the AV Capture screen can be helpful.
02.20.2024 Tues AM BOCC
Meeting Highlights:
· Commissioners checking on status of HB 2057 relating to funding Search & Rescue –currently in Executive Session in Olympia.
· Zak Kennedy (lobbyist) gives updates on house and senate bills of interest to Counties, also predicts next year will be a really tight budget at State level.
· Public Comment: Isabelle Spohn, community member expresses real concerns about the Planning Commission process, especially regarding tonight's hearing on the rezone and the lack of clear mapping of zoning areas in the county, especially in the Methow Valley. BOCC points out this hearing is for recommendation back to them, and then there will be another public meeting/hearing before the final decision.
· Financial Committee Meeting with Treasurer, Auditor, and Finance Manager: Approval of new debt and investment policy, 5.50 % interest on investments currently, discussion of registered warrants outstanding, and how to deal with Aeneas Lake Irrigation District that is unable to pay expenses from assessments - running on public funds. Two bid openings for liquid asphalt and soil stabilizer with Public Works.
· Solid Waste Manager: New EPA rule changes coming and recycling bills in the legislature.
· Public Works: Road maintenance and 2 Senior Mechanic positions to advertise due to upcoming retirements.
· BOCC will be at Planning Meeting this evening.
· Meeting adjourned at 11:58 until 1:30 in the PM.