Okanogan Commissioners to apply ARPA funds to bridge Second Harvest shortage

Editor’s note: Following are meeting summaries of the Board of Commissioners of Okanogan County (BOCC) for Dec. 19-20, 2022, as provided by County Watch (countywatch.org).


OKANOGAN - Monday a.m./p.m., Dec 19
•    Commissioners discussed Second Harvest’s unexpected cut in assistance for food pantries in eastern Washington. They plan to use $200,000 in ARPA funds to help Okanogan County pantries. They hope to have the paperwork ready by Dec.19.
•    Commissioners voted for Lisa Janicki for the Department of Natural Resources’ Board of Natural Resources. They also discussed good forest management and climate change.
•    Naomie Peasley, Fairgrounds Manager, updated the commissioners about the new floor planned for the Annex, the well and the new stalls for the racehorse barn.
•    Commissioners held Department Head performance evaluations in Executive Sessions for:
o    Shelley Keitzman, Human Resources and Risk Management
o    Karen Beatty, Central Services
o    Pete Palmer, Planning Department
o    Dan Higgins, Building Department
o    Naomie Peasley, Fairgrounds Manage

Tuesday a.m., Dec. 20
•    Public Comment: clarification of Tunk Basin rezone procedure - currently sent back to Planning who will convene a public hearing on Jan. 23. BOCC has extended the moratorium, setting the timeline forward.  Feb. 6 discussion will be with the BOCC.
•    Short discussion regarding ARPA monies ($750,000) earmarked for broadband to cover entire County – PUD and OCEC (Former REA – Ok County Electrification Cooperative) to share these dollars.
•    Approval of voucher to pay for non-punitive damages – written up by HR and Civil Deputy.
•    Commissioner Hover recommended for Forest Plan Advisory Board/Group.
•    Bid opening for Central Landfill Phase 4 Development.
•    Payroll vouchers approved along with Emergency Management Services Districts.

Tuesday p.m., Dec. 20
•    Clerk Lanie Johns opened discussion on amendment to increase ARPA fund allocation to Community Action Council in view of food shortage
•    Signatures for WSU Extension budget appendix directing part of $49,951 towards 4H/Master Gardener post
•    Pete Palmer to handle permit application for Coroner’s/Sheriff’s building across the river.
•    Food for Community Action pantries to run out after Christmas – provider Second Harvest discontinuing due to diesel shortage and needs in Yakima Valley; finalizing amendment to increase original ARPA funding of $250,000 by up to $200,000
•    Housing Coalition and Community Action qualify for homeless aid tied to extreme weather.
•    Request for quote on Public Works building (for new court complex) and Sheriff’s building ready for publication; combined cost of $7.5M covered by bond.