Nicole Norvell

The meeting convened over multiple days, starting January 12, 2026, with extensive board business. Key discussions included public comments regarding outstanding bills owed to Fire District 7 for Emergency Medical Services and dispatch billing. For the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) project, the Board authorized issuing a preliminary notice of award to Leone and Keeble, Inc., and preliminary notices of non-selection to two other bidders, pending an objection period, and later authorized signing the final award letter after legal review. The Board approved the purchase of six Toyota Rav 4s and declared five older vehicles as surplus for disposal. During an executive session, employee performance was reviewed. The Board also addressed several personnel and administrative matters, including appointing Roxy Spengler to Colville City Council Ward 1, Position 1, and authorizing an Interlocal Court Service Agreement with the Town of Springdale. Professional Services Agreements concerning the Growth Management Act Comprehensive Development Plan Update and Climate Resiliency Sub Element consulting services were tabled initially but later approved on January 13th. Furthermore, the Board approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Teamsters Local 690 concerning life insurance and authorized the Undersheriff to execute a Federal Interagency Agreement for the FFY 2025 Violence Against Women STOP Grant. The Assessor presented a request to introduce a $400 fee for historic property classification applications, leading to a decision to prepare a resolution setting a hearing. Approval was granted for hiring a part-time records management/scanning position for the Superior Court Clerk's Office. The Prosecutor's request to offer a Grade 3 salary for the District Court Paralegal/Legal Assistant position was approved. Resolutions concerning property tax levies and Opioid Abatement Funding award letters were approved. Updates were provided on the Stevens County Justice Center (SCJC) Project budget and timeline. The Board also approved various payroll and voucher expenditures, including 13th Month benefits.

The meeting included an executive session dedicated to employee evaluations. Official actions taken by the Board involved approving supervisor elections as proposed in Resolution No. 2025-3, directing staff to solicit candidates for Associate Supervisor for 2026, and approving employee evaluations. Key financial decisions included the approval of the 2026 budget, an increase in health insurance contributions effective January 1, 2026, and setting the manager salary and specific wage increases for two staff members, both effective January 1, 2026. Additionally, the Board authorized the use of remaining STCU Credit Card points to purchase a gift card in memory of Tom McKern. Agency reports provided updates on wildfire recovery efforts and reforestation needs from WA DNR, progress on Flood Planes by Design and water permitting outreach from Stevens County VSP, Superfund site monitoring and cleanup status near Northport from CCC, and current operational status following a federal shutdown from NRCS.

The Annual Meeting agenda included registration, a Conservation District Business Report, and a Farm Bureau Report. Key activities featured the presentation of the Lorren Hagen Memorial Conservation Farmer of the Year Award to Jennifer and Ian Sather of River's Edge Ranch. A Weed List Hearing/Priority Noxious Weed Updates was scheduled, alongside presentations on topics such as the impact of herbicides on bees, combating noxious weeds using native vegetation, and improving efficacy using adjuvants. Updates were also provided by local agencies including WSU Extension, DNR, NRCS, FSA, and others. Elections for the SCCD Board of Supervisors and Stevens County Noxious Weed Board were held, with polls open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The meeting offered opportunities to earn WSDA Pesticide recertification credits and WCLA Master Loggers CE credits.

The meeting activities spanned several days in January 2026. Key discussions included public comment from Fire District 7 regarding Narcan restocking needs, ambulance transmission defects, collections notices, and dispatch billings. The Board held an executive session concerning actual litigation related to Water Use. During regular session business, the Board approved waiving $90 in late fees for the Hunters Food Bank (now Lemonade Pantry and Thrift Shop) and authorized the account name transfer. Total accounts payable of $2,898.98 were authorized for payment, and authorization was granted to sign a Premium Finance Agreement certificate. Significant time was spent discussing the need for an updated Small Water System Management Plan (SWSMP) with anticipated completion dates mentioned for the treatment facility. A Sheriff's Jail Health Care Service Contract with Heartland Medicine was approved. Several 2026 funding award letters were signed, and an increase for the Julotta project's opioid abatement funding was approved. The Washington State Department of Commerce Home Electrification and Rebate (HEAR) Grant funding application was approved. A private road name petition for Rosehaven Way was approved, directing staff to prepare a resolution. Personal Services Agreements were authorized for the 2026 Northeast Washington Fair and Rodeo, and Indigent Defense Agreements for 2026 were approved. In Human Resources business, authorization was granted to post internally and advertise for a Deputy Clerk position, and clarification was provided regarding Non-Bargaining Unit employee updates. A workshop was held regarding the Elections Equipment Fund, with a projected end-of-life date of 2028 for the current voting system. Authorization was granted for the Northeast Washington Alliance Behavioral Health (NEWABH) Executive Director to sign contracting documents for the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) Facility Project. An executive session was held to consider real estate acquisition, resulting in a motion to proceed with the purchase of the Quarry Brown parcel. A final executive session reviewed the performance of a public employee, with no decisions made. A subsequent work session involved discussions on HR roles and duties, leading to authorization to seek outside legal counsel regarding labor/union relations.

The meetings conducted between January 26 and January 30, 2026, involved extensive board business. Key discussions included addressing public comment regarding 911/dispatch billing issues and coordination during a mass casualty incident. The Fair Facilities work session focused on updating Ag Trade Center rental fees, Fairgrounds upgrades (specifically the Cattleman barn amperage), the Fair Cash Fund transfer correction, and 4th of July event vendor fees. The Board authorized processing 2025 Information Services billings for the Fair Facilities Department and approved several Journal Vouchers for transfers and services provided by other departments/entities. Significant action was taken regarding Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) funding recommendations, resulting in approvals for various events and marketing campaigns. Further actions included approving a lease agreement for Fairgrounds parking, approving Indigent Defense Agreements, and authorizing the Chairman to sign a Notice of Exercise of Lease Option for the Elections Department. The Board also discussed the Homelessness Funding Request, which was tabled. Financial matters included reviewing the December 2025 Finance Report and authorizing an employment offer for a Prosecutor's Office position. Public Works matters included approving a Washington State Department of Transportation Right of Way Procedures agreement and authorizing the purchase of one used backhoe. Several executive sessions were held throughout the days to review public employee performance.