2020-03-03-minutes-emergency - Laserfiche WebLink

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03/03/2020 MINUTES 1 COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON KITTITAS VALLEY EVENT CENTER – ARMORY HALL EMERGENCY SPECIAL MEETING TUESDAY 3:00 P.M. MARCH 3, 2020 Board members present: Chairman Brett Wachsmith, Vice-Chairman Laura Osiadacz and Commissioner Cory Wright. Others: Clay Myers, Sheriff; Darren Higashiyama, Chief Deputy; Ben Kokjer, Chief Deputy; Tristen Lamb, Public Health Administrator; Dr. Mark Larson, Public Health Official; and approximately 18 members of various legislative and emergency response agencies. EMERGENCY MEETING COVID-19 SHERIFF At 3:00 p.m. an emergency Special Meeting was opened as requested by Sheriff Clay Myers. Sheriff Clay Myers said he had requested an emergency meeting for the Board of County Commissioners and representatives of other legislative municipalities for a briefing on the Coronavirus (COVID- 19). He said it could have potential financial impacts to Kittitas County if we see members of the public being diagnosed with it. Dr. Larson provided information on the Coronavirus and said they are currently testing people in Kittitas County for it, but they have not received a positive test result as of this moment. They do not have a lot of information available today, but things are changing by the hour. He indicated a vaccine may not be available until 1 ½ to 2 years from now. He encouraged the public to wash their hands and to stay home if they have any flu like symptoms. Central Washington University and the Ellensburg School District are currently working on emergency plans in case they need to close schools but noted there is not a recommendation to do that at this time. The Public Health Department and the local hospital are ready and will do whatever is needed if we begin seeing positive results. The Governor has already declared a State of Emergency for Washington. There was discussion on the potential impacts to local municipalities. John Sinclair, KVFR Fire Chief, explained the significant impacts that could result to the public if some of their first responders were to have to go into quarantine. Sheriff Myers explained how they have agreements for mutual aid with law enforcement, but it is not designed to cover significant periods of time. They will continue monitoring the situation and will continue updating agencies everyday by email.