2020-07-13-minutes-public-works-study-session

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KITTITAS COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS STUDY SESSION MINUTES COMMISSIONERS' AUDITORIUM, 205 WEST STH ROOM 109 - ELLENSBURG Regular Meeting MONDAY 1:30 PM JULY 13, 2020 Board members present: Chairman Brett Wachsmith, Vice -Chairman Laura Osiadacz, Commissioner Cory Wright Others: Mark Cook, Arden Thomas, Public Works; Dan Carlson, Lindsey Ozbolt, Calvana Carper, Jessica Miller, Mike Flory, Community Development Services; Taylor Crouch, Commissioners Office and One (1) member of the Public. At 1:30 pm Chairman Brett Wachsmith opened the Public Works Study Session. UPPER COUNTY MAINTENANCE FACILITY CONSTRUCTION CHANGE ORDER Mark Cook gave background on a previous conversation had with the Board regarding incidental change orders for the Upper County Maintenance Facility construction. Mark Cook continued that Public Works currently has a change order process in place and explained the procedures for that. Mark Cook added that the authority amount with the Director of Public Works is currently fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). Mark Cook stated what he is proposing for the small change orders is to make a log of the changes and bring them forward to the Board every month at a scheduled Study Session. Discussion was held. Staff was directed to move forward with process as presented. HANSEN POND PUBLIC ACCESS Mark Cook stated that for several years and previous Board members have gone back and forth on the posting of "No Trespass" signs at Hansen Ponds on Canyon Road. Mark Cook continued that there is an obvious risk of people going through locked gates for recreation and there was recently a letter send to the Board complaining that the area has been posted and this is where they walk for exercise. Mark Cook added that there have been fallen trees, parents calling about their children seeing dead animals and Public Works doesn't maintain this site for recreational purposes; and the other big risk is the railroad crossing at Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) is not a permitted crossing. Mark Cook explained that BNSF has allowed Public Works to occasionally cross to access the facility for our needs and it is not a public crossing. Mark Cook continued stating that it has become difficult to address from a liability standpoint and staff has not aggressively enforced the trespassing recognizing the burden on law enforcement. Mark Cook stated he directed the signage to be posted again and wanted to make certain the Board was comfortable 2020-07-13 MINUTES