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COMMISSIONERS’ MINUTES <br />KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON <br />WEBEX <br />SPECIAL MEETING <br />HR STUDY SESSION <br />ratify the COVID-19 vaccination and mask policy that was approved on 6/01/2021. Commissioner Wright <br />commented that updates to the policy may be needed as new guidelines are disseminated, and his goal <br />is to be as least restrictive as possible for County employees. Commissioner Wachsmith seconded the <br />motion and commented that the Board as a whole will support the least restrictive path forward. <br />Motion was approved; 2:0. <br />DISCUSSION/DECISION – CONSIDER RESOLUTION AND DRAFT AMENDMENTS TO COUNTY POLICY <br />RELATED TO COVID-19 – VACCINATION AND MASK POLICY <br />This topic was tabled until further guidance from the state is disseminated. <br />DISCUSSION/DECISION – MANDATORY EMPLOYEE TRAINING <br />Director Young explained that County staff are overdue for anti-harassment training. She requested that <br />the training be mandatory for all staff of appointed Department Heads, and strongly encouraged for <br />staff of Elected Officials. Director Young also noted that the Washington Counties Risk Pool also <br />recommended basic defensive driving as mandatory training for staff. Commissioner Wachsmith <br />expressed support of requiring County staff to complete anti-harassment and defensive driving training. <br />Commissioner Wright agreed with the recommendation and requested a matrix of the various <br />mandatory trainings for staff. Director Young responded that she has been working with the IT <br />Department to develop a training tracker that will capture training information and push various <br />trainings out to employees. The Board provided direction to move forward with the mandatory <br />trainings. <br />DISCUSSION - JUNETEENTH <br />Director Young summarized that in addition to Washington adopting Juneteenth as a state holiday, the <br />president has adopted Juneteenth as a federal paid holiday. While the County does not have to follow <br />state or federal proclaimed holidays, several of the County’s union contracts contain language stating <br />that the County will follow any state proclaimed holidays. Commissioner Wright requested time to <br />reflect on the issue and noted a desire to have all Commissioners present before any decisions are <br />made. Commissioner Wachsmith agreed. Director Young will bring the topic back at a future study <br />session. <br />DISCUSSION - BENEFITS <br />Director Young reminded the Board that at a previous HR study session she provided notice that the <br />County’s current claims experience is quite high which may result in increased healthcare costs in 2022. <br />The increase could be as much as 35% for medical premiums. Director Young reached out to the City of <br />Ellensburg to obtain more information about their benefits package. She summarized that they have a <br />$250 deductible plan, as well as 90/10 cost share. Director Young provided the Board with a variety of <br />financial scenarios based on changing the County contribution amounts and moving towards a design <br />that more closely mirrors the City’s benefits package, then requested feedback from the Board.