2022-09-12-minutes-public-works-study-session

Home Browse Search

KITTITAS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PUBLIC WORKS — BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT STUDY SESSION DATE: September 12, 2022 TOPIC: Dunford Barn Update ACTION REQUESTED: Direct Staff LEAD STAFF: Mark R. Cook RECOMMENDATION: Direct staff continue working towards accepting the Dunford Barn for ownership and tourism improvement. BRIEFING SUMMARY: • Public Works has been coordinating access and site improvements with the Dunford Barn ownership group. • PW proposes improving the secondary access for land use development that will serve as the primary access to the barn. • The ownership group has an executed grant with Heritage Barn Grant program to replace the existing roof (EXHIBIT 3). • The Ranch on Swank Creek, LLC also has a previous grant (2017-2019) that creates a recorded easement on the barn (EXHIBIT 1). BACKGROUND: A Heritage Barn Grant was obtained by The Ranch on Swauk Creek, LLC during the 2017-2019 funding cycle for initial repairs to the Dunford Barn. The grant obligation creates an easement over the barn for a ten-year period. A recent grant for roof repair does not appear to be transferable to the county. DISCUSSION: PW is in communication with Washington Trust for Historic Preservation regarding potential assignment of the executed roof replacement grant ($38,659). The current barn ownership group has expressed interest in having the county manage proposed roof repairs as ownership of the barn is being considered for transfer to the county. P W's review of grant documents suggest that transfer of the grant is not contemplated in the executed grant agreement. PW is dialoging with Historic Preservation staff about the possibility of reissuing the grant with the county named as the responsible parry. PW will continue resolving roof construction issues and advise the Board of County Commissioners (Board) at a later date. Page l of 5 Public Works "Work Session Staff Report", 2022