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06/06/2023 MINUTES 2 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />PUBLIC HEARING SPEED LIMIT – THOMAS ROAD PUBLIC WORKS <br /> <br />At 2:03 p.m. CHAIRMAN WRIGHT opened a Public Hearing to consider a <br />Speed Reduction on Thomas Road and to Amend Kittitas County Code <br />Chapter 10.08.025 Speed Limits. <br /> <br />JOSH FREDERICKSON, ENGINEER, reviewed a Staff Report, including the <br />background, fiscal impacts, and recommendation to reduce the speed <br />from 50 MPH to 40 MPH on Thomas Road from Wilson Creek Road (MP <br />0.00) to Naneum Road (MP 1.51). <br /> <br />THOSE PRESENT & TESTIFYING: BEN KOKJER, KITTITAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S <br />OFFICE said for consistency purposes they recommended consideration <br />of a speed limit of 35 MPH to make it easier for motoring public, <br />and that would also allow for side-by-sides. CINDY KEEBLE said she <br />appreciated the Public Works Department’s speed study and requested <br />the Board to lower the speed limit on Thomas Road to 35 MPH. She <br />noted how she’d spoken to 80% of the neighboring property owners and <br />they all agreed with the speed reduction as well. TAMERA SCHAUT <br />explained how she cannot ride her horse on the road due to the high <br />rate of speed, blind spots, and curves. She asked the Board to <br />approve lowering the speed limit. PATRICK BUFI said where he lives <br />nearby, his neighborhood is posted at 25 MPH and was in favor of <br />lowering it in that area as well. LINDSEY BOISSO said she walks on <br />Thomas Road daily and people don’t move over or slow down and it can <br />be dangerous. She said there’s been a significant amount of traffic <br />increased since the Naneum bridge went out. PAT KELLEHER expressed <br />concerns with the County website and the notification link wasn’t <br />available with proposed documents. He felt County roads should not <br />be below 50 MPH and if there are issues near the curves, then signs <br />should be put in place to reduce the speed at those points. ARTHUR <br />KUEBLE commented in favor of the request to lower the speed limit on <br />Thomas Road. THERE BEING NO OTHERS REQUESTING TO TESTIFY, THE PUBLIC <br />PORTION OF THE HEARING WAS CLOSED. <br /> <br />ORDINANCE 2023-004 SPEED LIMIT – THOMAS ROAD PUBLIC WORKS <br /> <br />VICE-CHAIRMAN WACHSMITH moved to approve Ordinance No. 2023-004, <br />Establishment of a Speed Zone and the Placement of Speed Limit Signs <br />on Thomas Road and Amending Section 10.08.020, Speed Limit of the <br />Kittitas County Code. COMMISIONER OSIADACZ seconded. <br /> <br />COMMISSIONER OSIADACZ said the recommendation was based on science <br />and although it was recommended to be lowered to 40 MPH, the <br />discussion of ATVs, and lowering it to 35 MPH should not make people <br />angry. CHAIRMAN WRIGHT said the data supports the request and would <br />be voting in favor of the motion.