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still choose to have determinations made by Department of Ecology. <br />The Board directed staff to plan outreach to water banks. <br />2023 DROUGHT RESPONSE <br />Arden Thomas informed the Board of County Commissioners she <br />anticipated an announcement by Governor Jay Inslee declaring drought <br />conditions this year. Arden Thomas requested the Board to consider <br />having water available through lease from emergency wells if crops in <br />our region suffer. Arden Thomas stated Kittitas Reclamation District <br />estimates 72% availability and believes that growers will have <br />sufficient water for the season. Arden Thomas continued that any <br />water allocated through the County water lease would be dedicated for <br />5 years to the program. Mark Cook added that a 5-year burden on the <br />water bank ought to be strategized to avoid negative implications and <br />policy development is critical. The Board is supportive and directed <br />staff to continue developing for consideration. <br />DEPARTMENT CONSOLIDATION <br />Mark Cook briefed the Board of County Commissioners on Public Works <br />and Community Development Services interdepartmental transfer of <br />resources. Mark Cook asked the Board for direction on consolidation <br />of the departments. Discussion was held. The Board was supportive of <br />developing overall consistency amongst the department and can foresee <br />the benefit to customers, streamlining of the permitting process, and <br />finances. Direction to staff to schedule public hearing for <br />consideration. <br />SEARCH AND RESCUE FACILITY UPDATE <br />Mark Cook updated the Board of County Commissioners on the status of <br />developing the Search and Rescue Facility including conducting the <br />environmental review for the site. Mark Cook anticipated a structure <br />to be erected 4th quarter of 2024 with the $1.2 million grant award <br />and fully equipped later when more funding is secured. <br />CONSOR <br />Mark Cook briefed the Board of County Commissioners on the scope of <br />work for the public outreach firm CONSOR and that task order one <br />developing a 2024 campaign strategy to support a Road Fund Levy is <br />ready for CONSOR to begin. Mark Cook explained the company's local <br />credentials and asked to execute the task order if the cost is under <br />$50,000 or bring back for Board consideration. <br />2024-2029 RECREATION TOURISM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN <br />Mark Cook briefed the Board of County Commissioners on the Parks and <br />Recreation Fund and the proposed capital improvement projects <br />including Vantage Boat Ramp Overflow Parking, Dunford Barn, <br />Ellensburg Fieldhouse, Manastash Trailhead Parking, and Gladmar Park. <br />2023-7-24 MINUTES <br />