2025-05-20-minutes-200pm-public-hearing

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05/20/2025 MINUTES 5 on Umptanum Road and Amending Section 10.08.020 Speed Limits of the Kittitas County Code. COMMISSIONER WACHSMITH seconded. CHAIRMAN OSIADACZ asked the Board if they had any discussion regarding the matter. COMMISSIONER WACHSMITH stated that he was prepared to deny the request to lower the speed limit, but after reviewing the documents and hearing the public’s testimony, he changed his mind to vote for the change. VICE-CHAIRMAN WRIGHT commented that he appreciated both sides of the issue for showing up to discuss it. He stated that growth in this area is inevitable. He mentioned that the Board denied a speed reduction in this area 5-6 years ago based on data, and that they are going to continue to follow data and consider FHWA guidelines. He stated that there has been a gravel pit and truck traffic up there for over 25 years. He mentioned that he went up there and talked to them regarding this issue and that he supports what is going on out there. He stated that these issues are a by-product of growth in an area where the economy is dependent on resources. He mentioned that the permits for the gravel pits are DNR administered and that the county does not control those permits. He mentioned that the truck drivers are local people, and we need to find the balance between making sure the businesses can survive and that there are jobs for people in the county. He stated that he doesn’t think reducing the speed to 35 mph is a huge burden for people. He mentioned he hopes that the trucks will abide by the rule and that our law enforcement must enforce it. He stated that the 10- Year Periodic Update is the appropriate place to discuss the process of who regulates different factors in the county and asked that the public participate in the county’s comprehensive land use process. CHAIRMAN OSIADACZ commented that she did not have a position on this issue before the Hearing today. She stated that she believes in the public process and that she votes for no taxes that do not benefit the taxpayers. She stated that she is going to support this process, but that she has concerns with it as the Commissioner of the Umptanum area. She mentioned that it is hard to get people to comply with lowered speed limits and that she does not want people to expect that this will fix all the problems. She hopes that this process will show people that the Board is listening and values the voices of the people that live there. She mentioned that there are only so many deputies in the Sheriff’s office, and that life- threatening issues will take precedence over speed limits. She said that she appreciates everyone’s testimony on both sides. She stated that due to the testimony during this hearing, along with all the email communications regarding this issue over the past few months, she will support lowering the speed limit. The motion carried 3-0. The meeting was concluded at 3:04 p.m.