2026-03-04 5:30 PM - Conference of Governments - Minutes

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has been advertised. Richard Hink continued that he had reached out to some associates at other cities/counties, specifically Adams County, and the Economic Development Director there, Kyle Niehenke, was not aware of this position being posted. Richard Hink added that the group should pursue posting the position on other platforms, forward the job posting to other counties, and the current job posting platforms aren't reaching people. Rich Elliott suggested sending the information to other Associations, such as WSACE and Richard Hink agreed, adding that after reviewing the current list of where the job is posted, he had not heard of some of them. Rich Elliott continued that focusing on targeted outreach makes the most sense. Jeff Adams contributed that he was disappointed in the candidates and would not support moving those applications forward. Steven Cook added that the issue is not the job description, it is the applicant pool. Gina Peckman shared that the position was shared on twenty-three (23) different recruitment sites and has reached out to a few others, however, they did not respond to follow up to add the position to their site (s) . Bryan Elliott recapped that the portal is now open, a window needs to be set for review, an additional timeline for interviews to be prepared, and then back for updates at the April meeting. Jeff Adams commented that this position is important and feels the group only has one (1) opportunity to hire the correct person and if the group fails at that then this position may go away. Matthew Lundh added that he shares the same thoughts as others in wanting to see more from the candidates being brought forward. Jeff Adams reminded that group that a budget amount was set for this, however, if something better comes along in the form of advertisement or a candidate then that can be discussed. Bryan Elliott summarized the action items including additional search/reach out, check-in at the April meeting, and a position on the Recruitment Committee will be extended to Jay Hester from Port of Walla Walla, with everyone in agreement with the summary provided. Bryan Elliott shared a draft document outlining specific attributes to be considered when selecting candidates for consideration. The group reviewed the information and agreed with what was presented to be used by the Recruitment Committee going forward. Further discussion was held on the interview questions, screening of candidates, and follow-up on formal versus informal interviews being conducted. Steven Cook voiced his concern about informal interviews being conducted. CITIZEN COMMENTS (3 MIN. TIME LIMIT) Bryan Elliott moved to Citizen Comments: Johnny Graf introduced himself and stated he was on the Recruitment Committee and stated he disagreed with the comment that there were not any good candidates for consideration. Johnny Graf added that there are at least six (6) candidates that would be qualified for the position. Gina Peckman stated she is honored to be serving on the Recruitment Committee, and she agrees with the comments shared by Johnny Graf. Gina Peckman stated that she has been a recruiter for thirty (30) years and COG can't look at just paper when deciding about a candidate. Gina Peckman continued that personalities come out in interviews and three (3) of the candidates were community members who may not have been qualified but the Recruitment Committee still wanted to speak with them. 03-04-2026 Minutes 2