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

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s Gina Peckman added that the Recruitment Committee will keep searching, however, they need to be able to have more communication with the group and that meeting once a month isn't sufficient for this process. Jeff Adams responded that COG did not say they weren't going to interview current candidates and clarified that COG wants a vaster pool to consider. Cassidy Buechle-Curtis from City of Cle Elum commented that she is dedicated to making the community a better place and serving the community. Cassidy Buechle- Curtis added that this has been a different process and communication is key, along with working together. Jeff Adams reiterated that COG appreciates the time the Recruitment Committee is dedicating to this process and nobody is saying that the Recruitment Committee is doing a bad job with vetting candidates, COG would like to see a broader range of applicants to consider. Matthew Lundh stated that better expectations have been defined and Bryan Elliott agreed. Bryan Elliott suggested changing his role with the Recruitment Committee to a voting member like Richard Hink currently is to have more COG representation. Gina Peckman inquired what that meant and Bryan Elliott clarified that he would not only be supporting staff to the Recruitment Committee, he would be an active participant. Discussion was held on adding Jeff Adams to the Recruitment Committee as well. Steve Townsend shared that this is his first COG meeting and finds it to be productive and widening the net for candidates is a good idea. Steve Townsend added that this position is important and time is of the essence. Steve Townsend stated he looks forward to the conclusion of this process. Gina Peckman requested clarification on interviews and COG's role. Richard Hink commented that he wanted to remind everyone that the hiring committee gets direction from COG and COG is not a client. Richard Hink stated that everyone needs to move forward as a committee. Bryan Elliott requested a motion to add Jay Hester, Jeff Adams, and amend his role on the Recruitment Committee as discussed. Steven Cook made said motion with Sean Crabb seconding the motion. Motion passed. Amy McGuffin shared that the economic development community is like an ecosystem and discussions within said ecosystem are being had regarding this position and process. Amy McGuffin continued that she is receiving phone calls from others in the ecosystem with questions that she is uncomfortable to answer. Amy McGuffin added that if the trust is not there then the group will not get the applicants they are looking for. Amy McGuffin suggested a reset on the process and that it needs to be taken seriously. Amy McGuffin added that misinformation is out in the ecosystem and that it needs to be rebuilt internally. Steven Cook stated that some conversations should not be had in general and Amy McGuffin commented that there needs to be a collaborative mindset and that the trust is already broken with some economic development partners spreading misinformation. Bryan Elliott shared that COG and others relies on partners to help set information right and understands that this is a new process that hasn't been easy. Bryan Elliott suggested discussing process at the next meeting. 03-04-2026 Minutes 3