2026-05-11-minutes-public-works-study-session

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APPROVE A LETTER TO QUADCO AGENCIES Josh Fredrickson briefed the Board of County Commissioners regarding the QUADCO Rural Transportation Planning Organization and a proposed letter to the participating agencies. Josh Fredrickson stated QUADCO is a voluntary four -county regional transportation planning organization for Kittitas, Grant, Adams, and Lincoln Counties and the incorporated municipalities within those counties. Josh Fredrickson explained that the organization receives biennial Washington State Department of Transportation funding, a limited portion of which may be used for administration, with the balance intended to support regional planning work that can be leveraged for grants. Josh Fredrickson advised the rotating lead -agency model has become increasingly burdensome as state requirements for regional transportation planning have expanded. Josh Fredrickson stated the proposed letter would ask the other agencies to engage in discussion regarding QUADCO's current administrative model and future structure. Discussion was held regarding whether a standalone county RTPO could be explored in the future if that better serves Kittitas County's transportation planning needs. Josh Fredrickson requested approval of the letter to the participating QUADCO boards and agencies. Commissioner Laura Osiadacz motioned to approve a letter to QUADCO Agencies, Chairman Cory Wright seconded the Motion. Motion passed. CLE ELUM RIDGE Arden Thomas briefed the Board of County Commissioners regarding a draft letter to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources related to the Cle Elum Ridge project. Arden Thomas stated the project involves approximately 9,700 acres acquired for conservation purposes and currently managed by The Nature Conservancy while a long-term public landowner arrangement is being established. Arden Thomas advised the most recent proposal contemplates split ownership, with the northern two-thirds to be managed by the Department of Natural Resources and the southern one-third to remain with The Nature Conservancy and partners. Arden Thomas stated the Board has consistently identified three principal concerns: long-term capacity to manage wildfire risk and recreation demand, impacts to County infrastructure and services, and further reduction of the County's tax base through conversion of green -zone lands to permanent conservation status. Arden Thomas advised the proposed letter acknowledges that the Department of Natural Resources has been receptive to County concerns and asks the agency to assign staff to work with County staff on identifying green -zone parcels that may be appropriate for future surplus and 2026-05-11 MINUTES