2017-01-18-minutes-contd-appeal-hearing

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01/18/2017 MINUTES 1 COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON COMMISSIONERS AUDITORIUM SPECIAL MEETING TUESDAY 9:00 A.M. JANUARY 18, 2017 Board members present: Chairman Paul Jewell; Vice-Chairman Laura Osiadacz; and Commissioner Obie O’Brien. Others: Julie Kjorsvik, Clerk of the Board and Lucas Huck, Engineer/Interim Co-Director Public Works Department. PUBLIC HEARING ROAD VARIANCE APPEAL-ODEGARD/DAVIS PUBLIC WORKS At 9:00 a.m. CHAIRMAN JEWELL opened an Appeal Hearing continued from January 3, 2017 to consider an Administrative Appeal of a decision of the Road Variance Committee in the Matter of RV-16-16 Harlan Odegard and John Davis, filed by Attorney Traci Shallbetter. He noted the record was closed. COMMISSIONER O’BRIEN stated the County Code states a road has to be 22 feet wide and just because others have received a variance in the past, does not necessarily mean the County is to continue to grant waivers. He reviewed the letter from District #7 Fire Chief stating their concerns relating to the upkeep maintenance of the bridge and meeting the 75,000 pound requirement. He noted the Fire Marshal was on the committee and also voted to deny the request as well. COMMISSIONER OSIADACZ said the County Code has guidelines for road standards based on number of lots created. She believed requesting the bridge be brought up to road standards by the Engineer and Fire Chief is to ensure a safe mode of transportation and access for fire apparatus in and out of the communities. She said the County is only asking to comply with standards that are already put in place. COMMISSIONER JEWELL reviewed information relating to reasons why he would be voting to deny the appeal. He included information relating to the recent major wildfires and the increased risk to life and safety for current property owners, first responders, and potential future property owners. He also stated that there is nothing in County Code that states if certain criteria are met then the County must approve the variance request. The process outlined in Code was followed by the County and no evidence was presented by the appellant proving otherwise. There were clear findings, supported by evidence included in the County’s decision and the County has not changed any law or policy requiring public notice. COMMISSIONER OSIADACZ moved to deny the Road Variance Appeal filed by Attorney Traci Shallbetter, relating to RV-16-16 (Harlan Odegard and John Davis). COMMISSIONER O’BRIEN seconded.