Laserfiche WebLink
08/17/2021 MINUTES 1 <br />COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON AUDITORIUM/WEBEX SPECIAL MEETING <br /> TUESDAY 2:00 P.M. AUGUST 17, 2021 <br />Board members present: Chairman Brett Wachsmith and Commissioner <br />Cory Wright. Excused: Vice-Chairman Laura Osiadacz. <br /> <br />Others: Julie Kjorsvik, Clerk of the Board; David Welz, Ken Grannan, <br />Josh Fredrickson, Engineer; Carly Brettmann, Communications <br />Director; Mandy Buchholz, Administrative Supervisor; Mark Cook, <br />Public Works Director; Arden Thomas, WRP Manager; Samantha Cox, <br />Water Resources Specialist; and 8 members of the public. <br /> <br />Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 20-28 et seq., the public was <br />encouraged to join the meeting virtually or in person. <br /> PUBLIC HEARING REVISE GRAZING LEASES AIRPORT <br />At 2:00 p.m. CHAIRMAN WACHSMITH opened a Public Hearing continued <br />from August 3, 2021, to consider revised Grazing Leases at Bowers <br />Field. He noted the record was open. <br /> KEN GRANNAN, AIRPORT DIRECTOR reviewed the history and discussions <br />that have taken place since the previous hearing on August 4, 2021. <br />He said due to state of concern and confusion he would like the <br />Board to continue the public hearing until September 7, 2021, to <br />allow an emergency meeting with the Airport Advisory Committee. <br /> THOSE PRESENT & TESTIFYING: STEVE WILLARD provided history on the <br />Agricultural Leases and explained how he was on the former Airport <br />Advisory Committee for over 25 years as well as had a grazing lease <br />for almost 3 decades. He said he is very familiar with the <br />landscape. He felt there’s been very little continuity in the past, <br />so he’s happy to see an Airport Director now, but thought it will <br />take a little seasoning on how to address agency comments and be <br />able to strike a balance. MILT JOHNSON, AIRPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE <br />said he had a background with grazing leases. He addressed <br />rotational grazing, keep livestock feeding segregated, and <br />incorporate riparian standards. He commended the Airport Director’s <br />work and recommended getting advice from the WSU Range Management or <br />DNR Range Management. MIKE LUNDEN said he’s looked around other <br />airports and whether they’ve planned ahead or not. He’s been happy <br />to see the planning that’s been done in the past couple of years. TERESA SLOAN provided information about grazing and large birds. She <br />said as a Safety Officer at the University, students and herself <br />have had to take evasive action at times. She does understand how <br />Agriculture Leases bring in the most money at the airport but isn’t