HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-04-23-minutes-covid-19-follow-up-meeting-04/23/2020 MINUTES 1
COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON COMMISSIONERS AUDITORIUM SPECIAL MEETING THURSDAY 3:00 P.M. APRIL 23, 2020
Board members present: Chairman Brett Wachsmith; Via Phone: Vice-
Chairman Laura Osiadacz and Commissioner Cory Wright.
Others: Julie Kjorsvik, Clerk of the Board; Dr. Mark Larson, Public
Health Official; Lisa Young, Human Resources Director; Patti
Johnson, Solid Waste Director/Interim Maintenance Director/Project
Manager; Via Phone: Tristen Lamb, Public Health Director; and Neil
Caulkins, Deputy Prosecutor; Dan Carlson, CDS Director.
SPECIAL MEETING COVID-19 FOLLOW UP COMMISSIONERS
At 3:00 p.m. Chairman Wachsmith opened a Special Meeting relating
to COVID-19 issues.
Dr. Mark Larson, Public Health Official, said Kittitas County has
been very fortunate to have had low numbers (14) of people who’ve
tested positive for COVID-19 and there have been no deaths
despite surrounding counties who have a significant number of
cases. He explained that neither the Board of County
Commissioners or the Sheriff have authority to override any
Health Order’s which has been issued by the County, Governor, or
President. He said his number one priority is protecting the
health and safety of Kittitas County residents, and to have
everyone work together when businesses begin opening back up and
done in a manner where there are safeguards in place to prevent
the spread of COVID-19.
LETTER GOVERNOR JAY INSLEE COMMISSIONERS
Chairman Wachsmith moved to approve a Letter to Governor Jay
Inslee, relating to the Proclamation 20-25: Stay Home – Stay
Healthy, and subsequent Memorandum of March 25, 2020 regarding
Construction Guidance. Commissioner Osiadacz seconded. Motion
carried 3-0.
REVISED RESOLUTION CONSTRUCTION COMMISSIONERS
Neil Caulkins, Deputy Prosecutor, provided information and
answered questions on the proposed Resolution regarding
Construction During the Stay Home – Stay Healthy Proclamation.
04/23/2020 MINUTES 2
Chairman Wachsmith moved to approve Resolution No. 2020-090,
Regarding Construction During the Stay Home – Stay Health
Proclamation. Commissioner Osiadacz seconded.
Commissioner Wright explained why he would not be supporting the
proposed Resolution, stating it was just the same language as in
the Governor’s Construction Guidance and it would not accomplish
anything as it doesn’t change in nature. He said it was critical
to get the letter out to the Governor with questions and to see
what the response will be from him. He said he wants to continue
to support Public Health and will be waiting for a plan from the
State. Dr. Larson said the proposed Resolution does not give the
County anymore to the building community than what is already
allowed, but maybe clearer language for citizens to understand.
Motion died to approve the Resolution 1-2 (Chairman Wachsmith
voted in favor).
PROCLAMATION CONSTRUCTION/COVID-19 COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Wright moved to reject the Proclamation as
previously discussed at the Agenda Session on April 21, 2020.
Commissioner Osiadacz seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
OTHER BUSINESS
Chairman Wachsmith updated the Board on a donor through United
Way, who wants to provide funding specific to Upper County
families with children. He suggested that Commissioner Osiadacz
be a member on the review committee and she agreed to serve on
it.
Meeting adjourned at 3:43 p.m.
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CLERK OF THE BOARD KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON Julie Kjorsvik Brett Wachsmith, Chairman