HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-03-minutes-emergency03/03/2020 MINUTES 1
COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON KITTITAS VALLEY EVENT CENTER – ARMORY HALL EMERGENCY SPECIAL MEETING TUESDAY 3:00 P.M. MARCH 3, 2020
Board members present: Chairman Brett Wachsmith, Vice-Chairman
Laura Osiadacz and Commissioner Cory Wright.
Others: Clay Myers, Sheriff; Darren Higashiyama, Chief Deputy; Ben
Kokjer, Chief Deputy; Tristen Lamb, Public Health Administrator; Dr.
Mark Larson, Public Health Official; and approximately 18 members of
various legislative and emergency response agencies.
EMERGENCY MEETING COVID-19 SHERIFF
At 3:00 p.m. an emergency Special Meeting was opened as requested by
Sheriff Clay Myers.
Sheriff Clay Myers said he had requested an emergency meeting for
the Board of County Commissioners and representatives of other
legislative municipalities for a briefing on the Coronavirus (COVID-
19). He said it could have potential financial impacts to Kittitas
County if we see members of the public being diagnosed with it. Dr.
Larson provided information on the Coronavirus and said they are
currently testing people in Kittitas County for it, but they have
not received a positive test result as of this moment. They do not
have a lot of information available today, but things are changing
by the hour. He indicated a vaccine may not be available until 1 ½
to 2 years from now. He encouraged the public to wash their hands
and to stay home if they have any flu like symptoms. Central
Washington University and the Ellensburg School District are
currently working on emergency plans in case they need to close
schools but noted there is not a recommendation to do that at this
time. The Public Health Department and the local hospital are ready
and will do whatever is needed if we begin seeing positive results.
The Governor has already declared a State of Emergency for
Washington. There was discussion on the potential impacts to local
municipalities. John Sinclair, KVFR Fire Chief, explained the
significant impacts that could result to the public if some of their
first responders were to have to go into quarantine. Sheriff Myers
explained how they have agreements for mutual aid with law
enforcement, but it is not designed to cover significant periods of
time. They will continue monitoring the situation and will continue
updating agencies everyday by email.
03/03/2020 MINUTES 2
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CLERK OF THE BOARD KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON Julie Kjorsvik Brett Wachsmith, Chairman