HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-07-03-minutes-law-and-justice-study-sessionLaw & Justice Study Session Minutes
July 3, 2019
Commissioners Auditorium
Meeting called to order at 8:00 a.m.
Present: Commissioners' Brett Wachsmith, Cory Wright and Laura Osiadacz, Undersheriff Myers, Sheriff
Gene Dana and Mark Cook the Director of Public Works.
Undersheriff Myers mentioned a request from Upper County Task Force for enforcement on the busy
weekends this summer. Problems are mainly Sundays, which are around 28 days for the summer which total
around $15,000 to make this happen. Last weekend there was an emphasis; WSP was working and Deputy
Goeman wrote tickets going 50 mph in a 35mph zone. Per Undersheriff Myers the primary action today was
to send a Budget Amendment.
Undersheriff Myers discussed with Mark Cook for future to have County Road Diversion to fund a Traffic
Deputy. Mark mentioned that anything you take away from the road fund effects later down the road.
Commissioner Osiadacz thinks there are other ways than taking from the road fund would be the general
fund for enforcement.
Undersheriff mentioned he looked at other options like the marine patrol, but it's the same season, so that
wouldn't work. We can explore other funding options in 2020, but may not have funding to do this. The
Budget Amendment for $15,000 is just for overtime traffic emphasis. Asked about revenue from citations
and Undersheriff advised the courts will generate the revenue, not the Sheriff's Office. Commissioner
Osiadacz indicated that she was in favor for the Budget Amendment for this year.
Mark said that the pulling capacity piece with more traffic going faster until another lane is added that having
enforcement does help.
Undersheriff Myers said KCSO will track hours and enforcement with the supervisors. Discussion was if we
do a corridor improvement we could do an asphalt incentive and create pedestrian corridor. Mark said he can
revisit with State on pedestrian corridor for bikes.
Cory mentioned in order to get something done, not just for Kittitas County, but with federal lobbyists we
need to discuss further.
Cory supports with data this year. Commissioner Wachsmith made a motion to authorize amending $15,000
into the Sheriff's 2019 Budget for OT traffic; motion 2nd by Commissioner Osiadacz.
Action —Board approved Budget Amendment.
Meeting adjourned at 8:49 a.m.
Clayton Myers, Undersheriff
Chairman