HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-03-16-minutes-black-horse-development-discussion2016-03-16 MINUTES 1
COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
COMMISSIONER’S AUDITORIUM
SPECIAL MEETING
WEDNESDAY 9:00 A.M. MARCH 16, 2016
Board members present: Chairman Obie O’Brien; Vice-Chairman Paul
Jewell and Commissioner Gary Berndt.
Others: Mandy Buchholz, Deputy Clerk of the Board; Mark Cook,
Public Works Director/Interim County Engineer; Neil Caulkins, Deputy
Prosecutor; Lindsey Ozbolt, Staff Planner and 12 members of the
public.
SPECIAL MEETING BLACK HORSE DEVELOPMENT PUBLIC WORKS
At 9:00 a.m. Chairman O’Brien opened a Special Meeting to discuss &
receive an update from Public Works Staff regarding the Black Horse
Development.
Mark Cook, Public Works Director apologized for not being able to
attend his Regular Study Session on Monday 3-14-2016. He stated that
this was set up as an extension of that and meant to be informal,
and just so that he could provide the Board a brief update. He
apologized for any confusion that the meeting notice may have
created. Mr. Cook reviewed the significant winter events this past
year. He reviewed direction he had given to the former County
Engineer with regard to preparing an emergency plan. He discussed
the importance for a Bond for Phase 1, noting the impacts of one
winter, however the facilities were designed for a 25 year event. He
explained that the County is currently concerned with the design not
meeting County standards. He stated that the applicant is very
engaged in the process. He expressed his confidence with the County
remaining very involved & respectful with the neighbors and the
applicant to find a solution.
There was discussion amongst the Board and Staff regarding de-
watering as well as the concern that the application approved back
in 2006 was approved for a 25 year event and is failing already, yet
no work has been done. There was discussion on what options the
County currently has available.
The Board explained that the County and Public Works have inherited
what the County Engineer previously approved and they will work
towards a solution.
The Board asked the applicant if they were aware of the issues &
concerns and questioned what they were doing to work towards a
resolution with the County.
2016-03-16 MINUTES 2
Chairman O’Brien allowed public comment for a maximum of 3 minutes
each.
Oenone Kinman, 1113 West Bender Road, provided handouts of aerial
photos of flooding that has impacted her property and her neighbors
due to the Black Horse Development. She questioned why they have
been allowed to raise the bank which diverts water onto her
property.
John Woods, 1206 West Bender Road, requested to speak. Commissioner
Jewell stated that due to the County still being in litigation with
Mr. Woods, he was not comfortable discussing anything at this time.
Chairman O’Brien and Commissioner Berndt supported Commissioner
Jewell’s statements.
Dan (last name unknown), stated that growing up here as a kid he
recalls the flooding issues, but feels the typography has changed.
He expressed concerns.
Larry Brown, Ellensburg Water Company stated that he has documented
12 events in the last 10 years. He stressed the importance of the
work and the process. He expressed concerns for his ditch and the
maintenance he has to do, due to the flooding. He thanked Mr. Cook
for doing a great job at working with all parties involved.
Mr. Cook stated that he is expecting to see a proposal from the
applicant within the next 30 days. The Board questioned what they
should expect going forward. Mr. Cook explained that he will
continue to work with the neighbors and applicant and to keep
everyone advised of what’s going on, including the BoCC.
OTHER BUSINESS-
Mr. Cook provided the Board a brief update on the status of Public
Works current vacancies.
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
DEPUTY CLERK OF THE BOARD KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Mandy Buchholz Obie O’Brien, Chairman