HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-11-minutes-executive-session2016-04-11 MINUTES 1
COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
COMMISSIONER’S CONFERENCE ROOM
SPECIAL MEETING
MONDAY 1:00 P.M. APRIL 11, 2016
Board members present: Chairman Obie O’Brien & Vice-Chairman, Paul
Jewell. Commissioner Dist.2 Seat Vacant.
Others: Mandy Buchholz, Deputy Clerk of the Board; Clay Myers,
Undersheriff; Greg Zempel, Prosecutor; Judy Pless, Budget & Finance
Manager; Doug Mitchell, Deputy Prosecutor
SPECIAL MEETING EXECUTIVE SESSION COMMISSIONERS
At 1:01 p.m. Chairman O’Brien opened a Special Meeting and announced
the Board would recess into Executive Session for 10 minutes to
discuss with legal counsel representing the agency matters relating
to agency enforcement actions, or to discuss with legal counsel
representing the agency litigation or potential litigation to which
the agency, the governing body, or a member acting in an official
capacity is, or is likely to become, a party, when public knowledge
regarding the discussion is likely to result in an adverse legal or
financial consequence to the agency. No action anticipated.
At 1:11 p.m. the Board reconvened from Executive Session. No action
was taken.
At 1:11 p.m. Chairman O’Brien announced the Board would recess back
into Executive Session for an additional 5 minutes to discuss with
legal counsel representing the agency matters relating to agency
enforcement actions, or to discuss with legal counsel representing
the agency litigation or potential litigation to which the agency,
the governing body, or a member acting in an official capacity is,
or is likely to become, a party, when public knowledge regarding the
discussion is likely to result in an adverse legal or financial
consequence to the agency. Possible action anticipated.
At 1:16 p.m. the Board reconvened from Executive Session. Prosecutor
Greg Zempel stated that at this time there is no resolution to the
issue and to await further legal advice.
OTHER BUSINESS
Clay Myers, Undersheriff asked if a discussion could be held
regarding the hiring freeze that was put in place on March 30, 2016.
2016-04-11 MINUTES 2
Mr. Myers expressed his concerns and frustrations for not being able
to fill vacant positions in the Sheriff’s Office as well as for it
putting the County at liability being short staffed.
Commissioner Jewell felt it was premature to lift the freeze and
explained his concerns. Chairman O’Brien stated he was in favor of
filling vacancies but questioned each case being brought forward for
the Board to consider. Commissioner Jewell stated that if they move
forward and fill the open positions, it could be a far worse outcome
later on and much more painful to discuss. He stated that if they
move forward now filling the vacancies now then later on if un-
popular decisions are made, he cautioned them to not be upset with
the BoCC.
Chairman O’Brien was directed to draft a memo lifting the hiring
freeze, for current vacant positions and future vacancies should
come before the Board for consideration.
Meeting adjourned at 1:32 p.m.
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
DEPUTY CLERK OF THE BOARD KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Mandy Buchholz Obie O’Brien, Chairman