HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-18-minutes-contd-appeal-hearing01/18/2017 MINUTES 1
COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
COMMISSIONERS AUDITORIUM
SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY 9:00 A.M. JANUARY 18, 2017
Board members present: Chairman Paul Jewell; Vice-Chairman Laura
Osiadacz; and Commissioner Obie O’Brien.
Others: Julie Kjorsvik, Clerk of the Board and Lucas Huck,
Engineer/Interim Co-Director Public Works Department.
PUBLIC HEARING ROAD VARIANCE APPEAL-ODEGARD/DAVIS PUBLIC WORKS
At 9:00 a.m. CHAIRMAN JEWELL opened an Appeal Hearing continued from
January 3, 2017 to consider an Administrative Appeal of a decision
of the Road Variance Committee in the Matter of RV-16-16 Harlan
Odegard and John Davis, filed by Attorney Traci Shallbetter. He
noted the record was closed.
COMMISSIONER O’BRIEN stated the County Code states a road has to be
22 feet wide and just because others have received a variance in the
past, does not necessarily mean the County is to continue to grant
waivers. He reviewed the letter from District #7 Fire Chief stating
their concerns relating to the upkeep maintenance of the bridge and
meeting the 75,000 pound requirement. He noted the Fire Marshal was
on the committee and also voted to deny the request as well.
COMMISSIONER OSIADACZ said the County Code has guidelines for road
standards based on number of lots created. She believed requesting
the bridge be brought up to road standards by the Engineer and Fire
Chief is to ensure a safe mode of transportation and access for fire
apparatus in and out of the communities. She said the County is only
asking to comply with standards that are already put in place.
COMMISSIONER JEWELL reviewed information relating to reasons why he
would be voting to deny the appeal. He included information relating
to the recent major wildfires and the increased risk to life and
safety for current property owners, first responders, and potential
future property owners. He also stated that there is nothing in
County Code that states if certain criteria are met then the County
must approve the variance request. The process outlined in Code was
followed by the County and no evidence was presented by the
appellant proving otherwise. There were clear findings, supported by
evidence included in the County’s decision and the County has not
changed any law or policy requiring public notice.
COMMISSIONER OSIADACZ moved to deny the Road Variance Appeal filed
by Attorney Traci Shallbetter, relating to RV-16-16 (Harlan Odegard
and John Davis). COMMISSIONER O’BRIEN seconded.
01/18/2017 MINUTES 2
Motion carried 3-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:22 a.m.
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
CLERK OF THE BOARD KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Julie Kjorsvik Paul Jewell, Chairman