HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-09-21-minutes-decision-on-fire-marshal-code-official-fire-investigator-structure2018-09-21 MINUTES 1
COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
COMMISSIONER’S AUDITORIUM
SPECIAL MEETING
FRIDAY 8:00 A.M. SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
Board members present: Chairman Laura Osiadacz; Vice-Chairman Obie
O’Brien; and Commissioner Cory Wright.
Others: Julie Kjorsvik, Clerk of the Board; Judy Pless, Budget &
Finance Manager; Dan Carlson, CDS Director; Clay Myers,
Undersheriff/Interim Fire Marshal; Lisa Young, Human Resource
Director/Interim Event Center Director; and approximately 20 members
of the public.
SPECIAL MEETING FIRE MARSHAL POSITION COMMISSIONERS
At 8:00 a.m. Chairman Osiadacz opened a Special Meeting to consider
a decision on the structure of the Fire Marshal/Code Official/Fire
Investigator position.
Clay Myers, Undersheriff/Interim Fire Marshal provided information
on their proposal of the Fire Marshal/Code Official/Fire
Investigator structure. He said they had hoped to eliminate some of
the challenges and be able to provide for more efficiency by
separating the inspection responsibilities in CDS, from the
investigation responsibilities in the Emergency Management division
of the Sheriff’s Department.
Rich Elliott, Kittitas Valley Fire & Rescue provided information on
the benefits of splitting the position, as well as the role of
investigating fires. He said they see it as a potential solution for
turn-over in the position which has resulted in a significant impact
to the community.
Members of the public provided comments on the proposed changes and
asked questions of Staff and the Board of County Commissioners
relating to the Fire Marshal position and structure.
Dan Carlson, CDS Director said that he didn’t have any issues
relating to the concept of separating the position however; he did
have some concerns with the positions reporting two different
Elected Officials.
Commissioner O’Brien said he saw value in putting the investigation
side under the Sheriff’s Department but would like to have
additional time to research some more information. He expressed
concerns that by extending the decision, it could potentially risk
2018-09-21 MINUTES 2
losing a highly qualified candidate who is interested in the
position.
Chairman Osiadacz said she would be in favor of continuing the
decision for additional input, as the purpose would be to ensure how
to provide the best service to the residents of Kittitas County and
to uphold the law. She said the Sheriff’s Department has long
standing success handling emergencies and investigations in the
community and this could result in an opportunity to improve
services to the public.
Commissioner O’Brien moved to continue the meeting until Friday
September 28, 2018 at 8:00a.m. to be held in the Commissioners
Auditorium for further public input. Commissioner Wright seconded.
Commissioner Wright explained he supported opportunities for
improvement but in light of the growth in the County, the EMS
requirements have also increased significantly. He felt there was a
need to obtain feedback from various community stakeholders, and
look into funding options. He thought there should be an opportunity
to develop a strategy through a process with an innovative approach
that could result in Kittitas County being a leader in the State
again. He thought they should hire a person as soon as possible and
should not put it off any longer.
Motion carried 2-1. Commissioner Wright opposed the motion.
Meeting adjourned at 10:24 a.m.
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
CLERK OF THE BOARD KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Julie Kjorsvik Laura Osiadacz, Chairman