HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-09-05-minutes-law-and-justice-study-sessionLaw & Justice Study Session Minutes
September 5, 2018
Commissioners Auditorium
Meeting called to order at 0805 a.m.
Present: Commissioners Laura Osiadacz, Obie O'Brien, Cory Wright, Undersheriff Myers, Sheriff Gene
Dana, Judy Pless with Auditor's Office, Dan Carlson with Community Development Services, Lisa Young
with Human Resource Office, Rich Elliott with Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue (KVFR) and Daily Record.
Discuss County Road Diversion Funds and Collision Reconstruction Drone and Software — Undersheriff
Myers indicated he spoke with Mark regarding utilizing a drone program for reconstruction on accident
scenes. The state and counties have gone to this program to where major scenes investigations are thirty
minutes and very accurate and you can do a lot with the product. This would benefit both Offices.
Undersheriff Myers requests Board of County Commissioners to approve spending authority to not exceed
$20,000.00. We have assigned operators and also a SAR Coordinator. Training is online. This drone is
specific to traffic safety and infrastructure and not for outside road use.
Action — Board verbally approved the transfer from the County Road Diversion Fund in the 2019 budget.
Judy will set up the codes.
Discuss Search and Rescue (SAR) Conference and Event Center - Undersheriff Myers mentioned there was a
request to use the Event Center again as it worked out fantastic in the past and as we are in the center of the
State and a good location. The Event Center works well for class room, amenities and vendors have space.
There is a potential revenue loss to the Event Center. Undersheriff requests the County to continue to
support the use of facilities for this conference. Lisa Young mentioned we donated $43,000 for that week.
Commissioner O'Brien indicated that he sees the value, but not $43,000. Undersheriff said he can get more
information from Deputy Houseberg. Lisa mentioned next year's Conference is blocked on the calendar.
Action — Commissioner O'Brien said to go back to State Coordinator and have them pick up the charge.
Lisa will go back to look at the dollar amount. Undersheriff will bring back numbers and where the money is
going and touch base with State Coordinator.
Fire Marshal position — Undersheriff Myers proposed to separate the Fire Marshal inspection verses
investigation and provide an outlined proposal. This would be a civilian/non-exempt in the clerical union
position with salary range $4800 - $6000 depending on qualifications. There would be an overtime budget
that we would manage and there will be a financial impact. This would be under Emergency Management
Division, supervised by Darren Higashiyama.
Rich Elliott mentioned that KVFR and other stations are looking forward to separating fire safety and
inspection responsibilities from fire investigations and enforcement responsibilities. KVFR will be happy to
help mentor that person; however they choose to do it. Rich said there is a lot of upside to this model.
Undersheriff said from the Boards decision to move forward next is code changes and revision of all codes,
new position worksheets, financial, and we already have a vehicle and equipment.
Commissioner Laura Osiadacz asked how would the Board like to move forward. Commissioner O'Brien
said to proceed with Fire Marshal to be permanently assigned to Sheriff's Office and Inspections with
Community Development Services. Code change to follow, need Ordinance. Dan with Community
Development Service's will set up a Public Hearing.
Commissioner Wright indicated this is a valuable position and in favor. Commissioner Osiadacz mentioned
that it is important to show the community this issue is a high priority and thinks separating the duties is a
wise decision. Lisa Young will discuss with Union. Dan Carlson will work on Codes.
Action — Direction is to move forward.
No other business.
Meeting adjourned at 9:40 a.m.
Clayton Myers, Undersheriff
Laura Osiadacz, Chairman