HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-11-30-minutes-bocc-and-county-clerk11/30/21 MINUTES 1
COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON AUDITORIUM/WEBEX SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY 1:30 P.M. NOVEMBER 30, 2021
Board members present: Chairman Brett Wachsmith, Vice-Chairman Laura
Osiadacz, and Commissioner Cory Wright.
Others: Julie Kjorsvik, Clerk of the Board; Greg Zempel, Prosecutor;
Val Barschaw, County Clerk; Kristine Foreman, Human Resource
Director; Chris Horner, Deputy Prosecutor; Jan McElroy, Legal
Process Assistant III; Sarah Gann, Legal Process Assistant III;
Stephanie Hartung, Deputy Prosecutor; and 9 members of the public. SPECIAL MEETING COUNTY CLERK INVESTIGATION COMMISSIONERS
At 1:30 p.m. Chairman Wachsmith opened a Special Meeting to discuss
an investigation of complaints against the Kittitas County Clerk,
Val Barschaw.
Kristine Foreman, Human Resource Director, provided an overview of
an investigation and report completed by the Seabold Group, an
independent agency retained by Kittitas County, following multiple
complaints submitted to her department by county employees regarding
allegations of discriminatory behavior.
Chairman Wachsmith asked Ms. Barschaw if she would like to enter
into an Executive Session with the Board in accordance with the RCW
42.30.110(f) To receive and evaluate complaints or charges brought
against a public officer or employee. However, upon the request of
such officer or employee, a public hearing or a meeting open to the
public shall be conducted upon such complaint or charge. Ms.
Barschaw said she was unaware of the process and declined the offer.
She said she did not have any comments.
Commissioner Wright moved to have the Board to censure County Clerk
Val Barschaw, and to approve a letter of censure to Val Barschaw,
County Clerk, regarding the incident and to be read into the record.
Commissioner Osiadacz seconded.
Chris Horner, Deputy Prosecutor, defined the word “censure” and said
in context with the Board, it means expressing their disapproval of
something. In this case it is the findings in the report that was
issued by the Seabold Group, Inc. He said it was a “statement” and
was not taking action other than the statement itself.
11/30/21 MINUTES 1
Commissioner Wright read the letter into the record. He said it was
unfortunate episode and the Board has a duty to support their
employees to ensure they have access to fair and equitable treatment
at the workplace.
Vice-Chairman Osiadacz said she was deeply concerned when she read
the report, mostly for the employees who had the courage to come
forward to the Human Resources Department, as it’s not an easy thing
to express their experiences. Chairman Wachsmith said the Board
would not condone a toxic work environment and was in favor of the
letter.
Motion carried 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 1:43 p.m.
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CLERK OF THE BOARD KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Julie Kjorsvik Brett Wachsmith, Chairman