HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-04-11-minutes-public-works-study-sessionKITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Public Works Study Session
Regular Meeting
Monday April 11, 2022 -1:30 PM
Commissioners' Auditorium
205 West 5th Room 109 - Ellensburg and Webex
1. Call to Order
2. Timber Valley Plat Road Vacation Request
3. Proposed Vacation of Hillview Drive
4. Proposed Vacation of Holiday Avenue
S. Kittitas Conservation Trust Acquisition Support
6. Other business
7. Adjourn
Created on 4/8/2022 7:54:00 AM
KITTITAS COUNTY
PUBLIC WORKS STUDY SESSION MINUTES
In -Person and Webex
Regular Meeting
MONDAY 1:31 PM April 11, 2022
Board Members Present: Chairman Laura Osiadacz, Vice -Chairman Cory
Wright, and Commissioner Brett Wachsmith.
Others: Mark Cook, Arden Thomas, Josh Fredrickson, Rebecca Cruse,
Candie Leader, Public Works; Mitch Long, Kittitas Conservation Trust;
Neil Caulkins, Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
At 1:31 pm Chairman Laura Osiadacz opened the Public Works Study
Session.
TIMBER VALLEY PLAT ROAD VACATION REQUEST
Josh Fredrickson briefed the Board of County Commissioners on
application received by Public Works to vacate an unconstructed road
system in the Timber Valley Plat. Josh Fredrickson stated that the
applicants- 4 property owners adjacent to the parcel have filed
jointly. Discussion was held. Staff was directed to prepare enabling
documents for a public hearing to consider the vacation of Cascade
Drive and Fort Simcoe Road.
PROPOSED VACATION OF HILLVIEW DRIVE
Mark Cook proposed to the Board of County Commissioner the vacation
of Hillview Drive, a road that was created along with short plat in
2003. Mark Cook stated that currently all parcels in this area are
accessing off Bowers Rd with a joint use private drive. Staff was
directed to prepare enabling documents for a public hearing to
consider the vacation of Hillview Drive.
PROPOSED VACATION HOLIDAY AVENUE
Mark Cook stated staff is requesting Board direction on the vacation
of Holiday Avenue. Mark Cook continued that currently, improvements
create an attractive nuisance because the road doesn't reach the
Columbia River. The vacation would reduce maintenance demand on the
Road Fund and benefit neighboring property owners. Mark Cook added
that Holiday Avenue is adjacent to a steep drainage area not
benefiting the county and through a Boundary Line Adjustment might
accompany the road vacation. Discussion was held. Staff was directed
to prepare enabling documents for a public hearing to consider the
vacation of Holiday Avenue in Vantage.
2022-4-11 Minutes
KITTITAS CONSERVATION TRUST ACQUISITION SUPPORT
Arden Thomas introduced Mitch Long, Executive Director of Kittitas
Conservation Trust. Mitch Long is seeking a letter of support from
the Board of County Commissioners and the Flood Control Zone District
for acquisition of land in the Yakima River Floodplain. Arden Thomas
shared priorities for the Flood Control Zone District in favor of
supporting the Kittitas Conservation Trusts efforts. The Board of
County Commissioners also are in support and directed staff to
prepare a letter of support.
Meeting adjourned at 2:01 pm.
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Rebecca Cruse, Administrative Laura Osiadacz, Chairman
Assistant
2022-4-11 Minutes
KITTITAS COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
1 1 OMMI), --- II L 11,1[K111I►`Y 11.1
STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT
STUDY SESSION DATE: April 11, 2022
TOPIC: Timber Valley Plat Road Vacation Request
ACTION REQUESTED: Prepare Enabling Legislation and Schedule the Public
Hearing
LEAD STAFF:
Joshua Fredrickson
RECOMMENDATION:
Prepare enabling legislation and schedule the required public hearing.
BRIEFING SUMMARY:
• Plat dedicated public right-of-way inside a private subdivision
• Roads were not constructed
Lot owners desire clearing title and having full use of the property
Public Works (PW) supports the requested vacation with no value for the vacated
right-of-way
BACKGROUND:
Within the Timber Valley plat large portions of Cascade Drive and Fort Simcoe Road
were not constructed. Four property owners have dedicated public right-of-way
separating their lots or adjacent to their lots (see Exhibit 1). Because this right-of-way is
dedicated for public use, Public Works is required to vacate pursuant to County code and
State law.
DISCUSSION:
The requested vacation preserves access adjoining parcels. The action allows parcels to
be joined and the property owners are no longer burdened by the right-of-way. PW is
proposing that no value be assigned to the right-of-way as no improvements have been
created impacting any Road Fund expenditure. A subsequent record of survey by the
property owners will clear title and allow full use of the proponent's property. An
easement for fire access turnaround will be provided at the end of Simcoe Drive by the
adjoining properties. PW supports the requested vacation of a portion of Cascade Drive
and Fort Simcoe Road. A legal description is attached as Exhibit 2.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
The applicants have paid PW's vacation application fee of $3,888.00
Page 1 of 4
Public Works "Work Session Staff Report" 2022
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit 1: Plat of Timber Valley with the proposed right-of-way vacation highlighted
Exhibit 2: Legal description of proposed right-of-way vacation limits
Page 2 of 4
Public Works "Work Session Staff Report" 2022
EXHIBIT 1: PLAT OF TIMBER VALLEY WITH THE PROPOSED ROW
VACATION HIGHLIGHTED
It
D
11
Page 3 of 4
Public Works "Work Session Staff Report' 2022
EXHIBIT 2: LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ROW VACATION LIMITS
TIMBER VALLEY 1
COUNTY ROAD VACATION LEGAL DESCRIPTION
That portion of the Plat of Timber Valley 1, recorded in Book 6 of Plats at Page 3, under
Auditor's File No. 381784, records of Kittitas County Washington, described as follows:
All that portion of Cascade Drive located between centerline and roadside face of Lots
14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 64, and 65 of
said plat. Also all that portion of Fort Simcoe Drive located between centerline and the
road face of lots 41, 42, 43, 44, 48. The terminal lines to be drawn perpendicular to road
centerline except for lot 45 and 65 on Cascade Drive where the terminal line follows a
70 -ft radius.
Page 4 of 4
Public Works "Work Session Staff Report" 2022
KITTITAS COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
PUBLIC WORKS — BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT
STUDY SESSION DATE: April 11, 2022
TOPIC: Proposed Vacation of Hillview Drive
ACTION REQUESTED: Direct Staff
LEAD STAFF:
Mark R. Cook
RECOMMENDATION:
Schedule a public hearing receiving testimony regarding the proposed vacation of
Hillview Drive.
BRIEFING SUMMARY:
• Hillview Drive was created by the Davis Short Plat in 2003. Access to the short
plat lots and adjoining property owners was negated with Bowers Road
improvements awarded for construction in 2005.
• All lots along Bowers Road now access directly to Bowers Road.
• An area resident is requesting vacation of Hillview Drive.
• Public Works (PW) believes the private road easement should have been vacated
consistent with Bowers Road improvements.
BACKGROUND:
Establishment of Hillview Drive (Davis Short Plat AFN 200310080015) dates to
10/08/2003. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) awarded construction of
Bowers Road improvements in 2005. The construction of Bowers Road improvements
negates the need for Hillview Drive.
DISCUSSION:
PW supports the vacation of Hillview Drive as a result of Bowers Road improvements.
The proposed vacation returns easement land to area property owners. PW proposes
leading the vacation effort on behalf of area property owners.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
Staff time processing the proposed road vacation.
ATTACHMENTS:
EXHIBIT 1: MAP
Page 1 of 2
Public Works "Work Session Staff Report", 2022
EXHIBIT 1: MAP OF HILLVIEW DRIVE
Page 2 of 2
Public Works "Work Session Staff Report", 2022
AXTMAN
a
"Q rsxrnw Notl_ zt n
a
—
`
ITTITAS COUNPt
_. ...._ _
RFV
.g
�
AIRPORT ACCESSEMEN
(EXTENSION)
BOWERS ROAD (EXTENSION
t45c
.PLAN AND PROFILE, STA 0+00 TO STA 1
U-1263
KITTITAS COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
PUBLIC WORKS — BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT
STUDY SESSION DATE: April 11, 2022
TOPIC: Holiday Avenue Proposed Vacation
ACTION REQUESTED: Direct Staff
LEAD STAFF:
Mark R. Cook
RECOMMENDATION:
Schedule a public hearing receiving testimony regarding the proposed vacation of
Holiday Avenue in Vantage.
BRIEFING SUMMARY:
• Recently, Grant County Public Utility District (GPUD) solicited a Hydraulic
Project Approval from Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife for
Vantage area improvements.
• GPUD proposes removing the final elements of the private dock facility and
creating a swimming area in that location.
• Holiday Avenue terminates short of the Columbia River; hence it is not required
to be held in public trust.
• Commissioner Wright desires vacating Holiday Avenue to adjacent landowners.
• Public Works has adjoining property to Holiday Avenue that is of no benefit to
the public and we propose vacating the property to the sewer and water district
(treatment plant in adjacent) in a companion effort.
BACKGROUND:
Holiday Avenue has provided public access to a private dock facility in Vantage for
many years (1970). Recent actions by GPUD have removed the license from the
property owner terminating ongoing use of the private dock. The dock is being removed
and a public swimming area is being proposed by GPUD. The area associated with the
proposed swimming area is controlled by GPUD.
DISCUSSION:
The land use changed being proposed by GPUD is expected to further exacerbate parking
problems associated with the Vantage boat ramp. Public Works (PW) is soliciting the
Washington State Department of Transportation to acquire additional lands west of
existing boat ramp parking in order to create additional overflow parking serving the
ramp and river access areas. PW anticipates increased maintenance demand for Holiday
Avenue once the proposed swimming area is brought online. The future parking
improvement is expected to service the ramp and proposed future amenities sponsored by
Page 1 of 3
Public Works "Work Session Staff Report", 2022
GPUD — negating the need for Holiday Avenue parking. Consistent with PW's growing
inability maintaining existing infrastructure, we desire vacating Holiday Avenue in
anticipation of adding parking at the Vantage boat ramp.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
Vacation of Holiday Avenue reduces maintenance demand on the Road Fund and
benefits area property owners.
ATTACHMENTS:
EXHIBIT 1: Map of Holiday Avenue
EXHIBIT 2: GPUD Proposed Project
Page 2 of 3
Public Works "Work Session Staff Report", 2022
EXHIBIT 1: MAP — HOLIDAY AVENUE
Page 3 of 3
Public Works "Work Session Staff Report", 2022
w
.Am
jro
Lw 4]»sas 2y s/
,
ro
fl oANA
H
O
H
®
1-3M
no
H
o
ca 0 H
m mtj,n
X
58=: ��
„ a
ce
9 SAOct
nPC
343
z ro
y^gco
6m�g3:g
j8$ L ^gp
m
n
flj,d
'
20
�B'�-B"✓ 'a] F 269.1]' '
RIdBp'
fifiSS
.P. -L,
ILW R.II
HW
11,'
»ma
w
.Am
jro
ro
fl oANA
H
O
H
®
1-3M
no
H
o
ca 0 H
m mtj,n
X
58=: ��
„ a
ce
9 SAOct
nPC
343
z ro
y^gco
6m�g3:g
j8$ L ^gp
m
n
flj,d
20
En z
is
HW
11,'
»ma
ro
�
in
w
.Am
jro
ro
H
O
H
1-3M
no
H
ca 0 H
nz�O
ce
oo>
a
z ro
1
H
ycn
20
En z
HW
11,'
■;
EXHIBIT 2: GPUD Proposed Project
Page 4 of 4
Public Works "Work Session Staff Report", 2022
0
PROJECT AREA LOCATOR
. scent Fier 14-:6
r Quin -.
1. Electrical infrastructure.is
outside of.water
2. Underwater frames sunland
!t
; 3. Fountain pump
Georg
r� .f and hose
�r
• � J
4. Buoy line
(197 ft)
Vantage Recreation Area 10- -
VANTAGE RECREATION AREA
NORTH JETTY COVE PROJECT
This mapidata was created for informational, planning, reference and guidance purposes only. Grant PUD
makes no warranty, expressed or implied related to the accuracy or content of these materials. NR GIS • 2022
11.
i 111
®pTv
Mattawa
KITTITAS COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
PUBLIC WORKS — BOARD OF COUNTY COMP
STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT
STUDY SESSION DATE: April 11, 2022
TOPIC: Kittitas Conservation Trust Acquisition Support
ACTION REQUESTED: Direction to Staff
LEAD STAFF:
Arden Thomas
RECOMMENDATION: Direct Staff to Prepare a Letter for Board of County
Commissioners Project Support
BRIEFING SUMMARY:
• Kittitas Conservation Trust (KCT) is working with willing landowners to
purchase about 235 acres of Yakima River floodplain property within the vicinity
of Thorp.
• KCT is seeking support for this acquisition from the Board of County
Commissioners
• This acquisition will provide floodplain management, fisheries habitat, and
recreation benefits.
BACKGROUND:
Kittitas Conservation Trust (KCT) is a non-profit Kittitas County land trust working to
protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat, open space, and recreational assets in the
Upper Yakima River Basin. This organization is working with willing landowners on a
fee title acquisition of approximately 235 acres of Yakima River floodplain property in
the vicinity of Thorp. KCT is seeking acquisition and project assessment funding through
two (2) Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office Funding Program grants.
KCT has requested a letter of support from the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners
for this project.
The subject property is at flood risk and has 100 -year floodplain, shoreline, wetland, and
channel migration zone designations. It also contains the Hutchinson Dike and Kittitas
County has an easement for dike maintenance. This dike is not part of the Army Corps of
Engineers PL84-99 program.
The subject property is located between the WDFW Thorp boat launch, and the Highway
10 take out. This section of the river is identified in the Yakima River Access Plan as
generally safe for all users. While this section of the river is used by recreational floaters
and fisherman, there are not public access sites along this reach.
Page 1 of 4
PUBLIC WORKS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT
DISCUSSION:
The Flood Control Zone District has not conducted an assessment of this reach but staff
from the District would actively participate in any technical assessments conducted by
Kittitas Conservation Trust, or upon inclusion in our 6 -year work program could directly
lead technical assessments. Purchasing this land for habitat and open space purposes may
provide the opportunity to explore modifications to the Hutchinson Dike. Modifications
may improve fisheries habitat and reduce flood risk, but potential impacts to existing
structures and riverine processes would need to be carefully considered. Open space
protections on this property would generate additional credits for Kittitas County in the
Community Rating System program. Development of this property would require an
assessment of channel migration risk. Potential development would create additional
reliance on the Hutchinson dike.
Kittitas Conservation Trust has expressed an openness to consider recreational and
agricultural uses on the property. Due to restricted use requirements for BNSF railroad
crossing, KCT expects that this property would need to be accessed from the river for
potential recreation uses.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
KCT has not requested any funding support for this project. Staff support for general
project coordination with partner organization is included in the annual budget for the
Flood Control Zone District. Any funding requests for FCZD funds would be considered
by the FCZD Advisory Committee during annual budget and 6 -year work development.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit 1: KCT Project Briefing
Exhibit 2: Project Map Prepared by County Staff
Page 2 of 4
PUBLIC WORKS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT
EXHIBIT 1: KCT Project Briefing
Page 3 of 4
PUBLIC WORKS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT
rAs
NSERVATION
UST
April 11, 2022, Kittitas County Public Works Study Session Kittitas Conservation Trust
Summary
Kittitas Conservation Trust (KCT) is currently seeking support from the Kittitas County Board of
County Commissioners and Flood Control Zone District for acquisition of about 235 acres of Yakima
River floodplain near Thorp, WA. KCT has been working with the landowners and partners to
develop grant applications for the acquisition and assessment of the property for potential
floodplain modification. The landowners desire to sell fee title of the entire property. Identified
current uses of the property include irrigated agriculture (-7o acres) and private recreational uses.
Identified historic uses also include gravel mining and grazing.
KCT would like to understand potential benefits to Kittitas County and other stakeholders for
acquisition of the property relating to flood risk reduction and other potential recreational and other
uses. KCT has identified the following flood risk and recreational considerations:
11Page
Kittitas Conservation Trust April ii, 2022, Public Works Study Session Briefing
tun"S
SERVATION
UST
1. The property is largely within the FEMA regulated Yakima River floodplain.
z. The property is located between identified recreational access points Thorp/Green and SR
10 Takeout.
Both recreational sites are found in the Yakima River Access Plan.
3. The property is located between Northern Pacific Railroad and the Yakima River near
Thorp.
2021 FEMA Floodplain Map
Current Efforts
KCT is in the process of negotiating and option agreement with the landowners and concurrently
seeking funding for the acquisition and assessment of the property through z WA State Recreation
and Conservation Office funding programs.
WA Wildlife and Recreation Program — Critical Habitat, Riparian Category
State Salmon Recovery Funding Board — Acquisition and Planning
Success of the acquisition relies on the support of Kittitas County. It is estimated that the total cost
for acquisition of the property to be around $1.5 - $2.5 million. Assessment of the site for potential
floodplain modification is estimated at $165 thousand.
KCT Needs from Kittitas County
1. Support of acquisition of fee title of the property
a. Letter of support from Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners, Public Works
Department and/or Kittitas County Flood Control Zone District
z. An understanding of how this supports Kittitas County Flood Control District future planning
efforts.
a. Flood risk assessment or project implementation is not in the current Flood Control
Zone District 6 -year plan. What is the priority of this reach for future planning
efforts?
3. Potential recreational uses of the property
a. We need to include this in current and future funding requests to allow these uses
through the two funding sources identified if successful in project rankings in these
categories
z1Page
Kittitas Conservation Trust April 11, 2022, Public Works Study Session Briefing
|
§g
El
Exhibit 2: Project Map Prepared by County Staff
Page 4 of 4
PUBLIC WORKS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT
Exhibit 2: Project Map
Legend - Estimated Flood Depth (FT) 100 Year Flood
- < 1 - 4 - 5 KCT Project Parcels
1-2 5-6
�pgCPU ES,_TO TgEC
�2-3 >6 N0�
- 3-4
W E
0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles
I 1 I I�—I I I � s tiirrnrc tot ori