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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-01-30-minutes-joint-county-city-of-cle-elum-meeting 01/30/23 MINUTES COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON CLE ELUM SENIOR CENTER SPECIAL MEETING MONDAY 5:30 P.M JANUARY 30, 2023 Board members present: Chairman Cory Wright, Vice-Chairman Brett Wachsmith & Commissioner Laura Osiadacz. Cle Elum City Council members present: Mayor Jay McGowan, John Glondo, Ken Ratliff, Steven Harper, Matthew Lundh, and Sarah Lackey. Cle Elum Others; Gregg Dohrn, City Planning Consultant; Ben Annen, HLA Kittitas County Others: Emily Smith, Administrative Assistant; Dan Carlson, CDS Director; Clay Myers, Sheriff; Mark Cook, Public Works Director. Gary Berndt, moderator. There weas approximately 45 members of the public present. SPECIAL MEETING JOINT CITY OF CLE ELUM/COUNTY COMMISSIONERS At 5:30 p.m. Gary Berndt welcomed and thanked the Commissioners and Council Members for attending. He went over the structure of the meeting. He turned the meeting over to Chairman Wright who opened a Special Meeting with the City of Cle Elum City Council. Chairman Wright introduced individuals representing Kittitas County. Mayor McGowan introduced individuals representing the City of Cle Elum. Chairman Wright addressed the discrepancy in the published agendas and amended the agenda to allow public comment at the end of the meeting. DISCUSSION SEARCH AND RESCUE FACILITY COMMISSIONERS Sheriff Myer gave background on the Upper County Search and Rescue facility and land swap agreement. The County is working on elevation and design, they are hoping to go to permit in late spring. Director Cook updated on a funding source coming from the federal government, and how they are looking for additional funding. The issue is so far successful between the jurisdictions. Sheriff Myers and Director 01/30/23 MINUTES Cook are taking the lead on the project and working with state lobbyist to seek additional funding. The project is expected to go to construction fourth quarter of 2023. DISCUSSION WEST PRECINCT COMMISSIONERS Sheriff Myers addressed the need for more law enforcement presence in Upper County and the need for law enforcement infrastructure for both the City and County. The County and City are currently looking into ideas and potential opportunities to combine resources, like clerical staff and parking, while keeping two separate “offices” and jurisdictions. Mayor McGowan said he is hopeful and sees the advantages of combining resources. The proposal is not yet a complete packet, and the City and County will continue to look for opportunities and have a proposal within a year or less. DISCUSSION PLANNING IN URBAN GROWTH AND ILA COMMISSIONERS There is ongoing conversation by both the City and County regarding planning in the Urban Growth Area. There was discussion on the need to review the County wide planning policy as there is a lot of mutual interests, overlapping infrastructure needs, and overlapping land use, that require specific methodology. There is agreement on the need for a joint resolution for an Interlocal Agreement. The City and County agreed to complete a draft Resolution within 3 months (approximately May 2023). The City, said they are willing to commit to assisting. DISCUSSION INFASTRUCTURE ISSUES COMMISSIONERS There was an update from the City on their 1st Street Downtown Revitalization Project. The project has collected $7.2 million in 6 years, within that, $2.4 million was given by the County. The City has applied for the remining funds through the Department of Transportation RAISE Program. There was discussion about the need for collaboration and an infrastructure master plan. Projects of interest include a second bridge crossing, safe truck parking, and Highway 903. There was discussion about the Steer I-90 Coalition which Commissioner Osiadacz is a part of, and the work surrounding the Interstate. Councilmember Lundh said he was going to join the coalition. The County will write a letter of support for the City’s RIASE application. An interlocal agreement will be needed for the projects of interest. DISCUSSION AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMISSIONERS There was discussion on the 3 master plan homes that Community Development Services are working on that will be free for the public 01/30/23 MINUTES to use. The County has a Homelessness and Affordable Housing Committee that Councilmember Lundh is a member of. Currently there is a Bill being heard by the senate regarding allowing ADUs outside the UGA. There is an ongoing effort to find a location for a Sleep Center in Kittitas County. The County has recently passed an ordinance which prohibits camping in public once a Sleep Center is established. Next steps include the City and County working towards a draft Resolution for a Joint Housing Action Plan within 3 months (approximately May 2023). The Sheriff Office is working with police and EMS on sharing standards of enforcement. DISCUSSION WILDFIRE COMMISSIONERS County staff and Sheriff spoke to the need for an evacuation plan. The City now has a Fire Chief who actively participates in wildfire planning. The City is developing amendments for wildfire policies in addition to the City’s Comprehensive Plan. DISCUSSION GROWTH IMPACTS COMMISSIONERS There was discussion on working together to balance growth and quality of life. There was also discussion on the need for transportation planning, a recreation center, the economic benefit of the 1st Street Project, and including key stakeholders are part those conversations. The County and City of Ellensburg are funding an “Economic Development Plan”. DISCUSSION COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMISSIONERS The City of Cle Elum is due to update their Comprehensive Plan in 2023. The County has a Comprehensive Plan that includes the City of Cle Elum’s plan within it. The County is due to update their Comprehensive Plan in 2026. DISCUSSION NEXT STEPS COMMISSIONERS There will be another joint City of Cle Elum and Kittitas County scheduled for approximately May 2023. There was agreement to work together to start a regional planning effort and a coordinated economic plan for economic growth. The group thanked each other for the discussions held. PUBLIC COMMENT Mike Lancaster spoke about City Heights using his land as an illegal easement. 01/30/23 MINUTES Ira Astrachan spoke in favor of the annexation of Suncadia. Larry Stauffer thanked the panel and spoke about the Bullfrog UGA and his displeasure and concern of Sun Communities. Phil Hess thanked the panel and spoke about the need to fill the open seats on the City’s Planning Commission by qualitied candidates and the need for fire evacuation routes. Gordon Jones spoke about the need to balance growth of new housing developments and ensure the impacts and access are addressed. Meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m. KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ADMINISTRSTIVE ASSISTANT KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON Emily Smith Cory Wright, Chairman