HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-11-07-minutes-200pm-public-hearing11/07/2023 MINUTES 1
COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
AUDITORIUM
SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY 2:00 P.M. NOVEMBER 7, 2023
Board members present: Chairman Cory Wright and Vice-Chairman Brett
Wachsmith, Commissioner Laura Osiadacz.
Others: Julie Kjorsvik, Clerk of the Board; Mandy Buchholz, Office
Administrator; Mark Cook, Public Works/CDS Director; Brian Carlson,
Budget & Finance Director; and 6 members of the public.
PUBLIC HEARING CREATING A PUBLIC SERVICES DEPT PUBLIC WORKS
At 2:00 p.m. CHAIRMAN WRIGHT opened a Public Hearing continued from
October 17, 2023, to consider amending Kittitas County Code to
reflect the formation of a Public Services Department. He noted the
record was open.
MARK COOK, PUBLIC WORKS/CDS DIRECTOR, reviewed a Staff Report and
said the red-lined version of the Code was uploaded onto the County
website following the October 17th Public Hearing.
THOSE PRESENT & TESTIFYING: EMILY SMITH testified against the
proposal, stating that it would be an unreasonable task for one
person to effectively run the Public Works Department, Community
Development Services, and Airport. She felt the merger would
eventually result in separating the divisions when the current
Director retires. PAT DENEEN disagreed and said he'd been dealing
with the Public Works Department and Community Development Services
when working on projects, and it’s always difficult to coordinate
between the two. They have similar goals and by having one person
would cut down on both indecisions and timing. TERRY LaRUE felt that
by consolidating the three positions it would dilute control of one
person. He said there was no mention of the Airport Director and yet
the current posting and job description, 9 of the 25 items relate to
the Airport. He said there was no public visibility when the Airport
Department was abolished, and urged the Board to sit down with the
taxpayers and put together what their need is because most people do
not understand what they are trying to accomplish. THERE BEING NO
OTHERS REQUESTING TO TESTIFY, THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THE HEARING WAS
CLOSED.
VICE-CHAIRMAN WACHSMITH moved to deny the request, as presented.
COMMISSIONER OSIADACZ seconded.
VICE-CHAIRMAN WACHSMITH felt things have been working well, and
there was no need to change the County Code at this time, and
11/07/2023 MINUTES 2
continue on the path with the hiring process for Director Cook’s
replacement. COMMISSIONER OSIADACZ said Director Cook has been
working very well between the Public Works Department and Community
Development Services, but feared not everyone was going to be able
to continue what he’s been doing. She felt there needed to be more
discussion from her standpoint.
Director Cook said if there was interest in separating out the
positions, the upcoming holidays may be difficult to attract
candidates, and recommended suspending advertising and do it again
after the New Year.
CHAIRMAN WRIGHT said the Board didn’t have to solve everything today
and recommended remanding it back to Staff.
VICE-CHAIRMAN WACHSMTIH moved to amend the motion to remand it back
to Staff. COMMISSIONER OSIADACZ seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
Amended motion to deny the request and remand it back to Staff was
approved 3-0.
The meeting concluded at 2:18 p.m.
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
CLERK OF THE BOARD KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Julie Kjorsvik Chairman Cory Wright