HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-30-minutes-cds-study-sessionKITTITAS COUNTY
CDS STUDY SESSION MINUTES
COMMISSIONERS' AUDITORIUM, 205 WEST 5th ROOM 109
Special Meeting
MONDAY 2:30 PM March 30, 2026
Board members present: Chairman Cory Wright, Vice -Chairman Brett
Wachsmith, and Commissioner Laura Osiadacz.
Others: Chad Bala, Jamey Ayling, Jeremy Johnston, Gail Weyand,
Community Development Services, Josh Fredrickson, Public Works,
Stephanie Hartung, Chief Civil Deputy, and (2) two members of
the public.
At 2:30 pm Chair Wright opened the Community Development
Services Study Session.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Jeff Dunning provided comments regarding Battery Energy Storage
Systems. He stated that his family had been approached about
siting such systems on their land and referenced research
indicating failures and associated environmental/property
impacts. He expressed concern about compatibility with
designated agricultural lands and shrub -steppe areas and
recommended that any process to consider Battery Energy Storage
Systems in the county code be highly public with substantial
study.
PERIODIC COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
CDS Director Bala provided the board with an update on the
Periodic Comprehensive Plan. Director Bala reported the planning
commission recommended approval 5-0 and included six amendments.
1. Add policy to utilize a joint planning process with utility
providers to improve communication during power outages.
2. Add policy to permit innovative sewer system via formation
of sewer districts in rural areas as allowed under RCW 57.
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3. Incorporate draft redlines proposed by Commissioner Deneen
dated March 5, reviewed with staff/consultant and tailored
back after discussion.
4. Add a policy to establish a dedicated recreation division
led by a full-time recreation division manager, either in
CDS or Public Works.
5. Add policy to authorize agritourism, ecotourism, and
nature -based recreational enterprises on commercial
agricultural and forest lands as compatible secondary uses.
6.Address changes provided by Public Works that were
submitted at the Planning Commission hearing on March 17.
Director Bala said the comment period began at the end of
January and ended on March 2. Bala noted 13 comments were
received, including from Futurewise, Puget Sound Energy, Friends
of Easton, KRD, Easton Residences, WDFW, Washington Geological
Survey, Manastash Architecture, Ellensburg resident, and Pat
Kelleher resident. Director Bala said we are working through
findings of facts and creating the amendments to present to the
board. Director Bala is seeking direction from the board once
they develop the findings of fact, goals, and policies how does
the board want to review this moving forward. Director Bala
referred to option B, to be able to take in all the public
comments they receive, amend policies as needed, and have
appropriate documents for approval at the end of this process.
Chairman Wright asked if everything was being ran by legal
through this process. Stephanie Hartung said it was being
provided to their office. Director Bala stated they are getting
the findings of facts and will provide everything to Stephanie
Hartung's office. Director Bala said the initial thought was to
set a hearing on May 5 for taking in comments at the May 19
agenda hearing. Director Bala asked the board if we should stay
consistent and schedule a night hearing, so people are able to
attend.
Vice -Chairman Wachsmith agreed that a night hearing would be
better to get the most public participation. Wachsmith agreed to
stay consistent with what people are used to.
The board agreed that option B would be the right option to
continue to allow more public comments.
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OTHER BUSINESS
CDS Director Bala shared that the Comprehensive Plan Development
code and critical area code review update when out for comment
on March 26 beginning a 30-day comment period ending April 27.
Director Bala stated they will have a joint meeting on April 14,
to have the Planning Commission and the BOCC meet to update with
the state -mandated changes that have occurred.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 2:40pm Chairman Wright announced the Board would recess into
an Executive Session for 20 minutes with Chief Civil Deputy
Hartung, CDS Director Bala, and PW Director Fredrickson.
RCW 42.30.110(i) To discuss with legal counsel representing the
agency matters relating to agency enforcement actions, or to
discuss litigation or potential litigation involving the agency,
the governing body, or members acting in an official capacity,
when public knowledge of the discussion could result in adverse
legal or financial consequences to the agency.
Action was anticipated.
At 3:OOpm the Board reconvened out of Executive Session.
Chairman Wright requested an additional 10 minutes.
At 3:OOpm the board recessed into another Executive Session.
At 3:10pm the board reconvened out of Executive Session.
Chairman Wright made a motion to authorize the Public Works
Director's Signature on a letter to the Bureau of Reclamation
requesting concurrence on the removal of the Lund Lane bridge
for the new bridge per the license.
Vice -Chairman Wachsmith seconded. No discussion.
Motion passed all in favor.
Meeting concluded at 3:11 p.m.
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KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Cory Wright, Chairman
Administator
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