HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-10-12-minutes-cds-study-sessionKITTITAS COUNTY
CDS STUDY SESSION MINUTES
COMMISSIONERS' AUDITORIUM, 205 WEST 5th ROOM 109
Regular Meeting
MONDAY 2:30 PM October 12, 2026
Board members present: Chairman Brett Wachsmith, Vice -Chairman
Laura Osiadacz and Commissioner Jeff Leichleiter.
Others: Chad Bala, Jamey Ayling, Gail Weyand, Community
Development Services, Development Services, Stephanie Hartung,
Chief Civil Deputy, Clay White, Kimley-Horn.
At 2:32 pm Chairman Wachsmith opened the Community Development
Services Study Session.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
There were no citizen comments.
Clean Energy Siting and Permitting (CESP) Project Update
Chad Bala, CDS Director, provided an update on the County's
Clean Energy Siting and Permitting Project. He reported that
staff and consultants are reviewing a draft programmatic
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of more than 400 pages.
The project evaluates high-level environmental impacts and
potential mitigation measures associated with geothermal energy,
small modular nuclear reactors, wind energy, solar energy, and
battery energy storage. The project does not propose to
eliminate existing County code provisions for solar farms, wind
facilities, or other currently permitted energy uses. Instead,
the work is intended to clarify and strengthen County code,
consider emerging energy technologies, gather public input, and
protect agricultural lands, shrub -steppe habitat, and other
environmental resources.
Clay White of Kimley-Horn presented an overview of the project
and upcoming process. Mr. White stated that the project's
objective is to establish a clear, efficient, and locally
controlled permitting framework for clean -energy facilities. The
framework is intended to specify application requirements,
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environmental studies, mitigation measures, and review processes
so applicants and the public understand County expectations.
Mr. White noted that clearer County regulations would help
preserve local decision -making authority by enabling the County
to process proposals locally, rather than having certain
projects potentially proceed through state -level review
processes.
The draft programmatic EIS is scheduled for release on October
29, 2026, followed by a 45-day public comment period ending
December 11, 2026.
The programmatic EIS will examine potential countywide impacts,
planning approaches, and mitigation measures. Individual
development proposals would still be subject to project -specific
review, including applicable State Environmental Policy Act
review, public notice, and mitigation requirements.
Mr. White explained that future code provisions may address such
matters as appropriate locations, application submittal
requirements, noise and visual analyses, wildlife impacts, fire
and emergency -response capacity, economic impacts, construction,
operations, and decommissioning.
Jeff Leichleiter asked about the geographic scope of the
analysis. Clay White indicated the EIS is being evaluated at a
countywide level, while recognizing that individual project
impacts will vary based on location, scale, proximity to
sensitive resources, and other site -specific factors. The
proposed approach would rely on a robust permitting process to
evaluate individual applications.
Clay White reported that public engagement opportunities will
continue beyond the EIS comment period. Following the EIS
process, draft code amendments will be developed and considered
through public comment opportunities, Planning Commission
meetings and hearings, and future Board meetings.
Director Bala and the Clay White expressed interest in holding a
joint Board and Planning Commission work session in December to
review a potential code framework and receive early policy
direction. Code amendments are anticipated to return for further
consideration in 2027, with project completion targeted for June
30, 2027.
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Director Bala stated that the economic analysis will support
evaluation of potential financial and service impacts associated
with clean -energy development, including implications for County
services, fire protection, and other public resources.
Director Bala reported that the County executed an amendment to
its Department of Commerce Clean Energy Siting and Permitting
grant, adding $100,000 for an economic analysis component. The
total grant amount increased from $790,000 to $890,000.
Director Bala also noted that the preferred alternative
ultimately considered by the Board may incorporate elements from
multiple alternatives evaluated in the EIS.
Executive Session
At 2:52 Chairman Wachsmith announced the Board would recess into
an executive session for approximately 30 minutes with Chief
Civil Deputy, Stepahanie Hartung, CDS Director Chad Bala, and
CDS Planning Manager, Jamey Ayling under RCW 42.30.110 section
(i) To discuss with legal counsel representing the agency
matters relating to agency enforcement actions, or to discuss
with legal counsel representing the agency litigation or
potential litigation to which the agency, the governing body, or
a member acting in an official capacity is, or is likely to
become, a party, when public knowledge regarding the discussion
is likely to result in an adverse legal or financial consequence
to the agency.
No action was anticipated.
The Board reconvened out of executive session. No action was
taken.
Meeting was concluded at 3:25pm.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
Meeting concluded at 3:25 p.m.
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Gail Weyand,Chi
Administator
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MINUTES
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Brett Wachsmith, Chairman