HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-11-09-minutes-public-works-study-sessionPUBLIC
COMMISSIONERS '
MONDAY
Board members
Osiadacz and
KITTITAS
COUNTY
WORKS STUDY
AUDITORIUM,
SESSION MINUTES
205 WEST 5TH ROOM 109
1:30 PM
present: Chairman
Commissioner
Others: Joshua
County Public
Attorney; and
At 1:30 PM
Session.
NO CITIZEN
M
9_.yy 'A
Arden
Jeff
Brett Wachsmith,
Lei'chleiter.
Fredrickson, Arden Thomas
Works; Stephanie Hartung,
Two members of the public.
!.Uo"T P91-4
09,
Vice -Chairman
Lisa Godden,
Kittitas County
2026
Kittitas
Laura
Prosecuting
Chairman Brett Wachsmith opened the Public Works Study
COMMENTS
MITIGATION PLAN
Thomas
Station 73
The station
f loodplain
Department
program.
briefed
UPDATE
the
and the need
's finished
Board of
to update
-floor
requirements ;
of Ecology
the
audit
County Commissioners regarding Fire
the County Hazard Mitigation Plan..
elevation
matter
of the
was
does not meet applicable
identified during a
County 1 3
FEMA-related
f loodplain
Arden Thomas summarized alternatives evaluated with the fire
district, including relocation, elevation, and a flood wall.
Relocation and elevation were determined to be impracticable, and a
flood wall would not bring the structure into compliance. Staff
recommended adding mitigation actions to the Hazard Mitigation Plan
so the County and Fire District can continue evaluating a long-term
flood-risk solution.
The Board provided direction for staff to bring enabling
documentation forward at a future agenda session to update the Hazard
Mitigation Plan. The fire district is expected to consider a similar
adoption resolution.
BLACK HORSE DEVELOPMENT
Joshua Fredrickson briefed the Board of County Commissioners on the
Black Horse Development and the required frontage improvements at
Reecer Creek Road near the Town Ditch bridge. The developer's
2026-11-09 MINUTES
remaining
shoulders.
obligation
includes
bridge
widening, sidewalks,
and widened
Joshua Fredrickson explained that Public Works has grant funding
replace
an older
an in -lieu
would be
the entire bridge. Rather than require
structure that will be replaced, staff
the
developer
proposed
to
widen
negotiating
to
payment equal to the estimated widening cost. The payment
applied as local match for the bridge -replacement project
while satisfying the
The Board supported
with DR Horton for
development requirement.
staff proceeding with development
the in -lieu payment arrangement.
of an
agreement
QUAD COUNTY RURAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION (QUADCO)
Joshua Fredrickson updated the Board of County Commissioners on
QUADCO, the regional rural transportation planning organization
serving Kittitas, Grant, Adams, and Lincoln Counties and
participating municipalities. WSDOT had withdrawn administrative
funding after required work was not completed under the prior
rotating lead -agency structure.
Joshua Fredrickson reported that representatives of the member
counties and WSDOT discussed options for restoring administrative
capacity. The preferred approach is to designate one agency as the
continuing lead agency rather than rotate the responsibility. Grant
County indicated a willingness to assume the administrative role,
subject to necessary bylaw and interlocal -agreement amendments.
Staff advised that WSDOT may reinstate more than $200,000 in
administrative funding to support re-establishment of the
organization. A QUADCO member meeting is anticipated in early
December to discuss the proposed restructuring..
RECREATION CAPITAL PLANNING
Joshua Fredrickson briefed the Board of County Commissioners on
recreation capital planning and Fund 113, which supports recreation
capital and maintenance needs. Current facilities and activities
include Brian Thompson Park, the Vantage boat -launch restroom, and
related maintenance.
Joshua Fredrickson reviewed the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan
and identified current recreation projects, including the Brian
Thompson Park restroom., Manastash Trail parking, Stone Road parking
and access, and river -access signage. Staff stated that available
funding can support currently programmed work, with the Stone Road
access project identified as the immediate priority.
2026-11-09 MINUTES
The Board discussed coordination
County's comprehensive planning
Space, and
expires in
therefore,
fund
The
and
Sustainable Funding
2027. A grant
the
update
of the Capital
work,
(PROS)
and
Plan
request to update
will
Board directed staff to
priorities through the
process, with
obligations ,
attention
and access
need to be
continue
PROS Plan
to available
improvements
OTHER BUSINESS - NO ACTION
Joshua
Cascade
Fredrickson
Irrigation
collected surface
for hydraulic and
historic
I
mpacts
provided
District
Improvement
Plan, the
the Park, Recreation, Open
. The current PROS Plan
the plan was not selected;
funded
from the recreation
evaluating recreation projects
and upcoming capital -planning
revenues, long-term maintenance
at the Stone Road property..
TO BE TAKEN
and survey
geomorphic
channel changes,
to the irrigation
an
S
update
concerning
downstream
data and
is
analysis. The
potential
intake.
future
IWWTITQTI TIM we � - -
irrigation
reviewing a
analysis
changes,
Park and
intake. Staff has
consultant scope
will evaluate
and potential
Joshua Fredrickson stated that the work will inform future decisions
regarding possible repairs and the respective responsibilities of the
County and Cascade Irrigation District. The Board discussed forming a
working group with the County, Cascade Irrigation District, and other
interested parties to support the analysis and consider a future
interlocal agreement.
Meeting concluded at 1:55 PM
0
�Ys a Godden . I
Administrative Assistant
2026-11-09 MINUTES
KITTITAS COUNTY COI+MISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Brett Wachsmith, Chairman
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Public Works Study Session
Regular Meeting
Monday November 9,2026 - 1230 PM
BOCC Auditorium
205 West 5th Room 109 - Ellensburg
1. Call to Order
2. Citizen Comments (1 min. time limit)
3. Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
4. Black Horse Development
5. Quad County Rural Transportation Planning Organization (QUADCO)
6. Recreation Capital Planning
7. Other Business - No Action to be taken
8. Concluded
Kittitas County is committed to making its services, public meetings, programs, and activities readily
accessible to individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request.
To request an accommodation, please contact the Kittitas County ADA Coordinator as soon as passible
to allow sufficient lime for the County to make the necessary arrangements.
A Request for Accommodation f
orm is available at the Kittitas County Courthouse. You may also request
a form or submit an accommodation reques
(509) 962m7O82 or hr@,co.kiftitas.wa.us-
t by contacting the Kittitas County ADA Coordinator at
Created on 11/5/2026 1:58:43 PM
KITTITAS COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
PUBLIC WORKS — BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT
STUDY SESSION DATE:
TOPIC*
ACTION REQUESTED:
LEAD STAFF:
1.1
RECOMMENDATION:
BRIEFING SUMMARY.,
• In 2025, Ki*ttitas County led a multi -jurisdictional update to the Hazard Mitigation
Plan. The plan was approved by FEMA and adopted by Ki*tti'tas County.
• During an audit of Kittitas County"s floodplai*n development program, the
November 9, 2026
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Direction to Staff
Arden Thomas
Direct staff to prepare enabli'
Updated Multi -Jurisdictional
Plan
ng documents to adopt
Hazard Mitigation
Department of Ecology identified compliance issues with Fire District 7's Fire
itas County
• Ki'tti*tas County and.Fire District 7 evaluated severa
Station 73, which was permitted by Kitt
1 options to bring Fire Station
73 into compliance, in cluding relocation, building elevation, and construction of
an engineered flood wall. Relocation and building elevation are not feasible, and
flood wall construction has significant drawbacks. The results of this evaluation
were shared with the Department of Ecology.
• The Department of Ecology notified Kl*ttl*tas County that updating the Hazard
Mitigation Plan to include a mitigation action addressing Fire Station 73 would
enable the Department to close its audit. The updated plan must be adopted by
both KI*ttl*tas County and Fire District 7.
• Ki"ttitas County and Fire District 7 have updated the Hazard Mitigation Plan to
meet the Department of EcoloLav's requirements.
BACKGROUND:
In 2025,, Kitti*tas County led a multi*-j*urisdictional update to the Hazard Mitigation Plan in
partnership with 15 planning partners, including local jurisdictions and special-purpose
districts. The plan was approved by FEMA and adopted by Ki'ttitas County i*n August
2025 (Resolution No. 2025-143).
During a Community Assistance Visit to evaluate Ki*tti"tas County's compliance with the
so minimum standards of the National Flood Insurance Program, the Department of Ecology
qP
identified compliance issues with Fire District 7's Fire Station 73. Following completion
Page 1 of 3
PUBLIC WORKS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT
A
of the structure in 2014, it was determined that the fire station had not been sufficiently
elevated. Fire Station 73 is more than 3 feet below the base flood elevation.
Kittitas County and Fire District 7 evaluated several options to bring Fire Station 73 into
compliance, i
flood wall.
nclud*ing relocation, building elevation, and construction of an engineered
Relocation is not feasible due to the cost ($13 million for building construction, plus land
acquisition costs) and the lack of sul'table alternative sisites.Buildin2 elevation is also not
feasible.
An engineered flood wall is technically feasible, but there are significant concerns. The
project
without
evacuate apparatus and personnel in advance of a flood. Additionally, installation of the
would oe costly $J.64 million) and would protect the building and its contents
bringing the building into full compliance. The district would still need to
deployable component of the flood wall would require four people approximately five
hours t
Ecolog
o complete. The results of this evaluation were shared with the Department of
0
The Department of Ecology has nott"
Mitigation Plan to include a mitigati
feed Kittitas County that updating the I lazard
on action addressing Fire Station 73 will enable the
Department to close its audit. The updated plan mu
and Fire District 7. Public Works is coordination w
DISCUSSIO: N
KI"ttitas County and Fire Di'stri'c
Hazard Mitigation Plan:
A be adopted by both K*Ittitas County
ith Fire District 7 on their adoption.
t 7 propose to add the following mitigation action to the
Partner to identify and implement actions to reduce flood susceptibility and ensure
continuity of services at Fire Station 73 given theflood risk to this criticalfacility.
Planning will consider both near -term actions such as potential building retrofitfor
greaterflood resilience and the temporary and/or permanent housing of building
functions at alternative locations, as well as long-term actions such facility successi0 on
planningfor when the current structure exceeds its design life.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
qb
Updating the Hazard Mitigation Plan to include the new mitigation action may improve
our ability to secure grant funding. Additional planning resources will be needed to
identify flood risk reduction actions that are compatible with Fire District 7's day-to-day
operational needs.
Due to Flood Control Zone District capacity considerations, the 2027 budget does not
include additional planning expenditures. However, this activity has been scheduled for
2028 I"n the District's six -year Capital Improvement Plan.
ATTACHMENTS.
Exhibit i :Updated Mitigation Actions
Page 2 of 3
PUBLIC WORKS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT
EXHIBIT 1: UPDATED MITIGATION ACTIONS
Page 3 of 3
PUBLIC WORKS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION STAFFREPORT
2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan
Kittitas County, Washington
11gatic
kr.tinn
Action Number
Partner with Fire District 7 to identify and implement actions to reduce flood susceptibility and ensure continuity of services at
Fire Station 73 given the flood risk to this critical facility. Planning will consider both near -berm actions such as potential building
retrofit for greater flood resilience and the temporary -and/or permanent housing of building functions at alternative locations, as
well as long-term actions such facility succession tannin for when the current structure exceeds its design life.
Year Initiated 1
KC-50 Anticipated Year of 2026 Prioritization Score 26/40
Goal(s) Addressed
Project Status
Benefits
{Loss Avoided)
Lead Agency / Organization
Additional Participating
Jurisdictions (If applicable)
Project Duration
Potential Funding Source
Implementation Priority
Initiation
1,2,3.5
New
Kittitas County Public Works
Short -Term
Local Budgeted Funds, HMGP,
FMA, FEMA PA
High
Changes in
Priority
(if applicable)
Hazard(s) Mitigated
If DeletedlNo Longer
Needed, provide reason.
' Supporting Agency
Organization
(If applicable)
nla
Estimated Cost
If Other, you must
identify a funding source.
Please provide further
detail on Potential
Funding Source.
High
Flood
nra
Kittitas County Fire District #7
Medium to High
nla
Flood Control Zane District
Appendix A: Mitigation Actions 284
2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan
Kittitas County, Washington
Action Number
Partner with the Kittitas County Flood Control Zane District to identify and implement actions to reduce flood susceptibility and
ensure continuity of services at Fire Station 73 given the flood risk to this critical facility. Planning will consider both near -term
actions such as potential building retrofit for greater flood resiliency and the temporary and/or permanent housing of building
functions at afternative locations, as well as long-term actions such facility succession planning for when the current structure
exceeds its design life.
KCFD7-1 0
Goal(s) Addressed
Project Status
Benefits
(Loss Avoided)
Lead Agency 1 Organization
Additional Participating
Jurisdictions (If applicable)
.. I ..
Project Duration
Potential Funding Source
Implementation Priority
Year Initiated I
Anticipated Year of
Initiation
1,2,3.5
New
Kittitas County Fire District #7
Short -Term
Local Budgeted Funds, HMGP,
FMA, FEMA PA
High
Changes in
priority
If applicable
i
Prioritization Score
Hazard(s) Mitigated
E
If DeletedlNo Longer n/a
Needed, provide reason.
Supporting Agency
1 organization
(If applicable)
Na
Estimated Cost
If Other, you must
� identify a funding source.
Please provide further
detail on Potential
Funding Source.
High
26/40
Kittitas County Public Works
Medium to High
nla
General District Fund Staff Time}, F 00d Control
one Dis rict
Kittitas County Fire District #7 26
KITTITAS COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
PUBLIC WORKS — BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT
STUDY SESSION DATE:
TOPIC:
ACTION REQUESTED:
LEAD STAFF:
Josh Fredrickson
RECOMMENDATION:
November 9, 2026
Black Horse Development
Direction to Staff
Direct staff to work with D.R. Horton related to fee -in -lieu agreement bridge construction
BRIEFING SUMMARY:
• Black Horseat Whiskey Creek Phase 1 mylars were approved December 21, 2021
• Black Horse at Whiskey Creek Phase 2 mylars were approved August 15, 2023
• Development had a requirement to widen the bridge on Reecer Creek Road
• Public Works has received grant funding award to replace the bridge on Reecer
Creek Road
BACKGROUND:
Phase 1 and 2 of
i
Whiskey Creek development
reviousi)reen approveC.Arequi
prementfor the c eveiopmen
by D.R. Horton has
t includes frontage
improvements on Reecer Creek Road. This iincluded wdening the existing structure over
Town Ditch, structure number 8827..'1,. This structure was originally constructed in 1963
the Black Horse at
and widened in 1992. The structure has a general condition code identified as Poor.
DISCUSSION:
The structure,, Reecer Creek Rd over Towne Ditch, appears on the adopted six -year
transportation plan. On May 14, 2025, the County Road Administration Board (CRAB)
noticed Public Works of Rural Arterial Trust Account (RATA) funding award through
the Rural Arterial Program (RAP). The grant supports Reecer Creek Rd over Towne
Ditch structure replacement. A fee -in -lieu agreement has been
being directed to the project as a portion of the County match.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding helps support the structure replacement project.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
proposed with the funding
KITTITAS COUNTY
]DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
PUBLIC WORKS — BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT
STUDY SESSION DATE: November 9, 2026
TOPIC: Quad County Rural Transportation Planning
Organization (QUADCO)
ACTION REQUESTED: Informational Only
LEAD STAFF:
Josh Fredrickson
RECOMMENDATION:
inflormational only — no action required
BRIEFING SUMMARY:
• Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) rescinded funding to
the QUAD -County Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO)
• WSDOT has interest in supporting regional transportation planning
• Lead agency responsibilities previously have rotated between the four counties
• RTPOs are positioned to develop and support regional priorities and opportunities
• Evaluation of QUADCO's rotating administration model is necessary to ensure an
effective approach for the future.
BACKGROUND:
41
QUADCO provides regional transportation planning and implementation, within the
region of Adams, Grant, Kittitas and Lincoln counties, through the coordination of all
entities and for all transportation modes. Participation i*n QUADCO is voluntary and
consists of the QUADCO Council and the Transportation Board. The QUADCO Council
is the body of members who have been appointed to represent member agencies to carry
out responsibilities of QUADCO.
DISCUSSION:
Administrative responsibilities cycle between the four counties. Funding support for
40
administrative work of QUADCO has previously come through WSDOT. WSDOT
rescinded their funding support to QUADCO i*n the current year. There is interest in
restructuring the administrative support, orlead agency rotation, I ich is currently
adopted by the ADO Council. Having a single agency assigned on a permanent basis
10
to function as lead agency. WSDOT is supportive of this change and has indicated
funding can be reinstated. A QUADCO Council meeting is
being scheduled to discuss
current structure and possible future revisions to lead agency rotation as well as council
bylaws.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None anticipated
ATTACHMENTS:
None
KITTITAS COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
PUBLIC WORKS — BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT
STUDY SESSION DATE0
:
TOPIC:
ACTION REQUESTED:
LEAD STAFF.,
Josh Fredrickson
RECOMMENDATION:
November 9, 2026
Recreation Capital Planning
Direction to Staff
Direct staff to evaluate the current capital plan regarding Recreation
BRIEFING SUMMARY:
• Capita1proj
cts related to recreation have been i
• Funding is identified in Fund 1]3 and includes 1
funding is sought where available
identified i"n the proposed budget
ocal funds to support parkslp
; grant
V V
• Update to the capital project list through the Capital Improvement Program and
the PROS plan
BACKGROUND:
Ki*ttt*tas County owns property which has been identified for a recreation purpose. This
includes the Ryan Thompson Park located on Naneum Road as well as support for
restrooms at the boat launch I*n Vantage. In addition, the County owns property which can
be considered for recreation purposes in t
ncludes property acquired for
floodplainThere management along Canyon are also opportunities to support
regional recreation facilities such as the Manastash tral*lhead by providing parking.
DISCUSSION:
Capital projects related to Regl'or
Improvement Program (CIP) for
he future. This i
al Parks and Trails are identified in the adopted Capital
the Planning Period 2026-2031 (Resolution 2025-0007).
An update to the CIP will occur in 2021. Funding for capital improvements are
in the current budget proposal in Fund 1 l 3. Proposed projects for FY 2027 are
in Table I below.
identified
identified
The project to provide property access from Stone Road has been coupled with the Flood
Control Zone District floodplain property restoration project. This project will include
access as well as available parking for passive recreation. Design has started and
combining the two projects provides efficiency in design and construction. Additional
projects may be considered as an evaluation of the current list. A Park, Recreation, Open
Space and Sustainable Funding (PROS) Plan
is to be updated to be eligible for funding.
The current PROS plan expires in 2027. An update will include goals and objectives,
recreational inventory, a public, involvement process, data analysis of demand and need,
priorities and prospective funding sources for projects submitted to the State
t
he
for funding to update plan
. A grant was . A grant was
6 y noticed that it was unsuccessful.
Funding to update the PROS plan will be through Fund 113.
and PW was recentl
Table I : Parks and Rec Projects
1113 Parks and Ree Projects
2027
Thompson Park Restroom
$70K
Manastash Tral"Ihead Parking
$120K
Stone Road Property Access
$S 10K
Yakima River Access
$75K
Other
$31K
Total
S806K
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for the capital projects is identified I*n the proposed budget.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhi'bl't 1: Location Maps
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