2019-06-17 Update with County ManagerUpdate with County Manager
June 17, 2019
11 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, County Manager Erik
Martin, Lara McRea, Wayne Whiton, Becky Butler, Martin Roy, Steve Walton, Martin Roy, Tamara Hayes,
Eric Eisenberg
Guests: Alex Brown, Sean Bell, William Serrahn
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Budget
No update.
Skookumchuck wind farm
Eric Eisenberg said the county is in negotiations with RES Americas about a crossing agreement for the
transmission line that goes to the substation. He said the line would cross over Big Hanaford Road twice.
Eric said it’s being treated similar to how a franchise would be treated. Eric said RES would like an
agreement for 41 years instead of the standard 5-year agreement given for franchises. Eric said the
smaller agreement window gives the county the ability to address any concerns that may arise.
The commissioners directed Eric to continue exploring safeguards that would allow for a longer
agreement, including:
• Dispute resolution language, including verbiage about awarding attorney’s fees
• Five-year review schedule
• Compensation
• Indexed insurance limits
Commissioner Fund asked Eric to reach out to Kittitas County to learn about its process.
Eric, Martin Roy and Sean Bell left at 11:15 a.m.
911 / Department of Emergency Services
Fire paging system: Erik Martin discussed funding needs for the fire-paging system.
Infrastructure study: Erik said he Users group met with the consultant the previous week. Commissioner
Jackson said Adam Wasserman indicated that the state has mandated infrastructure studies across the
state.
Central Services / CFP
Recreation grant: Tamara Hayes discussed grant funding available. She asked for the BOCC’s support
regarding efforts for a countywide Recreation Plan. The commissioners said they support the effort.
Southwest Washington Fair: Tamara said flowers donated by Adna Floral arrived earlier in the day. She
said the Fair Association has requested renaming the South Stage the “Fair Association Community
Stage.” The group discussed keeping “South” in the name. The commissioners agreed to rename it the
“Fair Association Community Stage South.”
Packwood state parks land: Erik discussed a recent trip to the property. Wayne Whiton said the
property includes a gravel pit. Wayne said obtaining the property appears to be a low-risk opportunity
to obtain something beneficial to county residents and visitors. He said a nonprofit could be tasked with
maintaining it. Erik said he will have the PA’s Office review a draft agreement for the property.
William Serrahn said DOT has a risk for a gravel pit but that one doesn’t really exist.
CFP: Erik said CFP will present a broad proposal to the BOCC soon. He said financing plans remain
unclear.
Tamara left at 11:44 a.m.
Announcements
Erik said he and Becky Butler recently met with Shad Hail regarding the need for a new juvenile center.
HR
Erik said Daleyn Coleman has been working on an update for the light refreshment and meals policy in
the employee handbook. He asked the commissioners to review the draft and provide feedback.
Calendars / vacation schedules
Erik said he will attend a July 1 meeting regarding the Flood Control Zone District.
Erik noted that the Washington State Parks reviewed its plans for the Packwood property in 2010.
Meeting ended at 11:53 a.m.