Blake Richards

The Board of Commissioners discussed several agenda items, including the establishment of Chukar Drive and Chukar Lane as county roads and the approval of multiple sponsorship and service agreements related to the Asotin County Fair. Additionally, the Board approved an appointment for the Noxious Weed Control Board, authorized contracts for professional services regarding defense counsel for indigent individuals, approved the filling of a vacated Landfill Laborer position, and authorized the payment of various claims and vouchers.

The board addressed several key items, including authorization to negotiate a bid for the Clean Building Act Tier II project and the approval of a recommendation to deny a specific variance permit. Representatives from the Umatilla National Forest presented their 2026 Program of Work. The board also enacted several consent agenda items involving sponsorship agreements for the Asotin County Fair, approved various county financial claims, and conducted an executive session regarding contracts.

The meeting included the promulgation and approval of the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, requesting the inclusion of the Emergency Management Director's signature. Two public hearings were held: one concerning the establishment of Chukar Drive and Chukar Lane as County Roads, with public comments accepted until February 27, 2026; and another regarding Asotin County Noxious Weed Board Vacancies, also accepting public comments until February 27, 2026. Under the consent agenda, the 2026 Carnival Contract between Asotin County Fair and Rainier Amusements was approved. Discussions also covered an amendment to a contract with the WA Dept of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) related to the Birth to Three program concerning a reduction rate per child, and a City of Asotin resolution pertaining to an interlocal law enforcement rate increase. The Board approved claims, warrants, and payroll payments, and conducted multiple executive sessions regarding contracts, followed by a work session.

The meeting commenced with the scheduled executive session being removed. Key discussions included the Stormwater Coordinator requesting permission to purchase an F-550 vehicle, which was approved as it was within the Stormwater budget. The COO presented the City of Asotin Resolution 2026-759 regarding an amendment to the Interlocal Law Enforcement rate increase, which was tabled due to incorrect dates of service. Funding in the amount of $72,000 was approved for the Asotin County Alliance for the Unhoused (ACAU) to install a security fence at 1333 Fair Street. The meeting concluded with the approval of claims totaling $281,416.59, followed by a work session.

The meeting included several agenda items requiring Commissioner approval. An Emergency Hire for an Office Assistant Staff was approved at the request of the Sheriff. An update on manufacturer recruitment was provided by the President of Valley Vision. The Board approved an Agreement for Professional Services with J-U-B Engineers, Inc. for the Comprehensive Plan periodic update project. Permission was granted for the City of Clarkston to send utility bills for a residential sleep center to the Asotin County Alliance for the Unhoused. Approval was given to proceed with the purchase of a TYMCO Sweeper, including the trade-in of two existing sweepers, with the County Engineer designated as a signer. The Board approved the City of Asotin Resolution to amend the Prosecution Service Agreement to allow a rate increase for 2026. An Agreement between Asotin County Commissioners and the Washington State Council of County and City Employees regarding the Courthouse, effective from 2026 through 2028, was approved. Furthermore, an update to the Veterans Relief Fund Guidelines was approved, requiring a signature from the Veterans Advisory Board Chairman. Finally, various claims and payroll vouchers were approved for payment.