Doug Fessler

The Commissioners' meeting covered multiple administrative items. Discussion included reviewing the weekly calendar, approving Personnel Action Forms (PAF's) and vouchers, and reviewing the weekly Correspondence Log for the week ending October 7, 2021. The Board confirmed its decision to remain a party to the Blake lawsuit against the State. Resolutions were approved regarding the closure of the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners Office on December 24, 2021 (Resolution 2021-152), and revising dates for Budget Hearings in Kittitas County (Resolution 2021-151). The Board ratified a letter to Governor Inslee expressing concern over mandated vaccination orders and ratified the Chair's signature on a Signature Authorization Form with the Washington State Military Department (Contract U22-014). The ratification of a Notice of Liquor License Application for Suncadia Management was approved with conditions for future expedited approvals. The Board discussed 2022 budget goals and accomplishments. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters, after which direction was given to set up interviews for top HR Director candidates. The Communications Director provided updates, and Commissioners reviewed their assigned Department Head meetings.

The session included an introduction to the Public Lands Commissioner with a rescheduled discussion on Kittitas County priorities. Key department business involved an overview of the Naloxone Kiosk Program, which was moved to the next meeting. The primary agenda item was the Opioid Settlement Funding Discussion, resulting in the approval of an allocation of $100,000 annually for five years to fund the Harm Reduction Program. The board also discussed preparations for the 1/10th Sunset of the 1% Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Tax, agreeing on specific data points to be gathered before scheduling a public hearing. Finally, the promotion of Kim Shilley to Environmental Health Specialist II was discussed and approved based on her performance and certifications.

The Commissioners convened for a Special Meeting, immediately recessing into an Executive Session to discuss matters relating to agency enforcement actions, or litigation or potential litigation, where public knowledge could result in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the agency. The Board reconvened out of Executive Session without taking any action before adjourning the meeting.

The scheduled Regular Meeting for the Kittitas County Solid Waste and Maintenance session, which was set to occur on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, was cancelled.

The Commissioners held a Special Meeting that included multiple recesses into Executive Session to evaluate the qualifications of a public employment applicant or review the performance of a public employee. No action was taken during these executive sessions. Upon reconvening to the public session, the Board's evaluation of Ms. Read's performance was announced, reflecting a "meets expectations" rating.