Douglas County

The 2020 Douglas County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan aims to guide the county and its communities in substantially reducing vulnerability to natural hazards. Key objectives include enhancing risk assessment methodologies, recalibrating mitigation strategies, and facilitating access to FEMA grant funding. The plan focuses on protecting citizens, critical facilities, infrastructure, private property, and the natural environment through increased public awareness and inter-organizational collaboration, addressing risks from dam failures, droughts, earthquakes, floods, landslides, severe storms, tornadoes, wildfires, and winter storms.

The proceedings addressed several operational and administrative matters across the convened days. Key discussions included the allocation of Community Involvement Fee Funds for the Moderate Risk Waste Facility completion, monthly budget reviews by the Undersheriff and Auditor, and an update on a Link Transit meeting. Transportation and Land Services involved discussions on a boundary line adjustment, a Public Hearing concerning a Quiet Zone at the Spanish Castle Road Crossing, review of the Baker Flats Design Package, and an administrative settlement for McNeil Canyon Road realignment. The Board also addressed an agricultural analysis kick-off meeting schedule and regulations concerning mural signs. Furthermore, the board handled an amendment to DCC 18A.72.190 regarding Accessory Dwelling Units, discussed wireless carriers, and approved the appointment of a Council Member to the Board of Health. The agenda also covered relocation funds for the Office of Public Defense and updates regarding the NCW Fair and a WSU Extension open position. The consent agenda approved facility use agreements, previous meeting minutes, and various vouchers.

The proceedings for Monday, March 2, 2026, included swearing-in of the Interim Sheriff and an executive session concerning litigation. Key discussions involved the website redesign going live the following week, a letter of support requested from Grant County for a Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending related to the Grant County Coroner's Office Advanced Equipment Project, and a discussion regarding a Commerce Grant for Hazard Mitigation Update. The board also heard from the Upper Columbia Irrigation District regarding the Grant Road and Nile Roundabout Project, and received updates from Transportation and Land Services, including a Call for Bids for various asphalt and material resolutions, and discussions on the Shoreline Master Program violation and the Trades District new request. On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, discussions continued with the approval of a resolution concerning an amendment to Douglas County Code. Further approvals were granted for the previously noted Calls for Bids, an Interlocal Agreement for a Regional Stormwater Management Effectiveness Study, and applications for CDTC 2026 Call for Projects. An executive session was held to discuss potential litigation. Economic development topics included project updates, legislative priorities, setting up LTAC Committee interviews, and updates on the Sports Complex and Wenatchee Landing. Administrative approvals included a Coroner Service Agreement with Stericycle and Letters of Support for appropriation requests from the Douglas County Sewer District No. 1 and Grant County Coroner.

This Local Road Safety Plan outlines Douglas County's commitment to improving transportation safety and achieving the Washington State Department of Transportation's Target Zero goal by 2030. The plan analyzes crash data from 2019-2023 to identify risk factors such as horizontal curves, posted speed, fixed objects, and contributing circumstances like speeding and impairment. It proposes industry-wide countermeasures including infrastructure improvements, speed management, and enforcement strategies to reduce serious injury and fatality crashes on county roads.

The proceedings included discussions on the potential consolidation of Veterans Service Officer (VSO) departments with Chelan County and follow-up visits to Washington D.C. The Board expressed support for an add-on for bilingual exempt/excluded employees. Project updates covered the Baker Flats roundabout submittal and an agreement for Manson Growers. Discussions continued regarding the Text-2025-02 ADUs in the East Wenatchee UGA and the Mixed-Use Zoning District, where the Board voted to maintain the Mixed-Use (MU) designation. Consensus was reached to allow electronic signatures on a letter of support for Senate Bill 6239. The Board held an executive session to discuss qualifications for appointment to public office, following which Undersheriff Tyler Caille was appointed as Interim Sheriff to complete the unexpired term. Administrative items included authorization for signature stamps on a thank you letter for Wenatchi Landing, review of a draft Ordinance regarding Graffiti, and discussion of the Opioid Abatement Funding Policy. The Board approved an Interlocal Support and Service Agreement with Wenatchee Valley Fire, a Grievance Settlement Agreement with WSCCCE AFSME Council 2 AFL-CIO, and authorized the purchase of a Gooseneck Trailer for the Solid Waste Program.