BOCC settles in to new schedule

Klickitat County Commissioners have recently adopted a new meeting schedule, commencing their workday at 9:30 a. m. instead of the previous 9 a. m. The morning sessions are now structured as workshops, which can be attended by the public via Zoom but do not allow for public comments or voting.

This change aims to foster a brainstorming atmosphere among commissioners and staff, enhancing the quality of discussions before public input is solicited in the afternoon sessions. Concerns from community members about the lack of Zoom access to Thursday workshops were met with reassurance from Commissioner Todd Andrews, who highlighted the intention behind the new format. The commissioners also intend to revive town hall meetings to strengthen community engagement across the county. During the recent meeting, the commissioners tackled a significant consent agenda with 20 items, many of which involved appointing individuals to various boards and committees. Among the noteworthy items was an amendment extending a lease with James Dean Construction for a quarry site and plans for a bid opening for the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport business park improvement project.

An upcoming item on the consent agenda will involve the appointment of members to an advisory committee on battery energy storage systems, indicating a focus on renewable energy initiatives.