Yakima County commissioners approve letters to Yakama Nation to begin HB 1717 notification process

The Board of Yakima County Commissioners voted unanimously March 31 to sign government-to-government notification letters to the Yakama Nation to begin a process required under House Bill 1717.

Public services staff Aaron Cohen told the board the letters start the statutory notification process and reflect guidance from the state Department of Commerce. “Guidance from Commerce is not clear on how many notices are sufficient or if you have to notice throughout the process,” Cohen said, adding staff’s plan is to send notices at the major steps: when the county starts the process, after planning commission hearings and when the board begins hearings.

Cohen said the letters must be sent as government-to-government notices addressed to “Chairman Lewis” and that the county intends to deliver them by mail and email. He recommended drafting the set of letters now and sending them as a batch because they will largely cite the same statutes and RCWs. Cohen said staff will forward drafts to the clerk for distribution when they are ready.

Commissioner McKinney said he supported staff communicating with the tribe and asked that draft letters come to the board before signing. “I think I’m supportive of the idea of having you communicate, and just bringing the letters to us before signing,” McKinney said. Commissioner Lindy said she concurred with the approach and had no issues with moving forward.

Commissioner McKinney moved to sign the letters as presented; Commissioner Lindy seconded the motion. The board voted “aye” and the motion carried. The board record shows the action authorizes staff to proceed with mailing and emailing the government-to-government notices as described by staff.

The county will return to the board with plan updates at the major milestones noted by Cohen — planning commission hearings and board hearings — and will provide the board the draft letters before they are sent.