Commenter on 26-08 and 26-26: He said they work against each other regarding additional funding for needed services. Referenced Snohomish County prioritizes all government functions collectively and then prioritizes other items. He said that proposed fiscal amendments could threaten Clark County’s financial stability and requested they defer these to 2027.

Commenter on 26-13 & 26-15: She supported a strong ethics code but found the current amendment confusing and suggested simplification. Managers know how to manage people. Elected officials may have other skill sets from that needed for managing. She supports a separate Office of Ethics, but wondering who would manage that. She wants County Council to appoint Ethics Commission in an open meeting.

Executive Committee Reports: Commissioner Hoss reported one applicant responded to the RFP that was sent to legal. The commission will review and discuss the contract next week to see if the contract is agreeable from Sound Solutions Law, PLLC Kyla Bond in Paulsbo WA.

County Clerk Presentation: County Clerk Scott Webber and Chief Deputy Charlie Huffman began a presentation on the clerk’s office structure and duties.

Chief Deputy Charlie Huffman described functions of the office, types of cases they process, customer based and workload. Staff of 51. She described the difference Superior and District Courts. Problems include understaffing, and insufficient management structure. Workload is affected by changes to other parts of the system.

Scott Webber said the County Clerk is one of several independent elected officials since 1889.There are 34/39 counties that continue to have County Clerk elected. His concern is about interference for those not elected in carrying their duties independently. In another County, the Clerk had to create parallel paper system that was later determined they did not have to comply.

Commissioner Landesberg asked about choosing an elected official who may not have training or experience that the County Council or Superior Court Judge to make that choice. Response was that the voters get a chance to vote based on what they learn of the candidate. The Commissioner said he ran on policy to end election process but he has changed his mind. There needs to be a division to protect the record. The judicial does push over the Clerk.

Commissioner Donnelly said she is prepared to propose that the County Clerk be elected. It is already in the Charter. Is another amendment needed to restate the matter? Mr. Webber said that the Bench put it out to change the system while he was on vacation. He thinks the Charter Amendment needs to clarify that the position needs to be independent of the Court process helps maintain public trust.

Chair reminded they need to avoid a quorum. Let Michelle know if you are going so she can manage count of commissioners.

Committee Reports

a. Public Outreach Committee Secretary Garber said they met last week, firmed up town halls with schedule. News release went out. They posted on social media ( Facebook), asking for feedback. Flyer will have all the amendments and feedback form. Binder will be in cabinet for next meeting. No support staff to manage set up or clean up.

b. Proposed Amendment Study Committees

The status of the progress for review by the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (PA) and Financial Services (FS) was updated. Commissioner Adigweme is waiting feedback from both entities for each of his. Commissioner Garber is still waiting for both and her presentation is next week. Commissioner Gasque said hers is still stuck with PA but planning an interim presentation to discuss language choices and process. 26-15 does not want an Executive Session for now. There will not be a vote.

c. Drafting Committee presented by Commissioner Landesberg 26-01. The drafting committee explained the resolution formatting process and emphasized preserving committee-authored language. She shared the actual Resolution form to help committees why they need to use the format and how to use it. Only the charter language is reviewed. Not currently putting to put in the details of the committee. The numbering system is changing to new numbers for just this year. With feedback, this may be slightly different. Some commissioners want their names on the amendment to show the effort they put into it. Commissioner Landesberg does not think it is fair to other candidates to have Commissioner Silliman, who is on the ballot, to have his name on all amendments where he is a committee member.

Motion was made to direct Drafting Committee to revise the form to have only the signature of the Charter Review Commission and the Secretary. Motion passed 12 with 1 absence and 1 abstain-Silliman.

Break approved at 6:15 and returned at 6:30.

Comments by Support Staff: Michelle will be absent July 21. On May 27, packets no later than Friday May 22 at 3 pm which are 26-23 and 26-07. She suggested WORD format as most consistent with pdf. Joni said that website will have form for the organization where Commissioners are speaking. Put it in the newsletter suggested. Commissioner Holmgren receives feedback forms.

Old Business

None

New Business

Study Committee Presentation

26-13 Legislative Branch Employees Presentation & Resolution Packet

Commissioner Silliman

Topic: The commission reviewed an amendment to change staff reporting from the County Manager directly to County Council.

Intent: Intent is that Legislative branch has complete control of own employees, independent from other branches. No other County allows this sharing of staff. County Council supervises its own staff. Goal is to change reporting structure, not add staff.

Discussion: Other counties used as examples do not have a County Manager form of government. Council is the policy making body; the Manager is responsible for the Executive Branch. Sometimes there are conflicts. Some commissioners said the fiscal analysis does not support that it is not budget neutral. If functions move to County Council staffing, position in the other branches would need more staffing.

One Commissioner was in support, he said it ensures employees clear chain of command.

One commissioner thought it was premature since they do not have the detail of what would happen to staffing.. County is already understaffed.

Action: Motion to move amendment to Drafting Committee did not advance.

Good of the Order: Garber asked for persons responsible for passing on a study to several commissioners. She wants to comment back to those individuals. Kathleen Otto may know. What are Police Staffing Studies 26-26.

NEXT MEETING : Wednesday, May 20, 2026; 5–8 PM

Adjourned 7:03 pm

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