1. Call to Order

Chairperson DeVaney called the meeting to order at 2:04 p.m. in the council chambers, Yakima City Hall; 129 N Second St.; Yakima, Washington.

2. Roll Call

Thornsbury conducted roll call and declared a quorum present.

Board members: Amanda McKinney, County Representative, Present (via video-conference)

Steven Jones, Ph.D., County Representative, Present

[vacant], Large City Representative, Absent

Hilda González, Ed.D., City Representative, Present (via video-conference)
Jon DeVaney, Member-at-Large, Present

Staff present: Marc Thornsbury, Executive Director

3. Changes to the Agenda

DeVaney asked if there were any changes to the agenda. None were requested.

4. Public Comment

DeVaney asked if there were any public comments. Nancy Lust, Friends of Rocky Top, asked if DTG Recycling had submitted paperwork for a third cell. DeVaney stated Agency staff could follow up after the meeting.

5. Board Meeting Minutes for January 8, 2026

DeVaney asked if there were any corrections to the minutes. Jones moved to approve the January 8, 2026, minutes. McKinney seconded. Motion passed 3-0.

6. Payroll Transfer Authorization for December 2025

Jones moved to approve the December 2025 payroll transfer. González seconded. Motion passed 3-0.

7. Vouchers for January 2026

Jones noted a payment to Mr. Zuniga. Thornsbury stated it was the final payment concluding the contract. González noted a large amount paid to Coastal and asked its purpose. Thornsbury stated it was payment for low income wood stove replacements under the state-funded solid fuel burning device replacement program. Jones moved to approve the January 2026 vouchers. González seconded. Motion passed 3-0.

8. Executive Director’s Report

Thornsbury stated Agency staff has been heavily involved with annual registration with the expectation it would be completed that day or the next. He noted the Agency tried something new in 2026 by creating a flyer to assist industry in preparing for inspections and including it with the registration paperwork. Thornsbury explained compliance staff spends time during inspections on basic elements such as having records orderly and available and this limits the number of inspections that can be conducted. He added the hope is to be able to improve inspection efficiency and, as a result, be able to conduct more of them. Thornsbury noted if the test is successful in achieving its objectives and well-received by industry, the Agency may use the annual registration mailing as a means of getting other information into the hands of those that need it. He reiterated doing so was something that had not been done in the past.

DeVaney asked for an update on open positions within the Agency. Thornsbury explained there are two open positions with one being left empty due to the reduction in funding by the state through this biennium. He added recruitment would not resume until funding is restored. Thornsbury stated recruiting for the second position is being delayed due to concerns regarding the future of federal funding. He explained the state has not yet received certain funds from the federal government and cannot distribute those to local air pollution control authorities until such time as they are. Thornsbury noted if federal funding is permanently interrupted, the two positions would likely remain open until such time and funding is restored.

González inquired regarding the appointment to fill the board vacancy. Thornsbury stated efforts continue to convene the mayors comprising the City Selection Committee, adding González may have been contacted regarding the informal monthly mayors meeting which it was hoped could be a forum for nominating and appointing a person to fill the current vacancy. González offered her assistance. Thornsbury welcomed any help offered.

9. Other Business

None.

10. Adjournment

Jones moved to adjourn. McKinney seconded. Motion passed 3-0. DeVaney adjourned the meeting at 2:15 p.m.

Jon DeVaney, Chairperson Marc Thornsbury, Executive Director