Virtual Meetings

Please note that not all meetings are virtual. To be sure, take a look at the Meeting Agenda you are intrested in to see if a virtual option is listed.

Transparency is important to us at Kittitas County. Prior to Washington State’s Stay Home and Safe Start plans, we provided streaming and recordings of our public meetings. As we begin holding more public meetings and some visitors return to the courthouse, we are expanding and improving our virtual meeting offerings. On this page you will find some helpful information on how to join us for our public meetings.

During some meetings there might be a public comment period. If you wish to provide comments to the board you may choose to provide them during a virtual public meeting, as explained below. If attending public meetings in person is allowed, you may also provide comments in person. If access to technology is limited or you would rather not provide them during a meeting, you may email the board or send your comments via the US Postal Service.

Webex

We provide virtual public meetings using Cisco’s Webex software. Webex allows you to participate from almost any device and it is easy to use. The Webex Meetings video conferencing solution has been a leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Meeting Solutions, 12 years running.

Get The Software

Webex works on computers, smartphones, and telephones. You can join a Webex meeting that runs in your browser without installing the full software. Or, for a richer experience you can choose to install the software.

Computer

To use Webex with a personal computer, you will need to have:
  • Speakers or headphones
  • A microphone (if you intend to speak). Most laptop computers have microphones built in, however, most desktop PC's do not. You may need to purchase one.
  • An internet connection
  • An internet browser
  • Optional: the Webex software

Here is the page where you can download the software.

Smartphone

To use Webex with a smartphone will need to have:

  • An internet connection via either mobile data or Wi-Fi
  • The Webex app installed on your smartphone
  • This page will direct you to where you can download the software for your Android or Apple smartphone.

Telephone

You do not need any software to dial-in to the meeting.

Although it is possible to join a Webex meeting from a telephone, you will not be able to see any materials that are presented during the meeting. It may also be more difficult to participate in the meeting as a dial-in user.

Join The Meeting

There are two ways to join a Webex meeting: using the Meeting Link or using the Meeting Number. We recommend that you try to use the Meeting Link first and then use the Meeting Number as a backup method.

Meeting Link

The agenda posted on the county’s website will have a link to the Webex meeting. Simply click the Join Now link and you will be connected. You might have to register for the meeting by providing your name and email address if comments are allowed. If you wish to remain anonymous and not provide comments, use the dial-in number provided on the agenda.

Meeting number

The information for the meeting will contain a meeting number and an optional password that you can use to join the meeting.

  • Navigate to https://kittitascounty.webex.com
  • Enter the meeting number into the Join a Meeting box and then click the Join button
  • You may be prompted to enter the meeting password if there is one. Often times there is no password.

Dialing in

The meeting information will also contain a dial-in phone number.

  • Call this number
  • Enter the meeting Number

Testing your system

Webex has an empty "test meeting" that you can join to test out your software installation before a real meeting. Click here to join the test meeting.

Participate in the meeting

If the meeting has a public comment period, you will be given instructions at the beginning of the comments period. They might include using the "raise hand" feature in Webex to let the host know that you would like to comment. Written comments are welcome at anytime prior to Public Hearings by emailing the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners or sending them by mail to 205 West 5th Avenue #108, Ellensburg WA 98926.

Please note: if you wish to participate in a meeting, we recommend joining the meeting using a computer with a headset/microphone as it is the easiest to use and provides the best experience.

Raise Hand

Computer

Grey icon of a hand Black icon of a participant
  • Look for the Participants icon in your Webex software. This looks like the silhouette of a head and shoulders.
  • Click the Raise Hand icon, which looks like a hand.

Smartphone

  • Look for the Participants icon in your Webex software. This looks like the silhouette of a head and shoulders.
  • Click the Raise Hand icon, which looks like a hand.

Telephone

  • Press 3 on your telephone to raise your hand. Once you have raised your hand, you'll hear the prompt, "You have raised your hand to ask a question. Please wait to speak until the host calls on you."

Resolve Common Issues

Joining a meeting

  • If you are having trouble joining the meeting using the Meeting Link, please try joining again using the Meeting Number

Audio Issues

General Troubleshooting

If you cannot hear anything

  • Make sure your speakers are plugged in, turned on, and the volume is up.
  • Check your system tray speakers to make sure they are not muted and the volume is up.

If you are trying to comment and can’t be heard

  • Make sure the meeting host has unmuted your mic. You will be given instructions during the meeting when you may provide comments.
  • Make sure your headset is not muted.
  • Make sure your mic is not muted in Webex.

Device specific troubleshooting

Computer

Make sure that your speakers are plugged in, turned on, and the volume is up. Make sure that the volume is turned up (and not muted) on your computer's operating system. This is generally in the lower right hand corner of your screen. If Webex says the meeting is in “Practice Session,” the meeting has not started yet or the board is in Executive Session. Please wait and the meeting will start or resume shortly.

Smartphone

  • Check that your phone isn't muted on the screen or on a headset.

Telephone

  • You may need to dial 6 to unmute your line in some circumstances.

Recorded Meetings

Recording are available on the meeting recordings page.

External Links

Software Links

Download the Webex software.

Training Links

How to Join a Webex Meeting

How to Join a Webex Event