HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.2024 BOH Packet Kittitas Couty
Public Health
Denpartment
To Protect and Promote the Health and the Environment of the People of Kittitas County
BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING
AGENDA
Thursday,January 18, 2024
Commissioners' Auditorium and WebEx
10:00a m
Introduction of Guests
Minutes:
• Approval of December 21, 2023 Board of Health minutes
• Approval of December 21, 2023 Joint Board of Health and Board of County Commissioners
minutes
Public Comment
Department Updates
• Health Officer Update (20 minutes)
• Director/Administrative Officer Report(10 minutes)
• 2022 Community Health Assessment Presentation (20 minutes)
• Washington State OSS Rule Revisions(20 minutes)
Other Business
• Elect Kittitas County Board of Health Vice-Chair(10 minutes)
• Board of Health bylaws discussion re: quorum (10 minutes)
Board of Health Member Updates (10 minutes)
Conclude
1
Kittitas County
Public Health
Departrtmeni
To Protect and Promote the Health and the Environment of the People of Kittitas County
KITTITAS COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH (BOH)
Meeting Minutes
December 21, 2023
Commissioners'Auditorium
10:00 am
Present
Board of Health (BOH): Brett Wachsmith, Laura Osiadacz, Cory Wright, Danielle Bertschi
Absent: Dede Utley
Public Health: Candi Blackford, Chelsey Loeffers,Jesse Cox, Dan Suggs, Lucy Garcia, Cambron Walker,
Kate Johnson, Mackenzie Carter, Whitney Wheelock, Mark Larson M.D., Katie Odiaga, Kasey Knutson
Others: Ruby Collins, Kittitas County Health Network
BOH meeting called to order at 10:14am.
Approval of Minutes
Motion to approve November 28, 2023, Board of Health meeting minutes as presented.
Motion 12.01: Motion to approve the November 28,2023, Board of Health meeting minutes as
presented. Brett Wachsmith moved to approve the November 28,2023, Board of Health meeting
minutes as presented. Danielle Bertsch! second.All approved. Motion carried to approve the
November 23,2023,Board of Health meeting minutes as presented.
Public comment open at 10:15 am
Public comment closed at 10:15 am
Department Updates
Director/Administrative Officer Report
Staffing Updates
• Steph Mifflin accepted tech position and starts January 2"d
• CH project specialist closes on December 25 with five applicants to date.
Departmental Updates
• The department had a very productive archiving day on December 8.The staff focused on
records retention, destruction of records per retention schedules, and prepping for 2024.The
shred bins are full.
• The Community Health Assessment (CHA) is almost ready for release. BOH will have a
presentation on the final document in January.
• The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is almost done.The draft content is being
finalized, and then will go to the designers for formatting. Planning for final presentation to BOH
when completed.
2
• The department has been asked by the Board of County Commissioners to take over clerking for
the Kittitas County Homelessness and Affordable Housing Committee. Candi Blackford is
stepping in temporarily until we establish that work as a permanent element to a position.
• The initial recommendations from our organizational consultant have been received. We are
working through them as a management team and hope to have a presentation for the board
next month.
• The department is partnering with regional Local Health Jurisdictions to bring in a regional
wildfire smoke/air quality expert to work with the region in 2024 on developing emergency
response plans, structuring internal programs, and providing technical support.
• Kelly Bacon has worked with the department and completed the flu/COVID clinic After Action
Report.A lot of great ideas, opportunities to improve, and recognition of successes was
discussed at the meeting prior to completion hosted by Darren Higashiyama.
Program Updates
• Erin Moore is working with legal and funding recipients to finalize contracts for 1/10th awards.
• Timothy Paxton, County Veteran Service Officer(VSO), completed a first round of county-wide
outreach for VSO services.
• Kelly Bacon was selected as an awardee to attend the National Preparedness Summit.
• Ms. Loeffers thanked Mackenzie Carter for her assistance with the county employee survey.
Next month is the Board of Health Orientation.
Health Officer Update
Mark Larson M.D.discussed the new COVID variant JN.1 and that this variant will be the dominant strain
by the end of year. Dr. Larson presented information and data about the variant in other countries
around the world and discussed wastewater treatment information that is being gathered. Dr. Larson
also reported on local respiratory illness rates and new recommendations for masking that may be
coming for health care facilities.
Other Business
Board of Health new member appointment recommendation by the Board of Health Advisory
Committee (BOHAQ
Chelsey Loeffers presented the letter of recommendation to the Board of Health. Unfortunately, no
BOHAC member was able to attend today.The BOHAC Special Committee interviewed the only
applicant, Linda Navarre, on December 7, 2023. Ms. Navarre is an Upper County resident, former public
health nurse, has significant lived experience with public health services through supporting family
members, and would bring a unique perspective to the Board of Health. The committee is
recommending the appointment of Linda Navarre to the current open position on the Board of Health.
Motion 12.02: Motion 12.02 to recommend Linda Navarre for the Board of Health vacant position.
Brett Wachsmith moved to recommend Linda Navarre for the Board of Health vacant position.
Danielle Bertschi second.All approved. Motion 12.02 carried to recommend Linda Navarre for the
Board of Health vacant position.
Board and Committees position discussion
Chesley Loeffers read a staff report asking the board for guidance on the possible creation of a new
position that would provide admin support to Kittitas County human-services related boards and
committees. Currently the health department provides staff to clerk two Kittitas County
boards/committees:
• The Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board
2 3
• 1/10th of 1% Mental Health and Substance use Advisory Board
On December 6, 2023 the health department was assigned a third,the Homelessness and Affordable
Housing Committee. Ms. Loeffers discussed the benefits of creating a position for the admin functions of
these committees and could incorporate the Veterans Advisory Committee and the RFP and contracting
for the Opioid Settlement funds, as these would fit into the scope of this position.The majority of
funding for this position would come from most of the committees themselves. The group discussed
potential funding options.The Commissioners did note that general fund would not be an approved
source of funding for this position.
2024 Budget Presentation
Chelsey Loeffers presented the following on the Kittitas County Public Health 2024 Budget:
• 2024 Preliminary Budget Breakdown
• 2024 Final Budget Breakdown
• Estimated Total Revenue
• Estimated Total Expenses
• Admissions Tax Breakdown
• Fund Balance
• Staffing updates
• Budget Approved New Positions
• Proposed Positions for 2024
There were no questions from the board at this time.
Board of Health Member Updates
Cory Wright discussed quorum issues and would like to have the group revisit the bylaws at a future
meeting. Ms. Loeffers will add it to an agenda in the next month or two.
Meeting concluded at 11:14 a.m.
Brett Wachsmith, Commissioner, Chair
Chelsey Loeffers, Director
Kittitas County Public Health
Candi Blackford, Clerk of the Board of Health
3 4
0
Kittitas Count,
Public Health
To Protect and Promote the Health and the Environment of the People of Kittitas County
KITTITAS COUNTY JOINT BOARD OF HEALTH (BOH)AND BOARD OF COUNTY COMISSIONERS
(BOCC)
Meeting Minutes
December 21,2023
Commissioners'Auditorium
1:00pm
Present
Board of Health (BOH): Brett Wachsmith, Laura Osiadacz, Cory Wright, Danielle Bertschi
Absent: Dede Utley
Public Health: Candi Blackford, Chelsey Loeffers,Jesse Cox, Dan Suggs, Lucy Garcia, Cambron Walker,
Kate Johnson, Mackenzie Carter, Whitney Wheelock, Mark Larson M.D., Katie Odiaga, Kasey Knutson
Meeting called at 10:02
Jesse Cox reviewed the staff report that noted that in 2016,the Kittitas County Public Health
Department(KCPHD) adopted the county's newly acquired fee calculation model, which calculates
Environmental Health fees using actual cost of service. Each year, services associated with cost-for-
service fees are time-tracked, analyzed and reconciled to accurately reflect the time spent on each
activity. The fee model is also updated with updated labor and non-labor costs.
Primary updates to the 2024 fees include updated time code analysis, the 2024 3%cost of living increase
for staff. As directed by the Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners,the 2024 fees do not
include any estimated wage range changes which are anticipated as a result of Kittitas County's recent
wage survey.
Mr. Cox reviewed the fees that had the largest increases for 2024 with the board and there were no
questions.
Public comment open at 10:12 a.m.
Public comment closed at 10:12 a.m.
Motion 12.01: Motion to approve Board of Health Resolution 2023-003 Adopting the 2024 Public
Health Fee Schedule. Brett Wachsmith moved to approve Board of Health Resolution 2023-003
Adopting the 2024 Public Health Fee Schedule. Laura Osiadacz second.All approved. Motion 12.01
carried to approve Board of Health Resolution 2023-003 Adopting the 2024 Public Health Fee
Schedule.
Motion 12.02: Motion to approve Board of County Commissioners Resolution 2023-232 adoption the
2024 Public Health Fee Schedule. Brett Wachsmith moved to approve Board of County
Commissioners Resolution 2023-232 adoption the 2024 Public Health Fee Schedule. Laura Osiadacz
second.All approved. Motion 12.02 carried to approve Board of County Commissioners Resolution
2023-232 adoption the 2024 Public Health Fee Schedule.
5
Meeting concluded at 10:14 a.m.
Brett Wachsmith, Commissioner, Chair
Chelsey Loeffers, Director
Kittitas County Public Health
Candi Blackford, Clerk of the Board of Health
6
i 2024 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
w
Washington's 35 local health jurisdictions serve as the frontline responders to
public health emergencies and threats, conveners that help communities
implement health promotion and disease prevention strategies, and protectors
that are committed to building healthy, safe, and thriving communities.
Supplemental Budget Priorities
Septage Capacity Risk Analysis
r WSALPHO supports one-time
funding to study and assess septage •• _ ■ _
treatment capacity in our state. own • _ ■
• Current comprehensive plans do not • ' '
require an assessment ofseptage ■- • - - • • . • . . •
treatment capacity, under-repre_=:eiiting •• ......
• _
the actual capacity across the stare
• Understanding existing treatment capacity _• •. - •
and future needs is critical for
infrastructure planning that supports ' •
development -
• Poor treatment capacity can result in illegal �� "• ' ' • ' '
disposal and improper maintenance of ■. ■ •
septic systems, leading to environmental _ ■� _ •
contamination and increased homeowner
costs
• a . •
PUBLIC •• ■ ■ • ■- ■
HEALTH � - .. . : . . . - . .■ . .
°' • • - •
Is ■
FM
POLICY CONTACTS
Jaime Bodden Brynn Brady WSALPHO
Managing Director Contract Lobbyist 206 1 Oth Ave SE
jbodden@wsac.org brynn@ceibaconsulting.com Olympia WA 98502
www.wsalpho.org
PRIORITIES
il* Washington's 35 l• • -•lth jurisdictions serve as - frontline responders to
public health emergencies and threats, conveners that help communities
implement health promotion and disease prevention strategies, and protectors
WSRLPHO
S
OF LOOK PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIRLS
Policy Priorities
SB 5982 & HB 2157:Technical Change to WA Vaccine Association Definitions
The Department of Health and the Washington Vaccine Association (WVA)work together to
publicly purchase vaccine, eliminating cost barriers for childhood vaccinations.The narrow
4. bdefinition of vaccine in statute prevents the wVA from purchasing immunizations
developed by new and innovative technologies. WSALPHO supports the technical fix to address this
language in orderto:
• Supply all childhood vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
• Eliminate healthcare provider costs to purchasing, storing, and administering vaccines I
• Reduce cost barriers to receiving childhood vaccinations for overburdened and vulnerable families
t
� i "M � i
■m= � � �
•
SB S983: Increasing Access to • SIB 6110: Child Fatality Review
Syphilis Treatment Teams
WSALPHO supports a statutory WSALPHO supports modernizing
change in RCW.18.360 to Washington's child fatality review
temporarily allow Medical Assistants to statute(RCW 70.OS.170)to:
treat syphilis when: I Strengthen the language for LHJs to
• Access to care is limited and/or collect or access records and data from
other sources to aid in the review process
r Rates of infection exceed those typically
I observed in an area or population by >2S% I • Provide clarification for participants who
Allowing MAs to treat syphifis duriPE teiehealth are mandated reporters
visits,as part of field outreach,community
events, and syringe eXchange programs will Expand the age for reviews to include 18
improve health outcomes among hip-h--risk I years of age
populations,including pregnant people which w . Enhance local and state collaboration to
1 ill reduce the number of congenital syphilis
cases in Washington. I inform statewide prevention initiatives
%* � � � MR= � � � ` � I
POLICY CONTACTS
Managing Director Contract Lobbyist 206 1 Oth Ave SE
www.wsalpho.org
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Kittitas County
Public Health
Department
To Protect and Promote the Health and the Environment of the People of Kittitas County
Board of Health Staff Report
BOARD OF HEALTH DATE:
January 18, 2024
ACTION REQUESTED:
• No action requested
BACKGROUND:
In late 2017,the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) conducted a review of Chapter 246-
272A WAC, On-site Sewage Systems to determine the chapter's overall effectiveness and areas needing
revision. DOH reported the results of the rule review and made recommendations to the State Board of
Health (SBOH)to begin rule making.
In March 2018 the SBOH began consideration of revisions to the chapter. Priority issues included local
management plans, property sale inspections, treatment levels, ultraviolet disinfection, and licensing of
operations and maintenance providers.
In October 2023 the SBOH proposed rule making for the On-Site Sewage Systems chapter 246-272A
WAC. The proposed rules include revised and new standards for the site requirements, design,
installation, use, care, and management of small on-site sewage systems.
Once the rules have been adopted, they will go into effect February 2025 and February 2026.The local
board of health will be updated on what is happening with the WAC and the required changes for our
local regulations such as internal policies,and local ordinances that will need to be revised to meet the
new WAC standards. At which point we will prepare a draft of local rule changes for legal review and
update the local BOH/BOCC. The next step will be to distribute for public and stakeholder comments for
further review, and changes made as necessary. Then a final draft will be prepared and brought to the
Board of Health at a public hearing to adopt the new revisions.
ATTACHMENTS:
• Key Draft Rule Changes
• Rule Revision Timeline
LEAD STAFF:
Jesse Cox, Environmental Health Supervisor
20
1 O WaRhlnptan Slate deparrmeni
HEALTH
Key Draft Rule Changes To request this document in another format, call
1-800-525-0127. Deaf or hard of hearing
October 2023 customers, please call 711 (Washington Relay) or
On-site Sewage Systems (OSS) email civil.rights@doh.wa.gov.
Chapter 246-272A WAC
This document lists the key proposed changes to the rule.
L_`__!� Property Transfer Inspections
Beginning in 2027, all on-site sewage systems (OSS) must be inspected when the property is sold or
the deed is transferred. The Local Health Officer (LHO) may remove this requirement if the OSS has
had a recent routine inspection. The LHO may verify the results of the inspection, require additional
inspections, and require that failed OSS discovered during the property transfer inspection are
repaired on a set timeline.
RMinor Repairs
There is a new definition for"Minor Repair" to clarify that permits are not needed for some repairs.
XRepairs
The LHO must:
• Allow the least expensive repair or replacement of an OSS that meets the rule's requirements.
• Evaluate all unpermitted sewage discharges and require any that pose a public health threat to
be brought into compliance with the rule within a set timeframe.
• Report OSS failures to the Washington Department of Health if they are within 200 feet of
shellfish growing areas.
LHOs may not impose more stringent repair requirements on private entities than public entities.
IRemediation
LHOs may develop a policy allowing OSS remediation practices to correct certain problems and
failures. Remediation practices that damage the OSS or result in insufficient soil treatment are not
allowed.
Page 1 of 2
21
Washington State Department of
r. HEALTH
Minimum Lot Sizes
Minimum lot sizes have been increased by 500— 1000 sq ft, depending on soil type.
0-
�U� Minimum Usable Land Area
New lots being served by OSS must have a certain land area that is usable for septic system
installation and repairs. This land cannot be underwater, paved, impacted by an easement, or
otherwise unusable for the OSS.
g Field Verification of Proprietary Treatment Products
I1:��
Manufacturers of OSS using disinfecting and nitrogen-treating proprietary treatment components
must verify the efficacy of their products in the field. This will entail collecting samples from 25
installations in Washington State to evaluate their performance under field conditions.
9�A
Product Supply Chain
Proprietary products may be retrofitted with components they were not tested with if there is a supply
chain or other manufacturing disruption. The manufacturer must provide a statement from an
engineer that the retrofit will not impact OSS performance or maintenance.
Resilience
Sea Level Rise — LHOs in Puget Sound counties are required to identify areas where sea level rise
may impact horizontal setbacks to OSS resulting in an increased risk to public health.
Phosphorus — LHOs in Puget Sound counties are required to identify areas where phosphorus has
been found to be a contaminant of concern. They must identify measures to protect public health and
water quality from phosphorus from new and repaired OSS in these areas. This is already an
established requirement for areas where nitrogen is a contaminant of concern.
Nitrogen-based minimum lot size for small lots — Lots may be allowed to be made smaller than the
minimums if certain safety measures are met and nitrogen treatment is installed on the OSS.
Page 2 of 2
22
�rWashinglon Slale Oepprtment pl
HEALTH
OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
On-site Septic
Chapter 246-272A WAC
August 2023
ANTICIPATED Purpose
ACTIVITY COMPLETION DATE The purpose of this rule revision is to
• " update chapter 246-272A WAC, On-site
Review On-Site Rule, December 2017
24
r 246-272A WAC December 2017 sewage systems. Updates to the rule will
Cha te
State Board of Health reflect septic design, installation,operation
(SBOH)directs DOH to January 2018 January 2018 and maintenance, and management.
begin rulemakin
File CR101 March 2018 March 2 18 Recent Issues and Activities
Form On-site Rule The On-Site Rule Review Committee (ORRC),
Revision Committee May 2018 May 2018
(ORRC) comprised of industry experts, local health
ORRC kickoff meeting#1 June 2018 June 2018 and other stakeholders, has been
ORRC Meeting#2 September 2018 September 2018 established and will meet throughout 2018
ORRC Meeting#3 November November and o discuss revisions to chapter ORRC Meeting#4 Decemberr 2018
20 2018 December 2018 into2019 t di
SBOH update January 2 119 March 2019 246-272A WAC.The ORRC has provided
ORRC Meeting#5 April 2019 April 2019 options and recommendations regarding
ORRC Meeting#6 June 2019 August 2019 rule revision for the State Board of Health to
Draft revised rules August 2019 August 2019 consider.
Hold statewide workshops Sept-Oct 2019 October 3, 2019
Informal draft comment Aug-Oct 2019 October 8, 2019
period-Pre CR102 s Next Ste
SBOH update November 2019 Nov 18, 2019 p
Revise draft rules based January 2020 January 2020 Conduct cost survey of impacted parties
on stakeholder comments Complete analysis documents
ORRC Final Meeting to February 2020 Feb 13, 2020 SBOH Briefing October 2023
review final draft rule
Prepare rules and August 2023
required analyses for filingStay informed of this rule revision process
SBpH briefing October 2023 by signing up for GovDelivery rule-making
File CR 102—formal rule October 2023 notices Wastewater Rules and Regulations
Proposal Email Updates.
_Public Hearing January 2024
Respond to stakeholder February 2024
comments
File CR 003—adopted February 2024
rule
Train Stakeholders on new rule March 2024
Rule Effective February 2025
February 2026
For detailed information about the On-Site rule revision
process,please see the Department of Health website at
https://www.doti.walgoy/CammunityandEnVironment/Waste
WaterMarQagE!mqrttLRijtesandRe Ala is s❑nsiteRuleRe IsiQn
or contact Jeremy Simmons,On-Site Program,at
360-236-3346 or emaillerem .Simmons doh.wa. ov
23
Kittitas County
Public Health
-0 Department
To Protect and Promote the Health and the Environment of the People of Kittitas County
BOH Staff Report
BOARD OF HEALTH DATE:
January 18, 2024
ACTION REQUESTED:
Discussion and direction to the Administrative Officer.
ATTACHMENTS:
2023 Amended Bylaws of the Kittitas County Board of Health
BACKGROUND:
The 2023 Chair of the Board of Health has requested consideration of bylaws updates by the Board of
Health.
Due to recent vacancies of Board of Health seats, reaching a quorum of members to conduct BOH
business was identified as an issue. Current bylaws require a quorum of four members; it has been
suggested that a bylaws change to require a majority of currently filled seats to constitute a quorum
could alleviate future quorum concerns during periods of board vacancies.
Article VI item 3 current reads: Four(4)members of the Board of Health shall constitute a quorum for
the dispatch of business.
Suggested change: Four(4)members of the Board of Health shall constitute a quorum for the dispatch of
business. A majority of members of the Board of Health shall constitute a quorum in the event that any
member seats at the time of the meeting are vacant.
INTERACTION:
n/a
LEAD STAFF:
Chelsey Loeffers, Director
24
Amended Bylaws of Kittitas County Board of Health
Article I—Name
The name of this organization shall be the Kittitas County Board of Health, hereafter referred to as the
"Board of Health."
Article II—Purpose
The primary purpose of the Kittitas County Board of Health is (1)to serve as the governing body of the
Kittitas County Public Health Department; (2)to unite community voices and county elected officials in a
cooperative effort to advise and supervise all matters pertaining to the life and health of the citizens of
Kittitas County; (3) to comply fully with the requirements of all applicable chapters of Title 70, Revised
Code of Washington; (4) to create, promote, and enforce prudent public health policy within the
jurisdiction; and (5) to make possible and invite the active participation of all professions, persons, and
organizations interested in local public health.
Article III—Membership
1. In accordance with Chapter 70.05.030, Revised Code of Washington,the Kittitas County Board
of Health shall consist of at least six(6) members:
a. Seat 1 shall be a Kittitas County Commissioner
b. Seat 2 shall be a Kittitas County Commissioner
c. Seat 3 shall be a Kittitas County Commissioner
d. Seat 4 shall be filled by an individual who resides in Kittitas County and meets the
qualifications for the category of"Public health, health care facilities, and providers" as
described in RCW 70.46.020(1)(a)(i).The individual appointed to this seat may not be an
elected official.
e. Seat 5 shall be filled by an individual who resides in Kittitas County and meets the
qualifications for the category of"Consumers of public health" as described in RCW
70.46.020(1)(a)(i).The individual appointed to this seat may not be an elected official.
f. Seat 6 shall be filled by an individual who resides in Kittitas County and meets the
qualifications for the category of"Other community stakeholders" as described in RCW
70.46.020(1)(a)(i).The individual appointed to this seat may not be an elected official.
2. The three (3) nonelected members of the Board of Health in Seats 4, 5, and 6 shall be appointed
by the Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners for three-year, staggered terms with prior
appointed members remaining on the Board until the new appointments have been finalized.
3. Vacancies on the Board of Health shall be filled by appointment within thirty (30) days and made
in accordance with Chapter 246-90 Washington Administrative Code, Local Board of Health
Membership (effective date July 1, 2022). Recruitment periods lasting longer than thirty(30)
days may be approved as deemed necessary by a majority vote of the Board of Health.
4. Primary nonelected members appointed to the Board of Health who accumulate more than one
unexcused absence from regular Board of Health meetings every six months(January through
June and July through October) may be removed from the Board of Health by majority vote of
the three (3) Kittitas County Commissioners.An unexcused absence is defined as a missed
regular meeting of the Board of Health with no prior communication with the Board Chair, the
Administrative Officer, or the Clerk of the Board.
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5. Terms for primary nonelected members on the Board of Health shall be limited to two (2)
consecutive terms.Term-limited members may reapply if a vacancy exists for thirty(30) days
after term ends.
Article IV—Legislative Powers, Duties, and Functions(RCW 70.05)
1. The authority of the Board of Health shall be as prescribed by the laws of the State of
Washington.
2. The Administrative Officer will be hired as the Public Health Director for Kittitas County, with an
opportunity for non-elected Board of Health members to participate in the hiring process. Once
a Public Health Director has been selected by Kittitas County, the Board of Health shall appoint
the Director as the Administrative Officer of the Board of Health via resolution during any
regular or special meeting of the Board of Health by a majority vote. The Board of Health shall
appoint the Director of the Kittitas County Public Health Department to serve as the
Administrative Officer.The Administrative Officer shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of
Health and shall report directly to the Board of Health.
3. The Health Officer shall be a qualified physician trained and experienced in public health.The
Health Officer shall report to the Administrative Officer. In accordance with RCW 70.05.050, no
term of office shall be established for the Health Officer and the Health Officer shall not be
removed until after notice is given and an opportunity for a hearing before the Board of Health
as to the reason for their removal.The Board of Health must appoint the Health Officer.
4. The Board of Health will review and decide the necessary finances and budget to carry on health
services.
5. At least annually, the elected members of the Board of Health shall approve a fee schedule for
services provided by the Kittitas County Public Health Department. All members of the Board of
Health will be provided an opportunity to review the fee schedule and provide feedback to the
Department and advise the elected members of the Board of Health. Fees are set through public
hearing of the Board of County Commissioners.
6. The Board of Health will receive reports from and through the Administrative Officer on the
activities of the Department.
7. The Board of Health may cooperate with and coordinate activities with others in the community
and solicit their cooperation and services in carrying out sound public health programs within
the jurisdiction of the Department.
8. The Board of Health will hear testimony from persons or groups appearing before it in regular
meetings.
Article V—Officers and their Duties
1. The presiding officer of the Board of Health shall be a Chair, who shall serve for a term of one (1)
year. The Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners Chair will serve as the Chair of the
Board of Health. The Board of Health shall elect the Vice-Chair by a majority vote of the Board
members present at the last regular meeting of each year.The Vice-Chair must be a primary
nonelected member on the Board of Health and not a county commissioner.
2. The Vice-Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair in the event of the Chair's absence or
inability to perform.
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3. In accordance with Chapter 70.05.045, Revised Code of Washington,the Administrative Officer
shall serve as Executive Secretary to the Board of Health.
a. It shall be the duty of the Executive Secretary to ensure all meeting minutes are
documented, numbered, and dated motions/resolutions passed by the Board of Health
are documented, and members of the public are notified of public meetings.
b. The Executive Secretary shall be empowered to employ such technical and other
personnel as approved in the budget to carry out the functions of the Health
Department.
4. In accordance with Chapter 70.05.070, Revised Code of Washington, the Health Officer shall act
under the direction of the Administrative Officer and shall be responsible to the Administrative
Officer and Board of Health for their official actions.
ARTICLE VI—Officer Evaluations
1. The Board of Health shall serve in an advisory capacity to conduct annual evaluations of the
Administrative Officer.
a. The evaluation of the Administrative Officer shall be conducted through the Kittitas
County performance evaluation process for Department Heads. The designated Kittitas
County Commissioner shall complete the draft evaluation.
b. The Board of Health shall provide feedback on the draft evaluation via Executive Session
during a regular or special meeting of the Board of Health, in accordance with RCW
42.30.110(1)(g)To evaluate the qualifications of an applicant of public employment or
to review the performance of a public employee.
c. The designated Kittitas County Commission shall incorporate the feedback of the Board
of Health as appropriate into the final evaluation and will follow the Kittitas County
Performance Evaluation process for presenting the final evaluation of the Administrative
Officer.
2. The Board of Health shall serve in an advisory capacity to conduct annual evaluations of the
Health Officer.
a. The evaluation of the Health Officer shall be conducted through the Kittitas County
performance evaluation process for Department Heads.The Public Health Director, as
the Department Head, shall complete the draft evaluation.
b. The Board of Health shall provide feedback on the draft evaluation via Executive Session
during a regular or special meeting of the Board of Health, in accordance with RCW
42.30.110(1)(g)To evaluate the qualifications of an applicant of public employment or
to review the performance of a public employee.
c. The Public Health Director shall incorporate the feedback of the Board of Health as
appropriate into the final evaluation and will follow the Kittitas County Performance
Evaluation process for presenting the final evaluation of the Health Officer.
3.
Article VI—Meetings and Quorum
1. The Board of Health shall meet monthly.The dates and times for the meetings shall be
established at the January meeting of the Board of Health. Scheduled meeting dates,times, and
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places may be revised or canceled to accommodate the needs of the Board of Health; in such
instances, public notice at least ten (10) days in advance must be given.
2. Special meetings may be called by the Chair at their discretion, at the request of the Executive
Secretary,or at the request of a majority of the members, provided that written notice is given
to each member and the public at least twenty-four hours prior to the proposed meeting
concerning the time, place and subject, except in an emergency as provided by RCW 42.30.080.
3. Four(4) members of the Board of Health shall constitute a quorum for the dispatch of business.
4. Approval of all actions taken by the Board of Health shall be by a majority of the votes cast.
5. In accordance with RCW 42.30.110, the Board of Health shall call executive sessions as
necessary.
Article VII—Business of Regular Meetings
The business at all regular meetings, unless changed by a majority vote of members present, shall
include Call to Order, Introduction of Guests, Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting, Public Comment,
Department Updates, Other Business, and Board of Health Member Updates.
Article VIII—Rules of Business
Business shall be conducted in accordance with the most current edition of Robert's Rules of Order,so
long as they are consistent with these bylaws or any amendment thereto.
Article IX—Amendments to the Bylaws
These bylaws may be amended via Board of Health resolution approval during any regular or special
meeting of the Board of Health by a majority vote of members present, provided the amendment has
been presented in writing to the members Board of Health at least one (1) month prior to the request
for adoption, ideally at the most recent Board of Health meeting.
Article X—Joint Public Hearings
For Kittitas County Code pertaining to the health of the county, any additions or amendments must be
approved by both the Board of County Commissioners and the Board of Health. A joint Board of Health
and Board of County Commissioners Public Hearing may be held during a regularly scheduled meeting
with the necessary public noticing. During the Hearing,the Board of Health may approve code
amendments, deletions, or additions via a Board of Health Resolution and the Board of County
Commissioners may approve code amendments, deletions, or additions via Board of County
Commissioners Ordinance.
This version of the Bylaws of the Kittitas County Board of Health supersedes the bylaws adopted by
Kittitas County Board of Health Resolution 2022-03.Adopted the day of , 20
Cory Wright, Board of Health Chair
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Dede Utley, Board of Health Vice-Chair
Brett Wachsmith, Board of Health Member
Laura Osiadacz, Board of Health Member
James Donaldson, Board of Health Member
Board of Health Member
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