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• The department has been asked by the Board of County Commissioners to take over clerking for <br /> the Kittitas County Homelessness and Affordable Housing Committee. Candi Blackford is <br /> stepping in temporarily until we establish that work as a permanent element to a position. <br /> • The initial recommendations from our organizational consultant have been received. We are <br /> working through them as a management team and hope to have a presentation for the board <br /> next month. <br /> • The department is partnering with regional Local Health Jurisdictions to bring in a regional <br /> wildfire smoke/air quality expert to work with the region in 2024 on developing emergency <br /> response plans, structuring internal programs, and providing technical support. <br /> • Kelly Bacon has worked with the department and completed the flu/COVID clinic After Action <br /> Report.A lot of great ideas, opportunities to improve, and recognition of successes was <br /> discussed at the meeting prior to completion hosted by Darren Higashiyama. <br /> Program Updates <br /> • Erin Moore is working with legal and funding recipients to finalize contracts for 1/10th awards. <br /> • Timothy Paxton, County Veteran Service Officer(VSO), completed a first round of county-wide <br /> outreach for VSO services. <br /> • Kelly Bacon was selected as an awardee to attend the National Preparedness Summit. <br /> • Ms. Loeffers thanked Mackenzie Carter for her assistance with the county employee survey. <br /> Next month is the Board of Health Orientation. <br /> Health Officer Update <br /> Mark Larson M.D.discussed the new COVID variant JN.1 and that this variant will be the dominant strain <br /> by the end of year. Dr. Larson presented information and data about the variant in other countries <br /> around the world and discussed wastewater treatment information that is being gathered. Dr. Larson <br /> also reported on local respiratory illness rates and new recommendations for masking that may be <br /> coming for health care facilities. <br /> Other Business <br /> Board of Health new member appointment recommendation by the Board of Health Advisory <br /> Committee (BOHAQ <br /> Chelsey Loeffers presented the letter of recommendation to the Board of Health. Unfortunately, no <br /> BOHAC member was able to attend today.The BOHAC Special Committee interviewed the only <br /> applicant, Linda Navarre, on December 7, 2023. Ms. Navarre is an Upper County resident, former public <br /> health nurse, has significant lived experience with public health services through supporting family <br /> members, and would bring a unique perspective to the Board of Health. The committee is <br /> recommending the appointment of Linda Navarre to the current open position on the Board of Health. <br /> Motion 12.02: Motion 12.02 to recommend Linda Navarre for the Board of Health vacant position. <br /> Brett Wachsmith moved to recommend Linda Navarre for the Board of Health vacant position. <br /> Danielle Bertschi second.All approved. Motion 12.02 carried to recommend Linda Navarre for the <br /> Board of Health vacant position. <br /> Board and Committees position discussion <br /> Chesley Loeffers read a staff report asking the board for guidance on the possible creation of a new <br /> position that would provide admin support to Kittitas County human-services related boards and <br /> committees. Currently the health department provides staff to clerk two Kittitas County <br /> boards/committees: <br /> • The Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board <br /> 2 3 <br />