HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-23-minutes-emergency-board-of-health-meeting 03/23/2020 MINUTES 1
COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON BOARD OF HEALTH EMERGENCY SPECIAL MEETING
MONDAY 11:30 A.M. MARCH 23, 2020
Board members present: Chairman Brett Wachsmith; Vice-Chairman Osiadacz;
Commissioner Cory Wright. Absent: Dr. Asriel.
Others: Julie Kjorsvik, Clerk of the Board; Jerry Pettit, Auditor; Amy
Cziske, Treasurer; Dr. Mark Larson, Public Health Officer; Clay Myers,
Sheriff; Darren Higashiyama, Chief Deputy; Lisa Young, Human Resources
Director; Kasey Knutson, Special Programs Coordinator; Tristen Lamb,
Public Health Administrator; and 2 members of the public.
EMEGENCY MEETING COVID-19 BOARD OF HEALTH
Chairman Wachsmith called to order an Emergency Special Meeting of the
Kittitas County Board of Health.
Dr. Mark Larson explained how he had prepared a Health Order: Stay-at-
Home for the Board’s consideration. He said it was to control and
prevent the spread of any dangerous, contagious or infectious diseases
that may occur within his jurisdiction. The outbreak of the disease
caused by the 2019 Novel Coronovirus (COVID-19) especially within the
vulnerable populations, poses an immediate threat to the public health
and safety of the residents of Kittitas County and Washington State. He
proposed the Order taking effect as of Tuesday March 24, 2020 at 12:01
a.m. and shall continue until April 3, 2020 at 11:59 p.m., unless
modified or rescinded, and reviewed every 10 days to determine the need
to continue the Order and renew as needed.
The Board indicated they would like to take a few hours to plan and
prepare before taking official action of the Resolution. Dr. Larson said
it wouldn’t be a problem and he could come back at 3:00 p.m. to
recommend the Boards approval of a Resolution and Health Order. The
Board expressed their appreciation to everyone who has been working for
the public’s health and safety during this difficult time.
The Board met with key employees to begin planning for the Health Order
and ways to communicate information out to the public. They determined a
Press Conference would be appropriate and one was scheduled for 4:00
p.m. outside of the Sheriff’s Office and those speaking would be Dr.
Mark Larson, Chairman Wachsmith, and Sheriff Clay Myers. Kasey Knutson,
Special Programs Coordinator was tasked with preparing for the Press
03/23/2020 MINUTES 2
Conference and to notify the media. She also provided information to the
Board about the vetting process for any information that goes out to the
public to ensure the information in accurate. The Board expressed
interest in having a liaison in the EOC on behalf of all the
municipalities. Mr. Higashiyama said the Board would need to send a
letter to the EOC requesting a liaison be allowed to be a part of the
EOC.
The meeting was recessed at 1:06 p.m. and Chairman Wachsmith said the
Board would reconvene at 3:00 p.m.
At 3:00 p.m. the Board reconvened back into their Emergency Special
Meeting of the Kittitas County Board of Health.
Board members present: Chairman Brett Wachsmith; Vice-Chairman Laura
Osiadacz; Commissioner Cory Wright.
Others: Julie Kjorsvik, Clerk of the Board; Dr. Mark Larson, Public
Health Official; Tristen Lamb, Public Health Administrator; Darren
Higashiyama, Chief Deputy; Patti Johnson, Solid Waste Director/Interim
Maintenance Director/Project Manager; Paul Sander, Lower District Court
Judge; Amy Cziske, Treasurer; and Lisa Young, Human Resources Director.
RESOLUTION 2020-001 MANDATORY STAY-AT-HOME BOARD OF HEALTH
Commissioner Osiadacz moved to approve Kittitas County Board of Health
Resolution No. 2020-001, Authorization of a Kittitas County Health
Order: Mandatory Stay-at-Home, effective March 24, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.
and ending April 3, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. unless modified or rescinded, and
reviewed to determine renewal every ten days. Commissioner Wright
seconded. Motion carried 3-0. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 3:06 p.m.
KITTITAS COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH CLERK OF THE BOARD KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON Julie Kjorsvik Brett Wachsmith, Chairman