HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-01-16-minutes-board-of-healthPublic Health
To Protect and Promote the Health and the Environment of the People of Kittitas County
KITTITAS COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH (BOH)
Meeting Minutes
January 16,2020
Commissioners'Auditorium
10:00 am
Present
Board of Health (BOH):
Cory Wright,Brett Wachsmith,Laura Osiadacz,Rich Elliott,John Asriel M.D.
Public Health:Katie Odiaga,Candi Blackford,Tristen Lamb,Jesse Cox,Kasey Knutson,Erin Moore,
Chelsey Loeffers,Lauren Wickerath,Mark Larson M.D.
Other
Nancy Pfiefer,Community Health of Central Washington,Christie Collins,Community Health of Central
Washington
Meeting called to order at10:00 am
Introductions
Introductions were completed.
Minutes
Motion to approve the December 19,2019 Board of Health meeting minutes
Motion 01-01:Motion to approve the December 19,2019 Board of Health meeting minutes.John
Asriel moved to approve the December 19,2019 Board of Health meeting minutes.Rich Elliott
second.All approved.Motion 01-01 carried to approve the December 19,2019 Board of Health
meeting minutes.
Motion to approve the December 19,2019 Public Hearing meeting minutes
Motion 01-02:Motion to approve the December 19,2019 Public Hearing meeting minutes.Rich Elliott
moved to approve the December 19,2019 Public Hearing meeting minutes.John Asriel second.All
approved.Motion 01-02 carried to approve the December 19,2019 Public Hearing meeting minutes.
Public Comment
Public Comment open at 10:01am
Public Comment closed at 10:01 am
BOHAC Update
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January 16,2020
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Tristen Lamb stepped to the microphone and stated that Dr.Larson gave a presentation to BOHAC
regarding smoking and vaping,which was the same presentation that he had given to BOH a few months
prior.Ms.Lamb also noted that Public Health Champion nominations are open,with the selection to be
made in March.
Department updates
Administrator update
Tristen Lamb stepped to the microphone and updated the board members on the following:
Administration updates
•Lauren Wickerath began as Harm Reduction Specialist on 01/06/2020
o Ms.Wickerath talked briefly about her public health background.
•Flu vaccine clinics were held at FISH Food Bank and Syringe Exchange
•Participated in regional epidemiologist call regarding Hepatitis A
Health Officer Update
Dr.Larson informed the board Kittitas County has one reported case of Hepatitis A.This is currently the
only reported case in susceptible populations (i.e.people experiencing homelessness,people who inject
drugs,etc.).Dr.Larson also gave updates on the following items:
•Influenza B has been prevalent and occurred earlier in the year than in years past.There has
been less influenza illness in schools post-Christmas break.
•New vaccination requirements for schools as of 01/01/2020.
•Tobacco 21effective 01/01/2020.
•Governor's office is working on legislation regarding flavored vaping products.
•Increase in slips/falls and broken hips with the colder weather.
Business
BOH Annual Orientation
Tristen Lamb gave the current Board of Health (BOH)members their annual orientation for public health
that started with a quiz.The BOH orientation included information about what public health is,what the
core functions are,the impacts of public health,review of the local public health system,board
responsibilities,statutes that govern public health,and a review of the public health department
programs.
2020 Goals
The following staff gave brief highlights on their division's goals for 2020:
Chelsey Loeffers:Reviewed Health Promotion funding sources,new and existing.Health Promotion is
also working to create workplans based on results-based accountability results,as well as using the new
KCPHD Facebook page for outreach.Ms.Loeffers also noted that KCPHD has re-opened intern
applications.
Jesse Cox:Environmental Health division goals include increasing employee credentials,decreasing cost
where able,developing an EH intern program,and cross training more staff in the Drinking Water
program.
Erin Moore:The Water Resource team is working on process standardization,succession planning,
improving current processes for growth moving forward,process improvements for metering programs
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January 16,2020
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and meter installation,standardizing drought response systems,and creating a financial strategy.Ms.
Moore also noted that the WR team is looking at grant opportunities for water mitigation acquisitions
and alternative mitigation strategies.Ms.Moore and team are also working with Department of Ecology
on the consumptive use pilot program,and are submitting a request for proposals for meter
maintenance contractors and will create a list of approved meter installers.Lastly,they are working on a
meter sizing worksheet,as well as code revision and meter billing language.
Candi Blackford:The Community Health division plans to put together more community-based
vaccination clinics centered around underserved populations,as well as re-evaluating the department
clinic,as the numbers of patients seen continues to decrease.Ms.Blackford is also working on a
communicable disease outbreak manual,and continuing to work on archiving digital and physical
documents.
Kasey Knutson:Ms.Knutson is working on creating pre-messaging for smaller,recurring issues in the
community for emergency preparedness and response,as well as incorporate those into the emergency
communication plan,and test those messages out,especially using the new KCPHD Facebook page.Ms.
Knutson also is aiming to talk to and educate the public about the Developmental Disabilities program in
a way that is easy to understand.
Other
Mark Larson addressed a previous question from the board regarding air quality and "non-attainment"
status.Dr.Larson stated that the county has not currently had anything on their radar regarding that for
a while,but the wildfire smoke/air quality group has re-convened and will start meeting again next
week.
Rich Elliott noted that flooding was looking like it will be likely come spring,and also briefly discussed air
quality,prescribed burning and wildfire smoke.
Dr.John Asriel noted in response to a comment earlier about the decline in public health clinic that
generally rural communities struggle to find and keep primary care providers,but noted that Kittitas
County is lucky to have a residency program,and the medical school in Yakima helps our community,
but we will likely have trouble in the next 20 years.
Meeting adjourned at 11:29 am
Brett Wach mith,Chair ofÍhnard of Health
Tristen Lamb,Adm strator
<ittitas County P li Health
KatioOdiaga,Clerk of e Board o ealth