HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-01-26-minutes-ph-study-sessionPH Study Session
January 26, 2022
10:00 AM
In-Person/Webex Meeting
Attendees
Brett Wachsmith, Cory Wright, Tristen Lamb, Chelsey Loeffers, Dr. Mark Larson, Erin Moore, Andrew
Lyons, Heather Burfeind, Stephanie Hartung, Robin Read
Department Business
Director Tristen Lamb discussed the purpose of today’s meeting and introduced the BOHAC members on
the Special Purpose Committee (SPC) that was convened to interview and recommend a candidate for
the Board of Health.
Heather Burfeind presented on behalf of the SPC the recommendation that James Donaldson be the
new BOH member. He met the required criteria under ESSB 1152 for being an underrepresented part of
the population. She elaborated that she appreciated his ability to understand health equities, has
expertise in government administration and can contribute a unique perspective on mental health
issues.
SPC member Andrew Lyons echoed Heather’s recommendation and added that Mr. Donaldson is
relatively new to the community but has been significantly engaged since moving to Ellensburg. He has
a long history of service to whatever community he is a part of.
SPC member Robin Read added to the conversation about why she thought Mr. Donaldson was the best
candidate. She echoed the reasons previously given.
Commissioner Wachsmith thanked the SPC for their time and thanked them for committing to
interviewing many great candidates and asked a little bit about how the process worked.
Director Lamb discussed the process of interviewing candidates.
There was further discussion about Mr. Donaldson’s criteria qualifications according to ESSB 1152.
There was discussion whether to appoint Mr. Donaldson at this meeting or wait until February 1, 2022
when the entire BOCC could be present to vote. Commissioner Wachsmith and Commissioner Cory
Wright decided to postpone appointment for future meeting.
Director Tristen Lamb introduced the next agenda item and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Stephanie
Hartung presented the ESSB 1152 Implementation MEMO.
DPA Hartung discussed discrepancies in the 1152 and how she recommended they be addressed. DPA
suggested that we need to create a process in the local bylaws on how to hire and fire the Health
Officer.
There was discussion about the different types of agencies that do public health work (health
departments, single county health districts, and multicounty health districts) in the context of
addressing the local issues with ESSB 1152.
There was discussion about how public health agencies are operating in other Washington counties.
DPA Hartung Stephanie discussed the other options and details involved in each option.
Director Tristen Lamb supplemented DPA Hartung’s presentation to help clarify some questions she
anticipated the BOCC might have.
There were questions and discussion about the health department’s, single county health districts, and
multicounty health districts.
Dr. Mark Larson added to the discussion about how each of the different types of public health agencies
interact with other county departments. He celebrated that no other county had as successful as a
partnership with their other county departments in the last 2 years than KCPHD did.
There were questions and discussion about the financial structure of the different options.
Commissioner Brett Wachsmith and Commissioner Cory Wright gave direction to staff to explore the
different options. Commissioner Brett Wachsmith suggested we have participation from other groups,
possibly the Health Network or BOHAC.
Meeting adjourned-10:52 am
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Laura Osiadacz, BOCC Chair
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Erin Moore, Clerk