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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020/04/21 - Briefing BOARD OF MASON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' BRIEFING MINUTES Mason County Commission Chambers,411 North 5th Street,Shelton,WA Tuesday,April 21,2020 9:30 A.M. Executive Session—RCW 42.3 0.110(1)(i)Potential Litigation Commissioners Trask,Shutty and Neatherlin met in executive session from 9:30 a.m.to 10:00 a.m.on two potential litigation items. Prosecuting Attorney Tim Whitehead and Nichole Wilston were also in attendance. Dawn Twiddy attended the first session. 10:10 A.M. Support Services—Frank Pinter(via teleconference) Commissioners Trask, Shutty and Neatherlin were in attendance. • Letter to Governor asking for authorization to open Mason County's economy —Cmmr. Shutty stated he is not supportive of signing the letter as written. Before opening the economy he believes we need testing capability and wants input from our Health Officer;what does it do if surrounding counties are not open. He is supportive of opening up certain services such as construction. Cmmr.Trask suggested writing a letter to open construction and open some trails. It was pointed out the Commission did send letter requesting construction being opened. Cmmr. Shutty is concerned with the economy but wants to open up safely. He is more inclined to sign if we had support from the Public Health side. Cmmr.Trask stated that at the daily EOC meeting, items are discussed such as the number of PPE available. Cmmr.Neatherlin sees the letter as requesting authority to open up certain services with restrictions to do so safely. The Board agreed to request approval of the letter by Dr. Stein,Mason County Health Officer. • Review notice from Commissioners to County offices/departments regarding a return-to-work best practices protocol. Cmmr. Shutty requested breakdown of employees who have been working at home and number of non-essential employees. This will be briefed again on May 4 for possible action on May 5. The Board agreed to have HR deliver the document now with the notice of no more paid administrative leave(closure pay)effective May 5. • Review letter from Commissioners to County offices/departments regarding the impact to the 2020 budget from the COVID-19 pandemic.Discussion of filling vacant positions;the Board agreed that they want all departments,including elected officials,to bring forward their requests to fill vacant positions. Cmmr.Neatherlin talked about capturing the savings from vacant positions, which would take a budget reduction via a budget hearing. There is a limit of transferring funding between salaries/benefits and operating. There was discussion of whether elected officials need permission from the Commissioners to hire. Cmmr.Shutty would like to have elected officials and directors share in the burden of reducing expenditures. Cmmr.Neatherlin noted the Commissioners have adopted the budget at bottom line authority and that could be changed. Mike Dorcy stated he believes elected officials have the right to spend their legally adopted budget. Discussion of limiting purchases. It is prudent to recommend that all offices and departments limit purchases at$2,500. Frank noted it is early to do budget reductions at this time. REET projects-the Commissioners requested an analysis of REET revenue and want to hold on Building 10 work for now. We should know the impact to revenues in a couple of months. If the project is fully grant funded,it can continue. If something is in process,it can continue. Travel is allowed if required to maintain certifications. Cmmr. Shutty would like to know what travel is absolutely required Cmmr. Shutty brought up WSAC dues and what they are for. It was noted that 2020 dues have been paid. For 2021 budget.revisit what is paid to WSAC and what the dues are for. • Grant writer services was reviewed. Cmmr.Neatherlin would like to contract a part time person. He believes there are a lot of grant opportunities out there that the County needs to take advantage of. Cmmr.Shutty asked that the grant opportunities be pulled together and have staff review and he supports contracting for grant writer services. Frank will bring forward a RFQ for grant writer services. Board of Mason County Commissioners'Briefing Meeting Minutes April 21,2020 • Ross will bring forward an agenda item for the May 5 meeting regarding the RCO grant for the Hood Canal School project. • The Board agreed to continue the suspension of advisory board meetings through May and ask staff if there is anything urgent that needs to be addressed. The Board rules that have been suspended through April will be continued through May. The meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Diane Zoren,Administrative Services Manager BOARD OF MASON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS haron Trask Wcfy Neatherlin Kevin-S1 My Chair Commissioner Commissioner