HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-26-2016 BOHMASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH PROCEEDINGS
January 26, 2016
Attendance: County Commissioner Randy Neatherlin; County Commissioner Tim Sheldon was absent; County
Commissioner Terri Jeffreys; Hospital District 1 Eileen Branscome was absent; Hospital District 2 Peggy
VanBuskirk,; Fire Commissioner Frank Phillips; City Commissioner Kathy McDowell.
1. Commissioner Jeffreys called the meeting to order at 3:31 p.m .
The group welcomed City Commissioner Kathy McDowell and the group introduced themselves .
2. VanBuskirk/Phillips moved and seconded to adopt the agenda as published. Motion carried
unanimously.
3. Vanbuskirk/Phillips moved and seconded to adopt the regular meeting minutes of November 22,
2015 as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Election of the 2016 Board of Health Chair -The Board elected Peggy VanBuskirk as the 2016 Chair of
the Mason County Board of Health.
Cmmr. Neatherlin joined the meeting at 3 :40 p.m.
5. Public Health-Who We are and What we do -
Cmmr. Jeffreys asked about Ordinances regarding dogs.
Cmmr. Neatherlin suggested they should find something to do as a Board to help clean things up problem
properties around the County.
Cmmr. Jeffreys said she would like the Sheriff's Office more involved. She said possibly they could
research some of the civil codes to see if they could also be considered criminal codes .
6. Board Member Public Health interest and priorities discussion -
Vicki asked the group to select five priorities out of the packet she handed out.
The group discussed their top five priorities they chose from the handouts.
Chair Vanbuskirk asked what they can do since they are a policy board.
Cmmr. Jeffreys said she figured these things already fall under Community Health Improvement Plan.
Vicki said they did this to find if there is something they feel strongly about to possibly adjust a policy to
assist the County.
Lydia Buchheit said there may be the possibility of running into barriers in the Community Health
Improvement Plan so it may be up to the Board of Health to make policy changes.
Cmmr. Neatherlin said it would be nice to look at the health issues that stem from derelict prope1ties. He
asked how they can create a way to clean up some on these properties. He said he doesn't want to infringe
on the rights of property owners although sometimes things are so bad they have an adverse effect the
neighborhood . He said changing the policy or making stricter laws may also help empower others
including HOA's, to ensure homeowners maintain their property instead of becoming a nuisance.
Debbie Riley stated that some things are public health threats and some things are just unpleasing to look
at.
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January 26, 2016 -PAGE 2
Vicki Kirkpatrick said they need backing by policy in order to assist with the needs of the community .
Cmmr. Jeffreys said she would like Lydia to bring some opp01tunities.
Cirunr. Neatherlin brought up Clallam County as a good example that sometimes a badge helps but again ,
you need to have rules as the back up.
7 . Other Business and Board Discussion -
Cmmr. Jeffreys asked about public health essentials at the state level.
Vicki spoke about the County's abilities and duties and said there is information on line as well.
Cmmr. Neatherlin spoke about possible available funds for homelessness programs and said he already
heard that the Governor may declare a state of emergency on homelessness.
Vicki said she has not heard about a state of emergency and stated that Debbie Riley sits on the local health
officials legislative steering committee so can ask about what is in the works.
Cirum·. Jeffreys asked why septic fees were dropped.
Debbie Riley said she will get the official information for her and get back to her.
Vicki Kirkpatrick announced to the group that due to the consolidation of Public Health and DCD, her
position will end February 15, 2016 and said this will be her last BOH meeting. She said it's been a
privilege to serve the people of Mason County.
Commissioners Neatherlin and Jeffreys thanked Vicki for her service.
Next Meeting: March 22, 2016
8. Public comment -There was no public comment.
9. Adjourn -The meeting adjourned at 4 :55 p .m.
BOARD OF HEALTH PROCEEDINGS
January 26, 2016 -PAGE 3
ATTEST MASON COUNTY, WASHING TON
BOARD OF HEAL TH
MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
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uskirk, Hospital District #2
Tim Sheldon, Commissioner
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Eileen Branscome, Hospital District #1