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Home My WebLink About2025/07/22 - Board of HealthMASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH PROCEEDINGS 411 North 5th Street, Shelton, WA July 22, 2025 Attendance: Randy Neatherlin, County Commissioner; Pat Tarzwell, County Commissioner; Sharon Trask, County Commissioner; Peggy VanBuskirk, Hospital District No. 2; Eric Onisko, City of Shelton Mayor; David Windom, Director of Public Health; Ian Tracy, Environmental Health Manager; Melissa Casey, Community Health Manager; Ben Johnson, Community Health; Jaimie Taylor, Coroner, Cami Olson, Public Records Coordinator; and Dedrick Allen, MasonWebTV 1. The Chair called the meeting to order at 11:04 a.m. 2. Approval of Agenda Dave requested to move the Community Health Report item to item 4 on the agenda, combine the small lot waivers and two-party well discussion, and add information regarding the legislative committee. Cmmr. Neatherlin/Tarzwell moved and seconded to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried. 3. Approval of Minutes Cmmr. Trask/Eric moved and seconded to approve the May 27, 2025, minutes as presented. Motion carried. 4. Community Health Report Kraton Store Survey Results Update: Ben Johnson provided an update on efforts to address kratom, nitrous oxide and other products sold in convenience stores in Mason County. After conducting a community mapping project with youth and local leaders, it was concluded that more data is needed before considering bans on these products. Listening sessions with students in North Mason and Shelton school districts are planned for this fall. Ben surveyed 22 convenience stores in the county and found that several sell kratom and nitrous oxide. Store owners/clerks were willing to enter into voluntary agreements to move products behind the counter and restrict sales to individuals 21 or older. Jaimie Taylor reported that there have been multiple kratom-related deaths and gas -related fatalities in the county, emphasizing the health risks. Scott Waller, facilitator of the mapping project, supported voluntary compliance due to the lack of formal regulations. The board discussed adding education components, age restrictions, and limited advertising to the agreement. A final voluntary agreement, paired with educational materials, will be drafted and presented at the next meeting. 5. Health Officer Report Health officials are monitoring measles cases in Washington State. While current case numbers are not high enough to be considered an outbreak, an additional ten (10) cases could cross that threshold. No cases have been reported in Mason County. Most cases are linked to travel, with Clark, King and Snohomish counties being the primary locations. Measles vaccinations remain mandatory. 6. Administration Report David explained that the health department faced a significant funding reduction, with foundational public health services cut by 19.98%, compared to larger jurisdictions like Seattle (2.3%). Mason County must reduce its budget by $392,000, which is much higher than the $149,000 initially offered. Programs affected include the elimination of the Hepatitis C program, cuts to public health emergency response planning, and reduced funding for life -course initiatives (e.g., diabetes and obesity programs). These reductions stem largely from "chronic under -spending," which is tied to recruitment challenges due to lower wage scales compared to surrounding counties. While no layoffs have occurred yet, further funding losses may require staff cuts. David reported that the Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS) committee will visit Mason County on July 29, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m. Cmmr. Trask is encouraged to attend and advocate for the County's public health needs, highlighting what FPHS funding has supported and what will be lost under the new cuts. The team is currently reviewing budgets line -by-line to adjust coding and ensure proper allocation of remaining funds. 7. Environmental Health Report Ian provided a presentation on 2-Party Water Systems and the minimum lot size requirements. The current Mason County Code (MCC) for two-party wells requires a minimum lot size of one acre, while the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) has no such requirement. This has created conflicts where properties that meet on -site septic requirements fail to qualify for a two-party well due to the local code. Although waivers have been granted, this process adds unnecessary cost and administrative burden for property owners. The Board discussed this issue and agreed to drop the 1-acre minimum lot size requirement for two- party water systems. Staff will proceed with revising Group B and two-party well regulations and present the updated policy to the Board by year-end. As an interim measure, the lot size requirement will not be enforced until the new regulation is formally adopted. Eric/Cmmr. Trask moved and seconded to remove the lot size requirement for two-party water system regulations. Motion carried. Ian presented two ongoing Onsite Septic System (OSS) code enforcement challenges. The first involves a couple living in an RV on an undersized lot for most of the year. They are currently using a 250-gallon holding tank that is regularly pumped and responsibly managed. Despite this, the tank remains unpermitted because it is not allowed under OSS regulations. The second example involves a homeowner's newly installed septic system failure within a year. They applied for Craft3 financial assistance and were denied due to credit issues. The County submitted an appeal on behalf of the property owner, but it was also denied. The BOH agreed to send a letter to the Washington State Board of Health and local Legislators requesting amendment to the state code to allow for RV holding tanks on undersized lots. An additional letter will be sent to Craft3 and the Department of Ecology emphasizing that the homeowner's septic failure is a public health hazard and advocate for approval of funding in hardship cases. 8. Other Business and Board Discussion a. Methadone Mobile Clinic — David explained that the clinical operations of the Methadone Mobile Clinic are regulated by the State Departrnent of Health, and the County does not have authority over its parking locations. The current site is being used because clients access counseling services and drug testing at St. David's Church. The City of Shelton has requested that the Mobile Clinic be relocated from Brewer Park. Cmmr. Trask will meet with representatives from the City and the clinic owner to discuss possible solutions. b. Board of Health Membership Openings — Dave explained that additional members are needed and that the application process will be reopened to fill current vacancies. 9. Public Comments No public comment. 10. Adjourned at 12:27 p.m. ATTEST afvu. cig)TA McKenzie Smith, Clerk of the Board Prepared by Cami Olson MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON BOARD OF HEALTH MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON Darrin Moody, Hospital 1 'strict #1 d,, Eric Oni City Council Pat Tarzwell, Commissioner ant Randy Neatherlin, Commissioner Sharon Trask, Commissioner 1/..11,4A Pegg Buskirk, Hospital District #2 hcAlitacArmas, Squaxin Is andealth Director