HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026/01/27 - Board of HealthMASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH PROCEEDINGS
411 North 5th Street, Shelton, WA
January 27, 2026
Attendance: Randy Neatherlin, County Commissioner; Pat Tarzwell, County Commissioner; Sharon Trask,
County Commissioner; Dr. Steven Krager, Health Officer; Pamela Schlauderaff, Hospital District No. 1;
Peggy VanBuskirk, Hospital District No. 2; Eric Onisko, City of Shelton Councilmember; Ian Tracy,
Environmental Health Manager; Melissa Casey, Community Health Manager; Cami Olson, Clerk of the Board;
and Dedrick Allen, MasonWebTV; Ben Johnson
1. The Chair called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m.
2. Approval of Agenda
Dave requested to add an agenda item regarding Kratom to the agenda under Other Business and
Board Discussions.
Cmmr. Tarzwell/Peggy moved and seconded to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried.
3. Resolution
Peggy shared concerns regarding the proposed July and November meeting dates. In response, the
Board of Health (Board) agreed to reschedule the July meeting to July 28 and the November meeting
to November 17.
Cmmr. Trask/Eric moved and seconded to approve the Resolution to set the 2026 Board of Health
meeting dates as amended. Motion carried.
4. Election of Officer positions
Cmmr. Trask/Peggy moved and seconded to elect Eric Onisko as Chair. Motion carried.
Cmmr. Tarzwell/Eric moved and seconded to elect Peggy VanBuskirk as Vice -Chair. Motion carried.
5. Approval of Minutes
Peggy/Cmmr. Trask moved and seconded to approve the November 12, 2025, minutes as presented.
Motion carried.
6. Health Officer Report
Dr. Steven Krager provided an update on recent measles outbreaks, reporting five cases in Snohomish
County and one case each in Kittitas and Clark counties, with a major outbreak occurring in South
Carolina. He emphasized that measles is a highly contagious airborne illness, making response efforts
complex and resource intensive, resulting in lost school and works days and increased investigative
costs for county public health staff, which may impact public health funding. Immunity to measles
was discussed, noting protection for individuals born before 1957, those with prior infection, or those
who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine. Symptoms and prevention were reviewed,
including the importance of avoiding exposure to others and calling ahead before seeking medical care
rather than visiting medical waiting rooms.
7. Administration Report
David reported that the Board is now full and two new membership categories have been established
and will email the criteria for these categories to Board members.
David shared 2025 Financials PowerPoint and discussed funding. The Board agreed to send a letter to
the Governor's Office expressing concerns about the proposed funding cuts. The Board approved
moving forward, including approval via email and electronic signatures.
David reported that the mental health pilot program is concluding, providing insights on outreach
strategies. The AI -supported app connects users with licensed therapists, and there is interest in
expanding the program statewide.
David shared the Interlocal Agreement for acting Health Officer coverage with the Washington State
Department of Health.
Peggy/Sharon moved and seconded to approve the Interlocal Agreement for Acting Health Officer
Coverage between Washington State Department of Health and Mason County. Motion carried.
8. Environmental Health Report
Ian Tracy shared the January report, highlighting the reduction of more than 50 percent reduction in
solid waste enforcement staff. Cmmr•. Trask proposed that three Board members meet monthly with
enforcement staff to gain a better understanding of the code enforcement process.
Ian presented the onsite standards policy as approved by the Onsite Sewage Advisory Committee and
shared concerns regarding its approval. The Board requested that the approved policy be sent back to
the committee for further discussion and review, with a revised recommendation to be brought back to
the Board of Health.
9. Community Health Report
Melissa Casey presented the September —December report and shared that the team has been engaged
in reflection and strategic planning during that period.
10. Other Business and Board Discussion
David reported that several bills related to kratom are currently before the Legislature. Ben Johnson
provided an update on a survey of local convenience stores, noting positive feedback regarding age
restrictions and moving products behind the counter. He also reported resistance from many
businesses regarding the removal of kratom-related signage from the exterior of stores.
11. Public Comments
Ryan Finn thanked the Board for not proceeding with the code enforcement deferral policy, citing
concerns about impacts on neighboring properties. Mr. Finn noted funding limitations and
homelessness as contributing factors and encouraged accountability to prevent future non-
enforcement. Suggestions included increased transparency and pursuing long-term housing solutions
such as affordable housing and alternative housing models.
12. Adjourned at 12:17 p.m.
ATTEST
C4,1
McKenzie Smith, Clerk of the Board
Prepared by Cami Olson
MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
BOARD OF HEALTH
MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
6.140 V S4
Pamela Schlauderaff, Hospital District #1
P••,_
Pegg !an Buskirk, Hospital District #2
Randy dTeatherlin, Commissioner
_.+Dittuizar,
Pat Tarzwell, Commissioner
Sharon Trask, Commissioner
Eric isko, City Council
Sneha Gunda, Squaxin Island Health Director