HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026/06/22 - Briefing Packet MASON COUNTY COMMISSIONER BRIEFING INFORMATION
FOR THE WEEK OF
June 22, 2026
In the spirit of public information and inclusion, the attached is a draft of information for
Commissioner consideration and discussion at the above briefing.
This information is subject to change, additions and/or deletion, and is not all inclusive of
what will be presented to the Commissioners.
Please see draft briefing agenda for schedule.
1854
BOARD OF MASON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
DRAFT BRIEFING MEETING AGENDA
411 North Fifth Street, Shelton WA 98584
Week of June 22, 2026
Monday
Noon WA State Association of Counties Zoom Meeting*
Virtual Assembly
*This is being noticed as a Special Commission meeting because a quorum of the Mason County Commission may
attend this event and notification is provided per Mason County Code Chapter 2.88.020-Special Meetings.
Monday,June 22, 2026
Zoom link available on the Mason County website
Commission Chambers
Times are subject to change,depending on the amount of business presented
9:00 A.M. Closed Session—RCW 42.30.140(4)Labor Discussion
9:30 A.M. Prosecutor's Office—Michael Dorcy
9:35 A.M. Public Works—Loretta Swanson
Utilities&Waste Management
9:45 A.M. Support Services—Travis Adams
Commissioner Discussion—as needed
Commission meetings are live streamed at http://www.masonwebtv.com/and public comment is accepted
via email msmithkmasoncountywa.gov;mail to Commissioners Office,411 N 5th Street,Shelton,WA
98584;or phone at(360)427-9670 ext.419. If you need to listen to the Commission meeting via
telephone,please provide your telephone number to the Commissioners' office no later than 4:00 p.m.the
Friday before the meeting. If special accommodations are needed,contact the Commissioners'office at
Shelton(360)427-9670 ext.419
Briefing Agendas are subject to change,please contact the Commissioners' office for the most recent
version.
Last printed 06/16/26 at 12:39 PM
Mason County
Agenda Request Form
issa
To: Board of Mason County Commissioners Item No.
From: MICHAEL K.DORCY Ext:417
Department: Prosecutor Briefing:
Action Agenda: ❑
Public Hearing: ❑
Special Meeting: ❑
Briefing Date(s): June 22,2026 Agenda Date(s): Click or tap here to enter text.
Internal Review: ❑ Finance ❑ Human Resources ❑0 Legal ❑ IT ❑ Risk ® Other
(This is the responsibility of the requesting Department)
Item: Authorize 1 temporary FTE Senior Deputy Prosecutor position for four (4) months (covering
September-December 2026) for succession planning and transitioning the appellate workload in
anticipation of a DPA retirement.
Background/Executive Summary: The Prosecuting Attorney's Office is formally requesting the
temporary funding of one(1)full-time equivalent(FTE)Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney(Senior DPA)
position for a four-month transitional period, effective September 1,2026,through December 31,2026.
This temporary position is a critical succession planning measure ahead of the retirement of our current
Senior Deputy Prosecutor(Timothy Higgs),who handles 100%of the office's appellate and post-conviction
relief matters. This strategy ensures zero operational downtime, protects pending litigation at all levels of
the judiciary,and guarantees a seamless transfer of institutional knowledge.
1. Factual Background&Operational Need
• Upcoming Retirement: The current Senior Deputy Prosecutor, who manages the entirety of the
office's appellate and post-conviction relief caseload, has announced their retirement effective
December 31, 2026.
• Scope of Responsibility: This specialized role manages complex litigation across the entire
judicial spectrum, from the local Superior Court and the Court of Appeals all the way to the State
Supreme Court. The role demands an intricate understanding of highly technical appellate
procedures, strict jurisdictional deadlines, and established relationships with appellate attorneys,
judges, and court staff.
• The Transition Plan: To mitigate the immense risk of dropped deadlines or disrupted litigation,
the office plans to hire an incoming DPA who will permanently take over the appellate load on
January 1,2027.
2. Proposed Timeline&Onboarding Strategy
To ensure the incoming prosecutor is fully equipped to protect the county's convictions, we propose a
overlapping three-month training window:
Phase/Date Status Operational Focus
Incoming Senior DPA onboarded to train directly under the
09/01/26 — Temporary
12/31/26 Double-Fill retiring Senior DPA. Focus on specialized appellate
processes,brief writing, and active case files.
12/031/26 Retirement Current Senior DPA retires.
01/01/27 Permanent Incoming Senior DPA absorbs the full caseload
onward Handover permanently;temporary FTE funding expires.
3. Justification for the Four-Month Overlap
Appellate work cannot be learned effectively overnight or via standard case files.A four-month transitional
overlap is vital for the following reasons:
• Mitigation of Legal Risk:Missing a single appellate deadline can result in the automatic dismissal
of a state's case or the overturning of a valid conviction.
• Procedural Complexity: The incoming DPA must master distinct procedural rules that vary
significantly between the Superior Court,the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court.
• Institutional Knowledge Transfer: Direct mentorship allows the retiring Senior DPA to pass
down critical strategy,pending oral argument preparations, and historical context on long-running
post-conviction relief matters.
Budget Impact(amount, funding source,budget amendment, etc.):Approximately$60,020.00
(Senior DPA, Step 1, 9/1/26-12-31-26,Full Weight Salary and Benefits)
Public Outreach: N/A
Requested Action: Approve funding of this temporary three-month DPA 2 position, representing a
minimal, short-term investment that safeguards the integrity of our county's criminal convictions and
ensures the Prosecuting Attorney's Office continues to operate without interruption during this major
personnel transition.
Attachment(s): N/A
MASON COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS
• COMMISSIONER BRIEFING
_,. ø June 22, 2026
Action Items:
• Request for Quotes: Two sets of replacement membranes modules for the Belfair Reclamation
Facility. (Requesting to be added to the June 23, 2026, Commission Meeting).
• Request to amend the maximum annual payable amount for on-call hydraulic consultant to increase
maximum expenditure to $1,000,000.00 through end of contract expiration (12/31/2027).
Discussion Items:
Commissioner Follow-Up Items:
Upcoming Items:
Mason County
Agenda Request Form
185
To: Board of Mason County Commissioners Item No.
From: Richard Dickinson, Deputy Director
U&W Management Ext: 652
Department: Utilities &Waste Briefing: ❑x
Action Agenda: ❑x
Public Hearing: ❑
Special Meeting: ❑
Briefing Date(s): June 22, 2026 Agenda Date(s): June 23, 2026
Internal Review: ❑ Finance ❑ Human Resources ❑ Legal ❑ IT ❑ Risk ❑ Other
(This is the responsibility of the requesting Department)
Item: Request for Quotes (RFQ): Two Replacement Membranes for the Belfair Reclamation
Facility
Background/Executive Summary:
The Belfair Reclamation Facility is due for replacement of two membrane modules. The membranes
function as the primary filtration component of the facility's treatment system, separating treated
effluent from solids to maintain compliance and system performance. The replacement is required to
maintain reliable operation of the facility.
Public Work's is requesting authorization to solicit a Request for Quotes (RFQ) in accordance with
applicable procurement requirements for the purchase and delivery of the modules. Installation will be
performed by County staff.
Budget Impact:
Funded through U&W Belfair Reclamation Facility Fund 413. Final cost will be determined through
the competitive bid process.
Any additional costs are expected to be offset by savings from the blower project, which was budgeted
at $250,000 and is currently anticipated to cost approximately $100,000 or less.
Public Outreach:
The RFQ will be published in the Shelton-Mason County Journal and the Daily Journal of Commerce
and posted on the Builders Exchange of Washington and Mason County websites.
Requested Action:
Request the Board of County Commissioners authorize Public Works to solicit a Request for Quotes
(RFQ), establish bid opening dates and times, and award a contract to the lowest responsive and
responsible bidder for the purchase of two replacement membrane modules for the Belfair Reclamation
Facility.
Attachment(s):
N/A
Mason County
Agenda Request Form
1554
To: Board of Mason County Commissioners Item No.
From: Michael Collins, PE, PLS, County Ext:450
Engineer
Department: Public Works Briefing:
Action Agenda:
Public Hearing: ❑
Special Meeting: ❑
Briefing Date(s): June 22, 2026 Agenda Date(s): July 7,2026
Internal Review: ❑ Finance ❑ Human Resources ❑ Legal ❑ IT ❑ Risk ❑ Other
(Please ensure proper internal review channels have been followed, this is the responsibility of
the requesting Department)
Item: On Call Hydraulic Consultant Contract
Back2round/Executive Summary:
In September 2025, the Board previously approved the County Engineer to procure and finalize
agreement for On Call Hydraulics for 2026-2027 with the option to extend through 2028.
Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO)has funded preliminary engineering for four culverts
replacement on Lynch Road and one culvert replacement on Phillips Road.
Due to the meeting grant requirements and deadlines, task assignments are going to exceed the
previously authorized $200,000.00 per calendar year. Majority of additional costs are expected to
be reimbursable through the RCO grant funding.
Associated Costs/Bud2et Impact (amount, funding source, budget amendment, etc.):
These services are budgeted items and purchased out of the Road Fund or will be reimbursable
by grants.
Public Outreach:
N/A
Requested Action:
Requesting the Board authorize the County Engineer to sign contract amendment for on call
hydraulic consultant to increase maximum expenditure to $1,000,000.00 through end of contract
expiration (12/31/2027).
Attachment(s):
N/A
Mason County Administrator
411 N 5th Street
Shelton, WA 98584
(360) 427-9670 ext. 419
Mason County Commissioner
Briefing Items from County Administrator
Support Services
June 22, 2026
Specific Items for Review
-. Cemetery Board Commissioner vacancy-McKenzie Smith
Mason County Personnel Policy update—Kim Monroe
Public Facilities Fund(.09)2027 discussion—Travis Adams
Administrator Updates
Commissioner Discussion
Mason County
Agenda Request Form
issa
To: Board of Mason County Commissioners Item No.
From: McKenzie Smith Ext: 589
Department: Support Services Briefing:
Action Agenda: ❑
Public Hearing: ❑
Special Meeting: ❑
Briefing Date(s): June 22,2026 Agenda Date(s): Click or tap here to enter text.
Internal Review: ❑ Finance ❑ Human Resources ❑ Legal ❑ IT ❑ Risk ❑ Other
(Please ensure proper internal review channels have been followed, this is the responsibility of the
requesting Department)
Item:
Cemetery Board Commissioner(Position No. 3)Vacancy
Background/Executive Summary:
The Cemetery Board of Commissioners has been unable to fill the position vacated by Debra Braz
(position no. 3). This position has been vacant as of December 15, 2025. To date,the County has received
one letter of interest from Connie Lovelace.
Associated Costs/Budget Impact(amount, funding source,budget amendment, etc.):
N/A
Public Outreach:
News release circulated on May 12,2026.
Requested Action:
Discussion on whether the Board would like to schedule an interview with Connie Lovelace or move
forward with appointment.
Attachment(s):
Letter of Interest
From: Connie Starkel
To: McKenzie Smith
Subject: Sandhill cemetery commissioner vacancy
Date: Monday,June 15,2026 1:22:07 PM
This is my notice of interest to apply for the vacancy of serving on the Mason County Cemetery District No. 1
Board of Commissioners that manages the Twin Firs Cemetery on Sandhill,Belfair,Wa.
My address of has adjoining property lines with Twin Firs Cemetery.
I can be contacted by mail at Connie Lovelace
Or by phone
Respectfully,
Connie Lovelace
Sent from my iPhone
Mason County
Agenda Request Form
To: Board of Mason County Commissioners Item No.
From: Kim Monroe Ext: 422
Department: Human Resources Briefing: ❑X
Action Agenda: ❑X
Public Hearing: ❑
Special Meeting: ❑
Briefing Date(s): 6/8/2026 Agenda Date(s): 6/9/2026
Internal Review: ❑X Finance ❑X Human Resources ❑X Legal ❑X IT ❑X Risk ❑ Other
(This is the responsibility of the requesting Department)
Item:
Updates to the Personnel Policy Chapter 20— Lactation Accommodation and Sanitary
Construction Worksite Policy
Background/Executive Summary:
Human Resources has updates to assist the Board in the coordination of county administrative
and personnel programs and follow guidance from the Risk Pool. Changes and additions are
necessary at this time to reflect changes in RCW, best practices, and ensure the document is
organized and updated appropriately.
This policy is being brought back to the Commissioners for review following requested edits.
Budget Impact (amount, funding source, budget amendment, etc.):
N/A
Public Outreach:
N/A
Requested Action:
Approval to move the attached Resolution forward to the June 19, 2026, action agenda and
amend the policy as proposed.
Attachment(s):
Resolution
Personnel Policy Additions
Revised 6_2026
Chapter 20 -Lactation Accommodation and Sanitary
Construction Worksite Policy
Purpose
This policy establishes Mason County's compliance obligations for providing break time and space for the
expression of breast milk under RCW 43.10.005 and chapter 49.92 RCW (effective January 1, 2027), and
for providing sanitary accommodations for construction workers under RCW 49.17.530 and WAC 296-
155-140.
Scope
This policy applies to all covered employees of Mason County who require accommodation for lactation
in county offices or at construction worksites. This policy is compliant with RCW 43.10.005 and effective
January 1, 2027 RCW 49.92)
Policy
1.1 Break Time
Mason County shall provide reasonable break time each time an employee has a need to express
breast milk, for up to two years after the birth of a child. Break time for this purpose is in
addition to meal and rest periods required under chapter 49.12 RCW. Employees shall not be
required to use paid leave during break time or travel time to express milk during work.
1.2 Location
Mason County shall provide a private location, other than a bathroom, for an employee to
express breast milk, if such a location exists at the place of business or worksite. If no such space
exists, the County will work with the employee to identify a convenient location and work
schedule that meets their needs.
1.3 Storage and Security
a. Where reasonably available, the County will provide access to hygienic refrigeration for the
storage of expressed milk. To maintain hygiene and avoid confusion with other stored food
items, expressed milk should be stored in a closed, opaque container or insulated bag in shared
refrigerator space.
b. Employees are responsible for securely storing any necessary equipment (breast pump, storage
containers, etc.) at their workstation or in another storage area agreed upon with their manager,
and for keeping milk expression areas clean using antimicrobial wipes.
1.4 Requesting Accommodation
Revised 6_2026
a. Employees shall notify their supervisor or Human Resources of the need for lactation
accommodation as early as practicable. Human Resources will identify appropriate space and
coordinate scheduling with the employee's department.
b. An employee may be requested to provide written certification regarding the need for
reasonable accommodation, except for the accommodations described in 1.1 and 1.2 above.
20.6 Section 2—Sanitary Workplace Accommodation (Construction Worksites)
RCW 49.17.530 and WAC 296-155-140 require employers in the construction industry to
provide reasonable accommodations for workers who menstruate, express milk, or both.
2.1 Accommodations for Expressing Milk
The following accommodations apply to workers who express milk and engage in construction
activities, to ensure a comfortable and sanitary environment:
a. Flexible Scheduling Workers will be allowed flexible work schedules, including breaks, to
provide time for milk expression.
b. Private, Sanitary Space An area that is private, sanitary, and lockable where possible
(other than a bathroom) will be provided for expressing milk. This space will be free from
intrusion.
c. Milk Storage Where reasonably available, the County will provide access to hygienic
refrigeration for the storage of expressed milk. To maintain hygiene and avoid confusion with
other stored food items, expressed milk should be stored in a closed, opaque container or
insulated bag in shared refrigerator space.
d. Employees are responsible for the secure storage of their own milk expression equipment
(breast pump, accessories, storage containers, etc.) in a personal locker, vehicle, or other location
designated by the employer. The County is not responsible for loss of or damage to personal
equipment stored in these locations.
e. Hand and Equipment Hygiene A convenient water source for cleaning hands and milk
expression equipment will be provided in a private location near the expression area.
2.2 Accommodations for Menstruation
The following accommodations will be provided on all construction worksites for workers who
menstruate:
a. Bathroom Facilities—A bathroom will be available, either a minimum-sized portable
chemical toilet or access to a permanent structure with a bathroom. The bathroom will have an
internal latch to ensure privacy and prevent inadvertent entry.
Revised 6_2026
b. Adequate Time—Workers will be given sufficient time to accommodate clothing
adjustments when using bathroom facilities.
c. Menstrual Hygiene Products—Pads, tampons, and similar products will be provided at no
cost, either stocked in designated or gender-neutral bathrooms, or provided as individual kits for
workers who need them.
Mason County
Agenda Request Form
issa
To: Board of Mason County Commissioners Item No.
From: Travis Adams Ext: 530
Department: Support Services Briefing:
Action Agenda: ❑
Public Hearing: ❑
Special Meeting: ❑
Briefing Date(s): 6/22/2026 Agenda Date(s): N/A
Internal Review: ❑ Finance ❑ Human Resources ❑ Legal ❑ IT ❑ Risk ❑ Other
(Please ensure proper internal review channels have been followed, this is the responsibility of the
requesting Department)
Item: Public Facilities Fund(.09)2027 discussion
Background/Executive Summary:
The Public Facilities Fund(.09) Grant Process was adopted May 12,2026. This process allows for
submission of applications May 1 through June 30 for the following year. Given full adoption was
delayed 2 weeks into the application process,discussion may be had as to whether or not the BOCC will
extend the application deadline through the end of July for the FY2027 grant cycle.
Associated Costs/Budget Impact(amount, funding source,budget amendment, etc.):
N/A
Public Outreach:
N/A
Requested Action:
Request BOCC extend the Public Facilities Fund application deadline through the end of July
Attachment(s):
N/A