Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners

Transcription

1 Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners Minutes August 15, 2017 Vol. 542 Joe Gardner, Chairman Dennis P. Weber, Commissioner Arne Mortensen, Commissioner Tiffany Ostreim, Clerk of the Board Commissioner Gardner called the regular meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Commissioner Weber and Commissioner Mortensen were present. Pledge of Allegiance Led by Commissioner Gardner. Approval of Minutes of August 8, 2017 and Consent Agenda of August 15, 2017 Commissioner Mortensen moved to approve the Minutes of August 8, The motion carried with all voting in favor. Commissioner Weber moved to approve the Consent Agenda of August 15, The motion carried with all voting in favor. Citizen Comments Jim Hill, 1100 N. 22 nd, Kelso; spoke about lack of nuisance abatement codes. South Kelso is being addressed by the City of Kelso and volunteer groups to improve the area in general. Would like the county to address codes that enforce expected behavior of owners. Judy Baker, 100 Stock Road, Kelso; stated she was accosted by a member of the public at the last public meeting and someone recorded the incident. It was uncivil. Bill Josh, 9 35 th Court, Longview; stated the public meetings are important for citizens to attend. There was no intent to accost the citizen. Chris Bornstedt, 119 N. Maple Street, Kelso; stated he didn t record the incidence. Amendment Nos. One and Two to Agreements for Maintenance of Subscriber Radios with Day Wireless System extending the contracts for one month to August 31, 2017 Claire Hauge and Traci Jackson, Office of Financial Management; were present. The current contract needs to be extended while the request for proposals for services is pending. Commissioner Mortensen moved to approve Amendment Nos. One and Two to Agreements for Maintenance of Subscriber Radios with Day Wireless System extending the contracts for one month to August 31, The motion carried with all voting in favor. Resolution No Establishing a policy for the implementation and administration of the uniform cleaning allowance for exempt employees of the Cowlitz County Corrections Department Claire Hauge and Traci Jackson, Office of Financial Management; were present. This implements a policy for the uniform cleaning allowance. Commissioner Weber moved to adopt the resolution establishing a policy for the implementation and administration of the uniform cleaning allowance for exempt employees of the Cowlitz County Corrections Department. The motion carried with all voting in favor. Second Addendum to Interlocal Agreement with the City of Castle Rock for Rural Economic Development Funds adding electronic reader boards as an authorized use of the funds previously disbursed and extending the project completion date from August 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017 Claire Hauge and Traci Jackson, Office of Financial

2 Commissioners Minutes Vol. 542 Page 2 Management; were present. This allows the City of Castle Rock to use unspent Rural Economic Development Funds to another project. Commissioner Mortensen moved to enter into the Second Addendum to Interlocal Agreement with the City of Castle Rock for Rural Economic Development Funds adding electronic reader boards as an authorized use of the funds previously disbursed and extending the project completion date from August 1, 2016 to December 31, The motion carried with all voting in favor. Subrecipient Agreement with Lower Columbia CAP for administration of the Community Development Block Grant Public Service Grant award from Washington State Department of Commerce on behalf of Lower Columbia CAP in the amount of $68,494 to be used to fund CAP s Rural Senior Meals Program (Home delivered meals and at congregate sites) and Cowlitz County s administration costs Claire Hauge and Traci Jackson, Office of Financial Management; were present. $3,500 in county administration costs. Lower Columbia CAP was the only agency to apply for the grant. $14,704 is going towards salaries and wages at CAP. Doug Koenig, CAP; explained the indirect rates for use on grants, contracts, and other agreements with the Federal Government. Base is total direct salaries and wages excluding participant salaries and fringe benefits. Rick Von Rock, 400 N. 7 th, Kelso; asked how many dollars are going towards the program? Commissioner Weber moved to approve Subrecipient Agreement with Lower Columbia CAP for administration of the Community Development Block Grant Public Service Grant award from Washington State Department of Commerce on behalf of Lower Columbia CAP in the amount of $68,494 to be used to fund CAP s Rural Senior Meals Program (Home delivered meals and at congregate sites) and Cowlitz County s administration costs. The motion carried with Commissioner Gardner and Commissioner Weber in favor and Commissioner Mortensen abstained. Resolution No Dissolving the Prosecuting Attorney's Office Petty Cash Fund Commissioner Mortensen moved to adopt the resolution dissolving the Prosecuting Attorney's Office Petty Cash Fund. The motion carried with all voting in favor. Agreement with Educational Service District (ESD) 105 and the Cowlitz County Drug Court Grant Program for the Northwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (NWHIDTA) which receives federal funding from the Office of National Drug Control Policy; ESD 105 will reimburse Cowlitz County Drug Court for actual approved expenses (salary and benefits for one (1) Drug Court Coordinator) for up to a maximum of $30,000 Adam Pithan, Drug Court; was present and explained the agreement. Reimburses a portion of salary and benefits for one Drug Court Coordinator. Claire Hauge, Office of Financial Management; spoke on the Mental Health Tax. Need to look carefully at supplanting language. Commissioner Weber moved to approve the Agreement with Educational Service District (ESD) 105 and the Cowlitz County Drug Court Grant Program for the Northwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (NWHIDTA) which receives federal funding from the Office of National Drug Control Policy; ESD 105 will reimburse Cowlitz County Drug Court for actual approved expenses (salary and benefits for one (1) Drug Court Coordinator) for up to a maximum of $30,000. The motion carried with all voting in favor. Bid Award for the South Pekin Road Guardrail Project No. 1215; CRP No. 730 to the lowest responsible bidder, Peterson Brothers, Inc.; in the amount of $52, Susan Eugenis and Patrick Harbison, Public Works; were present. Funded from Federal Highways safety money.

3 Commissioners Minutes Vol. 542 Page 3 Commissioner Mortensen moved to award the bid for the South Pekin Road Guardrail Project No. 1215; CRP No. 730 to the lowest responsible bidder, Peterson Brothers, Inc.; in the amount of $52, The motion carried with all voting in favor. Resolution No Assignment or transfer of control of franchise of Astound Broadband, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of WaveDivision Holdings LLC to Radiate HoldCo LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Radiate Holdings LP Susan Eugenis and Patrick Harbison, Public Works; were present. Stated the ownership has changed and this is a request for transfer of ownership to the new company. All other aspects are the same. Commissioner Weber moved to adopt the resolution for assignment or transfer of control of franchise of Astound Broadband, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of WaveDivision Holdings LLC to Radiate HoldCo LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Radiate Holdings LP. The motion carried with all voting in favor. Request for Qualifications and Expression of Interest in Headquarters Landfill; due by September 14, 2017 by 4:30 p.m. Brad Bastin and Ron Junker, Public Works; were present. Recommend the Board issue the request to those companies that have shown interested. The Solid Waste Advisory Committee, SWAC, met last week and requested the landfill not be sold and the request for qualifications be held until they meet again September 13 to give more time for them to review. Steve Taylor, City of Kelso; reiterated the SWAC wants more time to review the RFQ. Wants to know the value of operating the landfill. Wants the operations kept at the local level. Has concerns of what may be omitted from the objectives. Wants to be a part of the process. Commissioner Mortensen stated they want the best deal for the county. Wants as much information as we can receive. Commissioner Gardner commented on the process. The ability to get more information is the purpose for the request. This does not commit the county to anything. Adam Smee, City of Kalama; stated the SWAC serves at the pleasure of the Commissioners. They want more time to review the RFQ. Nervous about opening the door to national corporations. Want to protect the rate payers in the community. Commissioner Mortensen stated he would like feedback from the SWAC when we have something. Commissioner Mortensen moved to approve and issue the Request for Qualifications and Expression of Interest in the Headquarters Landfill; due by September 14, 2017 by 4:30 p.m. The motion carried with Commissioner Gardner and Commissioner Mortensen in favor and Commissioner Weber opposed. Contract Completion with Asset Protection Partnership LTD for the Administration Building East Storefront and Entry Security System; total cost $82,639.93, including WA State sales tax Randy Stoltenberg, Facilities Maintenance and Matt Hanson, Purchasing Services; were present and explained the project. Commissioner Weber moved to approve the contract completion with Asset Protection Partnership LTD for the Administration Building East Storefront and Entry Security System; total cost $82,639.93, including WA State sales tax. The motion carried with all voting in favor. Contract with Western Washington Construction for the Public Works Fleet shop roof installation for a cost of $34, including WA sales tax Randy Stoltenberg, Facilities Maintenance and Matt Hanson, Purchasing Services; were present and explained the project. Commissioner Mortensen moved to enter into the contract with Western Washington Construction for the Public Works Fleet shop roof installation for a cost of $34, including WA sales tax. The motion carried with all voting in favor.

4 Commissioners Minutes Vol. 542 Page 4 Contract with John Lupo Construction for the Cowlitz County Public Works Fleet shop rain gutters installation for a cost of $12, including WA sales tax Randy Stoltenberg, Facilities Maintenance and Matt Hanson, Purchasing Services; were present and explained the project. Commissioner Weber moved to enter into the contract with John Lupo Construction for the Cowlitz County Public Works Fleet shop rain gutters installation for a cost of $12, including WA sales tax. The motion carried with all voting in favor. Contract with Ron's Stump Removal and Tree Service, LLC for tree removal services at Riverside Park for a cost of $9, including WA sales tax Randy Stoltenberg, Facilities Maintenance and Matt Hanson, Purchasing Services; were present and explained the project. Commissioner Mortensen moved to enter into the contract with Ron's Stump Removal and Tree Service, LLC for tree removal services at Riverside Park for a cost of $9, including WA sales tax. The motion carried with all voting in favor. Professional Services Agreement with Community House on Broadway to provide case management with an emphasis on prevention and diversion for students who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness in Cowlitz County. Maximum consideration not to exceed $261, during the period August 1, 2017 through July 31, 2019 Chris DesRosier and Gena James, Health and Human Services; were present and explained the contract. Commissioner Weber moved to approve the Professional Services Agreement with Community House on Broadway to provide case management with an emphasis on prevention and diversion for students who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness in Cowlitz County. Maximum consideration not to exceed $261, during the period August 1, 2017 through July 31, The motion carried with all voting in favor. Professional Services Agreement with CORE Health to assist CORE Health in obtaining the appropriate staffing and required agency licensure to begin providing Substance Use Disorder treatment services in Cowlitz County. Maximum consideration not to exceed $120,000 during the period August 1, 2017 through July 31, Chris DesRosier and Gena James, Health and Human Services; were present and explained the contract. Commissioner Mortensen moved to approve the Professional Services Agreement with CORE Health to assist CORE Health in obtaining the appropriate staffing and required agency licensure to begin providing Substance Use Disorder treatment services in Cowlitz County. Maximum consideration not to exceed $120,000 during the period August 1, 2017 through July 31, The motion carried with all voting in favor. Professional Services Agreement with SL Start & Associates, LLC for Developmental Disability Services; maximum consideration not to exceed $256,000 during the period July 1, 2017 through June 30, Chris DesRosier and Gena James, Health and Human Services; were present and explained the contract. Commissioner Weber moved to approve the Professional Services Agreement with SL Start & Associates, LLC for Developmental Disability Services; maximum consideration not to exceed $256,000 during the period July 1, 2017 through June 30, The motion carried with all voting in favor. The Board took a five minute break. Proposed Syringe Exchange Program reforms The program will be terminated effective September 25, Commissioner Weber acknowledged the work and process the Board members allowed for staff to work on this program. Hopes the Board approves the reforms and allows for a trial period.

5 Commissioners Minutes Vol. 542 Page 5 Commissioner Gardner reminded everyone of the expectations of the meeting. Chris DesRosier, Health and Human Services; was present. This program started in 2001 as a result of an increase in Hep C. Went over the plan for syringe exchange changes: Will accurately implement a true one-for-one syringe exchange; Report on a quarterly basis whether there is an increase in the number of participants actually provided medical assessment sand entering treatment for substance use disorders; Report on a quarterly basis the number if IV drug use-related infections disclosed by the medical community; Reduce the individual allotment of syringes at any one time to 80; and Prohibit the issuing of starter kits. Commissioner Mortensen read a statement. Initial motivation was to ask if the program did more harm than good. Has no confidence of the department keeping with the plan. Original motion was to suspend the program within 90 days unless staff prepares within 30 days recommended reforms. Commissioner Mortensen moved to terminate the Cowlitz County Syringe Exchange program on September 25, Dan Roberts, Kalama; spoke in support of the reforms of the program. Spoke on the data of needle exchange Hep C averaged 2.8 cases per year. Since 2001 the number of new cases of HEP has dropped to a rate of.44 per year; an 84% decrease. Stopping the program would be malpractice. Spencer Beaudro, Longview; spoke in opposition of the reforms of the program. The original intent was moral, but it breaks the law. Too many needles are discarded. John Steppert, Longview; spoke in support of the reforms of the program. The success in this program has reduced Hep C. It s based on best practices. It s a public health issue. Betsy Carpenter, Castle Rock; spoke in opposition of the reforms of the program. When you give free needles to drug addicts, you are asking irresponsible people to be responsible. If they need help, there are places. Don t enable illegal behavior. Her safety and health is not protected. David Craney, Pacific Way, Longview; spoke in support of the reforms of the program. Please use empathy for the drug addicts. George Robertson, spoke in support of the reforms of the program. It is a safety program. Patrick Ryan, Kelso; spoke in opposition of the reforms of the program. Wants to know the numbers of Hep C. Feels like the 1% drug addicts are black mailing tax payers. Dallas Delagrange, spoke in support of the reforms of the program. Using the needle exchange is the first contact for help. It gives opportunity to be clean. It s a public health issue. When the program is abolished there will be more discarded needles. Jeff Wilson, Longview; spoke in opposition of the reforms of the program. Stated the on-line poll shows opposition of the program. There is little public outreach and input. The program is optional. The reform has missing pieces. Discarded syringes will always be a hazard. There is nothing in the plan to keep the discarded syringes from the people. The longer you give out needles the longer people will be addicted. Treatment and detox are needed. Michelle Waltz, Longview; spoke in support of the reforms of the program. Shutting down the program is extreme. Don t base on emotion and personal opinion. It reduces disease and opens

6 Commissioners Minutes Vol. 542 Page 6 doors. It saves people from life threatening diseases. It decreases number of discarded syringes. Addiction is very complex. Need to work together to help those in need. Lisa Alexander, Kelso; spoke in opposition of the reforms of the program. There are too many needles handed out. If people can afford drugs they can afford their own needles. Don t enable. We need detox and education. They have repeatedly said they can t make it a true one for one. Donna McClain, Longview; spoke in support of the reforms of the program. Need a public awareness program. Look at retractable syringes. Look at sanitizing sharps containers. Look at diabetics. Give the new program a chance. Kevin Hunter, Longview; spoke in opposition of the reforms of the program. The reduction in Hep C isn t because of the needle exchange program. Need education and awareness. Only 6% of HIV comes from shared needles. Drug users are the same because they have easy access. No clear study on harm reduction. Time to change your approach. Don Jensen, Mayor, City of Longview; spoke in support of a true one for one needle exchange. That means one complete needle, including cap, needle, plunger, and barrel. Christin Ellis, Lexington; spoke in opposition of the reforms of the program. Has not seen any form of succession. Judy Baker, Kelso; spoke in support of the reforms of the program. Gives little recognition to the online polls. World Health Organization has a lot of data. Went over some of the highlights. Numbers will continue to increase because there are not enough treatment centers. In the meantime quiet the spread of disease. Evidence supports needle exchange programs in reducing disease and reducing discarded needles. Taking away the program doesn t take away the problem. Doing a disservice to the community as a whole by terminating the program. Bill Josh, Longview; spoke in opposition of the reforms of the program. It s a bipartisan issue. The polls should be given credit. If it can t be a true one for one it should be ended. Can t trust the Health Department to run this program. It s about our family and being safe in our community. Allan Harrelson, Cardiologist at Peacehealth; spoke in support of the reforms of the program. Seeing more people with heart disease as a result of drug use. It is very expensive to treat. Ashley Helenberg, Castle Rock; spoke in opposition of the reforms of the program. Blames the county for handing out needles. Doesn t want to scare her children about the drug problem. Politics is easy; parenting is hard. There is no pro-active desire to help the community. Rosemary Siipola, Kalama; spoke in support of the reforms of the program. No one starts out as a drug addict. These people need help. The brain reacts to drugs differently. We have a drug abuse problem. It hits all people at some time. Needle exchange is one element. Step in and help and continue the program and continue to monitor the program. Mike Wallin, Longview; spoke in opposition of the reforms of the program. Longview staff is picking up an average of five needles a day. The program is not working. It is causing more harm. Look at other treatment options and stop giving out more needles. Jim Young, Longview; spoke in support of the reforms of the program. No disagreement dirty discarded needles is a public health issue. Believe if you discontinue the program you will make the problem of discarded needles worse. There will be no incentive. The Longview City Council approved a true one to one needle exchange. The language presented today was different.

7 Commissioners Minutes Vol. 542 Page 7 Dave Campbell, City of Longview; read a letter. The council supports reforming the program with a true one for one needle exchange. Jerry Wilkins, Kelso; spoke in support of the reforms of the program. Helps run the program every Friday. Believes they are saving lives. People are using clean syringes and not spreading diseases. People who got hooked on opioids for various reasons are using the program. It s an important program. Don t condemn people. Take into consideration the people that need the program. Rodney Kangas, Kelso; spoke in opposition of the reforms of the program. Offended tax dollars go towards enabling the opioid crisis. Believe in safety, health and well-being of the county. Chris Bornstedt, Kelso; spoke in opposition of the reforms of the program. Thanked the Commissioners for the opportunity to speak on the issue. Chet Makinster, Longview; spoke in opposition of the reforms of the program. It started off as a one for one, but got out of control. Need better oversight. Need to help people in another way; don t throw needles at them. Star Darcy, Kelso; spoke in opposition of the reforms of the program. Her kids are not allowed in the park. Should not have to talk to kids about this. It s not a solution. Need more treatment and positive solutions. This is illegal activity. Need to show our kids the right way. Commissioner Weber stated politics is not easy. None of us like the fact that we have an opioid epidemic. The Health Department was ordered under a previous board to run the needle exchange program and responded accordingingly. Emergency rooms are a money loser any time a drug addict comes in. The rest of us pay in higher costs. Motivations in public health is to develop a strategy to keep people out of the ER. If emergency rooms become a drug addict treatment center the rest of us miss out. The ER is a primary care center for low income. We all agree this community has to do a better job in offering services. The state is now requiring a medically assisted treatment center. Taking away the needles will not make the problem go away. This community supports behavioral health treatment and expanded drug treatment programs. We have been at war for 50 years. We have alternatives that we have to work. Accept the reforms for a pilot period. If the data doesn t show, then suspend the program. Commissioner Gardner stated this has been a very difficult decision. People have very different opinions. Received a lot of information from many different people. When the program was approved in 1999, it was not a unanimous decision. A lot of dialog about data, follow-up and goals. Read the recommendation from the State Department of Health. Must know the target we are reaching, have support, adhere to a one for one exchange, prevent exposure to needles, provide treatment and evaluate the data of the program. Believes county leadership did not make sure these goals were followed through on. Things have changed. There was a trust broken. Cannot support the revisions. The motion to terminate the syringe exchange program as of September 25, 2017 was approved with Commissioner Mortensen and Commissioner Gardner in favor and Commissioner Weber opposed. Consent Agenda Correspondence Letter dated August 3, 2017 to the BOCC from Hilary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands, WA State Department of Natural Resources; regarding Projection of Income from State Forest Lands.

8 Commissioners Minutes Vol. 542 Page 8 These lands generated $1,108,000 in the first two quarters of calendar year 2017 and are projected to generate $1,133,000 total for calendar year Letter dated August 10, 2017 to Paul Youmans, Pathways 2020; from the BOCC supporting the planning and development of the Six Rivers Bike Trail. Vouchers The following vouchers/warrants are approved for payment Fund Voucher Numbers Amount Claims 312 $ 1, Claims Claims for Special Purpose Districts , Claims ,287, Claims , The Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners adjourned at 1:05 p.m. to meet again Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. /s/ Tiffany Ostreim Tiffany Ostreim, Clerk of the Board /s/ Joe Gardner Joe Gardner, Chairman