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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026_09_17_Meeting Minutes·~ ~ ),ff_eJzson Public H~ifh REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Jefferson County Board of Health Thursday, September 17, 2026@ 2:30 p.m. Jefferson County Courthouse - Commissioners' Chambers 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA Hybrid Meeting Board Members Greg Brotherton, County Commissioner, District #3 Heather Dudley-Nollette, County Commissioner, District #1 Celeste Dybeck, Tribal Representative Heidi Eisenhour, County Commissioner, District #2 Amanda Grace, Vice-Chair, Community Stakeholder Dr. Kees Kolff, Public Hospital District #2 Commissioner Monica MickHager, Chair, Port Townsend City Council Gabrielle Vanwert, Consumer of Public Health Staff Members Denise Banker, Community Health Director Dr. Allison Berry, Health Officer Lara Cittadini, CHIP Manager Michael Dawson, Water Quality Manager Carter Erickson, Environmental Health Manager Apple Martine, Public Health Director Jenn Mitchell, Finance Manager Veronica Shaw, Public Health Deputy Director Chair MickHager called the September 17, 2026 meeting of the Jefferson County Board of Health to order at 2:33 P.M. A quorum was present. Members Present: Chair Monica MickHager, Members Greg Brotherton, Heather Dudley-Nollette, Celeste Dybeck, Dr. Kees Kolff and Gabrielle Vanwert. Staff Present: Staff Members Denise Banker, Dr. Allison Berry, Carter Erickson, Apple Martine, Jenn Mitchell PUBLIC COMMENT Chair MickHager called for public comment. Staff Member Erickson read an email to the Board regarding increased odor from the Mill. Member Dybeck agreed with the concern, noting that the odor appears worse this year and causes nasal irritation. Staff Member Erickson stated he did not have information on the cause but advised that complaints may be submitted to the Port Townsend (PT) Paper Company and the Department of Ecology, which regulates the Mill's air and water emissions. He referenced an A TSDR report indicating that while sulfur compounds can cause acute respiratory irritation, significant long-term health impacts were not identified. Member Dudley-Nollette reported that at the September 14, 2026 Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) meeting, the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) presented, followed by Ecology's announcement of a substantial fine issued to PT Paper Company. She also shared that the next LEPC meeting will be located at the East Jefferson Fire and Rescue Station at 9193 Rhody Drive in Chimacum (it will also be available to attend virtually) on October 14, 2026 at 2 P.M. Additionally, Bobbak Talebi with the Department of Ecology has offered to attend quarterly BoCC meetings to provide updates. Member Brotherton added that the fine, approximately three-quarters of a million dollars, was related to lagoon operation issues contributing to odors. Staff Member Erickson shared two contacts that are the go-to for regulation regarding the Mill. They are Emily Toffel Respectfully submitted K. Tapia Page 1 of4 (Emily.toffol@ecy.wa.gov) and Mady Lyon (mady.lyon@ecy.wa.gov). Dr. Kolff strongly urged that the Board of Health follow up with Bobbak regarding his offer. Dr. Berry addressed an email from the public regarding the deer populations and the health risks related to deer. She shared that the biggest risk seen is car accidents. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is the appropriate agency to contact regarding population management. Angela Gyurko expressed concern about rising ACA health insurance premiums, noting that the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has approved another double-digit increase beginning January 2027. She also highlighted concerns about upcoming Medicaid work requirements, which may affect medically frail individuals. She urged the need for additional funding to support foundational public health services in Jefferson County and stated she will be advocating for this at the state level. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair MickHager called for a motion to accept the agenda for August 20, 2026. MOTION: Dr. Kloff moved to approve the agenda. Member Dybeck seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair MickHager requested a motion to approve the minutes of the August 20, 2026 meeting. MOTION: Member Dudley-Nollette moved to approve the minutes. Member Dybeck seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. OLD BUSINESS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 1. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) Report Staff member Martine provided updates on current Public Health activities, including the Great Diaper Drive occurring throughout September and recognized staff member Kimberley for leading the outreach efforts. She also reported several upcoming staff transitions, including retirements and new hires. The staff that has/will be retiring are 29-year veteran employee nurse practitioner Susan O'Brien, 31-year JCPH staff member Randy Marx, and Community Health Director Denise Banker (who has been with JCPH for 13 years). Additionally, the Communicable Disease team lead, Ocean Mason, has departed to pursue further clinical studies. Two new staff members were welcomed. There is a new Clerk of the Board of Health, Kaitlin (Kait) Tapia and a new Foot Care Nurse, Sheryl Ritz. She also shared that in October there will be an opening of the next school-based health center at Blue Herron Middle School. 2. Jefferson Healthcare Report Dr. Kolff shared the upcoming employee appreciation week at Jefferson Healthcare for the over 1,000 employees. JHC is projected to exceed 128,000 clinic visits in 2026, with more than 200 referrals occurring each day. JCH will have a rheumatologist starting in 2027. Regarding the 10% of the Affordable Healthcare patients who will drop their insurance because of the cost of premiums, Dr. Kolffwould like to remind people to still seek healthcare. There is a remarkably progressive sliding scale fee at JHC. 3. Infectious Diseases Update Dr. Berry reported an increase in COVID-19 cases across the region and state, as well as unusually early flu activity, which in past years has correlated with higher flu-related mortality. She emphasized the importance of community vaccination to protect infants under six months, who cannot yet be vaccinated. Pediatric COVID-19 vaccines and the RSV vaccine are expected to be available in October, with RSV vaccination recommended for individuals aged 75 and older. Pertussis cases continue to appear in neighboring counties (Clallam and Kitsap), and Dr. Berry noted that Respectfully submitted K. Tapia Page 2 of 4 the pertussis vaccine is administered together with tetanus, making this an appropriate time for individuals to confirm they are up to date on their tetanus vaccination. She also discussed ongoing measles activity nationwide, noting that the United States is at risk of losing its elimination status due to declining vaccination rates that have dipped below herd-immunity thresholds. Although Washington State currently has very few cases, those that have appeared were imported from other areas experiencing outbreaks. Dr. Berry shared maps from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health illustrating 2026 measles activity and stressed the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to protect the community. NEW BUSINESS [NEW BUSINESS was reordered as a courtesy to accommodate a community group wanting to participate in the Encampment discussion.] 1. Updates to the Environmental Health Fee Schedule Staff member Erickson presented a draft of the Environmental Health Fee Schedule, highlighting numerous updates and the removal of outdated language for clarity. Minor adjustments were made in early sections, including renaming an application fee without changing its function. He noted the reinstatement of the O&M Inspection Report manual data-entry fee to encourage homeowners to submit septic inspection reports through the CSS portal rather than emailing staff. Food establishment application fees were reorganized to present the initial plan-review fee as one consolidated charge, with no new fees added. A major proposed change would shift the annual food establishment permit renewal deadline to February 14 and introduce a daily late fee of $71/day during a February 15-28 grace period to improve compliance and align with state food code. A comprehensive outreach campaign is planned to ensure establishments are aware of the changes if approved. Erickson also proposed removing the 25% fee reduction for nonprofit temporary food establishments due to a lack of documented backup from the general funds to backfill the 25%. Additional clarifications were made in the solid waste section by removing outdated explanatory text and distinguishing what is being paid. The final addition is a new section outlining fees for the school environmental health and safety program. Listing these as separate items improves clarity for schools and staff. No further changes were presented. 2. Summary of the 4-H program Due to a scheduling oversight, a brief preview of this presentation was provided; the full presentation will be delivered at the October meeting. Angie Scout, who works for WSU Extension and is 4-H Coordinator for Jefferson County, reported that a Public Health mini-grant funded youth awards and leadership scholarships. She highlighted that the grant supported highly valued awards like banners and champion buckles, and that two local teens attended a statewide leadership conference in Pullman, gaining experience in student-led planning and higher-education exposure. Angie expressed appreciation for the mini-grant and noted that participating youth will attend next month's meeting to share their experiences. 3. Review of Encampment Policy Implementation and Public Health Outcomes Staff member Martine discussed recent communication available in public comments with the group Well Organized, which had requested a collaborative dialogue regarding the county's encampment policy and the July 14 encampment removal. She stated for the record that she has interacted with the group several times to outline how the Board planned to structure such a conversation, including doing the Board of Health meeting a bit differently to allow for reciprocal discussion rather than standard 3-minute public comment. She noted that the agenda was adjusted to accommodate their participation but that the group had not responded or appeared, despite earlier confirmation. Discussion ensued. Respectfully submitted K. Tapia Page 3 of 4 ANNOUNCEMENTS Member Dudley-Nollette shouted out and thanked Angie Scout for stepping up into the role as Fair Manager at the last minute and how critical it was to the success of the fair this year. Staff Member Banker also thanked Angie for the brief presentation and al I her work at the fair this year. Member Dudley-Nollette shared she sits on the Salish Behavioral Health Administrative Organization's executive board. A fellow seatmate, Christine Rolfus, helped fund the Frank Chop Center for Behavior Health and Learning and will host a small tour on November 4th. Member Dudley-Nollette is looking for another key person to attend that tour as this facility will serve people in Jefferson County. FUTURE POTENTIAL AGENDA TOPICS Dr. Kolff reminded everyone about House Bill 2442. Staff member Berry shared an update where things were in the process regarding that and the Board will be addressing it once preemptive information has been discussed with elected and department heads at the special meeting of the BoCC on Tuesday October 13, 2026. AGENDA PLANNING CALENDAR The Agenda Planning Meeting for the next regular meeting of the Board will be held on October 8, 2026 at I 0:30 A.M. The next regular Board of Health meeting will be held as a hybrid meeting on Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 2:30 P.M. - 4:30 P.M. ADJOURNMENT Chair Mick.Hager adjourned the September 17, 2026 Jefferson County Board of Health meeting at 4:17 P.M. until the next Regular Meeting or Special Meeting as properly noticed. ERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH .fn Mickl-lager, Chair i/_c/-c=- Kaitlin Tapia, Public Health Assistant Portions of these minutes were drafted with Al assistance. Respectfully submitted K. Tapia Page 4 of4