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RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
March 5, 2013 - 10:00 a.m.
MINUTES
MEMBERS: Philip Morley, County Administrator/Risk Manager
Erin Lundgren, Clerk of the Board/Risk Coordinator (Chair)
Judi Morris, Treasurer
Jean Baldwin, Public Health Director
Bob Hamlin, Safety Officer
LEGAL COUNSEL: David Alvarez, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
RECORDER: Leslie Locke, Deputy Clerk of the Board
Chair Erin Lundgren called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. in the presence of Members Judi
Morris, Jean Baldwin and Philip Morley and Legal Counsel David Alvarez. Also in attendance
was Emergency Management Coordinator Bob Hamlin.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Member Morris moved to approve the meeting minutes of February 5, 2013 as presented.
Member Morley seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
OLD BUSINESS
Discussion re: Safety Officer Vacancy: At the February meeting it was suggested that
Emergency Management Coordinator Bob Hamlin would be a good candidate to fill the vacant
position for Safety Officer on the Risk Management Committee. Member Morley contacted him
and he indicated he was interested in serving on the Committee. Member Morris moved to
appoint Bob Hamlin to serve as the Safety Officer on the Risk Management Committee.
Member Morley seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
An Executive Session was scheduled from 10:05 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. with the County
Administrator, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Treasurer, Public Health Director, Clerk of the
Board, Safety Officer and the Deputy Clerk of the Board regarding actual litigation. This
exemption is outlined in the Open Public Meetings Act RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). The actual period
of time the Committee met in Executive Session on this topic was from 10:05 a.m. to 10:18 a.m.
Risk Management Committee Meeting Minutes - March 5, 2013 Page: 2
At the conclusion of the Executive Session the Committee resumed the regular meeting and no
action was taken.
An Executive Session was scheduled from 10:20 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. with the County
Administrator, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Treasurer, Public Health Director, Clerk of the
Board, Safety Officer and the Deputy Clerk of the Board regarding potential litigation. This
exemption is outlined in the Open Public Meetings Act RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). The actual period
of time the Committee met in Executive Session on this topic was from 10:18 a.m. to 10:21 a.m.
At the conclusion of the Executive Session the meeting returned to open session with the
following action taken.
Claim No.: C-01-13 (A), C-01-13 (B); and C-01-13 (C)
Claimant: Frank Sharp; Johnnie Sharp; & Ronnie Sharp
Damages: $1,000,000 each
Allegation: Pain, suffering, injury and wrongful death of Sandy Sharp
The Committee reviewed the details of this claim. The Committee concluded that this claim is
against Jefferson Healthcare personnel and was forwarded to them by Legal Counsel Alvarez.
The evidence presented by the claimants fail to indicate any wrongdoing by County personnel
that would entitle the claimants to money damages. Member Morris moved to deny claim
#C-01-13 (A), (B) & (C). Member Morley seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous
vote. Legal Counsel Alvarez will draft a letter of denial.
Decision: Denied
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion re: Punitive Damages Resolution: Member Morley stated that the County
Commissioners recently approved a Resolution agreeing to pay any punitive damages that might
be awarded against a certain commissioned Correctional Officer employed by the Jefferson
County Sheriff. Discussion ensued regarding when such resolutions are approved by the County
and how to ease employees' concerns when they are named in a lawsuit/claim.
Member Morris was excused from the meeting for another appointment.
Legal Counsel Alvarez informed the Committee that typically it is law enforcement personnel
who are named in lawsuits/claims. If an employee, quasi -employee or volunteer were
performing their duties and acting in good faith within the course of employment they would be
covered by the Washington Counties Risk Pool.
Risk Management Committee Meeting Minutes - March 5, 2013 Page: 3
Member Morley suggested developing a handout for employees to alleviate their concerns in
these instances and let them know they will be covered by the County. This guide will provide
information to County personnel and managers about the process when an employee, quasi -
employee or volunteer is named in a lawsuit or claim and punitive damages are requested.
Chair Lundgren and Legal Counsel Alvarez will prepare a draft handout to be discussed at a
future meeting.
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT
Member Morley moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:43 a.m. Chair Lundgren seconded the
motion. The motion carried.
Respectfully submitted:
Leslie R. Locke, Recorder