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Public Hetit
MINUTE S
Jefferson County Board of Health
Regular Meeting, November 18, 2021, 2:30 p.m.
Jefferson County Public Health, 615 Sheridan Street, Port Townsend WA 98368
Virtual Meeting
Board Members Staff Members
Pamela Adams,Port Townsend City Council Denise Banker,Community Health Director
Greg Brotherton,County Commissioner,District#3 Dr. Allison Berry,Health Officer
Kate Dean,Chair,County Commissioner District#1 Michael Dawson,Water Quality Manager
Heidi Eisenhour,County Commissioner,District#2 Alisa Hasbrouck, Environmental Health Manager
Kees Kolff,Public Hospital District#2 Commissioner Apple Martine,Public Health Director
Denis Stearns,Vice Chair,Citizen at large Pinky Mingo,Environmental Public Health Director
Sheila Westerman,Citizen at large Veronica Shaw,Public Health Deputy Director
Chair Dean called the November 18, 2021 virtual meeting of the Jefferson County Board of Health to order at 2:30
p.m. A quorum was present.
Members Present: Chair Kate Dean, Members Pamela Adams, Greg Brotherton, Kees Kolff and Denis Stearns.
Staff Present: Staff Members Dr. Allison Berry, Michael Dawson,Alisa Hasbrouck,Apple Martine, Pinky Mingo
and Veronica Shaw.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chair Dean requested a motion to approve the agenda for November 18, 2021.
Member Kolff moved to approve the agenda. Member Adams seconded the motion which carried by a
unanimous vote.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chair Dean requested approval of the minutes for the October 21, 2021 Regular Meeting.
Staff member Martine proposed a revision to New Business section 4,correcting the word"CHIPS"to become
"CHIP" and correcting the text of the paragraph to become"pursuing the continuance of CHIP under the oversight of
the Board of Health with representation of city, county, Public Health, and Public Hospital District".
MOTION: Member Kolff moved to approve the minutes as revised.Member Adams seconded the motion
which carried by a unanimous vote.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Chair Dean called for public comment.
Respectfully submitted Page 1 of 3
G.Gilbert
The following is a summary of comments made virtually by individuals in attendance at the meeting and reflect their
personal opinions:
• Historical overreaction of the CDC to disease, and the use of toxic vaccines.
• Lack of transparency by the FDA in reference to COVID and vaccines.
• Support for Dr. Berry's courageous leadership.
Board Members addressed comments and concerns raised during the Public Comment Period as well as addressed
written comments received.
OLD BUSINESS AND INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1. Jefferson Healthcare Update
Member Kolff addressed the challenges caused by COVID,when one infected hospital employee creates enormous
strain. Also, patients are staying longer than required in hospital beds, because skilled nursing facilities will not
reaccept patients recovering from COVID.
Hospital infrastructure updating and development of design for hospital expansion continues.
2. Jefferson County Public Health Program Reports
Staff member Martine described the shifting of positions in Public Health, with lateral moves and several new hires,
but more positions to fill at a difficult time for hiring.
The social media/outreach team is increasing its efforts to engage the public more. COVID test kits are being
distributed.
Staff member Mingo listed grants for which applications are currently being drafted.
At this time,the meeting was briefly suspended due to Zoom crash.
The meeting continued with a discussion of Board of Health support for the Health Department.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Proposed new process for Board of Health Agendas(Dr. Berry, Apple Martine, Commissioner Dean)
Discussion of(1)new process for creating agendas with greater participation of board and staff, and adjusted
deadlines, (2)whether to provide a procedure for the public to suggest agenda items, (3) long-term planning and
periodic updates on issues.
2. COVID-19 Pandemic Update: Current epidemiology and vaccination recommendations(Dr. Berry)
Dr. Berry provided information on the COVID-19 virus(1) in Jefferson County, and(2)more generally,with
particular emphasis on pediatric cases. She spoke of the likelihood of a wave of infections during the winter,with the
possibility of bringing the virus under control in spring.
3. Climate Change& Public Health: The Health Effects of Climate Change(Laura Tucker&Mike Dawson)
Laura Tucker and staff member Dawson offered a PowerPoint presentation describing the ways that climate change
can affect health,the natural environment, and infrastructure,with proposals for amelioration.
AGENDA PLANNING CALENDAR
The next Board of Health meeting will be held online as a virtual meeting on Thursday, December 16, 2021 from 2:30
p.m.—4:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted Page 2 of 3
G.Gilbert
Staff member Mingo announced likelihood of putting forward a policy, "One Bedroom to Two Bedroom Expansion,"
for December's agenda.
Member Brotherton proposed, when EnerGov comes on line in March, a workshop with DCD and Environmental
Public Health.
Member Brotherton proposed a discussion of societal mental health.
Member Kolff proposed a discussion of climate crisis in January.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Dean adjourned the November 18,2021 Jefferson County Board of Health meeting at 4:27 p.m. until the
next Regular Meeting or Special Meeting as properly noticed.
JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
Kate Dean, Chair '�j Glenn Gilbert,Public Health Assistant
Respectfully submitted Page 3 of 3
G. Gilbert