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Home My WebLink AboutM091205 District No. 1 Commissioner: Phil Johnson District No.2 Commissioner: David W. Sullivan District No.3 Commissioner: Patrick M. Rodgers County Administrator: John F. Fischbach Clerk of the Board: Lorna Delaney MINUTES Week of September 12,2005 Chairman Johnson called the meeting to order in the presence of Commissioner David W. Sullivan and Commissioner Patrick M. Rodgers. Commissioners/County Administrator Briefing Session: County Administrator John Fischbach reported that the judge hearing the Security Services Northwest (SSNW) case imposed a temporary restraining order on all operations which are not currently permitted. A hearing is scheduled for September 20, 2005 with a Hearings Examiner who will determine whether or not those operations of SSNW are grandfathered. If SSNW is found not to be in compliance, then the County can pursue a permanent restraining order on those operations. PROCLAMATION re: AIDS WALK 2005: Representatives from Jefferson AIDS Services were present when Chairman Johnson read a proclamation designating Sunday, September 18,2005 as a day to support the Jefferson County AIDS WALK 2005. The walk will be begin at 10:00 a.m. at Chetzemoka Park. Commissioner Rodgers moved to approve the proclamation as presented. Chairman Johnson seconded the motion which carried. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The following comments were made: Concerns about the qualifications of an applicant for Superior Court Clerk and a question about whether or not the Board conducted any background or reference checks on the applicants prior to making their decision on who would be appointed to Superior Court Clerk; and the hurricane in the southeast has everyone concerned about emergency disaster preparedness and since it is obvious that there is no help at the national level, Jefferson County needs to address their readiness for an emergency disaster at the local level. APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Sullivan moved to delete consent agenda item # 11 and approve the remaining items as presented. Commissioner Rodgers seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. 1. RESOLUTION NO. 58-05 re: Designating the Proportion of Funding to be Assigned to Title II and Title III Projects 2. AGREEMENT, Amendment No.1 re: Monitor Effluent from Onsite Sewage Treatment System; Extending Period of Performance; Jefferson County Environmental Health; Washington State Puget Sound Action Team (PSAT) Page 1 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of September 12, 2005 3. AGREEMENT re: Moderate Risk Waste Facility Floor Seal; Small Works Roster, County Project No. 4015371701; Jefferson County Public Works; Contech Services, Inc. 4. AGREEMENT re: Appellate Hearing Examiner Services; Appeal of Olympic Terrace IT in Port Ludlow; Jefferson County Department of Community Development; John Galt 5. AGREEMENT re: Process Becca Bill Funding Programs; Jefferson County Juvenile Services; Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts 6. Local Agency Federal Aid Project Prospectus; Barlow Bridge/Fossil Creek, Oil City Road, Project No. CR1680; Jefferson County Public Works; Washington State Department of Transportation 7. Signature Authorization Form and Letter of Notification Designating Donna Hamlin as E-911 Coordinator for JeffCom; Washington State Military Department 8. Application to Open Right of Way; Portions of Platted Jefferson, Taft, Garfield, Lincoln and McKinley Streets; Seton Construction Inc., Applicant 9. Final Short Plat Approval: Foley Short Plat #SUB04-00046; Two Lot Short Plat; Located at 501 Sand Road, Port Townsend; Thomas & Phyllis Foley, Applicants 10. Advisory Board Resignation; Gardiner Community Center Board of Directors; Thomas Colvin 11. DELETE: Request to Place 10' x 12' Portable Building on County Property Located at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds; Port Townsend Little League (Approved Later in Minutes) BID OPENING re: Construction of Barlow Bridge on Oil City Road, Project No. CR1680: Public Works Engineer III Mark Thurston opened and read the three (3) bids received as follows: Bidders McConnell Construction Quig Brothers Wilson Construction Bid $310,361.60 $273,665.50 $245,477.50 The County Engineer's cost estimate for the project is $265,000. The Board directed Public Works staffto review the bids and make a recommendation for bid award that is most advantageous for the County. Proposed Ordinance to Implement a 1/10 of 1 % Sales and Excise Tax for Operation of New or Expanded Therapeutic Court Program as Provided in RCW 82.14.460: Laurie Strong, Director of Jefferson Mental Health and Chair of the Jefferson County Substance Abuse Advisory Board was present with Ford Kessler, Jefferson County Drug and Alcohol Coordinator with Safe Harbor to provide comments in support of a proposed ordinance to implement a 1/1 0 of 1 % sales and excise tax for operation of new or expanded therapeutic court programs. Ms. Strong stated she and Mr. Kessler have met with the Law and Justice Committee and the Substance Abuse Services Advisory Board to review what is needed for the treatment of individuals in Jefferson County with substance abuse problems and mental illness. Substance abuse and substance abuse with mental illness are very expensive problems, not only for the individuals who suffer from these illnesses, but the for the entire community. It is expensive for our law and justice system. Page 2 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of September 12,2005 '~"""'~,. ; ..~ ~i'flf,,..(.,"-"- All of the law enforcement agencies in Jefferson County have clearly stated that their business would be reduced by 50% ifthere were no substance abuse problems. From the mental health perspective, it is very difficult and expensive to treat individuals with a mental illness when they are using drugs and alcohol and/or self-medicating. Drugs and alcohol heighten mental illness and exacerbate the symptoms which causes the health of individuals to decline to the point of being hospitalized. In turn, this causes a huge impact on the public systems which essentially support mental health services. Mental health services are funded by the State and Federal governments, with some funding from the County. Research has shown that when treatment of substance abuse is provided separate from treatment of mental illness, the chances for a positive outcome is very poor. The Federal government and many other agencies that conducted this research found that an integrated treatment system would work better as it would combine the treatment of both substance abuse and mental illness. The way the system in Washington State is designed, makes it very difficult for the two systems to work together. Ms. Strong and Mr. Kessler believe that Jefferson County is in a unique situation to be able to combine their programs because: Jefferson County does not have a large population; the two agencies are collaborative and in close proximity to each another; and there is already a co-occurring disorder group in place. Mr. Kessler stated it is a proven fact that in the past individuals with dual diagnoses have received either substance abuse counseling or mental health counseling, never both. By this presentation, he believes that Jefferson County will be the forerunners throughout the State in teaching other agencies to work together for the common good. The co-occurring disorder group was established without any "outside" assistance and is growing and successful. They have reduced the recidivism for some clients with regard to the judicial system and have reduced the number of calls made to the hospital. He commented that the Jefferson County Treatment Court program, known as "Drug Court", was established approximately two years ago and is very successful. Incorporating mental health court into this program could easily be done at this time. As outlined in the plan for the use of this funding, they would be better able to track the success rate of their clients and assist the Drug Court therapeutic volunteers. Ms. Strong noted that currently the burden of paying for these services falls on individuals who pay property tax, although, some funding comes from Medicaid and income taxes. This proposed tax is a "sales and use tax" which would spread the burden of paying for these services among more individuals. She explained that the mental health system is undergoing funding cuts. Jefferson County Mental Health is losing several hundred thousand dollars because as of July 1, 2005 the Federal government decided that it will not fund mental health treatment for individuals who do not have a Medicaid coupon. Unfortunately, the individuals who are the most ill are not eligible for Medicaid because they are already receiving social security benefits. For many individuals, Medicaid is the source of medication which keeps them out of the hospital. Due to this decrease in funding very few individuals will be treated and many without Medicaid will fall through the cracks. Jefferson Mental Health will be forced to turn individuals away and those individuals will end up in the hospital. This will be an even greater cost, since it is much more expensive to treat an individual in a psychiatric hospital than it is at Jefferson Mental Health. She is very concerned about this diminished ability to provide services to individuals who are very mentally ill. Several individuals are currently in thedJefferson County Jail because Jefferson Mental Health has not been able to monitor them to the extent they normally would. Page 3 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of September 12, 2005 E'''''.'''' l .,.1.., ~i'I"'I"'\'~~- Mr. Kessler added that the individuals who are being cut-back on mental health services will most likely not be treated at mental health facilities because they will "self-medicate". In turn, they will end up in jail and be treated through the law & justice system which will increase the number of clients. The number of clients they currently are treating for substance abuse is minimal. If mental health services diminish, there will be a serious negative effect with regard to increased substance abuse. Ms. Strong stated not only will lives literally be lost due to suicide, overdose and illness, but also, individuals will sink incrementally further into substance abuse. Commissioner Rodgers asked how many individuals are affected by mental health problems that could be treated? Ms. Strong replied that the national figures indicate between 3-5% of any population suffers from very serious mental illness. Jefferson Mental Health is currently treating 200 individuals per month. A small percent of that number are individuals they see through the federal government funded program. Approximately 700 individuals have received treatment and may come back at some point in the future. Commissioner Rodgers asked ifthat figure is stable or whether individuals are getting worse or better? Ms. Strong answered that the incidents are relatively stable, however, mental health is incrementally increasing over long periods of time due to substance abuse and environmental toxicity. Commissioner Rodgers asked how many individuals are in need of treatment for substance abuse and whether that percentage of the affected population has increased, decreased, or stabilized? Mr. Kessler answered that substance abuse fluctuates depending on outside influences. For example, he knows many people with friends and relatives in the New Orleans area whose alcohol intake increased after Hurricane Katrina hit the southeast. The number of individuals who cross the line from abuse to addiction changes on a continuing basis. National figures indicate that progress is being made as evidenced by the decrease in the number of violent crimes in relation to the number of individuals getting treatment. However, Mr. Kessler does not believe it changes the number of alcoholics and addicts that are in need of treatment. Commissioner Rodgers stated that he raised these questions in order to find out the population percentages, treatment necessary and cost for the treatment so that the County can budget adequately. Commissioner Sullivan noted that this issue was one ofthe three items that were identified as a top priority for Jefferson County during the Healthy Jefferson Exercise. There is broad recognition that this is an important issue. The business before the Board today is to set a public hearing. If the tax is enacted then the "nuts and bolts" of appropriating the money will come later. He appreciates the efforts of both agencies for putting this together to show that systems are in place right now that get results quickly. Hopefully, it can be set up to show results when monitoring the budget. Ms. Strong added that a population that has not been discussed today is the children. While the program focuses mainly on adults, they do see children as young as 13. Jefferson Mental Health has a school for children that are so behaviorally disturbed they cannot be treated in the public school system. Virtually all Page 4 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of September 12,2005 e'~c -~~ ~,...,' of these children are impacted by drugs and alcohol in a way that they become emotionally disturbed or mentally ill due to their environmental situations. In answer to a question posed by Chairman Johnson, Ms. Strong replied that 10-15% of individuals in any population suffer from some type of mental illness (ie. depression), but, 3-5% suffer from a very serious mental illness (ie. psychosis). She noted that many individuals who suffer from depression are treated by their personal physicians. Individuals suffering from psychosis will be treated by Jefferson Mental Health. Commissioner Sullivan moved to set a public hearing for Monday, September 26, 2005 at 11 :45 a.m. to take comments on a proposed ordinance to impose a 1/10th of 1 % sales and use tax, providing for the administration and collection thereof, providing for new or expanded chemical dependency or mental health treatment services and for the operation of new or expanded therapeutic court programs as provided in RCW 82.14.460. Commissioner Rodgers seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. AGREEMENT re: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Housing Enhancement Funding; Olympic Community Action Programs; South Seven Senior Village: County Administrator John Fischbach explained this agreement is for offsite infrastructure work (street improvements) in support of the construction of fifteen housing units for low-income seniors. The County will serve as a "pass-through" agency on behalf of Olympic Community Action Programs for this Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding which will be used for the South Seven Senior Village Housing Project. Commissioner Rodgers moved to approve the agreement. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Request to Place a 10' x 12' Portable Building on County Property Located at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds; Port Townsend Little League (Consent Agenda Item #11): County Administrator John Fischbach reported that the Jefferson County Fair Board was contacted about this request and has given approval for placement of the building at the Fairgrounds. Commissioner Rodgers moved to approve the request of Port Townsend Little League to place a 10' x 12' building on County property located at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Letter Regarding No Tolerance for Public Disrespect Against County Employees Policy and Exceptional Customer Service Policy: County Administrator John Fischbach presented a letter for the Board to review regarding two (2) policies: 1) No tolerance for public disrespect against County employees; and, 2) Exceptional Customer Service. Commissioner Rodgers asked who determines what is considered disrespectful or abusive behavior? The Supervisors within each department will need to define it, replied Mr. Fischbach. Commissioner Rodgers stated that limits need to be set. Some constituents feel that they have to endure Page 5 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of September 12, 2005 disrespectful behavior from County employees because of the "power" County employees are perceived to have over citizens (ie. The ability to grant septic system or building permit approval). He believes some type of customer service monitoring would be a good idea. Chairman Johnson feels the "No Tolerance for Public Disrespect" policy is balanced with the "Exceptional Customer Service" policy. If approved, Mr. Fischbach will send the letter to all County employees via e-mail since mailing hard copies would be a significant cost to the County. Health Department staff feels it would be a good idea to publish the letter in both "The Leader" newspaper and the "Peninsula Daily News". Commissioner Sullivan suggested the County issue a press release to both newspapers and perhaps they will write an article on the issues that lead to the development of the policies. Commissioner Sullivan moved to adopt the "No Tolerance for Disrespect Policy" and the "Exceptional Customer Service Policy" as presented. Commissioner Rodgers seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. M:e~~~ M);OURNED . \J is/ '. ::-:s'~"~' . ~ · II ;'1' ~ ~ . J/ . . '. *..... - ~ ~ .::~ ". ,,\4 '. ~. ~.- ""7, ",,>~>:~' ,~ ~ ~ ~. ..I.\t':':/":l - ~ ,:n ., - ',. >'4 .....f.. , ." . t "" --4' " ' " ~ '. k,.-,~!) , ~ . . ,'. ,...~ - ~ ,f'. '~"~'.,.. .; ., 11 .. ~ ..-~ .... .. (" ~- .;{.....,. . -~,......' ,,/ , :t 1" '\ " _/.. AT'I~.I,; 'J"'> / - ~. :,) / /t~ i'- i~~' C /...e.A.<..-/ Efln Lunogren "- Deputy Clerk of the Boar JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Page 6