Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 7:30am by Matthew Rainwater. Nathan West led the flag salute.

Guests:

Jim Jones, Robbie & Jim Mantooth, Mark Hannah, MaryEllen Winborn, Kate Dexter.

Campfire Club raising funds by selling candy.

Minutes:

Kevin Hoult moved that Jan. 23, 2018 minutes be approved. Jack G seconded with the correction that Nathan West was not this week’s speaker. Motion carried. It is also noted that there is a quorum of county commissioners due to today’s presentation.

Announcements:

Ballots are out for the school levy vote. Research and vote.

Jon Fager reminded everyone to pay online or bring in check for membership.

Kaj reports for the Port Angeles Regional Chamber: he chaired the bylaws revision committee which made the organization more transparent, worked on a strategic plan, and discussed how the Chamber can work together with PABA and their Government Affairs Committee. Possibility of Chamber purchase the Landing.

Julie Hatch announced Boys & Girls Club fundraiser is this Saturday at Holy Trinity Church.

Program – Clallam County Commissioners

Commissioner Randy Johnson credits the ability to work together, and with Jim Jones, to accomplish things. They now review the budget monthly w/Jim Jones and ended up year break even without borrowing from other departments to balance.  The Juvenile Justice Tax in the end was all about the kids and to figure out what’s best. DNR doesn’t give a budget, need to change state agency best practices. “Let’s run this as a business.”

Commissioner Bill Peach discussed the Public Defender and the opportunity to decrease costs when the Supreme Court tells them what they need to do. The County was paying for a service that was unnecessary, paid for a case that was thrown out. Now, they will first determine if there are sufficient grounds for a case before sending in for services of a Public Defender.  Transparency is important. Quality of reporting has increased. Clallam County supports what’s being proposed for veterans, all 3 commissioners testified. DNR supports legislation regarding no net loss in jobs or revenue and protecting the marbled murrelet. DNR are agents, the County is the trustee, they are getting an increase in communication by working together.

Commissioner Mark Ozias believes collaboration and transparency are important. Government is not separate from everyone else and sharing with the public will help them understand the work they do. Tax funding streams this year will be reviewed and how they are allocated. Example, 1/10 1% funds mental health (Hargrove) and an advisory committee recommends how to allocate funds.   Commissioners haven’t provided guidance to the group, priorities may have changed. Opportunity Fund project is reviewed on its own merit. They’ve met with legislature who said we need to utilize all the tools that we’ve been given before the state will help. He’s glad the Juvenile Justice tax was the result of the community’s wish.

Questions and Discussions:

Commissioner Peach stated the Makah stood up to help support a fishing season and not enough emphasis is placed on hatcheries.  Dept. of Fish & Wildlife is listening.

He also said they all have the opportunity to serve on committees. They are watching the Weyerhaeuser vs. DNR case. Rural counties recognize the need to work together.

Commissioner Ozias talked about collaborating with Salish Behavioral Health to administer all Medicaid contracts. It’s about how counties work together, the state level needs to see that before they contribute.

Commissioner Johnson sits on a Committee on Aging with Jefferson, Grays & Pacific Counties. He also works with Kitsap County, WorkSource and Jefferson County on VA issues.

Regarding the opioid lawsuit, Commissioner Johnson said we have the highest opioid deaths in state. There is misleading advertising by drug companies. Funds awarded will be applied to opioid related issues. The County Board of Health meeting is online.

To help with residential junkyards, MaryEllen Winborn’s department has hired a part time code enforcer. Hearings examiner will hear cases once a month. Their new program will be implemented in about 6 weeks and in-house officers will manage a volunteer group.

Commissioner Peach said DNR has not increased county land harvest, they are pushing back on decreases. West of Lake Crescent conditions constrain 2/3 of any harvest, for 50-60k acres, for each acre cut one acre needs to be thinned. Trees are over age 50. $800,000/year is county’s portion average. Junior taxing district estimate is $7mil in to county coffers.

What can the community do to influence decisions?  Ask how much our Fire Department or hospital will get. They manage millions, but do not inform junior taxing districts. Ask more questions. Focus on the practical – help the agency understand that they need to use best practices. Awareness helps.

See Kevin Hoult if you’d like to volunteer for the Board Nominating Committee. Two people are needed, must be a PABA member.

Upcoming Meeting:

Feb 6:

Feb 13: Courtney Nestler

Feb 20:  No Meeting

Feb 27: Dan Gase

Meeting adjourned at 8:28am.