Island County Commissioner Melanie Bacon (D-Langley) sent the following newsletter on Fri., Jun. 3, 2022.
Happy Pride Month! Thank you for reading my newsletter for the 22nd week of 2022
- This Week’s Work Session
- North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BHASO) gave the Board a presentation on changes that have occurred since their reorganization three years ago in response to legislative revisions to the service delivery model. We learned that there has been a dramatic increase in the need for behavioral health crisis services since COVID began, and that our 24-hour crisis line is one of the best in the state. Also: next month Washington will have a new easy-to-remember crisis line phone number: 988. But until that goes into operation, you can continue to call “911” and they will connect you to the appropriate people to help you or your person in crisis. The presentation can be seen in the agenda above beginning on page 3; the audio starts at the beginning of Part One audio.
- Langley Public Works Director Randi Perry gave the Board a presentation to update us on Langley’s request for the Board to extend the end-date of our interlocal agreement signed two years ago, which granted $3M to Langley for a project to build out sewer and stormwater infrastructure to Furman Firs and create the infrastructure to accommodate for affordable housing. Mayor Scott Chaplin provided additional information to the Board. The plan is now for construction to begin in summer 2023. The background memo can be found on page 59 of the agenda above; the presentation begins on page 61. The audio begins at mark 02:49:48 on Part One audio above, The Board approved the request to move to our consent agenda.
- The Board had a really great conversation on our Climate Action Plan (CAP) initiative. Our Public Health, Facilities, Public Works and Planning departments each spoke about projects they are already working on, so we know where we are starting from. This important topic will be discussed every month until a CAP is adopted by the Board. You can hear this conversation beginning at mark 00:57:00 in Part Two of the audio.
- Next Tuesday the Board will take action appointing Michael Jones, currently the City Manager of Blaine, as Island County Administrator. More on Michael in a later newsletter.
- Because this was a 5thTuesday of the month there was no regular session of the Board, so no resolutions or proclamations were passed this week.
- If you provide healthcare, behavioral health services, childcare, or social services in Island County, then our Public Health Department would like you to participate in an important survey. This survey will help the county to identify how our Public Health department can support you as a provider to address health issues. The survey will be available for response until June 30, 2022. You can access the survey here:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KQSDD8J
- Although transmission rates in Washington are generally high now, here in Island County our numbers were pretty low this week. So good news. Also, it is anticipated that vaccine eligibility will be expanded to include kids from 11 months of age and older in the coming weeks. Shots will likely be authorized for the youngest kids by June 20thand available locally June 21st. These shots will be available at local pharmacies and most places where these kids get their health care.https://www.islandcountywa.gov/Health/COVID%20Manager%20Report%20Library/BOCC%20Brief%206-3-2022.pdf
- The Board discussion on the proposed LIHI purchase of the Harbor Inn in Freeland has been postponed for at least a week, now tentatively expected to occur on June 14th(in case you were planning to make public comment).
- My thanks to the Ledgewood Beach Community Club for inviting me to share in their celebration last Sunday of their 50 years as a community group. My colleagues and I are always happy to be invited to attend joyful community events such as this.
- This Saturday (tomorrow the 4th) is Touch a Truck Day at the Bayview Road Shop from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. If you’ve ever wanted to get up close and personal with a county dump truck or other piece of Public Works equipment, this is your chance. Bring the kids to this free event at 14566 SR 525 (across from The Goose). At least two of your Commissioners will be there too.
- Monday Tea with Melanie happens from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. every week at Crabby Coffee in Freeland (in the WiFire Community Space, 1651 E Main St). Tea is on me.
Thanks,
Melanie
“We should indeed keep calm in the face of difference and live our lives in a state of inclusion and wonder at the diversity of humanity.”
— George Takei
