The Insider - December 2014

The Insider Newsletter for December 2014

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WSAC Selects Klickitat County Commissioner David Sauter as Leader

Klickitat County Commissioner David Sauter was sworn in as President of the Washington State Association of Counties during WSAC’s 108^th Annual County Leaders Conference. In his brief remarks, Commissioner Sauter immediately thanked his peers “for your faith in my abilities to help lead this organization. I am humbled by your support and trust.”

In accepting the Association’s top leadership position, Commissioner Sauter acknowledged his predecessors, “Helen for mentoring me over the past year, showing me what grace under pressure looks like and the proper use of the phrase " with all due respect". To Todd for his incredible work ethic and be the human incarnation of the energizer bunny. John Koster for epitomizing what a "statesman" is, tough but pragmatic.”

Challenging WSAC members, President Sauter sought their engagement, “We need you. We need your talents, your passions, and yes even your dissent. I urge you to get involved. You will get more out than you put in.”

President Sauter posed a question to gathered WSAC members “So why do we do it?” Answering his own question President Sauter said, “WSAC is an incredible organization. I believe that a strong, effective WSAC is one of the best ways I can serve my constituents back home. Many of the decisions that affect my folks at home are not made in my courthouse in Goldendale. They are made in Olympia, in the Legislature, in the Governor’s office or at some State Agency. The best way to represent the interest of our constituents is by the joint advocacy, the single voice that is WSAC. We are much stronger when we are together.”

Commissioner Sauter concluded his remarks at the annual meeting by reminding everyone that, “WSAC embodies the true spirit of collaboration, of bipartisanship. It's because we have to find a way. Gridlock is not an option for us.”

County Leaders Conference

Event Recap!

Thank you to all who attended the 2014 County Leaders Conference! The event was a huge success due in no small part to your participation and involvement and included many relevant and informative sessions and workshops.

Thank You!
A special thanks to our off-site reception sponsors Waste Management and Republic Services and to all our event sponsors.

Session Handouts

Post-Event Survey
If you haven't yet had a chance to complete the post-event survey, please take a few moments to do so. Your feedback will be used to develop future WSAC events.

Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for the 2015 County Leaders Conference, November 17-19, 2015 at the Skamania Lodge in Skamania County!

WSAC Board of Directors Close Out Year with Final Meeting of 2014

WSAC President Helen Price Johnson presided over the WSAC Board of Directors final regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, November 18, 2014, held in conjunction with County Leaders Conference in Spokane County. President Price Johnson noted how honored she was to serve as WSAC President and took note of two outstanding retiring County Commissioners who were participating in their last WSAC Board of Directors’ meeting – WSAC Past President Garfield County Commissioner Dean Burton and Lewis County Commissioner Lee Grose.

During the business meeting, WSAC Board of Directors took action on the following items:

Adopted 2015 WSAC Board of Directors Regular Meeting Schedule
Provided Nominations to the following Statewide Boards and Commissions
- Public Works Board – Clallam County Commissioner Jim McEntire
- Forest Practices Board – Snohomish County Councilmember Dave Somers
- Affordable Housing Advisory Board – Kittitas County Commissioner Obie O’Brien
- Washington Community Forest Council – Lewis County Extension Director Sheila Gray
- Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters Plan 2 Retirement Board – Snohomish County Councilmember Terry Ryan
Approved 2012-2013 WSAC Audit and Financial Statements
Authorized the use of eConnectDirect Investment
Amended WSACPersonnel Policy Amendments to permit the offering of Health Savings or Health Reimbursement Accounts
Reviewed a DRAFT Communication and Members Services Policy

Additionally, Board Members received a variety of reports including:

Presidents' Report
NACo and Member Reports
Member Reports from Statewide Boards and Commissions
Staff Reports
Quarterly Financial Reports
Litigation Update

CLICK HERE to review WSAC Board of Directors' meeting materials.

WSAC Seats New Board of Directors

Outgoing WSAC President Helen Price Johnson announced the results of the elections for the 2014-2015 WSAC Board of Directors during the WSAC County Leaders Conference including the selection of Kittitas County Commissioner Obie O’Brien as the new WSAC Secretary Treasurer. Officers and Regional Representatives elected to the WSAC Board of Directors are as follows:

Officers:

President Commissioner David Sauter, Klickitat County
Vice President Councilmember Stephanie Wright, Snohomish County
Sec/Treasurer Commissioner Obie O’Brien, Kittitas County Commissioner
Immediate Past President Commissioner Helen Price Johnson, Island County

Eastern Region Representatives:

Commissioner Carolann Swartz, Grant County
Commissioner Dale Snyder, Douglas County
Commissioner Bob Koch, Franklin County
Commissioner Al French, Spokane County
Commissioner Jim Johnson, Walla Walla County (Alternate)
Commissioner Scott Hutsell, Lincoln County (Alternate)

Western Region Representatives:

Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt, Skagit County
Commissioner Jim McEntire, Clallam County
Commissioner Blair Brady, Wahkiakum County
Councilmember Ken Klein, Snohomish County
Commissioner Edna Fund, Lewis County (Alternate)
Commissioner Dennis Weber, Cowlitz County (Alternate)

Click Here for a complete list of Board of Directors.

Abby Moore Departs WSAC to Join King County Council Staff

WSAC Executive Director Eric Johnson has announced that WSAC Policy Director Abby Moore has accepted the position as Director of Government Relations for the King County Council effective December 1^st. Abby joined the WSAC staff in September 2012 to work with the Association of County Human Services (ACHS) and serve as WSACs Human Services Policy Director.

For the past two years Abby has work directly with the three ACHS groups – Mental Health, Chemical Dependency, and Developmental Disabilities. Johnson noted that “Abby has provided tremendous leadership, insight, and credibility to ACHS and WSAC on human service issues. Her professionalism, demeanor, and thoughtful pragmatic approach earned her respect as a dependable human services policy advocate.” In particular, Johnson acknowledged her work in assisting county elected officials on the Legislative Adult Behavioral Health Task Force.

Johnson asked WSAC and ACHS members to, “Join me in thanking Abby for her service over the last two years. She has worked very hard for Washington’s 39 counties and our elected and appointed officials who care deeply about human services in our communities.”

Issue Highlights

New WSAC President
Conference Recap
Final 2014 Board Meeting
Fiscal Sustainability Initiative
2015 Executive Committee
Abby Moore Joins King County Staff
Commissioners Retiring
Bridges of WA Counties

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2015 Legislative Session Begins!

The 2015 Legislative Session is set to being January 12. The first meeting of the Legislative Steering Committee, a conference call, is scheduled for January 16 at 1:30 p.m. Look for further details in the days to come.

A full schedule of session events were sent out via email invite. If you have questions, or need further details, please contact Rachel Reischman at (360) 489-3019.

2015 Fiscal Sustainability Initiative

The Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) and The Washington Association of County Officials (WACO) are conducting several regional legislative delegation meetings this fall on the County Fiscal Sustainability Initiative.

All WSAC and WACO members are asked to please join and participate. Follow the links below to register:

December 11: Benton, Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, Yakima Counties

December 12: Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, & Stevens Counties

December 17: Adams, Grant, Lincoln, & Whitman Counties

For more information on the structure and purpose of these regional meetings, click here.

County Commissioner Retiring

Commissioner John Austin, Jefferson County
Since 2007 John Austin has served Jefferson County for District 3. Help celebrate the next phase of his life: retirement!

Mon., Dec. 22
1:30 p.m.
Jefferson County Courthouse
Commissioner's Chambers
1820 Jefferson St
Port Townsend, WA

Webinar: Solar Permitting Made Simple, Safe, & Standard

Date: Tues., Dec. 16
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Cost: FREE!
Register Now!

This webinar, co-sponsored by MRSC and Northwest Solar Communities, will review the State Building Code update on rooftop solar installations and introduce the tools and best practice recommendations developed by the Northwest Solar Communities initiative to support jurisdictions in implementing the code.

The webinar includes presentations and Q&A with:

Gary Nordeen, WSU Energy Program: State Code Update on Solar
Mia Devine, Northwest SEED: Tools and Best Practices for Permitting Solar
Paul Andersson, City of Bellevue: Our City's Experience

Who Should Attend

This webinar is designed for city, town, county, or special purpose district employees and officials dealing with building permits or building code issues.

Register Now!

Continuing Partnership Brings Reduced Prices

As part the Garland/DBS, Inc. continued partnership, their current contract has been extended through December 31, 2014. A pricing amendment has been added to the current contract enabling agencies to utilize the lower prices now.

Take advantage of the expanded service offering and better overall pricing for your comprehensive roofing and waterproofing solutions before time runs out. Roofing solutions not at the top of your to-do list? Consider taking advantage of their complimentary preventive roof maintenance training and learn how to keep small rooftop problems from becoming big ones.

To learn more about this new contract, register for a complimentary one-hour webinar Monday, January 12 from 8-11 a.m. or Tuesday, January 13 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Optimizing Health, Justice, and Public Safety in your County

Join NACo January 21-23, 2015, in Charleston County, S.C., for an educational forum on Optimizing Health, Justice and Public Safety in Your County!

The forum will feature discussions on:

Behavioral health interventions
Health coverage and the justice system
Collaborative partnerships
Emergency Management Roundtable

Click here to register by Wednesday, December 31, 2014.

Click here for more information, or contact NACo Program Manager, Emmanuelle St. Jean, estjean@naco.org or 202.942.4267 or NACo Program Manager, Kathy Rowings, krowings@naco.org or 202.942.4279.

The Bridges of Washington’s Counties

When it comes to bridges Joni Mitchel’s lyrics, “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone,” couldn’t be more true. Just ask any public official who has had to deal with a bridge that is closed due to weight limits, deterioration, or collapse. Two high profile examples in recent times are King County’s closure of the South Park Bridge, and of course the State of Washington’s bridge collapse on I-5 in Skagit County.

Washington State’s 39 counties are home to about 3,300 bridges spanning rivers, streams, other roads, ravines, and valleys. This is more than the 3,039 bridges on the state highway system and almost half of the total number of bridges throughout the state, including the state and cities. Including all local bridges, there are an average of 10 million bridge crossings every day, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Local Programs Office.

County bridges reflect the individuality of each county due to geography and history. For example, Island County has no bridges over 20 feet in length while Grant County has the most bridges over 20-feet in length at 192 bridges. Wahkiakum County is home to a National Register of Historic Places covered bridge within Ahlberg Park, crossing the Grays River.

Caring for county bridges is a significant responsibility of county engineers. Every 24 months county engineers are required by state and federal law to inspect each county bridge over 20 feet in length and to report on the findings of their bridge inspection efforts to their counties’ legislative authority. The results of inspections on bridges longer than 20-feet in length are forwarded to WSDOT for review. Once the bridge report has been accepted by WSDOT it is available for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

“Each county engineer shall furnish the county legislative authority with a written resume of the findings of the bridge inspection effort. This resume shall be made available to said authority and shall be consulted during the preparation of the proposed six-year transportation program revision. The resume shall include the county engineer’s recommendations as to replacement, repair or load restriction for each deficient bridge. The resolution of adoption of the six year transportation program shall include assurances to the effect that the county engineer’s report with respect to deficient bridges was available to said authority during the preparation of the program.”
WAC 136-20-060.

Through its interactive dashboard (www.wsacmetrics.org.), the WSAC Transportation Metrics Project is providing this up to date bridge condition information for citizens, public officials, and other interested readers. The bridge data on bridges over 20 feet in length show that in 2013 there were 3,186 county bridges in fair or better condition, 54 in poor condition, and 30 in very poor condition.

The bridge data are compiled following inspection using a scoring system known as a sufficiency rating. The sufficiency rating is a numeric value from 100 for a bridge in new condition to 0 for a bridge incapable of carrying traffic. The sufficiency rating is the sum of four calculated values: structural adequacy and safety, serviceability and functional obsolescence, essentiality for public use, and special reductions.

This rating however does not necessarily indicate a bridge’s ability to carry traffic loads. It helps determine which bridges may need repair or replacement, not potential for collapse. The information on bridge sufficiency ratings is used to help determine federal bridge replacement and rehabilitation funding to the states and is a guide for county engineers to ensure the safety of the traveling public.

Weight restrictions and load limits are significant issues when it comes to freight mobility on the county road and bridge system. King County’s experience with the South Park Bridge is but one example. Funding to replace the South Park Bridge included important grants related to freight mobility.

WSDOT’s Local Programs Office has identified improving weight restricted and load posted bridges as one of the top priorities for the state. Every bridge is required to have a “Load Rating” calculation. The Load Rating establishes how much weight the bridge can carry for several standard configurations of vehicle axle loads. In addition, bridges that have traffic portals of 15 feet or less are required to be posted with the allowable load height. These limits affect the ability of freight vehicles to reach suppliers and customers. The Transportation Metrics Project is evaluating the significance of freight mobility barriers on the county system by analyzing bridge condition data, grade-crossings, and load limits.

When a bridge is built, it is given a design life of 75 years and regular maintenance is essential to achieving that design life. Some of the preventative maintenance and minor repair work might include approach guardrail damage, plugged bridge drains, sweeping of bridge decks, asphalt overlays and painting. Bridge painting is not a cosmetic fix. Waiting until significant corrosion attacks steel is a “worst first” method that wastes money and is more expensive. Some bridges need to be closely monitored during high-water events due to the risk of scour, erosive action around the bridge substructure due to water flow as well as to monitor streambed materials and debris that may collect around the bridge. Scour is the number one cause of bridge failures in Washington according to WSDOT.

County engineers must also work closely with state and federal environmental agencies as well as with tribes on work to be done on or near bridges. The following list is not comprehensive but is an illustration of the types of environmental issues that might be encountered:

Threatened or endangered species
Migratory waterfowl and bird of prey habitat
Fish habitat
Wetlands and wetland habitat
Migratory corridors
Public water supply
Regulatory flood ways
Important sport fishing areas
Listed or proposed wild or scenic rivers

One environmental issue that is currently a focus for the WSAC Transportation Metrics Program is Fish Passage barrier removal and the design of road culverts. Earlier this year, the legislature through House Bill 2251 created an advisory board to be staffed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to help resolve fish passage barrier problems. At issue is concern that deteriorating culverts, outdated bridges, and other barriers block fish passage in many streams and undermine the state's recovery efforts.

The federal Moving Ahead for Progress law, known as MAP-21, includes new direction for the management of bridges on the National Highway System, which may have relevance to county bridges. The law requires that states establish risk-based asset management plans that include bridges. These plans must include objectives and measures, identification of performance gaps, life-cycle cost and risk management analysis, financial plans, and investment strategies. The law also introduces penalties starting in federal FY 2017. The Transportation Metrics project is monitoring MAP-21 developments and is reporting updates on the Metrics website.

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