Title 2
ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL*
Chapters:
2.02 Departments Reporting to the Board of County Commissioners
2.04 Planning Commission– Regional Planning Council
2.06 County Administrator
2.08 Air Pollution Control Authority
2.12 Mental Health and Mental Retardation Board
2.14 Health Department
2.18 Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council
2.19 Emergency Management
2.20 Expenses of County Officials and Employees
2.24 Draw Day
2.34 Affirmative Action Program
2.36 Community Action Agency
2.40 District Court
2.44 Disability Board
2.46 Americans with Disabilities Act Contact Persons
2.48 Park and Recreation Department
2.49 Parks and Recreation Board
2.50 Park Development Partnership Program
2.51 Special Event Camping Policy for Parks and Trails
2.52 Road Department Policy
2.60 Loss Prevention Policy
2.64 Hood Canal Advisory Commission
2.74 Department of Community Development
2.76a Public Works Department
2.78 Economic Development Council
2.80 Convention Center and Fair
2.88 Meetings of Board of County Commissioners
2.92 Clerk of County Commission
2.96 Tax Lodging Advisory Committee
2.100 Board of Equalization– Change of Venue
2.104 Smoking Policy
2.112 Drug-Free Work Place Policy
2.120 Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
2.124 Accident Prevention Program
2.128 Establishment of the Office of Hearing Examiner
2.132 Services Charged by the Sheriff
2.136 Burial of Indigent Persons
2.140 Mason County Water Conservancy Board
2.144 Oakland Bay Clean Water District Board of Directors
* Prior resolution history: Res. 06-02, 4-99, 31-98, 125-97, 9-96, 130-95, 21-95, 18-93, 10-93, 78-92, 8-92, 91-91, 79-90, 10-88, 15-85, 63-84, 33-83, 23B-83, 13-81, 1052, 914, 759, 619, 617, 508, 459, 403, 271 and Res. dated 2/22/72, 12/14/70, 3/24/69, 2/20/67, 8/22/66, 9/16/63.
Chapter 2.02
DEPARTMENTS REPORTING TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Sections:
2.02.010 Departments established.
2.02.010 Departments established.
The following departments are established to serve the board of Mason County commissioners and shall serve at the pleasure of the board:
(1) Budget and finance/risk management;
(2) Central operations;
(3) Facilities and grounds;
(4) Human resources;
(5) Community development;
(6) Parks and trails;
(7) Public health;
(8) Public works;
(9) Utilities and waste management.
(Res. 23-07, 2007: Res. 25-05, 2005: Res. 01-05, 2005: Res. 25-03, 2003; Res. 42-02, 2002; Res. 97-00, 2000; Res. 103-97, 1997).
Chapter 2.04 Sections:
2.04.010 Planning department created– Budget.
2.04.020 Planning advisory commission created.
2.04.030 Powers and duties of department and commission.
2.04.060 Mileage reimbursement.
2.04.010 Planning department created– Budget.
(a) The Mason County planning department is created and established pursuant to RCW 36.70.040. It may be staffed by a director, planner or such other personnel as the county commissioners may direct, and it shall be supported by such funds as may be budgeted and allocated by the board of county commissioners.
(b) A budget shall be created and established, which budget shall be subject to all the statutory provisions the same as any other county department or agency.
(§ 1 of Ord. dated April 1, 1968).
2.04.020 Planning advisory commission created.
(a) There is created and established a planning commission for Mason County pursuant to RCW 36.70.040, to be known as the Mason County planning advisory commission and which commission shall assist the Mason County planning department.
(b) The planning advisory commission shall consist of seven members.
(c) The chair of the board of county commissioners shall, with the consent of the majority of the county commission, appoint the members of the planning advisory commission.
(d) The chair of the board of county commissioners shall appoint the new chair of the planning advisory commission and may set rules of order and time and place of meeting.
(Ord. 76-02 § 2, 2002: Res. 71-89 (part), 1989; Res. 4-88 (part), 1988; § 2 of Ord. dated April 1, 1968).
2.04.030 Powers and duties of department and commission.
(a) The planning department and planning advisory commission shall have all the rights, powers and duties as defined by RCW 36.70 to carry out planning as defined therein.
(b) The planning advisory commission shall have those duties assigned to the shorelines advisory board by the Mason County shoreline master program.
(Ord. 76-02 § 3, 2002: § 3 of Ord. dated April 1, 1968).
2.04.060 Mileage reimbursement.
The planning advisory commission members will be reimbursed for travel for each meeting they attend at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) standard mileage rate for business miles driven.
(Ord. 76-02 § 6, 2002: Res. 407, 1974).
Chapter 2.06 Sections:
2.06.010 Creation.
2.06.020 Determination of recruitment and selection process.
2.06.030 Appointment.
2.06.040 Compensation– Terms and conditions.
2.06.050 Responsibilities.
2.06.060 Termination.
2.06.070 Effective date.
2.06.010 Creation.
The position of County Administrator is hereby created.
(Res. 109-02 (part), 2002).
2.06.020 Determination of recruitment and selection process.
The Board of County Commissioners shall determine the recruitment and selection process for filling the position of County Administrator.
(Res. 109-02 (part), 2002).
2.06.030 Appointment.
The County Administrator shall be appointed by a vote of the Board of County Commissioners.
(Res. 109-02 (part), 2002).
2.06.040 Compensation– Terms and conditions.
The Board of County Commissioners and the appointed County Administrator, through negotiation and execution of an employment agreement, shall set compensation and other terms and conditions of employment.
(Res. 109-02 (part), 2002).
2.06.050 Responsibilities.
The responsibilities of the County Administrator shall be enumerated in an appendix to the employment agreement.
(Res. 109-02 (part), 2002).
2.06.060 Termination.
Termination of the County Administrator shall be by vote of the Board of County Commissioners, at any time, subject to the terms and conditions of the employment agreement.
(Res. 109-02 (part), 2002).
2.06.070 Effective date.
This resolution became effective August 6, 2002 by the Mason County Board of County Commissioners.
(Res. 109-02 (part), 2002).
Chapter 2.08 Sections:
2.08.010 Air resources management program.
2.08.020 Agreement– Terms.
2.08.010 Air resources management program.
A program of air resources management shall be initiated. The program shall begin with:
(1) The activation of a multi-county air pollution control authority including Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Pacific and Thurston Counties in accordance with the provisions of RCW 70.94 and amendments thereto;
(2) The development of performance standards and regulatory controls for existing and future industrial, commercial and other land uses located or proposing to locate within the area of the authority. The standards and regulatory controls shall serve on an emergency-interim basis until such time as more complete and detailed studies of present and potential problems, relating to air pollution, can be conducted and the ultimate development of more comprehensive performance standards and regulatory controls be realized by such action as may be found necessary;
(3) The air pollution control authority shall include and be coextensive with the boundaries of Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Pacific and Thurston Counties and include as participating communities the cities and towns within their boundaries and other towns or cities which may hereafter be incorporated.
(Res. (part) dated November 20, 1967).
2.08.020 Agreement– Terms.
Mason County agrees together with the other counties participating in the air pollution control authority as follows:
(1) The name of the authority shall be the Olympic air pollution control authority.
(2) The principal office and place of business of the authority shall be the Thurston County Court House, Olympia, Washington.
(3) That the air pollution control authority shall begin to transact business and establish programs and exercise its powers on January 2, 1968. It shall continue in active operation for such period of time as the board of directors of the Olympic air pollution control authority may find necessary to conduct research and studies and effectuate controls with respect to air pollution.
(4) The geographic area of the Olympic air pollution control authority shall include and be coextensive with the boundaries of Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Pacific and Thurston Counties to the end that all of the area within the aforementioned counties shall be a part of a participating jurisdiction of the air pollution control authority.
(Res. (part) dated November 20, 1967).
Chapter 2.12 Sections:
2.12.010 Agreement.
2.12.020 Membership– Appointment.
2.12.030 Representation of departments, agencies and individuals.
2.12.040 Compensation– Terms.
2.12.050 Supervisor of mental health services.
2.12.060 Counties to share costs.
2.12.070 Custodian of funds.
2.12.080 Contracting party in mental health matters.
2.12.010 Agreement.
Thurston County, a municipal corporation, and Mason County, a municipal corporation, hereby agree to jointly create a mental health and mental retardation administrative board, known as the Thurston-Mason County mental health and mental retardation administrative board.
(Res. 3636 § 1, 1967).
2.12.020 Membership– Appointment.
The board shall consist of fifteen members to be appointed by the joint boards of county commissioners of the two counties to carry out the duties and functions prescribed by statute.
(Res. 3636 § 2, 1967).
2.12.030 Representation of departments, agencies and individuals.
The membership of the administrative board shall be representative of the departments, agencies and individuals as set forth in RCW 71.24.060.
(Res. 3636 § 3, 1967).
2.12.040 Compensation– Terms.
The members, when appointed, shall serve without compensation for a term of three years and until their successors are appointed and qualified.
(Res. 3636 § 4, 1967).
2.12.050 Supervisor of mental health services.
A supervisor of the community mental health services shall be appointed by the county commissioners of the two counties.
(Res. 3636 § 5, 1967).
2.12.060 Counties to share costs.
Each county shall bear a share of the cost of mental health and mental retardation services.
(Res. 3636 (part), 1967).
2.12.070 Custodian of funds.
The treasurer of Thurston County shall be the custodian of all funds available for the purposes of such mental health services.
(Res. 3636 (part), 1967).
2.12.080 Contracting party in mental health matters.
The board of county commissioners of Thurston County, state of Washington, shall act as the contracting party in all matters related to implementation of RCW 70.32.010, 70.32.015, 70.32.021, 70.32.090, 71.20 and 71.24, and the Thurston County treasurer shall be the custodian of all funds which shall be made available to the community mental health fund.
(Agreement dated March 18, 1968).
Chapter 2.14 Sections:
2.14.010 Established.
2.14.020 Board of health– Designated.
2.14.030 Board of health– Chairman.
2.14.040 Board of health– Powers and duties.
2.14.050 Health officer– Appointment.
2.14.060 Health officer– Terms.
2.14.070 Health officer– Powers and duties.
2.14.080 Rules and regulations. * Editor's Note: Amendments to Article VII of the Environmental Health Division regulations, Platting and Subdivision Standards, as set out in Ord. 45-91 and containing certain septic and water system regulations, are not set out in this code. Copies of the ordinance may be consulted in the office of the clerk of the board of supervisors.
2.14.010 Established.
Effective January 1, 1979, there is constituted a Mason County health department, the jurisdiction of which is coextensive with the boundaries of Mason County including all cities and towns, incorporated or nonincorporated, therein.
(Res. 946 § 1, 1978).
2.14.020 Board of health– Designated.
The board of county commissioners constitutes the local board of health for Mason County.
(Res. 946 § 2, 1978).
2.14.030 Board of health– Chairman.
At the first meeting of the board of health, the members shall elect a chairman for the period of one year, who may be any one of the three county commissioners.
(Res. 946 § 3, 1978).
2.14.040 Board of health– Powers and duties.
The powers and duties of the board of health shall be as enumerated in RCW 70.05.060.
(Res. 946 § 4, 1978).
2.14.050 Health officer– Appointment.
The board of health shall appoint a county health officer who shall be an experienced physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathy and surgery in this state and who is qualified or provisionally qualified as prescribed in RCW 75.05.050.
(Res. 946 § 5, 1978).
2.14.060 Health officer– Terms.
The health officer shall serve pursuant to the terms of RCW 70.05.050.
(Res. 946 § 6, 1978).
2.14.070 Health officer– Powers and duties.
The powers and duties of the health officer shall be as enumerated in RCW 70.05.070.
(Res. 946 § 7, 1978).
2.14.080 Rules and regulations.
Until and unless subsequently amended by the board of health, the rules and regulations of the Thurston-Mason health district which were effective as of December 31, 1978, are incorporated herein by reference and constitute the Mason County rules and regulations required by RCW 70.05.060(3), with the understanding that "Thurston-Mason" shall be read as "Mason County" and "health district" shall be read as "health department."
(Res. 946 § 8, 1978).
Chapter 2.18 Sections:
2.18.010 Established.
2.18.020 Composition.
2.18.030 Representatives– Appointment and term.
2.18.040 Representatives– Organizational requirement.
2.18.050 Advisory capacity.
2.18.010 Established.
A Mason County emergency medical services advisory council is hereby established.
(Res. 92-86 (part), 1986).
2.18.020 Composition.
The council shall be composed of one representative from each of the following:
(1) Mason County commissioners;
(2) Hospital district commissioners;
(3) City of Shelton commission;
(4) Mason County sheriff's department;
(5) City of Shelton police department;
(6) City of Shelton fire department;
(7) Washington State Patrol;
(8) Mason County emergency services department;
(9) Privately owned ambulance company;
(10) Medical program director;
(11) Mason County CPR Association.
Plus:
(1) One fire district representative from each of the fifteen fire districts;
(2) One citizen/consumer representative from each of the three Mason County commissioner districts.
(Res. 92-86 (part), 1986).
2.18.030 Representatives– Appointment and term.
Each representative and his/her designated alternate who shall serve in the representative's absence shall be appointed by the county commissioners for a term of years as determined by his/her group.
(Res. 92-86 (part), 1986).
2.18.040 Representatives– Organizational requirement.
Any group represented on the council must be actively organized to be eligible for membership on the council.
(Res. 92-86 (part), 1986).
2.18.050 Advisory capacity.
The council shall act in an advisory capacity for the analysis, coordination, evaluation, planning, development of standards and regulations and other related aspects of the county emergency medical system(s); provided that the implementation, management, and control of such system(s) shall be solely at the discretion of the county, hospital district, city of Shelton, and fire districts within their authority and jurisdiction as defined by law.
(Res. 92-86 (part), 1986).
Chapter 2.19 Sections:
2.19.010 Purpose.
2.19.020 Definition.
2.19.030 Emergency management council– Membership.
2.19.040 Emergency management council– Powers and duties.
2.19.050 Assistant director the Mason County sheriff's office, division of emergency management– Powers and duties.
2.19.060 Emergency management organization.
2.19.070 Emergency management planning team– Membership.
2.19.075 Emergency management planning team– Powers and duties. * Prior ordinance history: Ord. 56-96.
2.19.010 Purpose.
The declared purpose of this chapter is to provide for the establishment and operation of a local organization for emergency management to provide for the preparation and carrying out of plans for multiple hazards and emergency support functions for the protection and benefit of persons and property within this county and to provide for the coordination of emergency response with all other federal, state, local, and public agencies, private persons, corporations, and organizations pursuant to RCW Chapter 38.52, Emergency Management.
(Ord. 19-99 (part), 1999).
2.19.020 Definition.
"Emergency management" or "emergency services" means the preparation for and carrying out of all emergency functions, other than functions for which the military forces are primarily responsible, to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters, and to aid victims suffering from injury or damage, resulting from disasters caused by all hazards, whether natural or technological (man-made), and to provide support for other emergency response such as search and rescue operations. However, "emergency management" or "emergency services" does not mean preparation for emergency evacuation or relocation of residents in anticipation of nuclear attack.
(Ord. 19-99 (part), 1999).
2.19.030 Emergency management council– Membership.
The Mason County emergency management council is created and shall consist of the following:
(1) The board of county commissioners, the city of Shelton commission, the assistant director of the Mason County sheriff's office, division of emergency management, and the director of emergency management, city of Shelton shall serve as permanent voting members of the council. Such other community leaders as the council may deem appropriate may serve as non-voting advisors when required.
(2) The chair of the board of county commissioners shall act as chair of the emergency management council. The mayor of the city of Shelton shall serve as vice-chair.
(3) The Mason County assistant director of the sheriff's office, division of emergency management, assisted by the city of Shelton director of emergency management, shall serve as council staff coordinator, and perform such other administrative duties as may be directed by the chairperson of the council.
(Ord. 109-03 Attach. A (part), 2003: Ord. 19-99 (part), 1999).
2.19.040 Emergency management council– Powers and duties.
(a) It shall be the duty of the Mason County emergency management council, and it is empowered, to review and recommend for adoption emergency operations procedures, plans and agreements and such resolutions and rules and regulations as are necessary to implement such procedures, plans and agreements. The emergency management council shall meet upon the call from the chairperson, or in his/her absence from the county or inability to call such a meeting, upon the call of the vice-chair. Meetings will be conducted quarterly with special meetings being called as necessary.
(b) The emergency management council shall provide oversight of the emergency management planning team including approval of draft plans prepared by the emergency management planning team and approval of appointed members of the emergency management planning team.
(Ord. 109-03 Attach. A (part), 2003: Ord. 19-99 (part), 1999).
2.19.050 Assistant director the Mason County sheriff's office, division of emergency management– Powers and duties.
(a) There is created the office of the assistant director for emergency management in the sheriff's office. The office shall be known as the sheriff's office, division of emergency management (DEM) and consist of the assistant director and such other positions as may be approved by the Mason County board of commissioners.
(b) The assistant director is empowered and directed:
(1) To prepare and maintain an emergency operations plan and such other supporting documents conforming to the Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and program.
(2) To control and coordinate the efforts of all organizations of the county for the accomplishment of the purposes of this chapter.
(3) To direct coordination and cooperation between all departments, services, and staff of this county in response to disaster/emergency situations.
(4) To represent the emergency response organizations of the county in all dealings with public and private agencies pertaining to all hazards response, recovery, mitigation, and planning activities.
(5) To develop and maintain a community awareness program for the education and information of the general public to assist them in being prepared during a disaster or emergency.
(c) In the event of disaster, the assistant director is empowered, with the concurrence of the chair of the Mason County board of commissioners:
(1) To make and issue rules and regulations on matters reasonably related to the protection of life and property as effected by such disaster; provided, however, such rules and regulations must be confirmed at the earliest practicable time by the Mason County board of commissioners.
(2) To obtain vital resources found lacking and needed for the protection of life and property as affected by such disaster; provided, however, such actions are confirmed at the earliest practicable time by the Mason County board of commissioners.
(3) To require emergency services of any county employee, and in the event of a proclamation by the Governor of the existence of a disaster, to command the aid of as many citizens of this jurisdiction as deemed necessary in the execution of official duties; such persons shall be entitled to all privileges, benefits and immunities as are provided by state law for registered emergency workers.
(4) To execute all of the special powers conferred upon his/her office by this chapter or by resolution adopted pursuant thereto, all powers conferred upon him/her by statute, agreement approved by the board, or by any other lawful authority.
(5) To requisition necessary personnel or material of any county department or agency.
(6) To ensure a mutually effective and coordinated response and recovery effort on the part of any city/county department involved in an intermutual disaster or emergency.
(Ord. 109-03 Attach. A (part), 2003; Ord. 19-99 (part), 1999).
2.19.060 Emergency management organization.
All county employees, together with those volunteer forces enrolled to aid them during a disaster, and all groups, organizations and persons who may by agreement or operation of law, including persons pressed into service charged with duties incident to the protection of life and property in this county during disaster, shall constitute the emergency management organization of the county.
(Ord. 19-99 (part), 1999).
2.19.070 Emergency management planning team– Membership.
The Mason County emergency management planning team is created and shall consist of the following:
(1) The assistant director of the Mason County sheriff's office division of emergency management, who shall act as chair, and the city of Shelton director of emergency management, who shall act as chair in the absence of the chair, or their representatives.
(2) Ex-officio members including: the director of Mason County department of public works, the director of the Mason County department of health services, the city of Shelton fire chief, the city of Shelton building official, the Mason County building official, the Mason County fire marshal, the city of Shelton director of community development, the director of the Mason County department of community development, the city of Shelton chief of police, the Mason County sheriff, the Mason County planning manager, the emergency management director of the Squaxin Island tribe, the emergency management director of Skokomish tribe, or their representatives.
(3) Appointed members, at a minimum, shall include representatives from:
(A) Fire fighting;
(B) First aid;
(C) Health profession;
(D) Local environmental;
(E) Hospital;
(F) Transportation personnel;
(G) Broadcast and print media;
(H) Community groups;
(I) Owners and operators of facilities subject to the requirements of Section 302(b) of EPCRA;
(J) Port districts.
(4) Other participants by permission of the chair, who may serve for a specified duration or on a specified project.
(5) Members of the city of Shelton commission and the Mason County commission may also participate in any meeting of the emergency management planning team.
(Ord. 109-03 Attach. A (part), 2003).
2.19.075 Emergency management planning team– Powers and duties.
(a) It shall be the duty of the Mason County emergency management planning team, and it is empowered, to review and recommend for adoption emergency operations procedures, plans and agreements and such resolutions and rules and regulations as are necessary to implement such procedures, plans and agreements.
(b) The emergency management planning team shall also develop and update recommendations for hazard mitigation plans and recommend such resolutions, rules, agreements and regulations as are necessary to implement such plans.
(c) The emergency management planning team shall also serve as the local emergency planning committee (LEPC) in accordance with the provisions of WAC 118.40.
(d) The emergency management planning team shall meet upon the call from the chairperson, or in his/her absence from the county or inability to call such a meeting, upon the call of the vice-chair. Meetings will be conducted quarterly with special meetings being called as necessary.
(e) The emergency management planning team shall establish such by-laws and procedures as necessary for its operation.
(f) The emergency management planning team shall coordinate with other community agencies and organizations.
(g) The emergency management planning team may establish such subcommittees and working groups as necessary for its duties.
(h) The emergency management planning team shall make its recommendations to the emergency management council and, when appropriate, may make recommendations to the local government entities.
(Ord. 109-03 Attach. A (part), 2003).
Chapter 2.20 Sections:
2.20.030 Commissioners' transportation.
2.20.040 Mileage reimbursement.
2.20.030 Commissioners' transportation.
The county commissioners are authorized to utilize their private automobiles for all official transportation in conjunction with their positions. Payment for private automobile use shall be made monthly from the same source as now provides the commissioners' county cars and shall not exceed ninety percent of the equipment rental charges for equivalent vehicles.
(Res. 96-82, 1982).
2.20.040 Mileage reimbursement.
The amount to be paid to Mason County officers or employees as reimbursement for the use of their personal automobiles or other transportation equipment in connection with officially assigned duties and other travel for publicly approved purposes shall be the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) standard mileage rate for all business miles driven.
(Res. 23-97, 1997).
Chapter 2.24 Sections:
2.24.010 Designated– Amount of draw.
2.24.010 Designated– Amount of draw.
All county officers and employees shall have a draw day for the first pay period from the first to the fifteenth day of each month, and the draw shall not exceed forty percent of their respective earned monthly salaries.
(Res. dated June 29, 1959).
Chapter 2.34 Sections:
2.34.010 Statement of policy.
2.34.020 Assignment of responsibility.
2.34.030 Objectives.
2.34.040 Recruitment.
2.34.050 Selection process.
2.34.060 Training.
2.34.070 Grievance procedure.
2.34.080 Evaluation.
2.34.010 Statement of policy.
It is the policy of this county's administration to insure that all human resources available to their agencies shall be utilized to the fullest extent possible. Acts of discrimination against any individual because of race, religion, national origin, age or sex are wasteful in terms of lost skills and talents and are therefore in contravention of this policy.
A copy of this affirmative action program shall be posted in a conspicuous place in all offices and employee areas of the county and an additional copy shall be readily available to members of the general public.
(Res. 509 § 1, 1975).
2.34.020 Assignment of responsibility.
A. The office of county commissioners shall bear the general responsibility of carrying out this equal employment opportunity program and shall strive to meet the goals outlined in Bulletin No. 349, Affirmative Action Guide for Washington Local Governments.
B. The board of county commissioners shall resolve all grievances which may be filed by county employees who believe they may have been treated unfairly in employment because of race, religion, national origin, age or sex.
C. Each elected official, department head, supervisor and foreman shall be charged with the responsibility of creating an employment environment that provides equal opportunity working areas, divisions and departments.
(Res. 509 § 2, 1975).
2.34.030 Objectives.
It is the objective of Mason County to have full minority representation within its departments. "Full minority representation" is defined as a number equal to the percentage of minority persons residing within Mason County and who are eligible for employment. For the purpose of this policy, the term "minority persons" includes any and all persons of noncaucasian ancestry or origin and shall include, but not be limited to Black Americans, Asian Americans, American Indians and Spanish-surname Americans. The county further intends to promote through its employment policies and practices equality of opportunity without regard to sex.
Every effort will be made by the department heads and county elected officials to accomplish these objectives as openings occur within the county work force.
(Res. 509 § 3, 1975).
2.34.040 Recruitment.
A. All county departments will forward notification of job openings to the board of county commissioners. Openings will be advertised on a bulletin board located on the first floor of the main courthouse building by posting copies of personnel requirements so the applicants may determine for which job they may wish to apply. In addition, efforts will be made to recruit from the minority communities through the assistance of interested private organizations.
B. Unless there is a bona fide sex requirement as determined by the department head, advertisement for applicants will not be placed in classified ad columns which indicate a preference for a particular sex.
(Res. 509 § 4(1), 1975).
2.34.050 Selection process.
A. Application forms have been revised to eliminate questions which may be racially, ethnically, religiously or sexually biased, and marked Exhibit A, attached hereto and by this reference incorporated herein.
B. Interviewers shall not ask questions which may be interpreted to be discriminatory nor will sex or minority status be considered a factor in selecting the most qualified applicants.
C. Selection will be based upon the possession of those skills and qualifications outlined in the personnel classification plan.
(Res. 509 § 4(2), 1975).
2.34.060 Training.
Cross training in all departments will be encouraged so that employees will not be "dead-ended" in lower level jobs where there is no natural progression.
(Res. 509 § 4(3), 1975).
2.34.070 Grievance procedure.
To deal with complaints, which any county employee may have who thinks he or she is being treated unfairly in employment because of his or her race, religion, national origin, age or sex, the following special equal employment opportunity grievance procedure is established:
A. Any county employee who thinks he or she is being treated unfairly in employment because of his or her race, religion, national origin, age or sex may file a complaint to the department head who shall investigate and try to resolve such complaint within two weeks. (It is understood that ordinarily the employee would first have taken the matter to his or her supervisor if there is a supervisor in his or her section.) If the department head or supervisor is unsuccessful in resolving the complaint, the employee may take such complaint to the board of county commissioners who shall investigate with the cooperation of the employee's department head and try to resolve such complaint within an additional two weeks. If the board is unsuccessful the board shall hold an informal hearing and then within one week shall forward to the department head its recommendation as to their findings. All details as to the hearing thereof shall be kept confidential.
B. It is recognized that the county employees have certain rights to file complaints of alleged treatment based on race, religion, national origin, age, and sex with the State Human Rights Commission or the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Use by any employee of any or all of the procedures set forth in Sections 2.34.040 through 2.34.070 is therefore optional with the employee, but he or she shall not proceed under the program and under state or federal legislation at one and the same time. If any employee does follow all the procedures of this program and is dissatisfied with the results, he or she may at any time in the course of such county procedures notify the board of county commissioners in writing that he or she is abandoning use of such grievance procedures, where upon the procedures set forth in Sections 2.34.040 through 2.34.070 shall cease. The employee then may choose to file a complaint with either the State Human Rights Commission or the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. County action under this policy, after having been initiated by the employee shall not be regarded as "final" until the board of county commissioners has advised the employee in writing that the procedures have been completed and the county's decision made or until the employee has notified the board of county commissioners, in writing, that he or she is abandoning such procedures.
(Res. 509 § 4(4), 1975).
2.34.080 Evaluation.
Semiannual evaluations will be made to insure effectiveness of the affirmative action program. The board of county commissioners will direct changes in staff efforts as necessary to insure successful implementation of the program. An unusually high or rapid turnover of personnel may indicate an unfavorable employment environment and the department concerned will be critically reviewed for the presence of discriminatory practices. Persons found to be engaged in such obstructionistic tactics will be subject to disciplinary action or dismissal.
(Res. 509 § 5, 1975).
Chapter 2.36 Sections:
2.36.010 Designated.
2.36.010 Designated.
The Mason-Thurston Community Action Council, Inc., is hereby designated as the official community action agency for Mason County, Washington.
(Res. dated December 9, 1968).
Chapter 2.40 Sections:
2.40.010 Boundaries.
2.40.020 District court judge.
2.40.030 Central office, courtroom and records– Where held.
2.40.040 Hearings– Place held.
2.40.050 District court, court commissioners– District court judge pro tempore.
2.40.010 Boundaries.
The boundaries of the district court for Mason County shall be coinciding with the boundaries for Mason County as established.
(Res. 62-A § 1, 1970).
2.40.020 District court judge.
There shall be one full-time district court judge to serve the entire district court for Mason County who shall be elected as provided by state law.
(Ord. 93A-93 (part), 1993: Res. 62-A § 2, 1970).
2.40.030 Central office, courtroom and records– Where held.
The central office, courtroom and records of the district court for Mason County shall be held at the Mason County courthouse complex in such space as may be provided by the board of county commissioners.
(Ord. 93A-93 (part), 1993: Res. 62-A § 3, 1970).
2.40.040 Hearings– Place held.
The district court shall conduct hearings in any other areas in the county as shall be designated by the district court judges as the volume of business may dictate. The designated place for all such hearings shall be established by the district court judge of the court.
(Ord. 93A-93 (part), 1993: Res. 62-A § 4, 1970).
2.40.050 District court, court commissioners– District court judge pro tempore.
The district court judge shall have the authority to appoint district court court commissioners and judge pro tempore.
(Ord. 93A-93 (part), 1993: Res. 62-A § 5, 1970).
Chapter 2.44 Sections:
2.44.010 Created– Membership– Appointment– Terms.
2.44.020 Claims for disability.
2.44.030 Jurisdiction.
2.44.040 Compensation and reimbursement of members.
2.44.050 Functions, powers and determinations.
2.44.010 Created– Membership– Appointment– Terms.
There is hereby created a Mason County disability board.
The disability board shall consist of five members to be chosen as follows: One member of the legislative body of the county to be appointed by the county commissioners, one member of the city of Shelton city commission to be chosen by the mayor, one fire fighter to be elected by the fire fighters subject to the jurisdiction of the county disability board, one law enforcement officer to be elected by the law enforcement officers subject to the jurisdiction of the county disability board and one member from the public at large who resides within Mason County, to be appointed by the other four appointed members heretofore designated. All members appointed or elected pursuant to this chapter shall serve for two year terms.
(Ord. 104 §§ 1, 2, 1970).
2.44.020 Claims for disability.
The county disability board shall receive and act upon all claims for disability made against the retirement system as defined in RCW 41.26.030 (1) and either approve or disapprove each claim.
(Ord. 104 § 3, 1970).
2.44.030 Jurisdiction.
The disability board shall have jurisdiction over all members residing in Mason County who are covered by "Washington Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System Act."
(Ord. 104 § 4, 1970).
2.44.040 Compensation and reimbursement of members.
The members of the disability board shall not receive compensation for their service upon the board, but the members shall be reimbursed for all travel expenses incidental to such service as to the amount authorized by law.
(Ord. 104 § 5, 1970).
2.44.050 Functions, powers and determinations.
The disability board established by this chapter shall perform all functions, exercise all powers, and make all such determinations as specified in RCW 41.26 and subsequent legislative acts.
(Ord. 104 § 6, 1970).
Chapter 2.46 Sections:
2.46.010 Contact persons– Designated.
2.46.020 Contact persons– To review and investigate complaints.
2.46.010 Contact persons– Designated.
The personnel coordinator and facilities and grounds coordinator shall be designated as ADA contact persons for any internal or external complaints or grievances and will provide proper notice of this complaint procedure to the community and on official county bulletin boards and will provide complaint/grievance forms (See Attachment B attached to the resolution codified in this chapter and on file in the offices of the county clerk) in all county facilities where there is public access.
(Res. 46-92 (part), 1992).
2.46.020 Contact persons– To review and investigate complaints.
The personnel coordinator or facilities and grounds coordinator will review, investigate and otherwise dispose of such complaints in a manner that meets the good of the service and will provide a quarterly report of any ADA concern to the board of county commissioners.
(Res. 46-92 (part), 1992).
Chapter 2.48 Sections:
2.48.010 Establishment.
2.48.020 County board of commissioners– Authority.
2.48.030 Director– Appointment.
2.48.040 Director– Powers and duties.
2.48.050 Budgeting– 1977.
2.48.060 Budgeting– 1978.
2.48.070 Budgeting– Transfer of funds.
2.48.010 Establishment.
There shall be established a new department of Mason County known as the Mason County parks and recreation department.
(Res. 823 § 1, 1978).
2.48.020 County board of commissioners– Authority.
The Mason County parks and recreation department shall be under the exclusive jurisdiction of the board of Mason County commissioners.
(Res. 823 § 2, 1978).
2.48.030 Director– Appointment.
The director of the Mason County parks and recreation department shall be appointed by the Mason County board of commissioners and shall serve at the board's discretion.
(Res. 823 § 3, 1978).
2.48.040 Director– Powers and duties.
The director of parks and recreation department shall have the responsibility for operation and administration of the Mason County parks and recreation department, including preparation of budget, administration of personnel, direction of programs and such other duties as designated by the Mason County board of commissioners.
(Res. 823 § 5, 1978).
2.48.050 Budgeting– 1977.
For the purpose of the year 1977, the parks and recreation program shall continue to be subject to restrictions and guidelines of the Mason County park and recreation fund and the 1977 budget thereon.
(Res. 823 § 6, 1978).
2.48.060 Budgeting– 1978.
For the year 1978, a park and recreation budget shall be proposed, submitted and enacted in the same manner as provided by law for other elective and appointive offices and officials.
(Res. 823 § 7, 1978).
2.48.070 Budgeting– Transfer of funds.
At the end of the year 1977, any balance remaining in the parks and recreation fund shall be transferred to the county current expense fund for the use in meeting the needs of the 1978 overall county budget. Thereafter, all revenues derived by operation of the parks and recreation program shall be deposited according to law with the Mason County treasurer for deposit in the current expense fund.
(Res. 823 § 8, 1978).
Chapter 2.49 Sections:
2.49.010 Creation and purpose of parks and trails advisory board.
2.49.020 Terms of members.
2.49.030 Powers of board.
2.49.040 Removal of members.
2.49.050 Supervision.
2.49.010 Creation and purpose of parks and trails advisory board.
There is created a park and trails advisory board of Mason County, Washington, to assist the county in the delivery of parks and trails services to its residents and visitors. Such board shall consist of seven members, who shall be appointed by the board of county commissioners to serve without compensation. The board should consist of membership with two members from Commissioner District 1, two members from Commissioner District 2, two members from Commissioner District 3, and one at large member. If the park board cannot be filled with members from the respective districts as desired, at large members residing anywhere in Mason County can be substituted. The intent is to form the parks and trails board with equal geographic representation from throughout Mason County if possible.
The purpose of the Mason County parks and trails board is to provide guidance, direction and recommendations regarding the planning, acquisition, development and operation of parks, trails, facilities, and programs serving the needs of Mason County.
The parks and trails board is being organized under the authority granted by the Washington State Legislature pronounced by RCW 36.68, specifically 36.68.030 through 36.68.080.
(Res. 7-07 § 1 (part), 2007).
2.49.020 Terms of members.
For the appointive positions on the county parks and trails board the initial terms shall be two years for two positions, three years for two positions, and four years for the remaining positions plus the period in each instance to the next following December 31st; thereafter the term for each appointive position shall be four years and shall end on December 31st.
(Res. 7-07 § 1 (part), 2007).
2.49.030 Powers of board.
The county parks and trails advisory board shall:
(1) Elect its officers, including a chairman, vice chairman, and such other officers as it may determine it requires.
(2) Hold public meetings as deemed necessary and keep written records.
(3) Advise and assist the director of parks and trails and the county in the promulgation of reasonable rules and regulations deemed necessary for operation of county parks and other recreational facilities and recommend to the board of county commissioners adoption of any rules and regulations requiring enforcement by legal process.
(4) Advise and assist the director of parks and trails and the county in developing and recommending policies and procedures for department operations.
(5) Advise and assist the director of parks and trails and the county in developing goals and objectives and short and long-range comprehensive plans.
(6) Assist the director of parks and trails and the county in their relations with other county-wide organizations and individuals concerning promotion of county parks and trails facilities and services.
(7) When a new director of parks and trails is hired, have a board member involved in the selection process who shall participate in the review of applications and interviews of the candidates including, but not limited to, participation in the review of applicants, interviews of candidates, and a recommendation to the county.
(Res. 7-07 § 1 (part), 2007).
2.49.040 Removal of members.
Any appointed county parks and trails advisory board member may be removed by a majority vote of the board of county commissioners for cause. Vacancies on the county parks and trails advisory board shall be filled by appointment made by the board of county commissioners for the unexpired portions of the terms vacated.
(Res. 7-07 § 1 (part), 2007).
2.49.050 Supervision.
The county parks and trails advisory board shall operate under the direction and supervision of the board of county commissioners through its director of parks and trails.
(Res. 7-07 § 1 (part), 2007).
Chapter 2.50 Sections:
2.50.010 General purpose.
2.50.020 Generally.
2.50.030 Evaluation and rating criteria.
2.50.040 How award decisions will be made.
2.50.010 General purpose.
The Mason County board of commissioners adopted basic criteria to define the purpose of the park development partnership program:
(1) The funds shall be made available to plan, construct, reconstruct, repair, rehabilitate, and improve public parks serving persons located within Mason County.
(2) A public park is defined as any structure, facility or field that is intended to be used primarily for park and recreation purposes.
In addition, the commissioners request that this program do the following:
(1) Encourage the leveraging of funds from other sources through community partnerships;
(2) Hold an annual request-for-proposal (RFP) process to solicit project proposals from throughout Mason County.
PLANNING COMMISSION– REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL RETARDATION BOARD
HEALTH DEPARTMENT*
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ADVISORY COUNCIL
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT*
EXPENSES OF COUNTY OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES
DRAW DAY
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PROGRAM
COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY
DISTRICT COURT
DISABILITY BOARD
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT CONTACT PERSONS
PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
PARK DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
| Number | Item | Points |
| 1 | Need of the project | 0– 10 |
| 2 | Need satisfaction– fulfillment | 0– 10 |
| 3 | Project design and management | 0– 10 |
| 4 | Readiness to proceed | 0– 5 |
| 5 | Cost benefit | 0– 5 |
| 6 | Project support | 0– 5 |
| 7 | Matching shares | 0– 10 |
| 8 | Use agreement | 0– 5 |
| Total Points Possible | 60 |
SCORING CRITERIA FOR PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS
(a) Need. How great is the need for improved parks and recreation facilities?
Does the project address a current deficiency for recreation facilities? (+ 0 to 10 points)
| No or very weak need established | 0– 2 points |
| Fair to moderate need established | 3– 5 points |
| Strong need established | 6– 8 points |
| Very high– Exceptional need established | 9– 10 points |
(b) Need satisfaction– Fulfillment. To what extent will the project satisfy the area needs of the service area identified in question 1, "need?" (+ 0 to 10 points)
| No or very weak need satisfaction established | 0– 2 points |
| Fair to moderate need satisfaction established | 3– 5 points |
| Strong need satisfaction established | 6– 8 points |
| Very high– Exceptional need satisfaction established | 9– 10 points |
(c) Project Design and Management. Is the proposal appropriately designed and organized for intended uses and users?
Proposed project is well planned, well designed, and ready for implementation. (+ 0 to 10 points)
| Poor evidence presented or the design is inappropriate | 0– 2 points |
| Below average– Moderate | 3– 5 points |
| Good– Design is adequate or reasonable | 6– 8 points |
| Very good– Excellent– Design is outstanding | 9– 10 points |
(d) Readiness to Proceed. Is the applicant prepared to begin the project?
Proposed project is ready to move along quickly. (+ 0 to 5 points)
| Very large barriers exist that will delay the project | 0 points |
| Substantial or significant barriers exist | 1– 2 points |
| Minimal or ordinary barriers exist to delay the project | 3– 4 points |
| No barriers exist to delay the project | 5 points |
(e) Cost Benefit. Do the benefits of the project outweigh the costs?
The proposed benefit of the project far outweighs the costs. (+ 0 to 5 points)
| No evidence of benefit presented | 0 points |
| Little to modest evidence of a mild net benefit | 1– 2 points |
| Adequate to strong evidence of a good net benefit | 3– 4 points |
| Substantial evidence of an exceptional net benefit | 5 points |
(f) Project Support. To what extent do the users and public support the project?
The proposed project is supported by the users and public. Documented by letters of support, public testimony, positive media coverage, etc. (+ 0 to 5 points)
| No or very weak evidence of support presented | 0 points |
| Minimal or fair specific evidence of support | 1– 2 points |
| Moderate or good support | 3 points |
| Exceptional– Overwhelming support | 4– 5 points |
(g) Matching Shares. To what extent will the applicant match the county funding with contributions from its own resources?
More support of the project by the applicant will be scored higher to maximize the leveraging of county funding. (+ 0 to 10 points)
| 0 to 9% of projects value will be contributed by the applicant | 0 points |
| 10% to 15% of the project value will be contributed by the applicant | 2 points |
| 16% to 25% of the project value will be contributed by the applicant | 4 points |
| 26% to 35% of the project value will be contributed by the applicant | 6 points |
| 36% to 45% of the project value will be contributed by the applicant | 8 points |
| Over 46% of the project value will be contributed by the applicant | 10 points |
(h) Use Agreement. The proposed use and maintenance agreement is reliable and sufficient. (+ 0 to 5 points)
Maximum points will be awarded to projects with agreements that clearly delineate responsibilities for scheduling, maintenance, replacement of worn/broken material or parts, including labor and cost.
A long-term use agreement must be in place between the partners. Use agreement will include a term for facility maintenance, public access, and recreation programming.
| Range ($$$) | Years |
| 0– 14,999 | 5 |
| 15,000– 29,000 | 8 |
| 30,000– 50,000 | 10 |
| No evidence of agreement presented | 0 points |
| An agreement presented with very few details | 1– 2 points |
| Adequate to strong agreement with some detail | 3– 4 points |
| Evidence of an agreement that meets program expectations | 5 points |
| Range ($$$) | Years |
| 0– 14,999 | 5 |
| 15,000– 29,999 | 8 |
| 30,000– 50,000 | 10 |
(2) All necessary construction permits required by the appropriate jurisdiction must be obtained or identified and being applied for.
(3) Certificate of Insurance. The agency will note Mason County as additional insured during the contract period and supply Mason County with a certificate of insurance that includes appropriate levels of insurance as noted in the contract.
(4) State prevailing wages may apply. This may impact a project's proposed budget.
(Res. 31-07 § 4, 2007).
Chapter 2.51
SPECIAL EVENT CAMPING POLICY FOR PARKS AND TRAILS
Sections:
2.51.010 Purpose.
2.51.020 Termination.
2.51.030 Policy.
2.51.010 Purpose.
This policy sets forth terms and conditions for the use of Foothills Park and Truman Glick Park for overnight camping in conjunction with a special event or gathering.
(Res. 52-08 Attach. A (part), 2008).
2.51.020 Termination.
This policy shall be effective upon adoption by the board of county commissioners and shall remain in effect unless the board of county commissioners terminate the policy at any time with a motion of the board at any regular or special meeting.
(Res. 52-08 Attach. A (part), 2008).
2.51.030 Policy.
It shall be the policy of the Mason County board of county commissioners and Mason County parks and trails department to allow overnight camping at Foothills Park and Truman Glick Park under the following terms and conditions:
(1) Camping shall be allowed in the park only via special permit to groups conducting a special event at the park. Camping shall be allowed only during that portion of the year the park is open for day-use.
(2) A camping permit does not provide exclusive use of the park, the general public will still have access for the park.
(3) An overnight stay permit must be obtained from the parks and trails office in advance of arriving at the park. The group leader or event sponsor must submit a roster with names and addresses of all individuals registered for an overnight stay.
(4) All campers must sign a liability waiver. Adult or guardian must sign for children under eighteen.
(5) Campers must camp in tents or self-contained camping units only Truman Glick Park and Foothills Park.
(6) The maximum number of individuals, tents, or self contained camping units allowed on-site at each park site will be determined on a case by case basis by the parks and trails department staff.
(7) There is no electrical service, hookups, or sewer dump service for any camping.
(8) Overnight stays shall be limited to two consecutive nights.
(9) Fee for camping at Truman Glick and Foothills Park is five dollars per person, per night payable in advance at the parks and trails office.
(10) Campers must observe all park rules governing day-use patrons, to include no open fires, alcoholic beverages, no smoking, or firearms. Anyone possessing alcoholic beverages, firearms, smoking or starting an open fire may be asked to leave and/or may be subject to arrest.
(11) Disruptive individuals will be asked to leave the park and/or may be subject to arrest.
(12) Quiet time at the park shall be nine p.m. through eight a.m. Campers are expected to restrict activities to their tents or self contained camping units and refrain from making noise during that time.
(13) Tents shall be placed only in areas approved by the parks and trails staff at Truman Glick Park and Foothills Park.
(14) A damage/cleanup deposit in the amount of one hundred fifty dollars may be required depending on the special event.
(15) The responsible adult group leader shall ensure that all camp areas are kept clean and in good condition during occupancy, and upon leaving the park, in order to receive a refund of the damage/cleanup deposit. An adult must be present at all times.
(16) Campers staying at Mason County parks under an overnight stay permit shall use the facilities at their own risk. Mason County shall not be liable for personal injuries or damages to equipment or personal property.
(17) Camping at the park sites will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
(18) No commercial use of the park associated with camping is allowed.
(19) No amplified sound is allowed during the park quiet time (nine p.m. to eight a.m.)
(20) Only smaller two to eight person tents are allowed. No large group tents.
(21) Future camping use will be denied for failure to follow rules and regulations.
(22) Camping activities at the park sites shall be carried out to minimize the impact to day-use patrons and scheduled use of other park facilities.
(Res. 52-08 Attach. A (part), 2008).
Chapter 2.52 Article I Organization
Sections:
2.52.010 Generally.
2.52.020 Duties generally.
2.52.030 Engineer.
2.52.040 Assistant county engineer.
2.52.050 Location engineer.
2.52.060 Draftsman-inspector.
2.52.065 Traffic engineer.
2.52.070 Utility and right-of-way agent.
2.52.080 Aides.
2.52.090 Secretary.
2.52.100 Bookkeeper.
2.52.110 Road superintendent.
2.52.120 Equipment superintendent.
2.52.130 Road supervisors.
2.52.140 Shop foreman.
2.52.145 Stocks foreman.
2.52.150 Bridge foreman.
2.52.160 Temporary reassignments.
Article III Handling of Complaints
Sections:
2.52.317 Public relations.
2.52.318 Definitions.
2.52.320 Objectives.
2.52.330 General procedure.
2.52.340 Emergency procedure.
2.52.350 Detailed procedures.
2.52.360 Posting policy.
Article IV Work for Other Departments
Sections:
2.52.365 Public agencies.
2.52.366 County departments.
2.52.367 Recordkeeping.
2.52.368 County road administration board forms– Application.
Article V Appendices
Sections:
2.52.370 Appendix "A"– What is an emergency"
2.52.380 Appendix "B"– Detailed procedure. * Bridge and road specifications– See Title 12 of this code.
Article I 2.52.010 Generally.
All assignments, orders and reports shall follow strict organizational lines. When "short-circuits" are created due to emergencies or for expediency, all intermediate personnel shall be advised as promptly as possible. This chain-of-command procedure shall not be so rigidly interpreted as to prohibit normal liaison and cooperation between different crews or departments.
(Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: Res. 54 (part), 1969: § 1(l) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
2.52.020 Duties generally.
Because of the limited number of employees in general and in certain specific capabilities in particular, duties will be in many positions shifting and overlapping. In general, duties of each position include but are not specifically limited to those listed in Sections 2.52.030 through 2.52.150.
(Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: Res. 54 (part), 1969: § 1(2 (part)) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
2.52.030 Engineer.
The engineer shall direct the activities of all personnel and utilize all the resources of the road department for the board of county commissioners in conformity with their policies and the laws of the state of Washington.
(Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: Res. 54 (part), 1969: § 1(2a) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
2.52.040 Assistant county engineer.
The assistant county engineer shall accomplish all accounting and purchasing operations for the road department (except for purchases by equipment superintendent) and perform road project design, record keeping, drafting and computations. He shall assist in programming and administration. During the official absence of the engineers he shall assume all the duties of the engineer as stipulated and limited by the provisions of RCW Chapter 36.80.
(Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: Res. 54 (part), 1969: § 1(2b) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
2.52.050 Location engineer.
The location engineer shall direct other survey personnel and perform field and office engineering. He shall make preliminary and location surveys for road construction. He shall assist and coordinate in preparing advance and construction plans.
(Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: Res. 54 (part), 1969: § 1(2c) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
2.52.060 Draftsman-inspector.
Under the direction of the assistant engineer the draftsman-inspector shall supervise and accomplish field inspection of contract construction. Seasonally, he shall perform design of road projects and keeping of records, make reports to other agencies as indicated on construction projects and assist and coordinate with the location engineer. He shall process plats of subdivisions including checking for accuracy and sufficiency and coordinate with the engineer and utilities and right-of-way agent.
(Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: Res. 54 (part), 1969: § 1(2d) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
2.52.065 Traffic patrolman.
The traffic patrolman shall make, install and inspect traffic signs and other traffic control appurtenances under control of the engineer. He shall coordinate work with the road superintendent and utilities and right-of-way agent. He shall maintain a traffic control inventory book and maintenance record. He shall make at least two after dark inspections of all county roads during the year in order to inspect reflectivity of signs. These inspections shall be made in lieu of regular working hours, but all other work after-normal hours when called out by authority of the engineer shall be paid at time and one-half.
(Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: § 1(2e) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
2.52.070 Utility and right-of-way agent.
The utility and right-of-way agent shall augment and utilize right-of-way records, contact property owners and negotiate for required rights-of-way, screen applications for utility permits, make recommendations regarding proposed utility construction and inspect for compliance with permit requirements, inspect roads in plats, inspect contract road construction, investigate complaints and coordinate routine activity of the traffic patrolman (sign man).
(Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: Res. 54 (part), 1969: § 1(2f) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
2.52.080 Aides.
Under detailed direction as required, aides shall accomplish field inspection of contract construction, computations, drafting, routine design, and keeping of records, assist on survey crew as chainman, rodman or instrumentman and operate duplicating and print machines.
(Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: Res. 54 (part), 1969: § 1 (2g) of Res. dated March 24, 1970).
2.52.090 Secretary.
The secretary shall act as receptionist, perform general secretarial and stenographic work, coordinate and transmit intra-departmental communications, maintain correspondence files, direct telephone and in-person inquiries to the proper individual, take dictation and type correspondence, specifications and reports, prepare vouchers, operate duplicating and print machines and log appointments and activities of the engineer and key personnel.
(Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: Res. 54 (part), 1969: § 1 (2h) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
2.52.100 Bookkeeper.
The bookkeeper shall process daily time reports, prepare payrolls, and maintain warrant register and accounts as required by the Uniform Budget and Accounting Manual. He shall prepare reports to employees of earnings and fringe benefits, perform stenographic work depending upon availability and necessity and operate duplicating and print machines.
(Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: Res. 54 (part), 1969: § 1(2i) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
2.52.110 Road superintendent.
The road superintendent shall plan and direct seasonal and special maintenance operations, with and through the four zone supervisors perform patrol inspections of all arterial and principal access roads in the county not less than once each week, and coordinate and direct the various crews on maintenance and county-force construction work. The road superintendent is responsible for all county forces construction and for all maintenance except that technical direction to the traffic patrolman shall be issued by the engineer's office. (Close liaison by roadshop-traffic is essential.)
(Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: Res. 54 (part), 1969: § 1(2j) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
2.52.120 Equipment superintendent.
The equipment superintendent shall supervise all shop and field operations under the equipment rental and revolving fund. The equipment superintendent is responsible for the operation of the central shop, all equipment maintenance, routine purchases of stocks, parts, supplies, and miscellaneous stocks of road materials, and production of road materials. Technical control of materials and methods will be exercised by the engineer. Major purchases not requiring advertisement for bids shall be made by or approved by the engineer, the board will call for bids for materials and equipment as required by law.
(Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: Res. 54 (part), 1969: § 1(2k) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
2.52.130 Road supervisors.
Road supervisors shall patrol roads and recommend to the road superintendent and accomplish maintenance and construction projects as authorized or directed. Zone supervisors are responsible for the patrol of the roads in their zone weekly or more frequently. Work performed will be as directed by, or with the approval of the road superintendent.
(Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: Res. 54 (part), 1969: § 1(2l) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
2.52.140 Shop foreman.
The shop foreman shall plan and direct detail shop operations to achieve highest level of support for road department, direct detail activity of shop personnel, coordinate with the stocks foreman to maintain efficient and economical level of stocks of parts and supplies, keep full and accurate vehicle records, and make reports as required. In the absence of the equipment superintendent he shall assume the duties of that position.
(Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: Res. 54 (part), 1969: § 1(2m) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
2.52.145 Stocks foreman.
The stocks foreman shall coordinate with the shop foreman and maintain adequate, efficient and economical level of stocks of all parts and supplies purchased by the equipment rental and revolving fund, keep full and accurate stock records and make reports as required. He shall act in the capacity of loss prevention (safety) coordinator for the road department.
(Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: § 1(2n) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
2.52.150 Bridge foreman.
The bridge foreman shall accomplish bridge patrol inspections, maintenance and repair, assist in annual bridge inspections, accomplish new construction of bridges as directed and make recommendations regarding bridge maintenance or replacement. The bridge foreman, when not engaged on designated bridge construction projects (CRP) or major bridge maintenance project or special inspection assignment by the engineer shall be under the general direction of the road superintendent.
(Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: Res. 54 (part), 1969: § 1(2o) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
2.52.160 Temporary reassignments.
Temporary reassignments to fill vacancies created by the absence of key employees will be made by the engineer. Any extended reassignments will be referred to the board for approval.
(Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: Res. 54 (part), 1969: § 1 (part) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
Article III 2.52.317 Public relations.
(a) Any citizen making a complaint, reporting a road discrepancy, or raising a question regarding conditions or procedures shall be treated courteously and given the best explanation available. If the employee does not know the facts or reasons, he should freely admit his inability to explain and refer to higher authority. Obviously, there are some conditions which the county road department is powerless to correct, and others that must be acted upon over an extended period of time. These facts should be explained to the citizen.
(b) Staff shall project a friendly, courteous, helpful image to the public. If a citizen asks for assistance that is not the responsibility of the department, staff will help by giving that person the name of the individual in the appropriate office who can assist. That may entail giving the citizen directions on where the office is located and it may also require that staff call said office, find out which employee can assist and give that information to the citizen.
(Res. 26-90 (part), 1990).
2.52.318 Definitions.
(a) "County engineer" means director of public works and/or county engineer.
(b) "Department" means the department of public works, engineering division, maintenance division, administrative division or equipment rental and revolving division.
(c) Emergencies. It is impossible to define an emergency in specific terms to include all situations. Generally, an "emergency" is an existing or definite potential condition which endangers life and/or public or private property. The "degree of risk" in comparison with the seriousness of the possible loss which might be sustained is the prime factor in evaluating a condition to be rated as an "emergency." Examples of emergency situations are:
(1) Common emergencies:
(A) Water over roadway,
(B) Obstructions (tree across road, etc.),
(C) A down or missing stop sign,
(D) Any mass of material or object blocking a portion of the traveled way;
(2) Severe emergencies:
(A) Any condition endangering human life or threatening personal injury,
(B) Injury of employee requiring immediate hospitalization;
(3) Disaster emergencies:
(A) The roadway has been completely closed because of a mass of material or object completely blocking traveled way. Closure of roadway necessitates proper corrective action,
(B) A loss of a bridge;
(C) Fatality of an employee.
(d) "Employee" means staff; individual working for the department of public works, regardless of rank or authority.
(e) "Engineer" means assistant to the county engineer and/or director of public works; maintenance engineer; construction engineer; or administrative engineer.
(f) "Supervisor" means a person who is next in line in authority to the employee, e.g., road supervisor, project inspector, foreman, or construction engineer.
(g) Request for Services. The use of the word "request" means the same as request for services. Examples of requests are:
(1) Notification of emergencies;
(2) Request for additional maintenance;
(3) Request for road improvement by major/minor construction;
(4) A complaint as to employee's work performance (usually reported by employee's supervisor, and evaluated, with recommendations for the county engineer);
(5) General citizen concerns requiring departmental action.
(Res. 26-90 (part), 1990).
2.52.320 Objectives.
Department of public works employees shall:
(1) Investigate requests in a responsible manner by determining what action is required to satisfy the request, and convey that information (when at all possible) to the citizen who makes the request.
(2) Ignore no request, and likewise, make sure the citizen understands that their concerns and input have been appreciated.
(3) Consider the urgency of the condition(s) reported by the citizen before implementing proper corrective action within department policy.
(4) Retain a written record of all requests to provide reference for future road construction or maintenance decisions.
(Res. 26-90 (part), 1990: Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: § 3(1) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
2.52.330 General procedures.
(a) Handling Requests During Working Hours. It is the intent that all requests be received, logged, documented and filed at the engineer's office. It shall be the responsibility of the receiving division or department to provide the engineer's office with sufficient information so that documentation can be completed.
(1) Any request received by a department employee shall be promptly reported to his/her supervisor, or to the engineer's office before the end of the work shift.
(2) Depending on the nature and severity of the request, it is the goal of the department to investigate the request on the same day that it is received but no later than one workweek. Emergency requests shall be forwarded immediately to the appropriate engineer or supervisor.
(3) After the investigation has been completed, the citizen making the request shall be contacted and informed of the action taken or the appropriate action to be taken.
(4) The request for services shall be categorized as:
(A) Emergency: Requests requiring immediate action (refer to Section 2.52.340– Emergency Procedures);
(B) Other.
(b) Handling Requests During Nonworking Hours. Only requests that are categorized as "emergency" require immediate action during nonworking hours.
(1) During nonworking hours, it will be the responsibility of the employee receiving the request to either classify the request as "emergency" or "other" and/or refer to higher authority.
(2) Emergencies only require immediate action. The removal or resolution of the immediate emergency is the primary goal of nonworking-hours response. This may include closing the roadway to through traffic to protect life and property.
(3) Disaster emergencies shall be reported promptly to:
(A) The county engineer, who shall contact:
(i) The chairman of the board, and
(ii) The commissioner in the district.
(4) Refer to Section 2.52.340 for additional emergency procedures.
(c) Requests which would require action not covered by or at variance with departmental legal authority and established policy shall be referred to the board before action is initiated except for true emergencies involving real danger to life or to public or private property.
(d) Names and telephone numbers of key personnel in the department will be furnished to public agencies including but not limited to county sheriff dispatch, county PUD No's 1 and 3, telephone companies and T.V. cable companies as well as State Departments of Highways, Fisheries and Wildlife. (For emergency procedures, see Section 2.52.340 of this chapter).
(Res. 26-90 (part), 1990: Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: § 3(2) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
2.52.340 Emergency procedures.
Any emergency shall be treated promptly. Immediate action shall be taken as follows:
(1) Notify maintenance or construction engineer depending on the type of emergency. They, in turn will notify the appropriate supervisor to initiate corrective action. Common emergencies– the county engineer shall be notified the following workday; severe emergencies– the county engineer shall be called immediately and he shall notify the appropriate commissioners the following workday; and, disaster emergencies– the engineer will be notified immediately and he will promptly notify the commissioner.
(2) Do all possible to remove the condition(s) from the emergency status in order to safeguard life and property; e.g., road closure, provide traffic control ("flag" traffic), set barricades, enlist aid of others to relay messages, or other appropriate action as necessary.
(3) Notify emergency services if extensive rerouting of traffic or isolation of the site is necessary. Emergency services shall notify those emergency agencies necessary.
(4) Refer to general procedures in Section 2.52.330.
(Res. 26-90 (part), 1990: Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: § 3(3) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
2.52.350 Detailed procedures.
Department of Public works-engineer's office shall:
(1) Receive all requests and categorize same as:
(A) Emergency; or
(B) Others.
(2) Implement these details for receiving and administering a request for services, as follows:
(A) Name, address, and telephone number of the person making the request;
(B) Record whether the request has been received by letter, telephone or in person;
(C) Record the name of the employee(s) receiving request;
(D) Record the road number, road name, and approximate mileposts when applicable;
(E) Gather sufficient information to answer the following:
(i) What is the request?
(ii) Where is the problem located?
(iii) When did the problem originate?
(iv) What was the cause of the problem?
(v) What is the citizen's suggestion to solve the problem?
(F) The request shall be routed to the construction engineer, maintenance engineer, supervisor, or to an employee deemed best to handle the request.
(i) The investigating employee shall inspect the problem; determine the proper course of action and recommend a schedule of correction. After approval by the appropriate supervisor, the investigating employee shall summarize and explain the proposed action to the citizen.
(ii) Every effort should be taken to contact the citizen in the same manner in which the citizen contacted the department of public works (no later than one workweek after receipt of the request); e.g., letter, telephone or in person.
(iii) When the request has been satisfied, a record of same shall be filed in the engineer's office road file.
(iv) If the citizen files the request in a threatening manner, a copy of the request shall be forwarded to the prosecuting attorney's office.
(G) Log of all requests shall be maintained.
(H) Prepare a form which will satisfy the above needs.
(Res. 26-90 (part), 1990: Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: § 3(4) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
2.52.360 Posting policy.
Copies of the board's policy, as adopted and set forth herein, shall be prominently posted in the office of the county road engineer and all road department shops in such manner that it will be readily available to all road department employees and to the general public.
(Res. (part) dated December 14, 1970: § III (part) of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
Article IV 2.52.365 Public agencies.
An appropriate written agreement in triplicate approved by the legislative bodies of both the county and the requesting agency shall precede any work by the county road department for the agency. Such agreement may be for a specific item of work and/or any work during a specified period of time, or it may be a general agreement for a long-time period to be supplemented by individual requests for specific items of work. When work is requested, the agency shall submit the request on forms provided in triplicate and signed by a designated agent of the requesting agency.
The county engineer is authorized to schedule and accomplish specific items of work when such work is in accordance with an agreement previously approved by the agency and by the board as required by WAC 136.32, except as may be modified or restricted under any specific agreement under which the board shall act to retain item-by-item authority for approval.
(Res. 595 (part), 1976).
2.52.366 County departments.
Whenever a department of the county desires work to be performed by the county road department, the department must submit a written request to the county engineer, describing the work requested, financial considerations, and time for performance or completion. The county engineer shall examine the request and submit it to the board of county commissioners with his recommendations and comments. The board shall in writing either approve, modify or disapprove the request. All such work performed by the county road department for and on behalf of other departments of the county shall be on a reimbursable cost basis in accordance with terms set forth in the request and approved by the board.
(Res. 595 (part), 1976).
2.52.367 Recordkeeping.
The county engineer shall maintain appropriate records of all agreements for work requested by other public agencies and of all approved interdepartmental requests. He shall keep complete fiscal records of all such work in the same manner as prescribed for normal road department activity.
(Res. 595 (part), 1976).
2.52.368 County road administration board forms– Application.
County road administration board forms 101 and 102, on file in the office of the auditor and clerk of the board of county commissioners, as modified and approved by Mason County will be used.
(Res. 595 (part), 1976).
Article V 2.52.370 Appendix "A"– What is an emergency?
It is impossible to define an emergency in specific terms to include all situations. Generally, an "emergency" is an existing or definite potential condition which endangers life and/or public or private property. The "degree of risk" in comparison with the seriousness of the possible loss which might be sustained is the prime factor in evaluating a condition to be rated as an "emergency." Some examples of situations that are emergencies (of varying degree) are as follows:
(1) Any mass of material or an object blocking a significant portion of the traveled way, particularly when sight distance is limited by conditions of road alignment, surface conditions or weather;
(2) Any condition, whether "road" or otherwise, endangering human life or threatening personal injury;
(3) Any condition caused by any element, or part, or appurtenance, of the county road system endangering public or personal property;
(4) Any real threat to an important element of a county road or to the traffic thereon, e.g., an imminent slide, danger tree, flood, log jam or diverted heavy runoff. (Appendix A of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
2.52.380 Appendix "B"– Detailed procedure.
(a) Details for filling out and submitting "Complaint Reports" are as follows:
(1) Show name, address and telephone number of person making complaint;
(2) Show road name, number and milepost and/or other information required to define the location;
(3) Describe in sufficient detail but as briefly as possible;
(4) Deliver all three copies to the engineer's office promptly;
(5) The white copy is retained in the engineer's office until action is completed;
(6) The yellow and pink are delivered to the road superintendent with suggestions or instructions as indicated;
(7) The pink is delivered to the appropriate zone supervisor with instructions;
(8) Corrective action shall be reported by noting (under "Reply") on the pink copy and routing through the road superintendent to the engineer's office;
(9) The (pink) report of completed action will be stapled to the office (white) copy and filed, for one year after action is completed.
(b) Office Follow-Up. All "Complaint Reports" shall be handled in the engineer's office as follows:
(1) Engineer is immediately advised of serious complaints;
(2) Person to investigate complaint is designated;
(3) More urgent conditions, instructions shall be promptly telephoned to road superintendent and normal written confirmation shall follow;
(4) Complaint reports are kept by engineer's secretary on a special two-hole punch arch board and checked not less than each day;
(5) Complaints on which action is deferred will be transferred to a second arch board and checked not less than once each week;
(6) When report of completed action is received from the road superintendent the pink (action report) is stapled to the white and filed for at least one year;
(7) A "courtesy report" by letter or by telephone will be made to the citizen originator if indicated especially if the corrective action is modified, delayed or refused.
(Appendix B of Res. dated March 24, 1969).
Chapter 2.60 Sections:
2.60.010 Objectives.
2.60.020 General safety regulations.
2.60.030 Industrial safety rules.
2.60.040 Vehicular safety.
2.60.050 County enforcement policy.
2.60.010 Objectives.
The ever-increasing traffic and job hazards and the multiple opportunities for personal injury bring with them the urgent need for safety consciousness among all employees.
The purpose of this bulletin is to aid and assist our employees in the understanding and execution of safe practices and the development of safe working habits.
With the full cooperation of all employees of this county, we feel that much will be accomplished by our safety efforts in the reduction of injuries and damaged equipment.
This bulletin is for your information, guidance and welfare. We urge you to follow the rules outlined in it.
(Res. 124 § 1, 1970).
2.60.020 General safety regulations.
(a) In Case of an Accident (Injury):
(1) Give first aid if qualified;
(2) If necessary, call a doctor (have someone do this while you stay with the victim);
(3) If ambulance services are needed, proceed as follows:
(A) For a county employee, call ambulance at once,
(B) For any other persons, advise law enforcement authorities that an ambulance is needed;
(4) Do NOT move victim, unless necessary to do so in order to prevent further complications of the injury.
(b) General Rules:
(1) No employee will perform any operation in an unsafe manner. He will assure that every precaution has been taken to avoid loss or injury during each operation performed for our county;
(2) In no case should a loss hazard or accident be regarded as just one of those things. Each of these, regardless of severity, should be reported to your supervisor immediately.
If you are involved in an accident on the street or highway, report the accident in accordance with the laws of the state also;
(3) No employee will make any statement as to responsibility for any accident in which he is involved. Such statements will be made only on the accident report submitted to the insurance company on their special report form or to the safety committee during the accident investigation.
(c) Housekeeping: Each employee must accept the responsibility for keeping his work area or equipment free from hazards by maintaining orderliness and cleanliness.
(d) Horseplay: Any act of horseplay on work operations will not be tolerated. Practical jokes and misuse of equipment for purposes of intended humor are prohibited.
(e) Reporting Unsafe Conditions and Practices: It is the duty of all employees to report immediately to their supervisors an unsafe physical or mechanical condition which may jeopardize the safety of anyone. This also applies to unsafe practices or work habits. The supervisor in charge shall suspend any unsafe operation or discontinue the use of any unsafe equipment.
(f) Safe Work Habits:
(1) All employees will be expected to perform their respective jobs in the safest possible manner. Take a fraction of a minute to ask yourself, "Is this the safe way?"
(2) During all construction and maintenance operations, the provisions of the Uniform Manual for Traffic Control Devices, Chapter Five (Flagging, etc.), shall be followed.
(g) Fire Precautions:
(1) Care must be taken to assure that no open flame or sparks are generated when flammable material are exposed.
(2) The uniform rule in case of a fire is, "Sound the alarm, then fight the fire."
(3) Each employee will be expected to know the location of fire extinguishers in his area and how to use them. He shall also acquaint himself with the location of the nearest phone.
(4) Access to all fire fighting equipment shall be kept free and clear at all times.
(5) Flammable liquids in bulk shall be isolated in a safe location. Small quantities removed from the bulk supply shall be kept in safety containers.
(h) The consumption of alcoholic beverages during the working day is strictly prohibited.
(Res. 124 § 2, 1970).
2.60.030 Industrial safety rules.
(a) Protective Clothing and Equipment:
(1) Gloves: Substantial leather gloves should be worn by all employees who are handling rigging lines and bulk material. This will reduce the danger of cuts and infection due to the many sharp objects and rough edges encountered.
(2) Head Protection: Hard hats will be worn by all employees when working on the road at all times, except that drivers in closed cab vehicles may carry their hard hats in the cab. These hard hats will reduce the danger of being injured by being struck on the head.
(3) Footwear: Safety toe shoes should be worn by employees who are exposed to falling objects or to the danger of material being dropped from the employee's grasp.
(4) Goggles, face shields and respirators shall be worn by an employee without exception when performing an operation where there is danger of the emission or discharge of hard or abrasive objects, dust or noxious fumes. Such operations include but are not limited to the following: Grinding, jackhammering, rock sledging, power broom operation and cleaning.
(b) Guard and Safety Devices. Such equipment shall be maintained in good condition and in place around machinery at all times.
(c) Lifting. Before attempting to lift by hand, an employee shall ascertain whether additional help will be needed to safely lift the load, and if necessary, get that help. He will make sure of good footing and hand holds, then lift with his legs, using a free easy motion without jerking. Lifting should never be done while off balance or in an awkward position.
(d) Cleaning Materials. Only approved commercial liquids which are not injurious to the health, or flammable, should be used for cleaning purposes.
(e) No unauthorized personnel shall handle or use explosives, i.e., licensed blasters, only, shall handle explosives.
(Res. 124 § 3, 1970).
2.60.040 Vehicular safety.
(a) In Case of Accident (Collision):
(1) Call the enforcement agency giving location and brief description of what has happened.
(2) Stay at the scene until investigating officers excuse you. Collect names of witnesses and other data for completion of the accident report card.
(3) When the accident has blocked the roadway, assist in directing traffic until enforcement officers arrive.
(4) See that all precautions are taken against further destruction of property or fire by prohibiting unsafe acts by others.
(b) Reporting Accidents.
(1) In no case should an accident be regarded as "just one of those things." All accidents, regardless of severity, should be reported to your immediate supervisor. Accidents involving vehicles on the streets and highways will be reported in accordance with the laws of this state. Failure to report an accident will be cause for disciplinary action. Wilful concealment of an accident will constitute cause for dismissal.
(2) No employee will make any statement as to the responsibility for an accident in which he is involved. Such statements will be made only to his immediate supervisor and within their accident report forms.
(3) Report shall be made in writing promptly to the engineer by individual if capable, otherwise by responsible witness.
(c) Safety Equipment on Vehicles.
(1) The following items of safety equipment will be carried on transport equipment at all times:
Fire extinguisher in operable condition
Flashlight (night work)
Flares
First aid kit
It will be the driver's responsibility to insure that these items are in the vehicle and are in good condition. Any shortages will be reported to the supervisor and replacement made before putting the vehicle in service.
(d) Preoperational Safety Check.
(1) Prior to operating any county vehicle, the driver shall in every instance check the vehicle to make sure it is in safe operating condition. The safety check will include the following:
(A) Tires– for inflation and road worthy condition,
(B) Brakes, lights, ICC Flashers, horn, wipers, directional indicators, and rear view mirrors to see that they are complete and in operating condition,
(C) Check safety equipment to be sure that it is in the vehicle and in working condition.
(e) Defensive Driving. Professional drivers realize that defensive driving is the key to accident free operations. Defensive driving embraces more than the legal responsibility it includes going all out for safety, doing everything within one's power to avoid involvement in an accident. Some defensive driving habits which employees are encouraged to develop are:
(1) Observe the Smith System "The Five Keys to Space Cushion Driving" as follows:
Rule 1 Aim high in steering– see what lies ahead.
Rule 2 Get the big picture– see clearly, distinctly and do not "look down a tunnel."
Rule 3 Keep your eyes moving– fixation on one object will blind you to others.
Rule 4 Leave yourself an "out"– never get caught without a safe place to put your vehicle.
Rule 5 Make sure they see you– use your lights and your horn frequently and properly for the benefit of the other driver and your own safety.
(2) Govern speed primarily by the stopping distance required.
(3) Maintain all safety features of the vehicle in good working order.
(4) Always signal before turning, changing lanes, or stopping. Be sure the signal is given in sufficient time to warn other drivers of your intentions. Plan your maneuvers far enough ahead to avoid hasty actions.
(5) Avoid "tail-gate" driving.
(6) Never pass another vehicle at intersections, railroad crossings or where vision is limited or obstructed. Be absolutely sure that the way is clear ahead and that passing can be completed without crowding the other vehicle being passed.
(7) If the vehicle goes out of control because of the loss of brakes or steering mechanism or other malfunctions, the driver should make every attempt to avoid a situation which will result in bodily injury to him or to other persons. This means that the vehicle should be turned, if possible, into a vacant lot or area, should be crashed into an object which will stop it– such as parked cars, provided the crash will not involve an injury to persons. In general, it is unwise to "ride it out."
(8) Never compete for the right-of-way. The green light means proceed with caution to the defensive driver. Cars approaching from side roads probably will not stop, so the defensive driver must be ready to stop to avoid the collision.
(9) Stop signs and signals must be obeyed. This means a full and complete stop. After stopping, do not start again until movement can be made safely.
(10) Make certain that the vehicle is loaded properly and that the load is secured before moving.
(11) No vehicle will be left unattended without the emergency brake securely set. In cases of severe grades, wheel chocks will be used and front wheels turned to rest against the curb on the downhill direction.
(12) Backing the vehicle will take place only after the driver has made absolutely certain that the way is clear behind. If there is a passenger in the vehicle, he should be used to direct the backing operation. In every case, the driver will make an effort to park his vehicle so that he will not have to back.
(13) If a vehicle should break down in the road, make certain that it is clear of the traveled way and securely situated and protected by ICC flashers and/or flares before calling for assistance. Vehicles left parked in the lane of travel or protruding into traffic present severe hazards and must be avoided.
(Res. 124 § 4, 1970).
2.60.050 County enforcement policy.
Because it is necessary to secure the cooperation of all employees of the county in order to make the safety program successful and because there are those who continue to act carelessly in spite of efforts to persuade them otherwise, it is necessary to have an enforcement policy in the safety program.
The policy will be based upon the decision in determining each occurrence as "preventable" or "nonpreventable." If an employee contributed to the accident either by something he did or failed to do, it will be determined as "preventable." If there was no contribution to the accident by an employee, it will be determined as "nonpreventable."
Violation of these rules will be grounds for reprimand, loss of work without pay, or dismissal whether the violation results in a loss or not.
One preventable accident will bring a warning to the employee and will cause him to lose his awards and recognition for the year. If this incident resulted from the wilful violation of these rules, it is possible that further action might be taken to include dismissal.
The second preventable accident in any eighteen month period will bring a temporary suspension of not less than three days or more than two weeks from the job, or it may bring a change of job classification. Again, if this second incident resulted from violation of safe practices as outlined herein, further action may be enforced.
Any employee who is involved in a third preventable accident within an eighteen month period has demonstrated that he is either incapable or unwilling to do the work in a safe manner, and because of this, he will be suspended without pay from the county for a period of time as recommended by the safety committee. Further action including dismissal may be enforced.
THIS IS YOUR PROGRAM ESTABLISHED TO ASSIST IN YOUR OPERATIONS
We ask you to take the time to do your job safely, thereby assuring yourself and your family of continued satisfactory service with the county.
Participate in the program, make safety habits a part of your operation and you will find that, rather than taking more time, the safe way becomes the efficient way.
(Res. 124 (part), 1970).
Chapter 2.64 Sections:
2.64.010 Creation– Duties.
2.64.020 Operation within by-laws required.
2.64.030 Appointment.
2.64.040 Term– Generally.
2.64.050 Term– Expiration, notice required.
2.64.060 Vacancies.
2.64.070 Election of officers.
2.64.080 Secretary's duties.
2.64.090 Recommendations– Generally.
2.64.100 Recommendations– Plat, rezone approval, denial.
2.64.110 Recommendations– Two-thirds majority vote required.
2.64.120 By-laws– Amendments or additions.
2.64.130 By-laws– Review required.
2.64.140 Funding.
2.64.150 Quorum.
2.64.010 Creation– Duties.
There is created, pursuant to RCW 36.70.060, a regional advisory planning commission, known as the Hood Canal advisory commission. This commission shall concern itself with the entire Hood Canal drainage basin, located within Jefferson, Mason and Kitsap Counties, and shall commence and carry on a regional study program which shall include an assimilation of existing information and the gathering of new information necessary for:
(1) An inventory of the physical and biological characteristics of the district;
(2) A continually updated survey of existing water and land uses within the district;
(3) The various potential uses within the regional district and their relative effect on the natural environment and relative benefits and detriments to the public.
(Res. 153 (part), 1971).
2.64.020 Operation within by-laws required.
This commission shall operate within the framework of the by-laws set forth in Sections 2.64.030– 2.64.150.
(Res. 153 (part), 1971).
2.64.030 Appointment.
Membership shall consist of nine members, three to be appointed by the board of county commissioners from each of the three counties of Kitsap, Jefferson and Mason.
(Res. 153 § 1, 1971).
2.64.040 Term– Generally.
Of the initial three members from each county, one shall be appointed for a term of one year; one for two years; and one for three years. Thereafter, members shall be appointed for three year terms.
(Res. 153 § 2, 1971).
2.64.050 Term– Expiration, notice required.
The chairman of the commission will notify the boards of county commissioners in writing of the expiration of any term of office.
(Res. 153 § 3, 1971).
2.64.060 Vacancies.
Vacancies occurring on the commission shall be filled by the respective board of county commissioners for the unexpired term of the position being filled.
(Res. 153 § 4, 1971).
2.64.070 Election of officers.
At the first meeting after the formation of the commission, a chairman, a vice chairman and a secretary shall be elected. Thereafter, each year in the same month as the original election, new elections of officers will be held.
(Res. 153 § 5, 1971).
2.64.080 Secretary's duties.
The secretary shall keep a permanent file of the minutes which contain all action and all findings of fact made by the commission.
(Res. 153 § 6, 1971).
2.64.090 Recommendations– Generally.
The commission shall hold regular public meetings at least monthly, and the secretary shall transmit in writing to the board of county commissioners and/or the office of the county planner all recommendations made by the commission which might affect that county. Members of the commission will make themselves available to the county commissioners and the planning commissions if called upon to testify, but otherwise shall refrain from making public statements regarding their findings.
(Res. 153 § 7, 1971).
2.64.100 Recommendations– Plat, rezone approval, denial.
Upon request, any recommendation for approval or denial of a plat or a rezone made by the commission shall be accompanied by findings of fact setting forth the reasons for the recommendation.
(Res. 153 § 8, 1971).
2.64.110 Recommendations– Two-thirds majority vote required.
No recommendation will be made that is based upon less than a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the commission.
(Res. 153 § 9, 1971).
2.64.120 By-laws– Amendments or additions.
Amendments or additions to the by-laws must be made by a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the commission.
(Res. 153 § 10, 1971).
2.64.130 By-laws– Review required.
At the first meeting of each calendar year, the by-laws shall be reviewed and any amendments or additions thereto voted upon and forwarded to the commissioners representing the counties involved for approval or denial.
(Res. 153 § 11, 1971).
2.64.140 Funding.
Funding of the commission will be shared on a per capita basis.
(Res. 153 § 12, 1971).
2.64.150 Quorum.
A quorum shall consist of a majority of the members of the commission.
(Res. 153 § 13, 1971).
Chapter 2.74 Sections:
2.74.010 Established.
2.74.010 Established.
(a) The department of community development is established and shall include the following functions:
(1) Consolidated sewer and water;
(2) Landfill;
(3) Planning.
(b) However, nothing in this document shall be construed to restrict the board of county commissioners' authority to set policy for these functions of county government even though, pursuant to this chapter, the above functions are delegated.
(Res. 105, 1991).
Chapter 2.76 Sections:
2.76.010 Established– Organization.
2.76.020 Merit system.
2.76.030 Use of county engineering staff and road department equipment and personnel.
2.76.040 Warrants.
2.76.050 Preliminary engineering studies.
2.76.060 Consultants.
2.76.070 Public works director to supervise sewer, water and drainage systems– Contracts required.
2.76.010 Established– Organization.
A public works department is established. The organization of such department shall be as follows:
(1) The department will function under a public works director, reporting directly to the board of county commissioners. Initially, the department will be composed of an engineering division and a utilities division. Such organization will be subject to reorganization as warranted by changed needs and conditions;
(2) The present county engineer is assigned additional temporary duties as public works director;
(3) All work by the public works department including initial planning, preliminary engineering, maintenance and operation of sewer, water and drainage works will be done by the county engineer's staff and county road department personnel or by other municipalities or private entities by contract;
(4) The initial funding for the public works department shall be obtained as a loan from the county road fund, shall bear interest at one percent per year, and shall not exceed ten thousand dollars in the aggregate;
(5) All county road funds loaned to the public works department which are not repaid due to the inability of any particular project or district to repay such shall be repaid to the county road fund from the current expense fund of the county.
(Res. 301 (part), 1973).
2.76.020 Merit system.
It is the intention of the board of county commissioners to adopt the merit system of personnel employment for the department of public works as required in RCW 36.94. No permanent staffing of the public works department shall be made until the required merit system is adopted and implemented.
(Res. 301 (part), 1973).
2.76.030 Use of county engineering staff and road department equipment and personnel.
The county engineer in his temporary additional assignment as public works director, is authorized to use members of the present county engineering staff to perform preliminary engineering studies on a part-time basis on public works projects initiated through the board of county commissioners or upon a petition; and to use road department equipment, materials and personnel for the maintenance and operation of facilities in the public works department on a reimbursable basis.
(Res. 301 (part), 1973).
2.76.040 Warrants.
The Mason County auditor is authorized to issue warrants on the public works fund upon the presentation and certification by the public works director of properly executed vouchers.
(Res. 301 (part), 1973).
2.76.050 Preliminary engineering studies.
The public works director is authorized to proceed on preliminary engineering studies for public works projects and the operation and maintenance of such sewer, water and drainage works as may be built or acquired by Mason County all as may be directed by the board of county commissioners.
(Res. 301 (part), 1973).
2.76.060 Consultants.
The public works director is authorized to obtain further engineering assistance from consultants in the event authorization is first obtained from the board of county commissioners.
(Res. 301 (part), 1973).
2.76.070 Public works director to supervise sewer, water and drainage systems– Contracts required.
Any maintenance or operation of a sewer, water or drainage system that may be required shall be done under directions of the public works director. This shall be accomplished by contracts or by means of contractual services with other county departments or other municipal corporations or by contractual arrangements with nonpublic persons or agencies; provided, the contractual arrangement is authorized in advance by the board of county commissioners.
(Res. 301 (part), 1973).
Chapter 2.78 Sections:
2.78.010 Created.
2.78.020 Membership– Appointment.
2.78.030 Membership– Minority representation.
2.78.010 Created.
Mason County declares its intent to participate in programs under the Federal Public Works and Economic Development Act, as amended to date, and establishes the Mason County overall economic development council.
(Ord. 649 § 1, 1976).
2.78.020 Membership– Appointment.
The Mason County economic development council shall be the appointed members of the advisory committee. New members' names shall be submitted to the board of county commissioners and automatically approved unless vetoed by the board of county commissioners within thirty days of receipt.
(Ord. 649 § 2, 1976).
2.78.030 Membership– Minority representation.
Minority members shall be appointed in proportion to the county population, except that minorities in group quarters shall be discounted from the census figures.
(Ord. 649 § 3, 1976).
Chapter 2.80 Sections:
2.80.010 Convention center and fair to be administered by the general services director.
2.80.020 Convention center manager/fair coordinator.
2.80.030 Convention center planning and facility advisory board.
2.80.040 Fair advisory board.
2.80.050 Revenue and expenditures.
2.80.060 Risk management policy for convention center/fairgrounds.
2.80.010 Convention center and fair to be administered by the general services director.
(a) The Mason County convention center and Mason County Fair are placed under administration of the director of general services department who shall be responsible to the board of county commissioners.
(b) The general services director shall be responsible for the overall administration related to the Mason County convention center grounds and buildings and the Mason County fair, including direct supervision of convention center/fair coordinator.
(c) The general services director shall be responsible for the administration of the convention center budget and the Mason County fair budget as adopted by the board of county commissioners and may expend such budgets in accordance with the laws of the state of Washington and Rules and Regulations of the state auditor's office and the county codes, ordinances and resolutions.
(d) The general services director shall present any contracts for approval of the board of county commissioners as are necessary for or incidental to the operation of the convention center and/or fair, within the limits prescribed by law.
(Res. 11-87 (part), 1987).
2.80.020 Convention center manager/fair coordinator.
(a) There is created the position of Mason County convention center manager/fair coordinator who shall report directly to the general services director and be compensated therefor such amount as shall be determined by the board of county commissioners appropriated in the adopted annual budget.
(b) The convention center manager/fair coordinator shall manage the daily operation and maintenance of the Mason County convention center grounds and buildings, develop and coordinate a year-round plan for promotion, rental and lease of the facilities; and assist the convention center advisory board on long-range planning efforts.
(c) The convention center manager/fair coordinator shall assist the various fair constituencies including the fair advisory board to ensure quality exhibits and programs; to encourage and coordinate citizen participation and volunteerism in both the preparation and operation of the fair event; prepare past fair evaluation complete annual fair report for the state; and assist the Fair advisory board in long-range program planning.
(d) The convention center manager/fair coordinator shall act as staff support and will prepare agendas for the convention center planning and facility advisory board and the fair advisory board.
(e) The convention center manager/fair coordinator shall be accountable for all financial transactions of the convention center department and the Mason County fair department: the coordination of the building and grounds maintenance; supervision of the maintenance staff, rental and lease contracts and scheduling of the buildings and grounds rentals; communications, information and promotion of the facilities to the public.
(f) The convention center manager/fair coordinator shall keep a full and complete inventory of all tools, machinery, equipment and appliances belonging to the county convention center and Mason County fair and shall annually provide the board of county commissioners with a copy of such inventory in accordance with RCW 36.32.210 and Resolution No. 26-86 Fixed Assets.
(Res. 11-87 (part), 1987).
2.80.030 Convention center planning and facility advisory board.
(a) There is established in the county an organization known as the Mason County convention center planning and facility advisory board.
(b) The purpose of this advisory committee is to create a public forum and provide input and advice to the county general services department and the county commissioners on the Mason County convention center. This committee shall terminate upon resolution by the board of county commissioners.
(c) This committee shall consist of seven members, and shall be appointed by the board of county commissioners.
One from Oysterfest;
One from Mason County fair advisory board;
One from Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce;
One from North Mason County Chamber of Commerce;
One from Port of Shelton;
One from Economic Development Council;
One from WSU Cooperative Extension (ex officio).
(d) The initial committee shall consist of three members appointed for one-year terms and four members appointed for two-year terms. Thereafter, all members shall be appointed or reappointed for two-year terms.
(e) Any group represented on the convention center planning and facility advisory board must be actively organized to be eligible for appointment on the convention center planning and facility advisory board. The above-named groups shall select their representative and submit in writing the name of the proposed representative to the board of county commissioners for consideration of appointment.
(f) The committee may adopt rules necessary to the conduct of its affairs. Not less than one regular meeting shall be held in each month of each year, provided that if there are no matters for the committee to consider a meeting may be canceled. All meetings shall be open to the public. The committee shall keep minutes of its proceedings, showing the vote of each member upon each question, or if absent or failing to vote, indicating such fact, and shall keep records of its actions, all of which shall be a public record and be filed in the office of general services.
(g) At the first meeting of each calendar year, the committee shall choose a chairman, vice chairman, and secretary. The chairman shall preside over all meetings and shall designate where and when the regular monthly meetings are to be held. The chairman may call special meetings upon five days' notice to all members. Notice may be waived by either written waiver or by presence at said meeting. The vice chairman shall assume the duties of the chairman during his/her absence. The secretary shall keep all the records of the committee and shall keep minutes of all meetings. The secretary shall also handle all correspondence and shall submit any required documents to the general services department.
(h) If any member of the committee is absent for four consecutive meetings without being excused by the committee, the chairman of the committee shall request that the board of county commissioners ask for his/her resignation and appoint a new member.
(i) The duties of the committee are to offer advice and opinion to the general services department through the convention center manager/fair coordinator and county commissioners regarding the development and use of the Mason County convention center, including planning, promotion, operation, and long-range goals of the grounds and buildings. Opinions of this committee shall be advisory only and all final decisions regarding the convention center shall be made by the county department of general services and/or the board of county commissioners.
(Res. 11-87 (part), 1987).
2.80.040 Fair advisory board.
(a) There is established in the county an organization known as the "Mason County fair advisory board." The purpose of this advisory committee is to create a public forum and provide input and advice to the general services department through the convention center manager/fair coordinator and the county commissioners on the annual Mason County fair event. This committee shall terminate upon resolution by the board of county commissioners.
(b) The board will be composed of members from the active fair departments of the prior fair. The board will have a president, a vice-president and a secretary. The board will consist of the following voting membership:
(1) All superintendents of the following active Mason County fair departments: fine arts, creative crafts, hobbies, ceramics, porcelain and pottery, photography, lapidary, home arts, floral, general agriculture, natural resources, poultry, rabbits, dogs, swine, cattle, 4-H/FFA live animal auction, draft horse, petting farm, goat (total = twenty), and other departments as added, deleted or replaced;
(2) And the following members at large:
one (1) from the WSU cooperative extension office,
one (1) youth representative,
one (1) from the Back Country Horsemen of Mason County,
one (1) from the Mason County Historical Society,
two (2) from the Mary M. Knight FFA Chapter,
three (3) from the 4-H Leaders' Council,
three (3) from the Pomona Grange,
two (2) from the community,
(Total = fourteen);
(3) And the following nonvoting membership:
Mason County fairgrounds staff ex-officio,
Retired members emeritus.
(c) The board may adopt rules necessary to the conduct of its affairs. Regularly scheduled meetings shall be held during the months of February, March, April, May, June, July, August and September. The fair board president may call special meetings upon five days' notice to all members.
(d) The secretary will maintain and record all business of the board, i.e., makers and seconds of all motions, failure or success of passage.
(e) A quorum will consist of fifteen voting delegates in attendance. Voting delegates will identify themselves on arrival at meetings. Each delegate may represent only one department.
(f) At the September meeting the board will:
A. Select the theme for the next fair.
B. Elect the following officers for a twelve-month term: president, vice-president and secretary.
(Res. 111-95, 1995; Res. 51-89, 1989; Res. 11-87 (part), 1987).
2.80.050 Revenue and expenditures.
(a) All receipts in connection with the operation of said convention center and fair shall belong to the county, and shall be promptly and properly deposited with the county treasurer, who shall credit such receipts to the Mason County convention center or mason county fair special revenue fund as applicable. The convention center fund and the Mason County fair fund shall carry over from year to year and any moneys remaining therein at the end of any year shall not revert to any other fund.
(b) All expenditures made from the Mason County convention center fund and/or the fair fund shall be upon proper vouchers, invoices, or receipts and signed by the general services department. All expenditures shall be limited to the total amount of the annual appropriation as adopted by resolution of the board of county commissioners.
(Res. 11-87 (part), 1987).
2.80.060 Risk management policy for convention center/fairgrounds.
(a) Convention Center/Fairgrounds Facility and Grounds Use Policy.
(1) Responsible individuals or groups are eligible to use the convention center/fairgrounds facilities during the annual Mason County fair and other times of the year.
(A) All reservations for public and non-public meetings and events will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
(B) Both public and non-public agencies or individuals will reserve the facilities by contacting the Convention Center/Fair Office.
(C) All person(s), groups, or organization(s) must sign a standard Mason County Use Agreement as provided and reviewed by the Convention Center/Fair Manager and the County Risk Manager.
(2) Prohibited Activities.
(A) Serving of alcoholic beverages, except in those facilities specially provided and allowed by the Convention Center/Fair Manager and state statutes.
(B) Smoking.
(C) Access shall not be allowed to person(s) while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
(b) Convention Center/Fairgrounds Safety.
(1) It is the convention center/fairground staffs' responsibility to provide the visiting public a safe environment. That responsibility is shared with other county employees, even if they are not directly assigned to the convention center/fairgrounds. By maintaining a clean and secure convention center/fairgrounds, the visiting public and Mason County will continue to enjoy successful and pleasurable events now and in the years to come.
(2) Inspections. To assure that the facilities and grounds are in a condition capable of safely accommodating anticipated crowds; the convention center/fairgrounds shall be inspected and approved by the inspection team no more than twenty-four hours prior to the opening of any major event.
The inspection team shall consist of the local fire marshal, the local fire district, the county facility and grounds manager and the convention center/fair manager. Persons with expertise in fair management or other pertinent areas may also be a part of the inspection team as deemed necessary, appropriate and/or requested by the risk manager and/or the convention center/fair manager.
(3) The inspection will focus on three primary areas:
(A) Public Safety, Employee/Exhibitor Safety, and Fire Protection. The inspection team will tour the convention center/fairgrounds. Using inspection checklists, the team will identify areas of concern or non-compliance with safety standards, e.g., fire, electrical, signage, building codes, licenses, slips, trips, and falls, and any other area deemed necessary. The inspection team will recommend corrective action when necessary and appropriate.
If during the initial inspection, non-compliance with safety standards is discovered, a representative of the team will re-visit the facilities and grounds to confirm that corrective action was taken.
The inspection team will also conduct at least an annual post-use evaluation to assess all of the activities at the fairgrounds/convention center and to ascertain that all risk management and safety issues are addressed.
(B) Security. The convention center/fair manager shall provide for adequate security at all county sponsored events at the convention center/fairgrounds. Sponsors of non-county events shall arrange for adequate security as directed and approved by the convention center/fair manager.
(C) Traffic Control. The convention center/fair manager shall coordinate with the sheriff's office, the state patrol, or other local law enforcement in designing and directing a traffic control program for the thoroughfares adjacent to the convention center/fairgrounds.
(c) County Risk Manager's Responsibilities. The county risk manager's primary role is one of support, education, and training. The risk manager will:
(1) Assist the convention center/fair manager with training and the development of safety, communication, and emergency response and evacuation plans;
(2) Assist the convention center/fair manager in determining insurance requirements for non-county sponsored special events, and review contracts and insurance documents for accuracy and compliance as needed and necessary;
(3) Assist the convention center/fair manager in identifying areas of exposure and concern and in developing programs, which address those areas and concerns.
(Res. 50-08, 2008).
Chapter 2.88 Sections:
2.88.010 Designated.
2.88.020 Special meetings.
2.88.030 Adjournments and continuances.
2.88.040 Restrictions– Quorum requirement.
2.88.050 Applicability. * Prior history: Resolutions 5-81, 36-83.
2.88.010 Designated.
The board shall meet regularly from nine a.m. to approximately four-thirty p.m. on each Tuesday, except for the fifth Tuesday (in those months that have five Tuesdays) at the Mason County Courthouse, Building I, 411 North Fifth Street to transact regular business; provided that:
(1) If a holiday recognized and observed by the county falls on a Tuesday, such regular meeting shall be held on the next business day, per RCW 42.30.070; and providing also that
(2) If, due to an emergency, it is unsafe to meet at the Courthouse Building I, meetings may be held for the duration of the emergency at such place as is designated by the chairperson of the board; and providing also that
(3) The regular meeting of the board on the fourth Tuesday of the month shall commence at six p.m. in the Courthouse Building I; and providing also that
(4) The regular working session (no formal action) of the board is held every Monday from nine a.m. to approximately four-thirty p.m. and on the fifth Tuesday (in those months that have five Tuesdays) from approximately one-thirty p.m. to four-thirty p.m.
(Ord. 1-01, 2001; Ord. 112-99, 1999; Ord. 39-97, 1997; Ord. 154-94 § 1, 1994: Ord. 102-94 § 1, 1994: Res. 44-85 § 1, 1985).
2.88.020 Special meetings.
(a) Special meetings may be called by the board subject to the notice requirements of RCW 42.30.080, including at least twenty-four hours' notice to each local newspaper of general circulation and to each local radio or television station.
(b) Notice may be dispensed with if the special meeting is called to deal with an emergency involving the injury or damage to persons or property and time requirements make such notice impractical.
(Ord. 154-94 § 2, 1994: Ord. 102-94 § 2, 1994: Res. 44-85 § 2, 1985).
2.88.030 Adjournments and continuances.
Adjournments and continuances may be ordered as prescribed in RCW 42.30.090/.100.
(Ord. 154-94 § 3, 1994: Ord. 102-94 § 3, 1994: Res. 44-85 § 3, 1985).
2.88.040 Restrictions– Quorum requirement.
(a) The board shall not adopt nor discuss with each other any ordinance, rule, regulation, order or directive except in a meeting open to the public fixed as to date, time and place as prescribed above and attended by a quorum of at least two board members; except,
(b) Only the quorum requirement applies to executive sessions (RCW 42.30.110) and those proceedings exempted by RCW 42.30.140.
(Ord. 154-94 § 4, 1994; Ord. 102-94 § 4, 1994; Res. 44-85 § 4, 1985).
2.88.050 Applicability.
Nothing in this resolution nor in Chapter 42.30 RCW prohibits board members from traveling together or from gathering for other purposes than county business nor from individually discussing county business with other than board members.
(Ord. 154-94 § 5, 1994: Ord. 102-94 § 5, 1994: Res. 44-85 § 5, 1985).
Chapter 2.92 Sections:
2.92.010 Designated.
2.92.020 Duties.
2.92.010 Designated.
The county commissioners shall designate one of its employees to serve as clerk who shall attend its meetings and keep a record of its proceedings.
(Res. 73-08 (part), 2008: Res. 103-81 (part), 1981).
2.92.020 Duties.
(A) Preparation of a record of all proceedings of the commission, the original of which shall, upon approval by the commission, be retained in a public file for the county commission;
(B) Any other duties as required.
(Res. 73-08 (part), 2008: Res. 104-97, 1997; Res. 103-81 (part), 1981).
Chapter 2.96 Sections:
2.96.010 Established.
2.96.020 Purpose.
2.96.030 Composition– Appointment of members.
2.96.040 Terms of office. * Prior history: Resolutions 25-91, 29-94, 3-98, 8-98 and 30-98.
2.96.010 Established.
There is established a lodging tax advisory committee as required by RCW 67.28.1817.
(Res. 10-06 (part), 2006).
2.96.020 Purpose.
The lodging tax advisory committee will review and make recommendations to the board of Mason County commissioners regarding: (1) plans to impose any new lodging tax or to increase the rate of an existing tax; (2) plans to repeal an exemption from the lodging tax; and/or (3) proposed changes to the use of lodging tax proceeds.
The lodging tax advisory committee will comply with all local, state, and federal statutes regarding the Open Meetings Act, the Public Disclosure Act and Lodging Tax.
(Res. 10-06 (part), 2006).
2.96.030 Composition– Appointment of members.
The lodging tax advisory committee shall consist of at least five members appointed by the board of Mason County commissioners. The committee shall include: at least two representatives of businesses that are required to collect the lodging tax; at least two members who are persons involved in activities that are authorized to be funded by lodging tax revenue; and one Mason County commissioner who shall serve as the chair of the lodging tax advisory committee.
(Res. 10-06 (part), 2006).
2.96.040 Terms of office.
The board of Mason County commissioners shall review the membership of the lodging tax advisory committee annually and make changes as appropriate.
(Res. 10-06 (part), 2006).
Chapter 2.100 Sections:
2.100.010 Conditions.
2.100.020 Decision– Order– Right of appeal.
2.100.030 Forms to be provided.
2.100.010 Conditions.
(a) The Mason County board of equalization may grant a change of venue to a board of equalization of another county or may hear and decide appeals upon receipt of a request for a change of venue from another county, if:
(1) The other county has adopted an ordinance authorizing such change of venue; and
(2) Mason County and the other county have entered into an agreement as to where the hearing shall be heard, for reimbursement of costs, and such other issues necessary to facilitate the change of venue.
(b) Such change of venue may be granted only:
(1) When the board requesting a change of venue cannot achieve a quorum due to members disqualifying themselves because of conflict of interest and/or the appearance of fairness doctrine; and/or
(2) The appellant is a member of the board, an assistance to the board, or any county commissioner appealing his or her own property or any property in which that commissioner has an interest.
(Ord. 32-84 (part), 1984).
2.100.020 Decision– Order– Right of appeal.
The decision of the hearing board shall be transmitted to the board which requested the change of venue which shall then issue an order which shall be subject to the right of appeal.
(Ord. 32-84 (part), 1984).
2.100.030 Forms to be provided.
The Mason County board of equalization shall provide the forms necessary to implement this chapter.
(Ord. 32-84 (part), 1984).
Chapter 2.104 Sections:
2.104.010 Nonsmoking areas designated.
2.104.020 Public areas and county property defined.
2.104.030 Posting of signs and removal of ashtrays.
2.104.040 Violation– Penalty.
2.104.050 Interpretation. * Prior ordinance history: Ords. 30-87 and 53-89.
2.104.010 Nonsmoking areas designated.
(a) All public areas within buildings and vehicles owned or leased by the county are designated as nonsmoking areas.
(b) All owned, leased, or operated county property is designated as nonsmoking areas.
(Ord. 91-06 Att. A (part), 2006).
2.104.020 Public areas and county property defined.
(a) The term "public areas" is defined for the purpose of this chapter, but not limited to: all hallways, conference rooms, elevators, restrooms, lobbies, stairwells, reception areas, and any other areas which are: (1) open to the public, or (2) areas which employees are required to pass through during the course of employment.
(b) The term "county property" is defined as the grounds and parking lots surrounding county buildings (including a presumptively reasonable minimum distance of twenty-five feet from doors, windows that open, and ventilation intakes), the fairgrounds, and all county parks. County property does not include:
(1) Private vehicles and residences unless otherwise required by individual or group contracts with the county;
(2) County roads;
(3) Any person passing by or through county property while on a public sidewalk or public right-of-way has not intentionally violated this chapter.
(Ord. 91-06 Att. A (part), 2006).
2.104.030 Posting of signs and removal of ashtrays.
The department of facilities and grounds shall post and maintain no-smoking signs in all public areas and county property as defined herein, and remove ashtrays from those public areas.
(Ord. 91-06 Att. A (part), 2006).
2.104.040 Violation– Penalty.
(a) Pursuant to RCW 70.160.070– Intentional Violators, any person intentionally violating this policy by smoking in a public place, place of employment, or within twenty-five feet of doors, windows that open and ventilation intakes or any person removing, defacing or destroying a sign required by this policy is subject to a civil fine of up to one hundred dollars. The county sheriff's department shall enforce this policy by issuing a notice of civil infraction to be assessed in the same manner as traffic infractions.
(b) All county employees shall be encouraged to help educate the public about the nonsmoking policy by reminding violators not to smoke on the property and by adding the policy to all use agreements and event publications. Violators, who refuse to comply with the smoking policy, may be asked to leave the county property.
(c) The appropriate department director or elected official shall be responsible for educating employees about the nonsmoking policy and shall resolve intentional employee violations of the policy through disciplinary action.
(Ord. 91-06 Att. A (part), 2006).
2.104.050 Interpretation.
This chapter shall be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with RCW Chapter 70.160, Washington Clean Indoor Air Act, prohibiting smoking in all public places and places of employment.
(Ord. 91-06 Att. A (part), 2006).
Chapter 2.112 Sections:
2.112.010 Purpose.
2.112.020 Objectives.
2.112.030 Policy.
2.112.040 Application.
2.112.050 Employee responsibilities.
2.112.060 Procedures.
2.112.010 Purpose.
It is the purpose of Mason County to maintain a safe, healthful and productive work environment for all employees. This chapter provides guidelines for the detection and deterrence of alcohol and drug abuse in Mason County. It also outlines the responsibilities of managers and employees. To that end, the county will act to eliminate any substance abuse (alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs or any other substance which could impair an employee's ability to safely and effectively perform the functions of their particular job) which increases the potential for accidents, absenteeism, substandard performance, poor employee morale or damage to the county's property. All persons covered by this policy should be aware that violations of this policy may result in discipline, up to and including discharge. Illegal use of alcohol and drugs will not be tolerated by Mason County government. This chapter is intended to be administered in conjunction with procedures outlined in collective bargaining agreements and/or Mason County personnel rules and regulations.
(Res. 104-95 (part), 1995).
2.112.020 Objectives.
It is the purpose of this chapter to:
(1) Increase employees awareness of the dangers of alcohol and drug use and/or abuse;
(2) Eliminate the use, abuse and/or possession of alcohol and unauthorized drugs on county premises;
(3) Recognize the changes in an employee's work, safety, attendance and/or behavior which may identify potentially affected employees;
(4) Encourage and motivate affected employees to seek appropriate assistance. Confidentiality will be maintained, as much as possible;
(5) Return the successfully rehabilitated employee to the work force.
(Res. 104-95 (part), 1995).
2.112.030 Policy.
(a) It is Mason County's expectation that employees shall not report to work under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs; possess, sell or provide alcohol or drugs to anyone while such employee is on duty; or have their ability to work impaired as a result of the use of alcohol or drugs.
(b) While use of medically prescribed medications and drugs is not, per se, a violation of this chapter, in the event there is a question regarding an employee's ability to safely and effectively perform assigned duties while using such medications or drugs, written clearance from a physician may be required.
(Res. 104-95 (part), 1995).
2.112.040 Application.
(a) This chapter applies to all applicants for positions and all employees of Mason County. This policy applies to alcohol and to all substances, drugs or medications, legal or illegal, which could impair an employee's ability to effectively and safely perform the functions of their jobs.
(b) To be eligible for certain grant funds, the county recognizes that it must certify it is a drug-free workplace. Each employee involved with such grants will be given a copy of this drug-free workplace policy.
(c) When the county receives notification of an employee conviction of a workplace violation of a federal or state criminal drug statute, the county must notify the granting agency of the conviction within ten days after the notification. The county must take appropriate personnel action against the convicted employee (up to and including discharge) or require the employee to participate in a drug assistance or rehabilitation program. This personnel action must be taken within thirty days.
(Res. 104-95 (part), 1995).
2.112.050 Employee responsibilities.
An employee shall:
(1) Not report to duty while his/her ability to perform job duties is impaired due to alcohol and/or drug use;
(2) Not possess or use alcohol and/or drugs (illegal drugs and prescription drugs without a prescription) during working hours;
(3) Consult with a physician or pharmacist before beginning work, when taking any medications or drugs, prescription or nonprescription, which may interfere with the safe and effective performance of duties or operation of county equipment;
(4) Notify the employer within five days of any criminal drug and/or alcohol statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace.
(Res. 104-95 (part), 1995).
2.112.060 Procedures.
(a) No employee shall be permitted to report for work or continue to perform work while in possession of, or under the influence of alcohol or other drug substances which in any way affects safe and efficient physical performance and/or mental judgment. Any employee found in such an apparent condition will be removed from the work site and is subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge.
(b) Employees found to be illegally manufacturing, selling or providing alcohol and/or other drug substances to anyone on county premises, and during their work time are subject to immediate termination.
(c) Employees found to be using alcohol and/or illegal drug substances while on county premises and during work hours will be required to participate in a rehabilitation program. Failure to do so may result in discipline (up to and including discharge).
(d) Recognizing that employee performance may be affected by alcohol and/or drug abuse, incidents of unacceptable employee performance due to alcohol or drug abuse will be discussed with the employee and documented in writing. Continued unacceptable performance will result in progressive disciplinary action that could lead to the employee's discharge.
(e) Information, educational materials and training will be provided to familiarize all employees with the dangers of alcohol and/or drug abuse.
(f) The health insurance program and the employee assistance program (EAP) will be utilized to address the task of rehabilitating the alcohol- and/or drug-affected employee.
(Res. 104-95 (part), 1995).
Chapter 2.120 Sections:
2.120.010 Intent.
2.120.020 Application.
2.120.030 Content.
2.120.040 Enforcement.
2.120.050 Definitions.
2.120.060 Risk analysis.
2.120.070 Methods for implementation and maintenance.
2.120.010 Intent.
This exposure control plan of the county intends to follow the WISHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard WISHA WAC 296-62-08001, the Washington Regional Directive WRD 96-2, and any other applicable laws or rules, in order to eliminate or minimize the occupational risk to employees and volunteers from exposure to, and possible subsequent infection with, bloodborne diseases.
(Res. 52-96 (Att. A § I), 1996).
2.120.020 Application.
The county applies all safety regulations, as outlined in WAC 296-62-08001 and the Washington Regional Directive WRD 92-6, to the workplace practices of employees considered at occupational risk of exposure. The designation of "occupational risk" applies to all employees who, in the course of their assigned duty, have reasonably anticipated potential for exposure to blood and/or other potentially infectious materials.
(Res. 52-96 (Att. A § II), 1996).
2.120.030 Content.
The exposure control plan of the county contains the following elements:
(1) The exposure determination for occupational risk.
(2) The methods of implementation for:
(A) Methods of compliance;
(B) Hepatitis B vaccination and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up;
(C) Communication of hazards to employees; and
(D) Recordkeeping of requirements in the exposure control plan, the standard, and the WRD.
(3) The procedure for the evaluation of circumstances surrounding exposure incidents.
(Res. 52-96 (Att. A § III), 1996).
2.120.040 Enforcement.
(a) The county makes available to employees a copy of the exposure control plan, the standard, WAC 296-62-8001, and the Washington Regional Directive WRD 92-6. Copies shall be posted in each department. Employees may request personal copies from the department heads and elected officials.
(b) The county enforces compliance with the components of the exposure control plan. The department heads and elected officials are responsible for implementation, maintenance and supervision of this exposure control plan and of the applicable departmental plans.
(c) The exposure control plan is reviewed and updated at least annually, and whenever necessary to:
(1) Reflect new or modified tasks and procedures which affect occupational exposure;
(2) Address new or revised employee positions with occupational exposure; and
(3) Address changes in the law.
(d) The exposure control plan is available to WISHA inspectors upon request for examination and inspection.
(Res. 52-96 (Att. A § IV), 1996).
2.120.050 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter:
"Bloodborne pathogens" means pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
"Contaminated" means the presence or the reasonably anticipated presence of blood or other potentially infectious materials on an item or surface.
"Contaminated laundry" means laundry that has been soiled with blood or other potentially infectious materials or which may contain sharps.
"Contaminated sharps" means any contaminated object that can penetrate the skin, including, but not limited to needles, scalpels, broken glass, broken capillary tubes, and exposed ends of dental wires.
"Decontamination" means the use of physical or chemical means to remove, inactivate or destroy bloodborne pathogens on a surface or item to the point where they are no longer capable of transmitting infectious particles and the surface or item is rendered safe for handling, use, or disposal.
"Department head" means employees, elected officials, or any designated representative, managing departments under the jurisdiction of the county.
"Employee" means any elected official and/or salaried, full-time, part-time, seasonal, intern, or nonsalaried reserve employee, or volunteer, working for the county.
"Engineering controls" means controls (e.g., sharps disposal containers or self-sheathing needles) that isolate or remove the bloodborne pathogens hazard from the workplace.
"Exposure incident" means a specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, nonintact skin, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that results from the performance of an employee's duties.
"Handwashing facilities" means a facility providing an adequate supply of running potable water, soap and single use towels or hot-air drying machines.
"HBV" means hepatitis B virus.
"HIV" means human immunodeficiency virus.
"Licensed healthcare professional" means a person whose legally permitted scope of practice allows him or her to independently perform the activities required by the standard, and WRD for hepatitis B vaccination and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up.
"Occupational exposure" means reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee's duties.
"Other potentially infectious materials" means:
(A) The following human body fluids: semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva in dental procedures, any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood, and all body fluids in situations where it is difficult or impossible to differentiate between body fluids;
(B) Any unfixed tissue or organ (other than intact skin) from a human (living or dead); and
(C) HIV-containing cell or tissue cultures, organ cultures, and HIV- or HBV-containing culture medium or other solutions; and blood, organs, or other tissues from experimental animals infected with HIV or HBV.
"Parenteral" means piercing mucous membranes or the skin barrier through such events as needlesticks, human bites, cuts, and abrasions.
"Personal protective equipment" means specialized clothing or equipment worn by an employee for protection against a hazard. General work clothes (e.g., uniforms, pants, shirts or blouses) not intended to function as protection against a hazard are not considered to be personal protective equipment.
"Regulated waste" means liquid or semi-liquid blood or other potentially infectious materials; contaminated items that would release blood or other potentially infectious materials in a liquid or semi-liquid state if compressed; items that are caked with dried blood or other potentially infectious materials and are capable of releasing these materials during handling; contaminated sharps; and pathological and microbiological wastes containing blood or other potentially infectious materials.
"Source individual" means any individual, living or dead, whose blood or other potentially infectious materials may be a source of occupational exposure to the employee. Examples include but are not limited to: hospital and clinic patients; clients in institutions for the developmentally disabled; trauma victims; clients of drug and alcohol treatment facilities; residents of hospices and nursing homes; human remains; and, individuals who donate or sell blood or blood components.
"Universal precautions" means an approach to infection control. According to the concept of universal precautions, all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV and other bloodborne pathogens.
"Work practice controls" means controls that reduce the likelihood of exposure by altering the manner in which a task is performed (e.g., prohibiting recapping of needles by a two-handed technique).
(Res. 52-96 (Att. A § V), 1996).
2.120.060 Risk analysis.
(a) Exposure Determination for Occupational Risk.
(1) Assessment. The county has assessed employees (full-time, part-time, seasonal) and volunteers for reasonably anticipated potential for exposure during the performance of their duties. Exposure determination is based on the risk of exposure potential prior to the use of engineering controls and/or protective equipment. This exposure determination contains the following:
(A) A list of all job classifications in which all employees have occupational exposure;
(B) A list of job classifications in which some employees have occupational exposure; and
(C) A list of all tasks and procedures, or groups of closely related tasks and procedures, in which occupational exposure occurs and that are performed by employees.
This exposure determination applies to all new hires and/or newly created positions.
(2) Application. Any employee of the county who, in the course of assigned duties, has reasonably anticipated potential for exposure to blood and/or other potentially infectious materials is included in the application of the "Exposure Control Plan for Employees with Occupational Risk" of the county.
The county has determined to offer post-exposure follow-up to employees, who are not included in the occupational risk category, but may have experienced an exposure acting as "good samaritans" in a first aid incident while on duty.
(3) Criteria for Occupational Exposure. The county uses the definitions of "bloodborne pathogens," "other potentially infectious materials," and "occupational exposure" as criteria in the determination of occupational risk.
(Res. 52-96 (Att. A § VI), 1996).
2.120.070 Methods for implementation and maintenance.
(a) Methods of Compliance.
(1) General. Universal precautions shall be observed to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Under circumstances in which differentiation between body fluid types is difficult or impossible, all body fluids shall be considered as "other potentially infectious materials" (OPIM).
The department heads and elected officials shall require that employees at occupational risk apply universal precautions at all times of potential risk of exposure to blood or other potentially infectious body fluids.
(2) Engineering and Workplace Practice Controls.
(A) Implementation. Engineering and work practice controls shall be used to eliminate or minimize employee exposure. Where occupational exposure remains after institution of these controls, personal protective equipment shall also be used.
The department heads and elected officials shall require that employees use the appropriate engineering control device, together with safe work practices and applicable personal protective equipment.
Employees shall use applicable engineering controls, coupled with safe work practice controls and personal protective equipment, as taught in training. Employees shall have the opportunity to participate in practice sessions, which will give the employee ample opportunity to practice using engineering controls, safe work methods and the correct use/removal of personal protective equipment.
(B) Examination and Maintenance. Engineering controls shall be examined and maintained or replaced on a regular schedule to ensure their effectiveness.
The department heads and elected officials shall provide appropriate selection, purchase, proper examination, maintenance, and replacement of engineering controls. Employees shall follow established procedures.
(C) Handwashing Facilities and Interim Methods. The county provides handwashing facilities that are readily accessible to employees.
The department heads and elected officials shall make available designated handwashing facilities. Employees shall use correct handwashing technique, as observed in training.
When provision of handwashing facilities is not feasible in field work, the county provides either an appropriate antiseptic hand cleanser, in conjunction with clean cloth/paper towels, or antiseptic towelettes. When antiseptic hand cleansers or towelettes are used, hands shall be washed with soap and running potable water as soon as feasible.
The department heads and elected officials shall provide interim cleansers at worksites. Employees shall use interim cleansers whenever necessary. Vehicles shall be considered worksites.
(D) Handwashing Procedures. The county requires that employees wash their hands immediately, or as soon as feasible, after removal of gloves or other personal protective equipment. Employees shall use correct handwashing procedures.
(E) Post-Exposure Self-Care. The county requires that employees wash hands and any other skin with soap and water, or flush mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) with water immediately, or as soon as feasible, following contact of such body areas with blood or other potentially infectious materials.
The department heads and elected officials or designated employees assisting in post-exposure follow-up shall require that, in the event of an exposure, self-care is appropriately administered. Designated employees assisting in post-exposure follow-up shall use the supervisor checklist form.
(F) Safe Handling of Needles. Contaminated needles and other contaminated sharps shall not be bent, recapped, or removed except as noted below. Shearing or breaking of contaminated needles is prohibited. The department heads and elected officials shall require that employees handle needles in the prescribed safe manner.
Contaminated needles and other contaminated sharps shall not be recapped, or the needle removed, unless no alternative is feasible or such action is required by a specific medical procedure. The department heads and elected officials shall require that the employee document any variances to the required procedures in writing.
Recapping or needle removal shall be accomplished through the use of a mechanical device or a one-handed technique. Employees shall be trained on the proper technique of using a mechanical device for needle removal or one-handed recapping.
(G) Use of Sharps Containers. Immediately or as soon as possible after use, contaminated sharps shall be placed in appropriate containers for proper disposal. These containers shall be:
(i) Puncture resistant;
(ii) Labeled with a biohazard label or color-coded red, in accordance with the standard;
(iii) Leakproof on the sides and bottom; and
(iv) In accordance with the requirements set forth in this exposure control plan, the standard, and the WRD for reusable sharps.
The department heads and elected officials shall make sharps containers available and shall require the use of these containers by employees at all times for disposal and transport of sharps. Proper use and handling of sharps and sharps containers shall be demonstrated in training. Employees shall be given the opportunity to practice these safety procedures.
(H) Separation of Personal Practices from Work Practices. Eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or lip balm, and handling contact lenses are prohibited in work areas where there is a reasonable likelihood of occupational exposure.
The department heads and elected officials shall require that employees keep all personal food and cosmetic practices separate from work areas.
County vehicles, such as patrol cars, shall be considered workplaces.
(I) Separation of Food Storage from Storage of Infectious Material. Food and drink shall not be kept in refrigerators, freezers or cabinets, or on shelves, countertops or benchtops where blood or other potentially infectious materials are present. Special attention shall be placed on areas where evidence is collected, sorted and tagged.
The department heads and elected officials shall require that employees keep all food and drink separate from such work areas.
(J) Risk Procedures. All procedures involving blood or other potentially infectious materials shall be performed in such a manner as to minimize splashing, spraying, spattering, and generation of droplets of these substances.
The department heads and elected officials shall provide training for employees and require them to consistently use safe techniques when performing procedures with potential exposure to blood and other potentially infectious material.
(K) Collection, Handling and Transport of Specimens. Specimens of blood or other potentially infectious materials shall be placed in a container which prevents leakage during collection, handling, processing, storage, transport, or shipping.
(L) Evidence materials are considered specimens and shall be treated accordingly. The department heads and elected officials shall provide special training on evidence handling, transport and storage to employees asked to perform such work practices, and require them to use correct procedures.
Containers for storage, transport or shipping shall be labeled or color-coded in accordance with the exposure control plan of the county, the standard, and the WRD, and closed prior to being stored, transported and/or shipped.
If outside contamination of the primary container occurs, the primary container shall be placed within a second container which prevents leakage during handling, processing, storage, transport, or shipping and is labeled or color-coded according to the requirements of the standard.
If the specimen could puncture the primary container, the primary container shall be placed within a secondary container which is puncture-resistant, in addition to the above characteristics.
The department heads and elected officials shall make such containers available to the employee and shall require the use of proper handling practices.
(M) Decontamination, Labeling and Shipping of Containers. Equipment which may become contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials shall be examined prior to servicing or shipping and shall be decontaminated as necessary, unless decontamination of such equipment or portions of such equipment is not feasible. The department heads and elected officials shall require that employees properly assess and decontaminate such containers.
A readily observable biohazard label, designed in accordance with the exposure control plan, the standard, the WRD, and federal postal regulations, shall be attached to the equipment stating which portions remain contaminated. The department heads and elected officials shall require that employees use proper labeling of such containers.
The county conveys this information to affected employees, the servicing representative, and/or the manufacturer, as appropriate, prior to handling, servicing or shipping, so that correct precautions can be taken. The department heads and elected officials shall require that employees use proper notification, observing all applicable regulations, prior to shipping.
(3) Personal Protective Equipment.
(A) Provision of Personal Protective Equipment. When there is the risk of occupational exposure, the county provides, at no cost to the employee, appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, gloves, gowns, laboratory coats, face shields or masks and eye protection, and mouthpieces, resuscitation bags, pocket masks, or other ventilation devices.
Personal protective equipment shall be considered appropriate only if it does not permit blood or other potentially infectious materials to pass through or reach the employee's work clothes, street clothes, undergarments, skin, eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes under normal conditions of use and for the duration of time the protective equipment shall be used.
The department heads and elected officials shall assess exposure-prone tasks and procedures performed by the employees considered at occupational exposure risk, and provide and require the use of appropriate protective equipment. Department heads and elected officials shall provide adequate personal protective equipment for all exposure levels.
Employees at occupational exposure risk shall use protective equipment for the various levels of risk. Department heads and elected officials shall give employees the opportunity to practice the correct use, removal and disposal of personal protective equipment.
Department heads and elected officials shall complete the job hazard analysis form for each task requiring personal protective equipment. Completed forms shall be added to the departmental risk designation and work procedures. Department heads and elected officials shall consult with the employees on the completion of these forms.
(B) Use of Personal Protective Equipment. The county shall require that employees use appropriate personal protective equipment whenever there is potential for exposure to blood and/or other potentially infectious material.
A variance to this mandate may occur if the department head can show that an employee temporarily and briefly declined to use personal protective equipment when, in the specific rare and extraordinary circumstance, it was the employee's professional judgment that its use would have prevented the timely delivery of health care or public safety services, or would have posed an increased hazard to the safety of the worker or co-worker.
When an individual employee makes this judgment, the circumstances shall be investigated and documented in order to determine whether changes can be instituted to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The department heads and elected officials shall investigate and document each case of nonuse of personal protective equipment, using the documentation form for nonuse of protective equipment.
(C) Accessibility of Personal Protective Equipment. The county shall make readily accessible appropriate personal protective equipment, in the correct sizes, at the worksite and/or as issued to employees. Hypoallergenic gloves, glove liners, powderless gloves, or other similar alternatives shall be readily accessible to those employees who are allergic to the gloves normally provided.
The department heads and elected officials shall purchase and supply appropriate personal protective equipment. A supply and storage system shall be established at each department. Employee input for alternate and/or additional types of protective equipment shall be solicited through the safety committee. The department heads and elected officials shall require employees to verify access to and availability of their personal protective equipment at the beginning of the workshift.
(D) Cleaning, Laundering, and Disposal of Personal Protective Equipment. The county shall clean, launder and dispose of personal protective equipment required by the exposure control plan, the standard, and the WRD at no cost to the employee.
The department heads and elected officials shall provide a safe system of cleaning, laundering and/or disposal of personal protective equipment. Employee training shall address the location, safe handling and transport of containers. Should the personal clothing of an employee become contaminated, it shall be handled in the same manner as personal protective equipment.
Under no circumstances shall contaminated personal protective equipment and/or contaminated clothing be taken home.
(E) Repair and Replacement of Personal Protective Equipment. The county shall repair or replace personal protective equipment, as needed to maintain its effectiveness, at no cost to the employee.
The department heads and elected officials shall provide employees with access to a prompt system of repair and adequate supply of all personal protective equipment for replacement on a temporary or permanent basis.
(F) Removal of Grossly Contaminated Materials. If a garment(s) is penetrated by blood or other potentially infectious materials, the employee shall remove the garment(s) with gloved hands, immediately or as soon as feasible. If such immediate removal is not possible, the employee shall wear a protective disposable body suit over the contaminated clothing while en route from the exposure site to the decontamination area.
The department head shall set aside a decontamination area (separate from regular bath- and/or locker rooms), where contaminated garments can be removed and stored in red biohazard containers. The department shall inform employees during initial training where such decontamination areas are available.
Employees shall be trained on using gloves for the safe removal of all contaminated garments and placement into the appropriate red biohazard container. A sink with warm water and soap shall be readily accessible for thorough washing of skin areas after removal of soiled garments.
(G) Removal of Protective Equipment in Work Areas. All personal protective equipment shall be removed prior to leaving the work area. The department heads and elected officials shall require employees to use proper safe removal of all personal protective equipment and safe disposal of any contaminated items.
The use of gloves for removal of all contaminated material is mandatory.
(H) Placement/Transport of Contaminated Material in Biohazard Containers. When personal protective equipment is removed, it shall be placed in an appropriate designated area or container for storage, washing, decontamination or disposal.
The department heads and elected officials shall provide designated decontamination areas with locations for biohazard red containers. A minimum of one container for disposable regulated biohazardous medical waste and one for contaminated laundry shall be available.
Employees removing contaminated personal protective equipment in the field shall place all material into a biohazard red bag and provide for its safe transport in their vehicles. The department heads and elected officials may offer containers in which to place biohazard bags during transport. Immediately or as soon as possible after return to their duty station, employees shall place biohazard red bags into a proper container.
If outside contamination of bag has occurred, the employee shall wear gloves during handling of the biohazard bag. If leakage can occur during transport (i.e., evidence transport), biohazard red bags shall be placed into a leak- and spill-proof container.
(I) Gloves. Gloves shall be worn when it can be reasonably anticipated that the employee may have hand contact with blood, other potentially infectious materials, mucous membranes, or nonintact skin, and when handling or touching contaminated items or surfaces.
The department heads and elected officials shall make available and require use of appropriate gloves for all work practices where exposure to blood and body fluids can be reasonably anticipated. Work practices include, but are not limited to: patient care; extrication; first aid assistance; apprehension; search procedures; evidence collection; sewage work; garbage collection; decontamination; and, custodial work.
Disposable (single use) gloves, such as surgical or examination gloves, shall be replaced as soon as practical when contaminated, or as soon as feasible if they are torn, punctured, or when their ability to function as a barrier is compromised.
The department heads and elected officials shall provide appropriate disposable gloves for specific practices. Employees shall be trained to recognize the risk associated with various exposure-prone procedures and wear the appropriate glove (i.e., "green gloves" for first aid procedures, utility gloves for cleaning, cut-resistant gloves for searches).
Employees shall change gloves between each patient in direct care or in first aid incidents.
Disposable (single use) gloves shall not be washed or decontaminated for re-use. Employees shall remove gloves as soon as possible, using safe removal techniques, and place gloves in a biohazard bag.
Utility gloves may be decontaminated for re-use if the integrity of the glove is not compromised. However, they shall be discarded if they are cracked, peeling, torn, punctured, or exhibit other signs of deterioration, or when their ability to function as a barrier is compromised.
Employees shall rinse utility gloves with an appropriate cleaning agent and check for cracking and/or cuts. Leakage through small punctures can be detected by filling gloves with water.
(J) Masks, Eye Protection, and Face Shields. Masks, in combination with eye protection devices such as goggles or glasses with solid side shields, or chin-length face shields, shall be worn whenever splashes, spray, splatter, droplets of blood or other potentially infectious materials may be generated and eye, nose or mouth contamination can be reasonably anticipated.
The department heads and elected officials shall assess the most practical face shield for the specific work practice. For public safety and emergency medical workers, a one-piece face shield offers immediate covering. Such one-piece face shields shall have foam rubber pads across the top and side shields attached to rubber bands which hook over the ears.
Employees shall have ready access to such face shields and use them whenever there is potential for exposure to facial mucous membranes.
(K) Gowns, Aprons, and Other Protective Body Clothing. Appropriate protective clothing, such as, but not limited to, gowns, aprons, lab coats, clinic jackets, or similar outer garments shall be worn in occupational exposure situations. The type and characteristics shall depend upon the task and degree of exposure anticipated.
The department heads and elected officials shall assess exposure-prone procedures and issue appropriate protective clothing to be used during work practices and/or during travel from an exposure site. Employees shall be trained to recognize exposure risks and to use correct protective clothing.
(L) Surgical Caps or Hoods and/or Shoe Covers or Boots. Head and shoe coverings shall be worn in instances when gross contamination can reasonably be anticipated. The department heads and elected officials shall assess exposure-prone procedures and issue appropriate coverings. Employees shall have such coverings readily accessible for use at the worksite and for transport.
During investigations of contaminated crime scenes, the use of appropriate protective clothing is mandatory.
(4) Housekeeping.
(A) General. The county requires that worksites are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
The department heads and elected officials shall determine and implement an appropriate written schedule for cleaning and methods of decontamination, based on the location within the facility, type of surface to be cleaned, type of soil present, and tasks or procedures being performed in the area. This written schedule shall be posted at the worksite and shall be followed by the employees.
The department heads and elected officials shall direct employees to develop cleaning schedules that address regular maintenance and immediate cleaning following contamination. The cleaning schedules shall be written and posted in the appropriate areas for all worksites, including vehicles.
(B) Cleaning and Decontamination. All equipment and environmental and working surfaces shall be cleaned and decontaminated after contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Such cleaning and decontamination shall be performed with utility gloves and other personal protective equipment, as necessary.
Contaminated work surfaces shall be decontaminated with an appropriate disinfectant: after completion of work procedures; immediately or as soon as feasible when surfaces are overtly contaminated; after any spill of blood or other potentially infectious materials; and, at the end of the work shift if the surface may have become contaminated since the last cleaning.
The department heads and elected officials shall assess all areas for appropriate cleaning procedures and require that employees follow written schedule. Cleaning of any contaminated area and/or equipment shall be with the appropriate germicide or a freshly mixed cleaning solution of one part bleach to ten parts water.
Protective coverings, such as plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or imperviously-backed absorbent paper used to cover equipment and environmental surfaces, shall be removed and replaced as soon as feasible when they become overtly contaminated, or at the end of the workshift if they may have become contaminated during the shift.
The department heads and elected officials shall direct employees in evidence collection areas and patient care areas to use proper coverings and apply all methods of safe removal and cleaning.
All bins, pails, cans, and similar receptacles intended for reuse, which have a reasonable likelihood of becoming contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials shall be inspected and decontaminated on a regularly scheduled basis. They shall be cleaned and decontaminated immediately, or as soon as feasible, if there is visible contamination.
The department heads and elected officials shall direct employees to include in the cleaning schedule all sharps containers, biohazard waste containers, containers for contaminated laundry and other receptacles that may have been used for storage and/or transport of contaminated materials.
Broken glassware which may be contaminated shall not be picked up directly with the hands. It shall be removed using mechanical means, such as a brush and dust pan, tongs or forceps.
The department heads and elected officials shall direct employees to decontaminate broken glassware prior to cleaning. Employees shall pour germicide over the area containing the broken glass prior to removing it with mechanical means.
Reusable sharps that are contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials shall not be stored or processed in a manner that requires employees to reach by hand into the containers where these sharps have been placed.
The department heads and elected officials shall make available safe storage and disposal systems for sharps containers. Employees shall use appropriate safe techniques for the disposal of sharps into large collection containers.
(C) Regulated Waste. Regulated waste consists of any material that can release contaminated material in a wet (dripping) or dry (flaking) state. Such contaminated waste shall be handled with the appropriate engineering controls and personal protective equipment, in accordance with the standard, the county exposure control plan, and departmental procedures.
(D) Contaminated Sharps Discarding and Containment.
(i) Contaminated sharps shall be discarded immediately, or as soon as feasible, in containers that are:
a. Closable;
b. Puncture resistant;
c. Leakproof on sides and bottom; and
d. Labeled or color-coded.
(ii) The department heads and elected officials shall assess the types of sharps containers necessary for collection of sharps at the worksite. Employees who may come in contact with sharps in the field shall be offered small portable "needle keepers" and a pair of tongs.
(iii) During use, containers for contaminated sharps shall be:
a. Easily accessible to personnel and located as close as feasible to the immediate area where sharps are used or can be reasonably anticipated to be found (e.g., park grounds, crime scenes);
b. Maintained upright throughout use; and
c. Replaced routinely and not be allowed to overfill.
(iv) The department heads and elected officials shall assist employees in designating placement of sharps containers. Employees may need to carry sharps containers in their vehicles. When depositing the needles into the sharps container, the employee shall place the container directly next to the needle and use tongs for picking up the needle. The employee shall not walk with the needle to the sharps container.
(v) When moving containers of contaminated sharps from the area of use, the containers shall be:
a. Closed immediately prior to removal or replacement, to prevent spillage or protrusion of contents during handling, storage, transport, or shipping;
b. Placed in a secondary container if leakage is possible. The second container shall be:
1. Closable;
2. Constructed to contain all contents and prevent leakage during handling, storage, transport, or shipping; and
3. Labeled or color-coded.
(vi) The department heads and elected officials shall assess the type of transport necessary and assist employees in using the correct method. Transport from field site to workplace may be in the original sharps container. Disposal transport may need to be in a second larger container, in accordance with all of the requirements of the exposure control plan of the county, the standard, and the WRD.
(vii) Reusable containers shall not be opened, emptied, or cleaned manually or in any other manner which would expose employees to the risk of percutaneous injury. The department heads and elected officials shall provide training for employees on the safe handling of reusable sharps containers utilized by the individual departments.
(E) Other Regulated Waste Containment.
(i) Regulated waste shall be placed in containers which are:
a. Closable;
b. Constructed to contain all contents and prevent leakage of fluids during handling, storage, transport or shipping;
c. Labeled or color-coded; and
d. Closed prior to removal to prevent spillage or protrusion of contents during handling, storage, transport, or shipping.
(ii) The department heads and elected officials shall place regulated waste containers in each vehicle for transport and a set of containers at each decontamination area at the worksite. Employees shall use containers for the transport and disposal of disposable regulated waste and for contaminated laundry.
(iii) If outside contamination of the regulated waste container occurs, it shall be placed in a second container. The second container shall be:
a. Closable;
b. Constructed to contain all contents and prevent leakage of fluids during handling, storage, transport or shipping;
c. Labeled or color-coded; and
d. Closed prior to removal to prevent spillage or protrusion of contents during handling, storage, transport, or shipping.
(iv) The department heads and elected officials shall provide and require safe-keeping and transport of regulated waste containers. Employees shall recognize potential contamination and use double containers (i.e., a red bag inside of a rigid plastic container).
(v) The county implements and abides by the regulated waste disposal regulations of the state and local environmental health regulations.
(F) Laundry. Contaminated laundry shall be handled as little as possible, with a minimum of agitation. Such items may include bedding, clothing, towels, and/or personal clothing. Contaminated laundry shall be handled with gloves.
Contaminated laundry shall be bagged or placed in a container at the location where it was used and shall not be sorted or rinsed in the location of use.
The department heads and elected officials shall direct employees to "red-bag" all contaminated laundry (with gloved hands) as soon as possible after exposure. Uniforms and/or personal clothing shall be considered contaminated laundry and handled accordingly.
Under no circumstances shall contaminated laundry be taken home for laundering.
Contaminated laundry shall be placed and transported in bags or containers that are labeled or color-coded. The department heads and elected officials shall issue red biohazard bags to be utilized by employees for transporting laundry from field location to a decontamination area.
Whenever contaminated laundry is wet and presents a reasonable likelihood of soak-through or leakage from the bag or container, the laundry shall be placed and transported in bags or containers which prevent soak-through and/or leakage of fluids to the exterior.
The department heads and elected officials shall issue plastic containers to be used by employees in transporting wet contaminated laundry and/or material retained as evidence.
The county requires that employees who have contact with contaminated laundry wear protective gloves and other appropriate personal protective equipment.
The department heads and elected officials shall issue utility gloves and instruct employees to use them for handling contaminated laundry. If gross contamination is present, body coverings may need to be worn. All on-site laundry facilities shall be decontaminated after handling and washing contaminated laundry.
When the county ships contaminated laundry off-site to a second facility which does not utilize universal precautions in the handling of all laundry, the facility generating the contaminated laundry shall place such laundry in bags and/or containers which are labeled or color-coded in accordance with the exposure control plan, the standard, and the WRD.
The department heads and elected officials shall provide appropriate warning labels and require employees to affix them to containers when shipping laundry off-site.
(b) Hepatitis B Vaccination and Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up.
(1) General.
(A) The county makes available the hepatitis B vaccine and vaccination series to employees who have an occupational exposure, and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up to employees who have had an exposure incident.
(B) Hepatitis B vaccination shall be offered to employees designated to be at occupational exposure risk within ten days of hire or prior to the risk assignment.
(C) Employees shall sign the hepatitis B vaccination consent/declination form, which shall be kept in the confidential medical records file for the duration of employment plus thirty years.
(D) Employees who declined the vaccine at the time of initial employment may elect to be vaccinated at any time while being employed by the county, as long as they continue to be classified in a job with occupational risk determination.
(E) Employees claiming to have been previously vaccinated shall complete the hepatitis B vaccination verification form, and offer proof of completed vaccine series.
(F) The department heads and elected officials shall track vaccination dates, and offer reminders and the opportunity to employees to be vaccinated on due dates of the series of three vaccine doses, the titer test and, if necessary, any additional doses.
(G) The county provides that all medical evaluations and procedures, including the hepatitis B vaccine, complete vaccination series and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up, including prophylaxis and laboratory testing, are:
(i) Made available at no cost to the employee;
(ii) Made available to the employee at a reasonable time and place;
(iii) Performed by or under the supervision of a licensed physician or by or under the supervision of another licensed healthcare professional; and
(iv) Offered in a manner that complies with current recommendations of the United States Public Health Service.
(H) The county holds a contract with a local healthcare professional. Employees using services under this contract or going to a personal healthcare professional for hepatitis B vaccine and/or post-exposure follow-up shall be permitted work-time and mileage reimbursement.
(I) The healthcare professional shall offer the series of three intramuscular doses of synthetic hepatitis B vaccine, to be given within a six-month time interval. (First dose; second dose– one month from first dose; third dose– six months from first dose.)
(J) Post-vaccine immune level testing shall be performed thirty days (or later) after the third dose of the vaccine. All vaccinated employees shall be offered testing for immune response after each verified occupational exposure. If additional doses of the hepatitis B vaccine are indicated after completion of the titer test, the county shall make these doses available to the employee free of charge.
(K) The county requires that all laboratory tests are conducted by an accredited laboratory at no cost to the employee. If the healthcare professional subcontracts for tests, they shall be conducted by an accredited laboratory.
(2) Hepatitis B Vaccination.
(A) Hepatitis B vaccination shall be made available after the employee has received the training required in the exposure control plan, the standard, and the WRD, and within ten working days of initial assignment.
(B) The provision of hepatitis B vaccine applies to all employees who have a risk to occupational exposure, unless the employee:
(i) Has previously received the complete hepatitis B vaccination series and has completed the hepatitis B vaccination verification form;
(ii) Had antibody testing that revealed that the employee is immune; or
(iii) Has a medical reason which would prohibit the use of the vaccine.
(C) The department heads and elected officials shall provide notification to new hires, and provide access to training and vaccine (if the employee consents), within ten days or prior to the risk assignment.
(D) All records of previous vaccination or adequate immune status shall be offered by the employee to the department heads and elected officials and added to the confidential medical record.
(E) The county does not make participation in an antibody screening program a prerequisite for receiving hepatitis B vaccination. Employees vaccinated with the Heptavax series may request and receive a screening test for verification of immune status. If the immune status is not adequate, the employee may request and receive vaccination with the synthetic vaccine.
(F) If the employee initially declines hepatitis B vaccination but at a later date, while still under the occupational risk determination, decides to request the vaccination, the county shall make the hepatitis B vaccination available at that time.
(G) Declination of hepatitis B vaccine may not impact on the selection or assignment of work-duties.
(H) The county requires that employees who decline to accept the hepatitis B vaccination offered by the county sign the hepatitis B vaccination consent/declination form, which contains the declination statement mandated by the standard. The department heads and elected officials shall forward the form to the human resources department for entry into the confidential medical record.
(I) If a routine booster dose(s) of hepatitis B vaccine is recommended by the United States Public Health Service at a future date, such booster dose(s) shall be made available. The department heads and elected officials shall notify employees of the need for boosters, if necessary.
(3) Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up.
(A) Following a report of an exposure incident, the county makes immediately available to the exposed employee a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up, including at least the following elements:
(i) Documentation of the route(s) of exposure and the circumstances under which the exposure incident occurred;
(ii) Confidential identification and confidential documentation of the source individual, in accordance with WAC 246-100;
(iii) A request for the source individual's blood to be tested in accordance with WAC 246-100, to determine HBV and HIV infectivity;
(iv) Availability of the source individual's test results (if the source individual consents to testing), in accordance with applicable confidentiality laws and regulations (WAC 246-100) regarding disclosure of the identity and infectious status of the source individual.
(B) A supervisor or designated employee shall assist employees in the event of an exposure. The supervisor shall ensure that self-care has been administered prior to reporting the exposure. The exposed employee shall complete the exposure report form with assistance from the supervisor.
(C) The employee shall use the employee post-exposure information form for all follow-up steps, in case of an exposure.
(D) Collection and Testing of Blood of an Exposed Employee for HBV and HIV Serological Status. The exposed employee's blood may be collected as soon as feasible. Testing may only be done after consent is obtained in accordance with WAC 246-100 and processed by an accredited laboratory, which uses medical tests currently approved by the United States Public Health Service and the Federal Food and Drug Administration.
(E) Antibody status testing for hepatitis B has no special consent and counseling requirements, such as HIV testing. Baseline collection procedures shall clearly separate HIV testing from other blood tests. HIV testing can only be done with specific, separate and informed consent, and with pre- and post-test counseling.
(F) If the employee consents to baseline blood collection, but does not give consent at that time for HIV serologic testing, the sample may be preserved for at least ninety days. If, within ninety days of the exposure incident, the employee elects to have the baseline sample tested, such testing shall be done as soon as feasible. The medical provider shall offer pre- and post-test counseling as prescribed in WAC 246-100.
(G) Post-exposure prophylaxis, when medically indicated, shall be offered in accordance with current United States Public Health Service recommendations, such as:
(i) Hepatitis B immunoglobulin and the possibility of one booster shot (or the first shot of the series) of the vaccine;
(ii) Counseling; and
(iii) Evaluation of reported illnesses.
(4) Information Provided to the Healthcare Professional.
(A) The county provides to the healthcare professional responsible for the employee's hepatitis B vaccination, a copy of the exposure control plan, the standard, and the WRD. A contractual relationship is established with a local healthcare agency/professional, which includes services for all mandates of the standard, the WRD and the exposure control of the county.
(B) The county provides to the healthcare professional, who is evaluating an employee after an exposure incident, the following information:
(i) A copy of the standard, and WRD (in case the employee chooses his/her personal physician for post-exposure evaluation and follow-up);
(ii) A description of the exposed employee's duties as they relate to the exposure incident;
(iii) Documentation of the route(s) of exposure and circumstances under which exposure occurred;
(iv) Results of the source individual's blood testing, if available and disclosed in accordance with the confidentiality requirements of WAC 246-100; and
(v) All medical records relevant to the appropriate treatment of the employee, including the employee's vaccination status.
(C) The department head shall require that a supervisor or designated employee is available to assist the employee in filling out the exposure report form. Employees shall take a copy to the healthcare professional when requesting post-exposure evaluation, counseling and treatment.
(D) A copy of the exposure report form shall be forwarded to the human resources department for filing into the confidential medical file of the employee.
(5) Healthcare Professional's Written Opinion.
(A) The county obtains from the healthcare professional, and provides to the employee, a copy of the evaluating healthcare professional's written opinion within fifteen days of the completion of the evaluation.
(B) The department heads and elected officials shall provide the employee with a copy of the evaluation in the prescribed time frame and forward the original written opinion to the human resources department for filing into the confidential medical file.
(C) The healthcare professional's written opinion for hepatitis B vaccination shall be limited to whether this vaccine is indicated for an employee, and if the employee has received such vaccination. The department heads and elected officials shall add documentation of the vaccination to the employee's medical file.
(D) The healthcare professional's written opinion for post-exposure evaluation and follow-up shall be limited to the following information:
(i) That the employee has been informed of the results of the evaluation; and
(ii) That the employee has been told about any medical conditions resulting from exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials which require further evaluation or treatment.
(E) The healthcare professional shall offer all results to the employee in the medical setting in a confidential manner. Information offered to the employer shall only cover the fact that all necessary steps in post-exposure counseling, evaluation and treatment (if necessary) have been completed.
(F) All other findings or diagnoses shall remain confidential and shall not be included in the written report. Insurance claims shall be filed by the healthcare professional observing WRD 89-5 (subject: Access, Review and Handling of Specific Employee Exposure and Medical Records and Related Data).
(6) Medical Recordkeeping. Medical records required by the exposure control plan, the standard, and the WRD are maintained by the county in a confidential manner (separate from personnel files) for the duration of employment plus thirty years.
Medical records for all departments in the county are kept by the human resources department, with limited and designated access and in accordance with the standard, the WRD, and the county exposure control plan.
The department heads and elected officials shall comply and require compliance with WRD 89-5 (subject: Access, Review and Handling of Specific Employee Exposure and Medical Records and Related Data).
Access and release within or between the departments and/or to other entities shall be documented on the medical information access and release form and can only occur with the employee's signature documenting consent to the release. Each access and/or release must be documented.
(7) OSHA 200 Recordkeeping. The department heads and elected officials shall complete the required OSHA 200 forms after each reportable exposure. A reportable occupational exposure is defined as:
"Occupational exposure" means reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee's duties.
OSHA 200 forms shall be kept for five years.
(8) Exposure Evaluation. Designated employees assisting in post-exposure follow-up, shall complete the exposure incident investigation form and forward it to the department heads and elected officials for evaluation and possible action.
If protective equipment was not used, employees shall complete the documentation form for nonuse of protective equipment. The department heads and elected officials shall investigate the incident for further action.
Prompt evaluation of employee exposure incidents and/or nonuse of protective equipment may determine the need for changes in workplace practices, an upgrade of protective equipment and/or engineering controls.
If the evaluation determines continued noncompliance with the exposure control plan, the standard, and the WRD, the department heads and elected officials may initiate remedial and/or disciplinary action of the employee.
Annual exposure control plan review shall evaluate exposures without the use of identifying information of the exposed employees.
(c) Communication of Hazards to Employees.
(1) Labels, Color-Coding and Signs.
(A) Labels/Signs. The department heads and elected officials shall make available biohazard symbols and/or color-coding of waste containers or other receptacles containing regulated waste or contaminated material. Employees shall recognize these symbols and/or color-coding and use them consistently and appropriately.
Warning labels and/or signs shall be affixed to containers of regulated waste, refrigerators and freezers containing blood or other potentially infectious material, and other containers used to store, transport or ship blood or other potentially infectious materials.
Labels required by this section shall include the biohazard symbol. These labels shall be fluorescent orange or orange-red or predominantly so, with lettering and/or symbols in a contrasting color.
Labels required by the standard, and the WRD shall either be an integral part of the container or shall be affixed as close as feasible to the container by string, wire, adhesive, or other method that prevents their loss or unintentional removal.
(B) Red bags or red containers may be substituted for biohazard labels. Containers of blood, blood components or blood products that are labeled as to their contents, have been released for transfusion or other clinical use, are exempted from the labeling requirements.
Individual containers of blood or other potentially infectious materials that are placed in a labeled container during storage, transport, shipment or disposal are exempted from the labeling requirement.
Labels required for contaminated equipment shall be in accordance with this section and shall also state which portions of the equipment remain contaminated.
Regulated waste that has been decontaminated need not be labeled or color-coded.
The department heads and elected officials shall require that employees handling, transporting, shipping, and/or disposing of regulated waste or contaminated materials, understand and use all applicable labeling, color-coding and/or signs in order to comply with the standard, the WRD, the exposure control plan of the county, and all other applicable state and federal regulations.
(2) Information and Training.
(A) The county requires that employees with occupational exposure participate in training which shall be provided at no cost to the employee and during working hours.
(B) The department heads and elected officials shall notify new hires with occupational risk determination immediately upon hiring in order to schedule training time.
(C) Training shall be provided as follows:
(i) At the time of initial assignment to tasks where occupational exposure may take place. Training on bloodborne pathogens prevention, the standard, and the exposure control plan of the county shall be scheduled within ten days from the date of hiring or prior to the risk assignment; and
(ii) At least annually thereafter.
(D) Annual training for all employees shall be provided within one year of the date of the previous training.
(E) The department heads and elected officials shall provide annual training on or before the annual compliance date, and follow the exposure control plan update, in order to present the most recent version of the exposure control plan of the county.
(F) The county provides additional training when changes such as the modification of tasks or procedures, or institution of new tasks or procedures affect the employee's occupational exposure risk. The additional training may be limited to addressing the new exposure risk. Additional training shall also be provided if any provision of the standard, and/or the exposure control plan changes. The department heads and elected officials shall assess these changes and/or updates and arrange for appropriate training to follow as soon as possible.
(G) Material appropriate in content and vocabulary to the educational level, literacy, and language of employees shall be used in training.
(H) The department heads, elected officials and human resources manager shall observe and evaluate training sessions on a regular basis, in order to provide quality control of the training and the trainer. Trainers who do not meet the training requirement as specified by the exposure control plan of the county, the standard, and the WRD, may be removed from this duty by the department heads, elected officials, and/or human resources manager.
(I) The training program shall contain, at a minimum, the following elements:
(i) An accessible copy of the regulatory text of this standard, and an explanation of its contents.
Copies of the standards shall be available from the department heads and elected officials upon request and one copy posted in each department at all times. The trainer shall be knowledgeable on all components of the standard, and the WRD.
(ii) A general explanation of the epidemiology and symptoms of bloodborne diseases.
The trainer shall use the most up-to-date information available from the State Department of Health at 1-800-272-AIDS.
(iii) An explanation of the modes of transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
The trainer shall explain clearly the risk of transmission in the workplace and the risk to a spouse/partner due to sexual transmission.
(iv) An explanation of the exposure control plan of the county and the means by which the employee can obtain a copy of the written plan.
Copies of the occupational and collateral exposure control plans of the county and the applicable departmental plan shall be available from the department heads and elected officials upon request and one copy posted in each department at all times. The trainer shall be knowledgeable on all components of the county policies, the exposure control plans and the departmental plans.
(v) An explanation of the appropriate methods for recognizing tasks and other activities that may involve exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials.
The trainer shall present this material in a performance-based and site-specific manner. Knowledge of the work practices of the occupationally and/or collaterally exposed employees of the county is mandatory.
(vi) An explanation of the use and limitations of methods that shall prevent or reduce exposures, including appropriate engineering controls, work practices and personal protective equipment.
The trainer shall demonstrate all methods used to reduce the likelihood of exposures in a task-specific manner appropriate to the work practices of the employees.
(vii) Information on the types, proper use, location, removal, handling, decontamination, and disposal of personal protective equipment.
The trainer shall demonstrate all applicable engineering controls, work practices and personal protective equipment, i.e., the safe removal of disposable gloves, handling of contaminated laundry and sharps, collection and storage of evidence, and search procedures. Practice sessions for each employee shall be given, either at the time of training or at the worksite.
(viii) An explanation of the basis for selection of personal protective equipment.
The trainer shall demonstrate the difference in gloves for safe practices, i.e., utility gloves for cleaning, latex gloves for first aid procedures.
(ix) Information on the hepatitis B vaccine, including information on its efficacy, safety, method of administration, the benefits of being vaccinated, and that the vaccination shall be offered free of charge.
The trainer shall use the most current medical information on HBV vaccine and offer information on the delivery system of the vaccination for occupationally exposed employees. The trainer shall read the OSHA/WISHA language of the hepatitis B vaccine consent/declination form to all employees during training. Employees shall check consent or declination of the hepatitis B vaccine, sign the form and return to the trainer.
(x) Information on the appropriate actions to take and persons to contact in an emergency involving blood or other potentially infectious materials.
The department heads and elected officials shall designate supervisors who shall be available to assist the employees in case of exposure. The trainer shall make the names of supervisors available during training, or department heads and elected officials shall offer such information prior to the employee's risk assignment.
(xi) An explanation of the procedure to follow if an exposure incident occurs, including the method of reporting the incident and the medical follow-up that shall be made available.
The trainer shall offer correct self-care information, outline the exposure report form, and explain all components of the medical evaluation and follow-up.
(xii) Information on the post-exposure evaluation and follow-up that the county is required to provide to the employee following an exposure incident.
The trainer shall explain all components of the medical evaluation and follow-up and the medical report information returned to the county. The confidential recordkeeping system of medical records shall be explained.
(xiii) An explanation of the signs and labels and/or color-coding required by the exposure control plan, the standard, and the WRD.
The trainer shall offer all information on labels, signs and color-coding as applicable to the departments of the county.
(xiv) An opportunity for interactive questions and answers with the person conducting the training session.
The trainer shall plan the training with adequate time for questions and answers. If the trainer cannot answer all questions pertaining to the content outlined above, the trainer shall make a referral to a knowledgeable source and/or offer additional time, in order to address all questions.
The person conducting the training shall be knowledgeable in the subject matter covered by the elements contained in the training program, as it relates to the workplace that the training addresses.
The trainer shall be knowledgeable on all required training content in order to train occupationally and/or collaterally exposed employees. The department heads and elected officials shall monitor and evaluate the quality of the training and consistency with the standard, and the mandates of the exposure control plan. Trainers who do not meet the required quality or consistency may be retrained or re-assigned.
The department heads and elected officials may also request the trainer to respond to remedial training requests for employees who have not followed the exposure control plan of the county.
(d) Recordkeeping.
(1) Medical Records.
(A) The county establishes and maintains an accurate record for each employee with an occupational exposure, in accordance with the standard, the WRD and the exposure control plan of the county.
(B) The human resources department shall be in charge of medical recordkeeping for all departments and employees of the county.
(C) This record shall be part of a medical records file, which shall be kept in a confidential manner and accessed only by assigned personnel. Access to the record shall be documented on the medical records access and release form, with documentation of the date, time of access, reason, record of transfer, signature of employee accessing the file and the employee giving written permission for access.
(D) This medical record shall include:
(i) The name and Social Security number of the employee;
(ii) A copy of the employee's hepatitis B vaccination status, including the declination form or the dates of all doses of hepatitis B vaccine, and any medical records relative to the employee's ability to receive vaccination, as required by the exposure control plan, the standard, and the WRD, and/or permitted by state laws/rules on confidentiality;
(iii) A copy of all results of examinations, medical testing (if made available by the employee), and follow-up procedures, as required by the exposure control plan, the standard, and the WRD; and/or permitted by state laws/rules on confidentiality;
(iv) The county's copy of the healthcare professional's written opinion, as required by the exposure control plan, the standard, and WRD; and
(v) A copy of the information provided to the health-care professional as required by the exposure control plan, the standard, and the WRD.
(E) Confidentiality.
(i) The county provides that employee medical records required by the exposure control plan, the standard, and the WRD, are:
a. Kept confidential; and
b. Not disclosed or reported without the employee's expressed written consent to any person within or outside the workplace, except as required by the exposure control plan, the standard, the WRD or as may be required by law.
(ii) Employees shall sign the medical access and release form for access and transfer of confidential medical records.
(iii) An employee requesting release of medical records to a new employer shall be counseled that only the information of the hepatitis B vaccination status should be released, but medical information on exposures should stay with the county. A conditional release may be signed by the requesting employee for HBV vaccination information only.
(iv) The county maintains the records required by the exposure control plan, the standard, and the WRD for at least the duration of employment plus thirty years in accordance with OSHA/WISHA standards.
(2) Training Records.
(A) Training records shall include the following information:
(i) Dates of the training sessions;
(ii) Contents or a summary of the training sessions;
(iii) Names and qualifications of persons conducting the training; and,
(iv) Names and job titles of all persons attending the training sessions.
(B) The department heads and elected officials shall require trainers to maintain the training roster of attendance with all applicable information and attachments. Trainers shall list all information on acquired training skills and their training qualification.
(C) Training records shall be maintained for three years from the date on which the training occurred. The human resources department shall establish and maintain a recordkeeping system of completed training.
(3) Availability of Records. The county makes available all records required to be maintained by the exposure control plan, the standard, and the WRD, upon request, to a WISHA inspector.
Employee training records required by the standard, and the WRD shall be made available, upon request, to a WISHA inspector.
Employee medical records required by this paragraph shall be provided upon request for examination and copying to the subject employee, to anyone having written consent of the subject employee, and/or to a WISHA inspector.
(4) Transfer of Records. The county complies with the requirements involving transfer of records set forth in the exposure control plan, the standard, and the WRD.
If the county ceases to do business and there is no successor to receive and retain the records for the prescribed period, the county will notify the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, at least three months prior to their disposal, and transmit them to the department, if required by the department to do so, within that three-month period.
(Res. 52-96 (Att. A § VII), 1996).
Chapter 2.124 Sections:
2.124.010 Generally.
2.124.020 Officers' responsibilities.
2.124.030 Safety orientation.
2.124.040 Safety committee(s) meetings.
2.124.050 Safety committee duties.
2.124.060 Safety bulletin boards.
2.124.070 Safety education and training.
2.124.080 Accident procedures and reporting.
2.124.090 County accident/incident reports.
2.124.100 Vehicle accident procedures.
2.124.110 Safety program incentives.
2.124.010 Generally.
The Mason County safety policy and accident prevention program adopted by the board of county commissioners represents a commitment to workplace safety by the elected officials and department heads of Mason County.
The human resources director is authorized to issue safety advisory memoranda as needed. After approval by the board of county commissioners, such memoranda shall have the same authority as this chapter. This chapter is intended to be an employee safety guide for elected officials/department heads and employees. All county employees should become familiar with this chapter and abide by its contents.
(Res. 20-97 (part), 1997).
2.124.020 Officers' responsibilities.
A. Board of County Commissioners/Elected Officials. The board of county commissioners and other elected officials have the responsibility to approve this chapter and communicate its contents to all departments. The commissioners/elected officials shall support this policy and procedure chapter and shall set an example in terms of safety in the workplace.
B. Elected Officials and Department Heads. Elected officials and department heads have the responsibility to communicate these policies and procedures to their employees. They must support the content as well as the intentions of this chapter and must also set an example in terms of workplace safety.
C. Safety Officers. Mason County has three safety officers: appointed from the sheriff's department, public works and central services/maintenance. They are responsible for continual monitoring of their applicable workplace areas; ensuring safe work practices, policy compliance, safe work conditions for employees as well as the general public; and investigating all reports of occupational injuries, incidents, chemical exposures, and illnesses. The safety officers also advise the risk manager of any such instances involving the general public and advise the human resources director of any such instances involving employees.
D. Human Resources Director. The human resources director has the responsibility to communicate the contents of this chapter to elected officials/department heads, as well as to safety officers. The human resources director is the facilitator of the safety policy and accident prevention program in Mason County and assumes a leadership role in making safety related recommendations and suggestions in addition to the clearly defined duties in this manual. The human resources director ensures compliance with this manual as well as any additional safety regulations set forth by proper authority.
(Res. 20-97 (part), 1997).
2.124.030 Safety orientation.
A. New employees, re-hires, and part-time employees will begin their employment with an orientation. The orientation will include a safety briefing, and an introduction to county safety policies.
B. Procedure. The employee's supervisor will inform the new employee of job safety requirements before he/she performs any work for the county. The safety orientation check list in this plan will be used to make sure all required subjects are discussed and understood. The employee responsibility list contained in this plan will also be reviewed and signed at the time of hiring. Completed orientation and responsibility check lists will be signed by the supervisor and the employee, placed in the employee's personnel file, and a copy forwarded to human resources.
(Res. 20-97 (part), 1997).
2.124.040 Safety committee(s) meetings.
A. Purpose. To help in the detection and elimination of unsafe conditions and work procedures, a county safety committee composed of two employees selected by the human resources director and three employee-elected members will meet and perform duties as described below. Committee member vacancies will be replaced before the next safety meeting. Members will serve no longer than one year. Current safety committee members will be posted on each safety bulletin board.
Departments where employees are segregated on different shifts or in widely dispersed locations in crews of ten or less employees may elect to have a foreperson-crew meeting in lieu of the safety committee plan (i.e., public works, sheriff) provided:
1. Foreperson-crew safety meetings shall be held at least once a month, or if conditions require, weekly or bi-weekly meetings shall be held to discuss safety problems as they arise.
2. All requirements for minutes, safety bulletin boards, safety inspections, accident investigations, witnessing tests, and evaluating programs and recommending safety improvements as listed shall be met by the foreperson-crew safety meeting.
B. Procedure.
1. Any elected official, department head or safety committee member can recommend special safety meetings be held in addition to regular safety meetings.
2. The committee will set the frequency, time and date for regular safety meetings. Meetings will take place on county property and shall last no more than an hour.
3. The committee will elect a chairperson. If the chair is not in attendance, the committee will designate a temporary chairperson.
4. Minutes of the safety meetings will be recorded. Attendance and subjects discussed at the meeting will be documented. All minutes will be signed by the chairperson. A copy of the minutes will be provided to the human resources director, the safety officers, the risk manager, and posted on each county safety bulletin board.
(Res. 20-97 (part), 1997).
2.124.050 Safety committee duties.
A. Safety Inspections. The committee will conduct an annual safety inspection of county facilities subject to this plan with a representative from management. The inspection will use the general guide in this program and other information available (concerns of elected officials, department heads, accident reports, etc.). The inspection will normally be conducted one week prior to regular safety meetings. Results of the inspection will be recorded and maintained on file for one year. Inspection results will be discussed at the safety committee meeting.
B. Accident Investigations. The supervisor of the injured employee and the safety officer will conduct investigations of major accidents. Investigation results will be discussed at monthly safety meetings.
C. Witnessing Tests. The committee may designate a member to witness any testing (noise, atmospheric, etc.) that may affect employee safety.
D. The safety committee will review results of inspections and investigations and evaluate employee safety suggestions. The committee will recommend safety improvements to the safety officer, monitor the safety and health program, recommend safety training, and promote safety awareness.
E. The safety committee will evaluate the county's accident prevention program and make recommendations for improvement where they are needed.
ROAD DEPARTMENT POLICY*
Organization
Handling of Complaints
Work For Other Departments
Appendices
LOSS PREVENTION POLICY
HOOD CANAL ADVISORY COMMISSION
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
CONVENTION CENTER AND FAIR
MEETINGS OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS*
CLERK OF COUNTY COMMISSION
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE*
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION– CHANGE OF VENUE
SMOKING POLICY*
DRUG-FREE WORK PLACE POLICY
BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
ACCIDENT PREVENTION PROGRAM
| General Safety Training | Specific Safety Training |
| 1. Fire Extinguishers (A) | 1. First Aid (3) |
| 2. Emergency Evacuation (H) | 2. CPR (A) |
| 3. Safety Lifting (H) | 3. Exposure Control (A) |
| 4. Office Hazards (H) | 4. Lock-out/tag-out (A) |
| 5. Field Work Hazards (H) | 5. Hazard Communications (A) |
| A = conduct training annually or upon program changes H = conduct training upon hiring or upon program changes 3 = conduct training every 3 years | |
See Appendix A, attached to the resolution codified in this chapter, for departmental training plans.
(Res. 20-97 (part), 1997).
2.124.080 Accident procedures and reporting.
A. Purpose: to report and investigate all accidents and near misses, no matter how minor, to prevent similar accidents, and to make the county a safer workplace.
B. Background. The purpose of accident investigations is to determine and correct as many causes of the accident as possible, not to fix blame or direct discipline. All witnesses to an accident should be interviewed to help determine what happened and identify causes.
C. Accident Procedures.
1. In the event of an occupational accident, injury, exposure or illness, the first and primary consideration is to seek appropriate first aid and/or medical attention based on the extent of the injury, illness or exposure. Reporting all occupational accidents, illnesses or exposures is mandatory. Employees are responsible for notifying their supervisor of the accident/incident as soon as possible after it has occurred, and supervisors shall notify safety officers and the applicable department head/elected official.
2. Supervisors shall take appropriate emergency steps to stabilize the situation (call 911 for emergency assistance, order evacuation, provide first aid, etc.).
3. If the accident involves a life threatening situation (no respiration, no pulse, serious bleeding, or shock) call 911 and provide first aid.
4. Call 911 for broken bones and keep victim comfortable. Avoid moving victim unless absolutely necessary.
5. For minor injuries requiring treatment beyond first aid, a county representative may take the injured to the hospital.
6. If the accident results in a death or hospitalization of two or more employees, do not move any involved equipment (unless required to avoid further accidents or to remove the injured).
7. Start the accident investigation.
8. Restore normal conditions and resume work.
(Res. 20-97 (part), 1997).
2.124.090 County accident/incident reports.
A. Employees will complete a county accident/incident report form for all occupational injuries, accidents, exposures or illnesses and submit it to their immediate supervisor within twenty-four hours. All occupational injuries or illnesses are required by law to be reported regardless of the degree of the accident.
B. Supervisors will investigate all accidents, minor injuries or illness (requiring doctor or outpatient treatment), and near misses, using the attached accident investigation form.
C. An investigation under direction of the safety officer will be conducted for major injuries or occupational illness (those involving fatalities or requiring hospitalization) using the attached accident investigation form. The supervisor of the injured person, the risk manager, human resources director, and a safety committee member will also be members of major investigations.
(Res. 20-97 (part), 1997).
2.124.100 Vehicle accident procedures.
In the event that a county employee is involved in an accident while operating a county vehicle or their personal vehicle and conducting county business, the employee shall:
A. Immediately provide first aid (if possible and if necessary) to any injured person. It is recommended that employees providing first aid/CPR have a valid first aid/CPR card.
B. The county driver shall then immediately notify his supervisor and the appropriate law enforcement agency. No vehicles shall be moved from the accident scene until law enforcement arrives unless a greater safety hazard would be created by not moving the vehicle(s).
C. The county employee/driver shall exchange information regarding driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance information with the operator(s) of the other vehicle(s).
D. If possible, the county employee/driver shall gather the names and addresses of all potential witnesses including passengers in all vehicles involved.
E. The county employee/driver shall complete the vehicle accident checklist located in the glove compartment of each county vehicle. If the accident results in death, personal injury, or property damage in excess of five hundred dollars, complete the state of Washington Uniform Collision Report Form (WSP-161) within twenty-four hours of the accident. This report form and the checklist form are provided by the risk manager.
(Res. 20-97 (part), 1997).
2.124.110 Safety program incentives.
A. Recognition. The safety committee will nominate an employee each quarter for recognition as the county safety person of the quarter. The committee will attempt to rotate this award among county departments using appropriate selection criteria such as value of suggestions, support of safety policy, accident records, etc.
B. Program Enforcement. Wilful violations of county safety procedures are not acceptable. Violations of safety procedures may result in disciplinary actions against the employee, up to and including discharge.
(Res. 20-97 (part), 1997).
Chapter 2.128 Sections:
2.128.010 Office established.
2.128.020 Appointment and term.
2.128.030 Rules.
2.128.0l0 Office established.
There is hereby created an office of hearing examiner, hereinafter referred to as the examiner. Unless the context requires otherwise, the term "examiner" shall include examiners pro-tem. The examiner shall hear and decide matters assigned to him or her by the board of county commissioners, including but not limited to those matters prescribed in Mason County ordinance and other types of matters which hearing examiners are authorized to decide by law or contract with the board of county commissioners.
(Ord. 129-00, Att. A § 1 (part), 2000).
2.128.020 Appointment and term.
The term of appointment for the examiner and deputy examiners, and the terms revoking the appointment shall be pursuant to the contract executed between the board of county commissioners and the examiner. Temporary examiners pro-tem may be appointed for such terms and functions as the board of county commissioners deems appropriate.
(Ord. 129-00, Att. A § 1 (part), 2000).
2.128.030 Rules.
The examiner may prescribe rules for the scheduling and conduct of hearings and other rules of procedure.
(Ord. 129-00, Att. A § 1 (part), 2000).
Chapter 2.132 Sections:
2.132.010 Sheriff's fees.
2.132.010 Sheriff's fees.
The sheriff shall collect the following fees for official services:
(1) For service of each summons and complaint, notice and complaint, summons and petition, and notice of small claim on one defendant at any location, twenty dollars, and on two or more defendants at the same residence, twenty-five dollars, besides mileage;
(2) For making a return, besides mileage actually traveled, ten dollars for each return of service;
(3) For levying each writ of attachment or writ of execution upon real or personal property, besides mileage, fifty dollars per hour;
(4) For filing copy of writ of attachment, order of sale or writ of execution with auditor, twenty dollars plus auditor's filing fee;
(5) For serving writ of possession or restitution without aid of the county, besides mileage, forty dollars;
(6) For serving writ of possession or restitution with aid of the county, besides mileage, sixty dollars plus fifty dollars for each hour after one hour;
(7) For serving an arrest warrant in any action or proceeding, besides mileage, fifty dollars;
(8) For executing any other writ or process in a civil action or proceeding, besides mileage, fifty dollars per hour;
(9) For each mile actually and necessarily traveled in going to or returning from any place of service, or attempted service, fifty cents per mile with a ten-dollar minimum mileage charge;
(10) For making a deed to lands sold upon execution or order of sale or other decree of court, to be paid by the purchaser, fifty dollars;
(11) For making copies of papers when sufficient copies are not furnished, two dollars for first page and one dollar per each additional page;
(12) For the service of any other document and supporting papers for which no other fee is provided herein, twenty-five dollars;
(13) For posting a notice of sale, or postponement, fifteen dollars besides mileage;
(14) For certificate or bill of sale of property, or certificate of redemption, fifty dollars;
(15) For conducting a sale of property, forty dollars per hour spent at a sheriff's sale;
(16) For notarizing documents, five dollars for each document;
(17) For fingerprinting for non-criminal purposes, ten dollars for each print card;
(18) For mailing required by statute, whether regular, certified, or registered, the actual cost of postage;
(19) For an internal criminal history records check, fifteen dollars;
(20) For the reproduction of audio, visual, or photographic material, to include magnetic microfilming, the actual cost including personnel time.
Fees allowable under this section may be recovered by the prevailing party incurring the same as court costs to the extent provided by RCW 36.18.040(2).
(Ord. 102-04, 2004; Ord. 87-04, 2004)
Chapter 2.136 Sections:
2.136.010 Purpose.
2.136.020 Definitions.
2.136.030 Payment authorized.
2.136.040 Administration.
2.136.010 Purpose.
(a) The purpose and intent of this chapter is to comply with RCW 36.39.030 in providing for the disposition of the remains of any indigent person including a recipient of public assistance who dies within the county and whose body is unclaimed; and to comply with RCW 73.08.070, by designating a proper authority to be responsible, at the expense of the county, for the burial or cremation of any deceased indigent veteran or deceased family member of an indigent veteran.
(b) It shall be the responsibility of the Mason County coroner to develop and administer a program to accomplish the purpose and intent of the chapter.
(Res. 19-06, 2006).
2.136.020 Definitions.
The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this chapter:
"Department" means the Mason County coroner.
"Disposition" means the minimum services necessary to legally bury or cremate human remains.
"Indigent" means the decedent was on public assistance at the time of death, or the decedent's estate is valued at less than two thousand five hundred dollars.
"Unclaimed" means there is no relative who can be located within the state and who is liable for the disposition costs pursuant to RCW 68.50.160; nor is there any other person or entity, excepting funeral homes and/or cemeteries, or the coroner's office that makes any claim to the remains, or that exerts or attempts to exert any influence of the disposition of the remains.
(Res. 19-06 § 1, 2006).
2.136.030 Payment authorized.
(a) The department is authorized to reimburse a licensed funeral home and/or cemetery/crematory for the minimum services set by the department when such funeral home and/or cemetery/crematory has made a proper showing, according to rules devised by the department that:
(1) It has, or will lawfully bury or cremate an indigent decedent; and
(2) It received the remains at an entrusted funeral home, or the decedent was an indigent veteran or deceased family member of an indigent veteran; and
(3) It made diligent efforts to locate relatives who may choose or are required to provide for the disposition, pursuant to RCW 68.50.160; and
(4) The decedent was at the time of death located in Mason County; and
(5) The decedent was indigent and the body unclaimed; provided that each such reimbursement shall be conditional upon a promise by the funeral home and/or cemetery/crematory to reimburse the county dollar for dollar from any funds it may subsequently acquire from any other source for the disposition services performed by it.
(b) The department shall provide reimbursement for disposition at the uniform rates established by the department; provided that reimbursement for cremation shall be provided only upon proper showing that legal authorization has been obtained. The coroner or the coroner's designee may authorize cremation of indigent remains.
(Res. 19-06 § 2, 2006).
2.136.040 Administration.
(a) The department shall develop rules and procedures for the implementation of this chapter. The rules and procedures shall at a minimum include:
(1) Process for obtaining cremation authorization from the coroner's office when there is no other person authorized to do so;
(2) Procedures for tracing and recovering from the decedent's estates after reimbursement has been made, if and when it is cost-effective for the county to do so;
(3) Guidelines for the showing required in Section 2.136.030 of this chapter, including due diligence in locating persons required or willing to provide for disposition;
(4) Procedures for verifying the decedent's indigence, and all other rules and procedures which may be necessary and prudent to effectively implement this chapter;
(5) Establishment of uniform rates for services.
(Res. 19-06 § 3, 2006).
Chapter 2.140 Sections:
2.140.010 Created– Powers.
2.140.020 Membership.
2.140.030 Meetings.
2.140.040 Quorum.
2.140.050 Voting.
2.140.060 Officers.
2.140.070 Records and correspondence.
2.140.080 Application fee.
2.140.090 Registered professionals.
2.140.100 Travel.
2.140.110 Quasi-judicial hearing.
2.140.120 Amendments.
2.140.010 Created– Powers.
The Mason County water conservancy board is hereby created, with three members and two alternate members, to function within the geographical borders of Mason County, exercising administrative powers enumerated within Title 90 RCW, with funding to be by an application fee that will be established by the water conservancy board, and with the initial by-laws contained in this chapter.
(Res. 47-08, 2008).
2.140.020 Membership.
The membership of the Mason County water conservancy board (the "board") shall consist of a three-member board; all members will be appointed by the Mason County commissioners, according to the provisions of Chapter 90.80 RCW. The county commissioners may also appoint two alternates to serve when the regular members are not available.
(Res. 47-08 Attach. A (part), 2008).
2.140.030 Meetings.
Meetings of the board shall be held monthly at such a time and place within Mason County as shall be designated by the chairperson. Special meetings may be held upon the call of the chairperson. The initial agenda shall be set by the chairperson, but may be amended at the meeting without special notice. Three days' written notice of meetings and the meeting agenda shall be provided to each member and the Shelton Journal as the local paper record. Meetings are covered under the Washington Open Meetings Law.
(Res. 47-08 Attach. A (part), 2008).
2.140.040 Quorum.
A majority of two members and/or alternates shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business that may come before any monthly or special meeting of the board.
(Res. 47-08 Attach. A (part), 2008).
2.140.050 Voting.
Each regularly appointed member, or duly appointed alternate serving in the stead of a regularly appointed member, shall be entitled to one vote on any matter that may come before the board; provided that no member shall participate in a record of decision of the board until he or she has successfully completed the necessary training required as provided in Chapter 90.80 RCW. The majority vote of quorum present of the board shall be necessary to decide any question.
(Res. 47-08 Attach. A (part), 2008).
2.140.060 Officers.
The elected officers of the board shall be the chairperson and secretary/treasurer. The officers shall be elected at the regular meeting in January of each calendar year and shall hold office until their successors have been elected and qualified. The officers shall qualify as regularly appointed members of the board. The duties of the officers shall be those usually pertaining to their respective office. A chair pro tem can be selected by the board when the chairperson is absent.
(Res. 47-08 Attach. A (part), 2008).
2.140.070 Records and correspondence.
The board shall establish and maintain an official mailing address to receive correspondence and applications, which will be the Mason County Department of Utilities, PO Box 578, Shelton, WA 98584. The secretary/treasurer shall keep a written record of all meetings, resolutions, transactions, findings, and determinations of the board. Said written records shall be public record and shall be available for inspection at reasonable times.
(Res. 47-08 Attach. A (part), 2008).
2.140.080 Application fee.
A fee will be charged by the board to cover all costs of their deliberations. The board shall establish an application fee and professional review fee and it shall be receipted by the Mason County department of utilities and deposited with the Mason County treasurer. The board will review the fees annually to determine that they truly cover the costs to review the applications.
(Res. 47-08 Attach. A (part), 2008).
2.140.090 Registered professionals.
The board shall use the Mason County small works roster to obtain services for registered professionals in the permit review process.
(Res. 47-08 Attach. A (part), 2008).
2.140.100 Travel.
The board shall approve all travel expenses for board commissioners prior to the initiation of travel. The Mason County department of utilities shall voucher any approved expenses. Travel to other conservancy boards is approved to observe meeting protocol as the conservancy board starts its initial work.
(Res. 47-08 Attach. A (part), 2008).
2.140.110 Quasi-judicial hearing.
The review of applications before the board will be conducted as a quasi-judicial hearing. Minutes of board meeting will be kept and all board decisions will be recorded and available for public review.
(Res. 47-08 Attach. A (part), 2008).
2.140.120 Amendments.
The board, on thirty days' written notice to the membership, may amend its by-laws codified in this chapter at any regular or special meeting.
(Res. 47-08 Attach. A (part), 2008).
Chapter 2.144 Sections:
2.144.010 Established– Membership– Function.
2.144.020 Meetings.
2.144.010 Established– Membership– Function.
The board of county commissioners establishes the Oakland Bay clean water district board of directors whose membership shall be the county commissioners and the administrative functions shall be under the direction of the director of public health. The board of directors may appoint up to two ex officio members to the board.
(Res. 48-08 (part), 2008).
2.144.020 Meetings.
The Oakland Bay clean water district board of directors meet a minimum of two times each calendar year.
(Res. 48-08 (part), 2008).
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OFFICE OF HEARING EXAMINER
SERVICE CHARGED BY THE SHERIFF
BURIAL OF INDIGENT PERSONS
MASON COUNTY WATER CONSERVANCY BOARD
OAKLAND BAY CLEAN WATER DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS