[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6397797,"mediaKeyId","2091257-f234aed2356ec282b5f378cafd1c4622","parentId",2091257,"title","Public Health presents new state consolidated contract and a nearly $958,000 Ecology grant contract for Lost Lake septic replacements","audioSeconds",1819,"startMs",422000,"endMs",2241000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2091257-f234aed2356ec282b5f378cafd1c4622&start=422&end=2241","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2091257-f234aed2356ec282b5f378cafd1c4622/thumbnail_422000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6397797/Thurston-County/Washington/Public-Health-presents-new-state-consolidated-contract-and-a-nearly-958000-Ecology-grant-contract-for-Lost-Lake-septic-replacements","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6397797-95f5dcec9425129de9d8e0000b4241f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167734&Signature=NIzcSKzzJvkhx54PHBFFXQ3D7Av1Drc3mgaSOxEs2dzOhP2I67wdL5AL53Q8QYuZop3TMEqKPhJYsJAQrkB76~7zdQfAabn0-jk9nFq3zPbU71JOoI5nxqEDFp9kQTmM-DmZgfAwSacq~EhBh6mjHxqSaz3p2d4Y~noG74WphmiuX3CtxOzw3ieua8FE9rXCwF99G4yTMewk6iwJWrhemc1F7BNSSH6M9UGvhHfqzYhW5NbhGhXxXTSff4fzefhbKYR7KsWfa1s9Yqg7R5rCN-mbSIJj2B-i7tnQvBeFJotwCO-VCvB8~0VgzlHjPRlL5u7Lciif4ljmRyaPCxFTmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Thurston County, WA","date","2025-01-07T00:00:00Z","article","Dr. Jen Freiheit, director of Public Health and Social Services, briefed commissioners on a new Washington State Department of Health consolidated contract (often called the \"Con Con\") that will cover Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2027. Freiheit said the consolidated contract reestablishes terms and conditions for the statement of work (exhibit A) and the funding and billing provisions (exhibit B) under current state regulations and that amendments are expected over time as the state updates requirements.

Freiheit presented the new consolidated contract as a routine renewal of the statewide contract framework used by county public-health jurisdictions and asked the board to approve it as part of the consent calendar.

Separately, Cesar Long, Environmental Health Division director, discussed a professional services contract with the Lost Lake Resort Condominium Association. Long said the county previously executed two grant agreements with the Washington State Department of Ecology to replace 55 septic connections in the Lost Lake community. The professional services contract would delegate project management authority to the association or its subcontractors for tasks including overseeing the public-bid process, hiring and managing septic installers, and ensuring compliance with the Ecology grant terms. Long said the contract and allowable amendments would be authorized up to the amount of the Ecology grant funding: $957,965.70. Commissioners asked no substantive questions and the items were placed on the consent calendar for the afternoon meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","January 7, 2025 Thurston County Board of County Commissioners Agenda-Setting Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Public Health asked commissioners to approve a new Washington State Department of Health consolidated contract covering 2025–2027 and to authorize a professional-services contract delegating project-management tasks for a Washington State Department of Ecology-funded Lost Lake septic replacement project ($957,965.70).","taxTitle","Thurston County, Washington","taxId",4614,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6397807,"Thurston County details multiple road, bridge and trail projects; county to pay utility relocation costs for Marvin Road upgrade",1118,1327000,2445000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2091257-f234aed2356ec282b5f378cafd1c4622&start=1327&end=2445","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2091257-f234aed2356ec282b5f378cafd1c4622/thumbnail_1327000.jpg","/articles/6397807/Thurston-County/Washington/Thurston-County-details-multiple-road-bridge-and-trail-projects-county-to-pay-utility-relocation-costs-for-Marvin-Road-upgrade","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6397807-c7239a7f9186f3ee9318b4e6433aa5d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167734&Signature=CITihYQ2J3wbVjdZ5vHHRGJ1UyhjbJ6CdVg0gtIz0QYt6j4~FOI90HHZr2K0YIhRdKN-wLKj~vpOJaNv9kGEw-ElDVhE98t3lbo~GlxFtZjgtEHs0wIqjsIs~To2wjd18btOgEKCbvI4-oQyD-93NT~3YqltJmazsDy6stvbaP-d2kP1qJ5s6J~8IzpTgoM1H7SLp0sg2e4l0KYe6hGGOI2EoRW2iNZVKbzmWgSUbY0b~GGsqqgE~cwwov4Pvbl94MmpWIMi4eaQTjf4SACj9MxvaFnD~KjENzLMFN7DWBe8IFR7kGcHoDZRvPpSz3s53~JWSWF-WWTFO2kPbNniZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Thurston County Public Works presented a package of capital projects on Jan. 7 and asked the Board of County Commissioners to authorize a series of contracts and procurement steps for 2025 construction.

Public Works asked the board to authorize a facility relocation agreement with Puget Sound Energy in the amount of $381,362 to relocate transmission poles needed for the Marvin Road Upgrade Phase 2 project. Staff explained the relocation is necessary because a major transmission pole now sits inside newly acquired right-of-way and shifting the pole requires moving additional poles outside the county's right-of-way; because the facilities are off county right-of-way, the county must pay Puget Sound Energy to perform the relocations. Funding for that work will come from transportation impact fees.

Public Works also requested approval of a resolution calling for sealed bids for the Little Rock Road and 113th Avenue bridge and intersection improvements. The existing short-span bridge over Blooms Ditch dates to the 1920s and will be replaced with a 50-foot-long bridge. Staff estimated the construction cost at about $2.9 million and said the county had secured over $2 million in federal funding through the Surface Transportation Block Grant program; the remainder will come from transportation impact fees and the county road fund. In conjunction with the bridge project, staff asked the board to authorize a temporary closure at Blooms Ditch for up to a single 12-week period between July 1 and Oct. 1, 2025. Public Works said the section of Little Rock Road averages about 7,000 vehicles per day, and the required detour would add 12 to 15 minutes and 7.5 miles to trips. Staff said they will prepare a communication plan to notify residents, emergency responders and schools.

The board also heard a request to authorize the county to enter a local agency agreement and project prospectus with the Washington State Department of Transportation for the Mud Bay Road pavement preservation project. Public Works said Thurston County was awarded $3,000,000 in federal funding from the National Highway System Asset Management System to design and construct pavement preservation work on Mud Bay Hill, including ADA upgrades for sidewalks and ramps. Design work will be obligated this year with construction to follow in 2026.

Finally, commissioners were asked to authorize contract execution for the Gate-Belmore Trail Glacial Heritage Phase 1 project. Public Works reported the low responsive bid of $1,084,840 from R.L. Elliott Company of Renton, Washington. The first phase will pave approximately 2.7 miles of trail on a decommissioned railroad grade, build a 10-foot-wide trail and add a parking area with 21 stalls. Funding will come from REET 2 and park impact fees; work is scheduled to begin in spring.

Commissioners asked routine oversight and funding questions; staff said inspection and development services will provide oversight for private-development-constructed roundabouts and that transportation impact fees would fully cover the PSE relocation cost for Marvin Road.","Public Works asked commissioners to authorize several contracts and procurement steps for 2025 projects, including a $381,362 Puget Sound Energy relocation for the Marvin Road upgrade paid from transportation impact fees.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6397812,"Thurston County commissioners ask for contingency planning after state right-of-way funding uncertainty; RFP issuance paused",979,500000,1479000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2091257-f234aed2356ec282b5f378cafd1c4622&start=500&end=1479","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2091257-f234aed2356ec282b5f378cafd1c4622/thumbnail_500000.jpg","/articles/6397812/Thurston-County/Washington/Thurston-County-commissioners-ask-for-contingency-planning-after-state-right-of-way-funding-uncertainty-RFP-issuance-paused","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6397812-6a8db30ebb6745cb3d65ff447b299914/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167734&Signature=mmO6hf0d~~SgCyGwHCAufSu4lwXVEh~7YJ5phQeFD6mHmq~iJypuLtMCrXwydhFJWFvlDdKKrKE~U4IsT-yBWw9sdpxfnCIWN1Ijegupn8ryAkOZxIZ1MjGBNVT8EVt9u93x8pMrKl5I12OwDSI5fd5oE1UXOELEgm7xnJbBYwh5keuJ1ucro1ZmyWiiUEtAjsm~XsG-fOIHEnzWuQ~fPv5~fz0dJ6~UQzIzTwnrsjfjpgTgRBAEDRRkUQ2MmUGHyUJHzSXLw8Doc-R1JWYuO02LZdIqjwUYzvmHwyj6WtWIWP2j~B~ve-ZlNNf4gVUgFiu8AZpaes1IIBntrYMEiw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Thurston County commissioners on Jan. 7 directed staff to prepare contingency scenarios and to postpone action on a major request-for-proposals cycle for housing and homeless services after staff reported uncertainty about state right-of-way funding.

The county's Office of Housing and Homeless Prevention had planned to issue four consolidated RFPs in mid-January for affordable housing capital projects, homeless services, community development block grant (CDBG) awards and the Veterans Emergency Shelter Program. Tom Webster, director of the Office of Housing and Homeless Prevention, told commissioners the RFP schedule had been moved up this year so awards and contracts could be in place by July 1 and come to the board for approval in June.

Webster and county manager Leonard Hernandez said the county received notice at a shared legislative meeting that the right-of-way funding that has supported shelter and transition operations statewide may not appear in the governor's budget as expected. That funding had previously been funded at $75 million statewide. Staff said Department of Commerce officials told county representatives they were seeking $45 million in the governor's proposed budget, which would represent a reduction; the county's historical annual receipts totaled roughly $9 million across the county and city of Olympia. If the $45 million request is approved, Thurston County staff estimated the county's share would be about $5.5 million, leaving a potential $3.5 million shortfall compared with recent years.

Commissioners and staff said the message from the delegation and city leaders was emphatic that the state's budget may not include the prior right-of-way operational funding. Commissioners asked staff to assemble a work session with County Manager Hernandez, Dr. Jen Freiheit (director of Public Health and Social Services) and housing staff to map out scenarios: full funding at various reduced levels, partial funding, and the possibility of no right-of-way funding. The board asked for a clear accounting of current obligations and the county's operating commitments so it can assess options.

Because the RFP cycle has time pressure (Webster said the county typically sees 60 to 70 applications and wanted contracts ready by July 1), commissioners decided to pull the RFP item from the upcoming consent calendar and present the RFPs later after the work session. Commissioner Kelly Mejia and others said the pause should apply only to new funding requests or new projects pending the assessment, not to existing, ongoing contracts.

Commissioners asked staff to provide: a breakdown of current housing and shelter operational obligations; the mix of funding sources (state, federal CDBG, local); the potential service impacts if right-of-way funding is reduced or eliminated; and contingency options to cover critical operations. Staff agreed to return with a work-session presentation and scenario planning.

The commissioners agreed the county would also coordinate with the mayors and the Regional Housing Council so that cities and the county present a unified contingency plan should the state funding not materialize.","Commissioners asked staff to prepare contingency scenarios and postponed issuing some housing RFPs after signals that the state right-of-way funding may be reduced or omitted from the governor's budget. County staff said a partial statewide allocation could leave a roughly $3.5 million shortfall for Thurston County in the best-case projection.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6397802,"Thurston County to partner with Pierce County to process Yelm School District special election ballots while county ballot center is remodeled",347,214000,561000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2091257-f234aed2356ec282b5f378cafd1c4622&start=214&end=561","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2091257-f234aed2356ec282b5f378cafd1c4622/thumbnail_214000.jpg","/articles/6397802/Thurston-County/Washington/Thurston-County-to-partner-with-Pierce-County-to-process-Yelm-School-District-special-election-ballots-while-county-ballot-center-is-remodeled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6397802-694b24138a4ccfce30c31a36cd6d9574/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167734&Signature=ODMp21eIfVIYumHW7vNv147iHKdGGJKo9BtR21kZeGL4XCCVgiNVLlpeODMK1XKZvJomWWKpGaBM8nvGoG78v8kVlQZC~5auJ3~kVCtqueMcVwnNY2MHWUh8v14PRSsCQKpzUhyB6z8YVzMNzifzE~XEbE6lRTCb1lgdozipGX~AFXw8JMmSfZq1V1Dl61GcCjr4eLWsD7CnsKvhNwNjwrQGDsKHn4Jbrd6t--BNjF~-Y4195Nx303~RGtnPgEXaIFQKi7As9z4qZadmk~v87TvVOT3p3aZ9Z2mKWNQJImQceaqgphnHhJBBSGpfA3pIFHnF7plHNnNiFSEoWJrdBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Thurston County's chief deputy auditor, Diana Benson, told commissioners on Jan. 7 that the county will enter an interlocal agreement with the Pierce County Auditor's Office to process ballots for a February 2025 Yelm School District special election while Thurston County's ballot processing center is being remodeled.

Benson said Thurston County will continue to provide voter services locally: a Thurston voting center will remain open, voters will receive a voter pamphlet insert, and Thurston staff will pick up ballots and deliver them to Pierce County for processing. Pierce County will run ballot processing for shared-district voters while Thurston handles voter pickup and local services. Benson said Pierce County has worked previously with Thurston when processing-center issues required interjurisdictional arrangements.

Commissioners asked about equipment and timelines. Benson said the counties both use state-certified systems and that she met with Pierce County elections staff and the Yelm School District to plan for the election. She estimated that the remodeling work on Thurston's ballot processing center should be finished by summer; commissioners asked about contingencies if another election were required in April and Benson said the county had contingency plans using alternate sites and voter services for a small election.

The item was on the consent calendar for the afternoon board meeting for formal approval.","Chief Deputy Auditor Diana Benson told commissioners Thurston County will enter an interlocal agreement with Pierce County to process Yelm School District special election ballots while Thurston's ballot processing center is remodeled; the county's voting center will remain open and ballots will be delivered to Pierce County for processing.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6397792,"Commissioners discuss accountability measures, training and pause on hiring an executive assistant pending fiscal review",0,4232000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2091257-f234aed2356ec282b5f378cafd1c4622&start=4232&end=4232","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2091257-f234aed2356ec282b5f378cafd1c4622/thumbnail_4232000.jpg","/articles/6397792/Thurston-County/Washington/Commissioners-discuss-accountability-measures-training-and-pause-on-hiring-an-executive-assistant-pending-fiscal-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6397792-483b4d6202e252cd70dcc9662fc5c04f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167734&Signature=VNDM-d~VFADILkj5vfqW0wrHIxuhtThFTwxGSbGFy1XLn2nlLZvc7Yp1v-2-XM7ilI60A6a7hFN7LF4Nk-c-06Jcg6HLFls5vauwsneS04ZnmiqMOYOv7~kZVuxsJ~RXCOjZHzwBfCW0cGsSgxs5XZ8trF~3y~i4lt0oonTTr2qxZSYtCfED~kpceGxEoDQKLFNd-GQMtbugstbfX0kL3EBZyqiINnGpQi0NrOJFWxBTlZSrOjDS46sTOn~AuOUMSbSTrDWNBSmkeiJC-Uda-w5~brgcQOyR5QKR3hYv2jTka4Y6KuuuiI0OiCBLuFlMNvgVmB~cd6~i8LzTydHBKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Thurston County commissioners used part of the agenda-setting meeting on Jan. 7 to discuss follow-up from a recently adopted resolution addressing governance and accountability.

Several commissioners said they want to put guardrails in place after the events cited in the resolution, and they discussed possible training and supervisory development for the commissioner identified in the resolution. Commissioner Emily Klaus described a set of risk-pool trainings she had registered for or planned to take, including harassment and retaliation prevention, minimizing workplace gossip, emotional-intelligence development and managing challenging conversations. She said she had not yet registered for one \"supervisor boot camp\" because registration closed and she was seeking an exception.

Commissioners asked County Manager Leonard Hernandez and HR to provide: precise fiscal information on how legal settlements and related expenditures are funded and the current status of those budget lines; historic trends in liability payouts; and the budgetary impact of any settlements the county has paid. Multiple commissioners said they wanted those financial details quickly so they could decide whether to proceed with hiring an executive assistant for a commissioner position.

Commissioner Mike McKeown (note: transcript indicates other commissioners by surname as well) offered temporary assistance from his office staff for interim support while the board awaits information. Commissioners repeatedly emphasized they were not seeking to prejudge personnel decisions but wanted HR and the county manager to recommend objective, verifiable steps for restoring public trust and ensuring consistent hiring practices. The board directed staff to provide the requested fiscal data and to advise on appropriate training and hiring-panel procedures; several commissioners said they were open to empowering HR and the county manager to direct next steps once the information was available.","Commissioners debated next steps after a recent personnel matter: they requested HR and the county manager provide financial details about legal settlements and risk-pool costs, discussed supervisor training options, and agreed to pause a hiring decision for an executive assistant until fiscal information is provided.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public Health presents new state consolidated contract and a nearly $958,000 Ecology grant contract for Lost Lake septic replacements

Thurston County details multiple road, bridge and trail projects; county to pay utility relocation costs for Marvin Road upgrade

Thurston County commissioners ask for contingency planning after state right-of-way funding uncertainty; RFP issuance paused

Thurston County to partner with Pierce County to process Yelm School District special election ballots while county ballot center is remodeled

Commissioners discuss accountability measures, training and pause on hiring an executive assistant pending fiscal review