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Board recommends ordinance changes to align with state code, approves revised bylaws and two noxious-weed treatment plans
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Summary
The Board of Health recommended a county-code revision to align membership rules with state law on tribal representation, approved revised Board bylaws (specifying a 10-member board and adjustments to tribal-term language), and approved treatment plans for Delta Arrowhead (Class A) and a Class B terrestrial weed.
The Thurston County Board of Health on April 14 recommended that the Board of County Commissioners adopt a revised county code to align local membership rules with state law and approved amended Board bylaws and two noxious-weed treatment plans.
Ordinance and bylaws: Staff presented changes prompted by recent state statutory language on tribal membership. Dr. Jen Frey explained the proposed ordinance would reference state code and reduce the number of county-commissioner seats on the board while adding defined city-elected and tribal representative positions. The board voted to recommend the revised county code (county-code section cited in materials as 2.70.10) be forwarded to the County Commissioners for adoption.
The board then reviewed draft bylaws made specific to board composition and operations. Highlights approved by motion included a 10-member board composition, adding one tribal member from each Thurston County tribe (with term-limit details deferred to each tribe), and an operational change to hold work sessions every other month beginning in June to allow deeper topic review. The bylaws motion passed.
Noxious weeds: Kimberly Graham of Environmental Health presented two treatment plans (also called prescriptions). The first addressed Delta Arrowhead (a Class A aquatic noxious weed) found in a limited patch in Deep Lake at Millersylvania State Park; state rules require eradication of Class A species. The second targeted a terrestrial Class B species found on one private property; plan calls for manual control first and chemical treatment if manual measures fail. The board moved and approved both treatment plans.
Why it matters: the ordinance and bylaws changes implement state-directed membership rules and aim to formalize tribal participation; the noxious-weed approvals trigger required eradication and control efforts and begin coordination with state agencies and property owners.
Votes at a glance: the board voted to recommend the revised county code to the Board of County Commissioners, approved the revised Board of Health bylaws, and approved the two noxious-weed treatment plans during the meeting.
