The Courthouse Journal A Joint Publication of the Washington State Association of Counties & Washington Association of County Officials October 6, 2000 Number 24 ************************************** WSAC EASTERN DISTRICT OVERVIEW ************************************** EASTERN DISTRICT ELECTS OFFICERS AND ADOPTS RESOLUTIONS The Eastern District met September 28-29 in Pullman with Whitman County providing an outstanding meeting for over 80 members, affiliate members and guests. Commissioners Hollis Jamison, Nora Mae Keifer and Les Wigen showed the rest of the district a great time. They set up a tour of Schweitzer Engineering Labs in Pullman showing the latest technology for manufacturing high-tech computer boards used in the electrical relay business. They also organized a reception at the WSU Alumni Center and a country barbecue on the WSU campus. The barbecue was held in the Livestock Pavilion, one of the oldest buildings on campus. In fact it was the last event held in the Pavilion, which is scheduled to be torn down this week. The District held their annual election of officers and Joel Jacobsen, Pend Oreille, was elected president. Joan Frey, Klickitat, was elected vice president and Bill Hinkle, Kittitas, was elected Secretary/Treasurer. Dave Carey, Walla Walla, was reelected to the Board of Directors as member-at- large and Neva Corkrum, Franklin, and Max Benitz, Benton, were elected as alternates to the Board. The next fall meeting will be held in East Wenatchee, Douglas County. ************************************** EASTERN DISTRICT MEETING PASSES RESOLUTIONS ON SHORELINES RULES, DAMS In two separate resolutions, the Eastern District of WSAC last week asked the Department of Ecology to refrain from adopting new shorelines guidelines and asked the Seattle City Council to rescind the resolution it passed last month supporting the breaching of Snake River Dams. Similar resolutions are expected to be introduced for adoption by the Western District of WSAC at its meeting in Long Beach this week. Copies of the resolutions adopted by the Eastern District are attached to the back of this Courthouse Journal. ************************************** ELECTION UPDATE ************************************** OFFICIAL PRIMARY RETURNS CHANGE RESULTS IN PIERCE COUNTY After the final official votes were tallied, one race for a WSAC position changed. On election night, Barbara Gelman, Pierce County Assessor/Treasurer was leading in her attempt to be elected to the Pierce County Council. However, after the final absentees were counted and the election certified, Kevin Wimsett won the Democratic primary. He will face Michael Hamilton, Libertarian, in the general election. In the last Courthouse Journal elections article it was not reported that Commissioner Esther Stefaniw, Chelan, had won her primary election and had no general election opponent, effectively assuring her of reelection. Also, it was not reported that Karl McKenzie, Pend Oreille County Commissioner, is retiring. There were no other changes reported in the primary election returns. ************************************** WSAC SUMMER CONVENTION BIDS ************************************** WSAC STATEWIDE MEETING BIDS DUE AT LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE Counties are urged to submit their bids now for the 2003 WSAC Summer Convention. The Summer Convention takes place in June, preferably 1one of the two weeks in mid-June that does not conflict with the Association of Washington Cities annual meeting. The Board of Directors will accept bids up until the Legislative Conference in Pasco, November 15, 2000, and will make a recommendation to the membership at the annual business meeting. The necessary information to prepare a bid on behalf of your county follows below. If your county can meet the minimum bid requirements, you are urged to submit a bid. Convention business is always a welcome economic benefit to local communities. Your local Visitor's Bureau or Chamber of Commerce can assist you in preparing a bid. Association staff members Paul Parker and Kim Zydek are available to answer questions. Room requirements for the Summer Convention will be a minimum of 225 guest rooms and 9 meeting rooms. The Annual Convention is held in June, opening on a Tuesday and ending mid-day Friday. The convention alternates between east and west according to the Association bylaws. In 2003, the convention will be held on the east side of the state. Year Site Year Site 1981 Pasco 1992 Ocean Shores 1982 Kelso 1993 Yakima 1983 Yakima 1994 Bellevue 1984 Everett 1995 Kennewick 1985 Spokane 1996 Kelso 1986 Ocean Shores 1997 Spokane 1987 Richland 1998 Tacoma 1988 Vancouver 1999 Lake Chelan 1989 Yakima 2000 Ocean Shores 1990 Tacoma 2001 Yakima 1991 Wenatchee 2002 Bellevue 2003 ************************************** ENVIRONMENT, LAND USE & RESOURCES ************************************** ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS SUE NMFS FOR FAILING TO PROTECT SALMON The flexible approaches allowed under the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposed 4(d) rule for salmon recovery have led to lawsuits filed in September by environmental groups. The suits could impede the region's efforts to craft a local solution to the federal salmon listing. The lawsuits were filed against the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeking more stringent standards in the way the Endangered Species Act protects Puget Sound chinook and other types of salmon, listed as threatened species in 1999. The lawsuit against NMFS filed by the Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund claims that the agency's salmon conservation plan, required under the act and known by its section name 4(d), would not help restore the threatened Puget Sound chinook salmon and may even make things worse. It alleges that provisions for devising local plans subject to NMFS approval are too vague and allow too many incidental exemptions to "take" (the actual killing or injuring of fish or destruction of their habitat) as a byproduct of approved activities. Under the ESA, the take of a threatened species is strictly prohibited. But 4(d) rules can provide exceptions from the "take prohibition." As proposed by NMFS, the 4(d) rules provide a mechanism to allow local governments, tribes, developers and others to obtain assurances that their activities are permitted under ESA, avoiding the act's potential criminal and civil penalties. Among the activities that can be approved in the 4(d) rules, issued in June and effective in January 2001, are development and road maintenance. Forest management in Washington is also included and would be guided by the "forests and fish" plan negotiated earlier by the state and timber industries, and approved by the Legislature. Besides the suit against NMFS, the lawsuit against the EPA takes an additional tack, seeking to invalidate "forests and fish" as being in violation of the federal Clean Water Act. The lawsuit against NMFS strikes directly at the local flexibility that is the impetus for the Tri-County process led by King, Pierce and Snohomish counties, and including environmental and business representatives to tailor 4(d) rules for the urbanized Puget Sound region. Those rules would then be submitted to NMFS for approval. In a story in the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce, Curt Smitch, the Governor's special assistant for natural resources, said that despite the lawsuits the state will not back away from developing flexible local approaches. The legal actions, he said, are "picking on the people that come forward" with something innovative, like the local and state salmon recovery plans. "We're not going to get there with the old command-and-control strategy. We can figure out a better way on the ground, at the local level," Smitch said. "The governor is very much in favor of these local solutions." ************************************** CONSERVANCY BOARDS AUTHORITY LIMITED BY THURSTON COUNTY JUDGE Last month, Thurston County Superior Court Judge Daniel J. Berschauer limited the scope of authority of Water Conservancy Boards in a lawsuit brought against the Department of Ecology (DOE) by two environmental groups. Now, requests for reconsideration have been filed by developers and at least one Eastern Washington city which had planned to rely on transfers of existing water rights to meet its water supply needs. Redmond-based Trendwest Resorts Inc., which needs more than two million gallons a day for a planned 6,225-acre resort in Kittitas County, has filed an emergency petition asking to intervene in the lawsuit and urging Judge Berschauer to reconsider. A similar emergency petition was filed by Warden, a small and growing town in Grant County. "If this ruling is upheld, our city will become a ghost town," said Mike Thompson, city administrator for Warden, in a copyrighted story in the Wall Street Journal. "We need to be able to buy agricultural water rights and use them to supplement our municipal water supply, and we need to do it immediately if we're going to survive." The lawsuit filed by the Center for Environmental Law and Policy and the Washington Environmental Council claimed that Ecology had given too much power to water conservancy boards, which were authorized by the Legislature in 1997 to help Ecology process requests for water rights transfers and changes of use. Conservancy boards have been established in 17 counties and have been expected to help process certain water rights decisions much more quickly. Board rulings are forwarded to DOE, which has 45 days to review them. Decisions can be appealed to the Pollution Control Hearings Board. In his bench ruling, Judge Berschauer appeared to agree with plaintiffs that Governor Locke's veto of a portion of the authorizing legislation allowed conservancy boards to process transfers of water rights, but not changes in use. Ecology had attempted to return to the Boards through rulemaking some of the explicit authority given to the Boards that the veto had removed. Environmentalists are claiming a major victory. "We've closed a loophole that developers can use to get water without proper scrutiny," said Rob Caldwell, Director of the Seattle-based Center for Environmental Law and Policy. The Wall Street Journal quotes DOE as maintaining that the state "firmly supports how the boards function" and "strongly believes local governments should be involved in water management." Because Judge Berschauer ruled from the bench, the Department of Ecology and the plaintiffs must submit a document summarizing their understanding of his decision. Judge Berschauer will then formulate a formal, written decision from that material, or -- if DOE and the environmental groups submit drastically different opinions -- schedule a hearing. No firm deadlines have been set for such steps. First, the judge must deal with the emergency petitions filed by Warden, Trendwest and four landowners. Lawyers for the six petitioners are scheduled to appear before Judge Berschauer Friday, when they will ask him to allow them to argue that his decision was wrong. If the judge agrees, Warden, Trendwest and the four landowners would gain the right to appeal if they don't like his final decision. If Judge Berschauer denies the bids to intervene and issues a written decision consistent with his oral ruling, the Department of Ecology will have several options: comply with the court by changing how the water conservancy boards operate; appeal the ruling to a higher court; or ask the Legislature to pass a new law giving the boards broader powers. ************************************** NEW PUGET SOUND WATER QUALITY PLAN OUT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT The Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team is seeking comments now through November 6th on its draft 2000 Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan which sets new state strategies for protecting, restoring and enhancing Puget Sound. "Puget Sound will face tremendous ecological pressure over the next decade as more people move into the basin. The houses, roads, jobs and recreation needed to sustain a growing population will place strains on the Sound and its natural resources," said Nancy McKay, chair of the Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team. "The draft 2000 management plan provides ways to accommodate growth while reducing impacts to the Sound." The Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan is considered the state's framework for managing and protecting the Sound and for coordinating the roles and responsibilities of federal, state, tribal and local governments. The management plan was last updated in 1996. The draft 2000 management plan adds two new programs and significantly amends two others to address emerging issues and incorporate new approaches. The programmatic changes proposed in the 2000 management plan are: Adding: PUGET SOUND/GEORGIA BASIN SHARED WATERS PROGRAM To promote and coordinate efforts in Washington and British Columbia to ensure protection, conservation and enhancement of the shared resources of the inland marine waters. AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES PROGRAM To prevent the introduction of nonnative species to Puget Sound and to control the spread of aquatic nuisance species already introduced. Updating: STORMWATER AND COMBINED SEWER OVERFLOWS PROGRAM Explores new measures to protect and restore salmon; encourages innovative development practices; and addresses implementation and enforcement of stormwater programs. MARINE AND FRESHWATER HABITAT PROGRAM Combines the Wetlands Protection, and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Protection Programs. Incorporates watershed actions for protection of fish, shellfish and other species, establishes scientific benchmarks for the recovery of wetlands and habitat, and addresses the cumulative loss and alteration of shoreline habitat. The 2000 Puget Sound Water Quality Management Plan is available on the Action Team's website http://www.wa.gov/puget_sound where you can comment online. If you do not have Internet access, need a printed copy, or a copy in an alternative format, please contact the Action Team at 1-800-54-SOUND. Written comments can be submitted to: Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team, Attn: Steve Tilley, Planning Manger, P.O. Box 40900 Olympia, WA 98504- 0900. Comments must be received by 5 p.m. on November 6, 2000. ************************************** SNOHOMISH COUNTY SEEKS INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS Snohomish County is inviting housing developers to change the county's own rules. County Councilman Dave Somers sponsored the new program in response to growing scientific evidence that traditional land development methods can result in tremendous costs from creating too much impervious (paved) surfaces. "We want to encourage more new and creative ways to handling stormwater than our building codes and site developments currently provide," said Somers. "Some of the county's own rules for drainage, road-building and other construction techniques can increase downstream water quantity and quality problems by the amount of impervious or paved surfaces created," said Somers. "We want to demonstrate building and site techniques that reduce or eliminate surface water run-off." Run-off from traditional types of urban development brings with it increased downstream flooding and more water quality problems. "We all depend upon healthy watersheds," said Somers. "Chinook salmon are only the most visible species being affected right now. All species are affected, as well as downstream property owners." Earlier this year at Somers' request the County Council authorized a project asking for demonstration developments. The goal is to keep up to 100 percent of a housing development's new drainage discharge from leaving the site. The county program aims to get designers to be creative in using new technology and to encourage developers to leave existing trees and ground cover and add more vegetation where possible to help increase on- site infiltration, thus reducing the amount of impervious and compacted ground surfaces. In exchange, the county will consider deviating from many of its regulations, including road and building requirements, drainage systems, and other typical site development regulations. Snohomish County Executive Bob Drewel also supports the new program. "We know that current building practices aren't as environmentally friendly as they could be," said Drewel, "and we're hoping this demonstration program will encourage innovative ideas for improvements." The county will not change allowable density. No additional housing units beyond existing zoning rules would be allowed under the demonstration program. A selection committee composed of planning, engineering, academic and community representatives will review project proposals and recommend deviations from existing county regulations. Projects must demonstrate that a significant (70 - 100 percent) reduction of onsite drainage will result from the design. A recorded site plan will ensure that future owners keep both the built and natural features of the site intact. The county will document projects' drainage performance over time to see if estimated benefits actually occur, and to show which rule changes in the future would be the most beneficial to watersheds. The program is one of the first of its kind in the country. The county will accept up to five demonstration projects and assign a special review team to coordinate all county permitting. For more information and a copy of the reduced drainage program rules and selection process, please contact Randy Sleight, Chief Engineering Officer, Snohomish County Department of Planning & Development Services, phone (425) 388-3424, ext 2014, email: Randy.Sleight@co.snohomish.wa.us. ************************************** WESTERN WASHINGTON STORMWATER MANUAL OUT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT The Washington Department of Ecology is asking for public comments on its final draft of the Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington, a guidance manual to help municipalities, industries and construction companies manage stormwater runoff and prevent water pollution. Decades of paving roads, constructing houses and buildings, and cutting down trees have resulted in a significant challenge to manage storm water, or polluted runoff. Stormwater runoff in urban areas drastically changes streams and wetlands and causes flooding. In addition, because land has been paved for business centers and neighborhoods, less storm- water seeps into ground water and streams, which results in less water in lakes and rivers for salmon. Ecology worked with technical staff from governments, businesses, environmental groups and other organizations to revise the manual, which has gone through several drafts and public reviews during the past few years. The revised manual has more current technical information and techniques, is easier to use and is applicable to all of Western Washington. The manual is not an enforceable document, but its requirements and best management practices are frequently required through ordinances and rules established by local governments and through permits and issued by local, state, and federal authorities. A final comment opportunity on the manual is available at a workshop on October 17 at Ecology headquarters in Lacey from 1:30-5 p.m. Ecology hopes to have a final Western Washington manual available by January 2001. The agency also is working with people in Eastern Washington to develop a manual specific to managing stormwater in rural, drier areas. That version should be completed in December 2002. For a copy of the manual, visit: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/manual.html ************************************** WATER POLICY ALLIANCE OPPOSES REWRITE OF WATER LAWS The Washington Water Policy Alliance, a coalition of water users from business, agriculture and local governments, has written legislative leaders asking that they reject a request to participate in a "five corners" effort to rewrite Washington's water rights laws. The letter says, in part: "The underlying concepts behind our water right laws have remained fundamentally unchanged since before statehood. In recent years, however, Ecology has been shifting its interpretations of these long-standing laws in both court cases and in how they issue, deny or condition water rights. Their desired direction appears to be a reduction in water use in the state for domestic, agricultural and economic use and an increase for environmental use. We are not opposed to looking at ways to increase water for environmental use within the confines of existing law. The Watershed Planning Act requires such an effort. We believe that this goal can be achieved without rewriting the water code. "We would suggest rather than initiating a review of the entire water code, that the Legislature identify specific areas where it would be helpful to give the administration legislative instruction on the original intent of the law and to address other issues on an individual basis. We need proper and consistent implementation of existing law coupled with improved administrative efficiencies. "In closing, we remain committed to working with the Legislature and the administration on improving Washington's water resources management system within the framework of our existing law." ************************************** HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES ************************************** FLU VACCINE DELAYED THIS YEAR Delays in receiving flu vaccine this year are caused by a problem in production. Usually, flu shot clinics begin early in October, but shipping delays and partial order shipments may cause later clinics than usual. Eventually, all the orders will be filled, but the major campaigns will likely kick off later in the year. The federal government is recommending that the first batches of flu vaccine to arrive be given first to those who could face severe illness or even death if they catch the flu. Primarily these folks are senior citizens and those with compromised immune systems or other severe health problems. The delays are caused by a national problem in manufacturing a safe virus to handle one of the three strains of flu that will be out there this year. Even though the vaccine is arriving later than usual, the State Department of Health says that the vaccine should be available well before the brunt of the flu season begins. For 14 of the past 18 years, major flu outbreaks here and across the country have occurred in January, February and March. With 75 million doses being produced nationally this year, there will be enough to go around eventually. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone age 50 and older get a flu shot each year. It takes two to four weeks after the shot to build up immunity to the virus. ************************************** HIV AFFECTING MORE MINORITIES Blacks and Hispanics accounted for nearly 70 percent of new HIV infections from July 1999 to June of this year, a striking change in what was once known as a disease of gay white men, the U.S. Surgeon General said. High school dropouts, former inmates and the homeless are disproportionately black and Hispanic and they are the hardest to reach in prevention campaigns. Of the estimated 40,000 new infections over the 1999-2000 period, blacks accounted for more than 50 percent and Hispanics accounted for 19 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The State Department of Health has said that while the number of AIDS cases overall has declined in Eastern Washington, the proportion of women and Hispanics who are diagnosed with the disease has increased. Hispanic women are in a sort of double-risk category. From 1996 - 2000, 91 percent of all people diagnosed with AIDS in Eastern Washington were men and 9 percent women. Among Hispanics, 85 percent were men and 15 percent women. Maria Courogen, DOH, stated, "Hispanic people may more often end up in the AIDS diagnosed group because they don't have access to health care. In Eastern Washington, there needs to be more targeting (for preventive education). There are some different issues - migratory farm workers and language and cultural barriers." Women, too, need more education about protecting themselves from AIDS infection, she said. Improved access to health care and a renewed push to educate minority groups could slow the rate of new infections, Surgeon General David Satcher said. At the same time a report prepared by the Institute of Medicine, an arm of the National Academy of Sciences, stated that a slowing of the AIDS epidemic has led to complacency. "Improved treatments may have contributed to a false sense of security and a dangerous complacency, but the need for prevention has not diminished one bit," warned Dr. Harvey Feinberg, provost of Harvard University and co-chairman of the committee that prepared the report. While the spread of AIDS among gay men has declined over the last 15 years, there has been an increase among women, minorities and adolescents, according to the report. The report called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to establish a system to identify new HIV infections. Rather than trying to count every newly infected person, the report suggested estimating the number of new infections by testing a sample of those at the highest risk, such as people visiting clinics specializing in sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis or substance abuse. The report also stressed the need for increased prevention programs. ************************************** CHILDREN'S ORAL HEALTH FUNDING Congress passed a children's health bill that, for the first time, establishes a grant program to promote the oral health of young children. The provision is aimed at preventing dental caries in infants, toddlers and preschoolers who are covered by Medicaid, SCHIP, or other federal health programs. The legislation authorizes funding for 5 years through Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) grants to dental schools, community dental programs or Indian Health Services programs. The grant funding will become available in fiscal year 2002 (October 2001 to September 2002). This grant program will allow all kinds of creative programs and collaborations that identify high risk kids and work with them and their families to prevent or suppress disease. The suggested funding is $10 million per year. These prevention programs hold strong promise to eradicate the disparities between poor and affluent kids in the U.S., especially when combined with efforts to reform Medicaid programs, build a cadre of dentists trained to treat young children, and develop a strong liaison with others who work with children and their health care. ************************************** POVERTY STILL BEING FELT IN WASHINGTON Census data show that the number of Americans living in poverty is declining, but demand at local food banks indicate that poverty is still being felt here in Washington. "I think part of this issue is how do you define poverty," said Peter Berliner, executive director of The Children's Alliance in Seattle. "Poverty is defined as so low in income that people well above the federal poverty level can't meet their basic needs." A federal report recently released shows that Washington State had the eighth-highest prevalence of hunger in the nation. "Statistics often portray an average," Berliner. "We continue to see rising use of food banks. There are lots of people in need." During the first eight months of 2000 over 235,000 individuals were served in Snohomish County's 19 community food banks. Demand is up 6 percent for the fiscal year ending June 30th. What they are hearing from folks who use the food banks is that they are, indeed, transitioning from welfare to work, but they are more dependent on food banks than they were before because as they leave welfare, they often lose part or all of their food stamp benefits. One positive note cited by Berliner was the federal earned income tax credit, which can give families cash that puts them over the poverty line and puts food on the table. ************************************** DOH SEEKING COMMENTS ON DRAFT INTENDED USE PLAN FOR THE DRINKING WATER STATE REVOLVING LOAN FUND The Department of Health wants to know what people think about how the agency plans to use money from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program. The public comment period has begun on the draft intended use plan. The draft plan explains how the state proposes to use $28.2 million of state and federal funds to make low-interest loans to public water systems for capital construction projects. It includes a draft prioritized list of projects that may be offered assistance. The Department received applications for more than $71 million of eligible projects for the current funding year. The State of Washington is seeing success with its Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program. Washington is a national leader in launching this important funding source and getting the money out to public water systems. More than $86 million in loans have been committed to drinking water infrastructure improvements in Washington since this program was introduced in 1997. "Safe, reliable drinking water is critical to the long-term health and economic vitality of Washington's communities," said Gregg Grunenfelder, director of the Division of Drinking Water. "The Drinking Water State Revolving fund makes sure much needed repairs and upgrades to protect people's health are within the financial reach of water systems statewide." Directing federal funds to states for these low-interest loans was a key provision of the 1996 amendments to the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. The goal of this funding source is to provide loans to water systems for capital improvements that increase public health protection and compliance with drinking water regulations. The Department of Health, the Public Works Board, and the Board's administrative agent, the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, administer Washington's program jointly. Comments must be submitted in writing to the Department by Monday, October 23, 2000. Testimony will also be accepted at a public hearing in Tumwater, on Tuesday, October 17, 2000. All comments submitted during the public review period and public hearing will be summarized, responded to, and incorporated into a final intended use plan. The final intended use plan will be submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for approval. Once approved, the final intended use plan will be available to anyone requesting a copy. It will also be posted on the Internet. For more information about the draft intended use plan or the public hearing, visit the Department's website at http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/dw, or contact Chris Gagnon at (360) 236-3095, e-mail: chris.gagnon@doh.wa.gov. ************************************** LAW & JUSTICE ************************************** WASHINGTON'S JUVENILE COURTS: LEADING FOR CHANGE (SUBMITTED BY DICK CARLSON, PRESIDENT, WASHINGTON ASSOCIATION OF JUVENILE COURT ADMINISTRATORS, AND SNOHOMISH COUNTY JUVENILE COURT ADMINISTRATOR) Over the course of the past 3 years, Washington's juvenile courts have been quietly, but effectively, working together to change the face of their probation programs. Changing laws, new social dynamics, lagging resources, and recognition of a need to question the traditional ways in which probation has been performed, have led the Washington Association of Juvenile Court Administrators and its membership to look for new and innovative approaches. While new laws have been the most consistent response to juvenile crime over the past decade, the juvenile courts turned instead to a re-examination of their mission, and the best way to accomplish it. Because juvenile courts are county entities, the Washington Association of Juvenile Court Administrators has become a focal point for this discussion. The effort here in Washington has been unique in the un- precedented level of cooperation and collaboration between all 39 of the juvenile court jurisdictions. Adopting a position that an accurate assessment is a critical first step toward successful interventions with juvenile offenders, the Association worked closely with Dr. Marilyn Van Deiten, a nationally recognized expert, and Dr. Barney Barnoski of the Washington State Institute for Public Policy, to develop and validate a risk assessment tool. They also worked with a private vendor to develop software to use in administration of the tool, and data gathering. Almost simultaneously, the Association's members began work on identification of programs shown to be effective in reducing re-offense behaviors, and implementing them in each jurisdiction. Again, the Institute for Public Policy and the state Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration worked as partners with the courts in this effort. The ultimate goals are three-fold: reduce re-offense behavior; make the best possible use of limited resources; and reduce long-term costs to the community associated with repeat offenders. With the latter, it's believed that if efforts are directed to proven forms of intervention, the costs to house and adjudicate offenders at a later date will be reduced. As a result of this effort, and by the end of November, all juvenile probation officers in Washington (over 700 people) will have been trained in the use of the risk assessment tool and in a complementary case management system. The tool is currently being validated and is already serving in many courts as a way to "triage" cases and maximize staff resources. Programs shown to reduce re-offending are in place in almost all jurisdictions. Aggression Replacement Training (ART), Functional Family Therapy (FFT), Multi-systemic Therapy (MST), and Coordination of Services have now been in place for almost two years. The outcomes of these programs are under analysis and will serve to guide future decisions around how best to intervene to change the cycle of offending. Having accomplished this, the juvenile courts are now focusing their efforts on "institutionalizing" the changes, and turning their attention in new directions. Among the initiatives under consideration are expanding the "pool" of proven programs, (in order to provide more flexibility to communities), and a look at the manner in which state and county juvenile justice functions are organized and coordinated. A better coordinated, efficient, and effective juvenile justice system is the over-arching goal. There will be a presentation on the risk assessment model at WSAC's Fall Legislative Conference in Pasco between November 15 - 17. ************************************** COURT REFORM PROJECT DEVELOPING FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS Project 2001, Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Guy's court reform effort, is nearing completion of its summer-long review of how to improve the court system in Washington state. The five major workgroups issued reports September 25 regarding case management, jurisdiction and portability of cases/judges, trial court administration, domestic relations, and unenforced warrants. The full Project 2001 Committee will meet October 16 and 17 to finalize its recommendations for the 2001 Legislature. WSAC and WACO members and staff have participated regularly in the various workgroups and their subcommittees as well as the full Project 2001 committee. This level of county involvement has helped the other participants become more sensitive to concerns about fiscal impacts to counties, which seems to be reflected in at least some of the workgroup reports. However, among the group's preliminary recommendations reported in September, several still could present fiscal concerns for county officials. One of these is a proposal to shift certain court functions, e.g. name changes, out of the courts and assign them as an administrative function to the executive branch. Another proposal would redefine some felony property offenses as misdemeanors thus shifting Superior Court and state Department of Corrections responsibilities to the county District Courts and jails. A third potentially problematic proposal would require a minimum number of courthouse facilitators in each county with enhanced training requirements for each facilitator. This last proposal includes a partial - but not complete - funding mechanism that would provide some state funding and increase surcharges on filing fees. On the other hand, another proposal could assist counties, cities and local judicial officers in achieving the most flexible and efficient use of judicial and administrative resources within their particular county. While not mandating specific activities, the proposal would authorize and partially fund "trial court coordinating councils" for each judicial district that would involve local policy-making officials, judges, prosecutors, defenders and others in identifying how various courts and administrative services could coordinate or even consolidate some functions. Examples of such "functional consolidation" that already are occurring are combined administration of Yakima County superior and district courts, use of King County District Court judges as judges pro tem in Superior Court, and countywide jury operations in several counties. WSAC has sent written comments to the Project 2001 members on the above- noted issues and others. Copies of the full comment document are available from WSAC law and justice staff Sophia Byrd at sbyrd@wacounties.org or 360- 753-1886. As the final recommendations take shape, they will be presented for discussion at the WSAC Legislative Steering Committee. ************************************** FYI ************************************** PAYING PROPERTY TAXES JUST GOT E-Z: WHATCOM COUNTY JOINS FORCES WITH EZGOV TO PROVIDE SECURE ONLINE TAX PAYMENT OPTION (SUBMITTED BY JENNIFER MCCOLLUM, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR EZGOV) BELLINGHAM, WA September 27, 2000 - Whatcom County, Washington announced today that online payment of property taxes is now a reality for the area's 56,000 property owners. The county's online property tax payment service allows citizens to view property tax records, pay taxes and track payments. This is the first fully integrated online tax payment service in the state of Washington, and is being made available to Whatcom County through a partnership with EzGov, Inc., the country's leading e-government software provider. "Whatcom County is always seeking to provide efficient and responsive services to our community," stated Whatcom County Executive Pete Kremen. The Executive's Office was able to secure Whatcom County participation in a nationwide demonstration project through the National Association of County Officials. "By partnering with EzGov, Whatcom County is responding to the needs of our citizens while demonstrating the value of e-government technology." "We are committed to providing as many convenient payment options as possible, and being able to pay taxes over the Internet is just one way to do that" said Whatcom County Treasurer Barbara Cory. "We want to encourage our taxpayers to pay online and not stand in line." The online property tax payment service works by allowing property owners to search for tax information by either street address or parcel number. The system is secure and reliable, with the highest level of encryption available. Property owners are prompted to enter the name of their bank and account number to create a secure online check that will be debited directly from the owner's account. An instant confirmation of payment is then delivered to the property owners, who can print it out to save for their records. Those choosing to pay their taxes online will be charged a $4 fee per payment. There is no fee to access property tax information. Access to the service is through http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/treasurer/home.htm. "E-government is changing the way citizens and businesses interact with their government," said EzGov Chairman Bryan Mundy. "EzGov provides our government customers software solutions that are secure, easy-to-use and tailored to the county's needs, while giving its citizens anytime, anywhere access to government information and services." With more than 60 customers across 16 states, EzGov is the leading e- government technology company, building the software that enables government to become more efficient and better serve citizens and businesses. From delivery and implementation of portal and e-transactional software, to professional services that help government agencies define an e-government strategy, EzGov provides a comprehensive foundation for e- government. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, EzGov can be found on the Internet at www.ezgov.com. ************************************** MEETINGS & CONFERENCES ************************************** AGRICULTURE AND WATER QUALITY CONFERENCE The Far West Agribusiness Association, WSU Cooperative Extension, USDA, the Washington Environmental Council and numerous other organizations are co- sponsors of a Conference on Water Quality and Agriculture scheduled for October 24 and 25 in Eugene, Oregon. Topics include irrigation management, nutrient management, nursery management and sustainable agriculture. For more information, call 509-465-5055. ************************************** COUNTIES AND CITIES HOLD EASTERN WASHINGTON WATER SUMMIT A number of counties and cities in Eastern Washington are convening a "Water Summit" on October 19 and 20 in Wenatchee to meet and discuss stormwater, water rights and ESA implementation. Registration is $125. Registration fee includes continental breakfast, lunch program, morning and afternoon breaks. A number of legislators are expected to attend. To register now, call Dawnee Robins at the City of West Richland at (509) 967-3431. ************************************** COURTHOUSE RAMBLINGS ************************************** Former Cowlitz County Commissioner Richard "Dick" Maruhn, Sr. of Kalama died October 3, 2000 at the Hospice Care Center in Longview. Mr. Maruhn was elected Cowlitz County Commissioner in 1984 and served until 1992. During his tenure he assisted fellow Commissioner Van Youngquist in getting federal money for the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway while protecting the Mt. St. Helens blast area for the education and enjoyment of future generations. Mr. Maruhn was an active member of the Longview Elks Lodge No. 1514 serving as exalted ruler in 1979. He also served on the Kalama City Council for six years and was voted mayor of Kalama, a post he held for two years. A memorial service was held October 6. Memorial contributions can be made to the Community Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 2067, Longview, WA 98632-8189. ************************************** JOBS ************************************** The Okanogan County Office of Planning & Development is seeking to fill the position of Associate Planner. The successful candidate will be responsible for processing all land division applications in the County. Extensive knowledge of subdivision rules and procedures preferred. Must have experience working with zoning, subdivision, critical areas, floodplain, shorelines, GMA, and SEPA. Also perform other duties as assigned. Must have B.S. or B.A. in planning or related field, and a minimum of two-years progressively responsible experience. Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ArcView preferred. Salary $2,397-$2,571/mo. DOE. Submit letter of interest and statement of qualifications to: Okanogan County Office of Planning and Development, Attn: Rusty Bonser, Director, P.O. Box 1009, Okanogan, WA, 98840. Closes 5 p.m., November 6, 2000. EOE ***** Director of Building & Planning, City of Colville - Salary Range: $3,691.56 to $3,840.70. Closing Date: October 31, 2000. For further information please contact (509) 684-5094 or hpannell@colville.wa.us. ***** Civil Engineer-Surface Water Manager - Island County Public Works has a full time Civil Engineer-Surface Water manager position. Duties include but are not limited to developing and coordinating surface water plans and managing Watershed Implementation Activities and Salmon Recovery program. BS in Engineering, PE preferred. Island County application required. Call (360) 679-7372, So. Whidbey (360) 321-5111, ext 7372. EOE ***** Engineering Services Manager - The Pacific County Department of Public Works (DPW) has an opening for an Engineering Services Manager. This position serves as an important member of the DPW management team. The successful candidate will be responsible to plan, organize, direct and monitor the activities of the Engineering Services Division. Nine employees currently staff the Division. Minimum qualifications include a BS degree in civil engineering, or closely related field; plus four years of progressively responsible experience in an engineering position with at least one of these years as a manager or supervisor of a discrete work division; or demonstrated equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Certification as an engineer-in-training, or ability to obtain within twelve months of hire is required. Registration as a professional engineer is preferred. A valid driver's license is required at the time of hire. Starting annual salary: up to $50K, plus benefits. DOQ. Call (360) 875-9368 for application packet and complete position description or visit the Pacific County website at www.co.pacific.wa.us. To assure consideration, applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on October 23, 2000. However, the position will remain open until filled. Pacific County is an equal opportunity employer. ***** The Grays Harbor County Assessor's Office has an opening for a Real Property Appraiser with a salary range of $2,773 - $3,314. Responsibilities include: Fair market appraisals of residential property, apartment buildings, neighborhood stores, businesses, rural and urban land parcels. Must have good communication skills. Two year degree or applicable experience; Valid WSDL and Real Property Appraiser Accreditation and/or Certification. Testing of qualifications will be administered as a part of the interview process. Background checks and a copy of driving record will be conducted prior to employment. Applications and a complete job description may be obtained from GHC Management Services, 3rd Floor Admin. Bldg. Suite 33, P.O. Box 790, Montesano, WA 98563, (360) 249-4144 or you may visit our website at www.co.grays-harbor.wa.us. Position to remain open until filled. Grays Harbor County Is An Equal Opportunity Employer. ***** The Grant County Health District is seeking a Health Educator I or II to work in the area of preventive health, including tobacco prevention and nutrition education. This is a full time position with full benefits. A baccalaureate degree in health education or a related field is preferred. Appropriate relevant work experience may be substituted for educational requirements. Bilingual Spanish-speaking preferred. Applications are available at the Grant County Health District, 2021 W. Broadway, Moses Lake, WA 98837 and the Grant County Courthouse, PO Box 37, Ephrata, WA 98823. Applications are due at either office by 5 PM, Monday, October 16th. Call 509-754-6060, ext. 26 for more information. **** END **** _______________________________ 1 I have left a voice mail message with DeAnn over at Cities asking if AWC has set a date for 2003 Summer Conference yet. Hopefully she'll get right back to me.