2018/02/07 Council Agenda Packet

treatment. Mr. Giffen added that the definition refers to an organization that administers or dispenses on-site. It doesn't address doctor prescriptions that are filled elsewhere and consumed elsewhere. Citizen Comments Victor Harris, 3017 Lombard Avenue, stated that the property values in Metro Everett might have an impact on the cost of treatment because of the location; however, he was curious about the demographics that makes the Metro Everett area so attractive in locating a facility. He felt that there should be a balance of social services throughout Everett, not just in areas north of 41st. He stated that it was important for every neighborhood to carry a part of the burden of the City in regards to treatment facilities, housing, and other needs. Applicant Comments John Berkedal,Therapeutic Health Services (THS), stated that they have spent the last 2 %z years trying to find a site somewhere in North Snohomish County. More than 2 years ago, Snohomish County asked THS to locate a new program based on data that showed where the major populations lived that had addictions to opiates and other issues. They have an existing facility in south Everett,so would like to locate a second facility to the North. They weren't successful in finding a location in Snohomish or Marysville. Mr. Berkedal stated that THS currently treats 850 clients in south Everett. They can't locate another facility in south Everett due to a State requirement regarding proximity of treatment facilities. Their preference is to locate in the Trask Surgery Center,which is located in Metro Everett. According to the data that Snohomish County provided,the highest number of deaths to opiate overdoses have been in the downtown area. He stated that they haven't been able to find a second location that would meet the needs of north Snohomish County residents. Mr. Berkedal stated that THS is a very regulated agency. In order to get a license,they have to develop a transportation plan that shows that clients can easily access the facility that includes proximity to transit services. Currently,they are considering the former Trask Surgery Center on the corner of Pacific and Rucker; however, it is located in Metro Everett where the use isn't allowed. The Trask Surgery Center is right across from the Snohomish Health District and would be relatively easy to renovate for their use. They have had very few Police calls to the site in South Everett. They also have 1-3 people that volunteer as parking lot attendants who make sure that clients don't loiter in the parking area. In response to Commissioner Lark's statement, Mr. Berkedal responded that buprenorphine blocks the pain receptors in the brain and keeps clients from going through withdrawal. It is a very expensive drug in comparison to methadone,which costs about 15 cents a dose by contrast. The clinic doctors determine how much methadone a person will use and then over time the goal is to reduce the amount of methadone that they get while they are in counseling and going through other programs. Eventually the intent is to detox completely. Commission Discussion Commissioner Zelinski asked if the other jurisdictions had zoning codes or other impediments to siting a facility. Mr. Bekedal responded that the city of Snohomish was concerned about taxation. He added