Skip to content

06/27/22 08 AM: BOCC Tackles Roe Fallout, Forests, Housing, Burn Ban, DNR Strategy

BOCC Tackles Roe Fallout, Forests, Housing, Burn Ban, DNR Strategy

Jefferson County Commissioners meeting covered Roe v. Wade reactions, public comments on forests and housing ordinances, consent agenda approval, COVID/heat updates, supportive housing plans, burn ban resolution, conservation funding, courthouse security, ordinance reviews, no-shooting area, DNR timber strategy, and board vacancies. Key actions: burn ban approved, DNR letter sent, housing permitting path set.

Opening Remarks and Public Comment on National and Local Issues

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:09–00:34:56 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other, planning

Summary

Chair opened the meeting with comments on the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision, expressing devastation over impacts on women's healthcare choices; other commissioners added support for local public health efforts and proclamations to preserve choice. Public comment period until 9:30 featured speakers on DNR forest conservation (high conservation values, carbon offsets, Pennywise sale), temporary housing ordinance revisions (IRC Appendix Q requirements), Supreme Court rulings, and prior 2011 forest planning efforts. Commissioners responded, appreciating input and noting agenda items for DNR forests and ordinance discussions later.

Key Discussion Points

  • Chair: Devastated by Roe v. Wade overturn; close young women afraid despite WA safe harbor.
  • Commissioner (unspecified): Public health considering proclamation; stressing unwanted children costs.
  • Jessica: DNR meeting on high conservation values (species diversity, ecosystem health); small stands (<100 acres) ineligible for carbon offsets; Pennywise back for July BNR decision; long-term view needed as only 9.3% public lands conserved.
  • Vicki Sonntag: Request revisit June 13 temporary housing ordinance; Section 4 requires IRC Appendix Q or L&I label, making Peters Place non-compliant; contradicts temporary shelter definition.
  • Jean: Supreme Court erosion of rights; advocate expanding birth control access.
  • Mary Jean Ryan: Thanks for DNR letters; suggest updating 2011 "Forests for the Future" plan.
  • Joanne Heron/Fate: Resend Pennywise letter; use CPU offer for priorities; keep reconveyance option.
  • Patricia Jones: DNR co-management offer; guidance on harvest: prioritize plantations, defer older forests, ecological thinning no herbicides; defer Pennywise Unit 7 permanently.
  • Commissioners: Appreciate input; new carbon info; review 2011 plan; ordinance edits possible; local response to Roe.

Public Comments

  • Jessica: DNR conservation tools; small stands ineligible; long-term view.
  • Vicki Sonntag/Port Townsend: Revisit ordinance Section 4 IRC requirements.
  • Jean: Supreme Court threats to rights; expand birth control.
  • Mary Jean Ryan/Tuatua Peninsula: Update 2011 Forests for the Future plan.
  • Fate/Port Townsend: Resend Pennywise letter; priorities; reconveyance.
  • Patricia Jones: DNR harvest guidance; defer Pennywise Unit 7.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public comment closed at 9:30; responses noted for later agenda items.
  • Next Steps: DNR forests discussion afternoon; temporary housing ordinance later.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:28:55–00:31:18 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, budgeting, contracts, personnel

Summary

Consent agenda approved unanimously without items pulled; included public health efforts, flood control system contractor award, Port Hadlock sewer grinder pump investigations using local expertise, Cedar Ave pedestrian/bike change orders, and advisory board appointments including Bob Davis to Housing Fund Board.

Key Discussion Points

  • Chair: Excited for Bob Davis on Housing Fund Board; grinder pump "sexy" with local expertise.
  • Commissioner: Flood control contractor long-awaited; good work overall.
  • Limited discussion; item addressed primarily through supporting materials.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Agenda packet items: public health, flood control, Port Hadlock sewer, Cedar Ave changes, appointments.

Financials

No specific figures discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Consent agenda adopted.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes).

COVID-19 and Heat Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:45:02–01:16:22 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, services

Summary

Dr. Barry reported high COVID transmission but no spike in severe disease; Jefferson County cases 4,657 (976/100k, 14% positivity, 134 hospitalizations, 30 deaths); transitioning to weekly Monday updates; pediatric vaccines starting early July. Variants BA.2, BA.4/5 more transmissible but vaccines/masks effective; personal risk assessment emphasized. Willie Vince noted recent heat event low risk with overnight cooling; upcoming severe weather sheltering workshop; wildfire season reminders.

Key Discussion Points

  • Dr. Barry: No hospitalizations; Clallam 13,544 cases; weekly updates; pediatric vaccines at JHC/JCPH; healthcare strain from Paxlovid, staff infections.
  • Willie Vince: Heat risk low; workshop July; defensible space, burn ban discussion.
  • Commissioners: Ongoing impacts, variants, masking, heat filtration.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • No action taken; item was informational.
  • Next Steps: Weekly COVID updates Mondays; severe weather workshop.

Pathway to Permanent Supportive Housing (Casual Brown Village)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:23:57–02:21:37 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, permits, housing/services

Summary

OlyCAP presented phased plan for Casual Brown Village on county-owned Mill Road parcels: Phase 1 temporary (17-18 spaces, 25 people); Phase 2A infrastructure/utilities/showers (40-50 slots); Phase 2B commons/wooden shelters; Phase 3 congregate permanent supportive/emergency shelter replacing American Legion site. DCD discussed permitting paths: Essential Public Facility (Type 5, PC/BOCC) vs Public Purpose Facility (Type 3, Hearing Examiner); sub-area plan considerations. Board preferred Type 5 EPF; no sub-area plan now.

Key Discussion Points

  • OlyCAP (Cherish/Kathy): Phase 1 compliant; Phase 2A utilities Aug; 40-50 slots/families; Phase 2B commons/laundry/wood shelters; Phase 3 bedrooms/services continuum.
  • DCD (Brent/Joe): EPF Type 5 (PC/BOCC, longer) vs PPF Type 3 (Examiner); sub-area plan complex (10+ issues); missing middle housing.
  • Commissioners: Type 5 preferred (political/siting); defer sub-area; housing continuum at Housing Fund Board.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

PowerPoint: site phasing, permitting paths, sub-area issues; missing middle presentation (planetizen.com).

Financials

Phase 2A ~$400k short.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • EPF Type 5 vs PPF Type 3; new BOCC process (1yr+); sub-area plan (long-term).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Prefer Type 5 EPF permitting; defer sub-area plan.
  • No vote taken.
  • Next Steps: Pre-app July/Aug; Housing Trust Fund app Sept.

Burn Ban Resolution

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:21:37–02:45:01 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, operations

Summary

Fire chiefs presented fire danger maps (ERC severe/high); 56% DNR fires from debris burning; proposed July 1-Sept 30 ban on land-clearing/debris burns (recreational fires allowed in approved pits). Approved unanimously; aligns with new risk system (green campfires OK).

Key Discussion Points

  • Chief Savage: ERC maps severe; fuels available; DNR 56% debris fires; history peaks Aug.
  • Asst Chief Tracer: Similar to prior years; ties to risk colors/fireworks ban.

Public Comments

  • George: Support ban.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Wildfire analysis maps, DNR dashboard.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Resolution declaring burn ban July 1-Sept 30.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Conservation Futures Funding Recommendations

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:46:56–02:56:01 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, land use, planning

Summary

Citizen Oversight Committee recommended full funding: Rock Salmon Creek acquisition ($135k salmon habitat); Quimper Trust land transfer ($205k, adequate funds from NW Watershed return). Few applications; hearing in July.

Key Discussion Points

  • David Seabrook: 2 projects; full funding possible.
  • Tammy: Land Trust main sponsor; larger requests.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Committee letter; applications (Rock Salmon not in packet).

Financials

$135k Rock Salmon; $205k Quimper (total $340k available).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • No action taken; item was informational.
  • Next Steps: Public hearing July.

Courthouse Security Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:56:18–03:17:18 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, contracts, personnel

Summary

Current screening confirmed adequate given building; RFP for contract renewal including Sheriff bid (armed deputies higher protection). Form work group (Jen Moore, Sheriff, courts) for review; contract ends Dec.

Key Discussion Points

  • Mark Macaulay: Current OK; RFP incl Sheriff (AWA-style); armed benefit.
  • Sheriff Noel: Open if capacity; unity of command.
  • Commissioners: Explore Sheriff efficiencies; vestibule long-term?; task force.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

1990s/2014 security studies.

Financials

Current $135k GF; RFP may increase.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Contractor vs Sheriff (armed).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • No action taken; item was informational.
  • Next Steps: Convene committee; RFP permission pending.

Temporary Homeless Facilities Ordinance Review

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:17:41–03:56:42 (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances, permits, planning

Summary

After-action review of rushed process (temporary ordinance sunset); public raised process transparency (redline, access, hearings), content issues (IRC Section 4 tiny structures, Appendix B). Board committed to fixes via amendment; redline/slides for future; Greg to meet advocates.

Key Discussion Points

  • DCD: Urgency caused edits; redline/slides best practice; Section 4 clarifies >1 sleeping area triggers IRC.
  • Public (Vicki/Barbara/Julia): Process flaws (access, changes post-PC, hearings); content (tiny shelter definitions, IRC, appendices).
  • Commissioners: Fixes possible; redline future; continuum conversation.

Public Comments

  • Vicki: Redline, extra meeting, document access/hearings; list concerns.
  • Barbara Maury: Changes post-PC (appendices); hearing process.
  • Julia: Felt work thrown out.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Ordinance drafts; PC redline.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Process improvements: redline, extra meetings, clear access/hearings.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • No action taken; item was informational.
  • Next Steps: Greg meet advocates; amendment process.

Cape George No Shooting Area

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:56:42–04:02:22 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, ordinances

Summary

Approved smaller Cape George no-shooting area (dense residential); aligns HOA boundaries; strong public support (9:1).

Key Discussion Points

  • Overwhelming support; smaller area practical.

Public Comments

No new public comment; prior support noted.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Map.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Larger area rejected (tribal rights, DNR hunting).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Adopt smaller area.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes).

DNR Timber Sales and Forest Management Strategy

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:08:01–05:21:05 (PART 1)
  • Categories: land use, planning, budgeting, contracts

Summary

Updates: DNR carbon project Phase 2 (>100ac, stakeholder outreach fall); pre-1900 no harvest; Beaver Valley sorts ~$2M lump (revised); Pennywise $1.2M; NRG timber school (80yr rotations max carbon/revenue). Board: let sales proceed (w/ Unit 1/7 concerns); form strategy group (Mallory, Mike Cronin, NRG, DNR); letter removing deferral request, seeking partnership. Public urged process/workshop, 2011 plan update.

Key Discussion Points

  • Heidi: Carbon 10-20% revenue; Phase 2 small parcels out; pre-1900 pause; NRG presentation next wk; Mike Cronin tour (diversity); longer rotations.
  • Greg: 80yr rotations max carbon/timber; non-binary options.
  • Motion: Draft letter (remove deferral, seek partnership/plan). Passed 2-1.

Public Comments

  • Cindy: DNR data source; 2011 plan update; econ benefits conservation.
  • Patricia Jones: Landscape analysis; workshop; stand treatments (defer Unit 7).
  • Mary Jean: Await DNR response; 2011 plan; TT July 7; longer rotations + old growth.

Supporting Materials Referenced

DNR appraisals; NRG slides; 2011 Forests for the Future; BNR agenda.

Financials

Beaver Valley ~$2M ($1.5M beneficiaries); Pennywise $1.2M ($900k); sales tax offset idea.

Alternatives & Amendments

80yr rotations/thinning vs 40yr clearcuts; natural regen; reconveyance/TT.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Letter removing deferral request, seeking collaborative plan.
  • Vote: 2-1 (Ayes: Heidi, Greg; Nay: Kate).
  • Next Steps: NRG presentation July 5; strategy group; DNR mtg.

Board and Committee Vacancies Review

Metadata

  • Time Range: 05:21:05–end (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel, planning

Summary

Reviewed planning commission (Dist 2/3 vacancies, 5 applicants), Parks Board (Dist 1/3); past deference to incumbents; consider competitive process, term limits, SOP/resolution update.

Key Discussion Points

  • Forward to PC; past informal DCD/Comm input; explicit policy needed.
  • Commissioners: Fair/competitive; refresh perspectives.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Resolution 94-97 (repealed); vacancy list.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Incumbent deference vs competitive.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • No action taken; item was informational.
  • Next Steps: DCD/BOCC develop SOP.

Background Materials

Contents

AI Information