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07/05/22 09 AM: Board Schedules No-Shooting Hearing, Forest Workshop, Consent Agenda

Board Schedules No-Shooting Hearing, Forest Workshop, Consent Agenda

Jefferson County Commissioners opened with public comments on no-shooting petition, legacy forests, youth mental health, and grants; unanimously approved consent agenda including contracts and COVID funds; received COVID-19 update; scheduled public hearing for Greater Jolie Way no-shooting area; hosted NNRG workshop on extended forest rotations for carbon storage; reviewed processes for Planning Commission and other board appointments.

Public Comment Period

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:21–00:35:57 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, land use, services, planning

Summary

The Board opened the meeting with a public comment period, receiving input on the proposed no-shooting area near Greater Jolie Way and Silverberry Place, legacy forest harvests, youth mental health survey results, a Quilcene grant for community kiosks, and Open Public Meetings Act requirements for public comment on agenda items requiring final action. Commissioners responded to comments, noting plans for a workshop on the no-shooting area with public input, ongoing forest management discussions including a cash flow analysis and workshop, and efforts addressing youth mental health through school-based programs and community health initiatives. No formal actions were taken during this period.

Key Discussion Points

  • Multiple speakers supported the no-shooting petition citing safety concerns from random gunfire, ricochets, PTSD triggers for veterans, and risks to walkers, children, and pets.
  • Jean Ball criticized recent legacy forest harvest decisions as shortsighted and environmentally harmful.
  • Dr. Patricia Jones (Olympic Forest Coalition) urged cash flow analysis and referenced written comments on DNR sales.
  • Linda Herzog announced a $29,000 AARP grant for Quilcene kiosks and benches with QR codes for history and culture.
  • Steven raised concerns about 2021 youth health survey showing high suicide ideation and anxiety rates, questioning Board of Health follow-up.
  • Tom Tears advocated for public comment on no-shooting item per OPMA revisions and recommended expanding the area for enforceability.
  • Commissioners Dean and McClaury noted technical issues but affirmed commitment to forests, mental health efforts (e.g., school counselors, stigma reduction), and COVID impacts on youth.

Public Comments

  • Rosa von Solace & Chris Black (Silvery Bay residents): Supported no-shooting zone for security during outdoor activities like walking and biking.
  • Jean Ball: Expressed disappointment in legacy forest harvests, calling it shortsighted and credit-card-like spending harming future generations.
  • Dr. Patricia Jones (Olympic Forest Coalition): Submitted written comments; emphasized cash flow analysis and workshop attendance.
  • Linda Herzog (Count Me In for Quilcene): Announced $29,000 AARP grant for kiosks/benches; invited to July 11 community meeting.
  • Dahr Jamil (gun owner, journalist): Supported no-shooting zone despite gun ownership; cited PTSD from war zone experiences triggered by local gunfire.
  • Steven: Cited Port Townsend Free Press article on youth mental health crisis (25% of 10th graders planned suicide); questioned Board of Health follow-up.
  • Tom Tears (proposed area resident): Supported petition; recommended expanding boundaries for enforceability per OPMA; submitted written map.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced in discussion.

Financials

  • Quilcene AARP grant: $29,000 for kiosks and benches.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public comments noted; no formal action taken.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps:
  • No-shooting workshop with public comment at 10:30 a.m.
  • Forest cash flow analysis and workshop planned.
  • Youth mental health follow-up via Board of Health, behavioral health consortium, school programs.
  • Commissioners to review Tom Tears' written map for no-shooting hearing.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:35:57–00:41:25 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, operations, infrastructure, contracts

Summary

The Board approved the consent agenda unanimously without items pulled for discussion, covering routine approvals including the Transfer Station Pit Scale replacement contract award, Port Townsend waterfront eelgrass survey, Quilcene Community Center roof replacement, WSDOT reimbursable agreement for Olympic Discovery Trail, CDBG-CV subrecipient amendment with OlyCAP, and others. Brief discussion highlighted excitement for eelgrass survey, roof replacements, ODT progress, and CDBG funding via OlyCAP; Commissioners requested a workshop on remaining COVID relief programs and funding sources.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; items addressed primarily through supporting materials.
  • Noted successes: Pit scale approval, eelgrass survey scope, Interlocal agreements, Quilcene roof.
  • CDBG amendment (45 pages) queried for specific COVID programs funded; Commissioners requested workshop on available/expended COVID funds (e.g., rental assistance) with OlyCAP staff.
  • Roof replacements (Quilcene, Port Townsend Rec Center) progressing.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • CDBG-CV Amendment with OlyCAP: Increases grant by $102,385 to $221,548 total; County retains additional $3,000 admin ($6,000 total); OlyCAP receives $215,548 for public services.
  • Transfer Station Pit Scale: Award to Michelli Measurement Group ($241,558.31 construction + $26,559 five-year service).
  • Eelgrass Survey: $11,900 contract with Marine Resources Consultants via MRC/Northwest Straits grant.
  • Quilcene Roof: $84,824 contract with Hope Systems, Inc.
  • ODT/WSDOT Agreement: Up to $10,000 reimbursable for SR-20 crossing review.
  • Board requested OlyCAP workshop on COVID programs (rental assistance status, etc.).

Financials

  • Multiple items: CDBG increase $102,385; scale $241,558 + $26,559 service; eelgrass $11,900; roof $84,824; ODT up to $10,000.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve and adopt consent agenda."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: all; Nays: none).
  • Next Steps:
  • Schedule workshop on COVID programs/funds with OlyCAP.
  • Port Townsend Rec Center roof solicitation via MRC.

Weekly COVID-19 Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:41:46–01:03:21 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, services, health

Summary

Dr. Berry provided the weekly COVID update, reporting stable high case rates in Jefferson County (4,770 total cases, 715/100k rate, 15% positivity, no current hospitalizations, 30 deaths) and regionally; emphasized boosters for high-risk groups, masking indoors, and no quarantine for up-to-date vaccinated exposures. Additional topics included first local avian influenza in bird flocks (low human risk, reduce wild bird contact) and household isolation/quarantine guidance. Public questions addressed wastewater sampling delays, weekly reporting rationale, and booster timing.

Key Discussion Points

  • National/WA cases flat/high; Jefferson: small decrease, Clallam 737/100k, 117 deaths.
  • Avian flu: First Jefferson flock; signs (sudden die-off, respiratory); prevent via isolation from wild birds.
  • Isolation: Separate room, mask in common areas, test day 5; no quarantine if boosted.
  • Reinfection: Unlikely <30 days; possible 30-90 days (BA.4/5 in unvaccinated).
  • Reporting: Weekly cases (daily internal); wastewater sampling starting soon.
  • Commissioners shared household COVID experiences, fireworks safety.

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

  • Decision: Informational update; no action taken.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Wastewater data reporting soon; weekly updates continue.

Proposed Greater Jolie Way and Silverberry Place No Shooting Area

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:02:03–00:02:37, 01:15:58–01:41:53 (PART 1; includes morning comments and 10:30 workshop)
  • Categories: public safety, land use, ordinances

Summary

The Board reviewed a petition for a no-shooting area (NSA) in the Greater Jolie Way/Silverberry Place neighborhood (Precinct 1201), verified by the Auditor with 20+ signatures meeting JCC 8.50 requirements. Staff (Philip Panzer) presented code standards (reasonable likelihood of jeopardy per RCW 9.41.300/305) and options (hearing, amicable solution, review committee). Public comments supported the petition citing gunfire risks; Tom Tears suggested expansion west of Hastings. The Board unanimously scheduled a public hearing, noting tribal consultation needs and DNR land concerns, without expanding boundaries yet.

Key Discussion Points

  • Petition: 91.7% resident support; unsafe shooting (ricochets, noise, PTSD, children/pets at risk).
  • Code: Requires definable threat; Board may modify boundaries.
  • Prior workshops took public comment; plan hearing with input on scope/expansion.
  • Concerns: Adjacent dense housing, DNR parcels (tribal/public hunting), precinct alignment.
  • Hearing notice to note potential expansion discussions.

Public Comments

  • Rosa/Chris Black, Dahr Jamil, Tom Tears: Supported; Tears recommended expanded enforceable boundaries with map.
  • During workshop: Tears reiterated expansion.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Petition/map (GIS rendering, bubble chart of structures); aligns ~Precinct 1201.
  • JCC 8.50/RCW 9.41; staff confirmed signature/legal description met.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Facilitate amicable solution or review committee considered but hearing selected.
  • Expansion informally discussed (Tears' map) but deferred pending resident/tribal input.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Schedule a hearing to consider establishing proposed Greater Jolie Way and Silverberry Place no shooting area under Chapter 8.50."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: all).
  • Next Steps:
  • Public hearing (date TBD; notice via PDN).
  • Tribal consultation.
  • Include Tears' map/comments in record.

Forest Rotations and Carbon Storage Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:09:43–03:06:40 (PART 1)
  • Categories: land use, planning, budgeting, operations

Summary

NNRG's Seth Zuckerman and Kirk Hanson presented modeling on even-aged (40/80-year rotations with thinnings) vs. uneven-aged management for carbon storage/timber yield using FVS simulator on generic WA westside forests. Extended rotations/thinnings increase carbon (50%+ more) and eventual timber (overtaking short rotations), with consistent revenue via repeated entries; natural regeneration slower than planting. Discussion explored DNR compatibility, carbon offsets (Phase 2 potential), modeling Jefferson lands, mills for large logs.

Key Discussion Points

  • Forests peak growth ~80 years; short rotations sacrifice yield/carbon for quick return.
  • Thinnings (variable density) every 15 years: More carbon/timber long-term, diverse ages/habitat.
  • Transition: Thin half landscape initially for 80-year harvests later.
  • Carbon: Forests/products/landfills as sinks; offsets viable for repeated thinnings.
  • DNR: Experienced in ecological thinning (e.g., Capitol Forest); Penny Wise Unit 7 unique (blowdown).
  • Commissioners: Model economics, inventory 15k acres; focus younger stands.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

NNRG slides/models (FVS, Lewis Co. generic); prior WSAC Timber 101.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Clearcut (40yr) vs. extended rotation/thin (80yr) vs. repeated selective thinnings.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational workshop; no action taken.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps:
  • Meet with Chickadee Forestry (Malloree Weinheimer).
  • Model Jefferson 15k acres (inventory, economics, carbon sales).

Planning Commission Vacancy Appointment Process

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:10:48–03:24:10 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel, planning

Summary

Commissioners reviewed a draft protocol for filling Planning Commission vacancies, requiring newspaper notices, applications (including seated members), DCD eligibility checks, interviews by DCD staff/district Commissioner, and district Commissioner recommendation to full Board. Supported treating expired terms as new (reopen applications every 4 years); process to fill current vacancies by July 20 meeting. Codification discussed (resolution/ordinance vs. SOPs).

Key Discussion Points

  • Vacancies: Midterm or expired terms (start March 18 per code).
  • New: Seated reapply; interviews ensure fit.
  • Current: District 2/3 vacancies; interviews soon for July 20.
  • Codify: Resolution 94-97; potential Chapter for boards.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft protocol; RCW/JCC on terms/vacancies.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Proceed with draft protocol for current vacancies.
  • Vote: Consensus support; no formal vote.
  • Next Steps:
  • Interviews (district Commissioners/DCD); recommend to July 18 for July 20.
  • Codify (resolution/ordinance?); review all boards.

Boards and Committees Appointment Processes Review

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:24:41–03:47:34 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel, planning

Summary

Commissioners reviewed lists of boards/committees for appointment processes, noting most rely on board/staff recommendations; statutes/code govern some (e.g., BOE, Civil Service). Assigned Commissioners to update processes (staff/board recs, links to statutes); merge/update 2011 Leslie list with Julie's spreadsheet for web/packet use.

Key Discussion Points

  • Most: Board recommendation (e.g., Behavioral Health, Clean Water).
  • Statutory: BOE, Board of Health, Civil Service.
  • Add fields: Commissioner lead, staff, process notes.
  • Impactful ones (PIF, Lodging Tax): Board recs/funding authority.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Julie's vacancies spreadsheet; 2011 Leslie index (statutes/creation).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Update lists/processes; farm out by Commissioner.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps:
  • Merge lists; add columns (Commissioner/staff/process).
  • Assign/update by district; agenda future meeting.

Background Materials

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