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11/07/22 09 AM: BOCC Approves Windstorm Emergency, PTAC Funds; Tabs Wellness Center

BOCC Approves Windstorm Emergency, PTAC Funds; Tabs Wellness Center

Jefferson County BOCC Part 1: Public comments on DNR carbon project, consent agenda approval (powerline/health), windstorm emergency declaration, $10k PTAC support, wellness center planning tabled for ARPA, DCD capacity updates.

Public Comments on DNR Forest Carbon Project

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:02:40–00:19:24 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, land use, other

Summary

Multiple members of the public provided comments during the opening public comment period, with the majority focusing on the DNR forest carbon pilot project scheduled for discussion later that afternoon. Speakers expressed support for the project as an innovative revenue tool for conservation amid the climate crisis, urged consultation with independent experts on carbon valuation (e.g., full forest carbon models, current market prices ~$19/metric ton), and raised concerns about parcel selection criteria, developer choice, and comparisons to timber revenue. Comments also addressed Caswell-Brown camp utilization, consent agenda items (Josie Wells powerline cost increase, health department COVID funding extension), DCD budget needs, and ongoing COVID emergency declarations.

Key Discussion Points

  • Mary Jean Ryan (Tuadnos Peninsula resident): Applauded DNR's carbon pilot as a tiny fraction (<2%) of county forests; urged independent experts (e.g., Climate Trust), full carbon models (above/below ground), current pricing ($19/metric ton), apples-to-apples logging comparisons.
  • Jean Ball: Called project "brilliant"; warned other counties eager for allocations; emphasized 40-year leases allow future harvest with annual payments; criticized AFR C undervaluation (multiply by 4).
  • Dr. Patricia Jones (Olympic Forest Collaborative): Praised workshop; sought DNR details on parcel selection, HCV criteria, timeline; concerned about private energy-sector developer vs. nonprofits; suggested Michigan model, Climate Trust.
  • Heath (online): Corrected carbon price (~$6/metric ton voluntary market); noted Jefferson's oldest forests (156 years average); advocated sustainable management with longer rotations enhancing sequestration; cited IPCC, UN demand for wood products.
  • Limited board response; Chair noted workshop later; Commissioner Greg: appreciated input, questions for DNR.

Public Comments

All listed above under Key Discussion Points; no additional formal public input on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced in discussion.

Financials

  • Carbon market price cited: $19/metric ton (Mary Jean Ryan); $6/metric ton voluntary (Heath); no county financials discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; informational public comments.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: DNR carbon workshop that afternoon (not in PART 1); no further specified.

Consent Agenda Approval (with Pulled Items Discussion)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:26:30–00:33:58 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, infrastructure, services

Summary

The BOCC approved the consent agenda with a noted correction to a typo in Item 6 (health department amendment title). Public comments prior flagged two substantive items: Josie Wells Powerline project cost increase from $589k to $806k (+$217k, questioned as consent due to overrun/scope change); health department funding extension for COVID mass vaccinations (FEMA, no amount change, period to Oct 31) +$9k nutrition (revenue neutral). Board clarified Josie Wells as Puget Sound partnership acquisition in floodplains (revenue neutral for county); health extension one month retroactive, no mass clinics planned, vaccines recommended.

Key Discussion Points

  • Steven Shoemaker: Questioned Josie Wells cost increase on consent (overrun or scope?); health extension (low uptake, effectiveness concerns, county cost/period?).
  • Commissioner Greg: Josie Wells revenue neutral (Puget Sound adds for acquisition); health increase $9,413 (typo as decrease), revenue neutral FEMA/WIC; no county vaccine mandate.
  • Board noted hearings Nov 21 (Port Hadlock sewer), supported Port Townsend marina letter; wished policy for 25% temp food fee reduction.

Public Comments

  • Steven Shoemaker: As above; no further on consent.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Consent items per packet: Josie Wells Amendment 6 (+$217k design); health Amendment 8 (COVID extension +$9k nutrition, revenue neutral).

Financials

  • Josie Wells: Current $589k +$217k = $806k (revenue neutral).
  • Health: +$9,413 (typo); COVID extension to Oct 31 (no clinics planned).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives; minor title correction Item 6.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Motion to approve the consent agenda correcting the typo in the title of Number 6."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all in favor).
  • Next Steps: No specified; Nov 21 hearings noted.

Emergency Declaration: Windstorm Event

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:34:17–00:43:47 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, public safety, infrastructure

Summary

Emergency Management Director Willie Bence requested an emergency declaration for a windstorm starting Nov 4 (gusts to 75mph), causing near-total power outages, downed trees/lines, and infrastructure damage; ~1,500 still out as of Nov 7, with incoming cold snap (sub-freezing/snow). PUD/roads crews worked non-stop; declaration enables flexible contracts for response/recovery, positions for federal aid. BOCC read/approved resolution authorizing contracts without standard procedures (expires 14 days unless extended).

Key Discussion Points

  • Willie Bence: Winds 40-50mph sustained, 75mph gusts; near-total outages; seeks federal declaration path.
  • Chair Heidi: Shoutouts to roads/PUD crews.
  • Steven: Proper emergency vs. intermittent COVID; ARPA for infrastructure?

Public Comments

  • Steven Shoemaker: Proper emergency; ARPA for infrastructure?

Supporting Materials Referenced

Resolution displayed/read: Declares emergency Nov 4 event; authorizes contracts; expires 14 days.

Financials

No financials discussed; enables procurement for unknown response costs.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Adopted resolution declaring state of emergency.
  • Vote: Unanimous (all aye).
  • Next Steps: No specified; PDA for federal aid.

North Olympic Peninsula PTAC Program Support

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:19:47–01:48:58 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, budgeting, economic development (other)

Summary

Clallam EDC Exec Dir Colleen McAleer presented NOP-PTAC to assist small businesses in bidding government contracts (federal/state/local), funded by $145k DoD grant (20% match as distressed area); prior Kitsap PTAC served 0 Jefferson/Clallam firms in 3yrs. Requested $10k Jefferson match (total program $192k/yr); Rebecca Miller hired as counselor. BOCC discussed procurement benefits, bonding barriers for small firms; approved $10k non-dept'l, agreement to follow.

Key Discussion Points

  • Colleen McAleer: $145k DoD; 20% match; trains businesses/procurement officers; $1B+ local infrastructure opps.
  • Kate Dean: Supports $10k; local bidding retains revenue.
  • Heidi: Procurement teams (decentralized: PW, central services); example Port Hadlock sewer smaller bids.
  • Greg: Exciting; contractors heavier lift; bonding disadvantages small/new firms.

Public Comments

No public comment.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Presentation: $192k/yr cost; $10k each from Clallam cities, Point 09; Jefferson $10k requested.

Financials

  • Program: $192k/yr ($145k DoD).
  • Jefferson request: $10k (non-dept'l, one-time).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Jefferson County supports PTAC $10k for 2023 from non-departmental; agreement/benefit to Board; Administrator brings agreement."
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Agreement to Board; metrics reporting.

Healthier Together Community Health & Wellness Center Planning

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:49:47–02:16:22 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, infrastructure, services

Summary

City Parks Dir Carrie Hite presented "Healthier Together" framework for collaborative planning of wellness center/aquatics facility, building on failed past efforts (2001+); partners include county, healthcare, schools, port, YMCA. Current pool failing; 5-phase plan (Sep22-Jul23) for concepts/siting/financing (e.g., MPD ballot); seeks $100k county ARPA for architect/community engagement (total planning $200k to 25% design). BOCC supported tabling for ARPA workshop; noted recreation needs, emergency/gathering space potential.

Key Discussion Points

  • Carrie Hite/John Carlton: Partners re-engaged; pool end-of-life; phases to Jul23 decision (MPD?); $100k county ask.
  • Kate Dean: $100k ARPA to advance; past lessons (tax fatigue).
  • Heidi: Recreation gaps (bowling/roller gone); swimming for aging/maritime.
  • Greg: Early; ARPA later; $100k to 25% design (phased).

Public Comments

No public comment.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Framework packet: Partners, milestones, PROS plan, health assessment.

Financials

  • Planning total: ~$200k; county ask: $100k ARPA.

Alternatives & Amendments

Past: Voter bonds failed; Y-led/MPD proposals.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Tabled for ARPA workshop (~2pm).
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: ARPA decision; partners review framework.

DCD Capacity: SMP Update, Lot of Record Implementation, On-Call Consultant

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:17:34–03:06:35 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, ordinances, personnel, contracts

Summary

DCD Dir Brent Butler/Deputy Josh Peters presented high permit volumes (e.g., 595 BPs YTD, SDR backlog post-Lot of Record ordinance Oct4), staff loss, ECY SMP comments (Sep30, after 10mo delay), SUG grant deadline Jun23 ($8k BERK remaining insufficient). Seeks BERK amendment (SMP analysis/PC/task force), on-call planner ($75k), term-limited planner; joint PC-BOCC Jan23 workplan. BOCC supported proactive approach.

Key Discussion Points

  • Brent/Josh: Current planning priority; 192 SDR projected; SMP ECY comments voluminous; SUG stalled; retention threats (Kitsap pay/bonuses); Intergov rollout.
  • Greg: Ecology liaison? Comments after lockstep work?
  • Heidi: SUG extension? SMP/CAO integration.

Public Comments

  • Jean Ball: DCD rep on CAO task force was Donna Frust; supports SMP/CAO integration.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Slides: Permits YTD; priorities (Jul11 BOCC); BERK funds.

Financials

  • On-call consultant: $75k (6mo).
  • BERK amendment: TBD (beyond $8k).

Alternatives & Amendments

BERK amendment tasks: SMP comments, PC, task force, CAO integration.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Direction for BERK amendment, on-call/term planner; joint PC Jan23.
  • Vote: N/A (workshop).
  • Next Steps: BERK scope/cost to BOCC/CA; 4th qtr supplemental.

Background Materials

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