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01/17/23 09 AM: County Approves Orcas Rights Proclamation, ARPA Guidelines, Health Update

County Approves Orcas Rights Proclamation, ARPA Guidelines, Health Update

Jefferson County Commissioners unanimously approved a proclamation declaring rights for endangered Southern Resident Orcas following public comments; passed consent agenda including board appointments and RFPs; received Health Officer update on declining COVID/flu cases; finalized ARPA "Last Call" funding guidelines for remaining ~$835k; reviewed Parks annual report; discussed HCCC dues increase, community outreach planning, and legislative priorities. No major controversies; focus on environmental, health, and fiscal matters.

Public Comment Period and Proclamation Recognizing Rights of Southern Resident Orcas

Metadata

  • Time Range: PART 1 00:03:31.857–00:38:22.960
  • Categories: planning, services, other

Summary

The meeting opened with an extended public comment period where multiple speakers urged support for a proclamation recognizing the inherent rights of the critically endangered Southern Resident Orcas, emphasizing salmon shortages, dam removal, and legal personhood for nature. Commissioners responded positively, sharing personal commitments to orca recovery and salmon restoration efforts like breaching Lower Snake River dams. The board amended and unanimously approved the proclamation, declaring rights for the orcas including life, autonomy, adequate food supply, and freedom from harm in degraded habitats, while urging governments to protect their ecosystems.

Key Discussion Points

  • Public speakers represented North Olympic Orcapod, Legal Rights for the Salish Sea, and Earth Law Center, highlighting orca population decline to 73 individuals, salmon dependency, and successes like port town proclamations.
  • Kathleen Lauren advocated for moratorium on Chinook salmon fishing, including Alaska stocks, citing 97% of Alaska-caught salmon originating from Washington/Oregon/B.C.
  • Commissioner Eisenhour supported removing Lower Snake River dams and expressed reservations about Alaska troll fishery impacts.
  • Commissioner Dean added a "Whereas" clause acknowledging orcas as sacred to indigenous tribes since time immemorial.
  • Chair Brotherton committed to forgoing industrial meat and Chinook salmon personally.

Public Comments

  • Kathleen Lauren (50 Beach Dr, Marrowstone): Supported proclamation; called for Chinook fishing moratorium; noted Bolivia's rights for nature.
  • Deborah Ellers (Port Townsend, North Olympic Orcapod, representing L25 Ocean Sun): Advocated breaching Lower Snake dams; highlighted symbolic impact sparking community actions like rain gardens.
  • Multiple Orcapod members (e.g., Nuggett J55, Prosper Kpod, Eclipse J41, J16): Shared perspectives on hunger, family decline, vessel traffic, water quality.
  • Joe Blair (Cape George, Native Connections, North Olympic Orcapod): Represented J16; cited calf mortality due to salmon scarcity.
  • Jan Ellis (72 Crew St, Cape George): Supported rights of nature against corporate interests.
  • Heather (online): Thanked board and "great old Broads."
  • Chris Kavorkian (Legal Rights for Salish Sea/Earth Law Center, online): Thanked board as first county; discussed environmental grief.
  • Patrick Johnson: Emphasized proclamations inspire other counties.
  • Linda Herzog (Kelsey): Requested support for Quilcene trail/pathway access to county property.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Draft proclamation text reviewed and amended on-screen, adding indigenous acknowledgment; referenced Earth Law Center and Legal Rights for Salish Sea campaigns; noted prior port/city proclamations.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Amendment added: "Whereas the Southern Resident Orcas have been a sacred spiritual species to the indigenous people and tribes of the North Olympic Peninsula since time immemorial."
  • Minor edits: Moved clauses, capitalized "Tribes," adjusted spiritual reference.
  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "I will move that we adopt this Proclamation Declaration of Rights for the Southern Resident Orcas." (Chair Brotherton)
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: Eisenhour, Dean, Brotherton).
  • Next Steps: Signed copy printed for public representatives; Commissioner Dean to send to indigenous neighbors.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: PART 1 00:26:56.133–00:32:15.322
  • Categories: personnel, contracts, operations, planning

Summary

The board approved the consent agenda without items pulled for discussion, covering advisory board transitions, appointments, and an RFP for visitor center management. Discussion highlighted community interest in the Olympic Peninsula Gateway Visitor Center transition (RFP issued after Historical Society steps down as fiscal sponsor), Housing Fund Board vacancies (Anya Callahan not reapplying, Robert Davis resigning), Solid Waste Advisory Committee resignation (Jennifer Taylor), and Tourism Coordinating Council transition (Christina Maloney out, Dan Ventura in). Gratitude expressed for volunteers serving on county boards amid accessibility challenges.

Key Discussion Points

  • Chair Brotherton noted interest from 3 entities for visitor center RFP; plans to serve on selection panel.
  • Commissioner Eisenhour praised community service on boards like Housing Fund (2/7 vacancies), SWAC, TCC; motioned to appoint Stacie Prada to Risk Management Committee.
  • Commissioner Dean supported appointments, volunteer commitments.
  • [Limited discussion; items addressed primarily through supporting materials.]

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Consent items: Olympic Peninsula Gateway Visitor Center RFP; Housing Fund Board (Callahan/Davis changes); SWAC (Taylor resignation); TCC (Maloney resignation, Ventura appointment); Risk Management Committee (Prada appointment).

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "I make a motion to approve [the] consent agenda as presented." (Dean); seconded (Brotherton).
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes x3).
  • No next steps specified.

Health Officer Update (Dr. Tom Barry)

Metadata

  • Time Range: PART 1 00:45:18.292–01:07:39.917
  • Categories: public safety, services

Summary

Dr. Barry reported stable/declining COVID cases in Jefferson County (43 cases last week, case rate 246/100k, 1 hospitalization), contrasting East Coast surges due to XBB.1.5 variant; emphasized bivalent booster efficacy (47% county uptake vs. 15% national). Flu/RSVs declining but announced 1 flu death (unvaccinated 70s male); recommended vaccinations/masking; Q&A covered masking efficacy (N95/KN95 90-95%), high-risk populations (~15-20% need ongoing protection), China situation, MPox decline.

Key Discussion Points

  • Dr. Barry: West Coast vaccination protects vs. XBB.1.5; wastewater downtrending; 1 flu death; masking effective (N95 95% if fitted); ~15% immunosuppressed + caregivers need high protection.
  • Commissioner Dean: One-sided masking efficacy for chemo patient.
  • Chair Brotherton: High-risk population estimate; China policy reversal risks.
  • Commissioner Eisenhour: East vs. West trends; case ascertainment.

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: Continue bi-weekly updates through February (1st/3rd Mondays); reassess end-February.

Remaining ARPA Funds Allocation Guidelines ("Last Call Funding")

Metadata

  • Time Range: PART 1 01:26:31.840–01:42:12.900 (morning); 03:20:44.318–03:26:20.766 (afternoon revision)
  • Categories: budgeting, planning

Summary

The board developed and approved guidelines for allocating ~$835k remaining ARPA funds via "Last Call Funding" proposals (1-page letter + details/budget), prioritizing projects advancing housing/economic development/public benefit with matches/diversity/novelty. Prior approvals noted ($1.5M Port Hadlock Sewer, $100k South broadband); guidelines revised for clarity (Feb 10 deadline, contingent on final tranche). Unanimously approved initial then revised version for legal notice/press release.

Key Discussion Points

  • Brotherton: Qualitative assessment; avoid prior recipients; 1-page LOI; flexible criteria.
  • McCauley: Contingent on $1.69M tranche; condense routine items.
  • Dean/Eisenhour: Extend deadline to Feb 10; add prioritization if funds short.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Draft guidelines revised on-screen; prior approvals: Port Hadlock Sewer ($1.5M ARPA+$1M capital), Mason PUD broadband ($100k).

Financials

  • Remaining: ~$835k ($835k eligible + potential $1.69M tranche).
  • Prior: $1.5M (sewer) + $100k (broadband).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Revised: Added "funding" to title; 1-page LOI; Feb 10 deadline; "contingent upon receipt of final ARPA revenue share"; prioritize if short.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved guidelines (morning); "replace...with Revised...guidelines" (afternoon). (Brotherton motions)
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes x3, both).
  • Next Steps: Publish Jan 25 (legal notice/press); proposals due Feb 10 EOD; review post-deadline.

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board 2022 Annual Report

Metadata

  • Time Range: PART 1 02:32:23.045–03:08:54.362
  • Categories: operations, infrastructure, planning

Summary

JCPRAB presented 2022 report highlighting PROS Plan update, bylaws/meeting changes (100% attendance), capital projects (HJ Carroll playground/irrigation, Irondale irrigation), volunteer recognition, Chimacum shelter removal, and Camp Beausite lease expansion support. Board relies heavily on volunteers (e.g., Indian Island, Gibbs Lake stewards); identified shortages in athletic fields/trails; recommended Chimacum open space reservation. Discussion covered staffing (6-7 days/wk cleanup), park rangers/deputy pilots, king tide impacts (Lower Updike/Oak Bay), potential North Beach transfer to city.

Key Discussion Points

  • Vern Bessey (Chair): CIP priorities (Memorial/HJ Carroll); PROS Plan; volunteer letters/picnic; projects completed; 3 new/2 lost members; Chimacum shelter removal/reservation.
  • Matt Tyler: Use tripled (e.g., HJ Carroll reservations x5); staff (morale improved, but cleanup dominant); need rangers/deputies; 25% non-GF revenue; king tides (phase to day-use, Chimacum replacement); North Beach city transfer post-sewer.
  • Commissioners: Volunteer sustainability; DNR reconveyance limits; embedded managers/rangers.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • 2022 JCPRAB Annual Report (attached); PROS Plan; CIP list.

Financials

  • No specific figures; noted 25% non-GF revenue vs. NRPA 18% avg.; fee resolution pending.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • No action taken; item was informational/workshop.
  • Next Steps: 2023 parks tour; fill 2 vacancies (Dist 2/3); Chimacum resolution; volunteer coordinator via PH.

Hood Canal Coordinating Council (HCCC) Membership Dues Increase

Metadata

  • Time Range: PART 1 03:27:01.549–03:38:36.851
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts

Summary

Commissioner Dean flagged proposed HCCC dues increase from $2,500 to $10,000 (last raised ~2012), noting value as lead entity for salmon grants (millions to county parks). Board reviewed 2023 budget (~$2.5M revenues, dues ~0.4% of budget); no motion needed pre-vote. Discussion weighed benefits vs. jump; Scott Brewer expects passage.

Key Discussion Points

  • Dean: $2,500→$10k; salmon funding access; non-dept fund?
  • Commissioners: Modest vs. benefits; request budget earlier; ~5 voting members.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • HCCC 2023 budget reviewed on-screen (dues small %).

Financials

  • Proposed: $10k (from $2.5k); ~0.4% of ~$2.5M budget.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • No action taken; informational.
  • Next Steps: Dean votes Jan 18; budget authority later if passes (non-dept?).

Community Outreach Meetings ("Road Show") Planning

Metadata

  • Time Range: PART 1 03:10:12.941–03:20:30.256
  • Categories: operations, planning, other

Summary

Board planned 2023 community outreach ("road show"/"Get to Know Your County Govt") at venues like Port Ludlow Bay Club (Jun 1), PT Community Center (Jun 8/16), Chimacum (Jul 19), Gardener (Aug 18), Quilcene (Sep 14), Brinnon (Oct 6). Format: intros/county snapshot/updates/round-robin/Q&A; hybrid; invite elects/dept heads. Dates tentative on calendars; confirm venues/graduations; info officer lead outreach.

Key Discussion Points

  • McCauley: Past format (2019); venues/dates tentative; hybrid feasible.
  • Commissioners: Summer avoids dark; engaging name; broad invite; sewer/trails tie-ins.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • 2019 agendas (sample shared).

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Name: "County Road Show"/"Get to Know..."; hybrid.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • No action taken; planning.
  • Next Steps: Confirm dates/venues; Friday coordination mtg; info officer structure/outreach.

Legislative Session Updates

Metadata

  • Time Range: PART 1 03:40:37.920–end (scattered)
  • Categories: budgeting, ordinances, personnel, planning, other

Summary

Updates covered priorities: .09 sales tax extension (HB1267, skips policy); electrician trainee pause (HB1393); recycling EPR (130pp); riparian (voluntary); vets levy (HB1022); trust land transfer (policy bill+25M cap req); septic analysis (250k); bottle bill. Wasac: fed/state swap, jails, BH networks. HCCC dues/budget; solar grants for community bldgs.

Key Discussion Points

  • Dean: Trust lands (lobby day 1/26); HCCC dues ($2.5k→10k); solar grants ($1.5M).
  • Brotherton: .09 tax; electrician; recycling; riparian; vets levy.
  • Eisenhour: Wasac priorities.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Bills: HB1267, HB1393, HB1022, SB5266; Wasac/AOC lists.

Financials

  • Septic: 250k req; trust lands: 25M cap; solar: 1.5M grants.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • No action taken; informational.
  • Next Steps: Regular afternoon updates; Dean Olympia 1/18-19; testimonies.

Background Materials

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