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04/03/23 09 AM: BOCC Approves Budgets, Proclamations, Waste Settlement, Assessments

BOCC Approves Budgets, Proclamations, Waste Settlement, Assessments

Jefferson County BOCC approved consent agenda with budgets/contracts, heard public health COVID update, proclaimed Volunteer Month/Public Health Week, settled Glendale/Peat Plank waste violations, joined National Public Land Counties for $33k assessment, planned WSDOT letter on Hood Canal Bridge impacts. All votes unanimous.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:54–00:04:14 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, planning

Summary

The Board reviewed and unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included a one-page list of routine items such as budget extensions, a letter of support for the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative reauthorization funding Jefferson Marine Resources Committee, ARPA funds for Port Townsend pump track, and an end user agreement for CDBG septic system cost share program. Commissioner Brotherton highlighted the septic program's value in addressing high costs of septic systems. No items were pulled for separate discussion.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Brotherton: Called out letter of support for Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative and Jefferson Marine Resources Committee funding; noted pump track volunteers collaborating with JUMP playground group; praised end user agreement for CDBG septic cost share by Amanda Christofferson in Environmental Public Health.
  • Limited discussion; item addressed primarily through supporting materials.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Consent agenda included approvals for 2023 First Quarter Budget Appropriations/Extensions (total $1,330,859 revenue, $2,993,743 expense/extension); JUMP Phase 2 Donation Agreement ($137,000 match for RCO grant); Jumping Mouse Children’s Center Mental Health Agreement ($254,126); Port Townsend Pump Track ARPA Grant ($50,000); Septic System Cost Share Program Agreement (CDBG-funded); Letter of Support for Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative. No divergences from staff recommendations noted.

Financials

No financial information discussed beyond general references to ARPA pump track funds and CDBG septic cost share; detailed appropriations in supporting materials total $1,330,859 one-time revenue and $2,993,743 one-time expense/extension across funds, including General Fund ($229,597 revenue, $329,999 expense).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Move to approve and adopt the consent agenda as presented."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all in favor by saying "Aye").
  • No next steps specified.

Public Health and Emergency Management Monthly Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:13:31–01:34:18 (PART 1); extended with Q&A to ~02:26:00
  • Categories: public health, public safety, services

Summary

Dr. Barry provided the monthly public health update, transitioning to monthly frequency and sentinel surveillance due to challenges in case counting from home tests; reported declining national and local COVID hospitalizations/deaths, no current local hospitalizations, and state mask mandate lift in healthcare with continued provider masking. Discussion covered masking guidance, bivalent boosters for high-risk, treatments (Paxlovid, molnupiravir, dexamethasone, remdesivir effective; hydroxychloroquine/ivermectin ineffective), vaccines (NNT 81 for initial series), and CO2 ventilation proxy from Willie Vince. Public commenter questioned ongoing reports amid declining COVID.

Key Discussion Points

  • Mr. Schumacher (public comment): Questioned need for ongoing public health/emergency reports post-COVID; cited CDC investigators sickened in East Palestine, suppressed vaccine adverse reports, polls on vaccine deaths.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: Defended transparency value; clarified no health officer emergency order, only internal employee policy sunsetting; resolution to repeal county emergency planned.
  • Dr. Barry: COVID improving (national ~5,000 hospitalized, 228 deaths/day; local 0 hospitalized, 36 total deaths); case rate 134/100k; masking in healthcare continues as standard of care; nuanced masking (sick/high-risk/crowded); bivalent boosters waning in high-risk (e.g., long-term care); Paxlovid (76% death reduction), molnupiravir (25%), dexamethasone/remdesivir for hospitalized; hydroxychloroquine/ivermectin ineffective per RCTs; NNT not standard for vaccines due to short follow-up.
  • Willie Vince: CO2 levels: 400-1000 ppm safe indoors; >1000 stuffy/increased viral risk; monitor calibration important.

Public Comments

  • Mr. Schumacher: Suggested ending monthly reports as Board of Health handles; raised East Palestine CDC issues, vaccine monitoring/suppression, polls equating vaccine/disease deaths; fear more dangerous than virus.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No specific documents referenced; updates informed ongoing COVID data from state website.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update; continued monthly.
  • No vote.
  • Next Steps: Dr. Barry monthly first Monday; KPTZ questions; siren test noon April 3.

National Volunteer Month and Public Health Week Proclamations

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:32:57–01:05:56 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, personnel, public health

Summary

The Board approved two proclamations: National Volunteer Month (April 2023) recognizing volunteers' role in county services, and National Public Health Week (April 3-9, 2023) honoring local public health heroes. Sheriff Noel and Emergency Management Director Willie Vince highlighted volunteers in sheriff's office (e.g., traffic control, Project Lifesaver) and DEM (14,000+ hours during COVID, ~$500k value). Heroes listed included Jumping Mouse Children’s Center, Benji Project, and others for mental health, youth, food services.

Key Discussion Points

  • Sheriff Noel: Volunteers essential for services; COVID reduced opportunities but core stayed.
  • Willie Vince: DEM relies on volunteers (40h/week equivalents, expertise from Boeing/Motorola); 14,000h shift work during COVID (~$500k FEMA value, actual higher); always seeking more; Connectivity Fair April 16, 1-5pm Blue Heron.
  • Commissioners: Praised volunteer ethic, faith partners (Coast/transit, ECHO rides 10x other counties), Search & Rescue; service fair upcoming.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Proclamations listed focus areas (e.g., violence prevention, mental health); heroes: Jumping Mouse, Benji Project, Cameron Botkin, Tanya Briquette, Greg Graves, Charlie Johnson (firefighter), JC Fish Mash Free Clinic, JUMP board, Judith Lundgren, Shannon Minahan, Boldgrin, Mark Sorana. Event April 20, 2:30pm.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved both proclamations as read.
  • Vote: Unanimous (all "Aye") for each.
  • No next steps specified.

Glendale Farms and Peat Plank Road Code Compliance Settlement

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:41:19–02:55:02 (PART 1, post-executive session)
  • Categories: land use, ordinances, contracts

Summary

Following executive session on potential litigation, the Board unanimously approved a settlement with Linda Sexton for solid waste violations at Glendale Farms (conservation easement property) and Peat Plank Road, transferring properties to a family trust for cleanup completion (Glendale by Dec 31, 2023; Peat Plank plan by Dec 31, 2023, full by 2028), $14,425 payment over 2 years, and release of 80-90% accrued fines (~$264k total as of Mar 24).

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Dean: Detailed settlement terms; fines $156k Glendale, $108k Peat Plank; trust assumes cleanup; 80% fines released now, 20% post-cleanup; voluntary compliance agreements.
  • Philip Hunsucker (Prosecutor): Title 19 designed for compliance; settlement secures trust transfer/cleanup unobtainable via court; major solid waste issue resolved.
  • Public comment (Mr. Tiersch): Lacked details; settlements shortchange county, lack transparency.
  • Commissioners: Long-standing/hoarding issue; 3 fires; historic farm; family credit; county costs avoided.

Public Comments

  • Mr. Tiersch: Difficult to assess without numbers; county gives in; pay fines like traffic tickets; not transparent.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Settlement agreement (Mar 31 version); Title 19 Jefferson County Code; conservation easement (County/Jefferson Land Trust).

Financials

Accrued fines as of Mar 24, 2023: Glendale Farms $156,500; Peat Plank $108,000 (total $264,500). Sexton pays $14,425 quarterly over 2 years for enforcement costs; 80% fines released immediately, additional 20% post-cleanup.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve the settlement agreement... in substantially the same form as the March 31st 2023 version and delegate the county administrator to finalize and sign."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all in favor).
  • Next Steps: County Administrator finalizes/signs; monitor cleanups/status reports.

National Center for Public Land Counties Assessment

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:36:48–01:48:02 (PART 1); decision 02:58:06–03:06:45
  • Categories: budgeting, planning, other

Summary

The Board discussed and unanimously approved paying $33,847 special assessment (1% of LATCF allocation) over 2 years (half 2023, half 2024) to join National Center for Public Land Counties (NACo/WIR initiative for research/profiles on public lands impacts). Lunchtime WASAC meeting addressed concerns; voice via steering committee recommended.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Brotherton: Lukewarm due to timber-heavy counties potentially misaligning; pay half now?
  • Commissioner Dean: Benefits for PILT/SRS/Title III; voice changes conversation (e.g., NCS funding); join WA steering committee (8 seats, 3 filled).
  • Post-lunch: Pay 23/24 installments; balanced interests noted.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

WSAC proposal: $635k WA total for $15M national; Jefferson $33,847 (1% $3.38M LATCF).

Financials

Jefferson assessment: $33,847 ($16,923.50 each year 2023/2024); WA total $635k.

Alternatives & Amendments

Pay full 2324 or 2425; 2 installments.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Participate... and pay the special assessment of $33,847 over 2 years, with half... in 2023 and half... in 2024."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all "Aye").
  • No next steps specified.

Hood Canal Bridge Closures and WSDOT Letter

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:48:41–01:55:02; 02:55:44–02:57:52 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, planning

Summary

Commissioners planned a letter to WSDOT Secretary on Hood Canal Bridge closures (4 weekends) and SR101/US101 construction impacts, noting effects on events (KinFolk/Farmers Market) and suggesting mitigations like diverting last Edmonds-Kingston ferry to Port Townsend or reallocating Vashon boat. Special meeting Wed Apr 5, 9:30am for review.

Key Discussion Points

  • Mr. Tiersch: Divert last Edmonds-Kingston to PT (done 2009, needs dolphins); or use Vashon 3rd boat for Edmonds-PT for large trucks.
  • Spread impacts non-holiday weekends; schedule publish early Apr.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced; WSDOT schedule rumors of shift later.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Mitigations: Ferry reroutes.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Draft letter for Wed special meeting 9:30am review/approval.
  • No vote.
  • Next Steps: Special BOCC mtg Wed 9:30am; send to WSDOT Secretary.

Background Materials

Contents

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