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07/03/23 09 AM: Fireworks Ban Upheld, Waste Fees Raised, Health Updates Given

Fireworks Ban Upheld, Waste Fees Raised, Health Updates Given

Jefferson County Commissioners meeting: upheld fireworks sales ban amid public opposition due to high fire hazard; COVID/opioid updates emphasized harm reduction; adopted solid waste fee ordinance/resolution increasing rates; approved consent agenda including culvert project and grants; fire chiefs briefed on enforcement and risks.

Fireworks Sales Ban and High Fire Hazard Declaration

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:02:12–00:39:36 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, ordinances, operations

Summary

Public opened with comments opposing a newly implemented fireworks sales ban triggered by a High Fire Hazard declaration on June 30, 2023, under Jefferson County Code Chapter 8.75, following unanimous recommendation from fire chiefs and Fire Marshal Phil Cecere after DNR elevated Western Washington to high fire danger on June 29. Commenters, including TNT Fireworks area manager Randy Kerley, Big Blue Boosters representative Kelly Liskey, and residents Rick Nelson and Matthew Harting, cited impacts on fundraisers for Chimacum High School (e.g., $12,000–$15,000 revenue loss affecting grad night and sports camps), poor communication after permits issued June 28, mild weather (75°F, 56% humidity), quotes from founders on July 4 traditions, and neighboring counties/reservations still selling fireworks. Commissioners and Cecere explained the ordinance (enacted March 2022) empowers fire professionals based on modeling/fuels, not politics; ban applies to sales/discharge but exempts storage/transportation and permitted public displays; enforcement prioritizes awareness/voluntary compliance via sheriff; professional displays viable alternative.

Key Discussion Points

  • Randy Kerley (TNT Fireworks): Conditions not like 2021 extreme fire danger; ban disproportionate vs. other restrictions (e.g., no charcoal ban enforcement); impacts community groups' funds.
  • Kelly Liskey (Big Blue Boosters): Major fundraiser for Chimacum athletics/grad night; Fire Marshal inspected/permitted June 28 without warning; seeks reversal.
  • Rick Nelson: Supports use ban but not sales; neighboring counties/reservations unaffected; suggests sell but no discharge.
  • Gene Ball: Opposes recreational fireworks (livestock/PTSD impacts); supports public displays; requests Big Blue Boosters donation info.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: First ordinance application; communication lessons; professional displays exempt; drier conditions expected.
  • Fire Marshal Phil Cecere: Unanimous chiefs' decision; metrics aligned (DNR high + local fuels); no joy in stand shutdowns post-expedited permits; public displays exempt if state-licensed/permitted (none received).
  • Commissioner Eisenhour: Supports chiefs; unfortunate timing; transportation/storage allowed per code 8.75.040(2A); clarifies exceptions in declaration reference code.
  • Weather: 71–75°F, 56% humidity; winds, dry fuels key risks.

Public Comments

  • Randy Kerley/TNT Fireworks: Urges overturn; not 2021 conditions/spirit of law.
  • Kelly Liskey/Big Blue Boosters: Fundraiser essential; poor notice post-permit.
  • Rick Nelson/Resident: Penalizes boosters; sell but no use.
  • Chan (unidentified): Questions permit timing vs. ban.
  • Gene Ball/Resident: Opposes backyard fireworks; supports public displays; seeks donation info.
  • Kelly Liskey (follow-up): Transport confusion; DNR state ban inconsistent with neighbors.
  • Matthew Harting/Resident: People will buy/import fireworks anyway.
  • No online comments.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials provided; declaration references Chapter 8.75 JCC (sale/discharge ban except storage/transport, public displays); first 2022 ordinance use.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Professional/permitted displays exempt (none applied for).
  • Future ordinance changes possible but delayed 1 year+1 day per RCW.
  • Lower threshold to "extreme" fire danger discussed but not acted on. No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action; ban upheld per ordinance/fire chiefs; communications refined (e.g., full exceptions in notices).
  • Vote: None required.
  • Next Steps:
  • Fire chiefs meeting post-10:30 hearing for further discussion/public comment.
  • Track booster impacts; donations to Big Blue Boosters (bbbchimacum.com, PO Box 1491, Port Hadlock).
  • Enforcement: Awareness first, sheriff discretion; no fire dept. duty.

Monthly Health Update: COVID-19 and Opioid Crisis/Harm Reduction

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:46:53–01:18:25 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, public safety, personnel

Summary

Dr. Barry provided COVID update (downtrending hospitalizations, 2 in past month among 70+ with comorbidities, no deaths; XBB.1.5 dominant, fall booster expected prioritizing 65+; wait for boosters if healthy) and opioid crisis overview (shift from prescriptions/heroin to fentanyl doubling overdoses; 70% users want to quit but face barriers; harm reduction defined as reducing harms pre-cure via Narcan, clean syringes/smoking kits, testing to bridge to treatment; 3x sobriety likelihood; misconceptions addressed). Discussion covered Narcan access/training (free at health dept., nasal spray easy, safe even if unneeded), xylazine risks (non-Narcan responsive), test strips, integration with courts/jails (MAT success in Jefferson/Clallam), handoffs post-incarceration.

Key Discussion Points

  • Dr. Barry: COVID admissions down; boosters for high-risk; opioids: fentanyl short-acting/variable forces frequent use/overdose risk; harm reduction like diabetes care (Narcan, syringes reduce HIV/hep C, encourage smoking over injecting); 70% want sobriety; bridges to MAT (methadone/buprenorphine).
  • Commissioner Brotherton: Narcan ease/carrying; saw life saved; safe if unneeded.
  • Dr. Barry: Narcan kicks opioids off receptors (no effect sans opioids); skin contact safe; test strips for meth contamination/xylazine.
  • No youth addiction rise per surveys.
  • Therapeutic courts/harm reduction compatible; jail MAT/handoffs (rides, meds) prevent post-release OD.

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; Narcan available M-F at health dept., pharmacies; wall boxes planned (fire stations/community centers); South County expansion.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Solid Waste Fee Schedules Ordinance and Resolution

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:28:33–01:53:07 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, ordinances, operations

Summary

Continued public hearing from June 26 resulted in adoption of Ordinance 03-0703-23 repealing Ordinance 06-1125-13, removing Title 8 JCC/Appendix fees to enable future changes via resolution (per Ch. 3.80), and Resolution 28-23 setting 2023 fees effective September 4 (~60 days): $167/ton solid waste (+2.5% annual escalator), $20 minimum (up to 240 lbs., from $10/120 lbs.) at transfer station/Quilcene ($15 min.), $20 non-disposal/refrigerator fees. Changes address depleted reserves (capital ops benchmarks to 25%), 54% over capacity on customer volume (45% <120 lbs. =13% tonnage), no increases since 2014/2019; low-income discount in works.

Key Discussion Points

  • Al Cairns: Reserves at minimum; congestion (50% over design on customers); $20 min. curbs light loads; yard debris $20 min./$48 ton pending city.
  • Mt. Reinders: Shift to resolution for flexibility (e.g., low-income); regional $20 avg. min.; demand pricing future option.
  • Mr. Tush: Supports ton rate; opposes $20 min. double (regressive, car capacity limits); suggest $5 trial/measure.
  • Commissioner Eisenhour: Lines experienced; data tracking; psychology of loads.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: $20 regional norm; monitor.

Public Comments

  • Mr. Tush: $20 min. irrelevant for cars; try $5, measure; congestion pricing alt.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Packet: Issue paper details benchmarks ($2.04M capital short), fees ($167/ton, $20 min.); regional comps ($25 avg. min.); SWAC briefings.

Financials

  • Per ton: $167 (from $144 2019).
  • Min: $20/240 lbs. (from $10/120 lbs.); Quilcene $15.
  • Reserves: Capital $916K proj. (25% benchmark $2.04M); ops $1.4M ($1.05M benchmark).
  • 2.5% annual escalator.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • $5 min. trial/6 months proposed (not adopted).
  • Demand pricing (higher peak days) considered. No amendments.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Ordinance adopted (unanimous aye); Resolution 28-23 adopted (unanimous aye).
  • Vote: Unanimous (Brotherton motion, Eisenhour second).
  • Next Steps:
  • Effective Sept. 4; advertise via website/signage/bills.
  • Low-income discount research.
  • Monitor lines/loads; yard debris city coord.
  • Annual 2.5% 2025.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:40:04–00:42:04 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel, contracts, infrastructure, planning, permits

Summary

Consent agenda approved unanimously without items pulled; included substantive items from packet: WSDOT Local Agency Agreement/Project Prospectus for Naylor’s Creek Culvert Replacement ($1.913M federal, $0 local match, fish-passable precast concrete at West Valley/Gibbs Lake Rds.); CRAB 2023 ER&R rental rates resolution (shop labor $105/hr., monthly/hourly rates per Exhibit A, e.g., dozer $800/mo.); Piskula Short Plat final approval (4-lot/10-acre Rural Residential 1:10, Robbins Rd., stormwater/road conditions); NACCHO MRC grant/contract ($5K startup training/equip.); JCSO 9/80 MOA; LEOFF I/SWAC reappointments. Routine: no perfunctory ceremony/minutes noted.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; item addressed primarily through supporting materials.
  • Acronym confusion: MRC (Medical Reserve Corps) vs. Marine Resources Committee.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Packet details: Culvert funding (Proj. #10/11 TIP, CE, Nov. 2023 advert.); CRAB rates (WAC/RCW compliance); Short Plat (MLA22-00058 prelim. May 18, 2023, DNS); MRC ($5K NACCHO 23-2809, deliverables Aug. 2023/Mar. 2024); 9/80 MOA (160-hr biweekly OT); reappointments (terms to 2025).

Financials

  • Culvert: $1.913M federal construction.
  • MRC: $5K grant.
  • ER&R: Rates cover costs/depreciation (e.g., truck $2,870/mo.); $0 one-time impact. No other financials discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve consent agenda for July 3, 2023."
  • Vote: Unanimous aye.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified; MRC registration SAM.gov.

High Fire Hazard Briefing and Fireworks Enforcement

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:53:32–02:24:10 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, operations

Summary

Post-hearing briefing affirmed High Fire Hazard declaration (June 30); fire chiefs (e.g., Chief Brummel for EJFR/Black) detailed unanimous support based on DNR high rating, dry fuels/microclimates, recent fires (Irondale RV, Cape George lines), winds; risks from holiday influx/RV traffic, limited staffing (13 firefighters countywide). Enforcement: awareness/voluntary first, sheriff discretion (no duty), neighbor talks pre-911; no fire dept. fireworks disputes. Communications effective (75% positive response); caveats for future permits.

Key Discussion Points

  • Chief Brummel: Unanimous chiefs; life/property safety; microclimates/fuels/winds key; recent fires wind-driven.
  • Fire Marshal Cecere: DNR trigger; protocols followed.
  • Wendy Davis: 75% supportive feedback.
  • Chief Black: Risk to resources; neighbor dialogue first.
  • Psychology: Earlier "high" threshold vs. prior "extreme."

Public Comments

  • Gene Ball: Supports decision; thanks professionals.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No new materials; references ordinance Ch. 8.75, DNR metrics.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Future permit caveats; New Year's focus; CWPP marketing. No amendments.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational; ban upheld.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Monitor reassess; donate Big Blue Boosters; refine comms/permits.

Background Materials

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