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07/10/23 09 AM: Commissioners Tackle Brinnon Grants, Fireworks Ban, Trail Updates

Commissioners Tackle Brinnon Grants, Fireworks Ban, Trail Updates

Jefferson County Commissioners reviewed public comments on Brinnon FEMA flood grants, fireworks opposition, and Olympic Discovery Trail support. Approved consent agenda with homeless funding and infrastructure grants. Received RAISE trail grant update ($16M), fireworks ban after-action (high compliance), pursued Brinnon hazard mitigation grants, and appointed SWAC member.

Public Comments on Brinnon FEMA Grant, Fireworks Ban, and Olympic Discovery Trail

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:08:13–00:37:17 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, public safety, infrastructure, other

Summary

Public commenters addressed the upcoming FEMA flood hazard mitigation grant discussion for Brinnon, expressing support for the grant application while requesting formal methods to document and gauge community interest in defining the Brinnon area and selecting consultants. Shelley Yarnell opposed fireworks beyond weather concerns, citing damage to people and pets, and suggested a reporting website for complaints including fireworks, vandalism, and homelessness. Jeff Selby and Don Laude thanked the board for supporting the Olympic Discovery Trail, highlighting its designation as the western terminus of the Great American Rail Trail, safety improvements, and a new trailhead/viewpoint.

Key Discussion Points

  • Dan Ventura (Brinnon resident): Praised county engagement via town halls and the FEMA grant document; requested clarification on defining Brinnon community boundaries and formal, data-driven methods to gauge interest before grant authorization to ensure consultants reflect community needs and avoid restrictions on growth.
  • Shelley Yarnell: Opposed fireworks for mess, damage to people/pets; proposed county website for reporting complaints (fireworks, vandalism, homeless issues) with photos/video for sheriff follow-up, especially in South County lacking police; supported FEMA grant but emphasized listening to Brinnon/Kilcid residents over outsiders.
  • Jeff Selby (Port Hadlock resident): Thanked board for Olympic Discovery Trail support; noted its national significance, safety improvements on Larry Scott Trail, and progress on Hall Bates viewpoint/trailhead at SR20/Fairmount Road intersection, partnering with city on water line replacement.
  • Don Laude: Introduced self as originator of Kitsap trail concept and property donor to Olympic Discovery Trail; highlighted weekly meetings of Bainbridge Bicycling, North Kitsap Trails Association, and Peninsula Trails Coalition under Puget Sound to Pacific Collaborative.

Public Comments

  • No additional public comments beyond the four speakers listed.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced in discussion.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public comment period closed at 09:30; board responded with thanks, explanations of fireworks ban process (state/DNR trigger, fire chiefs unanimous, ordinance design non-political), support for trails and Brinnon engagement/town halls/sewer planning.
  • Vote: None taken.
  • Next Steps: Board committed to attending Brinnon town hall (hybrid, addressing internet/TV issues); further discussion on FEMA grant at 13:30; fireworks at 11:00.

Consent Agenda Approval (Excluding SWAC Appointment)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:37:17–00:40:55 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, personnel, services

Summary

The board approved the consent agenda excluding item 8 (SWAC District 2 appointment, pulled due to multiple interested candidates and need for alternates plan). Items included CDBG-CV amendment to OlyCAP (+$100k for homeless services, total $302k), Housing Fund Board recommendation for additional $40k to OlyCAP shelter, E911 grant ($298k), accessibility upgrades at Illahee Preserve ($7k), DD program agreement ($639k), homeless encampment cleanup subrecipient ($7k to Port Townsend), and other routine items. Board noted positive impacts like shelter funding gap closure and accessibility for natural areas.

Key Discussion Points

  • Board comments: Queried CDBG-CV additional funding (federal COVID funds via OlyCAP); praised Housing Fund $40k for OlyCAP shelter summer gap; supported Illahee Preserve accessibility (personal anecdote on salmon viewing); pulled SWAC item 8 for confirmation/plan on two candidates and alternates.
  • Limited discussion; items addressed primarily through supporting materials.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • CDBG-CV Amendment No. 2 to OlyCAP ($100k increase, total $302k for homeless/public services).
  • Housing Fund Board $40k additional to OlyCAP shelter.
  • E911 BSO Grant ($298k).
  • DD Program Agreement ($639k).
  • Illahee Preserve upgrades ($7k).
  • Homeless encampment cleanup subrecipient ($7k to Port Townsend).
  • Board’s decision aligned with staff recommendations.

Financials

  • CDBG-CV to OlyCAP: +$100k (total $302k).
  • Housing Fund to OlyCAP shelter: +$40k.
  • E911 grant: $298k.
  • DD program: $639k.
  • Illahee accessibility: $7k.
  • Encampment cleanup: $7k. No county general fund impact noted.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve and adopt the consent agenda for July tenth 2023 minus item 8."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all aye).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified; SWAC appointment addressed later.

Olympic Discovery Trail RAISE Grant Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:02:20–01:23:13 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, planning, budgeting

Summary

Peninsula Trails Coalition updated the board on the successful $16.13M RAISE grant award to Puget Sound to Pacific Collaborative (13 co-recipients, 34 projects from Bainbridge to LaPush), with Jefferson County as co-recipient receiving ~$2.88M for trail planning/design (e.g., Old Highway 9, Discovery Bay gaps, Fairmount Rd, Eaglemount, West Sound to Olympics). City of Port Angeles leads; interlocal agreements and IDIQ consultant model proposed for efficiency. Hall Bates viewpoint/trailhead nearing construction (August, ARPA funds aided); Tour de Lavender fundraiser noted.

Key Discussion Points

  • Jeff Bohman (PTC): Thanked board for Feb 2023 support letter; grant success due to collaboration; proposes 2-3 IDIQ consultant teams via Port Angeles for expertise/continuity; multi-jurisdiction management framework needed; Jefferson County projects total ~$3.13M proposed (e.g., J-240 $1.2M design).
  • Board: Intrigued by IDIQ model; noted Public Works involvement needed; excited for national rail trail terminus, partnerships.
  • Limited discussion on Hall Bates site (permits near complete, construction August).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Attachment detailed stakeholders, 34 projects, Jefferson allocations ($2.88M total); board letter Feb 13, 2023.

Financials

  • Total RAISE grant: $16.13M (8 years).
  • Jefferson County allocation: $2.88M (planning/design only). No local match/cost discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • IDIQ consultants vs. in-house/Public Works; western/eastern team split considered.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Update received; staff to coordinate with Public Works/Port Angeles.
  • Vote: None taken.
  • Next Steps: Port Angeles/USDOT interlocals; consultant selection; Jefferson projects (e.g., J-240 design).

Fireworks Ban After-Action Review

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:58:36–02:56:25 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, operations

Summary

Board and officials reviewed first implementation of JCC 8.75 fireworks ban (June 30, 2023, triggered by DNR/state high fire danger, unanimous fire chiefs declaration). No wildfires/serious injuries despite some illegal use (46 calls July 4, concentrated at beaches/log dumps, many out-of-county); neighborhoods quieter; lessons: earlier prediction/comms, fireworks stand warnings, reporting site, safe sites/fire presence, reader boards at county entries, focused enforcement. Compliance high (~80-99%), focused on harm reduction/fire risk.

Key Discussion Points

  • Fire Marshal Phil Cecere: Stands closed June 30 (mild resistance, nonprofits impacted); hot spots (Gardner Beach, log dump); need webpage, advance notice/conditions on permits.
  • Fire Chiefs (Tracer/Svetic/Black/Manly): Trigger/process worked (non-political, science-based); no fires (vs. neighbors); future: match DNR very high, better fire manager links, clear messaging; weather drying.
  • Sheriff Noel: 46 calls July 4 (4 deputies); education over tickets (few issued); out-of-county at beaches (150-200 people); need planning, more staffing, safe sites/closures.
  • Board: Proud of team; quieter neighborhoods; unfortunate timing/stand losses (~$27k Big Blue Boosters); earlier go/no-go, reader boards, fire/sheriff teams, professional shows easier.

Public Comments

  • Shelley Yarnell: Local defiance on social media (e.g., "Hold My Beer" posts) concerning.
  • Gene (in-person): Voluntary non-compliance troubling; thin resources vs. island isolation; harm reduction value in 80/20 split.
  • David (phone): No injuries noted; many WA communities banning fireworks permanently.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Ordinance 03-0314-22 (JCC 8.75); DNR metrics.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Safe fireworks sites (beach/public, fire-supported); easier local permits (challenging per state standards); earlier decision date (e.g., June 28).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Process effective; improvements identified (earlier comms/enforcement planning, safe sites).
  • Vote: None taken.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified; annual prep discussed.

FEMA Community Assistance Visit and Brinnon Hazard Mitigation Grants

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:56:41–04:08:16 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, budgeting, infrastructure, public safety

Summary

DCD presented FEMA CAV audit (Q4 2023, via ECY) of NFIP compliance (JCC 15.15, last audit 2005); non-compliance risks subsidized insurance loss. Requested support for Brinnon grants: $250k ECY Shoreline Planning (due Aug 17, no match) for studies (floodway/channel migration, wildfire/SLR, restoration/SMP); precursor to $2M Floodplains by Design (2024). Brinnon (RVC, 890 homes planned) faces overlapping hazards; community-driven via panels/town halls.

Key Discussion Points

  • Brent Butler: CAV audits permits/elevations (5yrs); CRS eligibility for premium discounts; Brinnon floodway/downtown risks; grants for studies/engineering (habitat/people synergy).
  • Tammy Pokorny: SRFB grants built momentum (4 past, 2 current); DosyWalt Collaborative (Jul 26) for assessments/designs.
  • Board: Support grants; floodplain notifications/easements; rural village boundary/sewer flexibility (GMA/public health fix); community panels/transparency (events/food bank).

Public Comments

  • Shelley Yarnell: Concerned FEMA "drive-through"; address issues before 900 homes; update 2002 subarea plan; need transparency/help.
  • Jeremy (chat): Flood insurance >$2k/year unaffordable.

Supporting Materials Referenced

JCC 15.15; 2008 DosyWalt plan; sea level rise study (finalizing); SRFB grants; key facts (149 policies, 1/3 claimed, $4.6M losses).

Financials

  • ECY Shoreline: Up to $250k (no match).
  • Floodplains by Design: Up to $2M.
  • County flood policies: 149 ($43M coverage); 51 claims.

Alternatives & Amendments

Independent floodplain outreach (no CRS credit); CRS panel (60% community).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Make it so" to apply for grants/verify support.
  • Vote: None taken (informational).
  • Next Steps: Resolution for SRFB; DosyWalt mtg Jul 26; community events outreach; flood insurance low-income aid explore.

Solid Waste Advisory Committee District 2 Appointment

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:49:52–04:51:23 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel

Summary

Board appointed Stephen Chappuis as District 2 Citizen Representative to SWAC, filling unexpired term to Oct 12, 2023 (eligible for reappointment). Item pulled from consent for candidate confirmation/alternates plan.

Key Discussion Points

  • Pulled due to two interested; Al confirmed Chappuis; motion for unexpired term.

Public Comments

No public comment.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Al Cairns recommendation.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Consider both candidates/alternates.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Appoint Stephen Chappuis to unexpired term.
  • Vote: Unanimous (all aye).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Background Materials

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