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02/26/24 09 AM: BOCC Tackles SMP Geoduck, Flood Plan, Climate Goals, Consent

BOCC Tackles SMP Geoduck, Flood Plan, Climate Goals, Consent

Jefferson County BOCC meeting featured public comments on environment, vaccines, shelters; extended SMP hearing on geoduck aquaculture permitting and expansions; approved consent agenda including grants and MOUs; supported skate park and housing letters; reviewed public health workplan; adopted Big/Little Quilcene Rivers flood plan; received Climate Action Committee emissions/sequestration goals presentation.

Public Comment Period

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:36.479–00:28:21.818 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, public safety, services, other

Summary

The board opened public comment for up to 3 minutes per speaker on any topic except the upcoming Shoreline Master Program (SMP) hearing. Speakers addressed environmental concerns including Puget Sound pollution history and geoduck aquaculture impacts on eelgrass; COVID-19 vaccine safety data from Europe; port towns pool project transparency; and shelter conditions including lack of showers and contractor performance. Commissioner Brotherton responded online, clarifying processes and suggesting alternative venues.

Key Discussion Points

  • Marilyn Showalter (Shine Road) referenced her 1972 Harvard thesis on Puget Sound pollution, urged protection of public input under Shoreline Management Act, and highlighted local environmental expertise.
  • Mr. Fritz raised European data on 20% higher all-cause mortality in boosted individuals and white fibrous clots, calling for independent vaccine testing.
  • Sue Corbett (31 Church Lane, Port Ludlow) criticized geoduck harvesting for lacking Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA), presented photos showing eelgrass loss post-harvest, and advocated for HPA requirements.
  • Mr. Teersch advocated opening port towns pool steering committee meetings to public observation (not OPMA), citing $40-50 million expenditure and state voters' intent for transparency.
  • Maggie (unidentified last name) criticized Real Team/Discovery Behavioral Health for neglecting shelter clients' needs like showers, called it consumer fraud, and requested attendance at housing events.
  • Commissioner Brotherton responded on goat concern, SMP transparency, steering committee chilling effect, and shelter issues (unaware of showers, suggested Housing Fund Board).

Public Comments

  • Marilyn Showalter/Shine Road: Urged environmental protection, public input on SMP/geoduck.
  • Mr. Fritz: COVID vaccines increase mortality, need independent testing.
  • Sue Corbett/31 Church Lane, Port Ludlow: Geoduck harvesting destroys eelgrass, requires HPA.
  • Mr. Teersch: Open steering committee meetings to public for pool project transparency.
  • Maggie: Shelter lacks showers, contractor indifference/fraud; request housing event access.
  • Ms. Ball (online): Defended public access requests, criticized commissioners' dismissive responses.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public comment closed; transitioned to SMP hearing at 9:30.
  • No Vote.
  • Next Steps: SMP hearing resumed.

Shoreline Master Program (SMP) Periodic Review Hearing and Deliberations

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:28:21.818–04:45:31.698 (PART 1)
  • Categories: land use, planning, permits, ordinances

Summary

The board resumed the open SMP public hearing (since January 8) with staff/consultant presentation on draft amendments incorporating February 5 direction: definitions reconciliation, geoduck aquaculture use matrix/treat expansions as new, non-geoduck baseline (2014), application requirements (BMPs, debris prevention, existing permits). Public testimony focused on geoduck permitting, science, grandfathered operations. Deliberations addressed CUP processes (discretionary vs. standard), Ecology review, non-conforming uses triggers per WAC, timeline for March 18 ordinance. Hearing closed for the day but remains open.

Key Discussion Points

  • Staff Presentation (Josh Pier, Lisa Greer, Amy Sumi): Highlighted changes per February 5 (definitions, Table 18.252.020 geoduck matrix/expansions as new, non-geoduck baseline 2014/25% trigger, application reqs: BMPs/debris/permits); shoreline armoring non-structural preference; WAC 2011 geoduck CUP.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: Clarified CUP flavors (discretionary/standard); supportive of draft/expansions as new.
  • Commissioner Eisenhower: Preferred discretionary CUP for expansions (existing info/track record); eager for public response.
  • Public Testimony:
  • Jan Wald (Shine Road): Puget Sound decline, require HPA/public hearings for geoduck, 25% trigger.
  • Ernie Wald (Taylor Shellfish, 130 SE Lynch Rd): Science supports aquaculture; draft adds undue restrictions.
  • Gordon King (4645 Bell St): Shellfish <7.3% tidelands; oppose full CUP/hearings.
  • Marilyn Show Walter (1596 Shine Rd): Hearing examiner for evidence; grandfathered farms 25%/100% change trigger unclear.
  • Sue Corbett: Expansions as new (new tidelands risks).
  • Deliberations: CUP processes (admin vs. hearing examiner, Ecology final say); non-geoduck triggers (WAC revision criteria); timeline (March 18 ordinance, public comment then).

Public Comments

  • Jan Wald/Shine Road: HPA/hearings for geoduck, 25% permit trigger.
  • Ernie Wald/130 SE Lynch Rd, Shelton (Taylor Shellfish): Science supports; draft harms jobs/economy.
  • Gordon King/4645 Bell St, Port Townsend: <7.3% tidelands farmed; shoreline dev more harmful.
  • Marilyn Show Walter/1596 Shine Rd: Hearing examiner; grandfathered 25%/100% unclear.
  • Sue Corbett/31 Churchill Lane, Port Ludlow: Expansions as new.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Staff report (Feb changes: definitions, geoduck matrix/expansions=new, non-geoduck 2014 baseline/WAC triggers, app reqs BMPs/debris/permits); diverged from Planning Commission (expansions=conversions vs. new).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Expansions: PC rec=conversions (discretionary CUP); draft=like new (standard CUP in aquatic); Commissioners: discretionary for expansions (Eisenhower), supportive draft (Brotherton).
  • Non-geoduck: 25% acreage + WAC revision triggers (fill/structures/public access).
  • Rejected: Structural armoring (env impacts/cost).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Hearing closed for day (remains open); proceed to March 18 ordinance (technical/PAO review); public comment then.
  • No Vote.
  • Next Steps: Staff finalize draft/ordinance early March; BOCC review/public comment March 18 (10am-12pm); potential continuation.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:50:55.347–01:54:20.648 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, personnel

Summary

The board approved the consent agenda without items pulled for discussion. Supporting materials included Therapeutic Courts MOU ($200k behavioral health), GMA grants ($350k+$50k), VillageReach amendment ($66k climate assessment), CRAB levy certification ($5M road levy), surplus copiers disposal, etc. Noted Peggy Webster HFB resignation (conflict), GMA letter typo.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; Webster resignation (conflict with OnlyCap job).
  • Aye (unanimous).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Therapeutic Courts MOU ($200k Fund 131); GMA Periodic Update Grant ($350k); Middle Housing Grant ($50k); VillageReach Amend 2 ($66k); CRAB Levy Cert ($5M); Surplus Copiers; Tribal GMA Letter; Habitat Housing Support ($3M ask); Skate Park YMCA Support; Flood Plan; Public Health Workplan; CAC Goals.

Financials

Therapeutic Courts: $200k (Fund 131, behavioral health courts); GMA Grants: $400k total; VillageReach: +$66k (total $108k FPHS); Road Levy: $5.048M ($620k diverted traffic enforcement).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve consent agenda February 26, 2024."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: Dean, Eisenhour, Brotherton).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Letters of Support

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:55:14.725–02:01:48.354 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, services

Summary

Board approved two letters: support for Quilcene skate park YMCA fiscal sponsorship (RCO grant); support Habitat EJC $3M federal ask for Mason St housing (150 affordable homes).

Key Discussion Points

  • Skate park: Prior $20k county grant; RCO COAF grant March 8; 9-4 competing projects.
  • Habitat: $580k prior ARPA; perpetual affordability.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Skate park letter; Habitat letter (template, edits: "we are writing"/plural).

Financials

Skate park prior: $20k county; Habitat ask: $3M federal, prior $580k ARPA.

Alternatives & Amendments

Edits to Habitat letter (scrivener's errors).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approve/send both letters.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes x3).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Public Health 2024 Workplan Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:12:58.902–03:41:04.308 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, personnel, planning

Summary

Director Apple Martine presented JCPH 2024 workplan: increase capabilities/enhance collaborations post-emergency/steady state. Highlights: full staffing (50+), training/wellness, management dev, budget fluency, South County outreach, compassionate compliance pilot (behavioral counselor), SBHC Blue Heron, septic code revision, CHIP epi surveys/equity.

Key Discussion Points

  • 2023: Emergency to emergence/steady state.
  • 2024: Capabilities (staffing/training/software), collaborations (regional/Jefferson Healthcare).
  • Divisions: Admin/fiscal SOPs; Community Health (SBHC/harm reduction/climate); Env Health (compassionate compliance/septic/Integral); Natural Resources (shellfish/grants/floodplain); DD/BH (grants/school-work); CHIP (surveys/youth MH/immunizations).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Workplan details (staffing, trainings, pilots, grants).

Financials

FPHS funding growth; GF for key services; new transition specialist.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational workshop.
  • No Vote.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Big/Little Quilcene Rivers Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan Adoption

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:42:43.247–04:02:21.763 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, infrastructure, land use

Summary

Public hearing on Ecology-funded CFHMP (replaces 1998 Big Quilcene plan). Assessed conditions, 25 strategies (non-structural focus). High priority: Hiddendale planning, monitoring, acquisition, restorations (Moon Valley/Lower Mile by QCSEG). No public testimony; adopted unanimously.

Key Discussion Points

  • Advisory team/stakeholder input; 2 public meetings.
  • Vulnerabilities: Reach A/B residences, Hiddendale (floodway).
  • Strategies: 25, prioritized 5-6 (restorations high).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

CFHMP (Ecology grant, SEPA DNS 4/12/23); 25 strategies/matrix.

Financials

Ecology grant-funded; future grants via plan.

Alternatives & Amendments

Structural (levees) rejected (env/cost).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Adopt resolution... repealing Resolution 57-98."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes x3).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Climate Action Committee Recommended Goals Presentation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:39:52.955–03:12:57.215 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, land use, other

Summary

CAC presented updated goals: emissions 58.7% below 2018 by 2030/95% by 2050 (Science-Based/IPCC/WA-aligned); sequestration +20% by 2030/+40% by 2050 (above 2011-16 1.6MMT baseline, excl. ONPW). Forests sequester 13x emissions; harvest=69% human emissions. Discussion: harvest rotations/biochar, incentives.

Key Discussion Points

  • 2008 goal: 80% below 1990 by 2050 (ahead 39%).
  • High impacts: EV/VMT/building efficiency.
  • Sequestration opps: DNR transfers/private mgmt/tree ordinance.
  • Debate: harvest less? (No, BMPs/credits); systemic (biochar/shellfish).

Public Comments

Presentation only; Q&A with commissioners.

Supporting Materials Referenced

CAC reports (2018 inventory, 2022 forest/tree GHG).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Longer rotations (more wood/carbon); biochar bill.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Tabled for further review/forestry reports.
  • No Vote.
  • Next Steps: Continue discussion in weeks.

Background Materials

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