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03/11/24 09 AM: Board Discusses Shelters, Infrastructure Earmarks, Health, Aquatic Task Force

Board Discusses Shelters, Infrastructure Earmarks, Health, Aquatic Task Force

Jefferson County Commissioners addressed public comments on shelter closures, SMP updates, and pools; approved consent agenda with road projects, CDBG closeout, and appointments; pursued earmarks for roundabout and shelter; continued public health updates; proclaimed Sunshine Week; approved aquatic task force scope; selected Leader as official newspaper; increased transfer station hours; discussed FEMA CAV/CRS.

Public Comments and Board Responses

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:02:14.017–00:47:17.700 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, planning, operations, personnel, public safety, other

Summary

Public comments addressed the closure of Monroe Street Shelter on March 30, proposed managed campsites with services, shellfish aquaculture in the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) update, CUP processes for non-conforming shellfish farms, ferry advisory committee migration, Sunshine Week, pool task force redundancy, public health reports continuation, and supported encampments. Commissioners responded by proposing a shelter workshop, grounding SMP discussions in Planning Commission recommendations, supporting transparency efforts, and continuing public health updates.

Key Discussion Points

  • Maggie King detailed shelter closure and proposed camps at City Hall, golf course, and transit center with bathroom access, requested donations/storage/portable toilets, urged no arrests for camping necessities. Maggie King.
  • Gordon King criticized SMP update process favoring waterfront development over shellfish aquaculture, cited Clean Water District success, urged consistency with Mason County. Gordon King.
  • Marilyn Showalter advocated CUPs for changing science/microplastics/PVC on grandfathered shellfish farms. Marilyn Showalter.
  • Tom Teersch thanked staff for ferry committee website migration, noted next meeting, recognized Sunshine Week, commented on pool task force work plan. Tom Teersch.
  • Julia Cochran discussed housing/shelter frustrations, proposed Winter Welcoming Center continuation and religious organization-supported encampments with health department services. Julia Cochran.
  • Shelley Arnell opposed pool task force as redundant/wasteful, prioritized shelter needs. Shelley Arnell.
  • Sherry Van Hoover requested continuation of monthly public health reports on KPTZ. Sherry Van Hoover.
  • Commissioner Eisenhower proposed shelter workshop, urged grounding in Planning Commission SMP recommendation, supported transparency/Ferry Committee accessibility. Commissioner Eisenhower.
  • County Administrator McCauley supported shelter options/faith-based models, noted funding challenges, favored Planning Commission SMP recs. County Administrator McCauley.
  • Commissioner Brotherton agreed on shelter workshop, supported health updates. Commissioner Brotherton.

Public Comments

  • Maggie King: Shelter closure March 30, proposed 3 camps with services, requested donations/toilets/shed.
  • Gordon King: SMP harms shellfish industry, favors urban development.
  • Marilyn Showalter: CUPs for shellfish farms due to changing science.
  • Tom Teersch: Thanks for ferry site/Sunshine Week/pool plan.
  • Julia Cochran: Shelter frustrations, supported encampments via religious orgs/health dept.
  • Shelley Arnell: Pool task force redundant, prioritize shelter.
  • Sherry Van Hoover: Continue public health KPTZ reports.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Shelter workshop proposed; SMP discussion March 25; pool task force workshop 10:30; public health updates continue; Ferry Committee accessibility noted.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Shelter workshop (possibly next week); SMP deliberation March 25, 10 a.m.–noon; pool task force workshop March 11, 10:30; public health updates monthly.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:41:43.582–00:44:15.082 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, personnel, budgeting, planning

Summary

The consent agenda was approved unanimously, including multiple road projects (culvert replacements/bridges for fish passage), ADA improvements at Key City Public Theatre, Planning Commissioner vacancy advertising (District 3), reappointment of Ahren Stroming (District 1), CDBG-CV closeout public hearing, various agreements/amendments, and warrants. Supporting materials detailed substantive items like $321k CDBG-CV for homeless services (Caswell-Brown served 327), road projects (e.g., Duckabush $126M, culverts $30k–$40k each funded by NOAA/partners), PSAs (e.g., PSI testing $53k ARPA-funded), ADA tech $13k grant, newspaper bids, transfer station hours.

Key Discussion Points

  • Road projects noted (creeks/salmon benefit, ADA at Key City Theatre). Commissioners.
  • Planning Commissioner Mike Nielsen resignation (District 3), reappoint Ahren Stroming. Commissioners.
  • County Administrator McCauley: Move approval.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • CDBG-CV closeout: $321k expended on homeless/shelter (OlyCAP, Caswell-Brown 327 served).
  • Road projects: Duckabush ($126M, $6.5k county), Donkey Creek culvert ($37k), Hell Roaring ($34k), Lindner ($40k), Snell ($42k), Big Quilcene bridge ($70k county, $25M RAISE) – fish passage/infra, NOAA/Trout Unlimited funded.
  • PSAs: PSI testing Port Hadlock WWTP Phase 2 ($53k ARPA); Key City ADA tech ($13k grant).
  • ADA Tech Key City: Assistive listening, ASL lighting, sound system.
  • Center Rd overlay Amendment 3: +$189k RATA (100% reimbursable).
  • PC vacancy Dist 3; reappt Stroming Dist 1.
  • Newspaper bids: Leader vs PDN circulation/cost.
  • Transfer station hours increase.
  • Warrants: $3.6M payroll/AP.

Financials

  • CDBG-CV: $321k expended (homeless/shelter).
  • Road projects: County shares $6.5k–$70k (grants/NOAA majority).
  • PSI PSA: $53k ARPA.
  • ADA: $13k grant.
  • Center Rd: +$189k RATA.
  • Warrants: $3,648,832 total.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Consent agenda approved. "Motion to approve consent agenda March 11, 2024." County Administrator McCauley.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes).
  • Next Steps: CDBG hearing April 8; PC vacancy recruitment; newspaper contract March 25.

Earmarks for Infrastructure and Shelter

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:44:28.055–00:47:17.700 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, services

Summary

Commissioners discussed pursuing earmarks for Mill Road roundabout design (with city/WSDOT) and OlyCap shelter construction, noting tight deadlines and need for quick meetings with congressional staff; transit coordination for Kaswell Brown trail access also noted.

Key Discussion Points

  • Mill Road roundabout: City/county pursue earmark with WSDOT to fit community needs. Commissioner Eisenhower.
  • OlyCap shelter: City/public works on board, need OlyCap contact, meeting next week. County Administrator McCauley.
  • Public Works Director Reinders: Ready to proceed on earmarks.

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: General approval for earmark pursuits; OlyCap contact needed; transit/Mill Rd coordination.
  • Vote: None (verbal agreement).
  • Next Steps: Meeting with congressional staff next week; identify OlyCap contact; include transit for Kaswell Brown.

Public Health and Emergency Management Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:47:17.700–01:18:46.905 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, services, operations

Summary

Dr. Berry reported national downtrends in respiratory viruses but local COVID uptick/hospitalizations from long-term care outbreaks; critiqued CDC isolation guidance changes, urged masking/testing/vaccines (additional for 65+); noted testing availability. Willie Bence reported minor weather events, wildfire prep, promoted Nixle alerts (sign up JeffCoDEM to 888777), supported sheltering/extreme weather prep.

Key Discussion Points

  • Respiratory viruses: National downtrend, local COVID up (wastewater/hospitalizations). Dr. Berry.
  • CDC changes: No science change, contagious up to 10 days, urged precautions/paid leave. Dr. Berry.
  • Vaccines: Additional for 65+ (4+ months post-last), monovalent XBB.1.5 effective. Dr. Berry.
  • Testing: Available at libraries/health/fire/bookmobile. Dr. Berry.
  • Q&A: Wastewater noisy, Paxlovid window narrow, masking at JHC, air cleaning. Dr. Berry.
  • DEM: Low snowpack, wildfire prep (Port Ludlow event), Nixle promotion (~1/week), shelter/extreme weather support. Willie Bence.
  • Commissioners supported continuation monthly.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic (prior comments urged continuation).

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Continue monthly public health updates on KPTZ.
  • Vote: None (verbal support).
  • Next Steps: Monthly first Monday; discuss Dr. Barry capacity.

Sunshine Week Proclamation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:19:38.047–01:24:45.308 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other

Summary

Board adopted proclamation for Sunshine Week (March 10-16, 2024), affirming transparency, hybrid meetings, electronic records access; thanked Tom Teersch for reminders.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commitment to openness, hybrid meetings, public access. Commissioners.
  • Learned practice, progress on accessibility. Commissioner Brotherton.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Proclamation text quoted verbatim.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Adopt this proclamation." Unanimous.
  • Vote: Ayes.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Healthier Together Aquatic Task Force Scope and Recruitment

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:25:12.874–02:05:19.221 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, infrastructure, budgeting

Summary

Board approved scope of work/recruitment notice for 8-member task force researching Port Hadlock pool feasibility (sites/financing/infra/traffic/market), alternative construction (e.g., Sprung enclosures/operations/lifecycle costs), other county facilities for PFD, Mountain View options; reports to BoCC/steering committee/city; applications open 2 weeks from March 13.

Key Discussion Points

  • Scope: Port Hadlock UGA feasibility, Sprung/lifecycle, other facilities/PFD, Mountain View rehab. Commissioner Brotherton.
  • Composition: 2/district + 2 JAC outside PT (residents unincorporated JC). Hybrid meetings twice/month April-June.
  • Outdoor pool interest noted (Iceland models, CEO grants). Commissioners.
  • Public comments: JAC support (consensus selection); Teersch: JC residents only, redundant/county-focused. Diane McDade, Tom Teersch.

Public Comments

  • Diane McDade/JAC President: Support, members interested, board consensus selects.
  • Tom Teersch: JC residents only, redundant post-steering expiration, county-focused, market survey challenging.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Scope/work plan/recruitment notice (edits: JC residents, alternatives incl. enclosures, operations/lifecycle costs).

Financials

No financial information discussed (dimensionless staff expense).

Alternatives & Amendments

Edits: Add outdoor/alternatives, JC residents unincorporated, JAC board selects.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approve scope/recruitment as edited.
  • Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
  • Next Steps: Publish Wed March 13 (2 weeks); commissioners select district reps; JAC selects 2; convene April, report June.

Official County Newspaper Selection

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:05:31.224–02:13:23.766 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other

Summary

Board selected Port Townsend/Jefferson County Leader as official newspaper based on superior JC circulation (5,763 print/17% pop vs PDN 1,392/4%), despite higher cost/inch; PDN cheaper samples but Leader higher legal notice hits.

Key Discussion Points

  • Leader superior JC circulation. Commissioners.
  • Clerk Gallaway: Bids compared (circulation, cost, font, social).

Public Comments

  • Teersch: Leader low circulation, add social media outreach.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Bid comparison: Leader vs PDN circulation/cost/hits.

Financials

Leader $10/inch; PDN $7.90; samples PDN cheaper.

Alternatives & Amendments

PDN alternative noted (lower cost, higher overall traffic).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Award Leader.
  • Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
  • Next Steps: Contract March 18, starts July 1.

Solid Waste Transfer Station Hours Increase

Metadata

  • Time Range: Afternoon session (post-recess, referenced in consent but detailed presentation)
  • Categories: operations, services

Summary

Board approved increased self-haul hours at Transfer Station (Tue-Fri 8:30-4:30, Sat 8:30-5; +3h/wk) and Quilcene drop box (Thu-Fri 8:30-4:30, Sat 8:30-5; +2h/wk, consolidated days) effective April 2, due to staffing improvements.

Key Discussion Points

  • Improved staffing enables hours. Public Works Director Reinders.
  • Quilcene min 2 cans revenue need, past deficit $22k. Reinders.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

JCC 8.10.060 (director sets hours w/BoCC approval).

Financials

No budget impact.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approve revised hours.
  • Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
  • Next Steps: Effective April 2.

FEMA CAV and CRS Discussion

Metadata

  • Time Range: Afternoon (02:53:34.940-end, PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, public safety, budgeting

Summary

DCD presented CAV findings requiring ordinance updates (Ch15.15 to model), optional CRS language for discounts (5%/level, Class 9 min); 650-700 SFHA structures, 20% insured; recommended Planning Commission review full chapter incl. CRS options; no action today.

Key Discussion Points

  • CAV: Recordkeeping/elevation certs/SOPs improved; 1 unpermitted property. Butler/Cecere.
  • CRS: Optional activities (outreach/freeboard/maps); Pierce 1000h/yr Class 2; county could hit Class 9 (5%), 6-7 possible. Butler/Cecere/Peters.
  • Substantial improvement: 50% insured value triggers elevation. Cecere.
  • No-rise/habitat: Required for restorations. Peters.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

CAV report/ordinance revisions/SOPs; CRS manual (19 activities).

Financials

300h CAV effort; CRS min effort TBD (Pierce 1000h/yr audit).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Enroll CRS (pros: discounts/mitigation; cons: annual effort/committee).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Forward to Planning Commission (end April); defer CRS decision.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: PC review Ch15.15; contact Kitsap/etc. for effort data.

Background Materials

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