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04/01/24 09 AM: Jefferson BOCC Tackles Housing, Health, Pools, Burns in April Meeting

Jefferson BOCC Tackles Housing, Health, Pools, Burns in April Meeting

Jefferson County Commissioners meeting included public comments on subsidized housing shortages, shelter issues, measles concerns, roads praise, and pool study opposition; unanimous consent agenda approval covering appointments, contracts, and rates; proclamations for National Public Health Week and County Government Month; public health update on declining flu/RSV/COVID and local measles-free status; Central Services 2024 work plan briefing on IT, fleet, facilities; burn regulations workshop favoring hybrid restrictions; Aquatic Task Force nomination updates pending.

Public Comment Period

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:44–00:17:47 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, planning, public safety, other

Summary

Public comments addressed subsidized housing shortages and shelter inadequacies for disabled homeless individuals, measles status inquiries, praise for roads maintenance, requests to reschedule public comment periods and conduct outreach on pool studies prior to new taxing, updates on Aquatic Coalition nominees for the Healthier Together Task Force, and support for public health's role in homelessness services. Commissioners responded by noting efforts to improve public engagement, committing to inquire about measles in public health reports, affirming roads importance, explaining the Aquatic Task Force's role in gathering community feedback on the pool process, and discussing funding constraints for low-income housing and shelters including recent losses tied to recording fees.

Key Discussion Points

  • Maggie: US lags G7 in subsidized housing; affordable housing discriminates against disabled homeless; Kaswell Brown shelter issues include unworkable portable facilities, poor kitchen; advocates leasing land for small villages with improved amenities.
  • Mr. Teers: Inquired about measles status in public health reports given national spread; praised roads work and suggested inclusion in county proclamation.
  • Ms. (unnamed): Requested later public comment timing post-lunch; urged formal public outreach before new pool steering committee and study due to taxpayer fatigue and opposition.
  • Ms. McDade: Jefferson Aquatic Coalition finalizing two nominees for Healthier Together Task Force seats in District 2; one applied for at-large seat.
  • Ms. Cochran: Praised public health as allies in shelter/encampment management including laundry vouchers.
  • Commissioner Eisenhower: Praised roads; noted building public comment into agenda items; Aquatic Task Force to gather community input; will raise measles; housing funding crisis, visited Kaswell Brown, lost half low-income funding.
  • Commissioner Brotherton (remote): Grateful for volunteers on committees; praised public works roads work.

Public Comments

  • Maggie: Criticized shelter as not housing, advocated alternatives.
  • Mr. Teers: Measles concern, roads praise.
  • Ms. (unnamed): Public comment timing, pool opposition.
  • Ms. McDade: Aquatic nominees update.
  • Ms. Cochran: Public health praise.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; commissioners provided responses.
  • Next Steps: Raise measles in public health report; Aquatic Task Force appointments pending Jack McCauley's input and nominees by 3:00 PM.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:17:47–00:20:01 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, personnel, other

Summary

The consent agenda was approved unanimously without items pulled for discussion, including appointments to advisory boards (Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Olympic Area Agency on Aging, I/DDAB, Housing Fund Board), Investment Custody Services contract with Principal Bank, Amendment 3 to VillageReach PSA for data modernization ($25,000 FPHS-funded), Laundry Vouchers PSA with Mom’s Laundromat ($6,000 FPHS-funded), 2024 ER&R rental rates adoption (critical for $1.5M MVFT revenue), surplus property disposal (Clerk/Parks items under $2,500 each), and other routine items. Commissioners noted learning about custody services via state process, praised laundry vouchers as public health innovation, and thanked volunteers.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Eisenhower: Learned about custody services via state treasurer process; praised laundry vouchers.
  • Commissioner Brotherton (remote): Grateful for committee volunteers.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Investment Custody: 4-year contract ($4,000/yr, +$1,000/yr increase) with Principal Bank as state provider; complies with JCC 3.55.080.
  • VillageReach Amendment 3: Extends to July 31 ($25,000 FPHS) for data modernization post-Community Navigator Assessments.
  • Laundry Vouchers: $6,000 PSA with Mom’s Laundromat for unhoused via FPHS Homelessness funds.
  • ER&R Rates: Adoption required by WAC 136-600 for $1.5M MVFT; Central Services calculated incorporating life/replacement/OM costs.
  • Surplus Disposal: Clerk microfilm cabinet, Parks tools (broken/obsolete, < $2,500 ea.); offer to depts/non-profits first.
  • Appointments: Phil Sonne (SWAC), Jeanette Siburg (O3A), Kathy Morgan (I/DDAB), Audrey Morford (Housing Fund).

Financials

  • Investment Custody: $4,000 annual ($1,000/qtr, Fund 001.270).
  • VillageReach: +$25,000 (total $133,827.79, FPHS Fund 127).
  • Laundry: $6,000 max (FPHS Homelessness, Fund 127).
  • ER&R: Roads expend $1.46M annually; fund losses $175k avg/yr since 2017.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Motion to approve the April first, 2024 consent agenda." (Eisenhower); seconded.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: Eisenhower, Brotherton).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

National Public Health Week Proclamation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:20:01–00:28:10 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, public safety

Summary

The Board proclaimed April 1-7, 2024, as National Public Health Week, honoring local public health heroes in focus areas like civic engagement, climate change, and emergency preparedness; JCPH has ~55 staff serving a small county via strategic funding pursuits. Staff (Veronica, Jen) accepted, crediting commissioners' support, leadership (e.g., Apple Martine expanding harm reduction), and staff; awards at April 18 Board of Health meeting.

Key Discussion Points

  • Proclamation read by Eisenhower/Brotherton: Recognizes JCPH contributions to health threats, collaborations, heroes program.
  • Veronica (JCPH): Proud of work, appreciates support; ~55 staff; strategic budgeting, external funding.
  • Jen (JCPH): Appreciates committees/community support.
  • Eisenhower: Impressed by outsized presence; forward-looking funding.
  • Public Health Hero Awards: April 18 Board of Health meeting.

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: "Proclaim April first through the seventh as National Public Health Week for Jefferson County." (Brotherton); seconded.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes).
  • Next Steps: Signed later; awards April 18.

National County Government Month Proclamation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:28:10–00:34:02 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, services, infrastructure

Summary

The Board proclaimed April 2024 as National County Government Month, highlighting counties' essential services in health, justice, safety, economy, infrastructure (water/broadband), sustainability, parks, animal welfare, justice access, workforce, and collaboration. Noted Adiel McKnight as new Deputy Clerk; praised county employees' underappreciated daily impacts.

Key Discussion Points

  • Proclamation read by Brotherton/Eisenhower: Washington's 39 counties serve 7M; Jefferson examples include health/mental programs, infrastructure, sustainability.
  • Commissioners: Counties well-run, underrecognized; education needed on roles vs. state/city.
  • McCauley: 23yrs experience; counties run well, unnoticed.

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: "Proclaim April as national county government month for Jefferson County." (Brotherton); seconded.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes).
  • Next Steps: Signed later this week.

Public Health Monthly Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:45:11–01:02:22 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, services

Summary

Dr. Berry reported downtrends in flu/RSV/COVID hospitalizations/cases/wastewater; measles outbreaks in Clark/Spokane counties (none local/I-5 corridor), highly infectious/vaccine-preventable (MMR schedule: age 1+, adults check immunity); advised masking/travel precautions, early Paxlovid for high-risk (over 65, conditions like asthma; free for Medicare/Medicaid/uninsured thru 2024). Q&A covered rebound COVID post-Paxlovid, data tracking (hospital/death via CDC, wastewater local), masking normalization. Willie Bens promoted free April 10 heat/smoke training (high-risk: elderly/cardiac/lung disease, children, pregnant).

Key Discussion Points

  • Dr. Berry: Respiratory diseases declining; measles vaccine-preventable, 21-day incubation (unvaxxed kids home 3wks if case); Paxlovid within 5 days symptoms for high-risk.
  • Eisenhower: COVID post-travel/Paxlovid rebound anecdotes.
  • KPTZ Qs: Paxlovid timing/eligibility; masking travel; data loss impacts (hospital/death tracked, cases via wastewater).

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: No action taken; informational.
  • Next Steps: Heat/smoke training April 10, 5:30-7PM Finn River; questions via KPTZ site.

Central Services 2024 Work Plan

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:04:16–02:03:15 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, operations, infrastructure, planning, contracts

Summary

Central Services presented 2024 work plan covering IT (cloud migrations, EnerGov Phase 1 by July 1, courthouse fiber Sept 30), GIS (NENA compliance/addressing April 30, Enterprise upgrade), records/public records (Laserfiche migration June 28, training May 31, 4mo backlog), fleet (ER&R losses $175k avg/yr since 2017, $748k proj 2024; rates adjusted, replacement strategy to 2039 targeting $2M balance), facilities/capital (elevator/HVAC/septic/EV chargers/animal shelter by mid-2025, punchlists). Succession planning urged for records; climate lens in projects encouraged; long-range capital committee resurrection noted.

Key Discussion Points

  • Tracy Coleman: Detailed timelines/projects; ER&R fixes: remove $695k capital, adjust rates; GIS server upgrade 2026/27.
  • Josh (Fleet): Fund balance $1.9M to $1.17M EOY; peaks/valleys in roads replacements (2032 concern); rental rates cover dep/OM/overhead.
  • Commissioners: Website upgrade pending; climate offsets in specs/grants; long-range planning for new bldg vs. maintenance.
  • Staff trainings/conferences noted.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

ER&R rates in consent; aligns with packet's 2024 rates adoption for MVFT compliance.

Financials

  • ER&R: Avg $175k annual loss (2017+), $1.5M total; 2024 proj loss $748k; revised capex $1.1M; sustain $2M balance.
  • Records: Potential half-time clerk for backlog.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Fleet: Extend asset life/reduce units; reserves for peaks.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; briefing.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified; GIS server budget 25/26; long-range capital committee.

Burn Regulations Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:04:23–03:00:04 (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances, public safety, planning, operations

Summary

Fire Marshal Phil Cecere proposed 5-stage National Fire Danger Rating (green-red) restrictions (annual Stage 2 July1-Sept30; fireworks Stage 3+), approved open-flame devices list, fireworks code updates (JCC 8.75/8.72 consumer-grade only), STR inspections (bi-annual, secure fire pits), repeal antiquated JCC 5.10.010. Options for implementation: annual BOCC res, burn board, FM declaration (consult chiefs); hybrid preferred w/public briefing (e.g., June1 post-DNR). Tribal ceremonial fires noted (state-allowed, notify districts); fireworks from reservations illegal off-res.

Key Discussion Points

  • Cecere: Stages/restrictions; annual ban; fireworks consumer-only; STR checklist; learn from Clallam/Kitsap/Mason.
  • Commissioners/Josh Peters: Prefer hybrid (FM w/consult/board for transparency/expediency); public fireworks sites; tribal fireworks authority; solo stoves/tiki torches.
  • DNR June1 trigger.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Implementation: Annual res/board/FM; hybrid w/briefings.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; guidance for hybrid (FM declaration w/consult, public briefings e.g. June1, after-action).
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Draft code/hybrid; research tribal fireworks; return w/proposal.

Aquatic Center Task Force Appointments

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:10:06–00:14:17; 00:11:48–00:12:23 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, personnel

Summary

Jefferson Aquatic Coalition nominated two District 2 residents for Healthier Together Task Force (one at-large applicant); board to review all applicants post-nominees email by 3PM, no decisions today. Task force to provide community eyes/feedback on pool process amid public opposition to further studies/taxing.

Key Discussion Points

  • Ms. McDade: Finalizing two highly qualified District 2 nominees.
  • Eisenhower: Confirm nominees not conflicting at-large; defer to Jack; hard choices, qualified applicants.

Public Comments

  • Ms. (unnamed): Outreach before new study/steering committee/taxing due to opposition.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action; discuss next week w/all commissioners.
  • Next Steps: Review full list; nominees by 3PM; discuss/appoint next week.

Background Materials

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