MEETING: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Apr 22, 09:00 AM

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MEETING DATE: 2024-04-22 16:00:52+00:00

Public Comment on Community Issues and Climate Goals

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:04:37.862–00:07:15.932
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: operations, planning, infrastructure, services, public safety

Topic Summary

Two members of the public addressed the Commissioners regarding community input on the aquatic center, concerns about the Electric Vehicle (EV) charger contract, and the lack of actionable items in the proposed Climate Action Committee (CAC) goals. The first speaker emphasized the need for more community involvement in the pool focus. The second speaker, Mr. Teersch, expressed continued concern about the financial stability of the EV charger vendor (EVCS) and the absence of a stated remedy in their 10-year exclusive contract should the company fail. He also criticized the CAC goals document for being non-actionable, calling it a "feel good document."

Key Discussion Points

  • Miss Yarnell requested greater community input regarding the focus of the community pool project (00:04:37.862–00:04:47.543).
  • Mr. Teersch thanked the Commissioners for addressing his previous questions regarding the EV chargers, noting the item's inclusion on the consent agenda (00:05:01.693–00:05:24.820).
  • Mr. Teersch expressed concern that EV Charging Solutions, Inc. (EVCS) is a small company operating in an industry where many are "going out of business" and facing "serious risk of bankruptcy" (00:05:35.524–00:05:50.034).
  • Mr. Teersch noted that the 10-year exclusive contract for EVCS contains no clear or stated remedy for the County if the company "go[es] out of business," posing a risk (00:05:50.034–00:06:13.812).
  • Mr. Teersch highlighted that the Climate Action Committee's proposed goals lacked "actionable" and "practicable recommendations for anything toward achieving those goals," rendering them potentially "meaningless" (00:06:20.032–00:07:08.405).

Public Comments

  • - Miss Yarnell: Hoped for "much more input from the people in the community" on the "pool focus."
  • - Mr. Teersch: Expressed concern over the small size and financial stability of EVCS, demanding clarity on the County's remedy if the company defaults on its 10-year exclusive contract due to financial failure. He also criticized the CAC goals as inadequate due to a lack of detailed, actionable implementation plans.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials explicitly cited during the public comment period, but the EV discussion referenced the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Maintenance and Revenue Sharing Agreement, which was later on the Consent Agenda.

Financials

  • No financial information was discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; comments were part of the non-agenda public comment period.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Commissioner Response to Public Comments

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:07:45.319–01:12:28.262
  • Agenda Item: Commissioner Reports
  • Categories: infrastructure, planning, operations, contracts, services, land use

Topic Summary

Commissioners responded to the public comments, offering perspectives on housing, the EV charger contract risks, and the climate goals. Commissioner Brotherton acknowledged the housing challenges and confirmed that staffing for a new "housing office" is a priority. Regarding EV chargers, Commissioners acknowledged the risk posed by the vendor's financial stability but supported moving forward due to the need for infrastructure and minimal anticipated contract leverage. They also agreed that while the Climate Action Committee's goals are commendable, they need greater supporting detail on actionable implementation.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Brotherton acknowledged the challenge of workforce and affordable housing, confirming it is the "highest priority" and that the County is seeking legislative opportunities to support "rungs of the housing continuum" that are difficult for the public sector to address (00:08:08.559–00:08:44.773).
  • Commissioner Brotherton appreciated Mr. Teersch's input on the EV Chargers, noting that the risk of early termination is high, stating: "We don't have a lot of options to terminate it early, you know, as long as they keep maintaining the contract" (00:08:50.150–00:09:16.506).
  • Commissioner Brotherton stated readiness to "move forward... despite it not being perfect" with the EV contract, believing continued negotiation would be "the enemy of the good" (00:09:20.586–00:09:29.660).
  • Commissioner Dean supported the idea of creating a "housing office or having a housing staff" to improve coordination of housing efforts (01:00:15.693–01:00:33.487).
  • Commissioner Dean confirmed that the Aquatic Center task force's purpose is to "get broader community input into the pool process" (01:00:33.487–01:00:44.359).
  • Addressing the lack of detail in climate goals, Commissioner Dean mentioned ongoing personal work around forestry that "will contribute to the goals" (01:00:112.127–01:00:20.032).
  • Commissioners discussed their frustration with non-functional EV chargers in other jurisdictions; Commissioner Dean shared a recent personal experience of a non-working EVCS charger in Bellingham (01:12:08.374–01:12:47.702).
  • Commissioner Eisenhour noted that the County's current housing plan is coordinated through the Housing Plan Board, which has subcommittees that "encourage more folks to get involved with" (01:16:14.280–01:16:33.821).
  • Commissioner Eisenhour acknowledged Mr. Teersch's concern about the fate of the EV infrastructure if EVCS ceases to exist, stating she suspects the state funding requirements outline protections (01:15:24.602–01:15:42.142).
  • Marine Resources Committee (MRC) Chair Gordon King thanked Commissioner Eisenhour for assisting with throwing shells into the lagoon at Discovery Bay (01:17:31.471–01:17:41.432).
  • Mr. King also announced that the MRC had interviewed four capable applicants for the MRC staff position and planned to offer the job following reference checks (01:18:13.265–01:18:21.270).

Public Comments

  • MRC Chair Gordon King introduced an alternative EV charger available at Taylor Shellfish near the Little Creek Casino (01:18:37.596–01:18:52.848).

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials explicitly cited.

Financials

  • No financial information was discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • None mentioned beyond a brief discussion of a potential charging solution at a local business, Taylor Shellfish (01:18:37.596).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; this was a response and discussion period during Commissioner Reports.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: Commissioners will be discussing climate goals further in a workshop later in the day (00:06:20.032–00:07:11.491).

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:22:00.872–02:27:32.560
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda
  • Categories: infrastructure, contracts, planning, land use, permits, personnel, public safety

Topic Summary

The Board of Commissioners approved the entire consent agenda, highlighting several key items. Discussion focused on the collaborative Gardiner Beach Road boat ramp project, the approval of the Electric Vehicle Charging Station agreement despite risks, the Schmidt Farm Conservation Futures acquisition, and the support letter for the NOPRC Recompete Coalition application.

Key Discussion Points

  • Procedural Note: The Chair noted a challenge with gender assumptions in the standard "Mr./Ms." protocol during public comments and suggested a need for procedural refinement in the future (02:22:00.872–02:22:16.200).
  • Gardiner Beach Road Boat Ramp: Commissioner Brotherton expressed appreciation for Public Works' coordination with the Port of Port Townsend and Fish & Wildlife on the boat ramp and road elevation project, noting it addresses "constant flooding issues" (02:23:35.179–02:24:27.235). The initial coordination involves three entities (Fish & Wildlife owns the parking lot, County owns the road, Port owns the ramp itself) (02:24:27.235–02:24:37.553).
  • EV Charging Station: Approval of the Site Host Agreement with EVCS was noted as a forward-moving step (02:24:37.553).
  • Port Hadlock Sewer: Phase 2 and 3 agreements for the Port Hadlock Wastewater Treatment System (MBR) were approved. Commissioner Dean clarified for the public that these names refer to Phases 2 and 3 of the Phase 1 part of the overall project (02:25:40.925–02:26:03.495).
  • Schmidt Farm Conservation Futures: Commissioner Dean highlighted this as an "important piece of the Quilcene headwaters today overall project area" (02:26:03.495–02:26:11.825).
  • Eric Johnson Proclamation: Commissioner Dean praised Eric Johnson, former WSAC Executive Director, as a "really great leader" and a "calm steady hand on the tiller" at the Washington State Association of Counties (WASAC) (02:26:11.825–02:26:31.264).
  • Dabob Bay Acquisition: This item concerns additions to existing DNR protected areas, grateful for the reappointment of Cheryl Lowe (02:26:42.893–02:27:08.805).

Public Comments

  • No public comment was officially brought forward immediately prior to the motion on the consent agenda.

Supporting Materials Referenced

The following substantive items were addressed and approved as part of the Consent Agenda: - Resolution to Create County Project: Gardiner Beach Road Boat Ramp Repair (County appropriation: $50,000 via the Road Fund). - Site Host Agreement: EV Charging Infrastructure Maintenance and Revenue Sharing Agreement (No cost for installation, funded by a WSDOT ZEVIP grant). - Professional Services Agreement: Center Road 2R Overlay Materials Testing (Max $26,832.04, funded by CRAB RAP grant). - Professional Services Agreement: Port Hadlock Wastewater Treatment Plant Construction Support (Phase 2 - MBR) (Max $727,915.00, fully funded by Department of Commerce Funds). - Professional Services Agreement: Port Hadlock Sewer Collection Construction Support & Grinder Pump Design (Phase 3) (Max $218,126.00, funded by Dept. of Commerce and Dept. of Ecology grants). - Schmidt Farm Conservation Futures Project Agreement (Total County Grant Award: $60,000 for acquisition and O&M). - Letter of Commitment for North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Coalition (NOPRC) application. - Letter of Support for DNR Dabob Bay Acquisition. - Proclamation for WSAC Executive Director Eric Brian Johnson Day. - Appointment to Conservation Futures Citizen Oversight Committee (Cheryl Lowe’s reappointment). - Memorandum of Understanding with DHS for E-Verify (No cost). - Interagency Agreement for Family and Juvenile Court Improvement Plan (FJCIP) Support (Total Revenue/Expenditure: $37,657.00). - Payment of Expenses and Payroll (Total: $1,721,110.03).

Financials

  • Over $1.1 million in contract and project allocations were approved, primarily fueled by grants (WSDOT ZEVIP, CRAB RAP, Dept. of Commerce, Dept. of Ecology, Conservation Futures).
  • Total Vouchers/Warrants: $1,617,813.72.
  • Total Payroll: $103,296.31.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed for the listed items.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve and adopt the consent agenda as presented was approved.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: No new next steps specified beyond the implementation of the approved contracts and resolutions.

Gravity Budget Modules Procurement

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:28:03.493–02:43:47.418
  • Agenda Item: Delegation of Authority for Gravity Budget Modules Procurement
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, operations

Topic Summary

The County Administrator, Treasurer, and Finance Manager presented a proposal to procure the Gravity™ budget software modules from IGM Technology. This software aims to transform the labor-intensive, number-heavy current budget documentation process that relies on Munis data into a visually attractive, understandable, and strategically linked public document. The urgency for the motion was to secure a discount by signing a Letter of Intent by the end of the month. Staff advocated for the system due to its competitive price, ease of implementation, time savings in producing monthly reports, and ability to align the budget to the County’s strategic plan.

Key Discussion Points

  • County Administrator Mark McCauley stated the goal, since 2017, has been to improve the budget presentation (02:29:04.006–02:29:15.271).
  • Gravity was selected over Questica because it appeared "the easiest to implement," "significantly less expensive," and would achieve the objective of presenting data in a "visually attractive way" and linking to the strategic plan (02:29:34.903–02:30:11.060; 02:33:33.400).
  • Finance Manager Judy Shepherd noted excitement at making the budget more "forward facing" and ensuring it "tell[s] a story" instead of being "just a bunch of numbers" (02:31:46.665–02:32:06.511).
  • Treasurer Stacey Prada emphasized the system's ability to help staff pull data out of the Munis financial system, which currently requires "a lot of formatting" for presentation (02:32:12.329–02:32:42.877).
  • The system includes four components: the annual budget book, online information sharing, Power BI Dashboards, and crucially, standardized monthly reports (02:34:34.288–02:35:00.730).
  • By standardizing monthly reports, the system is expected to save time and reduce "opportunities for spreadsheet formulas to break" (02:35:50.373–02:36:06.269).
  • The cost was noted as significantly less than competitors, which were in the "$150,000 range" (02:36:08.595–02:36:15.226).
  • The overall objective is to gain efficiency, freeing up staff time for other critical operations (02:38:46.668–02:38:51.605).
  • There is a possibility of winning awards, specifically the "excellence in budgeting" award from the Government Finance Officers Association (02:39:03.755–02:39:16.641).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The Gravity™ software modules (Budget Book, Open Data Transparency, Power BI Dashboards, and Monthly Reports) were described (02:34:34.288).
  • The Munis financial system was cited as the source for the imported data (02:32:12.329; 02:37:20.893).
  • The urgency of the $22,000 one-time implementation cost was driven by a deadline that expires April 30, 2024.

Financials

  • One-time implementation cost (discounted): $22,000.
  • Estimated annual cost: $25,000 (USD), subject to potential annual increases.
  • Full budget funding will be requested during the 2nd Quarter Supplemental Budget Appropriation cycle (02:31:23.283).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • The competing platform, Questica (Euna Solutions), was evaluated but deemed significantly more expensive and overly robust for current needs (02:36:08.595).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to delegate authority to the County Administrator to sign a Letter of Intent to procure a number of Gravity budget modules was approved.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps:
    • - County Administrator Mark McCauley: Sign Letter of Intent to secure the price discount (deadline April 30, 2024).
    • - County Administrator Mark McCauley: Work on a contract document to be brought back to the board for 2nd Quarter Supplemental Budget appropriation (02:31:23.283).

Appointment of Andrew Schwartz to Planning Commission

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:44:19.698–02:51:04.353
  • Agenda Item: Appointment to Planning Commission (District No. 3)
  • Categories: personnel, planning, land use

Topic Summary

The Board considered and approved the appointment of Andrew Schwartz to fill the open District No. 3 Planning Commission seat, which became vacant following the end of Mike Nilssen's term. Mr. Schwartz was the sole, highly qualified applicant, praised by Commissioner Brotherton for his emotional intelligence and previous community engagement on the Growth Management Steering Committee. Commissioners discussed the applicant's relevant, though not professional, land use experience and the administrative process for vetting board appointments.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Brotherton noted that this particular seat was vacated by Mike Nelson, who "served really well in that role" (02:44:34.778–02:44:53.281).
  • The applicant, Andrew Schwartz, was described as enthusiastic and demonstrated "emotional intelligence" in challenging conversations, having previously served on the Growth Management Steering Committee and the Northwood Canal Chamber of Commerce Board (02:46:20.354–02:46:36.445).
  • In terms of relevant experience, staff noted Mr. Schwartz's background with an organization on the East Coast that worked on the development of a town center and complicated capital projects involving many stakeholders (02:47:29.799–02:47:49.919).
  • Commissioner Eisenhour asked about the administrative process for filling vacancies, noting the speed of this appointment contrasted with previous instances that had taken months (02:48:00.416–02:48:26.343).
  • Associate Planner Joel Peterson confirmed that rules require advertising in the paper for "2 successive editions" and that staff left the posting open through the end of March to attract other applicants, but none materialized (02:48:26.343–02:48:46.567).
  • Commissioner Eisenhour noted her continued desire to see more women appointed to boards and committees (02:49:08.389–02:49:26.304).

Public Comments

  • No public comment was provided on this appointment after the motion and second.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The appointment was for the District No. 3 seat, with a term expiring on March 17, 2028 (Supporting Materials).

Financials

  • No financial information was discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed because Mr. Schwartz was the only applicant.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to appoint Andrew Schwartz to the open District 3 Planning Commission seat was approved.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Mr. Schwartz is appointed to a term expiring March 17, 2028.

Permission to Remove Trees/Shrubs from Brookwood Glen Greenbelt (Project Update)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:31:57.540–01:44:40.687
  • Agenda Item: Permission to Remove Trees/Shrubs from Brookwood Glen Greenbelt
  • Categories: infrastructure, permits, planning

Topic Summary

Public Works requested formal permission to remove necessary vegetation (trees/shrubs) within the Brookwood Glen plat's 20-foot Green Belt Area to accommodate a long-planned, multi-use bike/pedestrian trail project along SR19/Rhody Drive. Staff noted that a 1970 protective covenant gives the Board "sole right to approve" the cutting of vegetation in this area. This formal permission is a prerequisite before Public Works can proceed with negotiating temporary construction easements with individual property owners.

Key Discussion Points

  • The project is for a multi-use trail separated from the highway by a swale, running from Chilacum Crossroads up to HJ Carroll Park (01:33:04.295–01:33:20.681).
  • The road's travel lane width will be reduced as part of the project to fit the trail infrastructure, which may offer the "secondary benefit of reducing speed" (01:35:08.477–01:35:41.160).
  • The 20-foot green belt area exists on the individual lots abutting the highway, not as separate, community-owned property (01:37:14.809–01:37:24.193).
  • Protective Covenant #5 requires permission from the Board of County Commissioners for "cutting of trees or brush" in the Green Belt Area (01:37:14.809–01:38:00.225).
  • The majority of the impact would be due to temporary construction activity and minor cut and fill slopes, requiring temporary construction easements, not permanent encumbrances (01:41:23.763–01:41:34.311).
  • Public Works evaluated using Fern Way (internal to the plat) for the trail but ruled it out due to numerous driveways posing a safety concern (01:40:40.937–01:41:05.142).
  • Direct, one-on-one negotiation with property owners for temporary construction easements has not yet begun, pending this BoCC permission and final environmental review approval (01:43:16.120–01:44:15.335).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The request referenced Protective Covenant #5 of the Brookwood Glen Plat (01:37:14.809).
  • The project was authorized under Resolution 63-20 (Supporting Materials).

Financials

  • Removal costs will be classified as a construction expense of the Project (Supporting Materials).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • An alternative alignment using Fern Way was discussed and rejected primarily due to safety concerns related to driveways (01:40:40.937).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve signing the attached permission to remove trees and shrubs from the Brookwood Glen Greenbelt area to accommodate a Public Works project was approved.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps:
    • Public Works staff will now proceed with final environmental review and begin negotiations with the 11 abutting property owners for temporary construction easements (01:43:16.120).

Operating Agreement for Jefferson County Animal Shelter

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:57:42.458–02:21:24.133
  • Agenda Item: Operating Agreement for the Jefferson County Animal Shelter and Related Services
  • Categories: services, contracts, budgeting

Topic Summary

The Board considered and approved a five-year operating agreement with the Humane Society of Jefferson County (HSJC), which formalizes the County's long-term financial commitment to the shelter. This agreement shifts the County's relationship from a simple landlord charging rent to a dedicated public funder, providing annual support payments that escalate by 3% yearly, plus utility reimbursement. HSJC leadership presented data on the variety of public services provided, including low-cost S/N services, licensing, and shelter management, and outlined the future use of funds to increase physical capacity and expand outreach to underserved areas like West Jefferson County.

Key Discussion Points

  • County Administrator Mark McCauley framed the agreement as a significant shift, flipping the relationship from the County having "charged them to the privilege of using our facility" to the County agreeing to "pay them" (01:58:38.335–01:59:10.124).
  • The agreement establishes the Humane Society as the Animal Shelter operator and exclusive licensing agent for companion animals in unincorporated areas of the County (Supporting Materials).
  • HSJC Executive Director Jen Dupree noted she is 90 days into her role and shared service statistics: the shelter sees about 650 animals per year, performs about 655 spay/neuter operations per year (75% for county residents), and maintains a 95% "lifesaving rate" (live outcome rate) (02:04:45.279; 02:06:56.016; 02:13:40.755).
  • A key challenge is the facility's current capacity, noting a continuous waitlist of 10 to 15 dogs due to a lack of isolation/quarantine areas, which increases the average length of stay due to disease spread (02:07:16.369–02:07:38.106).
  • Use of the County funding will enable the purchase of a 400 square-foot prefabricated modular building to increase physical capacity and create isolation areas (02:08:18.575–02:08:51.753).
  • Funds will also support community outreach, specifically monthly vaccine and microchip clinics (and potential S/N clinics) in underserved areas like West Jefferson County (02:10:00.588–02:10:26.696).
  • The Canine Control Officer typically brings in 3 to 4 dogs per month but fewer cats (02:18:06.301).
  • Ms. Dupree strongly advocated for dog licensing even in rural areas as it is the primary method for reunification, especially when a dog is not microchipped (02:20:42.238–02:20:56.025).

Public Comments

  • No public comment provided.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The agreement's term is five years, from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2028 (Supporting Materials).
  • The County will reimburse the Humane Society for utility costs (water, electrical, propane, internet, etc.) (01:59:10.124).

Financials

  • Year 1 (Total Estimated Cost): $50,000 (annual payment) + utility reimbursement.
  • Year 2 (Total Estimated Cost): Approximately $63,000 ($51,500 annual payment + estimated $12,000 utilities) (02:00:25.962).
  • The annual Base Support Payment is $50,000 in 2024, increasing by 3% each subsequent year (02:00:03.151).
  • The County will seek funding via the 2nd Quarter Supplemental Budget process (Supporting Materials).
  • The County agrees to pay boarding fees for impounded animals at $20.00 per day for dogs and cats for the first five days (Supporting Materials).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives were discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve the Operating Agreement for the Jefferson County Animal Shelter and related services was approved.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps:
    • The new five-year agreement is effective (retroactively) from January 1, 2024.
    • Staff must procure a 400 sq. ft. modular building and begin implementation of capacity expansion and outreach programs.
    • Final budget items ($50,000 and utilities) will be sought through the upcoming 2nd Quarter Supplemental Budget process.

Johnson & Johnson Opioid Litigation Settlement

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:50:14.879–03:59:39.862
  • Agenda Item: Opioid Litigation Settlement with Johnson & Johnson
  • Categories: budgeting, public safety, services

Topic Summary

The Board approved participation in the settlement with Johnson & Johnson regarding opioid litigation. The County's portion is a one-time payment estimated at over \$243,000, designated strictly for Opioid Remediation/Abatement purposes. The funds will be distributed through the regional Salish Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (SBH-ASO), consistent with previous opioid settlements. Commissioners briefly discussed strategic needs, such as supporting therapeutic courts, as they relate to these one-time funds.

Key Discussion Points

  • Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Philip Hunsucker stated this is the fourth major opioid settlement Jefferson County has been involved in since the litigation began in 2017 (03:50:57.044).
  • The settlement is a one-time payment and is contingent upon all participating local governments signing up (03:51:27.141).
  • Jefferson County's share is estimated to be a minimum of \$231,544.13 and an estimated actual payment of \$243,258.89 (03:56:08.780).
  • Funds are governed by the "One Washington" agreement, which requires the funds to be split 50/50 with the state and distributed through the regional entity, Salish Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (SBH-ASO) (03:52:00.784–03:52:30.250).
  • The funds must be used exclusively for a "very large number of things" that qualify as opioid abatement (03:53:13.687). This strict requirement is intended to prevent misuse, following issues with the Tobacco litigation settlement funds (03:53:54.871).
  • Commissioners discussed potential strategic uses for the one-time injection of capital, noting the "noise about therapeutic courts needing more funding" (03:57:24.752). Commissioner Eisenhour stressed that the BHAC retreat this week will be assessing these one-time needs (03:55:35.677–03:55:53.276).
  • The deadline for submission to the settlement administrator is May 11th (03:54:21.235).

Public Comments

  • No public comment provided.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The One Washington Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was referenced as the governing document stipulating the 50/50 fund split and distribution method (03:52:00.784).
  • The funding must be used for Opioid Remediation/Abatement (Appendix A of MOU) (03:54:11.355).

Financials

  • Estimated County portion (one-time revenue): \$243,258.89.
  • Funds must be utilized for Opioid Remediation/Abatement.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Rejecting the settlement would require the County to continue individual litigation; this alternative was not recommended by counsel (Supporting Materials).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve the Johnson & Johnson settlement for Jefferson County and delegate authority to the Chair to sign the necessary documents was approved.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps:
    • - Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney: Submit the signed documentation to the settlement administrator by May 11, 2024.
    • The BHAC will convene a special meeting/retreat to determine the strategic allocation of these funds for Opioid Remediation.

Adoption of New Climate Action Emissions and Carbon Sequestration Goals

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:41:29.825–03:49:33.068
  • Agenda Item: Discussion and Potential Action on Climate Action Committee (CAC) Goals
  • Categories: planning, services, ordinances

Topic Summary

The Board formally considered and unanimously adopted the new, aggressive climate action goals for emissions reduction and carbon sequestration as recommended by the Climate Action Committee (CAC). The adopted goals align with IPCC science-based targets. Commissioners expressed support for setting ambitious goals as a political statement and incentive, despite currently lacking a detailed "rural roadmap" for achieving the aggressive emissions reduction target of 58.7% by 2030. The emphasis shifted from detailed action plans to adopting the goals immediately and subsequently working with CAC to develop the necessary strategies.

Key Discussion Points

  • The CAC proposed new Emissions Reduction Goals (Absolute): 58.7% reduction below 2018 levels by 2030, and 95% reduction by 2050 (03:41:48.143).
  • The CAC proposed new Sequestration Goals (Excluding National Park and Wilderness Areas): 20% increase in annual sequestration by 2030, and 40% increase by 2050, both above the 2011-2016 baseline (03:42:32.345).
  • CAC Chair Case Kolff urged the Board to set the ambitious goals first, arguing that the action plan is a "constantly moving target" and that failing to set the bold goal would mean "missing an opportunity" (03:39:59.607–03:40:41.047).
  • Commissioner Eisenhour initially hesitated, suggesting a delay for the CAC to develop a "rural roadmap" addressing tough issues like moving away from cars or wood stoves in rural areas (03:37:48.957).
  • CAC member Cindy Jayne supported this approach, recalling that the County met its initial 2020 goal (a 39% reduction from 1990) without a detailed roadmap, largely due to systemic changes in energy generation and a 50% emissions reduction by Port Townsend Paper Company (03:43:37.814–03:43:57.200).
  • Commissioner Brotherton noted that adopting the goals sets the County up well to pursue federal and state funding opportunities that require alignment with these aggressive IPCC standards (03:33:02.218). The immediate adoption was seen as necessary to "frame the context" of the climate crisis (03:46:43.165).
  • Adoption was contingent only on the goals themselves; the creation of the detailed roadmap remains a next step, agreed upon by the Commissioners and CAC staff (03:48:48.680).

Public Comments

  • - Cindy Jayne (CAC Member): Thanked the Board for making the motion and offered assistance in developing information for the public, which needs to be disseminated effectively to drive individual choices and systemic change.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The goals are based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommendations (03:43:40.352).
  • The baseline for sequestration is 2011-2016 (1.6 MMTCO₂/year) (03:42:43.530).
  • The baseline for emissions reduction is 2018 (03:41:48.143).

Financials

  • No funding was requested or committed; the item was for goal adoption only.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • The alternative of delaying the vote to await a detailed "rural roadmap" was discussed but rejected in favor of immediate adoption of the ambitious targets.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve the sequestration and emissions goals as presented by the Climate Action Committee was adopted.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps:
    • - Climate Action Committee (CAC) Staff: Develop a follow-up presentation/report to the BOCC outlining specific high-impact actions and a "rural roadmap" approach for achieving the new goals (03:49:09.191).

Discussion: Carbon Sequestration and Emissions Reduction Rationale

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:49:59.334–03:39:29.946
  • Agenda Item: Workshop: Proposed Goals from the Climate Action Committee (Continuation)
  • Categories: planning, services, operations

Topic Summary

CAC staff (Cindy Jayne) led a workshop detailing the scientific rationale and modeling behind the proposed carbon sequestration and emissions reduction goals. The discussion focused heavily on converting global IPCC targets into local, non-National Park/Wilderness (non-ONPW) goals. The largest challenge debated was quantifying how land management changes (like extended timber harvest rotations) and systemic changes (like EV uptake) translate into the aggressive 58.7% emissions reduction target by 2030, given that existing EV promotion models only show a projected 10% reduction.

Key Discussion Points

  • Sequestration Target Rationale: The proposed 20% increase in sequestration by 2030 and 40% by 2050 was modeled using regional and local data, including comparisons to an Oregon study on natural climate solutions (02:54:38.976).
  • USFS Management Modeling: Staff used data from the 2011-2016 GHG Inventory, showing that US Forest Service land achieved the highest annual net CO₂ removal per acre (5.0 metric tons). Hypothetically applying this successful management rate to the 450,000 non-ONPW wooded acres predicted a 76% increase in carbon sequestration (03:06:28.885).
  • The 54,000-Acre Challenge: Moving 54,000 acres of commercial industrial land (which had the lowest sequestration rate in the model) to the USFS management model would be required to hit the minimum 20% sequestration goal by 2030 (03:09:07.505).
  • Emissions Reduction and EVs: Staff confirmed transportation accounts for over half of local GHG emissions (03:19:30.518). Current models suggest that displacing 23% of gas vehicles with EVs by 2030 would only yield a 10% emissions reduction, falling significantly short of the 58.7% target (03:20:22.946–03:20:42.472).
  • Need for Policy Action: Commissioners identified that achieving the large emissions gap requires more than just vehicle adoption, necessitating stronger action on prohibiting new fossil fuel facilities (e.g., propane use) in energy codes (03:30:40.103) and addressing rural transportation barriers (03:34:13.941).
  • Policy vs. Goal: CAC leadership confirmed the 58.7% emissions target is set based on what the IPCC recommends as necessary to limit global warming to 1.5°C, viewing the goal as a "fixed variable" that must be achieved, regardless of current local capacity knowledge (03:24:40.352; 03:41:36.034).

Public Comments

  • No public comment provided during the workshop.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • IPCC recommendations for limiting temperature increase to 1.5 degrees C (03:24:40.352).
  • Oregon Global Warming Natural and Working Lands proposal (2021): Referenced for modeling potential reductions from extended timber harvest (02:53:31.976).
  • Jefferson County Forest and Tree Greenhouse Gas Inventory: Cited for the 2011-2016 baseline data and sequestration rates by ownership type (02:56:43.136; 03:06:00.244).

Financials

  • No financial commitments were discussed, only the economic benefits and co-benefits of sequestration and EV adoption efforts.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives were discussed beyond modeling different pathways to reach the proposed goals (e.g., using different land conversion assumptions).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • This was an informational workshop used to gauge support for the upcoming adoption vote. The discussion confirmed Commissioner agreement to move forward with the ambitious goals (03:41:41.535).

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