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05/06/24 09 AM: BOCC Addresses Permit Delays, Deputy Needs, Budgets, Health, Burns

BOCC Addresses Permit Delays, Deputy Needs, Budgets, Health, Burns

Jefferson County BOCC meeting covered public complaints on DCD permit delays (workshop planned), South County law enforcement staffing concerns (sheriff consult), consent agenda/budget appropriations approved (~$3.35M), Nurses Week proclamation, Public Health report (COVID/avian flu), ordinance rules continued, burn regulations workshop (Fire Marshal authority).

Public Comments on DCD Permit Delays and BOCC Response

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:04:33–00:36:06 (PART 1)
  • Categories: permits, planning, operations

Summary

Public commenters raised concerns about delays in the Site Development Review (SDR) and Legal Lot of Record (LLR) process mandated by BOCC in October 2022, with processing times exceeding promised 2 weeks and reaching up to 12 weeks or 9 months total for building permits. Suggestions included Zoom meetings for SDRs, shifting Silent Fridays to Wednesdays, reinstating Customer Assistance Meetings (CAMs), and monthly permit reports. BOCC acknowledged the issues, committed to a workshop with DCD staff (potentially in 2 weeks), noted ongoing monthly meetings with builders, and emphasized solution-oriented approaches while praising DCD staff efforts.

Key Discussion Points

  • Lizanne Coker (Jefferson County Homeowners Association): SDRs take 12 weeks; proposed Zoom SDR meetings (45 min with DCD, Environmental Health, Public Works), shift Silent Fridays, reinstate CAMs, IT permit reports; noted staff overwork and consultant overuse.
  • Sally Lloyds (permit consultant): SDR reports confusing/inaccurate; supported wrapping SDR into building permits, more staff over consultants; 9-month delays kill loans.
  • Anonymous: Delays turn months into years, affecting lives.
  • Sebastian (builder): Permit speed critical for employees/customers; interested in solutions.
  • BOCC Response: Commissioner Brotherton: Spoke with DCD Director Josh Peters; workshop proposed (possibly 2 weeks out); motivated to improve. Commissioner Mogg: Solution-oriented tone appreciated; DCD reviewing letters. Commissioner Eisenhour: Workshop needed; reinstate CAMs; DCD staff overworked but fantastic.

Public Comments

  • Lizanne Coker/Jefferson County Homeowners Association: SDR delays from 2 weeks promised to 12 weeks; process fixes needed.
  • Sally Lloyds/Permit Consultant: SDR backfired; clients lose loans; need staff, not consultants.
  • Anonymous: Delays ridiculous, affect lives.
  • Sebastian/Builder: Permit delays impact 12 employees, customers.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced in discussion; public letters from Lizanne and Sally noted as reviewed by DCD.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Commit to DCD workshop (timing unclear, possibly next week or 2 weeks out); continue monthly builder meetings.
  • Vote: None taken.
  • Next Steps: Schedule public workshop with DCD; DCD reviewing public letters.

South County Law Enforcement Concerns and BOCC Response

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:12:52–00:36:00 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, personnel

Summary

Residents expressed concerns over rising crimes, delayed response times (e.g., 30 min to first officer), and vigilante risks in Brinnon/South County, requesting a full-time deputy. BOCC noted sheriff staffing discussions in prior budget, rural challenges (25-30 min responses county-wide), low crime rates despite property issues, and need for data (e.g., heat maps); committed to exploring but emphasized sheriff's independent role and data-driven decisions.

Key Discussion Points

  • Lise Houche (Brinnon resident): Rising crimes, delayed responses, vigilante liability risks.
  • Shelley (Brinnon): 30 min response to incident; SWAT cost could fund deputy; consultants over staff.
  • BOCC Response: Commissioner Eisenhour: Sheriff staffing at 11th hour in budget; rural geography challenges; 22 deputies (1.2 per 1,000 vs. urban 2); need data/heat maps. Commissioner Mogg: Sheriff recommends; logistics complex. Commissioner Brotherton: Sheriff agrees on need; check priority.

Public Comments

  • Lise Houche/Brinnon Resident: Need full-time South County officer; vigilante risks.
  • Shelley/Brinnon Resident: 30 min response; escalating vigilantism; fund deputy over SWAT/consultants.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Explore South County deputy; rely on sheriff recommendation/data; North Jefferson County Chamber town hall noted.
  • Vote: None taken.
  • Next Steps: Discuss with Sheriff Noel/Under-Sheriff Princent; check budget priority.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:39:11–00:39:43 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, infrastructure

Summary

BOCC approved the consent agenda as presented without items pulled for discussion. Supporting materials detail substantive items including budget appropriations/extensions, contracts for software/website development, housing repairs extension, health grants, and project creations/change orders; no major policy/financial matters hidden per analysis.

Key Discussion Points

Limited discussion; item addressed primarily through supporting materials.

Public Comments

One public comment on consent item 8 (Tyler software for food inspections): Questioned $10k custom form development, potential wheel-reinvention; BOCC noted custom needs, supported.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • 1Q Budget Appropriations/Extensions: $164k General Fund, $2.87M other funds (e.g., DCD grants, sheriff programs, parks staffing/transfers).
  • Contracts: Hoh Watershed ($13k), BHC website ($7.7k), Tyler food form ($10k), etc.; amendments (health contracts +$57k, housing repairs extension).
  • Projects: ODT creation ($2M grant), PTCC flooring ($80k), civil alarm upgrade ($20k), Port Hadlock changes ($42k loan amend). Board decision aligned with staff recommendations.

Financials

Multiple: e.g., Tyler $10k (custom form); total 1Q changes ~$3.35M across funds (revenues offset most).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Budget: Amend deputy fire marshal to ongoing.
  • No other alternatives noted.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve and adopt the consent agenda as presented" with deputy fire marshal ongoing.
  • Vote: Motion by Commissioner Brotherton, seconded; unanimous Ayes.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Nurses Week Proclamation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:39:43–00:45:54 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel, services

Summary

BOCC proclaimed May 6-12, 2024, as Nurses Week, honoring ~3.8M U.S. registered nurses, Jefferson County Public Health nurses, Jefferson Healthcare, and local providers for crisis response, disease prevention, and care.

Key Discussion Points

Limited discussion; read proclamation; Public Health Director Apple Martine and Dr. Denise thanked nurses for COVID vaccinations, public health prevention focus.

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: "Approve the proclamation as read."
  • Vote: Motion, seconded; unanimous Ayes.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Public Health Monthly Report

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:45:54–01:12:42 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, services, planning

Summary

Dr. Barry reported declining COVID hospitalizations/tracking (CDC ended May 1; wastewater low), long COVID (10% risk, vaccination protective; symptoms: cardiomyopathy, thrombosis, brain fog, autoimmunity), and avian flu in dairy (38 states via milk sampling; pasteurization safe; caution raw milk/farms). BOCC paused KPTZ broadcasts summer (low season), resuming fall if needed.

Key Discussion Points

  • COVID/Long COVID: Downtrend; 10% long COVID rate (65M global); risk factors: severity, no rest; manifestations: cardiovascular, immune dysregulation.
  • Avian Flu: In 36 herds/9 states; milk safe pasteurized; farm precautions (masking, wild bird separation).
  • Commissioner Questions: Long COVID types; new CDC guidance confusing; wastewater spikes contextual.
  • Broadcast Pause: Dr. Barry part-time; summer low season; alternatives: Board of Health meetings.

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: Pause KPTZ health reports summer, resume fall; tune to County Connections.
  • Vote: Informal consensus.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

2024 First Quarter Budget Appropriations/Extensions

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:25:58–01:35:01 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, personnel, contracts, infrastructure

Summary

Public hearing approved 1Q supplemental appropriations/extensions totaling ~$3.35M ($164k General Fund revenue/expense, $2.87M other funds), including DCD grants/staffing, sheriff programs, court upgrades, parks transfers, PIF projects (e.g., Glen Cove, industrial park), IT/facilities positions; amendment made deputy fire marshal ongoing.

Key Discussion Points

  • Treasurer Judy: Detailed changes (e.g., PIF $2.1M, DCD grants $110k, parks shortfall); no revenue concerns (GF cash $11M).
  • BOCC: Approved with fire marshal ongoing; general fund healthy.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Detailed in packet: e.g., sheriff RSAT $182k, DCD $326k exp, PIF $2.1M; staff recommended, no divergences.

Financials

~3.35M total; e.g., PIF $2.13M, DCD personnel $41k ongoing; GF cash strong ($11M).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Amend deputy fire marshal to ongoing (approved).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve the resolution...with amendment making deputy fire marshal expenses ongoing."
  • Vote: Motion by Commissioner Eisenhour, seconded; unanimous Ayes.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Rules for Adopting Ordinances, Resolutions, and Motions (Public Hearing)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:57:34–02:39:30 (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances, planning

Summary

Continued public hearing on ordinance establishing staff rules for BOCC/BOH adoption processes (Ch. 2.55 JCC) to ensure consistency/transparency; defines ordinance/resolution/motion, formats, hearings, prosecutor form approval. Concerns raised on Planning Commission review; continued for revisions/clarification.

Key Discussion Points

  • Deputy Prosecutor Pleimann: Rules for staff; prosecutor approval as to form pre-hearing.
  • Cynthia Cohen (Planning Commissioner): Planning Commission not notified; opposes pre-hearing legal review of notices/recommendations as limiting public voice/advisory role.
  • DCD Director Peters: Clarified PAO intent (draft ordinance review pre-PC hearing); supports legal review post-PC recommendation.
  • BOCC: Seek PAO clarification on PC language (e.g., no review of PC recommendations pre-transmittal); fix resolution numbering; continue to May 21.

Public Comments

  • Cynthia Cohen/Port Townsend Planning Commissioner: Remove PC from legal review; stifles advisory role/minority reports.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Agenda packet ordinance; prior revisions from BOH/DCD comments.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Clarify PC review (pre-hearing draft ordinance ok, post-hearing recommendation not pre-legal review); fix numbering.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Continue hearing; direct PAO revisions/clarification.
  • Vote: None taken.
  • Next Steps: PAO (Hunsucker May 21) revise; re-hear.

Burn Regulations and Fireworks Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:48:04–end (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances, public safety, planning

Summary

Workshop on 5-level NFDRS matrix for burn restrictions (Green low to Red ban); propose July 1-Sept 30 annual moderate restriction (recreational fires ok); authority to Fire Marshal + chiefs consultation (brief BOCC); fireworks ban at high level (2025 code); signage/digital comms; Indian ceremonial/recreational defined.

Key Discussion Points

  • Fire Marshal Cecere: 5 stages; annual July1-Sept30 blue (moderate); approved devices list; fireworks high trigger.
  • Chiefs Tracer/Svetich: ORCA independent; campsites ok; wood pellet grills stage 4.
  • BOCC Guidance: Option 3 (Marshal + chiefs, brief BOCC); codify July1-Sept30; digital/QR signs; explore fireworks community permits/bans.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced; packet infographics/NFD outlook (above normal July).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Authority: Marshal declaration w/consult (preferred); burn board or annual res slower; fireworks: permits/bans/community displays considered.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Fire Marshal + chiefs authority (brief BOCC); annual July1-Sept30; draft ordinance.
  • Vote: Informal consensus.
  • Next Steps: Draft ordinance; fire chiefs list devices; mid-June fireworks call.

Background Materials

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