MEETING: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Jul 08, 09:00 AM

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JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING SUMMARY

MEETING DATE: 2024-07-08

Public Comment: Housing and Fair Housing Violations

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:06.475–00:04:25.992
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: services, housing, budgeting, public safety

Topic Summary

Public comment focused on alleged violations of fair housing laws related to sanitation and access at the 2nd and 9th Street shelter. The speaker suggested that inadequate facilities may point to misappropriation of funds and proposed an alternative solution of establishing a peer-run facility, utilizing emergency grants for a property already available on Lawrence and Calhoun.

Key Discussion Points

  • Maggie alleges that the 2nd and 9th Street shelter is violating fair housing laws by not having at least one operating sink, toilet, and shower (00:01:45.158–00:01:47.154).
  • Access to a working toilet was reportedly blocked (00:01:47.154–00:01:51.999), and one shower only provides five minutes of hot water before turning cold (00:02:00.459–00:02:03.151).
  • Maggie stated that the light in a shower was never non-functional, and "Terry" instructed staff to block access, which may suggest retaliation or misappropriation of funds (00:02:14.366–00:02:38.497).
  • A comparison was drawn to a similar property situation in a severe flood zone in Illinois and Kentucky (00:03:18.703–00:03:25.076).
  • Maggie suggested converting a two-bedroom house located at 634 Lawrence and Calhoun into a peer-run facility, funded by emergency grants, due to its proximity to the library and courthouse (00:03:41.105–00:04:10.989).

Public Comments

  • Maggie: Raised concerns about fair housing violations at the 2nd and 9th Street shelter due to blocked access to sanitary facilities and fluctuating hot water supply. Suggested the county should look into using grants to establish a peer-run facility for shelter services.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • The speaker suggested applying for grants, specifically "emergency grants," to acquire and establish a peer-run facility (00:04:05.233).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Maggie proposed an alternative shelter model: converting a two-bedroom house at 634 Lawrence and Calhoun into a peer-run facility (00:03:41.105–00:04:10.989).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; item was public comment.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioner Brotherton: Announced a Shelter Coalition meeting tomorrow (July 9th), which Maggie is invited to join (online only) (00:17:51.856–00:17:54.897).
  • - Commissioner Brotherton: Will discuss issues with Bayside, which is taking over operations; plumbing is being addressed (00:17:45.413–00:17:51.856).

Public Comment: Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) Implementation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:04:34.073–00:07:05.685
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: public safety, contracts, operations

Topic Summary

Chief Black commended the county's leadership on the CWPP process and strongly advocated for the continued retention of SWCA Environmental Consultants for implementation assistance. He emphasized that the county's staff is too limited in capacity to manage and grow the program effectively, especially given the rising existential threats like wildfires, and noted that public awareness of the CWPP is currently at a high level that should not be wasted.

Key Discussion Points

  • Chief Black commended the county for their patience, persistence, and tenacity concerning the CWPP (00:04:38.908–00:04:50.135).
  • He highlighted the importance of approving the agenda item to retain SWCA for continued management and scope of the advisory group (00:04:56.014–00:05:04.141).
  • The use of a consultant is critical because the remote community's staff, and the advisory group's members, lack the capacity to maintain and grow the CWPP beyond its current state (00:05:21.842–00:05:29.847).
  • Without the consultant, the outcome for the community would not be the best possible, facing threats like flooding, earthquakes, tsunamis, and wildfires (00:05:41.054–00:06:02.433).
  • Public awareness of the CWPP is at a "really high level" following recent presentations, and the momentum should not be lost (00:06:44.946–00:06:58.126).
  • Commissioner Brotherton Response: Acknowledged the CWP advocacy. Noted that the item is on the consent agenda and involves putting 80K–125K into implementation. Questioned if a dedicated staff member might be needed in the future, but recognized Title III funds are restricted (00:18:42.323–00:19:05.196).

Public Comments

  • Chief Black: Encouraged the Board to approve the contract extension with SWCA to ensure continued, proactive, and strategic management of the CWPP amidst regional threats, citing limited local staff capacity.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The unapproved Consent Agenda includes an Amendment to the SWCA contract for CWPP implementation, supporting the speaker's request for project continuity.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed in public comment.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; item was public comment. (The contract approval was subsequently handled in the Consent Agenda section.)
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Public Comment: Fireworks Regulations and Safety

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:07:56.701–00:15:50.607
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: public safety, ordinances, operations

Topic Summary

Multiple speakers addressed the need for stricter fireworks regulations, citing safety hazards, noise pollution, and environmental harm, particularly in South County. Speakers highlighted the risk of brush fires in dry conditions and the perceived inadequacy of the current, recently updated ordinance. One speaker inquired about the specific lobbying groups influencing policy, to which the Commissioners later clarified that the primary difficulty is state law imposing a one-year waiting period for local rule changes.

Key Discussion Points

  • Shelley Arnell described an "8-day 4th of July" and two events causing concern: a resident admitting to firing 30,000 illegal fireworks over a 14-day period, and an unpermitted public fireworks show in Quilcene (00:07:57.574–00:08:30.189).
  • The carefully crafted county fireworks ordinance is viewed as "dismally inadequate" and needs immediate revision, following the example of Port Townsend (00:08:35.678–00:09:13.650).
  • John Hamilton noted complaints about noise from Thursday through Saturday night in Port Hadlock and emphasized the increased fire risk due to rising temperatures and abundant dry brush resulting from a wet June (00:12:17.433–00:13:27.434).
  • Hamilton advocated for the elimination of private fireworks use within the county, aligning with Port Townsend's policy (00:13:04.053–00:13:05.734).
  • Tom Tears questioned which lobbyists are influencing the county commissioners to oppose restrictions, asking for justification of the endangerment of the public (00:14:27.445–01:14:56.958).
  • Commissioner Brotherton Response: Clarified that the "lobbying" relates to the State law requiring a one-year waiting period after any local change to fireworks rules (00:19:26.087–00:19:38.381). A ban passed today would not take effect until July 8, 2025 (00:19:46.415–00:19:50.651).
  • The current ordinance aimed to be science-based, leaving decisions to the fire marshal based on atmospheric conditions; since there was rain last week, no ban was necessary (00:20:02.013–00:20:26.077).
  • Commissioner Deane Response: Stated that illegal fireworks are the majority of those ignited. Suggested residents might be allowed a designated "Geneva fireworks" area (00:24:58.907–00:26:03.632).
  • Commissioner Eisenhour Response: Noted that the "lobbying groups are external" and do not lobby the county directly; the county is only lobbied by its residents (00:21:51.174–00:22:11.563). He also was happy to report that his area fire chief had reported "not one incident last night" related to fireworks (00:26:16.528–02:26:26.366).

Public Comments

  • - Shelley Arnell Brennan: Called for an urgent revision of the fireworks ordinance, citing illegal use and environmental harm; emphasized the need to follow Port Townsend's ban.
  • - John Hamilton: Stressed the increased fire hazard due to dry conditions and encouraged the county to eliminate private fireworks use.
  • - Tom Tears: Challenged the Board to identify the lobbying interests preventing stricter fireworks regulations.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Discussion included banning private fireworks entirely, or designating a permitted area (a "Geneva fireworks" location) (00:13:04.053, 00:26:00.429).
  • Commissioner Brotherton noted that the fireworks stand at Rody Road and the sign shop serves as a "really great fundraiser" for the senior class, suggesting that alternative funding would need to be established (02:29:23.609–02:30:41.886).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; Commissioners were receptive to continuing the discussion but noted current state law restrictions on immediate changes.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps: Commissioners expressed willingness to continue the "fireworks predicament" conversation (02:13:36.629).

Public Comment: Shelter Operations and Recycling

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:09:59.793–00:11:42.085
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: services, personnel, operations, other

Topic Summary

Julia Cochran confirmed the upcoming Shelter Coalition meeting and raised issues regarding volunteer and food coordination at the shelter, suggesting the county hire a community cook and utilize volunteers for support tasks like dishwashing. Separately, she asked the county to address the lack of local recycling options for plastic bottle caps, which residents have been collecting for 3D printing material.

Key Discussion Points

  • Julia inquired about the agenda for the Shelter Coalition meeting this week (00:09:59.793–00:10:02.696).
  • She proposed hiring a community cook to handle menu planning and food purchasing within a budget, utilizing volunteers to assist with prepping, serving, and dishwashing (00:10:23.525–00:10:47.095).
  • Julia expressed difficulty reaching out to Pastor Melanie and "Heather" about volunteering and is unclear on current operations (00:10:02.696–00:11:04.567).
  • A second, separate topic was the large volume of collected plastic bottle caps, intended for a company that converts them to 3D printing material, but appears not to be returning. She requested the county figure out a way to engage with this topic (00:11:06.062–00:11:40.133).
  • Commissioner Brotherton Response: Confirmed the Shelter Coalition meeting tomorrow (July 9th). Stated that the county is focused on "after action," ensuring contracts and power are running smoothly. Said he doubted there was salary capacity to hire a cook, but offered to cook himself (00:18:13.386–00:18:21.392, 00:22:44.266–00:23:44.842).
  • Commissioner Deane Response: Offered to look into the bottle cap recycling issue via the SWAC (Solid Waste Advisory Committee) (00:26:59.980–00:27:12.726). Also offered to cook for the shelter alongside Commissioner Brotherton (00:27:21.704–00:27:27.596).

Public Comments

  • - Julia Cochran: Advocated for hiring a paid community cook for the shelter, supported by volunteers, and asked the county to identify a pathway for recycling accumulated plastic bottle caps for 3D printing.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • The discussion included the necessity of budgeting for a paid cook's salary (00:23:05.632).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • The proposal for hiring a cook represents an alternative to finding and managing purely volunteer culinary efforts.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; informational public comment and internal staff follow-up initiated.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioner Brotherton: Will ensure Pastor Jackson is at the Shelter Coalition meeting to discuss food and volunteers (00:22:42.212–00:22:45.399).
  • - Commissioner Deane: Will inquire about recycling and bottle caps via SWAC (00:26:59.980).

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:30:12.768–00:34:10.104
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda
  • Categories: contracts, permits, public safety, services, land use, budgeting, operations, infrastructure

Topic Summary

The Board discussed and unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included several financial and contractual items. Key discussions centered on allocating $125,000 for CWPP implementation assistance (Task 2 of the SWCA contract), recognizing the importance of this work despite draining Title III funds, and renewing several mental health and social service agreements funded by the Behavioral Health 1/10th of 1% Sales Tax Fund. The approval also moved forward the Memorial Field fence replacement project via a grant application.

Key Discussion Points

  • CWPP Implementation: Commissioner Brotherton noted the importance of the CWPP implementation, allocating potentially $80K–$125K (from Title III) to SWCA, questioning the long-term sustainability due to draining Title III funds, but agreeing on the necessity of pushing through implementation (00:31:18.768–00:31:32.632). Commissioner Deane reinforced that continuing SWCA assistance is a "really good investment" for proper deployment and coordination (00:33:10.359–00:33:28.527). (Referenced: Amendment No. 2 to SWCA PSA).
  • Memorial Field: Commissioner Deane expressed enthusiasm for the Memorial Field fence replacement (part of the RCO grant application), calling it a long-term need (00:31:44.423–00:32:06.833). (Referenced: Youth Athletic Facility Maintenance Grant).
  • Behavioral Health Services: The Board acknowledged the renewal of several agreements (Jumping Mouse, MCS Counseling), noting they use the 1/10th of 1% Sales Tax Fund and support important harm reduction approaches, such as alternative environmental complaint enforcement via social workers for those facing compliance issues due to behavioral health concerns (00:30:47.464–00:30:58.454, 00:32:31.932–00:32:37.167). (Referenced: Amendments to Jumping Mouse & MCS Counseling PSAs).
  • E911 Operations: Approval included the JeffCom 911 contract for $294,843 in state funding for enhanced 911 E911 services operations (00:30:33.200). (Referenced: E911 County Basic Service Operations Contract).

Public Comments

No public comment was taken on the consent agenda items, as is standard procedure unless an item is pulled.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Youth Athletic Facility Maintenance Grant: Approved application for a $345,560 RCO grant for Memorial Field infrastructure renewal ($493,728 total project cost).
  • Call for Bids: Aggregate Supply: Approved authorization for Public Works to seek bids for $556,920 in aggregate supply for 2025–2026 road maintenance.
  • COASST Citizen Science: Approved agreement for a $17,953 grant-funded youth citizen science program.
  • E911 BSO Contract: Approved the $294,843 contract with the Washington State Military Department for enhanced 911 services.
  • Behavioral Health Contracts: Approved amendments for Jumping Mouse Children's Center ($37,418 for Brinnon, $38,531 for Chimacum) and MCS Counseling Group (Alternative Enforcement Program, $30,000 increase) funded by the County sales tax.
  • DOC Housing Amendment: Approved Amendment No. 6, updating the DOC reimbursement rate for housing incarcerated individuals at the County Jail ($101.79 per diem for FY 2025).
  • CWPP Implementation Assistance: Approved Amendment No. 2 with SWCA for $125,000 in implementation support.

Financials

  • The approval encompassed over $1.3 million in grant applications and contract expenditures/reimbursements for various programs, including $125,000 for CWPP implementation and allocation of sales tax revenue (Fund 131) for mental health and social services.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve and adopt the consent agenda, as presented.
  • Vote: Unanimously approved.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Public Works: Apply for the RCO YAF grant for Memorial Field.
  • - Public Works: Issue the Call for Bids for 2025-2026 aggregate supply.
  • - DCD/SWCA: Initiate Phase 2 of the CWPP implementation assistance.

Jefferson County Forestry Strategic Plan (2024-2029) Briefing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:34:24.047–01:08:48.985
  • Agenda Item: Briefing
  • Categories: planning, land use, budgeting, operations, infrastructure, environmental

Topic Summary

Malloree Weinheimer of Chickadee Forestry and Katrina Amaral of Timberdoodle Consulting presented the Jefferson County Sustainable Forestry Program's 5-Year Strategic Plan (2024-2029). The plan focuses on realizing a 25-year vision of a financially self-sustaining, multi-use forestry model. Key strategic tenets include selectively thinning 200 acres per year, acquiring land to reach a 6,000-acre baseline for financial stability, keeping 20% of saw logs and pulp within the local supply chain, and transparently communicating the program's unique ecological approach (stratified thinning that mimics natural disturbances) to the public.

Key Discussion Points

  • Vision: The long-term 25-year goal is to be a financially self-sustaining model of multi-use forest management focusing on economic, ecological, and community benefits (00:42:36.324–00:42:44.589).
  • Land Acquisition: The county currently holds 3,000 acres of small, fragmented forestland. The goal is to reach 6,000 acres, the estimated baseline needed for financial stability (00:43:48.645–00:44:11.476). Targeted properties include North Jacob Miller, Cape George, and one of the Trust Land Transfer (TLT) properties, such as Teal Lake, which could serve as a bank for productive timberland (00:57:06.079–00:57:53.313).
  • Forestry Model: The county uses "stratified thinning" or "ecological forestry," selectively removing 20-30% of timber volume every 20-30 years to promote structural and species diversity, unlike clear-cutting, 30-80 year rotations common in commercial industry (00:45:12.292–00:47:04.562). The focus is on leaving behind healthy, diverse forest structure (00:47:50.035).
  • Local Economy: The financial goal is to keep 20% of saw logs and pulp sales within the county (00:59:22.883–00:59:31.472). Katrina Amaral noted that 60% of current pulp sales already go to Port Townsend Paper (01:00:50.101–01:00:51.972). This small-scale enterprise can support 1 to 5 local production mills but will not compete with big commercial mills (01:01:04.720–01:01:24.392).
  • Accountability/Documentation: A core effort is standardizing and documenting all processes (harvests, public information, land acquisition pathways) so the program can be replicable and handed off in the future (00:55:46.585–00:56:05.114).
  • Public Communication: A comprehensive communications plan is being developed, including a webpage and local outreach events (at Finn River and Shipping Park) to address prior critiques of the "black box" nature of the program (00:53:32.781–00:55:06.323).
  • Commissioner Brotherton Feedback: Suggested integrating a Best Management Practice (BMP) or Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for utilizing waste material (slash) as bio-char for ecological health and fuel reduction (01:04:17.525–01:04:43.662). Also advocated for building recreational accessibility (parking/trails) into the acquisition planning process for TLT lands (01:04:53.405–01:05:16.233).

Public Comments

No public comment was taken on this briefing.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Jefferson County Forestry Strategic Plan (2024-2029) Draft: The briefing was based on this draft plan from Chickadee Forestry and Timberdoodle Consulting.
  • Trust Land Transfer (TLT): Land acquisition targets are tied to this process, planned for discussion at a July 18th presentation (00:57:02.507).

Financials

  • Target acreage for financial stability: 6,000 acres of forestland (00:44:11.476).
  • Revenue goals include selling 20% of saw logs and pulp locally (00:59:22.883).
  • Land acquisition is described as the "highest wildcard" financially (00:58:20.298).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • The strategic plan represents an alternative model of forestry management (selective vs. industrial clear-cut).
  • The discussion added the need to incorporate the use of bio-char (slash disposal method) and recreation/public accessibility planning (01:04:17.525).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal action taken; the item was a briefing to solicit guidance and feedback.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Forestry Consultants/Staff: Incorporate feedback on bio-char and recreation accessibility into the strategic plan and future land management plans.
  • - Forestry Consultants: Continue developing the website/communication plan, focusing on standardized processes and outreach prior to fall harvests at Elmira and Hadlock (Year 1 targets) (00:56:35.466).

Jefferson County Historical Society & Museum of Art + History Renovation Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:26:33.537–01:49:56.947
  • Agenda Item: Update
  • Categories: operations, infrastructure, other

Topic Summary

Tara McCauley, Executive Director of the Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS), provided an update on the $2.3 million "Rooted in Change" capital campaign for the Museum of Art + History (MOAH). The renovation will make the historic City Hall building fully ADA accessible by installing two new ramps and will introduce a new concept of annual themed exhibitions (beginning with "Home"). This thematic approach is designed to increase local relevance, showcase the vast collection, improve inclusivity, and drive repeat visitation, shifting the current visitor mix (70% tourist, 30% local) to be more locally focused.

Key Discussion Points

  • Mission: JCHS, founded in 1879, operates three sites (Rath House, Research Center, MOAH) and holds 500,000 objects. Its mission is to be a county-wide resource that brings people together (01:29:15.921–01:31:20.272).
  • New Museum Concept: The museum will shift from permanent displays to annual themes. The opening theme will be "Home", explored across the entire space through various lenses (community definition, history, art, law, and future) (01:33:26.288–01:35:44.658).
  • Accessibility: A major component includes installing two internal ramps and widening doorways to make the historic building fully ADA accessible (01:36:42.418–01:36:57.233).
  • Infrastructure: The renovation focuses on installing sturdy, reusable infrastructure (case work, projectors, activity stations) allowing annual content changes (01:35:45.288–01:36:30.179).
  • Visitorship: The museum currently sees about 70% tourists and 30% locals. The goal is to substantially increase local visitation through programming and relevance (01:45:40.523–01:46:10.717), while also satisfying tourists who seek "authentically local" experiences (01:46:14.714).
  • County-wide Focus: The concept prioritizes inclusivity, responsible representation, and moving programs outside the museum walls through partnerships with the Library system (in Quilcene and Chimacum) and other historical societies (01:40:54.059–01:42:14.084).
  • Commissioner Brotherton Follow-up: Praised the new concept and the goal of increasing local relevance and repeat visits (01:43:36.259–01:44:02.254).
  • Commissioner Deane Follow-up: Encouraged a continued emphasis on county-wide stories, cautioning against defaulting to Port Townsend's "Victorian seaport" reputation (01:48:41.640–01:49:11.597).

Public Comments

No public comment was taken on this update.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • "Rooted in Change" Capital Campaign: The renovation is funded by this $2.3 million campaign (01:42:14.324).
  • American Alliance of Museums Study: Cited as evidence for the need for transformation to ensure sustainability (01:37:39.291).

Financials

  • Capital Campaign goal: $2.3 million (01:42:14.324).
  • Amount raised: Over $1 million (01:42:14.324).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; item was an informational update.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - JCHS: Commence building modification work (ramps) in Fall 2024 (01:42:25.372).
  • - JCHS: Begin fabrication and installation of new exhibit infrastructure in Fall 2025 (01:42:42.395).
  • - JCHS: Targeted opening date is late 2025 ("Home home for the holidays") (01:42:46.398).

Short-Term Rentals (STR) Moratorium Public Hearing and Action

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:56:25.210–02:21:29.405
  • Agenda Item: Public Hearing
  • Categories: permits, land use, ordinances, planning, public safety

Topic Summary

The Board held a public hearing on Ordinance 03-0610-24, which re-establishes a one-year moratorium on accepting and processing applications for Short-Term Rentals (STRs). The moratorium maintains the status quo while the Planning Commission works to convert their regulatory discussions into a finalized ordinance, expected to be completed by early Fall 2024. Public testimony centered on the need for specific regional regulations (e.g., South County needs STRs as primary lodging), the challenge of enforcing regulations, and a public safety concern that existing uninspected STRs with permits (approx. 85 total) could remain unsafe under new rules. DCD clarified that enforcement/life safety inspections are planned for existing permit holders. The ordinance was unanimously approved after the hearing.

Key Discussion Points

  • Moratorium Purpose: The moratorium was re-established on June 10th to prevent an influx of applications from vesting their rights before the new, clear regulations could be adopted (01:58:04.590–02:01:06.733).
  • Progress Update: DCD is near a definitive proposal from the Planning Commission, which will be discussed on July 17th. Staff plans for a Planning Commission public hearing in late August/early September, aiming for final Board decision early this Fall (01:59:36.579–02:00:42.349).
  • Enforcement/Applications: DCD anticipates a surge of "at least a couple score" applications after the moratorium lifts, but not the rumored 500 applications in the first month (02:04:18.596–02:04:43.304). Planning is prioritizing setting up the inspection program for the approximately 85 existing permitted STRs now (02:03:35.334).
  • Public Safety Concern (Existing STRs): Tom Tears expressed concern that existing 85 permit holders would continue to operate with "unsafe conditions" (no fire extinguishers, inadequate egress windows) if they were grandfathered without inspection (02:10:30.086–02:10:42.014).
  • DCD Clarification: Josh Peters clarified that the ordinance is not intended to prevent life safety inspections for existing permit holders. Such inspections by the Fire Marshal's office will begin immediately for current permit holders (02:12:22.561–02:12:54.921).

Public Comments

  • - Shelley Arnell Brennan: Stressed the distinct needs of South County as lodging alternatives; cited lottery systems and fixed percentages of housing stock as proposals under discussion. Raised concerns that existing code enforcement staff lack capacity to handle new STR duties (02:07:48.604–02:09:03.219).
  • - Tom Tears: Supported the moratorium but expressed alarm that existing 85 permit holders would continue to operate with uninspected, unsafe conditions, increasing county liability (02:10:10.394–02:10:42.014).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Ordinance 03-0610-24: The ordinance extending the moratorium.

Financials

  • No specific financial figures were discussed beyond the anticipation of future permit fee revenue.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Public discussion included alternatives being considered by the Planning Commission: lotteries and setting percentage caps on housing stock used for STRs (02:08:42.129).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve and adopt Ordinance 03-0610-24, relating to the development regulations moratorium.
  • Vote: Unanimously approved.
  • Next Steps:
  • - DCD/Planning Commission: Continue legislative process; next Planning Commission meeting is July 17th (02:17:02.077).
  • - DCD/Fire Marshal: Begin life safety inspections for the approximately 85 currently permitted STRs (02:12:48.900).
  • - DCD: Update the Short-Term Rentals webpage with the public hearing schedule once it is set (02:17:31.547).

Establishment of Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and Appointments

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:09:08.599–01:26:31.529, 02:21:45.551–02:28:30.857
  • Agenda Item: Resolution for LEPC establishment
  • Categories: public safety, governance, ordinances

Topic Summary

The Board considered a resolution to establish the federally mandated Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), which is required to develop hazardous chemical response plans under the Community Right-to-Know Act (1986). The resolution, including its bylaws and the appointment of the initial slate of members, was adopted after clarifying key language to ensure flexibility in future membership. The initial committee has 10 members, drawn from law enforcement, fire/EMS, citizen groups, and facilities (like the paper mill and Indian Island).

Key Discussion Points

  • Federal Mandate: DEM Director Bradley Brooks explained the federal Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (1986) requires every county to have an LEPC to manage hazardous chemical response planning (01:09:40.502–01:10:06.665).
  • Membership: The committee needs to include representatives from groups defined in WAC 118-41-160 (State/local officials, law enforcement, EMS, media, environmental groups, and facilities that report hazardous chemicals) (01:10:36.088–01:11:46.361).
  • Initial Composition: Staff was unable to recruit all statutorily required groups (e.g., media, hospital liaison, most local elected officials) but had 10 proposed members, including the pulp/paper mill, Indian Island, Fire/EMS, and citizen groups (01:12:29.185–01:13:44.790). An interim chair from King County LEPC experience will help guide the initial meeting (01:15:00.182).
  • Resolution Edits (Flexibility): Commissioners sought to remove the specific initial membership list from the final resolution document, preferring to appoint them via a separate motion, and amended the text to:
    1. State a minimum of 10 voting members (01:51:37.189).
    2. Include verbatim WAC language in the resolution describing the types of organizations required, plus an allowance for "other stakeholders" (01:53:37.956–01:54:37.956).
  • Purpose: The committee's main functions will be reviewing hazardous chemical reports and developing the emergency response plan, which must be reviewed annually (01:15:15.658–01:15:24.303).

Public Comments

  • Public comment was called for twice on this item. No public comment was offered.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • WAC 118-41-160: State code defining the required representation on the LEPC (01:10:36.088).

Financials

  • No financial information was discussed beyond the context of managing hazardous materials risks.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • The resolution was successfully amended to incorporate language from the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) to define required membership types and to streamline the member appointment process from the formal resolution (02:25:00.457–02:27:04.639).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision (Resolution): Motion to approve the resolution establishment of the LEPC, as amended.
  • Vote (Resolution): Unanimously approved. (Aye: 2)
  • Decision (Appointments): Motion to appoint the slate of members shown on screen (initial 10 individuals).
  • Vote (Appointments): Unanimously approved. (Aye: 2)
  • Next Steps:
  • - DEM/LEPC Coordinator (Bradley Brooks): Hold the first initial meeting of the LEPC on July 9th (tomorrow) to hold elections and begin developing the emergency response plan (01:10:46.361, 01:15:11.375).

Commissioner and Staff Reports

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:28:44.248–02:46:37.944
  • Agenda Item: Commissioner and Staff Reports
  • Categories: operations, planning, environmental, services, personnel

Topic Summary

Commissioners provided updates on their recent activities and upcoming schedules. Highlights included the successful transition of the American Legion shelter operations to Bayside; ongoing work on the County's Healthy Aging Task Force; continued land management planning for the Olympic Discovery Trail extension; and initial discussions on processes surrounding the upcoming retirement of Treasurer Macaulay.

Key Discussion Points

  • Shelter Operations: Commissioner Brotherton reported that the Bayside transition at the American Legion shelter is going well, despite minor plumbing issues. The key outstanding issue remains finalizing the food and volunteer management plan (02:34:18.691).
  • Workforce Development and Housing: Commissioner Deane highlighted a good meeting with Matt Gurney at Fortney regarding workforce development and is passing on information to Commissioner Brotherton (02:37:12.568). She also noted that the opioid funds and legislative discussions are recognizing that housing is a critical specific need for the substance use disorder population (02:41:06.200–02:41:25.289).
  • Healthy Aging Task Force (HATF): Commissioner Brotherton noted the HATF is meeting today to synthesize findings and start forming recommendations, utilizing a populated spreadsheet and presentations from members (02:32:31.335).
  • Cougar Tracking: Commissioner Brotherton had a "super cool" experience tracking a displaced male cougar (with a geo-tag) as part of a Point No Point study, noting the challenges the peninsula's geography poses to cougars seeking new territory (02:30:22.890–02:32:02.354).
  • DNR Forestry Tools: Commissioner Deane noted attending a CWPP Project Tracker Training by SWCA and helping add a "responsible party" field for accountability (02:40:01.544). She also detailed her attendance at a Land Trust meeting regarding Olympic Discovery Trail route options (02:42:49.028).
  • State Board of Health: Commissioner Eisenhour reported meeting State Board of Health staff who are rewriting the aquatic facilities rule (Model Aquatics Rule) to address the safety of new, uninsured inflatable recreation technology in pools and aquatic centers (02:35:44.761–02:36:37.710).
  • Personnel: Commissioner Eisenhour has begun conversations with elected officials and directors regarding the process for anticipating Treasurer Macaulay's retirement next year (02:35:04.605–02:35:11.549). County Administrator McCauley reported they met to close out Tracy Colman's employment contract, resolving questions about PTO payout (02:45:40.304).

Financials

  • Discussion included internal process for planning for a PTO payout (02:45:40.304) and identifying potential grant funding for transportation and housing assistance for the SUD population (02:41:06.200).

Next Steps

  • - Commissioner Brotherton: Attend Orca meeting and Port Ludlow Village Council meeting (02:32:59.073–02:33:12.012).
  • - Commissioner Deane: Attend Maritime Heritage Area Board meeting and meet with federal lobbyists (02:38:26.669).
  • - Commissioner Brotherton & Gary Keister: Provide an update on the emergency shelter transition on KPTZ radio (02:33:41.866).

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