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07/08/24 09 AM: Jefferson County BoCC: Comments, Approvals, Forestry, LEPC, STR Moratorium

Jefferson County BoCC: Comments, Approvals, Forestry, LEPC, STR Moratorium

Public comments on shelter violations, CWPP, fireworks; consent agenda approved incl. CWPP funding; forestry strategic plan briefed; LEPC established; historical society update; STR moratorium re-adopted unanimously.

Public Comment Period: Emergency Shelter Conditions and Improvements

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:59–00:04:25 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, operations

Summary

Public commenter Maggie raised concerns about violations of housing laws at the 2nd and 9th Street shelter, including blocked access to working toilets and showers, non-functional lights, potential retaliation, and misappropriation of funds due to the site's flood zone location. She suggested pursuing grants to convert a specific house at 634 Lawrence and Calhoun into a peer-run facility for emergency services. No board action was taken during comments; staff later responded that efforts are focused on the new Monroe Street shelter iteration under Bayside management, with a shelter coalition meeting scheduled.

Key Discussion Points

  • Maggie described shelter issues: one operating sink, toilet, and shower required; one shower with only 5 minutes of hot water; light never non-functional but access blocked per Terry's instruction.
  • Maggie alleged retaliation and misappropriation, comparing to federal Gold Conda property flood issues; proposed peer-run house using emergency grants.
  • Commissioner Brotherton (response): Focused on Monroe Street shelter; no resources for new house purchase; Bayside addressing plumbing; invited Maggie to shelter coalition meeting tomorrow.

Public Comments

  • Maggie (in room): Detailed shelter violations, flood zone challenges, grant proposal for peer-run house.

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 during comments.
  • Next Steps: Shelter coalition meeting tomorrow (online); Bayside to address plumbing issues.

Public Comment Period: Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) Continuation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:04:34–00:07:05 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, public safety, operations

Summary

Public commenter Ted Black commended county leadership on CWPP, urged approval of SWCA consultant for ongoing management due to limited local capacity in remote area facing threats like flooding, wildfires, and brush fires. He highlighted community awareness raised through presentations and collaborative efforts. Consent agenda later approved CWPP implementation funding unanimously.

Key Discussion Points

  • Ted Black (Chief): CWPP finish line reached; continue SWCA for scope management ($80-125K); remote community lacks capacity; threats include brush fires; community momentum high.
  • Commissioner Brotherton (response): On consent agenda for Title III funds; restricted use; positive implementation.
  • Commissioner Eisenhower (response): Robust process; SWCA essential for deployment.

Public Comments

  • Ted Black: Emphasized consultant need, threats, community awareness.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Consent agenda item for CWPP implementation assistance (Amendment No. 2 with SWCA, $125K additional, total $319,956.30 from Title III funds).

Financials

  • Consent approval: $80,000 minimum to $125,000 maximum from Title III funds.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Consent agenda approved unanimously, including CWPP funding.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Brotherton, Eisenhower present; Dean absent initially).
  • No next steps specified.

Public Comment Period: Fireworks Ordinance Concerns

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:07:32–00:16:14 (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances, public safety, operations

Summary

Multiple commenters criticized fireworks use over July 4th, citing illegal displays (e.g., 30,000 fireworks by one resident), fire risks in dry conditions, water contamination, noise disturbing animals/residents, and inadequate enforcement/ordinance. They urged following Port Townsend's model for restrictions. Commissioners responded that state law requires one-year delay post-change (missing 2025 July 4th), recent science-based ordinance effective (no incidents), and community divided on rural tradition.

Key Discussion Points

  • Shelley (online): Lazy resident fired 30,000+ illegal fireworks; unpermitted public show; ordinance inadequate; chemicals harm water; follow Port Townsend.
  • John Hamilton (online): Neighbors disturbed; fire hazard in heat/dry brush; ban private fireworks.
  • Tom Tears (online): Echoed concerns; questioned lobbying against restrictions; no justification for endangering public.
  • Commissioner Brotherton (response): State one-year wait; science-based rules prevented bans last week due to rain; sheriff proactive; rural divide on patriotism vs. noise.
  • Commissioner Eisenhower (response): Stressful for pets/residents; most fireworks illegal; Chimacum Creek recipe works (cleanup); let new ordinance work; seek specific ideas.

Public Comments

  • Shelley: Illegal fireworks volume, unpermitted shows, water/safety risks.
  • John Hamilton: Noise, fire risk, heat records, wet June fuel.
  • Tom Tears: Lobbying question, Boy Scouts alternative fundraising.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Total ban discussed informally; designated areas (e.g., Chimacum Creek, Geneva).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action; continue conversation.
  • No next steps specified.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:30:12–00:34:10 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, planning, personnel, services, infrastructure

Summary

The consent agenda was approved unanimously without items pulled for discussion. Items included Youth Athletic Facility Maintenance Grant for Memorial Field fences ($493K total, 70% grant), aggregate bids for road program ($557K est.), COASST dead bird internship ($18K grant), E911 BSO contract ($295K reimbursement), BHAC mental health therapy amendments (Brinnon/Chimacum, ~$76K each), social support AEP amendment ($60K total), DOC jail housing amendment ($102/diem), forestry briefing, historical society update, STR moratorium hearing, and CWPP implementation ($125K add'l). Commissioners highlighted CWPP sustainability concerns, BHAC harm reduction, parks fences, Memorial Field pens.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; routine approval.
  • Brotherton: Dead Bird science funny; BHAC alternatives to complaints; CWPP Title III drain.
  • Eisenhower: Memorial Field fences long-needed; BHAC year 2 funding double; CWPP robust process, SWCA needed.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Packet items detailed: grants/contracts as listed; CWPP Amendment No. 2 ($125K, Title III); no major hidden decisions.

Financials

Multiple: e.g., CWPP $80-125K Title III; E911 $295K; therapy ~$150K total; DOC $102/diem; aggregate $557K est.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve and adopt the consent agenda, as presented."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Brotherton moves, Eisenhower seconds).
  • No next steps specified.

Jefferson County Forestry Strategic Plan Briefing (2024-2029)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:34:16–01:08:31 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, land use, operations, budgeting

Summary

Mallory Weinheimer (Chickadee Forestry) and Katrina Amaral presented the draft 5-Year Strategic Plan for sustainable county forestry, envisioning self-sustaining multi-use management on 6,000 acres providing economic/ecological benefits. Focus areas: 200ac/year harvests (selective thinning), acquire 875ac (North Jacob Miller, Cape George, Teal Lake), 20% local timber sales, outreach/website, partnerships. Year 1: Elmira/Hadlock harvests; board provided feedback on biochars/flame caps, recreation access, website beta testing.

Key Discussion Points

  • Weinheimer/Amaral: Vision: self-sustaining model; county-scale selective thinning vs. industrial; 5 areas/goals; Year 1 harvests revenue-generating; outreach events planned.
  • Brotherton: Acreage calcs; stratified thinning mix sizes/species.
  • Eisenhower: Larger trees/local mills; diversity/resilience; natural regen preferred.
  • Board: Biochar SOPs; recreation/parking; website internal review.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft Strategic Plan (5-year goals, tasks); referenced DNR trust land transfers (presentation July 18).

Financials

6,000 acres for sustainability; 20% timber sales local; no immediate costs.

Alternatives & Amendments

County model vs. industrial clearcuts.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational briefing; no action.
  • Next Steps: Trust land transfer presentation July 18; outreach events (Finn River/Shipyard Park); website development.

Establishment of Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:09:04–01:26:31, 02:21:38-end (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, public safety

Summary

DEM Bradley Brooks requested resolution approving LEPC bylaws and appointing 10 initial members per WAC 118-41-60 for hazardous materials planning/reporting (SARA Title III). Committee reviews facilities' chemical reports, develops response plan; state liaison confirmed starting small OK. Board amended resolution for min. 10 members, types from WAC, separate appointment motion; approved unanimously.

Key Discussion Points

  • Brooks: Federal/state mandate; 24 facilities invited, 10 members (fire, LE, facilities like pulp mill); review ERP annually.
  • Board: Add WAC types (officials, LE, fire/EMS, health, media, env., facilities); min. 10 voting; staggered terms?; separate appointments.
  • Fits IMT/ESF-10; coordinator role.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Resolution, bylaws (Exhibit B); 10 applications; WAC 118-41-60 groups.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Amend resolution: min. 10 voting members, WAC types + stakeholders; remove names to slate motion.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved amended resolution; appointed slate (e.g., fire chiefs, facilities reps).
  • Vote: Unanimous both.
  • Next Steps: First meeting tomorrow; elect chair; develop/review ERP.

Jefferson County Historical Society & Museum Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:26:33–01:49:56 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, operations

Summary

Tara McCauley updated on $2.3M "Rooted in Change" campaign ($1M raised) for MOAH renovation: ADA ramps/doors/signage, annual themed exhibits (first: "Home"), flexible infrastructure. Emphasizes inclusivity, accessibility, relevance; countywide stories/partnerships (e.g., libraries, schools). Board praised fresh annual changes, local focus.

Key Discussion Points

  • McCauley: 500K objects; reimagine exhibits yearly around themes; infrastructure permanent; fall 2024 ramps, late 2025 open.
  • Eisenhower: Annual cadence from surveys/staff capacity; 70/30 tourist/local now, aim increase locals.
  • Dean: Countywide emphasis; logo not permanent.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Capital campaign details; interpretive plan/community surveys.

Financials

$2.3M goal ($1M raised).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update; no action.
  • No next steps specified.

Short-Term Rentals (STR) Moratorium Public Hearing & Re-Adoption

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:06:10–02:21:31 (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances, permits, land use, planning

Summary

Public hearing on Ordinance 03-0610-24 re-enacting STR moratorium (to April 2025) while Planning Commission develops regulations addressing enforcement, caps, owner-occupancy, impacts. Two comments: enforcement/code capacity, grandfather unsafe existing 85 permits. DCD: process ongoing (PC July 17); ~400 unpermitted; no grandfather revocation proposed, but inspections for all. Re-adopted unanimously.

Key Discussion Points

  • Peters: Moratorium prevents vesting; PC nearing proposal (late Aug/early Sep hearing); exceptions (septic/repairs); 76 permitted, 400+ operating.
  • Shelley Arnell: Enforcement overload; caps/lottery; South County lodging needs.
  • Tom Tears: Existing permits unsafe (no sprinklers/windows).
  • Peters (response): Inspect existing; no revocation proposals; PC hearing soon.

Public Comments

  • Shelley Arnell: Enforcement priority; caps %/lottery; South County needs.
  • Tom Tears: Existing unsafe; liability.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Staff report (7 issues: enforcement/caps/etc.); PC discussions.

Financials

General Fund for planning; permit fees.

Alternatives & Amendments

Caps (density/water/geography), owner-nearby, corporate ban.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Re-adopted moratorium.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Brotherton moves).
  • Next Steps: PC July 17 summary, late Aug/Sep PC hearing; DCD ordinance draft fall.

Background Materials

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