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07/15/24 09 AM: Fire Danger High, Budget Approved, Wheeler Honored, Climate Sewer Workshops

Fire Danger High, Budget Approved, Wheeler Honored, Climate Sewer Workshops

Jefferson County Board of Commissioners meeting (Part 1) featured Fire Marshal's briefing on elevating fire danger to high effective July 10, imposing restrictions on fireworks, campfires, and target shooting; diverse public comments; proclamation recognizing Bob Wheeler's Port Hadlock sewer volunteer service; unanimous approval of Q2 2024 budget appropriations including PAO staffing and equipment; internal climate summit findings with SWOT analysis and action planning; workshop on Port Hadlock Sewer Utility Code draft covering connections, ownership, and rates.

Fire Danger Level Elevation to High and Associated Restrictions

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:52–00:12:16 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, operations

Summary

Jefferson County Fire Marshal Phil Cecere briefed the Board on the elevation of the fire danger level from moderate to high, effective July 10, 2024, following consultation with fire chiefs and alignment with DNR's statewide restrictions on state lands. The change prohibits fireworks, charcoal briquettes outside labeled residential barbecues, target shooting outside ranges with incendiary ammunition, and recreational burning like campfires, while hunting remains allowed in permitted areas. Cecere emphasized proactive communication via social media to avoid frequent changes and noted potential future escalation to very high based on weather models indicating lightning risk.

Key Discussion Points

  • Fire Marshal Cecere reported the decision followed a July 10 weather briefing and DNR escalations for central lowlands; aimed to notify public before weekends to reduce risks.
  • Chair Kate Dean: Requested listing of prohibited activities for public clarity.
  • Board members noted dry conditions and supported caution; Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour curtailed East Beach barbecue plans; Commissioner Rick Hughes appreciated efforts to avoid "yo-yo" changes.
  • Recent minor brush fires were human-caused or suspected arson but resolved quickly; no fireworks links reported.
  • Potential very high level would ban residential charcoal, allowing only propane/wood pellet grills for quick shutoff.

Public Comments

  • No public comment specifically on this topic; Phil Cecere remained for potential questions during general public comment period.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced in discussion.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Board acknowledged the change under new ordinance authorizing Fire Marshal; no formal action required.
  • Vote: None; informational briefing.
  • Next Steps: Fire Marshal to monitor weather/lightning risks and brief Board at next regular meeting; potential amendment if escalating to very high.

Public Comment Period

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:12:16–00:36:43 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other

Summary

The Board heard public comments on fire information visibility, shelter coalition access, Bayside shelter management issues, Pleasant Harbor Resort permitting/tour request, local crime concerns, and Port Townsend Paper mill operations/emissions. Commissioners responded collectively, committing to website improvements for fire alerts, clarifying shelter schedules, addressing shelter paperwork concerns via follow-up, deferring crime to Sheriff's Office, supporting Pleasant Harbor tours, and appreciating mill updates post-ATSDR report.

Key Discussion Points

  • Chair Kate Dean: Supported fire danger banner on county homepage; clarified Shelter Coalition as every other Tuesday at 11 AM; committed to follow-up on Bayside ROI issues and Legion communication; toured Pleasant Harbor previously; noted ATSDR report from 2018 pre-process changes.
  • Commissioner Rick Hughes: Echoed fire banner idea; clarified Shelter Coalition hybrid; toured Pleasant Harbor 4 years ago; appreciated mill maintenance efforts.
  • Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour: Noted personal navigation challenges finding restrictions; toured Pleasant Harbor; acknowledged law enforcement frustrations.

Public Comments

  • Mr. Thiers (Zoom): Thanked fire announcement; suggested fire danger dial/hyperlink on county homepage linking to ejfr.org.
  • Julia (Zoom): Announced streaming Shelter Coalition at Recovery Cafe; requested schedule clarification (every other week vs. 1st/3rd).
  • Maggie (in room): Reported Bayside shelter issues with ROI forms not releasable for review, potential Fair Housing violations, Legion hostility.
  • Shelley (Zoom): Requested commissioners tour Pleasant Harbor Resort amid permitting struggles; raised concerns about repeat offenders casing properties, inadequate deputy response.
  • Lori McGann, Communications Coordinator, Port Townsend Paper Company (Zoom): Provided mill history since 1928, process changes reducing emissions, compliance with permits, ongoing maintenance under new ownership (Atlas Holdings since Oct 2022).

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Commissioners noted comments for follow-up; no formal actions taken.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Fire Marshal to collaborate on website banner; Shelter Coalition clarified; Bayside/Legion follow-up; Sheriff update on crime; Pleasant Harbor tours; Dr. Barry briefing on ATSDR report.

Recognition of Bob Wheeler's Public Service

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:36:56–01:02:18 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel, operations

Summary

Public Works Director Monte Reinders presented a proclamation recognizing Robert "Bob" Wheeler's four years of volunteer project management on the Port Hadlock sewer project, crediting him with public outreach, team building, permitting, and advancing construction. Wheeler highlighted the project's game-changing potential for affordable housing (e.g., Habitat's 150 units on 17 acres) and praised the team effort. The Board approved the recognition letter unanimously.

Key Discussion Points

  • Monte Reinders: Detailed Wheeler's career (Boulder Utilities Director, Port Townsend Public Works Director, consultant); credited him with public meetings (2006-2007, 2017+), property owner outreach, design management, cultural outreach, RFPs, ordinance work, and recruiting local team (Dave Peterson, Samantha Harper, John Black, Ray Morgan).
  • Staff/Commissioners praised Wheeler's facilitation skills, positivity, networking, and impact; Heidi Eisenhour noted landowner donations post-outreach.
  • Bob Wheeler: Emphasized team effort (Frank Gifford, Sam Harper, John Black, Greg, etc.); noted $35M+ funding, Habitat expansion, QFC potential.

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: "Motion to approve the letter of recognition."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: all).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Second Quarter 2024 Budget Appropriations/Extensions Public Hearing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:02:39–01:28:24 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, personnel

Summary

Finance Manager Judy Shepherd presented Q2 appropriations for unanticipated revenues/unexpended funds, including PAO software/staffing reorganization, Superior Court grant/transfer corrections, Noxious Weed truck, Solid Waste revenues/expenses/equipment. Prosecutor James Kennedy justified PAO changes: $55K Karpel software completion; convert vacant paralegal to Civil DPA using savings for capacity (budget neutral, ongoing $160K/year). Public comment on non-EV vehicle purchase; Board approved unanimously post-discussion.

Key Discussion Points

  • Judy Shepherd: Summarized changes (e.g., PAO $55K software, -$210K salaries to DPA; Superior Court $15K grant; Noxious Weed $38K truck; Solid Waste $400K equipment, revenues up).
  • James Kennedy: Karpel upgrade ongoing; paralegal vacant since Jan, convert using savings for Civil DPA to boost capacity (code enforcement stalled, DCD support needed); budget neutral.
  • Board supported DPA for capacity; noted EV policy workshop needed.

Public Comments

  • Tom Thiersch: Opposed non-EV noxious weed truck purchase, citing state EV fleet policy.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Packet summary provided details on appropriations.

Financials

  • PAO: $55,575 software (one-time); $80,021 DPA (ongoing, 6 months); -$210,644 salaries.
  • Superior Court: $15K grant; -$70K transfer.
  • Noxious Weed: $38,434 truck.
  • Solid Waste: $144K revenues; $90K salaries; $400K equipment.
  • ER&R: -$400K revenue (Penny Creek sale deferred).

Alternatives & Amendments

PAO: Paralegal vs. DPA conversion.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve Resolution... Second Quarter 2024 Budget Appropriations."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Internal Climate Summit Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:29:42–02:30:03 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, operations

Summary

Public Health's Apple Martine and DCD's Josh Peters presented May 2024 summit findings (facilitated by Cascadia): inventoried mandated/voluntary climate work (e.g., Comp Plan resiliency element, EV fleet, heat/smoke response); SWOT highlighted commitment but capacity limits; word clouds showed priorities (collaboration, funding). Board discussed quarterly meetings/committee vs. coordinator position; committed to September follow-up, CAC goals synthesis.

Key Discussion Points

  • Summit inventoried efforts (mitigation: EV, forestry; adaptation: shelters, HABs); threats: capacity, grants.
  • Proposed: Quarterly meetings, coordinator office, grants partnership.
  • Board: Prioritize Comp Plan HB 1181 resiliency; form committee (Mark/Heidi draft); synthesize CAC goals (Kate/Laura).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Summit report (SWOT, inventories, word clouds).

Financials

No financial information discussed; noted limited funding.

Alternatives & Amendments

Coordinator office vs. quarterly meetings/committee.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Support quarterly meetings; draft committee concept.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: September meeting; committee draft; CAC goals plan.

Port Hadlock Sewer Utility Code Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:03:36–04:38:39 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, infrastructure, permits

Summary

Public Works' Monty Reinders/Samantha Harper workshopped draft JCC Ch. 13.04/13.05: connection requirements (Table 4-1: not for adequate OSS single-family unless nearby/urban; ERU>1 non-residential yes); grinder pump ownership; rates/fees. Board queried patchwork septics, EDUs, point-of-sale, extenuating circumstances; staff noted pilot incentives, GIS mapping. Public comment suggested sale triggers, voucher legality review.

Key Discussion Points

  • Construction progress: Area 1 wrap, Area 2 start, Phase 4 bids July 17; prioritized high-flow.
  • Table 4-1: Adequate OSS exempt; nearby=adjacent residential/200ft non-res; ERU=4K gal/mo.
  • Ownership: County grinder pump/service line; owner building drain/electrical to disconnect.
  • Board: Patchwork risks, EDU triggers, sale triggers, table clarity.

Public Comments

  • Tom Thiersch (phone): Suggest sale trigger connections; voucher may violate gift-of-public-funds.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft ordinance (Ch. 13.04 Table 4-1, diagrams); sewer map.

Financials

Incentives: $2,500 voucher electrical; ERU base rates TBD.

Alternatives & Amendments

Point-of-sale trigger; refine table (shading, decision trees); EDU/sale policies.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Continue workshop July 22, 1:30 PM (Ch. 13.05+).
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: July 22 workshop; PA review voucher legality.

Background Materials

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