MEETING: Untitled Meeting at Tue, Aug 06, 03:01 PM

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AI Information

Tribal Consultation on Project Agreement

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:24.225–01:12:41.768
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Special Meeting for Timely Business)
  • Categories: contracts, planning, services, other

Topic Summary

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners convened a special meeting to receive an update on a critical agreement negotiation with tribal partners (Jamestown tribe, Port Gambles tribe, and Point No Point Treaty Council). Special Counsel Phil Hunker reported that an agreement was reached in principle regarding a project document, which allowed the tribes to withdraw previous opposing comments and instead issue a letter of support, significantly improving the project's ranking prospects. The immediate focus was on finalizing the letter and distributing documentation ahead of a meeting on Friday.

Key Discussion Points

  • Agreement Reached: Phil Hunker confirmed that agreement was reached on the document after intensive work over the last four days (00:01:43.412).
  • Process for Letter of Support: Due to a lack of time for final approval from the tribal councils, the Point No Point Treaty Council, which initially sent the opposing letter, will send the revised letter of support on behalf of both tribes (00:01:04.848–00:01:23.695).
  • Crucial Changes: The final document included modifications, primarily narrowing the dispute resolution process down to a "government-to-government meeting" out of expediency (00:02:46.168–00:03:04.903).
  • Withdrawal of Opposition: Hunker requested that the new letter explicitly state the withdrawal of their previously expressed concerns "just for clarity" (00:04:24.151–00:04:30.243).
  • Easement Document Tweaks: Revisions were made to the attached easement documents, specifically changing the definition of "treaty rights" to align with the definition requested by the tribes in the main agreement (00:05:06.216–00:05:14.049).
  • Increased Project Ranking: Hunker noted that requesting a "letter of support" instead of just a withdrawal of comments would "up our ranking" for the program (00:06:41.490–00:06:44.002).
  • Distribution of Materials: Heidi confirmed she would forward the final attachment to Kenny and request its distribution to the group, and would also ensure the letter of support is included in the project packet to inform others who may have scored the project based on the previous opposition (00:08:21.769, 00:09:06.991).
  • Staff Acclaim: Commissioner/Chair noted that this consultation was "definitely the most robust tribal consultation that's happened as part of this program," praising the work of Phil Hunker and Kate (00:06:05.707–00:06:28.524).

Public Comments

  • - (Speaker identified as Kate, on the phone): Expressed that concerns held by Phil Hunker were "founded," but affirmed that "goodwill [was] maintained" during the consultation, describing the outcome as "a success in many ways" and noting the Council was "in good stead" (00:10:00.482–00:10:20.648).
  • No further public comment was offered.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials were provided for analysis, although the discussion centered on a "document, the agreement document," a "letter," and "easement documents."

Key facts derived from discussion of the unprovided materials: - The agreement document's dispute resolution section was modified to prioritize government-to-government meetings. - The easement documents were revised to reflect the tribes' requested definition of treaty rights. - The Point No Point Treaty Council was authorized to sign the final letter of support.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • The dispute resolution process was amended from an unspecified prior state (likely more lengthy) to a government-to-government meeting to fit the short closing timeline (00:02:46.168–00:03:04.903).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The item was presented as an update; no formal vote or action was required of the Board.

  • Decision: No action taken; item was informational.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps:
  • - Phil Hunker/Staff: Finalize the signed PDF of the agreement document and send it to Lauren (tribal counsel), who will distribute it to tribes (00:05:47.140–00:06:01.089).
  • - Point No Point Treaty Council: Send the revised letter of support on Wednesday, August 7 (implied by "tomorrow" from 00:02:09.034).
  • - Kate/Heidi: Request and secure a copy of the letter of support from Randy to be included in the project packet (00:09:06.991–00:09:11.433).
  • - Heidi: Forward the attachment document to Kenny for distribution prior to the Friday meeting (00:08:21.769).