MEETING: Commissioners Meeting at Tue, Sep 03, 09:00 AM

County Sources

Packet Contents

AI Information

MEETING DATE: 2024-09-03 16:00:17+00:00

Fire Prevention and Control Proclamation Review

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:09:19.000–00:19:09.000
  • Agenda Item: Change in Fire Danger Level and Burn Restrictions (August 27, 2024)
  • Categories: public safety, operations, ordinances

Topic Summary

The County Fire Marshal presented an update on the fire danger level, which was officially downgraded from "Very High" to "High" on August 27, 2024. The decision was made in consultation with the Fire Chiefs Association and reflects alignment with the DNR's Central Lowlands status, despite communication issues with the State and an active fire event in the region at the time. Under the current "High" restriction level, open burning and campfires remain prohibited, but the use of charcoal at a residence is permitted.

Key Discussion Points

  • Fire Marshal Phil Cecere announced the downgrade from Very High to High fire danger level on August 27th due to a change in weather patterns, noting that temperatures are expected to rise back into the upper eighties shortly.
  • Cecere described a "clunky" and confusing communication process where Clallam County downgraded their burn ban first, referencing an unannounced DNR lowering of the Central Lowlands fire danger.
  • The State's Commissioners of Public Lands' proclamation for a high burn level across all State lands remains in effect until the end of September, despite a temporary lowering for the Central Lowlands, which included the area of the active Road 20 fire near Brinnon (00:11:03.000).
  • The Fire Chiefs Association felt comfortable moving down to the High level, which aligns with Mason County’s and the State’s high level (00:11:39.000).
  • At the High level, campfires and open burning are prohibited, but charcoal is allowed at a place of residence (00:12:28.000).
  • Commissioner Brotherton (misidentified as Brotherton at 00:16:06.000) commented that the recent fire in Brinnon has increased public awareness and appreciation for burn restrictions, which aids in compliance (00:17:16.000).
  • Cecere noted that the county's new ordinance (Title 8, Chapter 8.72) has not yet been fully updated on the county's integrated code publishing site (00:12:38.000), but the current information is available on the county's fire page.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Change in Fire Danger Level and Burn Restrictions (August 27, 2024): The downgraded level (Very High to High) prohibits recreational fires and allows charcoal use at a residence. The level aligns with the DNR's Central Lowlands region assessment.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The Board reviewed the information, acknowledging the procedural change in the fire danger level. - Decision: Information reviewed and acknowledged. - Vote: No vote taken; item was informational. - Next Steps: - - Phil Cecere (Fire Marshal): Continue monitoring conditions and restrictions; track the communication breakdown with DNR.

Wildfire Update (Road 20 Fire, Brinnon)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:17.000–00:04:10.000 & 01:00:00.000–01:03:01.000
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment & Public Health/Emergency Management Update
  • Categories: public safety, emergency management, operations

Topic Summary

Chief Manly provided an update on the fire in Brinnon, reporting 100% containment, though crews were still managing hotspots. The operation is transitioning to a Type 4 command structure and will eventually move to patrol status, with local fire departments and DNR remaining involved. Emergency Management also reviewed the evacuation levels utilized during the event (Get Ready, Get Set, Go), advising vulnerable populations to implement their plans early.

Key Discussion Points

  • Chief Manly reported that as of "tomorrow morning" (September 4, 2024), the operation would transition to a Type 4 team with 20 firefighters still working on hotspots beneath the containment line (00:01:47.000).
  • The fire is 100% contained (00:01:47.000).
  • Crews are currently picking up the last 2 miles of the 14 miles of hose deployed for the effort (00:02:19.000).
  • Incident Command will leave at noon tomorrow (September 4, 2024), turning control back to the local fire department and subsequently over to DNR (00:02:26.000).
  • Willy Bence (Emergency Management Director) confirmed the fire topped out at 398 acres, just under 400 acres (01:00:14.000). The Type 3 incident management team has demobilized.
  • Bence reiterated the evacuation level system used: Level 1 (Get Ready), Level 2 (Get Set), and Level 3 (Go) (01:01:30.000).
  • Level 2 required residents in the 2,500 block of Bush Road and up to be ready to evacuate for nearly a week; Bence advised that residents with mobility issues or livestock should evacuate before a Level 3 order is issued (01:02:01.000).
  • The cause of the fire is still under investigation (00:018:50.000).

Public Comments

  • Chief Manly thanked all three Commissioners for their support and gave a shout-out to Carolyn Gallaway for her help in the background (00:02:41.000).
  • Mr. Tears mentioned he was "so relieved" the fire was under control (00:02:50.000).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed, though Bence suggested future discussions on reimbursement for local costs would need to occur (01:05:13.000).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The fire is contained and transitioning to monitor/patrol status. - Decision: Informational update received. - Vote: No vote taken; item was informational. - Next Steps: - - Local Fire Department / DNR: Monitor the containment area for hotspots. - - Willie Bence (EM Director): Monitor the burn scar in future winters for potential increased risk of landslides and flooding (01:06:40.000); explore the possibility of local or state emergency declaration for cost recovery (01:06:13.000).

COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:45:00.000–00:59:47.000
  • Agenda Item: Public Health Update with Dr. Barry
  • Categories: public health, services

Topic Summary

Dr. Barry reported high rates of COVID-19 transmission in the region, noting an increase in emergency department visits and hospitalizations, primarily among individuals who have not received a vaccine in the last couple of years. The new COVID-19 vaccine, which is an excellent match for the current circulating KP.3 variant, is rolling out in pharmacies and clinics. Dr. Barry provided guidance on managing infection, testing, and vaccine scheduling, noting that free testing remains available at the Health Department and libraries for those in Jefferson County.

Key Discussion Points

  • Dr. Barry stated that the region is experiencing high rates of COVID-19 transmission, with elevated levels still visible in wastewater monitoring (00:45:10.000).
  • There is a notable increase in emergency department visits and hospitalizations, primarily among those who have not received a vaccine since 2021 (00:46:00.000).
  • The dominant variant is KP.3 (an Omicron variant), which is more transmissible and evades immunity from older vaccines (00:46:24.000).
  • The new COVID-19 vaccine, targeted at the KP.2 variant, is available in local pharmacies and is an "excellent match" for the currently circulating variant (00:47:04.000).
  • Dr. Barry recommended that everyone aged 6 months and up get both the updated COVID-19 vaccine and the annual flu shot (00:47:04.000).
  • RSV vaccination is recommended for people 65 and up (especially those with underlying conditions) if they did not receive it last year, and for pregnant individuals and babies under 8 months (00:47:55.000).
  • Dr. Barry advised that folks who recently had COVID-19 wait two months before receiving the new vaccine for best immune system response (00:51:56.000).
  • Best practice for infection involves staying home for at least 5 days and masking well for the subsequent 5 days (00:58:32.000). Testing is not required to end isolation, but masking is essential if returning to public spaces (00:59:22.000).
  • Mr. Tears asked about the availability of the new vaccine; Dr. Barry confirmed it is starting to arrive at pharmacies (like QFCs) but recommended patients call ahead due to high demand (00:49:03.000).
  • Free testing is still available in Jefferson County at the Health Department, South County Fire stations, libraries, and bookmobiles (00:56:40.000).
  • The federal Bridge Access Program, which provided free vaccines to the uninsured, has ended, meaning uninsured adults will likely have to pay out of pocket for vaccines and Paxlovid treatment (00:54:51.000).

Public Comments

  • Mr. Tears asked for information on the availability of the latest COVID-19 vaccine (00:5:09.000).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Insurance (private and state) generally covers the cost of the vaccine and treatment.
  • The Vaccines for Children program ensures all children in Washington State have free or very low-cost access to vaccines, though a small administration fee may apply (00:55:45.000).
  • Dr. Barry encouraged those who can afford tests found at pharmacies (approx. $10) or online to purchase them, preserving free county-provided tests for those with fewer means (00:57:29.000).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The Board received the public health update. - Decision: Informational update received. - Vote: No vote taken; item was informational. - Next Steps: - - Residents (6 months and up): Get updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines. - - Mark McCauley / Staff: Continue monthly check-ins with Dr. Barry and Willie Bence (01:07:48.000).

Local Food Month Proclamation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:08:08.000–00:24:47.000
  • Agenda Item: Proclamation
  • Categories: other

Topic Summary

The Board adopted a proclamation designating September 2024 as "Eat Local Month" in Jefferson County. The proclamation recognizes the historical and contemporary contributions of local farmers, fishers, and producers to the environment, economy, nutrition, and food security of the region. The proclamation also highlights the 22nd annual Jefferson County Farm Tour scheduled for September 14th and 15th.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Brotherton introduced the item, stating that the local food movement is valued by the community and supported by local farmers, benefiting the local economy and providing high-quality food (00:20:00.000).
  • The proclamation was read, referencing the rich bounty provided by the land and water, stewarded by the Skokomish people (00:20:25.000), and noting the work of Jefferson Landworks to preserve hundreds of acres of farmland (00:21:08.000).
  • The proclamation highlighted that local food contributes to greater resilience, food security, reduces the carbon footprint, and preserves the rural landscape (00:21:40.000).
  • Commissioner Dean praised the tradition and felt it was important to amplify the celebration, noting the "ancillary and downstream benefits" of shortening the supply chain (00:23:14.000).
  • Commissioner Dean shared an anecdote about eating a meal composed entirely of locally raised or fished ingredients (00:24:18.000) and noted the challenges facing farmers due to a changing climate, referencing issues like cracking in tomatoes (00:23:40.000).

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

The proclamation was approved as read. - Decision: Approved the proclamation designating September 2024 as "Eat Local Month." - Vote: Ayes: 3 (Unanimous). - Next Steps: - - Board/Community: Celebrate Eat Local Month and the 22nd annual Farm Tour (September 14th and 15th).

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:25:23.000–00:28:05.000 & 01:20:49.000–01:24:22.000
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda Items 7–11 (Amendments for Cascade Community Connections)
  • Categories: contracts, budgeting, services

Topic Summary

The Board initially pulled five consecutive amendments related to contracts with Cascade Community Connections (for Developmental Disabilities services) from the consent agenda due to lack of clear explanation for large funding increases. Public Health Director Apple Martine and DD Coordinator Anna McEnery joined the meeting to explain that the increases (totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars) in Amendments #3 for both ISE and CI services represented the second fiscal year's funding of the two-year contracts, which was the justification the Commissioners sought.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Dean noted consent items 7 through 11 involved Cascade Connections and appeared to nearly double the contract amounts in some cases (00:25:56.000) without a clear explanation in the briefing documents.
  • Commissioner Brotherton surmised the increase may be due to adding a second fiscal year (2024-2025) to the contract terms, needing confirmation (00:27:06.000).
  • DD Coordinator Anna McEnery confirmed that the substantial increases (such as $867,692 total for DDA funding), including increases in Amendments #3 for Individual Supported Employment ($409,000 increase) and Community Inclusion/PASRR ($238,476 increase), were allocated for the second year (Fiscal Year 2024/2025) of the fee-for-service contracts (01:21:11.000, 01:23:01.000).
  • McEnery noted Amendment #2 to the Individual Supported Employment contract actually showed a decrease of $55,368.40 because unexpended funds from the prior fiscal year (2023/2024) are not carried forward due to the fee-for-service nature (01:21:56.000).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this discussion.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Amendment No. 3 to Individual Supported Employment Contract (Cascade Community Connections): Funds allocated for FY 2024/2025 include a $409,000 increase for a new total of $801,338.60.
  • Amendment No. 3 to Community Inclusion/PASRR Services Contract (Cascade Community Connections): Includes an increase of $238,476, extending the term and funding the PASRR Program.
  • Amendment No. 2 to Individual Supported Employment Contract (Cascade Community Connections): Details a decrease of $55,368.40, reflecting the prior year's unexpended funds.

Financials

  • The amendments allocate significant funding from the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) under DSHS (Fund #127):
    • Cascade Community Connections (Group Employment, Amend #2): $60,000.00 increase; new total $123,022.44.
    • Cascade Community Connections (Individual Supported Employment, Amend #2): $55,368.40 decrease; new total $392,338.60 (for FY 2023/2024).
    • Cascade Community Connections (Community Inclusion, Amend #2): $10,754.00 increase; new total $296,230.45 (for FY 2023/2024).
    • Cascade Community Connections (Individual Supported Employment, Amend #3): $409,000.00 increase; new total $801,338.60 (for FY 2024/2025).
    • Cascade Community Connections (Community Inclusion/PASRR, Amend #3): $238,476.00 increase; new total $534,706.45 (for FY 2024/2025).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The previously pulled consent items were approved following clarification from staff. - Decision: Motion to approve items 7 through 11 on the consent agenda. - Vote: Ayes: 3 (Unanimous). - Next Steps: - - Public Health Staff: Proceed with the execution of the contract amendments.

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:31:45.000–00:31:59.000
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda (excluding 7–11)
  • Categories: contracts, financial, planning, ordinances

Topic Summary

The Board approved the remaining items on the consent agenda, which included several authorizations for competitive funding processes (Housing, Lodging Tax) and financial and administrative agreements (EFT Policy, aggregate supply, MRC grant, consultants). One non-substantive correction was directed regarding the spelling of Commissioner Brotherton's name on a contract document.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Brotherton requested a correction on Consent Agenda Item 5 (BHC Consultants LLC contract), noting his last name was misspelled on the signature line (00:28:22.000).
  • The discussion focused on the scope of the new Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Policy (Item 14), verifying that it relates to payments to the county's bank accounts, and does not alter the electronic payment methods available to residents for property taxes or car tabs (00:06:04.000).
  • Commissioner Dean mentioned that the Housing Fund RFP (Homeless Housing and Affordable Housing) was being published today (00:28:56.000), noting that the additional state kick-back from recording fees is already obligated to the American Legion emergency shelter maintenance for the 1st half of 2025 (00:29:06.000).

Public Comments

  • Mr. Tears asked for assurance that the new EFT Policy (Item 14) would not change the electronic methods residents use to pay property taxes (00:04:44.000).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Homeless and Affordable Housing RFP Authorization (2025): Authorizes the issuance of an RFP for up to $1,400,000 for Affordable Housing and $165,000 for Homeless Housing.
  • Lodging Tax RFP Authorization (Tourism Promotion - 2025): Authorizes an RFP for tourism promotion projects, for up to $900,000, following LTAC recommendation.
  • Contract for Emergency Food Response Funding (ARPA/WSDA): Approves receipt of $11,663.84 in ARPA funds via WSDA to reimburse Bayside Housing & Services for meals at the Emergency Shelter (American Legion).
  • Approval of Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Policy: Adopts policy to standardize EFT procedures and enhance internal financial controls.
  • On-Call Plan Review and Inspection Services Contract Extension (BHC Consultants LLC): Extends contract to August 31, 2028, and adds $30,000 for permit review/inspection services.
  • Contract Approval for Medical Reserve Corps Funding: Approves agreement with NACCHO for $10,000 to support local MRC activities.
  • Agreement for Supply of Bituminous Surface Treatment Aggregate (2025-2026): Approves a $555,067.00 contract with Bruch and Bruch Construction for aggregate supply.

Financials

  • The RFP publications authorized access to:
    • Affordable Housing: up to $1,400,000 (Fund 148).
    • Homeless Housing: up to $165,000 (Fund 149).
    • Lodging Tax: up to $900,000.
  • ARPA Grant for Emergency Food: $11,663.84.
  • MRC Grant: $10,000.
  • Aggregate Supply Contract: $555,067.00 (plus State Sales Tax).
  • BHC Consultants Extension: $30,000 increase (New total: $60,000).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • An amendment was made to approve the item subject to correcting the misspelling of Commissioner Brotherton's name on Item 5.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The consent agenda, excluding items 7 through 11, was approved with a directive for the correction on Item 5. - Decision: Approved the consent agenda minus items 7-11, subject to correcting the spelling error on item number 5. - Vote: Ayes: 3 (Unanimous). - Next Steps: - - Staff: Correct the spelling error on the BHC Consultants LLC contract (Item 5). - - Staff: Publish the Housing Fund and Lodging Tax RFPs, and process the various contracts.

Discussion on Caswell-Brown Village Phase 3 Funding Strategy

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:35:19.000–01:38:18.000
  • Agenda Item: Commissioner Reports (Caswell-Brown Federal Appropriation)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, services

Topic Summary

Commissioner Brotherton updated the Board on the Caswell-Brown Phase 3 project, noting continued uncertainty regarding the federal appropriation (likely delayed until the end of the calendar year) and the current Commerce grant funding limitations. The existing grant is site-specific and requires meeting certain housing definitions, restricting the County's ability to pivot to a different location or significantly change the project's scope, even if other funding strategies (like buying prefab units or connecting to sewer) could offer shortcuts.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Brotherton is tracking the Federal appropriation for Caswell Brown closely but does not anticipate receiving a budget before the fiscal year starts on October 1st (01:35:44.000). The appropriation is tied to the Federal budget resolution, which may not pass until the end of 2024.
  • If the Federal funding fails to come through, the project is only supported by the Commerce grant (01:36:15.000).
  • Commissioner Dean asked if there was flexibility with Commerce to use their funds differently to meet the need (01:36:17.000).
  • Brotherton confirmed that the Commerce grant is highly specific: funds cannot be used at a different location and require permanent supportive housing status (01:37:05.000).
  • Potential solutions like prefab buildings or connecting to the sewer system to avoid a $1 million septic system are being discussed, but the latter (requiring a UGA swap) would likely add another year and a half to the timeline (01:37:45.000).
  • America (staff-unidentified) is actively searching for contingency funding sources in case the federal appropriation is delayed or reduced (01:38:07.000).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • The Federal appropriation is still pending.
  • Commerce Grant funds currently underpin the project. (Specific amounts not detailed in the discussion).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Discussions around utilizing prefab buildings or connecting to the sewer line were noted, but timeline issues and grant restrictions limit their immediate viability.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No formal action taken; item was informative. - Decision: Informational update received. - Vote: No vote taken. - Next Steps: - - Staff (America/Others): Continue seeking contingency funding sources. - - Commissioner Brotherton: Monitor Federal budget process and Commerce grant restrictions.

Coordination Committee Meeting Schedule

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:09:04.000–02:15:31.000
  • Agenda Item: Coordination Committee Meeting Schedule Discussion and Potential Action
  • Categories: planning, operations

Topic Summary

The Board discussed the appropriate time and cadence for re-establishing the Coordination Committee meetings with elected officials and department directors. The committee meetings frequency was reduced during the pandemic and has since experienced low attendance. Commissioners agreed that a quarterly schedule, meeting on Mondays, was the preferred and most effective approach moving forward, which could be occasionally augmented by a focus on Strategic Plan implementation.

Key Discussion Points

  • The Coordination Committee meeting schedule needs to be set, as the current Friday time conflicts with staff and commissioner schedules (02:10:13.000).
  • Commissioner Dean noted that during the peak of COVID, meetings were monthly, but interest and attendance waned post-pandemic, dropping to ten or fewer attendees (02:11:04.000).
  • Commissioner Brotherton is a "fan of the once a quarter model" on Mondays (02:11:44.000).
  • Commissioner Dean asked if a quarterly meeting would be sufficient to implement the County's Strategic Plan, noting that implementation input from other departments is needed (02:12:01.000).
  • Commissioner Dean suggested an every-other-month cadence (six times a year) as a compromise to balance workload and the need for strategic planning input (02:14:07.000).
  • The Board agreed that Monday meetings are preferred (02:13:35.000).
  • Mark McCauley noted that he and staff will work together to brainstorm the scheduling, acknowledging the preference for Monday meetings and the need for regular Strategic Plan focus.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Coordination Committee Meeting Schedule Discussion: Item noted for discussion and possible action.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Alternatives discussed included:
    • Monthly meetings (like during the pandemic).
    • Quarterly meetings (old model, Commissioner Brotherton's preference).
    • Every-other-month meetings (six times per year, Commissioner Dean's preference).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No formal vote was taken, as staff was directed to finalize a schedule based on the discussion, with a preference for every other month on Mondays. - Decision: Staff to develop a schedule for the Coordination Committee, aiming for an every-other-month cadence on Mondays for optimal attendance and strategic plan engagement. - Vote: No vote taken. - Next Steps: - - Mark McCauley / Staff: Finalize the new Coordination Committee meeting schedule.

Generated On: 2025-11-07 14:03:06.135202-08:00 By: google/gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025 running on https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/