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10/07/24 09 AM: Board Opposes Climate Repeal Initiative, Approves Health Proclamation

Board Opposes Climate Repeal Initiative, Approves Health Proclamation

Jefferson County Board discussed opposing Initiative 2117 repealing Climate Commitment Act, approved Mental Illness Awareness Week proclamation, consent agenda, public health updates on vaccines and emergencies, coroner transition to non-attorney appointment, and rescinded Gardiner Community Center board resolutions for self-management. Unanimous decisions on key items; staff to draft I-2117 resolution.

Public Comment on Ballot Initiatives and Board Response

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:51–00:25:36 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, other

Summary

Multiple members of the public provided comments urging the Board to oppose Initiative 2117, which seeks to repeal the Climate Commitment Act, citing its benefits for emissions reductions, funding for local projects like EV chargers and forest protection, and climate resilience. Additional comments opposed other initiatives funded by wealthy donors, raised concerns about the Chevron deference Supreme Court decision leading to deregulation, and described challenges for a homeless individual post-life-saving surgery lacking housing support. The Board expressed support for exploring a resolution opposing Initiative 2117, directed legal staff to research options under RCW 42.17A.550, requested sample resolutions from public commenters, and agreed to bring forward a draft resolution the following week, potentially focusing on climate-related initiatives.

Key Discussion Points

  • Cindy Jane Portmson (District 2 resident): Detailed CCA investments in Jefferson County ($23 million+), including rebates, transit, EV chargers, and forest protection; urged resolution opposing I-2117.
  • Cindy Broth (Port Hadlock resident): Supported opposition to I-2117, provided Redmond resolution sample.
  • Pat (Port Hadlock resident): Opposed I-2117 and other initiatives as funded by multimillionaires avoiding taxes.
  • Patricia Jones (Chimacum resident): Shared 2021 heat dome experience, supported I-2117 opposition.
  • Karen Sullivan (Port Townsend resident): Linked marine heat waves to climate change, urged resilience via CCA support.
  • Jane (Zoom): Concurred with prior comments on initiatives supporting future benefits.
  • Maggie (room): Raised Chevron deference ruling risks to regulations and a homeless person's post-surgery housing failure.
  • Patty Lowe (Port Townsend resident): Supported I-2117 opposition, cited sea level rise projections (0.7-0.8 feet by 2050).
  • Commissioner Heidi: Worked on local climate measures, requested legal options for resolution.
  • Commissioner Kate: Supported opposition to I-2117, less familiar with others; huge CCA fan.
  • Commissioner Greg: Expressed personal climate concerns, supported polluter accountability via CCA.
  • Prosecuting Attorney James Kennedy: Hospital agonizes over discharges without housing; services siloed.

Public Comments

  • Multiple speakers (listed above): Overwhelmingly urged opposition to I-2117 and support for CCA; minority on Chevron/homelessness.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Sample resolutions from Redmond and other cities opposing I-2117.
  • CCA investment map for Jefferson County ($23 million+).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Directed staff (Mark, Ariel) to research and draft resolution opposing I-2117 for next week (October 14); consider other initiatives after review.
  • Vote: Unanimous verbal agreement.
  • Next Steps: Staff to bring resolution next Monday; Cindy to provide public comments for localized language.

Mental Illness Awareness Week Proclamation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:26:48–00:43:22 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, personnel

Summary

Valerie from NAMI Jefferson County presented on support groups, education (e.g., basics, suicide prevention), advocacy (e.g., 988 funding, HB 1755/5555 for workforce), and language changes to reduce stigma (e.g., "died by suicide" vs. "committed"). The Board read and approved a proclamation designating October 6-12, 2024, as Mental Illness Awareness Week and October 10 as World Mental Health Day, citing statistics on prevalence, youth onset, and suicide. Commissioners thanked NAMI, noted youth statistics, workforce shortages, and local crisis/988 disconnects.

Key Discussion Points

  • Valerie (NAMI Program Manager): Described pillars (support, education, advocacy); 988 extensions (veterans, Spanish, LGBTQ+, Native); language guide; recent county employee suicide impact; offered workshops.
  • Commissioner Kate: Appreciated language messaging; concerned about local 988 crisis line disconnect.
  • Commissioner Heidi: Statistics striking (75% chronic illness by age 24); lean into youth investment.
  • Commissioner Greg: Support supporters/caregivers; State addressing workforce via HB 5555; consent agenda funds clinical supervision.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • NAMI packet: brochures, rack cards, 988 updates, language guide.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Move the proclamation as read."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all aye).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:43:22–00:46:13 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, ordinances, personnel

Summary

The Board approved the consent agenda with a minor correction to Item 1 (Third Quarter Budget Appropriations Hearing Notice), changing publication from one week to two weeks per new ordinance on resolutions. Items included budget appropriations (e.g., October 21 hearing), change orders for Port Hadlock sewer collection ($46k decrease, $16k increase), and state funding for clinical supervision. No items pulled for discussion; supporting materials indicate multiple budget extensions totaling millions across funds (e.g., Public Health $1.5M+, Sheriff's $74k, Superior Court $49k).

Key Discussion Points

  • Staff: Correction to hearing notice publication (two weeks); triggered by recent ordinance codification.
  • Commissioner: Happy to approve with changes.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Consent agenda items: budget hearings/notices, sewer change orders, clinical supervision funding; no major hidden policy/financials bypassing comment (routine appropriations/extensions).

Financials

Multiple one-time appropriations/extensions (e.g., Public Health $539k+ revenue, $105k expense; Sheriff's grants $47k; detailed in packet summaries).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Amendment: Item 1 publication period changed to two weeks.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve the consent agenda with changes to item one."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all aye).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Monthly Public Health and Emergency Management Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:46:24–01:20:24 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, services, planning

Summary

Dr. Barry reported declining COVID-19 trends but anticipated fall surge; minimal flu/RSV; urged updated vaccines (COVID, flu, RSV for 75+/65+ high-risk/newborns); clarified co-infections risks, masking in high-risk settings, Medicare coverage variances, COVID deadlier than flu (3x hospitalization), whooping cough rise due to lower vax rates/early contagion, avian flu in birds/cows (avoid raw milk), Lyme locally acquired (tick checks). Willie promoted Great Washington ShakeOut (10/17 at 10:17 AM: drop/cover/hold); EOC comms exercise; winter forecast (above precip, below temps Jan-Mar); car kits. Commissioners asked on virus stacking, RSV boosters, masking, pasteurization, shellfish, Lyme.

Key Discussion Points

  • Dr. Barry: COVID downtrending; vaccine updates; co-infections worse; RSV yearly? (2yrs effective); risk factors (community/venue/personal); healthcare masking; Medicare/RSVP coverage; COVID 3x deadlier flu; pertussis rise (Tdap/10yrs); avian flu wild birds/dairy (PPE/raw milk avoid); Lyme local case (tick checks/24hr removal/rash seek care).
  • Willie: ShakeOut drill (10/17); EOC/vcom/INPREP tests; tsunami sirens/Nixle; winter precip up/temps down (snow?); car kits; neighbors key; pre-register volunteers (planes/boats).
  • Commissioner Kate: Virus stacking? Campfire Qs.
  • Commissioner Heidi: Asheville ties; pasteurization/mussels/shellfish.

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: Informational update.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Monthly reports continue; ShakeOut 10/17; community outreach events.

Coroner Position Transition

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:20:55–01:43:50 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel, contracts

Summary

Prosecuting Attorney James Kennedy explained new law (post-40k pop exemption removed) and AGO opinion prohibit attorneys as coroner; options: elected office (costly), contract other county (geography issues), or appoint non-attorney. Recommended appointing Kosec Funeral Home (David Bradley) as coroner (existing de facto partner); provide county laptop/phone; PA office admin/legal support; deputies from PA staff. Board supported advancing, noted training (CJTC March), backups, budget negotiations, disaster capacity; no decision today.

Key Discussion Points

  • James Kennedy: Law change/AGO: no attorneys; 13 small counties training/appointing; recommend Kosec (experience); $12k current contract; negotiate stipend.
  • Melissa: Travel for training; autopsy contract Kitsap unchanged.
  • Commissioner Heidi: Backup deputies/training; unique geography.
  • David Bradley: Existing resources (van, body bags).
  • Commissioner Kate: Geography/remote areas/NPS deaths.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • AGO opinion; CJTC guidance; other counties' plans.

Financials

  • Current: $12k funeral home contract, training/travel.
  • New: Negotiated stipend (major change); minor training/office increases.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Elected office (expensive); contract other county (poor fit).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Greenlight staff/Bradley to negotiate agreement/ordinance.
  • Vote: Unanimous verbal support.
  • Next Steps: Draft ordinance; budget impacts for 2025; lobby legislature ($200k/county phased).

Gardiner Community Center Board Resolutions

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:52:54–02:05:45 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, personnel

Summary

Staff recommended rescinding resolutions (106-79, 64-07, 4-12, 20-17) appointing BOCC to Gardiner CC Board, allowing self-management like Port Townsend Senior Assoc.; current agreement continues. Board discussed oversight via contract (reporting, annual meetings), standardization across centers, nonprofit status for funding; Gardiner Board concurs, avoids OPMA burden.

Key Discussion Points

  • Carolyn/Mark: No oversight/OPMA if rescind; contract sufficient.
  • Commissioners: Retain some oversight (contract amendments, commissioner rep?); standardize models; Wilson/Brinnon interest in similar.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Historical resolutions listed.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Continue appointments (OPMA costs).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Rescind resolutions 106-79, 64-07, 4-12, 2017 so Gardiner CC may make own board decisions."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all aye).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified; conversation continues on models.

Background Materials

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