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10/21/24 09 AM: BOCC Tackles Waste, Food Bank, Homeless, Budget Issues

BOCC Tackles Waste, Food Bank, Homeless, Budget Issues

Public comments dominated on solid waste site plans, Food Bank controversies, homeless camp sanitation, South County deputy needs, recycling overhaul. Board approved Pro Bono proclamation, Q3 budget ($1.9M all funds), indigent defense letter, and workshopped 2025 legislative priorities including housing, infrastructure.

Public Comments on Solid Waste Facility Planning

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:31.000–00:02:51.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, infrastructure, operations, budgeting

Summary

A public commenter sought clarification on the difference between a task force and advisory board regarding plans for a new solid waste dump site on Cape George Road, expressed concerns about wait times at the current dump, expansion potential on existing land, costs to the county, traffic impacts on Cape George Road and Discovery Road, and requested information on public meetings and plans. The board responded after all comments, explaining the Solid Waste Facilities Task Force met on October 9th, is temporary with an end date unlike ongoing advisory boards, narrowed sites to North, Mid, or South County options including Cape George and mid-county near U-Haul, no decisions made, public input planned before BOCC decision, funded by enterprise tipping fees not general fund taxes, and recycling challenges noted (no market for glass costing $20k/year storage, plastics not viable).

Key Discussion Points

  • Public concerns: Current dump wait times minimal (≤15 min), 4-6 acres available for expansion, traffic safety on narrow roads, cost to county.
  • Unnamed speaker: Difference between task force/advisory board, info sources, public meetings.
  • Commissioner (likely Kate Dean): Task force temporary vs. ongoing advisory board; October 9 meeting presentation/minutes online; sites narrowed but open; South County favored for logistics/carbon footprint; choke points at current scales/wetlands limit expansion; enterprise fund self-financed via tipping fees.
  • Commissioner Greg: Task force recommendations to BOCC; broad stakeholders including haulers/transit/climate committee.
  • Recycling: PDN article noted; Laura Tucker presentation at Solid Waste Advisory Committee; "wish cycling"; no market for glass/plastics/paper; costs erode tipping fees.

Public Comments

  • [Unnamed resident]: Clarification on task force vs. advisory board for dump on Cape George; current dump efficient; expansion possible; traffic/cost concerns; info request.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials provided; transcript references Jefferson County Solid Waste Task Force presentation/minutes (October 9), jeffersoncountysolidwaste.com/solid-waste-facility-replacement-project, PDN recycling article, Solid Waste Advisory Committee recordings.

Financials

  • Glass storage: $20,000+ annually.
  • Solid waste: Enterprise fund; tipping fees cover new facility; recycling reduces revenue.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Information provided; no action taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • Attend task force meetings; email [email protected].
  • Public deliberation before BOCC decision.
  • SWAC next meeting December (skipped November).

Public Comments and Board Responses on Jefferson County Food Bank

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:02:58.000–00:12:12.000; 00:24:45.000–00:40:22.000 (responses) (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, personnel, contracts, planning

Summary

Multiple public commenters criticized Food Bank executive director Patricia Hennessy for volunteer firings/resignations (30 quit, 8 fired), toxic atmosphere, halting Quilcene building project despite donations/permit, banning protester Lisa Story from property/food access, board inaction/restraining orders against members, and poor treatment of volunteers. Supporters noted change is hard post-50 years volunteer-led, need for oversight/professional management, new building essential but properly executed. Board acknowledged challenges of nonprofit transitions, limited oversight as independent entity, encouraged board applications, food delivery continues at 4 sites serving hundreds weekly, Community Foundation nonprofit training available.

Key Discussion Points

  • Lisa Story (Hadlock): Banned from Food Bank after petition/protest; denied food; incident with volunteer Rich; board down to 5 from 11, 2 with restraining orders; Greg Echater ineffective; toys relocated; compared to allowing pedophile.
  • Unnamed (Friends of Food Bank rep): Delivered performance evaluation; 30 volunteers quit, 8 fired; recommend non-renewal of Hennessy's contract Nov; return to volunteer management.
  • Kit Kittredge (Olson, ex-board/volunteer): Offered property for Quilcene building 5.5 yrs ago; donations/permits obtained; project halted Apr pre-roof despite donor offer for roof/siding ignored; now Kitsap contractor hired.
  • Maggie (camp/porta potties): Referenced William O. Douglas; opposed exploiting homeless data; request 3rd porta potty reinstatement/more service/hand sanitizer at camp.
  • Shelly (Zoom): Support South County deputy; defended Food Bank changes/oversight under Hennessy.
  • Jean (Zoom): South County deputy/timber theft; Black Point developer/sheriff coordination.
  • Mr. Tirsch: Recycling history "lied to"; wish cycling; no markets; $20k glass storage; revamp program abruptly.
  • Board responses:
  • Kate Dean: Solid waste details; food bank levers limited; worked on Quilcene plan; encourage participation.
  • Heidi Eisenhour: Food bank growth pains; attended board meetings; food delivery priority; recruiting board members.
  • Greg: Support South County deputy; task force interaction.

Public Comments

  • [Lisa Story/Hadlock]: Banned for petition; denied food; board issues; Patty Hennessy abusive.
  • [Unnamed/Friends of Food Bank]: Performance eval; volunteer losses; non-renewal recommendation.
  • [Kit Kittredge/Olson]: Quilcene building halt; ignored donor; local support.
  • [Maggie]: Homeless rights; camp porta potties/sanitizer.
  • [Shelly/Zoom]: South deputy; defend Hennessy/changes.
  • [Jean/Zoom]: South deputy/timber theft.
  • [Mr. Tirsch]: Recycling overhaul.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Performance evaluation from Friends of Food Bank; referenced but not provided.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Return to volunteer management; non-renewal of Hennessy contract.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action; information/responses provided.
  • Next Steps:
  • Apply to Food Bank board (website).
  • Community Foundation nonprofit training.
  • Commissioner Eisenhour attend board meetings.

Public Comments on Homeless Services and Encampment Conditions

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:12:28.000–00:15:19.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, public safety, operations

Summary

Public commenter Maggie raised concerns about criminalizing unhoused not using services, advocated voluntary participation per William O. Douglas, requested 3rd porta potty reinstatement at camp, more frequent servicing, hand sanitizer due to biohazards. Board noted grant-funded porta potties, encouraged shelter use/HMIS tracking for services, public health to follow up.

Key Discussion Points

  • Maggie: Hierarchy of needs (showers/toilets); 3 porta potties now 2; biohazard; sanitizer needed.
  • Commissioner (likely Kate Dean): Removed porta potty unknown; ask harm reduction/public health (grant funds); HMIS measures services; encourage shelter use.

Public Comments

  • [Maggie]: Civil rights; voluntary services; camp sanitation issues.

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; follow-up assigned.
  • Next Steps:
  • Public health/harm reduction check porta potties.

Public Comments on South County Law Enforcement

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:15:45.000–00:20:52.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, budgeting, personnel

Summary

Commenters supported Undersheriff Pernsteiner's 2025 budget request for South County deputy (no car to reduce cost; MOU with Pleasant Harbor for office/car), noted unreported crimes due to response times, timber theft rampant. Board expressed support, noted logistics (30-40 min response), budget competition, potential Black Point MOU.

Key Discussion Points

  • Shelly (Zoom): Acknowledge deputy request; unique budget opportunity; grow reporting.
  • Jean (Zoom): Sheriff/Black Point disconnect; timber theft on roads; revised budget bridges gaps.
  • Commissioners: Supportive; budget ask; Pleasant Harbor space; Black Point 5 yrs out.

Public Comments

  • [Shelly/Zoom]: South deputy essential.
  • [Jean/Zoom]: Coordination/timber theft need deputy.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No specific figures; lesser expense (no car).

Alternatives & Amendments

Black Point MOU (future).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Supportive comments; no vote.
  • Vote: Unanimous support expressed.
  • Next Steps: Budget process.

Public Comments on Recycling Program

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:20:58.000–00:24:17.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, budgeting

Summary

Commenter urged revamp of recycling based on PDN article/SWAC presentations (Laura Tucker); "wish cycling"; no markets for glass/plastics/steel/paper; $20k glass storage; rip band-aid off, implement workable program abruptly. Board agreed nuance, costs vs. revenue, source separation cleanest in state but still net cost.

Key Discussion Points

  • Mr. Tirsch: Recycling myth; Laura Tucker history; glass market gone; overhaul to cardboard/aluminum/glass if market.
  • Commissioners: Recycling costs money/reduces garbage revenue; China ban; source separation advantage; pair with facility planning.

Public Comments

  • [Mr. Tirsch]: Revamp recycling; truth to public.

Supporting Materials Referenced

PDN article; SWAC recordings/Laura Tucker presentation.

Financials

Glass storage $20k+ annually.

Alternatives & Amendments

Limit to cardboard/aluminum/glass; abrupt change vs. gradual.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Agreement to review; no action.
  • Next Steps: SWAC meetings (December); facility planning.

Pro Bono Law Week Proclamation

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  • Time Range: 00:51:46.000–01:00:35.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other

Summary

Proclamation read and adopted recognizing October 20-26, 2024 as Pro Bono Law Week, honoring volunteer attorneys providing 30+ hours free services annually; 2023 WA volunteers aided 20k; Clallam-Jefferson Pro Bono >750 hours. Rafael Urquia thanked support, noted housing/DV/credit issues, 2025 goals: tribal outreach, full-time attorney.

Key Discussion Points

  • Rafael Urquia: Thanks; issues affect disadvantaged; staff thanks; 2025 tribal/full-time attorney.
  • Board: Read proclamation; AI query for scaling.

Public Comments

No public comment.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Move to adopt proclamation."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes).

2024 Third Quarter Budget Appropriations and Extensions

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:01:33.000–01:25:43.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting

Summary

Public hearing on resolution for Q3 supplemental budget: $2.5M revenue/$2.1M expense increases (mostly grants/transfers); major items sheriff grants/vehicles, court cameras/lactation, public health FPHS/COVID, DCD fire marshal/EV truck/cash flow, auditor deferral, water quality river project, gravity software correction (remove $209k liability), parks Irondale land ($16k), server migration ($47k). Approved as amended (remove $209k liability; new totals GF $676k/all funds $1.9M).

Key Discussion Points

  • Judy Shepherd/Mark McCauley: Grants hit Q3; Q4 final check; detailed funds/depts (sheriff $75k wellness/truck/server; court $50k cams/pod; PH $1.5M FPHS etc.; DCD $340k; auditor defer; water $181k; roads PILT $18k; parks Irondale $16k land; IS server $228k+$47k laptops).
  • Capital process: CIP alignment/committee review; parks land fits.
  • Questions: Vehicles/chargers, park process.

Public Comments

No public comment.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Detailed summary/spreadsheet; supporting materials (e.g., Exhibit A) referenced but not provided.

Financials

  • Revenue +$2,497,890 (one-time); Expense +$2,117,526 (one-time).
  • GF revenue +$86k; expense +$885k (transfers DCD/IS/parks/roads/gravity).
  • Correction: Remove $209k liability (GF total $676k; all $1.9M).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Remove $209k liability insurance.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve resolution as amended."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes).
  • Next Steps: Q4 focus over-budget prevention.

Letter to WA Supreme Court on Indigent Defense Caseload Standards

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:26:30.000–01:31:15.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel, budgeting, public safety

Summary

BOCC approved letter to Supreme Court on proposed indigent defense caseloads: supports standards but state must fund constitutionally (County pays 97%, state 3%; 150% cost increase estimated strains GF/justice system, risks understaffing/uncharged crimes). Focus funding over standards; rural attorney shortage.

Key Discussion Points

  • Kate Dean: Drafted with PA/public defenders; funding focus; rural challenges.
  • Board: Threaded needle; budget/community impacts.

Public Comments

No public comment.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft letter referenced/not provided.

Financials

  • Current: $920k County/$29k state.
  • Increase: 150% County cost.

Alternatives & Amendments

State funding/attorneys.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Send letter as drafted."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes).
  • Next Steps: Send by 10/31/24.

State/Federal Legislative Priorities Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:52:19.000–05:07:36.000 (PART 1, post-recess)
  • Categories: planning, budgeting, infrastructure, services

Summary

Workshop with Strategies 360 (Stephanie Wright) to set 2025 priorities post-Dean; align w/WSAC/NOLA; LSC rep (Heidi); capital (shelter CDS gap, Mill Rd, child care delta?, aquatic design?, comm centers USDA, solid waste future); policy (TLT/DNR, excise tax housing RCW82.46.075, Lammard/UGA flex, RAP Act lead?, TBD sales tax, O&M/vouchers housing, mobile home park SB5867); monitor Wasac housing/roads. Prioritize feasible/unique voice; CDS/grants separate; next mtg Nov draft.

Key Discussion Points

  • Steph Wright: Workshop priorities; LSC vs county; capital CDS/grants; staff coord; align depts/electeds.
  • Kate: CDS shelter; Brick Mill Rd sewer; child care gap; aquatic/PFD; legislative handoff.
  • Heidi: TLT/encumbered lands; biochar rules; Lammard flex Chimicum/Dosiwallen/Brennan.
  • Greg: Excise tax housing; mobile home park SB5867.
  • Stacy Prada: Electeds coord; exemptions/MFTE.

Public Comments

No public comment.

Supporting Materials Referenced

WSAC priorities; packet legislative items.

Financials

Various capital estimates TBD (shelter $1-2M gap, etc.).

Alternatives & Amendments

Wasac support/lead vs county unique.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Draft priorities/capital (Nov); Heidi LSC; monitor/influence.
  • Next Steps:
  • Steph/Kate/Mark workshop capital.
  • Delegation mtg post-election.
  • Nov BOCC review draft agenda/schedule.

Background Materials

Contents

AI Information