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11/04/24 09 AM: Jefferson County Commissioners Address Public Concerns, SMP Delays, Budget

Jefferson County Commissioners Address Public Concerns, SMP Delays, Budget

Jefferson County Commissioners meeting featured public comments on porta potties, SMP delays, task force violations, and housing needs; updates on SMP, health, emergency management; approvals for consent agenda, tribal letter, proclamation, CDBG grant; deferral of code compliance rules; mid-biennium budget review greenlit staff recommendations.

Public Comments and Board Responses

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:51.000–00:28:56.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, services, planning, personnel

Summary

Public commenters raised concerns about porta potties at 2500 Vista, SMP update delays, Solid Waste Task Force OPMA violations, and housing grant writer needs. Commissioners responded by clarifying city responsibilities for porta potties, providing SMP timeline updates (final review by civil deputy prosecutor, expected by year-end), discussing OPMA applicability to task forces, and noting existing grants staff while acknowledging funding challenges. Discussion emphasized encouraging shelter use over unsanctioned encampments and prioritizing sanctioned housing infrastructure.

Key Discussion Points

  • Maggie (2500 Vista resident): City responsible for daily porta potty checks; no sanitizer; health dept/hospital not required to report infections; urged focus on showers/toilets for unhoused.
  • Gordon/Fred: SMP update ongoing 4 years; frustration with delays.
  • Tom Tierce: Solid Waste Task Force special meeting Oct 9 unrecorded, un-noticed (OPMA violation); $8-10M spending; actions invalid, $500 fines possible.
  • Julia: Exciting housing RFPs; need grant writer as requests exceed funds; Welcoming Center needs amid shelter closure uncertainty.
  • Commissioner responses: Confirmed city/Goodman Sanitation responsibility for porta potties; SMP with prosecutor, letter to Ecology Aug; OPMA guide (Res 50-22) exists, task forces advisory/not OPMA; grants admin Amanda helps, housing fund limited.
  • Philip Hunsucker: SMP ~3 more months (end-year); delays due to staff turnover; high priority.

Public Comments

  • Maggie (2500 Vista): Porta potties unclean, city neglects checks; health risks; urged showers/toilets priority.
  • Gordon/Fred: SMP update delays frustrating.
  • Tom Tierce (public): Solid Waste Task Force OPMA violation; un-noticed, unrecorded; invalid actions, fines.
  • Julia: Housing RFPs exceed funds; need grant writer; Welcoming Center shift.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal action; responses provided.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: SMP update expected by year-end; OPMA clarification ongoing.

Shoreline Master Program (SMP) Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:09:20.000–00:13:10.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, land use

Summary

Public comment highlighted SMP update delays (4 years); commissioners expressed frustration, noting it sits with civil deputy prosecutor for final review amid workload. Philip Hunsucker confirmed August letter anticipated 3 more months; delays due to staff turnover (Barbara Ehrlichman's retirement); committed to completion by year-end despite high priorities; corrections improve future SMPs.

Key Discussion Points

  • Gordon: 4 years since SMP start; standard delays but frustrating.
  • Commissioners: Frustrated; priority despite delays; August Ecology letter timeline.
  • Philip Hunsucker: 3+ months anticipated; year-end goal; workload from new staff training; high DCD pressure for next update.

Public Comments

  • Gordon/Fred: SMP update delays.

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: N/A.
  • Next Steps: Finalize by year-end.

Consent Agenda Approval and Hearings Callout

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:28:56.000–00:34:06.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, ordinances, planning, land use

Summary

Consent agenda approved as amended (open space tax notice error corrected: 3 applications, not 4; Thorndike LLC forest designation). Key hearings highlighted: Nov 18 ad valorem tax levies (general, road, conservation futures, road diversion); sewer utility code (2pm); countywide planning policy (3pm); open space tax (11:15am). PIF allocation praised for Quilcene Complete Streets progress.

Key Discussion Points

  • Hearings: Tax levies (10:45am), sewer hookup ordinance (2pm), planning policy growth allocation (3pm), open space (11:15am).
  • Open space error: Thorndike LLC forest, not open space (3 apps).
  • PIF: $850k (from $600k + deferred Glen Cove); Quilcene streets funding secured.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Consent agenda packet referenced (hearings, PIF, open space apps).

Financials

No specific figures discussed beyond hearings.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Amendment: Correct open space notice to 3 apps.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve consent agenda for November 4, 2024, as amended."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes).
  • Next Steps: Hearings Nov 18.

Tribal Letter on Pleasant Harbor Master Planned Resort

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:34:20.000–00:42:07.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, land use

Summary

Philip Hunsucker presented draft response to Aug 15 letter from Port Gamble S'Klallam, Jamestown S'Klallam Tribes on Pleasant Harbor plat; delays due to staff/resource issues (prior Oct 15 promise missed). Letter updates timeline (final by Nov 13 post Nov 12 mtg); approved as amended to include all tribes.

Key Discussion Points

  • Philip Hunsucker: Staff-staff meetings ongoing; draft explains delays, expects final Nov 13; board letter due respect.
  • Minor edits: Dates to Nov 13; awkward sentence fixed.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft letter referenced (screen-shared).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Amendment: Add Jamestown S'Klallam, Port Gamble S'Klallam; dates to Nov 13.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve sending this letter... as amended."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes).
  • Next Steps: Send to tribes.

KPTZ Public Health Update

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  • Time Range: 00:45:52.000–01:04:23.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, services

Summary

Dr. Berry reported low COVID/flu/RSV; upcoming flu surge; high-risk groups (elderly, newborns); vaccines urged; avian flu in poultry/cattle (no human transmission). KPTZ Q&A: boosters, mandates effective but risk shifted; tests valid post-expiration extension; ~41k US COVID deaths 2024 (down from prior years).

Key Discussion Points

  • Dr. Berry: Low transmission; vaccines for holidays; avian flu monitoring; Q&A on boosters, mandates, tests, deaths (~41k 2024 vs 60k 2023).
  • Newborns lack immunity; maternal vaccination transfers antibodies.

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.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: Next update in a month.

Emergency Management Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:06:04.000–01:08:38.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, operations

Summary

Willie Bentz reported drought winding down (small Olympics dry area); windstorm evening peak; winter prep (power outages, Think Plan Do guide); below avg temps/above precip Jan-Mar signaling snow.

Key Discussion Points

  • Willie Bentz: Drought minimal; windstorm 6-9pm; prep guides; cold/wet winter forecast.

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.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Operation Green Light Proclamation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:08:55.000–01:14:25.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other

Summary

Proclamation approved supporting NACo Operation Green Light (Nov 4-11); illuminate courthouse green honoring veterans' sacrifices, transition stresses, high suicide risk.

Key Discussion Points

  • Mark McCauley: NACo initiative; green lights for vets (Army green).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Proclamation text read.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Amendment: Correct Scribner's error.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve proclamation as amended."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes).
  • Next Steps: Illuminate courthouse green Nov 4-11.

Code Compliance Rules of Procedure

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:14:50.000–01:46:48.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances, operations

Summary

Presentation on repealing Res 42-03, adopting new rules per JCC 19.05; emphasizes voluntary compliance (education, VCAs, settlements); successes shared (cleanups, behavioral change); enforcement fund/vouchers; deferred to Nov 12 for redline, public comment.

Key Discussion Points

  • Ariel Speser/Pinky Mingo/others: Rules clarify Title 19; voluntary first; tools (NOV, SWO, liens); fund for vouchers ($250 max, $5k/yr); examples: cleanups, RV parks.
  • Defer for redline (fund 126HHS), OPMA guide.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft resolution (revised fund name); Title 19 JCC.

Financials

Enforcement fund: Vouchers ≤$5k/yr, $250/household.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Deferred to Nov 12.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: Brief overview Nov 12; public comment/deliberation.

CDBG Public Services Grant Hearing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:46:52.000–02:04:18.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, services

Summary

Hearing on 22-24 closeout ($217k expended, OlyCAP housing/food); 24-25 $106k to Caswell-Brown sanitation (shift from food). Approved closeout/plan; motion authorized admin signature; requested OlyCAP strategic vision/reporting.

Key Discussion Points

  • 22-24: $217k housing/food/childcare (1,300 served).
  • 24-25: $106k Caswell-Brown (staff for infrastructure).
  • Concern: Food programs continuity.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

CDBG packet (closeout, plan).

Financials

22-24: $217k expended. 24-25: $106k.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Authorize administrator to sign closeout/proposal."
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: OlyCAP vision/reporting workshop.

Mid-Biennium General Fund Budget Review

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  • Time Range: 02:04:37.000–02:58:01.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, personnel, operations

Summary

Workshop reviewed requests (>1.7M); staff recs: fund elections postage ($10k), HR training ($40k), LexisNexis ($1.4k), coroner ($18k), S. County deputy ($140k base), DCD transfer (+815k), court commissioners ($30k), TPA events ($50k connectivity/10k picnic); defer others. 5-yr projection healthy; S. County deputy discussion (community policing, response).

Key Discussion Points

  • Recs detailed; monitor sheriff budget for vehicles.
  • S. County deputy: 23% calls south of 104; dedicated presence deters crime, aids response.

Public Comments

Public supported S. County deputy (deterrence, response).

Supporting Materials Referenced

Budget spreadsheet.

Financials

Total recs: ~$1M one-time/293k base.

Alternatives & Amendments

Monitor/appropriations later.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Greenlight staff recs for Dec hearing.
  • Vote: Informal consensus.
  • Next Steps: Dec budget hearing.

Background Materials

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