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04/07/25 09 AM: Board Approves STR Ordinance, Health Proclamation, Safety Programs Post-Comments

Board Approves STR Ordinance, Health Proclamation, Safety Programs Post-Comments

Jefferson County Commissioners meeting featured extensive public comments on aquaculture, logging, roads, housing, health, and more. Approved consent agenda including road contracts; proclaimed National Public Health Week amid funding cuts; reviewed aquatic recreation survey favoring mid-county pool; updated personnel manual; established commercial fire safety inspections; adopted short-term rental ordinance amendments with 4% cap, operator limits, and enforcement (2-1 vote). Upcoming: solid waste, STR review.

Public Comment Period

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:32–00:38:25 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, planning, public safety, services, other

Summary

The board opened the meeting with public comment, receiving remarks from in-person and online participants on topics including geoduck aquaculture impacts, weed and feed toxicity, potential commercial logging in Port Hadlock due to expiring timber agreements, issues at the 209A shelter, road conditions on South Shore and North Shore Roads, solid waste facility operations and recycling subsidies, fireworks restrictions, pool survey validity, affordable housing and Airbnbs, trailer park rent increases, and public health concerns. Commissioners responded briefly at the end, noting upcoming discussions on solid waste (April 29), pool survey presentation (10:15), short-term rentals (14:30), road repairs, logging designations, and shelter operator communications.

Key Discussion Points

  • Jim Fritz criticized geoduck farming's alleged whale impacts and promoted weed and feed bans due to toxicity.
  • [Unnamed speaker]: Urged changing Port Hadlock property designations to prevent logging permits post-May 8 timber agreement expiration.
  • Maggie raised 209A shelter employee harassment concerns during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
  • Ed Bowen and Teresa Jumps queried West End road updates.
  • Jim Friedman defended Quilcene solid waste facility operations against closure claims.
  • Shelley Arnell requested fireworks workshop, questioned pool survey data, and urged STR permit solutions for housing.
  • Gene Ball criticized pool survey analysis for bias and mislabeling.
  • Julia Cochran reported on health department COVID tests, trailer park issues, LIHEAP cuts, and ICE arrests.
  • Commissioners noted consent agenda items like Upper Hoh Road contract, solid waste decisions April 29, and assessor coordination on logging.

Public Comments

  • Jim Fritz: Geoducks not killing whales; weed and feed toxic to marine life.
  • [Unnamed]: Prevent Port Hadlock clear-cutting via assessor redesignation and DCD-DNR coordination.
  • Maggie: 209A shelter retaliation against injured consumer.
  • Ed Bowen (West Jefferson): Road concerns, Oil City praise.
  • Jim Friedman: Quilcene facility cost-neutral; prioritize residential use.
  • Shelley Arnell: Fireworks workshop; pool survey flaws; STR permits block housing.
  • Teresa Jumps (Hoquiam): South/North Shore Road safety.
  • Tom Tierce: Solid waste recycling changes impractical; enact STR ordinance.
  • Gene Ball: Pool survey biased, misleading graphs.
  • Julia Cochran: COVID tests gone; trailer park rents up 35%; LIHEAP ended; ICE arrests.
  • [Unnamed couple]: Port Ludlow logging fire/herbicide risks.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Alternatives

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public comments heard; responses noted for future agenda items.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: Solid waste decisions April 29; pool survey 10:15; STRs 14:30; assessor/DNR coordination on logging; shelter operator follow-up.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:38:25–00:42:31 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, personnel, budgeting, infrastructure

Summary

The board approved the consent agenda unanimously after confirming contract dates for Upper Hoh Road repairs and highlighting the IDD board self-advocate appointment. Items included routine contracts, appointments, and proclamations, with no items pulled except brief Upper Hoh discussion.

Key Discussion Points

  • Upper Hoh Road contract with Seton Construction ($414k) dates to be filled (e.g., page 1, Exhibit B/C); confirmed as post-signature practice.
  • Highlighted Camille Vigeant's IDD board self-advocate appointment for her experience.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Upper Hoh Road contract: $414,432 award to Seton Construction; 100% state/private funded; engineer's estimate $381k.
  • IDD board: Self-advocate position addition; Camille Vigeant appointed.

Financials

  • Upper Hoh Road: $414,432 contract; ceiling $455,875 (10% contingency); funded by state Strategic Reserve ($623k) and donations ($27k).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Consent agenda approved as presented, with dates to be added to Upper Hoh contract.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3-0).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

National Public Health Week Proclamation and Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:44:42–01:18:19 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, services, personnel, other

Summary

The board proclaimed April 7-13, 2025, as National Public Health Week, honoring public health professionals and "Public Health Heroes" amid federal/state funding cuts. Dr. Berry reported declining flu/RSV/COVID but rising measles/pertussis risks, loss of COVID tests/caravan, and state budget threats ($49M cut proposed). Willie Bence noted wildfire mitigation program, climate forecasts, LIHEAP loss, and FEMA reforms.

Key Discussion Points

  • Proclamation: Read and approved; themes: "It Starts Here" (health, climate, equity, advocacy, workforce).
  • Dr. Berry: Flu downtrending; measles outbreak (607 US cases, 3 deaths); low kindergarten MMR vaccination (62%); federal cuts impact testing/tracing/vaccines; state cuts threaten core services.
  • Willie Bence: East Jeff Fire's free wildfire assessments (wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov); warmer July forecast; LIHEAP gone; FEMA cuts (BRIC canceled).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Proclamation text summarized health threats (COVID, measles, wildfires) and priorities.

Financials

State proposes $49M public health cuts vs. $100M police increase; federal cuts to labs/tests/vaccines.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Proclamation approved unanimously.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3-0).
  • Next Steps: Workshop on funding cuts; Wasak assembly attendance.

Jefferson County Aquatic Recreation Survey Results

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:18:19–02:07:54 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, budgeting, services

Summary

Jefferson Aquatic Coalition presented survey results (2,951 responses, ~18% population) showing 75% support for new mid-county (Port Hadlock) facility; 61.5% back 0.2% sales tax. Current usage low (52% households past 2 years, 68% out-of-county); expected usage doubles with amenities like hot tubs/laps. Sentiment: 40% positive (health/safety), 35% negative (tax/priorities).

Key Discussion Points

  • 55% "very important"; strong geographic/age representation.
  • Swimming ability: Youth <13 half beginners/non-swimmers; adults proficient.
  • Top amenities: Hot tub, sauna, laps; non-aquatic: Fitness, therapy, cafe.
  • Tax support: 61.5% yes (varies by area); comments: 40% pro-community, 35% anti-tax/feasibility.
  • Drive-time favors mid-county (7k more within 20 mins vs. PT).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Survey data; 2014 survey (PT preferred); task force recommendations (mid-county pool, close Mountain View).

Financials

0.2% sales tax proposed (excl. groceries); no figures discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Port Townsend location debated; private funding suggested.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational workshop; no action.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: PFD formation hearing April 14; tourist survey open through season.

Personnel Administration Manual Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:08:00–02:26:53 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel, operations

Summary

Board adopted updated Personnel Administration Manual via resolution, clarifying leave accrual/donation, telecommuting, travel policy, and definitions amid state law changes. Key: No advance leave borrowing; donation limits (min 80/160 hrs, max 80 hrs received); promotion pay to 3%; trial period leave allowed.

Key Discussion Points

  • Leave: Accrue before use; donation caps for fairness/PTO shift.
  • Employee feedback (7 responses): Gender-neutral language, history corrections.
  • Telecommuting policy added (Appendix I).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

PAM updates: FMLA/PFML, gifts (<$25), Juneteenth holiday.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Peer review: Clallam/Kitsap/state prohibit advance leave.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Resolution adopted updating PAM.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3-0).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Commercial Fire Safety Inspection Program

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:27:34–02:41:44 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, ordinances

Summary

Board adopted resolution establishing Commercial Fire Safety Inspection Program per JCC 15.05.046/IFC, with biennial inspections ($294 fee), self-inspections alternate years, and tiered correction timelines (1hr-30 days). Capacity via new hires; future ILA with fire districts.

Key Discussion Points

  • Excludes Port Townsend; focuses commercial occupancies.
  • Hazards: Extreme (1hr), High (7 days), etc.
  • Software: Fire Prevention Mobile integrates with Jeffcom.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Appendix A: Program details/FAQ; fees per Resolution 47-0819-24R.

Financials

Inspection fee: $294 (initial +1 reinspection).

Alternatives & Amendments

Future fire district ILAs.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Resolution adopted.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3-0).
  • Next Steps: ILA drafts; ~400 facilities.

Short-Term Rental Ordinance Amendments

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:02:16–04:50:46 (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances, land use, planning, housing

Summary

After executive sessions/deliberations, board adopted STR ordinance (2-1) repealing moratorium: 4% cap (proportional/zip), 1 STR/operator, no general grace period (legal nonconforming only), 1yr ownership wait for 6+ rooms, permit# on platforms, Title 19 enforcement, 12mo review. Excludes non-county-permitted structures (e.g., RVs/yurts pending park model ordinance).

Key Discussion Points

  • Cap: 4% dwellings (~468); waitlist by app date; MPR exempt; annual review.
  • Operator: 1 STR/operator/owner.
  • Platforms: Permit# required (no platform licensing).
  • Grace: Legal nonconforming only; no 6mo general.
  • Ownership: 1yr prohibition for 6+ rooms (speculation curb).
  • Non-residences: Excluded (separate park model ordinance planned).
  • Enforcement: Title 19; complaint/proactive.

Public Comments

Planning Commissioners: Supported cap/grace for nonconforming; 1yr ownership wait curbs speculation.

Supporting Materials Referenced

PC recs (2yr wait, cap); staff mods (1/operator); Clallam safety lang.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No cap; platform licensing; 9B inclusion (owner-occupied <3 rooms); permit expiration (3-5yrs, rejected).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Ordinance adopted as amended.
  • Vote: 2 Ayes (Heather, Greg), 1 Nay (unidentified).
  • Next Steps: DCD workshop in 12mos (cap/enforcement); park model ordinance.

Background Materials

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