Skip to content

06/02/25 09 AM: Commissioners Tackle Waste Fees, Shelter Issues, Proclaim Pride, Transit Months

Commissioners Tackle Waste Fees, Shelter Issues, Proclaim Pride, Transit Months

Jefferson County Commissioners meeting featured public comments on solid waste operations, shelter violence, fire hazards, roads, and fireworks; proclamations for Ride Transit Month and Pride Month; emergency management wildfire update; repeal of biennial budgeting ordinance; consent agenda approvals including major grants; LTAC appointments workshop with bylaws review.

Public Comment Period and Board Responses

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:39–00:44:06 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, operations, public safety, planning, other

Summary

Public comments addressed solid waste facility operations and potential service reductions at Quilcene, violence and retaliation at the county emergency shelter, Pride Month and human rights initiatives, moderate fire hazard declaration effective June 1, South Shore Road closure and temporary bridge issues, fireworks enforcement, and solid waste mismanagement as an enterprise fund. Commissioners responded by noting ongoing fee increases and capital surcharges for solid waste sustainability, referral of shelter complaints to operator Bayside, support for human rights efforts, confirmation of fire restrictions allowing recreational fires but prohibiting large burns and weed burning, advocacy on road issues, fireworks limited to periods around July 4 and New Year's with enforcement challenges, and emphasis on enterprise fund revenue needs without general fund support.

Key Discussion Points

  • Jim Freeman raised concerns about Quilcene transfer station fee increases causing $40,000 losses, potential recycling subsidy cuts, and Solid Waste Manager's intent to reduce public services; Commissioners noted fee hikes ($15/ton), capital loans, SWAC budget discussions, and openness to options like Grays Harbor model.
  • Maggie reported daily physical threats and retaliation at shelter for defending vulnerable residents; Commissioners committed to notifying Bayside and following up on complaints.
  • Ruth promoted Human Rights Alliance North Sound board recruitment for Pride Month and praised county housing and public health efforts; Commissioners expressed support and suggested collaborators.
  • Phil Cecere (Fire Marshal) announced moderate fire hazard from June 1, one month early, restricting large burns but allowing recreational fires; Commissioners confirmed no weed burning.
  • Ed Bowen requested South Shore Road updates and temporary bridge repair citing treaty rights; Commissioners noted no updates and offered advocacy.
  • Shelly Arnell corrected fireworks dates, raised enforcement, noted retaliation fears, and promoted chamber event; Commissioners clarified enforcement via non-emergency line.
  • Tom Tirche criticized solid waste mismanagement, lack of SWAC budget review; Commissioners defended staff efforts on fees and repairs.

Public Comments

  • Jim Freeman: Opposed Quilcene facility changes and service cuts; sought Board solutions.
  • Maggie: Described assaults and threats at shelter for defending transgender, autistic, elderly residents.
  • Ruth: Sought Pride Month recognition, Human Rights Alliance board members, praised county housing/public health.
  • Phil Cecere/Fire Marshal: Moderate fire hazard details, no recreational fire restrictions yet.
  • Ed Bowen: South Shore Road closure, temporary bridge violation of treaty rights, DEM voicemail issues.
  • Shelly Arnell: Fireworks restrictions/enforcement, shelter retaliation fears, chamber event promotion.
  • Tom Tirche: Solid waste enterprise fund mismanagement, no SWAC financials/audit.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced in discussion.

Financials

  • Quilcene facility: $100,000 operating costs, $40,000 loss.
  • Solid waste: Capital surcharge summer 2025, $15/ton fee increase, Public Works Trust Fund loan for scales, Capital Committee loan option.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Solid waste: Grays Harbor model (lower service for expense reduction), more SWAC options, capital plan for maintenance.
  • Shelter: Continue via Housing Fund Board recommendation through year-end. No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal motions; responses noted actions like fee increases, operator notifications, SWAC engagement.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps:
  • Solid waste: SWAC October meeting, fee resolution review by Prosecuting Attorney.
  • Shelter: Notify Bayside, Housing Fund Board recommendation for continuation.
  • Fire: Websites updated, public awareness.

Proclamations: Ride Transit Month and Pride Month

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:44:49–00:54:24 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, other

Summary

The Board proclaimed June 2025 as Ride Transit Month, highlighting Jefferson Transit's zero-fare service, safety benefits, emissions reductions (2444.71 metric tons CO2 avoided in 2022), and $5 billion statewide investment; approved unanimously after Nicole Gautier's overview of new Kingston Express runtime. The Board proclaimed June 2025 as Pride Month, recognizing 2SLGBTQIA+ contributions, violence risks, and reaffirming 2023 Human Rights Proclamation; approved unanimously.

Key Discussion Points

  • Transit: 100 million statewide trips/year, 10x safer than cars, youth free fares lower household costs (16% average).
  • Pride: Diversity affirmation, bullying/suicide risks, 2023 proclamation reference.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Proclamations read verbatim from prepared text; JTA website schedules, zero-fare since Jan 1, 2024.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "A proclamation proclaiming June 2025 as Ride Transit Month" and "Pride Month in Jefferson County."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: Brotherton, Eisenhour, Dudley-Nollette).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Emergency Management Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:54:33–01:15:17 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, operations

Summary

Willie provided wildfire evacuation update using Ready, Set, Go system (Level 1: Get Ready; Level 2: Get Set, pack/evacuate early if needed; Level 3: Go, imminent threat); notifications via Nixle (text JEFCODEM to 888777), WEA/EAS alerts, Facebook. Moderate fire danger since June 1 prohibits large burns; shelters situation-dependent via Red Cross (evac centers first, then overnight if needed, 3+ hour setup); promoted June 28 Preparedness Day at Finn River. Commissioners queried Nixle signup, DEM voicemails, Forest Service readiness (DNR ready, federal grants at risk due to DHS immigration attestation conflicting WA law).

Key Discussion Points

  • Evacuations non-mandatory; know routes/meetups; Red Cross leads sheltering (50-cot kit at EOC).
  • Fire season warmer/drier than average; volunteer needs for shelters.
  • CWPP includes evacuation plan; tabletop July, potential drills if grant funded.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced; websites/Facebook/Nixle mentioned.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps:
  • Update DEM voicemails.
  • June 28 Preparedness Day (Finn River, 9am-4pm).
  • CWPP evacuation tabletop late July.

Repeal of Biennial Budgeting Ordinance

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:15:55–01:21:51 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, ordinances

Summary

Public hearing on ordinance repealing 2019 biennial budgeting (Ordinance 03-0311-19, JCC 3.01) after three cycles; no public comment. Board noted department feedback favored annual budgets for rapid changes, less work; approved unanimously to revert per RCW 36.40.250.

Key Discussion Points

  • Departments reported biennial added work, hard to project two years.
  • Routine monthly budget looks continue.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Ordinance 03-0311-19; RCW 36.40.250.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Adopt ordinance repealing Ordinance 03-0311-19 and Chapter 3.01 JCC."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes).
  • Next Steps: Revert to annual budgeting effective end of current biennium.

Consent Agenda Items

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:23:38–01:34:04 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, budgeting, personnel, infrastructure, planning

Summary

Board approved consent agenda after questions/clarifications: All Hazards Mitigation Plan adoption (FEMA-approved May 2025), Pollution Prevention IAA ($213k Ecology grant), EPA $5.5M Hadlock sewer grant acceptance, DAHP data agreement, Chimacum Creek cleanup extension (no $ change), library resignations/appointment, housing task force alternates, emergency warrants ($23.5k OlyCAP shelter, $10.1k Treasurer/Public Works bond interest); Housing Fund Board motion approved for Fund 148 capital use on OlyCAP warrant.

Key Discussion Points

  • All Hazards Plan: 1,100+ pages, FEMA backlog, grant qualifier.
  • Warrants: OlyCAP for Caswell-Brown Phase 3 plans; Treasurer for Public Works 2016 bond interest.
  • Library: Resignations (Hoover, Hull moving), Brandes appointment to 2030.
  • EPA grant: $5.5M Hadlock UGA Phase I sewer (100% federal).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Agenda packet items detailed (e.g., EPA Grant 02J97501 $5.5M construction/personnel; Ecology IAA $213k salaries/benefits; DAHP DSA categories 1-3 data).

Financials

  • EPA Hadlock sewer: $5,500,000 ($5.1M construction).
  • Ecology PPA: $213,303.22 (salaries $113k, indirect 30% $45k).
  • Warrants: $23,500 (OlyCAP Fund 148); $10,174.12 (Treasurer/Public Works).
  • Other: Chimacum cleanup $200k unchanged.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approve consent agenda; Housing Fund motion for Fund 148 warrant.
  • Vote: Unanimous on motions.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) Appointments Workshop and Bylaws Review

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:56:57–02:59:29 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, planning, contracts

Summary

Workshop on LTAC restructuring/appointments (5 applicants for 4 seats: 2 collectors, 2 recipients); reviewed draft bylaws (Apr 28, 2025), 2024 priorities (destination development #1 e.g., pool/PFD, campground; #2 events; #3 marketing; digital preference). Discussed term limits (2 consecutive 2-year terms, initial staggered 2/3 years), at least 5 members (JCC change needed), annual review, subcommittees; public comment on terms (4 years/2 limits preferred, institutional memory), pool funding stretch. Scheduled June 9 interviews (3:30-4:30pm); bylaws to LTAC for input.

Key Discussion Points

  • Priorities: Destination (pool, campground, Gateway VIC); events; marketing.
  • Bylaws: Elected chair abstains except tiebreak; no subcommittees >2; special meetings chambers (to clarify).
  • Terms: Start fresh? Prioritize new vs. tenure; churn vs. experience.
  • Members: Equal collectors/recipients; RCW 67.28 at least 5.

Public Comments

  • Tom Tirche: Oppose term limits (loss memory), 4-year terms; pool not LTAC purview.
  • Shelly Arnell: Pool like Quilcene Fair (not tourist draw); at least 5 members now; 4-year/2 terms (8 years).
  • Jane Bao: At least 5 for flexibility/quorum; prioritize new over long tenure; pool not attraction sans lodging.
  • Alexis: 2-year too short; 2 terms/4 years or 8 years; city-county LTAC cohesion.

Supporting Materials Referenced

2024 memo priorities; draft bylaws (Apr 28); RCW 67.28.1816/1817; JCC 3.25.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Terms: 4-year/2 limits; staggered; grandfathering debated.
  • Members: At least 5 vs. 5; subcommittees quorum.
  • Priorities: Pool market study via LTAC funds questioned.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Interviews June 9 (3:30pm); bylaws to LTAC; criteria include tenure/churn.
  • Vote: N/A (workshop).
  • Next Steps:
  • June 9 LTAC appointments post-interviews.
  • Bylaws revisions (e.g., chambers, agency, excuse typo; loop rejection diagram).
  • Annual membership review process clarify.

Background Materials

Contents

AI Information