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06/23/25 09 AM: BoCC Approves Radio Week, Fire Danger, Youth Commission, Drainage Hearing

BoCC Approves Radio Week, Fire Danger, Youth Commission, Drainage Hearing

Jefferson County Commissioners handled public comments on roads and events, proclaimed Amateur Radio Week, declared high fire danger with bans, approved consent agenda, workshopped clean air centers, power outage review, youth commission creation, and Chimacum Drainage reactivation hearing.

Public Comment Period

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:55–00:26:34 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, planning, public safety, other

Summary

The public comment period opened with technical difficulties on Zoom audio, followed by comments from Gordon (technical issues), Ed Bowen (South Shore Road FEMA appeal denial and Olympic National Park bridge issues), Jane (Brennan Shrimp Fest success and thanks to volunteers including Commissioner Brotherton), Shelly Yarnell-Brennan (improved access to commissioners via evening events like Coffee with Cops), John (Mark McCullough retirement congratulations), and Maggie (Denver Union Station security incident linking to local shelter issues). Commissioners responded to South Shore updates (conversations with state officials ongoing), praised Shrimp Fest, endorsed commissioner access ideas (County Connections radio, community conversations series starting June 24, direct outreach), thanked McCullough, and rejected Maggie's linkage to local operations.

Key Discussion Points

  • Ed Bowen raised FEMA denial of governor's declaration appeal for South Shore Road and Olympic National Park's plan to remove temporary bridge, requesting county next steps. Commissioner responses: Ongoing talks with Rob Rizzo, governor's office; no new info; frustration but pursuing options including state legislators.
  • Jane detailed Shrimp Fest success (4,000+ attendees, dunk tank raised funds for fire association, listed volunteers). Commissioners: Expressed regret for missing, praised effort.
  • Shelly suggested monthly "Coffee with Commissioners" for after-work access. Commissioners: Highlighted County Connections radio (questions to [email protected]), community conversations (June 24 Port Ludlow start, 7 total), direct meetings, staff pings for email follow-up.
  • John congratulated Mark McCullough on retirement. Commissioners: Expressed gratitude for 8 years service.
  • Maggie described Denver security assault, linking to local shelter "violence promotion." Commissioners: Expressed sympathy; one noted no transitive link to local shelter.

Public Comments

  • Gordon: Technical audio issues constituted his comment.
  • Ed Bowen, West Jefferson: South Shore Road FEMA appeal denied; Olympic Park bridge removal plans access loss; urged county action.
  • Jane: Brennan Shrimp Fest success, volunteer thanks (listed officials/firefighters), 4,000 attendees, planning next year.
  • Shelly Yarnell-Brennan: Emails unanswered due to work hours; suggested monthly commissioner coffee/Zoom.
  • John: Congratulated Mark McCullough retirement.
  • Maggie: Denver Union Station assault on disabled; linked to local shelter "violence promotion."

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public comment closed at ~9:30 AM; commissioners responded informally.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Community conversations series (first June 24 Port Ludlow Beach Club 6-8 PM; others Hadlock, Gardener, Port Townsend, Quilcene, Brinnon, Forks); County Connections radio weekly.

Amateur Radio Week Proclamation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:26:34–00:35:30 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, other

Summary

Larry Morrell from Jefferson County Amateur Radio Club presented on their emergency communication role (650+ operators, VCOM integration, drills, events like Rodeo Run), fragility of peninsula infrastructure, and Field Day event June 28-29 at Fort Worden Beach Campground. Commissioners read the proclamation recognizing Amateur Radio Week (June 23-29) and Field Days, highlighting free emergency services and practice exercises. The proclamation was approved unanimously.

Key Discussion Points

  • Larry detailed club's emergency mission, drills with DEM, tech capabilities (Winlink, repeaters), Field Day invite (points for officials). Larry Morrell: Appreciation for governance, Mark McCullough.
  • Commissioners praised volunteers' resilience role, planned Field Day attendance post-Preparedness Day. Commissioner Brotherton: Plans post-Finn River visit.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Proclamation text read verbatim: Recognizes 650+ operators, free services, Field Days June 28-29 at Fort Worden.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Move that we approve this proclamation as read."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all in favor).
  • Next Steps: Signed copy to Larry; Field Day event June 28-29; tie-in with All-County Preparedness Day June 28.

Declaration of High Fire Danger

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:36:03–00:50:00 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, operations, infrastructure

Summary

Fire Marshal Phil and Fire Chief Brian presented dry conditions (18.32 inches YTD precip, needing 4 inches to recover), recommending escalation to high fire danger effective June 25 prohibiting fireworks sales/use/transport, recreational fires, exploding targets, unimproved land shooting. Backyard BBQs allowed at residences; messaging via social media, PDFs, reader boards, signs emphasized. Board commended coordination, authorized signage expenditure, supported messaging to chambers/parks.

Key Discussion Points

  • Dry metrics, minimal precip; unanimous fire chief support; fireworks ban for July 4; BBQ exception clarified. Fire Marshal Phil: Social media, PDFs with QR code, contacted fireworks applicant; pursue signs/reader boards.
  • Signage at entrances/dumps/boat launches, Hood Canal Chamber email, KPTZ PSAs. Commissioners: Connect Public Works (2 trailers available, rent more); commend outreach.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

PDN article on ban; co-branded PDFs with fire districts; declaration letter allowing BBQs.

Financials

Signage/reader board rental (entrances: Brinnon, Gardener, bridge); no specific figures.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Escalate to high fire danger June 25; authorize Public Works signage.
  • Vote: None (informational/workshop consensus).
  • Next Steps: Phil pursue signs (Eric/Dale); Mark coordinate with Public Works; amplify messaging (radio, partners); monitor weather.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:50:00–01:03:11 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, personnel, planning

Summary

Consent agenda approved as amended, removing item 8 (Duckabush Estuary agreement, needs extension), adding walk-ons: Chimacum Drainage District reactivation hearing (July 14), $3.9M sewer grant extension (to Oct 2026). Highlighted items: county sponsorship program ($10K annual cap), Production Alliance agreement, juvenile court/DCYF programs, climate work expansion. Discussion on sponsorship RFP process, criteria, youth rec nexus.

Key Discussion Points

  • Sponsorship: Annual RFP, $10K cap, criteria (govt purpose, nonprofit mission); concerns on ad hoc requests, Little League fit. Commissioners: Promote; develop one-pager parameters.
  • Juvenile/DCYF, climate expansion praised. Production Alliance: 5-year deal praised for events/volunteers.
  • Walk-ons: Drainage hearing July 14; sewer grant extension.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Agenda packet items (sponsorship resolution, Production Alliance, juvenile grants, climate, CDBG hearing July 14).

Financials

Sponsorship: $10K annual (general fund); sewer grant $3.9M extension.

Alternatives & Amendments

Item 8 pulled (needs 1 month extension).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve and adopt the consent agenda, removing item 8 and adding two walk-ons."
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Publish drainage hearing notice by 10:30 AM; staff develop sponsorship parameters.

Clean Air and Cooling Centers 2025 Update Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:26:12–02:05:00 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, services, planning

Summary

JCPH's Apple Martine and Lara Gaasland-Tatro presented 2025 plans for voluntary Clean Air/Cooling Centers amid rising heat/smoke risks (ER visits up July/Aug 2023, South County hotter). Monitors NWS heat risk, AQI; activates centers (Brennan/Quilcene/Tri-Area CCs, Recovery Cafe, QUUF) for extended hours at high/extreme levels; provides air cleaners/AC/snacks/flags. Low past use but hotter/smokier forecast; courthouse lacks HVAC, suggest portables.

Key Discussion Points

  • Heat/smoke risks (elderly/children vulnerable, South 10°F hotter); centers (7 listed, 2 new: Recovery Cafe/QUUF); support (portables, snacks, flags, mobile sensors). Apple/Lara: Voluntary, contracts for extended hours ($ from foundational PH funds post-DEM loss).
  • Brennan CC concerns addressed (ACs/air cleaners provided). Commissioners: Add Port Ludlow clubs/Coil/Gardner; courthouse portables/AC; ORCA heat pumps.
  • QUUF volunteer staffing challenges noted for unsheltered. Julia Cochran: QUUF needs paid staff for diverse population.

Public Comments

  • Julia Cochran (Winter Welcoming Center/QUUF): Volunteer shortages for unsheltered; QUUF best air quality; suggest paid staff/grants.

Supporting Materials Referenced

JCPH packet: ER data, heat/AQI guides, center list/map, materials (magnets/brochures), funding contracts.

Financials

Extended hours reimbursement (staff/supplies) from PH foundational funds (replaces $25K DEM/FEMA).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational workshop; support expansion/messaging.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Contact Port Ludlow/Gardner/Coil; QUUF opt-in contract; amplify (Preparedness Day, community convos, magnets); Purple Air sensors.

Power Outage After Action Review

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:05:11–03:09:49 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, infrastructure, planning

Summary

DEM's Willie Bence led AAR on May 27 outage (17K affected ~2hrs East County), reviewing procedures (IT server shutdown/restart success in 45-60min), communication gaps (spotty cell, no all-staff email initially), PUD direct contact key. Identified needs: COOP kickoff July 9 (essential functions), Nixle employee group, ham radio, MDM. Positives: No data loss, PUD updates; challenges: rapid UPS fail, restart priorities.

Key Discussion Points

  • IT: Shutdown poor (more VMs than planned), restart fast; Critter (July Hadlock) resolves redundancy. Sean: No MDM, dept cell variance.
  • Comms: PUD direct, Nixle public, spotty cell; suggest admin-PUD line, Nixle staff opt-in. Willie: COOP all-hazards July 9 1:30.
  • Thresholds: DEM EOC >10K/4hrs. Depts: Field ok, office manual tasks; restart order/vendor outreach needed.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

DEM packet: AAR questions/worksheet; COOP process/hazard vuln analysis.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Consensus on improvements; draft report to directors/electeds/BoCC.
  • Vote: None (workshop).
  • Next Steps: COOP kickoff July 9 1:30 conf rm (essential functions); Nixle staff group; admin-PUD protocol; IT Critter July; worksheets to Willie.

Youth Commission Establishment Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:17:24–03:31:20 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, other

Summary

Administrator McCauley proposed resolution (July 7) to create youth commission (juniors/seniors from schools, city), recruit/appoint via superintendents/Morrow, develop charter/bylaws. Purpose: Engage youth on issues, research/recommend to BoCC; volunteer-staffed initially by McCauley. Board supported, motion to task McCauley/Peters; suggestions: youth shape via senior projects, Empowered Teens, joint BoCC mtg, flexibility (seats on boards if low interest).

Key Discussion Points

  • 3-5/school election/appointment; city partner; charter/bylaws by youth. McCauley: Reach superintendents/Morrow; small budget (food); volunteer post-retire.
  • Youth input from primaries/middles; senior projects; Empowered Teens. Commissioners: Joint BoCC mtg; flexible (board seats); staff partner.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

McCauley slides/process.

Financials

Small budget request (monthly meetings food).

Alternatives & Amendments

Flexibility if low interest (board seats).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Task Dudley-Nolette and McCauley with bringing back proposal."
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Resolution July 7; outreach superintendents/Morrow; youth involvement (projects/coalitions).

Chimacum Drainage District #1 Reactivation Hearing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:32:05–03:49:04 (PART 1)
  • Categories: land use, infrastructure, planning

Summary

Commissioner Eisenhour presented survey (38/400 responses, 10% rate): 65% reed canarygrass issue, 55% flooding, 61% willing to pay reasonable fee, 65% support reactivation over alternatives (WID/FCD). Steps: Boundaries set, assessment models (benefit zones/elevation), hearing, appoint initial board, elect permanent, contract JCD. Board scheduled July 14 hearing; pilot projects pre-assessment.

Key Discussion Points

  • Survey: Stewardship strong (84%), salmon/ag support; DD preferred (65%). Eisenhour: Benefit zones (acreage/frontage/elev); JCD subcontract, pilots.
  • Port Ludlow DD election costs workaround. McCauley: Election in-person cheap.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Eisenhour packet: Survey data/maps/models/steps; Leader article.

Financials

Assessments TBD (parcel/acreage/benefit); "tens of dollars" acceptable per comment.

Alternatives & Amendments

DD vs WID/FCD/individual/org support.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Schedule hearing to reactivate Chimacum Drainage District #1."
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Hearing July 14; develop models (GIS elevation); outreach pre-hearing.

Background Materials

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