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09/08/25 09 AM: Commissioners Address AI, Recycling, Fires; Approve Contracts, Proclamation

Commissioners Address AI, Recycling, Fires; Approve Contracts, Proclamation

Public comments on AI policy, recycling privatization, homeless coverage, wildfires. Consent agenda approved (roofs, coroner software). Contracts workshop: RFP community centers, terminate NOLA. 9/11 remembrance proclamation issued.

Public Comment Period

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:40–00:44:34 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, public safety, operations, other

Summary

The meeting opened with public comment from in-person and online participants addressing AI use in county operations, privatization of recycling services, media coverage of homeless encampments, inaccuracies in prior meeting minutes related to recycling, and wildfire risks tied to South Shore Road accessibility. Commissioners responded by outlining an upcoming AI policy under legal review, defending recycling privatization to address contamination and costs while committing to further workshops and public hearings on October 6, defending journalistic practices while emphasizing sensitivity to privacy, correcting minutes, and committing to fire updates at the September 24 Fire Summit. No formal actions were taken during comments.

Key Discussion Points

  • Jim Friedman: Requested transparency on county AI use and plans; criticized Solid Waste Management Plan and staff presentations as misrepresenting priorities; urged pausing recycling privatization decisions and emulating Quilcene model; noted personal circumstances (mother's death) for missing prior meetings. (00:01:13–00:06:34)
  • Maggie: Criticized Port Townsend Leader articles on "Fentanyl Forest" encampment as defamatory HIPAA violations targeting disabled homeless; opposed related documentary film as exploitative; alleged phone data wipe post-comment. (00:06:56–00:11:48)
  • Tom Tierce: Noted typo in fire meeting minutes on real estate excise tax; defended "free" recycling term from prior staff use; explained low household trash via reduction/recycling; suggested $13-15 tipping fee increase to cover recycling costs without privatization. (00:12:20–00:15:37)
  • Ed Bowen: Reiterated South Shore Road accessibility needs amid wildfires (Bear Gulch at 10,275 acres/9% contained; Tunnel Creek fire unreported); urged fire updates. (00:15:47–00:17:59)
  • Commissioner Brotherton: AI policy in legal review emphasizing human oversight, Microsoft tools; defended recycling privatization for contamination/equity; noted October 6 hearing. (00:18:31–00:23:43)
  • Commissioner Dudley-Nolet: Offered individual meetings on recycling; noted AI public input potential. (00:26:33–00:28:57)
  • Commissioner Eisenhower: Clarified HIPAA inapplicable to journalists; emphasized sensitivity; committed South Shore updates via Fire Summit September 24. (00:29:10–00:35:27)

Public Comments

  • Jim Friedman (Quilcene computer engineer): More AI transparency; oppose recycling privatization, pump brakes for public input.
  • Maggie: Leader articles defamatory/HIPAA violations; oppose Legion film.
  • Tom Tierce: Minutes correction; recycling "free" if low trash; raise tipping fees.
  • Ed Bowen (West End): South Shore Road/fire access; Tunnel Creek/Bear Gulch fire updates.
  • No online comments.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Recycling tipping fees: Currently $280/ton volumetric at Quilcene; suggest $13-15 increase to cover program.
  • No financial information discussed for other topics.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public comment closed; commissioners committed responses.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps:
  • AI policy to BOCC soon (consent/open session).
  • Recycling public hearing October 6.
  • Fire Summit September 24, 5-8pm Chimacum Fire Station 6 (public).
  • South Shore Road/WSDOT meeting pending.

Consent Agenda Approval (Minus Items 6 and 11)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:44:41–01:10:26 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, budgeting, personnel, infrastructure

Summary

The Board approved the consent agenda minus pulled items 6 (Next-of-Kin notification contract) and 11 (Public Health CONCON amendment), after discussions on roof replacements at Castle Hill facilities (county-owned, budgeted via REET, $114k pre-tax via Small Works Roster), property ownership clarification, AI policy progress, Public Health CONCON fee increases potentially offset by new grant, and Veterans Advisory Board appointment. Item 6 was approved separately after Coroner presentation; item 11 deferred to afternoon pending Public Health Director availability. Routine approvals included meeting minutes correction.

Key Discussion Points

  • Roof contract (Item 5): $114,678.25 pre-tax (plus ~9.2% tax, budgeted $240k REET via 10-year plan, savings vs. $414k estimate); Liquid Applied Roofing over existing; county owns Castle Hill buildings/parking. Commissioner Eisenhower: Add total incl. tax for transparency. Shawn Frederick: Savings >$100k; on capital list. (00:47:38–00:55:03)
  • Public Health CONCON (Item 11): $47k+ SRH increase; potential offset for clinic fee hikes. Commissioner Brotherton: Pull for discussion if offsets fees. Deferred. (00:45:37–00:47:32)
  • Next-of-Kin (Item 6): Pulled for Coroner David Bradley; $86/mo Thomson Reuters CLEAR for locating NOK (statutory duty); prior Walla Walla use successful; 30 legacy cases at funeral home. Approved unanimously post-presentation. (00:56:25–01:10:26)
  • Veterans Board appointment: Andy Okinczyc (American Legion VP). Commissioner Brotherton: Welcomed. (00:55:44–00:56:14)
  • Minutes typo correction noted (real estate excise tax).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Roof contract: $114,678.25 pre-tax; budgeted REET $240k; Small Works Roster.
  • Next-of-Kin: $86/mo Year 1 (5% annual increase); Fund 151 Coroner budget.
  • CONCON: $47k+ SRH; potential fee offset.

Financials

  • Roofs: $114,678.25 (+tax ~$10k+); budgeted $240k REET.
  • Next-of-Kin: $86/mo ($90.30 Y2, $94.82 Y3).
  • CONCON Item 11: +$2.4M total (deferred).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Roof: Conventional asphalt ~$250k+ vs. Liquid Applied savings. No others.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Consent agenda approved minus 6/11 (motion: approve minus 6/11 with minutes correction; unanimous).
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: all).
  • Next Steps:
  • Item 6 approved post-Coroner (motion unanimous).
  • Item 11 approved afternoon (motion unanimous).
  • Capital Facilities Committee reinitiating.

Next-of-Kin Notification Services Contract

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:56:25–01:10:26 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, personnel, public safety

Summary

Coroner David Bradley presented pulled Consent Item 6 for Thomson Reuters CLEAR software ($86/mo) to locate next-of-kin when unavailable, citing statutory duties, prior Walla Walla success, and 30 legacy funeral home cases; requested expansion of funeral home cooler capacity (self-funded, city permitting issues). Board approved contract unanimously, offered advocacy aid; Coroner noted mass casualty risks without expansion.

Key Discussion Points

  • David Bradley (Coroner): CLEAR Proflex locates NOK (spouse/children/relatives); negotiated $86/mo from $200; 2 recent cases (cremation, indigent cremains); funeral home cooler at capacity (10 bodies), self-funding 200sqft expansion (city critical areas delay); mass casualty risks. (00:56:39–01:10:11)
  • Commissioner Eisenhower: Offered District 1 advocacy; noted coroner humanity.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: Asked NOK rarity (rare, large pool); approved reasonable cost.
  • Commissioner Dudley-Nolet: Offered city contacts (Emma Bolin).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Thomson Reuters contract: $86/mo Year 1 (5% annual incr.); 36-mo term.

Financials

$86/mo Year 1 ($90.30 Y2, $94.82 Y3); Coroner Fund 151.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve item number 6... $86 a month with Thomson Reuters."
  • Vote: Unanimous (motion Brotherton, second Eisenhower).
  • Next Steps: Commissioners contact city re: cooler permit; Bradley letter to city.

Contracts Review Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:11:22–02:14:47 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, budgeting, planning, operations, services

Summary

The Board reviewed expiring contracts, directing RFP for Tri-Area/Quilcene/Brinnon community center management (emphasizing youth/advisory boards/annual reports), extensions for Gardiner/PTSA, termination of NOLA ($1,600/mo), pause Barry Dunn strategic plan, and no-action/renewals on others; committed Fire Summit NPS invite. Public Health CONCON/Humane Society/NODC supported with reporting requests; RFP parameters discussed (3-yr term, youth inclusion).

Key Discussion Points

  • Community Centers: RFP Tri-Area/Quilcene/Brinnon (OlyCAP exp 12/31/25, $536k); extend Gardiner/PTSA; add youth/advisory/annual reports; Brinnon small business sublease option. Sean Frederick: No Quilcene/Rinnan advisory boards; vague metrics. Commissioner Eisenhower: Youth priority (17% pop). (01:11:22–01:36:50)
  • Recycling: Privatization to Waste Connections; LOS ordinance Oct 6 hearing. Al Cairns: Contamination/unmanned issues. (Responses earlier)
  • Barry Dunn: Pause strategic plan ($ remaining); revised scope Nov. (01:41:14–01:44:39)
  • NOLA: Terminate (motion unanimous post-public call). ($1,600/mo) (01:47:17–01:48:40)
  • Humane Society: $56k/2028 (6% of $875k budget 2023); invite report. (01:57:54–02:02:02)
  • NODC: $25k membership; workshop Oct 6. (02:02:02–02:13:17)

Public Comments

  • NOLA termination: No comments.
  • Community centers RFP: Two comments (high utilization, ease of use).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • OlyCAP contract: $184k/2025; senior/referral duties; no advisory boards found.
  • Humane: $875k rev 2023; $56k by 2028.

Financials

  • Community centers: OlyCAP $536k (2023-25); Gardiner $12k; PTSA $53k.
  • NOLA: $1,600/mo.
  • Humane: $56k/2028 (vs $875k budget).
  • NODC: $25k/yr.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Centers: RFP vs extend OlyCAP.
  • Brinnon: Sublease to operator vs direct.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: RFP Tri-Area/Quilcene/Brinnon; extend Gardiner/PTSA; terminate NOLA (unanimous).
  • Vote: NOLA termination unanimous.
  • Next Steps:
  • RFP fall (3-4wk response; 3-yr term).
  • Oct 6 NODC/EDC workshop 11am.
  • Fire Summit NPS invite.

Proclamation: National Day of Service and Remembrance

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:15:31–02:24:48 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other

Summary

The Board read and approved a proclamation declaring September 11, 2025, as National Day of Service and Remembrance, honoring 9/11 victims/first responders and national unity; noted Wall That Heals (Vietnam Memorial replica) at airport Sept 11-13 (10am opening), needing volunteers.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Brotherton: Shared 9/11 ferry memory; unity post-tragedy.
  • Commissioner Eisenhower: Noted TSA changes/vulnerability.
  • Read proclamation collaboratively. (02:15:57–02:23:58)

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Proclamation text: 2,977 lives lost; honors responders; Congress-requested observance.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve the proclamation... National Day of Service and Remembrance."
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Wall That Heals Sept 11-13 (volunteers via Legion site).

Background Materials

Contents

AI Information