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09/22/25 09 AM: County Board Tackles Recycling, Weeds, Homeless, Infrastructure Updates

County Board Tackles Recycling, Weeds, Homeless, Infrastructure Updates

Jefferson County Commissioners meeting featured public comments on homeless encampments, recycling privatization opposition, water repairs, road access, and wildfires. Approved amended consent agenda, noxious weed assessment rate ordinance increase. Briefed on 2026-2031 TIP, short-term rental program progress. Rescheduled recycling hearing to Oct 13.

Public Comment Period

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:30–00:32:04 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, operations, public safety, other

Summary

The Board opened the meeting with public comment, receiving input from five in-person and online speakers on topics including homeless encampment services at Evans Vista camp, recycling program changes, Quilcene campground water supply repairs, South Shore Road access issues, and wildfire risks from the Bear Gulch fire. Commissioners responded by acknowledging concerns, committing to offline follow-ups, referencing upcoming meetings like the Behavioral Health Consortium and Fire Safety Summit, and noting actions such as port-a-potty servicing and RFP processes for document fees. No formal actions were taken during this segment.

Key Discussion Points

  • Maggie (in-person): Stated health department knew port-a-potties at Evans Vista camp needed servicing but did not advocate; alleged misappropriation of document fees for homeless services; urged against clearing the camp due to state duties for equal protection of disabled/elderly homeless.
  • Jim Friedman (online): Opposed discontinuation of subsidized recycling drop-off, citing free options in six nearby counties; Jefferson County would be the only without free recycling.
  • Tom Tierce (online): Opposed privatizing recycling; proposed tipping fee increase of $14/ton to cover $300K costs instead of $400 annual tax; criticized contamination enforcement and predicted more roadside dumping.
  • Jean Ball (online): Thanked for Quilcene campground water contract on consent agenda; suggested bollard reinforcement for hydrant to prevent vehicle damage.
  • Ed Bowen (online): Urged attention to South Shore Road closure impacts and temporary bridge at park; noted Bear Gulch fire crossing into Jefferson County; requested point of contact for fire info.
  • Commissioner Dudley-Nollette: Responded to Maggie on document fees use and encampment priorities; invited Friedman for discussion pre-Oct 6 hearing; noted SWAC reviewing tipping fee vs. privatization equity; asked Ball about hydrant reinforcement; invited Bowen to Fire Safety Summit.
  • Commissioner Eisenhower: Noted RFP for document fees on Sep 24; suggested moving recycling hearing due to absence; defended privatization math as revenue not profit; noted contamination predated fee increases.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: Supported hearing rescheduling; recalled recycling audits showing contamination issues.

Public Comments

  • Maggie: Advocated for homeless services funding and against camp clearance.
  • Jim Friedman/Quilcene: Researched free recycling in nearby counties.
  • Tom Tierce: Proposed tipping fee increase; criticized privatization economics.
  • Jean Ball: Queried hydrant reinforcement in Quilcene water contract.
  • Ed Bowen: Raised South Shore Road, park access, Bear Gulch fire concerns.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials directly referenced in discussion.

Financials

  • Recycling subsidy discontinuation: $326K annual savings noted indirectly via prior costs.
  • Tipping fee increase proposal: $14/ton to cover $300K recycling costs (Tierce).
  • Waste Connections service: ~$400/year equated to potential profit of $2M on 10K residences (Tierce).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Recycling hearing date: Amended from Oct 6 to Oct 13 at 10:30 a.m. to allow Commissioner Brotherton attendance.
  • Tipping fee increase vs. privatization: SWAC reviewing equity (Commissioner Dudley-Nollette). No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public comments closed; responses noted; recycling hearing pulled from consent agenda and rescheduled.
  • Vote: Consent agenda approved as amended (unanimous, no names recorded).
  • Next Steps:
  • Recycling public hearing: Oct 13, 10:30 a.m.
  • Behavioral Health Consortium: This week (document fees RFP).
  • Fire Safety Summit: Wed, 5-8 p.m., Chimacum Fire Station (Zoom option). No action taken on other comments; informational.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:32:04–00:44:02 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, ordinances, planning

Summary

The Board approved the consent agenda with two amendments: changing the recycling public hearing date from Oct 6 to Oct 13 at 10:30 a.m., and modifying the legislative lobbying RFP by adding "funding for projects under the priorities" as priority #5 and removing the tourism statistic sentence (120,000 peak population). Items included hearing notices, contracts (Quilcene water, housing authority letter, lobbying RFP, trust land transfer), and routine approvals. No items pulled except recycling hearing; consent agenda scrutinized for substantive items like housing and RFPs.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Eisenhower: Proposed motion to amend Item 1 (hearing notice date to Oct 13) and Item 9 (RFP modifications).
  • Items noted: Quilcene water repair contract; Peninsula Housing Authority letter; Vince’s Village Phase II funding request; lobbying RFP; Trust Land Transfer consultation.
  • Tourism stat questioned (120K peak; updated research: 644K visits 2023); removed for accuracy.
  • RFP distribution: Website, Leader blurb, media list, WASAC.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Consent agenda packet items: Quilcene water contract ($16K, lower bid); housing letters; RFPs (lobbying, trust land); no major hidden decisions noted.

Financials

No financials discussed beyond routine approvals.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Recycling hearing: Oct 13 at 10:30 a.m.
  • Lobbying RFP: Add priority #5 (funding); remove tourism sentence. No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve and adopt the consent agenda with [amendments]."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: all three commissioners).
  • Next Steps: Staff to revise hearing notice and RFP; approve amended versions. No next steps specified.

Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Board Assessment Rate Ordinance

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:00:24–01:16:48 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, ordinances

Summary

The Board continued deliberations and approved an ordinance amending JCC Chapter 3.65 to increase Noxious Weed Control Board assessment rates from $4/parcel + $0.30/acre (non-forest) to $5.50/parcel + $0.45/acre, with forestry at 1/10th rate, adding Olympic National Park exemption (RCW 37.08.210), timeshare condo adjustment (one assessment/unit), and annual CPI-W inflation adjustment capped at 5%. Changes address stagnant rates since 2015, rising costs, staffing, education, and cost-share programs; forest land 5-year post-harvest adjustment not pursued due to enforcement challenges.

Key Discussion Points

  • Sophie DeGroote: Reviewed exemptions (Olympic NP parcels, condos/timeshares); forest lands assessment unchanged per RCW (challenges in tracking/logging); other counties assess condos at parcel rate.
  • Jeff Chapman: Confirmed NP exemption practical (e.g., Oil City parcels); forest lands not biggest weed issue post-5 years.
  • Rate increase recommended with inflation indexing.
  • Transcription unclear on some speaker IDs; context confirms staff/board.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Revised ordinance (underlined changes: NP exemption, timeshare adjustment, formatting).
  • Staff research: Other coordinators' practices; Clallam County study ($3 timber vs. $5 parcels).

Financials

  • Current: $4/parcel + $0.30/acre non-forest.
  • Proposed: $5.50/parcel + $0.45/acre non-forest; $0.55/parcel + $0.045/acre forest.
  • Annual CPI-W adjustment ≤5%.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Forest lands: No 5-year post-harvest change (enforcement impractical).
  • Condos/timeshares: One assessment/unit (vs. full per share).
  • Exemptions added: Olympic NP (RCW 37.08.210). No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve an ordinance... amending Chapter 3.65... assessment rate."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes from all commissioners).
  • Next Steps: Ordinance effective (not specified). No next steps specified.

Recycling Program Privatization Hearing Notice Amendment

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:19:52–00:29:33 (PART 1, within public comment/consent)
  • Categories: operations, budgeting, contracts

Summary

Public comments opposed recycling privatization; Board pulled Item 1 from consent agenda to amend hearing date from Oct 6 to Oct 13 at 10:30 a.m. for full attendance; approved amended notice. Discussion noted SWAC review of tipping fee alternative, contamination issues predating fees, enforcement limits; no decision on privatization.

Key Discussion Points

  • Comments (Friedman, Tierce): Free drop-off in other counties; tipping fee +$14/ton vs. $400 tax; contamination enforcement lacking.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: Absent Oct 6; defended privatization (contamination long-term, equitable behind scales).
  • Hearing notice amended; pathway folder updated.

Public Comments

  • Incorporated in prior topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Packet Item 1: Hearing notice for Level of Service Ordinance (curbside privatization post-Tessera contract end Mar 31, 2026); $326K subsidy end.

Financials

  • Current subsidy: $326K/year via tipping fees.
  • Tipping fee proposal: +$14/ton covers $300K (Tierce).
  • Privatization: ~$400/year per residence.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Hearing date: Oct 13, 10:30 a.m.
  • Tipping fee increase reviewed by SWAC. No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Amend hearing notice to Oct 13; approve via consent.
  • Vote: Unanimous as part of consent.
  • Next Steps: Staff revise notice/publication; hearing Oct 13. No action on privatization.

Quilcene Campground Water Supply Repair Contract

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:09:15–00:10:40; 00:17:46–00:18:05 (PART 1 public comment/response; consent)
  • Categories: infrastructure, contracts

Summary

Public commenter thanked for consent agenda contract to repair Quilcene campground water supply (lower bid selected); suggested bollard for hydrant protection. Board noted item; no pull for discussion; approved via consent. Supporting materials detail Shold Excavating contract.

Key Discussion Points

  • Jean Ball: Praised lower estimate, rocks for hydrant; queried bollard/reinforcement vs. drive-away damage.
  • Commissioner Dudley-Nollette: Good idea; will ask if included.
  • Commissioner Eisenhower: Not in current design; short-term fix en route to PIF kiosk.

Public Comments

  • Jean Ball: Reinforcement suggestion.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Consent packet: Shold Excavating contract $16,445.52 (Option 2: new line, frost-free hydrant, faucet, coupler); Nov construction post-campground close; Parks to seek Q4 appropriation.

Financials

Contract: $16,445.52 (incl. tax); prior repair $1,849.95.

Alternatives & Amendments

Short-term vs. long-term PIF kiosk. No amendments.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved via consent.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Contract execution; Parks appropriation. No next steps specified.

2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Briefing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:57:35–05:03:44 (PART 1, approx. post-recess)
  • Categories: infrastructure, budgeting, planning

Summary

Public Works briefed on draft 2026-2031 TIP ($46.9M total, 37 projects, 99% grant-funded), 2026 Annual Road Program, and 2025 Bridge Report (38 bridges, 5 load-posted). TIP realistic (not wishlist); leverages partnerships (e.g., tribes, Trout Unlimited); priorities: safety, schools, non-motorized. Annual Road Program includes maintenance ($6.6M), equipment ($860K). No action; informational.

Key Discussion Points

  • Monte Reinders/Eric Kuzma: TIP $46.9M ($107M incl. partners); bridges (e.g., Little Quilcene replacement delayed by NEPA); projects (Complete Streets radar signs, Lord's Lake repair, fish culverts).
  • Prioritization: Funding drives; criteria (safety, schools, etc.).
  • Bridges: 20ft+ span; 5 deficient/load-posted.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Packet: TIP spreadsheet/map ($46.9M); Bridge Report (38 bridges); Annual Road Program (construction $2.5M, maintenance $6.6M, equipment $860K).

Financials

  • TIP Total: $46.9M (Fed $28.5M, State $16.9M, Local $1.1M).
  • 2026 Construction: $2.5M.
  • Maintenance: $6.6M/year.
  • Equipment: $860K (e.g., brush cutter $300K).

Alternatives & Amendments

Partnerships prioritized over county-only. No amendments.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Briefing only; no action.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: Public hearing/adoption for TIP; Road Program resolution mid-Oct (consent unless pulled). TIP submission by Oct first Monday.

Short-Term Rental Program Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 05:04:10–05:41:06 (PART 1)
  • Categories: permits, ordinances, planning

Summary

DCD updated on STR program post-Ordinance 03-0407-25 (Apr 2025): 23 applications (19 paid); ~96 prior permits; Airbnb sleuthing estimates 700+ operating (incl. unpermittable tents/tees); 4% zip cap progress low. Process: screen/assign/review/fire inspect; new business license module. Enforcement: form letter by zip code (Dec); compliance Tier 2-3. Revenue to fund staffing.

Key Discussion Points

  • Nikki Akins/Greg Ballard: Website/apps updated; renewals via module; Airbnb research (700+, rising tents); letter outreach planned.
  • Board: Leverage cap in letters; correlate to long-term rentals; park model ADU proposal.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Packet: Ordinance 03-0407-25 (4% cap, 1yr ownership, permanent structures).

Financials

Permit revenue funds program/staff.

Alternatives & Amendments

Prioritize legal residences; education first. No amendments.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Briefing; no action.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: Zip code letters (Dec); module entry; park model regs end-2025. No next steps specified.

Background Materials

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