Skip to content

10/22/25 06 PM: Jefferson County West End Meeting: Intros, Roads, Fire, Safety

Jefferson County West End Meeting: Intros, Roads, Fire, Safety

County officials introduced roles and addressed West End concerns including Upper Hoh Road erosion, fire district expansion, emergency preparedness, sheriff staffing, public health resources, air quality monitoring, property valuations, and sales tax allocation. Community questions encouraged; working groups and follow-ups planned for key issues.

County Officials Introductions and Roles

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:04–00:11:47 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, services, personnel

Summary

Jefferson County officials and staff introduced themselves and described their roles, including emergency management, environmental health, central services, clerk of the board, budget process, prosecuting attorney, county assessor, district court judge, and others. Introductions highlighted services like veteran programs, property tax appeals, emergency response, and prosecution of crimes excluding the national park. The session opened the floor for community questions.

Key Discussion Points

  • Officials present included Director for Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management (7+ years), Carter Erickson (Environmental Health), Sean (Director of Core Central Services), Carolyn Galloway (Clerk of the Board), Josh Peters (budget process), James Kennedy (Prosecuting Attorney, 7 years), Jeff Channel (County Assessor, 12 years in office), Judge Mindy Walker (District Court, via Zoom).
  • Other mentions: Kate McGee (new Executive Director, unclear entity), interim director (Administrative Services Manager), Congresswoman Emily Randall (remote, representing Clallam/Jefferson Counties and part of Tacoma).
  • Community members encouraged to ask questions on departments.

Public Comments

  • No formal public comments; introductions led into open Q&A.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; informational introductions.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Upper Hoh Road Erosion and Repair Concerns

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:12:22–00:18:58, 01:22:17–01:24:28 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, operations

Summary

Community member Gary raised concerns about river erosion threatening Upper Hoh Road near Spruce Creek Hill, noting the river is 10 feet from the road with recent washout repairs at risk from high water events. About 40 yards of rock placed on the roadbed was questioned as inadequate for protection. County Public Works Assistant Director committed to follow-up on plans, mentioning collaboration with federal entities and potential mitigation to avoid costly fixes estimated over $600,000.

Key Discussion Points

  • Gary: River shift could undermine road and hill grade; recent rock placement (10 loads) on roadbed not in bank; Spruce Creek Hill vulnerable.
  • County Public Works Assistant Director: Proactive efforts with federal government (Ethics WA?); unfamiliar with specific rock but will investigate and contact Gary.
  • Discussion on river migration patterns and prioritization of vulnerable spots.

Public Comments

  • Gary (community member): Detailed erosion risks, rock placement, and need for mitigation.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Potential repair cost: $600,000+ if river undermines hill.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; commitment to investigate rock placement and contact community member.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps:
  • Public Works to follow up with Gary on Spruce Creek site plans.

Fire District Coverage and Expansion

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:24:50–00:28:34, 01:16:02–01:17:44 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, services

Summary

Discussion on inadequate fire coverage in West End areas outside Fire District 7 (Clearwater) and newer district near Port; levy collection but limited response. Proposals included expanding districts, jurisdictional agreements, or Forks Fire extension; past legislative efforts noted but failed due to equity concerns. Emphasis on volunteer challenges and need for long-term solutions.

Key Discussion Points

  • Two fire districts collect levies but coverage gaps; Fire District 7 volunteer-based, hard to get reports.
  • Ideas: Engine manned by Forks team; working group for projects/progress tracking.
  • Timber revenue benefits schools but not fire districts due to boundary limits.

Public Comments

  • Community: Gaps in coverage; need for expansion or agreements.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No specific financial figures discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Expand Fire District 9 or Forks coverage; man engine with Forks team (concern: diverts from their taxpayers).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; agreement to form consistent working group.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps:
  • Form working group including Brett/April for fire coverage discussions.

Emergency Preparedness and Communications

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:28:53–00:31:00, 00:53:44–00:58:40, 01:05:16–01:05:29 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, operations

Summary

Talk of NPREP (neighborhood preparedness events), All-County Preparedness Day (previously Chimacum-only), pre-COVID quarterly citizen groups disrupted. Promotion of Nixle alert system (text JeffcoDEM to 888777) for county-wide alerts including tsunamis/roads. Tribal path and direct texts suggested for dissemination.

Key Discussion Points

  • Past West End NPREP events paused by COVID; interest in gaming/exercises.
  • Nixle signup by zip code for targeted alerts; Everbridge mentioned.
  • Zoom audio issues noted for remote participants.

Public Comments

  • Community interest in resuming events.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; informational on alert systems.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Encourage Nixle signups.

Federal Wildfire Management Reorganization

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:32:00–00:36:05 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, operations

Summary

Administration proposal to move Forest Service firefighting to new Department of Interior wildfire agency by year-end, raising questions on mixed-role employees (recreation/fire) on Olympic Peninsula. Concerns on impacts to Quinault, response coordination, and staffing.

Key Discussion Points

  • Forest Service employees multitask; shift could leave gaps.
  • Initial attack/pumper crews joint with Forest Service/Park Service; uncertainties in management.

Public Comments

None specific.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; informational discussion.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Sheriff's Office Staffing and Response

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:36:21–00:40:29 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, personnel

Summary

Challenges recruiting deputies for West End; recent hires Trevor (loves area) and Chase (from Alaska trooper experience). Coordination with tribe/DNR on fires/tsunami response; localized networks emphasized.

Key Discussion Points

  • Recruitment struggles due to remoteness; new deputies positive.
  • Recent 1000-acre fire handled initially by deputies/NPS before DNR aid.
  • Gate keys/access for appraisals discussed.

Public Comments

None specific.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; staffing update.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Public Health Resources and Services

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:41:43–00:44:04, 01:05:33–01:09:22 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, public safety

Summary

Jefferson/Clallam Public Health provides test kits, naloxone, CPR items in lobby; telehealth, STI treatment, pop-up immunizations. No West End hospital; distribution via boxes/clinics; MOAP resource noted.

Key Discussion Points

  • Free COVID/flu tests, naloxone; filling boxes for clinics.
  • Telehealth for non-emergencies; pop-ups increased post-COVID.

Public Comments

None specific.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; resource promotion.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Air Quality Monitoring and Resources

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:09:27–01:15:27 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, infrastructure

Summary

Proposal for PurpleAir sensors at West End shop/clinic/community center for real-time data (Wi-Fi needed). Air filters available from state for vulnerable during wildfires; comparison to Watch Duty app.

Key Discussion Points

  • Public Health staff: Sensors populate map; filters for community centers/residents.
  • Interest in 3 units; existing resident sensors noted.
  • Watch Duty less granular; multiple sources recommended.

Public Comments

  • Community: Compare apps/sensors.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Interest in providing 3 PurpleAir sensors and air filters.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Distribute sensors/filters to West End sites.

Property Valuations and Aerial Imagery

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:59:37–01:02:16 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, planning

Summary

County Assessor divides into 6 areas; West End/Brinnon revaluation next year with physical inspections every 6 years. River erosion challenges valuing Hoh River cabins; $60,000 cost for West End aerial flight quoted.

Key Discussion Points

  • Jeff Channel (County Assessor): Inspect every property; rivers erode values (e.g., $20k to riverbed); seeking cyclic aerials despite costs.
  • Ecology scaling back shoreline flights.

Public Comments

None specific.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Aerial flight for West End: $60,000 + follow-up costs.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; update on revaluation plans.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: West End revaluation next year; Monday meeting on aerials.

Sales Tax and Revenue Allocation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:18:04–01:21:09 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting

Summary

Online/destination-based sales tax to Jefferson County if delivered home; drives to Forks (8.6%) benefit there. Car sales tax via licensing to residence; timber revenue aids schools not fire districts.

Key Discussion Points

  • County Assessor: Encourage home delivery for county revenue; car excise tax to residence.
  • Uncertainties on car sales tax confirmed for follow-up.

Public Comments

None specific.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No specific figures; Forks rate ~8.6%.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; informational.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Follow up on car sales tax allocation.

Background Materials

Contents

AI Information