MEETING: Untitled Meeting at Wed, Oct 22, 06:03 PM

County Sources

Packet Contents

AI Information

MEETING SUMMARY: Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners Community Meeting (West End)

General Meeting Introduction and Department Presence

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:04–00:11:47
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Informal community outreach meeting)
  • Categories: operations, public safety, personnel, budgeting, services

Topic Summary

The meeting was convened as a community outreach event for the West End, featuring introductions from various county departments and elected officials. The goal was to hear directly from residents. County staff present included representatives from Emergency Management, Environmental Health, Core Central Services, the Clerk of the Board, the Budget Office, and the Sheriff’s Office. Several independent elected officials, including the Prosecuting Attorney and the County Assessor, and a District Court Judge (via Zoom), also introduced themselves and their roles.

Key Discussion Points

  • The meeting was called to order by the presiding officer who noted the non-standard format was intended to prioritize hearing from the community (00:00:46).
  • County Commissioner Introductions:
    • A Commissioner expressed that West End is part of District 3 (00:02:05).
    • Commissioner Peters noted he is the Public Works Director, and the board will adopt the budget in December (00:05:41).
  • Department Leadership Introductions:
    • The Director for the Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) (00:03:20) mentioned an upcoming meeting with local folks about emergency response (00:03:36).
    • Carter Erickson, Director of Environmental Health (00:03:57).
    • Sean Nielson, Director of Core Central Services, oversees information systems, records, and facilities (00:04:02).
    • Carolyn Galloway, Clerk of the Board, handles the veteran program and Board of Equalization (property tax contests) (00:05:25).
    • James Kennedy, Prosecuting Attorney, serves as General Counsel and prosecutes all county crimes except those in the national park (00:08:47).
    • Jeff Channel, County Assessor, has been in the role for 12 years and performs property valuations (00:09:27).
  • Judicial Representative: Judge Mindy Walker (via Zoom) introduced herself as the District Court Judge, handling cases such as assault, DUI, theft, name changes, and protection orders (01:1:06).

Public Comments

  • No specific public comments were entertained during the introductory portion.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed in this introductory segment.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • The idea of adjusting the agenda to prioritize community questions over staff presentations was accepted by the board (00:01:00).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: To proceed with a focus on public questions rather than formal department presentations.
  • Vote: Not applicable (procedural shift by consensus).
  • Next Steps: None specified beyond opening the floor to community questions.

Critical Erosion Threat and Road Infrastructure on Upper Hull

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:12:33–00:18:58
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated
  • Categories: infrastructure, emergency management, planning, contracts, financial

Topic Summary

A community member, Gary, raised an urgent concern regarding severe river erosion threatening the Upper Hull Road, warning that a repeat of past washout events could occur with the next high water event. He noted that the river's erosion point is currently only 10 feet from the road and threatens to breach the road grade near Spruce Creek Hill, escalating the necessary repair cost far beyond a previous $600,000 fix. Gary observed 10 loads of "big rock" (riprap) placed near the roadbed, but not yet placed defensively on the bank, expressing concern over the delay. The Commissioner acknowledged the vulnerability and committed to follow-up.

Key Discussion Points

  • Gary expressed fear of a repeat road washout performance on the Upper Hull road (00:12:57).
  • The erosion is primarily driven by the river shifting, and the "slush bank is 10 feet from the road right now" (00:13:22).
  • If the river gets behind the last installed culvert and under the Spruce Creek Hill grade, the repair cost would be "not a $600,000 fix... really, really expensive" (00:13:52).
  • Approximately 40 yards of "big rock" (riprap) have been placed on the roadbed but are not yet in the bank where they could prevent erosion (00:15:09).
  • Commissioner Peters (standing in for Public Works) stated that the county has a series of proactive projects, potentially collaborating with federal government and Ethics WA [likely Ecology WA] on culvert replacements and stream restoration, but was unfamiliar with this specific site's rock placement (00:15:36).
  • The "critical spot" is at the Spruce Creek interval, which is receiving constant river pressure (00:16:15).
  • Gary suggested proactive mitigation could "save a lot of money" (00:18:21).

Public Comments

  • Gary: Expressed concern about active erosion near Spruce Creek threatening Upper Hull road, urged immediate action, and identified 10 loads of riprap placed but unused on the roadbed.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Previous fixes were cited in the range of $600,000 (00:13:52).
  • The consequence of inaction could escalate costs from tens of thousands to over $1 million (01:23:12).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • None discussed, urgency focused on immediate preventative action (placing riprap).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal motion taken, item was accepted as a critical concern requiring follow-up.
  • Vote: Not applicable.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioner Peters/Public Works: Investigate the rock/riprap situation on Upper Hull at Spruce Creek and follow up with Gary (00:15:36).
  • - Gary: Continue monitoring the situation and provide updates (01:22:17).
  • - County Staff: Seek information about the flood fund grants from the Governor's office (01:18:14).

Fire and Emergency Service Coverage Gaps

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:24:02–00:30:23
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated
  • Categories: public safety, operations, services, infrastructure, financial

Topic Summary

The lack of comprehensive fire and emergency service coverage in unincorporated areas of the West End was raised as a long-standing issue. The County Assessor noted the difficulty in obtaining full coverage due to the small, volunteer-based Fire District 7 (Clearwater) and the limited boundary of Fire District 9 (Forks). Previous legislative attempts to cover all property were impractical due to funding concerns. The discussion pivoted to leveraging inter-jurisdictional agreements, expanding existing districts, and utilizing an engine potentially housed in the Forks area to expand reach. Staff committed to forming a working group to track progress on this perennial challenge.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Peters asked about needed inter-jurisdictional agreements for services that are currently lacking (00:24:13).
  • County Assessor Channel noted that two fire districts currently collect levies: District 7 (Clearwater, volunteer) and District 9 (partially covering Dallas Creek Road and Undy Road towards Forks) (00:25:02).
  • There is currently "no fire visibility" in parts of the West End (00:25:33).
  • Assessor Channel recalled former Senator Kevin Vandobeck attempted to pass a bill to cover all property in a fire district, but it failed due to "financial concerns" (00:26:06).
  • A potential solution involves having an engine housed locally manned by a Forks team, but Forks may be reluctant to divert resources from its taxpaying citizens (00:26:41).
  • Commissioner Peters suggested a focused working group to ensure consistent progress, as this issue arises at many public meetings (00:27:42).
  • The discussion included the possibility of relocating the "All-County Preparedness Day" training (traditionally in Chimacum) to the West End to focus on neighborhood preparedness (NPREP) (00:28:53).

Public Comments

  • None specifically recorded beyond the initial board member/staff discussion of the problem.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Fire districts collect levies for funding (00:25:02).
  • Revenue for fire services is linked to defined district boundaries, which exclude the bulk of timberland tax revenue (01:16:33).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Discussed options included expanding existing districts (9 or Forks), expanding the Quinault district (00:25:44–00:25:58), or housing a manned engine locally (00:26:41).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No immediate policy decision. Commitment to form a working group.
  • Vote: Not applicable.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioner Peters/Emergency Management: Coordinate the first meeting of the working group (date/attendees unclear) (00:27:18).
  • - Emergency Management: Explore conducting an "All-County Preparedness Day" or related NPREP neighborhood event on the West End (00:29:18).

Federal Wildfire Management Reorganization

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:31:57–00:35:50
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated
  • Categories: public safety, operations, federal policy, personnel

Topic Summary

A Commissioner raised concerns about the proposed administrative move of all federal firefighting duties from the Department of Agriculture (Forest Service) to the Department of Interior. The concern centers on the potential negative impact on the Olympic Peninsula, where Forest Service employees often have mixed roles (e.g., recreation, restoration, and seasonal firefighting). Removing the firefighting component could leave the Forest Service under-resourced and raise questions about how year-round operational staff, like those at Quinault, will be managed and retained as part of the new Interior-based wildfire agency.

Key Discussion Points

  • The federal administration proposes moving all firefighting jobs out of the Forest Service (Department of Agriculture) and into a new wildfire agency within the Department of Interior (00:32:00–00:32:14).
  • Many Forest Service employees on the peninsula hold mixed-function jobs (e.g., recreation and firefighting) (00:32:28).
  • The main question is: If fire activities are removed, how will the remaining Forest Service functions (recreation, restoration) operate, given the loss of a "huge component" of their staffing (00:32:57).
  • There is uncertainty about whether the proposed change, which is projected to happen by the end of the year, will effectively manage the transition of combined positions and seasonal firefighters (00:33:11).
  • Current initial attack and pumper crews are jointly run by the Forest Service and the Park Service (00:34:58). The ability to pull support personnel (dispatch, fire camps) from the remaining non- Interior department staff is a major unknown (00:35:04).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • None discussed. The conversation focused on the implications of the imminent federal administrative change.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; discussion was informational regarding federal policy.
  • Vote: Not applicable.
  • Next Steps: None specified.

Sheriff's Office Staffing and Community Relations

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:36:21–00:40:29
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated
  • Categories: public safety, personnel, operations

Topic Summary

The Sheriff’s Office reported on its successful efforts to staff the West End with dedicated deputies. The Sheriff noted that finding deputies who enjoy working in the remote West End is a persistent challenge, but the office has found two deputies, Trevor and Chase, who are committed. One deputy is actively planning a permanent move to the West End. The discussion confirmed that law enforcement maintains strong, localized informal networks with other agencies and community members for rapid, point-to-point response during emergencies.

Key Discussion Points

  • Finding deputies who "really like to work out here" is a continual struggle (00:36:24).
  • Deputy Trevor is currently living on the West End during the week and is looking to relocate his family there permanently (00:36:47).
  • Deputy Chase was recruited from being an Alaska State Trooper; the West End "was a good compromise" (00:37:05).
  • Sheriff’s Deputies often rely on a "localized network of people" and informal cross-reference systems with tribal and community leaders for emergency response during events like the tsunami scare (00:40:05).
  • This network is crucial as previous large fire incidents required coordination with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) (00:39:37).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • None discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational. The Sheriff's Office is currently well-staffed in this difficult-to-staff area.
  • Vote: Not applicable.
  • Next Steps: Assessor Channel requested contact information for key access to timber company gates (Weyerhaeuser, Rayonier, American Forest Management) to facilitate appraisals, which Deputy Trevor agreed to provide (00:38:24–00:39:14).

Health Access, Services, and Resource Distribution

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:41:27–01:13:51
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated
  • Categories: services, public health, infrastructure, emergency management

Topic Summary

Public health officials discussed challenges in delivering services to the West End, noting the area's lack of a hospital and high reliance on remote solutions. Environmental Health highlighted its role in disease prevention (septic systems, viruses). Public Health detailed the distribution of COVID test kits and naloxone through local clinics (like MOAP and Hope House Clinic), using flexible funding after state-level funding ceased. Telehealth options are available through the County Health Department for non-emergency clinical services (primarily STI treatment and immunizations). Furthermore, the department proposed installing Purple Air quality sensors in public buildings (like the West End shop or the clinic) to gather vital air quality data, noting that the sensors require stable Wi-Fi connectivity.

Key Discussion Points

  • Clallam County and Jefferson County Public Health departments are overseen by the same council (00:42:27).
  • COVID test kits and naloxone (to stop overdose) are distributed through clinics (like the MOAP) where community members can get kits for free at any time (00:43:08–00:43:39). [Note: These were made available in the lobby during the meeting (00:04:34)].
  • Health Director Erickson noted the constraints of operating without a hospital on the West End (00:42:17).
  • Telehealth is available through the County Health Department for services like STI assessment and treatment (01:05:54–01:07:33).
  • The Health Department can staff pop-up immunization clinics using residual funding obtained during the COVID pandemic (01:07:07).
  • Air Quality Sensors: The department is keen to install Purple Air sensors at public locations (like the West End shop, clinic, or community centers) to provide granular, localized air quality data, particularly during wildfire smoke events (01:09:31).
  • The sensors require Wi-Fi access to populate the public-facing map (01:10:24).
  • The Health Department has over 100 air filter machines obtained from a state clearinghouse and is happy to share them with the West End, prioritizing high-risk individuals (01:12:47). One unit appears to already be in the meeting building (01:13:00).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • The department uses flexible funding to continue purchasing COVID and flu test kits after specific state funds ended (01:09:02).
  • Air filters require regular electricity, which is a consideration for families with limited resources (01:12:04).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • None discussed, focus was on expanding and formalizing existing services and resource access.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational, with a commitment to share resources.
  • Vote: Not applicable.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Public Health Staff: Drop off COVID test kits and naloxone distribution supplies at the Hope House Clinic (01:08:15).
  • - Public Health Staff: Coordinate the distribution of air filter machines (~100 units) to the West End for use during wildfire events (01:12:47).
  • - Public Health Staff: Work to identify locations with stable Wi-Fi for installing Purple Air sensors (01:10:24).

Health and EMS Funding and Ambulance Service

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:47:32–00:51:32
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated
  • Categories: public safety, services, financial

Topic Summary

The discussion addressed the status of ambulance services and the severe impact of declining timber harvest tax revenue on local taxing districts, particularly on the West End. The only ambulance service north of Clearwater is run by Forks Hospital, and tax rates and service levels are highly volatile due to small tax bases and revenue dependence on timber. Decreases in timber harvest revenue shift the tax burden dramatically onto the few non-exempt land owners, making it difficult for districts to budget and staff, which contributes to the lack of dedicated, prompt emergency medical services. Sheriff’s deputies frequently end up performing first aid and transporting patients in the absence of an ambulance.

Key Discussion Points

  • The only ambulance service north of Clearwater for West Jefferson is run and operated by Forks Hospital (00:47:36).
  • EMS District 9 is shared with Forks, but is only a limited area and does not extend very far (00:50:41–00:50:59).
  • The tax base in West End taxing districts (like fire and schools) is small, and historically relied heavily on timber harvest taxes (00:48:21).
  • When timber harvest drops, the remaining tax burden shifts heavily onto property owners, dramatically increasing their tax bills (00:48:45).
  • Timber productivity is currently low (Assessor Channel noted: Rainier and Sierra Pacific have "cut through all their timber"), and it is "hard to say" if temporal productivity will ever return to the West End (00:49:12–00:49:44).
  • The fact that land is exempt (e.g., tribal, federal) also exacerbates the tax burden on taxable parcels (00:49:12).
  • Sheriff’s Deputies often serve as first responders, driving critical incident patients to the ambulance and administering first aid while driving due to long response times (25 minutes minimum) (01:51:32).

Public Comments

  • None.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Timber harvest taxes have dramatically dropped in recent years (00:48:33).
  • The property tax bill for small aspects of fire and school districts may "dramatically up" for remaining landowners (00:48:50).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • None discussed, discussion focused on the structural problems of funding local services in a low-revenue tax environment.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; informational discussion of persistent structural funding issues.
  • Vote: Not applicable.
  • Next Steps: None specified.

County Assessor Valuation and Property Erosion

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:59:37–01:04:01
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated
  • Categories: budgeting, land use, services

Topic Summary

The County Assessor outlined the valuation cycle, noting that the West End is scheduled for physical inspection and revaluation next year (01:00:09). This process is mandated once every six years. Assessing riverfront property is extremely difficult due to constant changes from erosion, which regularly devalues or destroys lots on the Hoh River's south side, which the river is eroding away. The Assessor highlighted the need for updated aerial photographs, which are expensive (a single flight for the West End costs about $60,000) and are being scaled back by other agencies like Ecology.

Key Discussion Points

  • The county is divided into six valuation areas; the West End is due for physical inspection and revaluation next year (00:59:43–01:00:01).
  • River erosion, particularly on the Hoh River's south side near campgrounds/cabins, causes property values to decline rapidly from $20,000 lots to being "in the river" (01:00:40–01:01:10).
  • The cost to capture new aerials for the West End is prohibitively high, approximately $60,000 for one flight (01:01:30).
  • The state Ecology department's 2025 shoreline flight proposal no longer includes the West End, indicating difficulty in maintaining up-to-date data (01:01:53).
  • Public Service Announcement: Prosecuting Attorney Kennedy ensured that the public was aware of the domestic violence shelter, AMERICORP (01:02:44), as a key resource in the area.
  • Clerk of the Board Galloway noted that the Veterans Relief program has not historically received many requests from West End veterans, but their service officers are available for meetings out here if needed (01:03:10–01:04:01).

Public Comments

  • None.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Cost of one aerial mapping flight for the West End is an estimated $60,000 (01:01:30).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • None discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational presentation of the appraisal process and challenges.
  • Vote: Not applicable.
  • Next Steps: A meeting is planned for Monday to discuss options for securing updated aerial photography (01:01:25).

Communication and Public Information Delivery

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:53:44–00:58:34
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated
  • Categories: operations, public safety, services

Topic Summary

The board solicited feedback on the most effective means of communicating official county information to the West End community, specifically regarding emergency alerts and common information. The preferred method of communication appears to be direct contact via local leaders. The Department of Emergency Management strongly advised residents to enroll in the NIXLE alert system using the keyword JEFFCO DEM, which disseminates alerts via text and email based on zip code, covering traffic, tsunami, and other alerts.

Key Discussion Points

  • A Commissioner sought information about how the community prefers to receive information (00:53:58).
  • Director of Core Central Services Nielson noted that the tribal government is technologically savvy and is a good point for guidance (00:55:59).
  • DEM staff recommended using the NIXLE alert system as the primary communication tool (00:57:17).
  • NIXLE allows users to sign up by zip code for various alerts (tsunami, traffic, general) (00:57:41).
  • NIXLE Enrollment: Text the keyword Jeffco DEM (all one word) to 888777 (00:58:00).
  • Enrollment may result in receiving general county alerts (e.g., East Side road closures), which DEM staff acknowledged is a drawback ("kind of a pain") for West End residents (00:58:27).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Discussion noted that using a tribal app is also being explored (00:56:51).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Endorsed use of NIXLE system.
  • Vote: Not applicable.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Residents/Staff: Sign up for and promote the NIXLE alert system.

Court Access, Sales Tax, and Adjournment

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:04:11–01:23:30
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated
  • Categories: services, financial, operations

Topic Summary

Judge Walker (via Zoom) emphasized the availability of Zoom for nearly all District Court hearings to increase accessibility for West End residents. The County Assessor then provided information on how sales tax revenues are collected for the county versus other jurisdictions, advising residents that purchasing goods online or having items delivered to unincorporated Jefferson County supports county services, whereas buying items in Forks or Olympia directs revenue elsewhere. The meeting concluded with gratitude for the community dialogue and the identification of several actionable items.

Key Discussion Points

  • Court Accessibility: Judge Walker announced Zoom is available for "pretty much every hearing" in District Court to ensure accessibility for those living long distances away (01:04:43–01:05:07).
  • Sales Tax Earmarking: Assessor Channel explained that sales tax generated by online shopping (destination-based tax) or items delivered to unincorporated Jefferson County homes pays the Jefferson County sales tax and supports county services (01:18:32–01:19:12).
  • If residents drive to Forks or Olympia to make major purchases (e.g., a refrigerator), the sales tax revenue goes to that jurisdiction (01:18:19).
  • A brief debate occurred over whether car sales tax is destination-based or point-of-sale, which the Assessor promised to follow up on (01:19:39–01:21:09).
  • Commissioner Peters expressed gratitude to the West End community for showing up and generating ideas for better service (01:21:31).
  • The Commissioner reminded the public that they can provide public comments at the Board of County Commissioners' virtual meeting every Monday at 9:00 a.m. (01:21:59).
  • Deputy Director Bruce Seaton reported via email that the Public Works Department had strategically left riprap rock alongside the road, believing the river would rise and that the material would help as a preventative measure (01:23:56).

Public Comments

  • No public comment specifically addressed in this segment.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Sales tax rate in the area is approximately 8.6% (01:18:29).
  • Sales tax on large items purchased and delivered to unincorporated Jefferson County funds county services (01:19:12).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • None discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners adjourned.
  • Vote: Adjournment by consensus (01:21:22).
  • Next Steps:
  • - Assessor Channel: Follow up on the specific rules for sales tax collection on vehicle purchases (01:21:09).
  • - Commissioner Peters/Board: Continue monitoring the road situation with input from Gary (01:22:17).
  • - Public: Utilize the Monday morning virtual BOCC meetings for addressing future concerns (01:21:59).