HomeMy WebLinkAbout121725 email - RE_ Public Comment Regarding Access_ Transparency_ and Public ParticipationHello Amber,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding meeting accessibility.
Board of Commissioners meetings are recorded and available through the County website: at www.co.jefferson.wa.us <http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us>
To access the recordings, navigate to Services → Laserfiche Web Portal (username/password: public), then select Board of Commissioners → Zoom and AVC Meeting Files, followed by the appropriate
year and meeting date. Each folder contains the Zoom video recording along with the closed captioning file.
Previously, we used AV Capture to host agendas and record meetings within a single platform. Due to ongoing reliability issues and recent budget constraints, we will be discontinuing
use of that platform altogether. Going forward, the process outlined above will be the primary method for accessing meeting recordings.
I’m available by phone or email if you have further questions,
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC
Clerk of the Board/Office Manager
Jefferson County Commissioner’s Office
Office of the Hearing Examiner
P.O. Box 1220, Port Townsend, WA. 98368
360-385-9122 www.co.jefferson.wa.us <http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/>
From: 1goodcitizen2u <1goodcitizen2u@proton.me <mailto:1goodcitizen2u@proton.me> >
Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 5:29 PM
To: jeffbocc <jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us <mailto:jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us> >
Subject: Public Comment Regarding Access, Transparency, and Public Participation
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Dear Board of County Commissioners,
I’m submitting this written public comment to raise concerns regarding public access and transparency in Jefferson County Commissioner meetings.
Over the past year, the County discontinued the use of recorded meeting platforms that previously allowed the public to view meetings after the fact. As a result, residents who cannot
attend meetings in person or live during standard weekday business hours have lost meaningful access to observe commissioner deliberations, discussions, and decision-making.
Unlike the City of Port Townsend, which continues to publish recorded meetings and written public comments as part of its agenda packets, the County currently provides limited options
for public review. Written public comments submitted to the Board do not appear to be consistently published in agenda packets, and there is no longer a readily accessible video archive
for commissioner meetings.
This creates a significant barrier to civic participation for residents who work, attend school, manage medical appointments, or otherwise cannot attend meetings in real time. Public
meetings should be accessible not only to those who are available at a specific hour, but to the broader community affected by County decisions.
I respectfully request that the Board consider restoring a publicly accessible meeting recording system and publishing written public comments alongside agenda materials, similar to
the City’s current practice. These measures would improve transparency, allow residents to stay informed, and strengthen trust between the County and the community it serves.
Thank you for your consideration.
Amber Armstrong
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