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HomeMy WebLinkAboutM020617FII NG�� District No. 1 Commissioner: Kate Dean District No. 2 Commissioner: David W. Sullivan District No. 3 Commissioner: Kathleen Kier County Administrator: Philip Morley Clerk of the Board: Erin Lundgren MINUTES Week of February 6, 2017 Madam Chair Kathleen Kler called the meeting to order at the appointed time in the presence of Commissioner David Sullivan and Commissioner Kate Dean. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The following is a summary of comments made by individuals in attendance at the meeting and reflect their personal opinions: • 15 individuals, including 3 Elected Officials, spoke in favor of a Jefferson County Human Rights Proclamation and gave examples of why they are in support of the proclamation. Many individuals urged the Commissioners to take further action on the issue; • A citizen commented on a proposed bill which highlights immigrants and their effect on Washington's economy; • An individual stated: 1) He has been a political activist since the 1960's; 2) He blames the Democratic Party for Donald Trump winning the election and gave reasons to support his claim; • An individual commented on House Bill 1047 regarding the implementation of a Drug Take -Back program financed by pharmaceutical companies; and • The Chief Criminal Sheriff s Deputy was asked by the Chair to speak about the Sheriff s Office policy on immigration. He stated that their policy is public information and has been given to the media to publish. He stated that the policy is consistent with the proposed proclamation and the Sheriff's duty is to keep everyone safe. PROCL,4MATIONre: HUMAN RIGHTS: County Administrator Philip Morley noted that the Commissioners worked hard on a proposed Human Rights Proclamation. Commissioner Dean thanked everyone for coming and caring about our rights and the rights of all of our neighbors. She stated that she has worked hard with many individuals on drafting the proclamation who have been engaged with her since the November election. She applauded everyone for their positive encouragement and asked them to keep it coming. She read the proclamation, and stated she would like to speak for herself, not for the County per se or for the other Elected Officials in attendance. She noted that while these are unsettling times for many of us, they are downright scary times for our vulnerable residents. The proclamation is only a first step; it is a commitment to ongoing vigilance to threats and incidents of discrimination and bigotry. She hears the public's call for action and stated she is committed to the next steps. She added that the County will be working on planning those next steps with legal counsel, the City of Port Townsend and community groups. She noted that the landscape is shifting every day which makes it quite challenging to know how to respond. Page 1 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of February 6, 2017 r„ Commissioner Dean stated that she acknowledges the deep political divide that exists today in our communities and throughout the county right now. She explained that her intention is that the proclamation will serve to communicate our shared values, and not create a further chasm of left/right, Democrat/Republican, or South County/North County. She added that their duty as Elected Officials is to protect the rights and safety of all with dignity and equality. Commissioner Dean acknowledged that Prosecuting Attorney Michael Haas sent his regrets on being unable to attend the meeting today. She noted that he has been actively engaged in this process. She added that the judges are unable to sign the proclamation, but pending the approval of the proclamation, all the other Elected Officials of Jefferson County are dedicated to signing it. Commissioner Sullivan stated that he appreciates the call for the next steps, and hopes that the public recognizes this is not the first time the County has addressed these issues. He added that there are steps already in place. He noted that in his previous career as a registered nurse, he would talk to many new staff members who were going through a period of uncertainty. His advice to them was to listen, speak and breathe and that those things will get you through until you can figure it out. He stated that during this time of uncertainty, it is important to listen to each other, talk and figure out what is best for the community. Madam Chair Kler stated that she is fortunate and grateful to be working with her fellow Commissioners. She noted that the first draft they worked from was from a proclamation done by Kittitas County. She stated that concern is being recognized across partisan lines and added that it is not a partisan issue, it is a human respect, human rights issue. She stated that she is from District No. 3 where there are not a lot of vocal activists, which needs to be recognized. She noted that many of her constituents are the hurting people, working poor who no longer have jobs that their families have had for generations, where the drug use is affecting them significantly, and where 80% of children in the Brinnon and Quilcene School Districts are receiving lunches provided by the community. She added there are hurting people within our County and reminded people to be gentle to each other. Commissioner Dean read the proclamation aloud which states that Jefferson County is committed to protecting the inalienable human rights, dignity and equality of all individuals, regardless of age, race, national origin, immigration and citizenship status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, creed, or mental or physical disability. She moved to adopt the proclamation. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. The meeting was recessed at 10:05 a.m. and reconvened at 10:09 a.m. with all three Commissioners present. Page 2 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of February 6, 2017 APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Sullivan moved to approve all the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Dean seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. CALL FOR BIDS re: 2017 Pavement Marking on Jefferson County Roads, County Project No. 18020260; Bids Accepted Until 9:30 a.m. and Opened and Read Publicly at 10:00 a.m., or Shortly Thereafter on Monday, February 27, 2017 in the Commissioners' Chambers; Jefferson County Courthouse 2. AGREEMENT re: 2017 Hotel Motel Grant Funding; In the Amount of $17,250; Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce 3. AGREEMENT, Change Order No. 1 re: Washington State Department of Natural Resources Road Surfacing, Project No. 18020071; An Additional Amount of $7,355.13 for a Total of $85,380.13; Jefferson County Public Works; Interwest Construction, Inca 4. Appoint Member to the Jefferson County Risk Management Committee (RMC) Per Resolution No. 36-11 (No Expiration of Term): Director of Emergency Management Lynn Sterbenz as County Safety Officer 5. Letter of Support re: Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA); Senator Kevin Van De Wege, Representative Steve Tharinger, and Representative Mike Chapman 6. Letter of Support re: Drug Take -Back House Bill 1047; Senator Kevin Van De Wege, Representative Steve Tharinger, and Representative Mike Chapman 7. Payment of Jefferson County Vouchers/Warrants Dated January 23, 2017 Totaling $595,410.74 8. Payment of Jefferson County Payroll Warrants Dated January 20, 2017 Totaling $82,958.04 and A/P Warrants Done by Payroll Dated January 20, 2017 Totaling $18,455.77 COMMISSIONERS BRIEFING SESSION. • The Commissioners reported on their meeting schedules and calendar coordination. Calendar Coordination: Below is a list of the upcoming meetings and events the Commissioners will be attending in the near future: • Commissioner Sullivan will be out of the office April 4-9, 2017 • Olympic Area Agency on Aging teleconference • Marine Resources Committee meeting • Olympic Region Clear Air Agency meeting • Mental Health Board meeting • Substance Abuse Advisory Board meeting • Jefferson -Port Townsend Regional Emergency Preparedness meeting • Community Health Providers Restorative Facilitation meeting • Health Board meeting • Legislative Steering Committee meeting • Behavioral Health Organization Executive Board meeting • Consortium Board meeting • Jefferson Transit meeting • West End Emergency Management meeting Page 3 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of February 6, 2017 Miscellaneous Items: • Human Rights Proclamation; discussion of taking further action, if necessary. The meeting was recessed at 11:28 a.m. and reconvened at 1:28 p.m. with all three Commissioners present. DISCUSSION re: Letter of Support for Chimacum Ridge: County Administrator Philip Morley explained that the Jefferson Land Trust previously requested that the Commissioners approve sending a letter to Washington State representatives in support of the Chimacum Ridge Project. He reminded the Commissioners to keep in mind that the County is also requesting state assistance with the Tri -Area Sewer project. Commissioner Sullivan stated that the Chimacum Ridge Project is in line with the County's prior commitment to farms. He added that the most important thing the County can do right now is to secure the land. Commissioner Dean asked if the County requests funding from the State for this project, would it sacrifice funding for the County down the line for other projects? County Administrator Morley replied that it is less with this particular request, but it is something to keep in mind. Commissioner Sullivan moved to approve a letter to Representative Mike Chapman, Representative Steve Tharinger and Senator Kevin Van De Wege encouraging them to support the $3.5 Million Capital Budget request for Chimacum Ridge. Commissioner Dean seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. COUNTYADMINISTRA TOR BRIEFING SESSION: County Administrator Philip Morley reviewed the following with the Board. Miscellaneous Items: • Tri -Area; brief discussion regarding the Urban Growth Area. • Pleasant Harbor Master Planned Resort. • Hirst versus Whatcom County. • Washington State Department of Natural Resources; letter from the Commissioner of Public Lands shows less than previously projected revenue. Future Agenda Items: • County Strategic Plan Page 4 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of February 6, 2017 LETTER of SUPPORT: City of Port Townsend Tourism Coordinating Council representative Christina Pivarnik requested that the Jefferson County Commissioners support a bill to form a Washington State Tourism Marketing program. Commissioner Dean moved to authorize the Chair to draft a letter on behalf of the Board to encourage the passing of a bill that would form a Washington State Tourism Marketing Program. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Madam Chair Kler will work on drafting the letter for signature. NOTICE OFADJOURNMENT. Commissioner Sullivan moved to adjourn the meeting at 2:38 p.m. until the next regular meeting or special meeting as properly noticed. Commissioner Dean seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. SEAT, �o t p j ATTEST: I -*0 Carolyn very, CMd Deputy Clerk of the Board JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS -k q_<�ttK&aVI, &-A, Kathleen Kler, Chair Davi Vvyan,4e&mer C� Kate Dean, Member Page 5