HomeMy WebLinkAboutM061200District No. 1 Commissioner: Dan Harpote
District No. 2 Commissioner: Glen Huntingford
District No. 3 Commissioner: Richard Wojt
County Administrator: Charles Saddler
Deputy Administrator: David Goldsmith
Clerk of the Board: Lorna Delaney
MINUTES
Week of June 12, 2000
The Chairman, Commissioner Richard Wojt, called the meeting to order at the appointed
time. Commissioners Dan Harpole ~and Glen Huntingford were both present.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS BRIEFING: County Administrator Charles Saddler
reported that efforts have been made, and will continue, to contact the Sportsmen's Club about their
license to use County property near the Solid Waste Transfer Station as a shooting range. On June 19,
2000 a budget strategy session has' been scheduled for the Board and the County Administrator Managers.
A budget session will also be held :with the other Elected Officials on July 5.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: No one appeared to comment.
moved
carried
1.
2.
3.
4.
5~
6.
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Harpole
to approve all of the items as presented. Commissioner HuntingfOrd seconded the motion which
by a unanimous vote.
RESOLUTION NO. 53-00 re: Updating the Official County Road Log; Adding 1 st Street; Located
in the Plats of Phillips Addition to Irondale and Irondale Heights
AGREEMENT re: Professional Services; Spay :and Neuter Adopted Pets; Jefferson County Animal
Services; Chimacum Veterinary Hospital
AGREEMENT re: Management of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the
Construction of a Family Resource Center; Jefferson Mental Health
AGREEMENT re: Management of the Jefferson County Fair Grounds and Activities Occurring on
the Property; Jefferson County Fair Association
AGREEMENT re: Development of a Website for the Jefferson County Marine Resources
Committee; Barbara Nightingale
AGREEMENT re: Management of Public Outreach for the Jefferson County Marine Resources
Committee; Michelle McConnell
Page 1
Commissioners Meeting Minutes:Week of June 12, 2000
o
10.
11.
12.
13,
AGREEMENT re: Painting of the Gardiner Community Center Exterior; Jefferson County Public
Works; Full Palette, Inc.
AGREEMENT, LoCal Agency, Supplement #1 re: Bamhouse Creek Culvert Replacement Project,
#CD 1361; Adjust Grant Fund Availability from Construction to PE and Reduce Amount by
$94,150; Jefferson County Public Works; Washington State Department of Transportation
AGREEMENT, Local Agency, Supplement #1 re: East Fork Tarboo Creek Culvert Replacement
Project #CD 1362; Decrease Match Percentage Requirement and Reduce Amount by $9,445;
Jefferson County Public Works; Washington State Department of Transportation
AGREEMENT re: Vendor Supply of Asphalt Concrete for Maintenance on Various County
Roadways for 2000; Jefferson County Public Works; Lakeside Industries
AGREEMENT re: Vendor Supply of Asphalt Concrete for Maintenance on Various County
Roadways for 2000; Jefferson ~County Public Works; Ace Paving Co., Inc.
Concurrence and Authorization to Proceed with Real Property Negotiation and Acquisition of the
Nebenfuhr Property, Project #RO 1452; Located at 482 East Quilcene Road, Quilcene, WA;
Jefferson County Public Works
Accept Resignations from Four (4) Members of the Jefferson County Substance Abuse Services
Advisory Board; a) Prosecuting Attorney Juelie Dalzell; b) Suzanne Schmidt;
c) Dr. Phyllis SOlomon; and d) Juvenile Services Administrator Barbara Johnson
Creating a County Project Designated as CR1496; Improvements to Center Road:
Commissioner Harpole moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 54-00 creating a County project
designated as CR1496 for improvements to Center Road. Commissioner Huntingford seconded the motion
which carded by a unanimous vote.
The Board met in Executive Session with the County Administrator from 11:00-11:30 a.m.
regarding a personnel issue.
HEARING (Continued from April 17, 2000) re: Franchise Application for a Natural Gas
Distribution System in Unincorporated Jefferson County; Cascade Natural Gas, Ina, Applicant: The
Chair reopened the public hearing. No public was present. Transportation Manager Bruce Laurie reported
that the applicant is currently reviewing the franchise agreement. The Public Works Department
recommends that the hearing be closed and the franchise brought back for action by thc Board after the
applicant and the consultant have both reviewed it.
Page 2
Commissioners Meeting Minutes:. Week of June 12, 2000
Commissioner Harpole noted that the Whatcom County Council has put a moratorium on accepting any
applications for pipelines until they have written procedures in place for where pipelines can be located.
He asked if the Unified' Development Code (UDC) :will address in more detail where pipelines can be
sited?
Public Works Director Gary Rowe noted that the franchise process and the permitting process are separate.
This project is currently in the franchise process and no permit has been received by the County. He
advised that Whateom County is reviewing "transmissiOn" lines. Cascade Natural Gas is considering a
distribution system (low pressure lines) not a transmission (high pressure, high volume) system. Gary
Rowe noted that Cascade Natural Gas is approximately 2 years: away from applying for a permit for their
system. The UDC should be in place before this permit application is submitted.
Commissioner Harpole asked if the Cascade Natural Gas proposal would be vested at the time the
franchise is approved or when the permit application is made? David Alvarez, Deputy Prosecuting
Attorney, stated that they would be vested at the time they apply for a permit. Gary Rowe suggested that
Wording be added to the franchise agreement stating that they would be subject to the regulations at the
time of their permit application.
County Administrator Charles Saddler asked if franchise fees can be charged? David Alvarez answered
that the RCW is silent about the issue of the County charging franchise fees. However, there is a 23 year
old Attomey General's Opinion (AGO) which indicates :that the County could charge a franchise fee. Gary
Rowe added that the County's Franchise Ordinance indicates that a fee can be charged to the extent
permitted by law.
Charles Saddler suggested that Cascade Natural Gas be asked for information on the franchise fees they
pay other jurisdictions where they have pipeline franchises. He noted that there will be a disparity in
utility costs across the County because the City is: able to charge a tax and the County is not. He
encouraged the Board to seek out any available information about the franchise fees paid by Cascade
Natural Gas.
Gary Rowe advised that the Public Works Department will research this issue and bring back information
about the possibility of charging franchise fees.
Page 3
Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of June 12, 2000
Commissioner Huntingford moved to close the hearing, proceed with negotiations for a non-exclusive
franchise for Cascade Natural Gas to include the addition of wording to the franchise that the applicant will
be subject to the regulations at the time of their permit application, and that the Public Works Department
research and bring back information about franchise fees. Commissioner Harpole seconded the motion
which carded by a unanimous vote.
MEETING ADJOURN.~E,~,~ ....
SEAL:
ATTEST:-,,
Clerk of the Board
JEFFERSON COUNTY
Page 14
PROPONENT: Cascade Natural Gas
LOCATION:: East Jefferson County with shoreline crossings north of Port Ludlow and
Hood Canal Bridge area.
DATE: June 12, 2000
No application has been received at the Department of Community Development as of
this date.
Tentative list of permits required by Jefferson County:
A open record public hearing is required and held by the Hearing Examiner. The
Examiner makes the Counties decision, the application will require a extensive public
notification process.
Shoreline Substantial Development Conditional Use Permit (Final decision is
Department of Ecology) or DOE
Zoning Review
State Enviromental Policy Act (SEPA)
Flood Plain Management
Critical Area Review
Stormwater Review
Franchise Agreement (Jefferson County Public Works)
Hydraulic Project Approval - Washington Department offish and Wildlife
Forest Practice - Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Aquatic Resource Use Authorization - DNR
Section 404 Permit - Corp of Engineers
Section 10 Permit- Corp of Engineers
Section 401 Water Quality Certification (DOE)
The shoreline permit (Jefferson County SMP) will require the project under section
5.200 UTILITIES - Services or facilities that produce, transmit, carry, store, process, or
dispose of electric power, gas, water, sewage, communications, oil, and the like
to not obstruct or destroy scenic views.
to provide public access and multiple uses (trails and pathways).
to not degrade marine life or water: quality.
to have no beach erosion.
shall assure that geohydraulic shore processes and marine life are basically
maintained in their natural conditions.
to not be installed in areas subject to geological hazards, unless clearly
demonstrated that such hazards can be overcome.
Unknown: ESA??? UDC???
Prepared for BOCC and County Administrator for June 12, 2000 public hearing on
franchise proposal.
By: A1 Scalf
Department of PubliC Works
O Regular Asenda
Pa~el °f2
Jefferson County
Board of' Commissioners
ABenda Request
To:
From:
Board of 'Commissioners
Charles C. Saddler, County Administrator
Gary A. Rowe, Public Works Director/County Engineer ~ ~~
ABenda Date: June 12, 2000
Subject:
Final Staff Report for the application for a franchise by Cascade
Natural Gas, Inc., for a natural ~as distribution system in
unincorporated Jefferson COunty.
Description:
Final Staff Report for the AppliCation for a Franchise by Cascade Natural Gas, Inc., for
a natural Bas distribution system, with the foltowin8 attachments: · Preliminary Staff Report without attachments.
· Board of County Commissioner's minutes from the public testimony portion of
the PubUc HearinB.
Statement of Issue:
The. purpose is to close the deUberation portion of the Public Hearin8 conducted on
April 17, 2000, and continue neBotiation on the 8rantin8: of a non-exclUsive franchise
to the appUcant to use County ri:Bhts of way and other County property for the
installation and maintenance of a natural Bas distribution system. The intent was to
have the franchise completed at this time. However the development of the final
franchise has taken [onBer than anticipated and is:expected to be comPleted near the
end of June. The additional time needed to finish developin8 the franchise will help
assure a thorouBh and complete aBreement that meets both the applicant's and the
County's requirements and considers comments from the public hearin8.
Analysis:
The public hearin~ could have been closed at the time of the closin~ of takinB written
testimony (Friday, April 20, 2000, 5:00 PM). The additional 60 days was an estimate
of time to complete the final franchise. However, this was not sufficient time to
complete the franchise.
Department of Public Works
O Regular Agenda
Page ~2 of 2
Alternatives:
·C[ose the hearing and proceed with negotiations to develop a final non-
exctusive franchise based on the public hearing testimony, the comments
received, and the industry standards for these types of franchises.
· Deny the franchise.
· Continue the public hearing and proceed with negotiations to devetop a fina[
non - exctusive franchise.
Fiscal Impact:
The fiscal impact is retated to the actua[ franchise devetopment and negotiation. The
amount Shown is an estimate of the expected maximum. Permit and inspection costs
wit[ be covered by the applicant through existing ordinance and as devetoped in the
franchise. Currentty, the County has more than 30 franchises for various uses of
County rights of way and County property, With permits and inspections being
compteted on a regular basis. Existing staff would cover this franchise's routine
service permits. During the initia[ stages of construction additional staff may be
required depending upon the Department's Workload, but this to wi[[ be covered by
the appticant. Additionat[y, the franchise has bonding and insurance requirements for
any damage sustained to County right of way, infrast~[Jcture, or other proPerty.
Revenue Budget Line: 322.40.60 / 311 .lO.00 Amount:S150 / $9~850
EXpenditure Budget Line: 543.00.10i 20~ 41 Amount: $10~000
Future Budget Impact: At Time of Franchise Re-negotiation
Recommendation:
Public Works recommendation is that the Board dose the PubtiC Hearing, and to
proceed with negotiations to devetOp a finat non - exctusive franchise for
presentation, review, and approval by the Board, when it is completed.
Reviewed By:
PRELIMINARY STAFF: REPORT
FRANCHISE APPLICATION
for
Cascade Natural Gas, Inc.
for
All of unincorporated Jefferson County
AGENCY RESPONSES:
1. The Jefferson County Health Department made no comment.
The Jefferson County Department of Public Works made the following
comments:
A)
At this time there is no known operating natural gas pipeline
distribution facilities in Jefferson County.
B)
In accordance with Jefferson: County Ordinance 01-0103-00, a surety
bond, assignable savings account, or other collateral shall be
provided to Jefferson County for the duration of the franchise, with
the amount to be determined by the Director of the Public Works
Department.
c)
Notification of an application by Cascade Natural Gas Corporation
for a Certificate of PUblic Convenience and Necessity has 'been
received from the State of Washington Utilities and Transportation
Commission.
D) The proposal needs to be reviewed for consistency with the
Comprehensive Plan.
o
The Jefferson County Department of Community Development made the
following comments:
A)
The issuance of this franchise is categorically exempt from the State
Environmental Protection Act (S.E.P.A.).
4. The Prosecuting Attorney's Office made no Comment.
5. Fire Protection District No. 1 made the following comments:
Preliminary Staff Report
Cascade Natural Gas, Inc.
FranChise Application
Page 1 of 4
o
A)
C)
At this time :none-of the various: fire service agencies in Eastern
JefferSOn County have the funds:to:train and equip their personnel
for trench rescue in the event ora construction accident.
UnleSS Cascade Natural Gas Corp, can guarantee that they will
provide their own trench rescue personnel and equipment, Cascade
Natural Gas Corp. should be required to train and equip a
consortium of fire fighter/rescue workers.
It would be very beneficial to the fire service of Jefferson County if
Cascade Natural Gas Corp. were to provide comprehensive training
and equipment in the event of a natural gas emergency in the
County.
Maps to all gas pipeline road crossings should be distributed as soon
as possible in order that .the various emergency services can plan
alternate routes during the construction phase.
Fire Protection District No. 2 made the following comments:
A)
B)
Trench rescue - Jefferson CountyFire Protection District #2 does not
have trench rescue equipment :or ample personnel trained in this
area. If this project is approved the applicant must provide their own
trench rescue equipment and team when operating within the Fire
District #2 boundaries.
Firefighting Equipment - JCFPD#2 does not have adequate
equipment to deal with a fire of this magnitude. Resource funding
for equipment is needed.
Firefighter training - JCFPD#2 would request funding for additional
training of personnel to the level of response needed. Our Fire
District is made up of volunteer responders.
Fire Protection District No. 3 made the following comments:
B)
Cascade Natural Gas Corporation guarantees they have the
capability and would not require emergency trench/confined space
rescue response from outside sources.
Cascade Natural Gas Corporation provides start-up funds for
equipment and training involving trench/confined space rescue, so a
Jefferson County Trench/Confined Space Rescue Team can be
formed. Then be capable of providing the response during and after
the .construction phase is completed.
Fire Protection District No. 6 made the following comments:
Preliminary Staff Report
Cascade Natural Gas, Inc.
Franchise Application
Page 2 of 4
A)
B)
District No. 6 volunteers cannot provide trench or confined space
rescue in the event of an accident involving trapped pipeline
workers, i Our limited ftmding and training for this type of rescue
operation Severely hinders our capabilities.
It would be of great benefit to both Jefferson Count3, and Cascade
Natural Gas Corporation if all of the interested parties cOUld
cooperate and set up ~greatly needed training and supplies for
trench/confined space rescue. This would give fire jurisdictions the
necessary experience for incident response in the event of natural gas
emergencies.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department made no Comment.
PRELIMINARY FINDINGS:
1)
The proposed franchise is in conformance with the Jefferson County
Comprehensive Plan Utilities Element (Chapter 11). However,
conditions contained in applicable policy in the Comprehensive Plan
may need to be incorporated into any franchise agreement
negotiated.
2)
Cascade Natural Gas CorporatiOn has made an application for a Certificate
of Public Convenience and Necessity with the State of Washington
Utilities and Transportation CommissiOn.
3)
The proposal is reflected in the application filed by Cascade Natural
Gas on February 24, 2000 which is made in accordance with the
Jefferson County Ordinance 01-0103-00:
4) The issuance of this franchise is categorically exempt from S.E.P.A.
5)
The county's Fire Protection Districts have Stated that they are not
equipped for or trained in emergency procedures associated with the
construction and operation of natural gas transmission and
distribution facilities.
6)
Preliminary Staff Report
Cascade Natural Gas, Inc.
Franchise Application
A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, April 17, 2000, from 2:00
P.M to 3:00 P.M, in the Board :of Jefferson County Commissioners
chambers to take testimony on the application. Further, notice of said
public hearing has been carried out in accordance with applicable
law, having been published twice in the Leader on March 22 and 29,
Page 3 0£4
2000. AdditionallY, notice was posted.at the Jefferson County
CourthouSe; the Cie of Port T0mend City Hall, and Various united
States Post Offices through oUt lefferson County.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
The recommendation is to have the Board direCt staff to enter into negotiations
with Cascade Natural Gas, Inc.; to develop a mutually acceptable non-exclusive
franchise agreement based on Jefferson County Ordinance 01'0103-00, the
comments contained in the Preliminary Staff Report, and the Comments received at
the public hearing. It is also recommended that~:the Board continue at least the
deliberation portion of the public hearing for 60:days from April 17, 2000 to :allow
staff to develop the franchise agreement with Cascade Natural Gas, Inc., and. the
Final Staff Report for the Board's review and approval.
Attachments:
Cascade Natural Gas Inc. Application
Draft Non-Exclusive Franchise for a Natural Gas Distribution System
Concurrence of Categorical Exemption from S.E.P.A., Responsible Official
Comments of Fire Protection District'No. 1
Comments of Fire Protection District No. 2
Comments of Fire Protection District No. 3
Comments of Fire Protection District No: 6
Notice of Application to Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission for a
Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity
Preliminary Staff Report
Cascade Natural Gas, Inc.
Franchise Application
Page 4 of 4
Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of April t_7, 2000
COMMUNITY. DEVELOPM:ENT
Proposed Ordinance Amending the Interim Controls Ordinance (ICO) and Hearing
:¥otice: To Provide the Zoning Administrator with the Authority and Criteria to Review Applications for
Consixtency with Section 13 Use Table: A1 Scalfreviewed the proposed draft ordinance and set the
hearing date of May 8, 2000 at 2 p.m. Commissioner Huntingford moved to set the hearing date as
suggested for the proposed ordinance. Commissioner Harpole seconded the motion which carried by a
unanimous vote.
Proposed Resolution Establishing that Jefferson County will Not ct ccept Certain Proposed
Comprehensive Plan/lmendmentsfrom its Citi:ens During 2000: Commissioner Harpole asked when the
limited Comprehensive Plan Amendments will be accepted and how that will impact DCD's work load?
Al Scalf reported that the Comprehensive Plan outlines the date that this process can start. The Planning
Commission is reviewing the Comprehensive Plan Amendment process. COmmissioner Harpole asked if
work will be done on Land Use Goals 3.0 and 5.0 before amendments from the public are considered?
Warren Hart reported that is correct. He added that there are other counties currently doing this type of
amendment. As a result, this could reduce the amount of time it will take for Jefferson County's process.
Commissioner Harpole moved to approve RESOLUTION NO..32-00 establishing that Jefferson County,
will not accept certain proposed Comprehensive Plan :,~rnendments fro'~m its citizens during 2000.
Commissioner Huntingford seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
~HEMRI~¥G re: Franchise .~pplication for:a :¥atural Gas Distribution System in
Unincorporated Jefferson County: Cascade :¥atural Gm; Inc., ~4pplicant: Transportation Manager Bruce
L. aurie explained that this franchise application is to use County right-of-way and County property for the
installation and maintenance ora.natural gas pipeline. He pointed out that the franchise is for all of
unincorporar'ed Jefferson County. He reviewed the public process that has been done to this point.
Comments from DCD and Fire Districts I, 2.3, and 6 have been incorporated in the preliminary, findings.
The preliminary recommendation from Public WOrks would be that~ the Board enter into negotiations with ,
Cascade Natural Gas, Inc. to develop a mutually acceptable non-exclusive agreement, based on Ordinance
0t-0.03-00. the comments contained in the staff report, and the comments received at the public hearing.
He asked Nat the Board continue the deiiberation portion of the pubtic hearing for 60 days to allow time to
develop the ~anchise agreement and present it for final review and approval by the Board. This process
w/Il also include coordinating with the City of Port Townsend because they are also processing a franchise
application at fftis time.
Page 4.
Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of April 1'7, 2000
Ccmmissioner~Harpole stated the he wants to make.sure that the comments from the fire districts are
addressed in the negotiations. He asked that staff contact other counties who have natural gas pipeline
franchises.
Chairman Wojt opened the public testimony portion of'the hearing.
Gary Iverson, representing Cascade Natural Gas, Inc., explained that they are not sure at this point the
exact location where the pipeline will be installed in the County. He discussed the concerns of the fire
districts about trenching. They have been in business for over 50 years and have install, ed over 7,100 miles
of service and distribution lines and they have never had a trench issue. They work closelywith the
communities they serve and provide annual training to ail: fire districts about how to handle a fire or gas
leak. Road closures are not usually required to get gas from one side ora road to the other because of the
trenchless technology that is used today.
Dave Woodruff, Port Ludlow, asked Mr. Iverson if the Sensor, a vessel moored in Oak Bay is doing work
for his company?
Gary Iverson, replied no.
Dave Woodruff, asked where the line is going to come ashore?
Gary Iverson, explained that fight now they are evaluating several corridors in Puget Sound. They have
been looking at banded areas and have not gotten specific. Any stream or fiver crossing will be prohibited.
The exact area will still need to be evaluated.
Dave Woodruff, asked where the line' Will be landing in Jefferson: County?
Gary [verson, answered that the likelihood is near Port LudlOw;
Dave Woodruff, asked if when the line is brought ashore, would it be brought up at a County road end? '
Gary Iverson, replied that they try, to run the transmission lines along a County road.
Dave Woodruff, stated that he read on the interact about a gas line in the State that was damaged by a
contractor. There was escaping gas that took several hours to repair. He said that he is interested in public
safety issues, as well as where the pipeline is going to be located.`
Page 5
Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week 0fApril 17,2000
Gary Iverson, reported mat their crews routinel:v walk the service lines and distribution systems to find out
if there is a leak. They also have a data acquisition'system that monitors the pressure in the lines.
Jack Randall, Cascade Natural Gas. Inc., added that there is, on occasion, a possibility of escaping gas for a
short period of time -- up to an hour. If the conditions are safe, it's best to take the time to evaluate
Whether the system requires shutting down. That isn':t always the first option. Thev work closely with the
fire departments in these situations.
Dave Woodruff, asked if there would be any comment on the siting of the system at a later date?
Bruce Laurie explained that the County's franchise application doesn't deal with any construction or
construction location. As a utility, certain pans of the project are exempt from SEPA, but transmission
lines require S EPA revi ow.
Chairman Wojt asked how the County deals with multiple franchises in the same area? Bruce Laurie
explained that the newest utility, which would be Cascade Natural Gas, Inc., is required to take any
existing utility lines into consideration when they plan their route.
Hearing no further comments, the Chair closed the public testimony portion of the hearing.
Commissioner Huntingford stated that the main concerns from residents that he has talked with are: the
public safety issues; where the pipeline will come aground? and what construction methods will be used to
come across the Sound? He added that many people used natural gas before they moved into the County
and see it as a positive alternative.
Commissioner Huntingford moved to accept written comments on the franchise application until 5 p.m. on
Friday, April 21, 2000 and to accept staff's recommendation to keep the deliberation portion of the public
hearing open for- 60 days in order to develop the franchise agreement. Commissioner Harpole asked that
staff work proactively with other utilities during this same time and that they may want to consider
installing other types ofl:ines as well. Commissioner Harpole seconded the motion which carried by a
unanimous vote.
The Board recessed at the close of the public hearing and reconvened later in the day for th~
following public hearing. Chairman Wojt and Commissioner Harpole were present.
Page 6
FINAL STAFF REPORT
FRANCHISE APPLICATION
for
Cascade Natural Gas, Inc.
for
All of unincorporated Jefferson County
AGENCY RESPONSES:
1. The Jefferson County Health Department made no comment.
The Jefferson County Department of Public Works made the following
comments:
A)
At this time there are no known operating natural gas pipeline
distribution facilities in Jefferson CoUnty..
B)
In accordance with Jefferson County Ordinance 01-0103,00, a surety
bond, assignable savings account, or other collateral shall be
provided to Jefferson County for the duration .of the franchise, with
the amount to be determined by the Director of the Public Works
Department.
c)
Notification of an application by Cascade Natural Gas Corporation
for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity has been
received from the State of Washington Utilities and Transportation
Commission.
D) The proposal needs to be reviewed for consistency with the
Comprehensive Plan.
The Jefferson County Department of Community Development made the
following comments:
A)
The issuance of this franchise is categorically exempt from the State
Environmental Protection Act (S.E.P.A.).
The Prosecuting Attorney's Office made nocomment.
Fire Protection District No. 1 made the following comments:
Final Staff Report
Cascade Natural Gas, Inc.
Franchise Application
Page lof4
A)
B)
C)
D)
At this .time none of the varioUs fire service agencies in Eastern.
Jefferson CoUnty :have, the funds` to train and equip their personnel
for trench rescue in the event of a construction accident.
Unless Cascade Natural Gas Corp., can guarantee that they will
provide their own trench rescue personnel and equipment, Cascade
Natural Gas Corp. should be required to train and equip a
consortium of fire fighter/rescue workers.
It would be very beneficial to the fire service of Jefferson County if
Cascade Natural Gas Corp. were to provide comprehensive training
and equipment in the eVent of a natural gas emergency in the
County.
Maps to all gas pipeline road crossings should be distributed as soon
as possible in order that the various emergency services can plan
alternate routes during' the construction phase.
Fire Protection District No. 2 made the following comments:
B)
c)
Trench rescue - JeffersOn County. Fire Protection District #2 does not
have trench rescue equipment or ample personnel trained in this
area. If this project is approved the applicant must provide their own
trench rescue equipment and team when operating within the 'Fire
District #2 boundaries.
Firefighting Equipment -.JCFPD#2 does not have adequate
equipment to deal with a :fire of this magnitude. Resource funding
for equipment is needed.
Firefighter training -:JCFPD#2 would request funding for additional
training of personnel to the level of response needed. Our Fire
District is made up of volunteer responders.-
Fire Protection District No. 3 made the following comments:
A)
B)
Cascade Natural Gas Corporation guarantees they have the
capability and would not require emergency trench/confined space
rescue response from outside sources.
Cascade Natural Gas Corporation provides start-up funds for
equipment and training involving trench/confined space rescue, so a
Jefferson County .Trench/Confined Space Rescue Team can be
formed. Then be capable of proViding the response during and after
the construction phase is completed.
Fire Protection District No. 6 made the following comments:
Final Staff Report
Cascade Natural Gas, Inc.
Franchise Application
Page 2 of 4
B)
District N'o.~ 6 volunteers cannot provide trench or confined :space
rescue, in the event of an: accident involving trapped pipeline
workers, iOur limited funding and training for this type of rescue
operation severely hinders our capabilities.
It would be of great benefit to both Jefferson County and Cascade
Natural Gas Corporation if all of the interested parties could
cooperate and set up greatly needed training and supplies for
trench/confined space rescue. This Would give fire jurisdictions the
necessary experience for incident response in the event of natural gas
emergencies.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department made no Comment.
FINDINGS:
1)
The proposed franchise is in conformance with the Jefferson County
Comprehensive Plan Utilities Element (Chapter 11). However,
conditions contained in applicable policy in the Comprehensive Plan
may need to be incorporated into any franchise agreement
negotiated.
Cascade Natural Gas Corporation has made an application for a Certificate
of Public Convenience and Necessity with the State of Washington
Utilities and TransportatiOn Commission.
3)
The proposal is reflected in the application filed by Cascade Natural
Gas on February 24, 2000, which is made in accordance with the
Jefferson County Ordinance 01-0103-00.
4) The issuance of this franChise is categorically exempt from S.E.P:A.
5)
The county'S Fire Protection Districts have stated that they are not
equipped for or trained in emergency procedures associated with the
construction and operation of natural gas transmission and
distribution facilities~
6) A public hearing was scheduled and conducted on Monday, April 17,
2000, from 2:00 P.M to 2:30 iP.M, in the Board of Jefferson County '
Commissioners chambers to take testimony on the application.
Further, notice of said public hearing has been carried out in
accordance with applicable law,: having been published twice in the
Final Staff Report Page 3 of 4
Cascade Natural Gas, Inc.
Franchise Application
Leader on March 22 and: 29, 2000, Additionally, notice was posted at
the Jeffers°n County Courthouse, the City of Port Townsend City
Hall; and~VariOus United States Post Offices through out Jefferson
County.
The Board of Jefferson County Commissioners, after hearing
testimony (minutes attached), held the hearing open for written
comments until 5:00 P,M., Friday, April 21, 2000 and, based on staff
recommendation continued i the deliberation portion of the public
hearing for 60 days in order to develop a franchise with Cascade
Natural Gas, Inc.
8)
After receiving no further comment, staff, in cOnsultation with the
Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorneys office, prepared a draft
franchise for CaScade Natural Gas, Inc. based on the Jefferson County
Ordinance 01-0103-00, with consideration given to comments
received prior to the public hearing, and testimony at the public
hearing.
9)
The Draft Franchise develoPed by staff was transmitted to Cascade
Natural Gas, Inc. on May 9, 2000 for their review and comment. The
development and finalization is still underway and is now
anticipated tobe completed by the end of June 2000.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
The recommendation is to have the Board close the deliberation portion of the
public hearing, as it unnecessary to continue this portion of the hearing while the
franchise is completed, and direct staff to continue negotiations with Cascade
Natural Gas, Inc., to develop a mutually acceptable non-exclusive franchise
agreement baSed on Jefferson County Ordinance 01-0103-00, with consideration
given to comments contained in the Final Staff Report and the testimony received
at the public hearing for presentation and the Board's review and approval.
Attachments:
Preliminary Staff Report (w/o attachments)
April 17, 2000 Public Heating Minutes
Final Staff Report
Cascade Natural Gas, Inc.
Franchise Application
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