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Home My WebLink AboutM021621 - to include Hearing Comments re: Emergency Ordinance Adopting Interim Zoning Regulations for the Siting, Establishment and Operations of Temporary Homeless FacilitiesW 1 !t N`SHI NG�G. MINUTES Jefferson County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting — February 16, 2021, 9:00 a.m. Jefferson County Courthouse — Commissioners' Chambers 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA CALL TO ORDER: Chair Kate Dean, Commissioner Greg Brotherton and Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour participated in the meeting remotely. Due to technical difficulties, Chair Dean called the meeting to order at 9:44 a.m. She thanked the Public Works road department for keeping the roads safe during the recent winter storm. Due to the late start of the meeting, Agenda items were addressed out of order. WEEKLY UPDATE re: COVID-19: Public Health Officer Dr. Thomas Locke provided information on the COVID-19 virus in Jefferson County and Emergency Management Director Willie Bence provided a situation report. The meeting was recessed at 10:26 a.m. and reconvened at 10:31 a.m. with all three Commissioners present. HEARING re: Emergency Ordinance No. 10-1221-20 Interim Zoning Regulations for a Siting Establishment, and Operation of Temporary Homeless Facilities in Unincorporated Areas of Jefferson County: Department of Community Development Director Patty Charnas provided information regarding the hearing. Associate Planner David Ullrich reported on written testimony received. After discussion, Chair Dean opened the hearing to allow for public testimony. There being no callers on the line, the Commissioners started deliberations. Clerk of the Board Carolyn Gallaway notified Chair Dean of two callers on the line. The following individuals provided testimony: Katherine Maly and Barbara Morey. Hearing no further testimony, Chair Dean closed the public hearing. After continued deliberations, County Administrator proposed a motion to ratify the prior adoption of Emergency Ordinance 10-1221- 20 without further amendments, noting that the prior ordinance adopted interim regulations for one year concerning the establishment and processing of applications for temporary homeless facilities in unincorporated Jefferson County, and that ordinance included a work plan within the interim ordinance period to develop a permanent land use, zoning and building regulations related to homeless housing for consideration by the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners. Commissioner Brotherton moved to make the aforementioned motion. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion. Commissioner Brotherton noted that the County is already into the first month of the emergency ordinance. Chair Dean called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. Commissioners Meeting Minutes of February 16, 2021 DELIBERATION re: 2021 Affordable Housing and Homeless Housing Project Award Recommendations of the Joint Oversight Board: Homeless Housing Task Force Facilitator Lizanne Coker and County Administrator Philip Morley provided information regarding the JOB's funding recommendations for affordable and homeless housing. After discussion, Commissioner Brotherton moved to approve the 2021 Affordable Housing and Homeless Housing project award recommendations of the Joint Oversight Board as presented. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Below is the list of approved funding allocations: AMOUNT APPLICANT FUND ALLOCATED Habitat for Humanity Infrastructure for a 20-unit housing project in Port Townsend (Request: $60,000 148 $27,000 Bayside Housing Operating support for housing (Request: $59,500 148 $27,000 Jefferson County Fair Board/OlyCAP Repairs to the grounds. (Request: $30,727 148 $6,000 Total from Fund 148 148 $60,000 AMOUNT APPLICANT FUND ALLOCATED Pfeiffer House Transition shelter for youth Renovation, project oversight, etc. (Request: $182,660 149 $182,660 Pfeiffer House Transition Shelter for youth Small repair projects (Request: $15,000 149 $15,000 Bayside Housing Repair of the Bayside transitional housing property (Request: $16,000 149 $16,000 Total from Fund 149 $213,660 Total from both funds $273,660 DISCUSSION re: Public Health Regionalization Letter: Chair Dean provided information on a proposed letter regarding Public Health regionalization and HB 1152. After discussion, Commissioner Eisenhour moved to authorize the Chair to sign and continue to work with our neighboring jurisdictions for approval, with the ability to make minor edits — not substantive policy changes — to accommodate our neighboring jurisdictions. Commissioner Brotherton seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. 2 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of February 16, 2021 APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Eisenhour moved to approve the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Brotherton seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. 1. AGREEMENT, Subrecipient re: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Services to stabilize eligible households impacted by COVID-19; In the Amount of $116,163; Jefferson County Administrator; Olympic Community Action Program (OlyCAP) 2. AGREEMENT re: 2021 Hotel Motel (Lodging Tax) Grant Funding; In the Amount of $49,000; Jefferson County Administrator; JC Historical Society - Gateway Visitor Center 3. AGREEMENT re: 2021 Hotel Motel (Lodging Tax) Grant Funding; In the Amount of $41,250; Jefferson County Administrator; Forks Chamber of Commerce 4. AGREEMENT re: 2021 Hotel Motel (Lodging Tax) Grant Funding; In the Amount of $10,000; Jefferson County Administrator; Quilcene Fair Association 5. AGREEMENT re: 2021 Hotel Motel (Lodging Tax) Grant Funding; In the Amount of $18,250; Jefferson County Administrator; Strongertowns (dba The Production Alliance) 6. AGREEMENT re: 2021 Hotel Motel (Lodging Tax) Grant Funding; In the Amount of $29,995; Jefferson County Administrator; North Hood Canal Chamber of Commerce 7. AGREEMENT, Amendment No. 1 re: Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) for Home Visiting Services; Additional Amount of $399,480.72 for a Project Total of $806,011.44; Jefferson County Public Health; Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) 8. AGREEMENT, Interagency re: Behavioral Assessment regarding 1/10'h of 1% Funding; In the Amount of $50,240 ($23,740 in 2021 and $26,500 in 2022); Jefferson County Public Health; Kitsap Public Health District 9. AGREEMENT re: Medications for the Opioid Treatment Network; In the Amount of $25,000; Jefferson County Sheriff's Office/Jail; Washington State Healthcare Authority 10. AGREEMENT re: Residential Treatment Services at the Jail; In the Amount of $146,000; Jefferson County Sheriff's Office/Jail; Believe in Recovery 11. ADVISORY BOARD REAPPOINTMENTS (2) re: Climate Action Committee (CAC); 1) Three (3) Year Term to Expire on December 31, 2023; Cindy Jayne; and 2) Three (3) Year Term to Expire on December 31, 2023; Kate Chadwick 12. ADVISORY BOARD REAPPOINTMENT re: Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board; Three (3) Year Term to Expire March 17, 2024; Carl Hanson 13. MINUTES re: Regular Meeting Minutes of February 1 and 8, 2021. 14. Payment of Jefferson County Vouchers/Warrants Dated February 8, 2021 Totaling $655,686.98 (Records of all claims submitted for payment along with vouchers approved and signed by the Board of Jefferson County Commissioners are retained by the Jefferson County Auditor and Public Works Department.) 15. Payment of Jefferson County Payroll Warrants Dated February 5, 2021 Totaling $934,665.26 and A/P Warrants Done by Payroll Dated February 5, 2021 Totaling $889,701.45 (Records of all claims submitted for payment along with A/P Warrants approved by the Payroll Services Manager are retained in the Jefferson County Auditor's Office) PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The following is a summary of comments submitted by individuals via email which reflect their personal opinions and which were read aloud by the County Administrator: • Comment regarding masks not preventing the spread of viruses, and should not be mandated. • Comment regarding the recent double -masking request by Dr. Tom Locke. • Comment regarding Jefferson Healthcare employees receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Commissioners Meeting Minutes of February 16, 2021 • Comment regarding the extremely low temps experienced by the homeless population. • Comment regarding issues facing the homeless population. The Commissioners agreed to continue the Public Comment Period later in the meeting, if time allowed. The meeting was recessed at 12:01 p.m. and reconvened at 3:31 p.m. with all three Commissioners present. CONTINUED DELIBERATIONS re: Proposed Speed Limit Reduction in Port Ludlow for Paradise Bay and Oak Bay Roads; re: Revising Exhibit "A" Jefferson County Speed Limits of Ordinance No. 11-1214-98 regarding Traffic Speeds on County Roads Codified as Jefferson County Code, Chapter 10.05: Public Works Director/County Engineer Monte Reinders and Transportation Manager Wendy Clark-Getzin gave a brief overview of the proposed resolution and traffic study. Deputies Art Frank and Brandon Przygocki were present to answer questions posed by the Board. After deliberations, Chair Dean moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 12-21 re: Speed Limit Reduction in Port Ludlow for Paradise Bay and Oak Bay Roads; Revising Exhibit "A" Jefferson County Speed Limits of Ordinance No. 11-1214-98 regarding Traffic Speeds on County Roads Codified as Jefferson County Code, Chapter 10.05. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. EXECUTIVE SESSION: An Executive Session was scheduled from 3:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Chair Dean announced that the Executive Session will be held from 3:59 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. with the County Administrator and Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney regarding Attorney -Client Privilege, Actual Litigation under exemption RCW 42.30.110(l)(i) as outlined in the Open Public Meetings Act. The Board resumed the regular meeting at 4:17 p.m. Chair Dean announced that the Board will be extending the Executive Session from 4:17 p.m. to 4:28 p.m. The Board concluded the Executive Session and resumed the regular meeting at 4:29 p.m. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS: AGREEMENT re: Jail Subrecipient Agreement with the Opioid Treatment Network: Jail Superintendent David Fortino was present for the meeting to explain the Jail's request for the subrecipient agreement. After discussion, Commissioner Brotherton moved to approve a Subrecipient AGREEMENT re: Opioid Treatment Network and Medication; Olympic Peninsula Services; In the Amount of up to $418,400, and adding a sentence to work performed being consistent with this agreement, but before execution is hereby ratified. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD - Continued: The following is a summary of comments submitted by individuals via email which reflect their personal opinions and which were read aloud by the County Administrator: • Comment regarding Goodman Sanitation's assistance during the pandemic and concern for their employee's health and safety. • Comment regarding emergency camping needs during the housing crisis. • Comment regarding shooting noise coming from the Jefferson County Sportsmens Association. • Comment regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and PCR tests. The Commissioners addressed comments and concerns raised during the Public Comment Period. 11 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of February 16, 2021 COMMISSIONERS' BRIEFING SESSION: The Commissioners reviewed recent meetings they attended. County Administrator Philip Morley noted that the Intergovernmental Collaborative Group (ICG) meeting will be February 18, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Chair Dean adjourned the meeting at 5:23 p.m. until the next regular -meeting or special meeting as properly noticed. JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SEAL:` 1 ATTEST: 6fk�GI CarolyntGallaway, CMC Clerk of the Board E K e D an, Chair B otherton, Member Heidi Eisenhour, Member Please publish twice: February 4, and February 10, 2021 Bill: Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners P.O. Box 1220 Port Townsend WA 98368 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON AN ORDINANCE OF THE JEFFERSON COUNTY CODE, KNOWN AS THE EMERGENCY ORDINANCE — WOODEN TENT ENCAMPMENT Notice is hereby given that pursuant to RCW 36.01.290, a public hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at 10:30AM. in the Jefferson County Commissioners Chambers, 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA, for the purpose of taking written/oral testimony regarding an Ordinance adding language to allow the siting, establishment and operations for homeless facilities in the Jefferson County Code, known as the Wooden Tent Encampment Ordinance. NOTE: No In -Person Attendance Allowed (Per May 29, 2020 Jefferson County Public Health Officer Order). To view this meeting live go to www.co.jefferson.wa.us Follow the links under "Quick Links: Videos of Meetings -Streaming Live." In addition, written testimony is also invited beginning on February 4, 2021 and ending at the end of the Public Hearing, unless extended by the Board of County Commissioners. Written public testimony may be submitted by Email to: jeffbocc@co jefferson.wa.us; or by Mail to: Jefferson County Commissioners' Office; PO Box 1220, Port Townsend, WA 98368. To provide oral testimony, dial 1-646-749-3122 and enter access code: 661-198-069# by 10:30 a.m. so your call can be taken. Testimony must be received by the Board of County Commissioners by the end of the hearing public comment period. The public can view the complete text of the proposed ordinance on-line at www.co.jefferson.wa.us/10-1221-20/ Wooden Tent Encampment Ordinance Signed this 25th day of January, 2021. Kate ean, Chair Jefferson County Board of Commissioners From: Cindy Johnson <cjjohnson4033@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, January 31, 2021 4:17 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Homeless encampment CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders. Living near the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, I must drive or walk past the homeless encampment every time I leave the neighborhood. I've been following the progress or lack or progress in trying to manage the situation. I applaud some of the efforts and do not agree with the opinions and influence of Barbara Morey. Ms. Morey's comment that the campers did not sign up for shelter requirements is not productive and shows a lack of cooperation. That is not an approach that will resolve or improve the situation. I am writing today to bring to the attention of the commissioners the Op -Ed column in the Seattle Times today, "An End to Tent Encampments." I hope all of you have read this and consider how the column might offer suggestions and goals for this local homeless issue. This situation really needs to be addressed. The potential solutions seem to have become stuck —like in the mud that now covers so much of the camp area. Cindy Johnson cjohnson4033@gmail.com 360-774-2930 4 f jeffbocc From: Judy Alexander <lightenup@olympus.net> Sent: Saturday, February 6, 2021 3:33 PM To: jeffbocc Cc: Philip Morley Subject: the documentary video of Peter's Place emergency shelter village CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders. Hi Greg, Kate, and Heidi, Dennis Daneau just got done editing the video he created in tracking the whole process of building the emergency shelters now in the village called Peter's Place. We wanted you to be able to see the whole story if you have the time to watch it. There will be more villages soon, hopefully, and I, in particular, wanted you to hear and witness the capacity these villages have to build compassion and engaged participation on the part of so many many volunteers who made this happen... all since mid -September. And let me heartily THANK ALL OF YOU for the support you lent to this process, with a special thank you to Greg. He was great at educating us all along the way about the needed interface and communication with government. THANK YOU GREG. With much appreciation, and looking forward to more housing solutions in our collective future, Judy Alexander Here is the video link, already viewed 487 times in the past few days! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqLtVtfY3uY&feature=youtu.be ieffbocc From: Linda Egan <lindadeegracie@gmail.com>h� X a rip Sent: Sunday, February 7, 2021 11:57 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: For Public Comment 2/8/21 CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders. Please read this message during the Public Comment time of Monday, Feb. 8, 2021's meeting. Dear Commissioners, This is to oppose any plan, with or without city permitting, that would solidify the permanence use of the county fairgrounds for homeless encampments or anything more concrete, such as wooden "tents." It is to protest conflicts of interest between the Board's and OlyCap's decisionmakers. The sense we in the Lynnesfield Community have is that steadily and often stealthily, all pretense of using the fairgrounds for emergency use is falling away. Elsewhere, Peter's Place is housing homeless people without proper permitting. They are using the term "temporary" when people will be allowed to occupy the wooden tiny houses for a solid year. And now the rhetoric is not about temporary Covid sheltering but about "emergency" housing, period, anywhere, any way, the county can install it. It is said that neighborhood opposition influences where homeless shelters are placed. But constant protests about the way the fairgrounds have been turned for five solid years into a homeless encampment have persuaded adjacent residents that it's a done deal and always has been. But expediency does not make it right. The fairgrounds were not designed for such a use nor is it practical. Stop all plans to further consolidate the homeless at the fairgrounds. Respectfully, Linda Egan 4048 Hill Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 (916) 813-1487 Public Comments From: Doug Edelstein <daedelstein2@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, February 5, 2021 3:23 PM To: Public Comments Subject: Fairgrounds True -False CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders. It is alarming and disappointing to read exaggerated reports of alleged lawlessness at the campsites at the Fairgrounds. I visit often and my observations are much different. I see cooperation and mutual help, often under the harshest conditions, as when a windstorm rips tents and shelters out of the ground and people have to fight to survive the night. I see sharing of food and resources on a daily basis. I see compassion and genuine community. There are personality conflicts of course -- the same as on every city block, including the most expensive neighborhoods in Port Townsend or anywhere. There is addiction, and there are some behavioral health issues. The Fairgrounds are now an impoverished neighborhood, and the overwhelming needs there mirror what you would see in any money -poor community. But people look out for each other there, despite the cold, wet, mud and the negative stereotypes they see about themselves in the press every day. I object to the characterization of residents at the Fairgrounds as scofflaws, miscreants, druggies and squatters. Each of them has their own story of how they got there, and generalizations are useless. The causes of homelessness in this area are well known, starting with the absence of affordable low-income housing and ranging to lack of coordinated, integrated planning in state, county and city government. Please also keep this in mind: For unsheltered people, everything they do is public. If they argue, everyone sees and hears. If they have an afternoon drink, everyone sees. Their crises and struggles are open for everyone to see. They do not have four walls to live privately behind, and privacy itself is an unknown. The Fairgrounds campers struggle with the cold, the wet, the mud, the poverty and the stigma every hour of every day. The fact that they nevertheless have established a community, however imperfect, is testimony to human qualities and strengths we should respect So let's not treat those folks like criminals. It's true that they are costing money and pay little rent. But no one is critiquing renters around the country who can't pay their rent during the COVID pandemic. Indeed, the government is subsidizing both renters and landlords. This county should do the same. Doug Edelstein Port Townsend Public Comments From: Linda Egan <lindadeegracie@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, February 7, 2021 2:12 PM To: Public Comments Subject: Message for 2/8/21 CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders. Please read this message during the Public Comment time of Monday, Feb. 8, 2021 meeting. Dear Commissioners, This is to oppose any plan, with or without city permitting, that would solidify the permanence use of the county fairgrounds for homeless encampments or anything more concrete, such as wooden "tents." It is to protest conflicts of interest between the Board's and OlyCap's decisionmakers. The sense we in the Lynnesfield Community have is that steadily and often stealthily, all pretense of using the fairgrounds for emergency use is falling away. Elsewhere, Peter's Place is housing homeless people without proper permitting. They are using the term "temporary" when people will be allowed to occupy the wooden tiny houses for a solid year. And now the rhetoric is not about temporary Covid sheltering but about "emergency" housing, period, anywhere, any way, the county can install it. It is said that neighborhood opposition influences where homeless shelters are placed. But constant protests about the way the fairgrounds have been turned for five solid years into a homeless encampment have persuaded adjacent residents that it's a done deal and always has been. But expediency does not make it right. The fairgrounds were not designed for such a use nor is it practical. Stop all plans to further consolidate the homeless at the fairgrounds. Respectfully, Linda Egan 4048 Hill Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 (916) 813-1487 Public Comments From: hiltgreenfield@comcast.net Sent: Sunday, February 7, 2021 4:02 PM To: Public Comments Subject: fairgrounds campground situation CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders. Dear BOCC, Please let neighborhood folks know what is happening at the fairgrounds campground. We hear and read conflicting things. Rumors are rampant. And what can be done to stop the tents from getting closer and closer to the apartments? Who is in charge? We are in for very cold weather, with snow in the forecast. Sincerely, Lisa Greenfield (one block from the FG) 1 Julie Shannon From: Greg Brotherton Sent: Sunday, February 7, 2021 3:37 PM To: Julie Shannon Subject: FW: Port Townsend West - a strong town annex From: Bertram Levy Sent: Sunday, February 7, 2021 3:36:53 PM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) To: Bertram Levy Subject: Port Townsend West - a strong town annex CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders. Port Townsend West - a strong town annex Listening to Strong Towns lecturer Charles Marohn last week on KPTZ, I was reminded of the following story. A boy was stopped every week at the Tijuana border by the officer who made him get off his bicycle to be searched. The officer knew he was smuggling something but could never find anything and had to let him pass. Years later he learned that the boy was smuggling bicycles. Perhaps our community's answer lies just beneath our nose as well. Mr Marohn had 3 takeaway messages Firstly, a community cannot afford the long term infrastructure maintenance costs of supporting large commercial developments (e.g. Walmart is a loser, a local pizza shop is a winner). Secondly, increasing urban density by small scale development within existing infrastructure is the key to sustainable communities (he calls it "adaptive complexity"). Thirdly, relaxing zoning and building code restrictions allows young people with limited resources to enter the community, establish a business, and build a life. Can we imagine an annex to Port Townsend within the city limits that allows small complex growth built on well -designed existing infrastructure? Picture an annex with affordable starter homes under 1000 square feet built on small lots; small shops servicing the needs of the surrounding community within walking or bicycling distance; rows of starter shops for new entrepreneurs and 5G business centers for close -to -home workers; light industrial sites, central bus stations and community gardens. Howard Street development could be the unseen bicycle in the story. The SEPA report used by the city to plan the Howard Street Industrial Sector envisioned a commercial development that would bring 1400 jobs to town. The infrastructure for that development is now in place between the two roundabouts. Given the Strong Towns perspective, this area could also be a perfect place for a new town area integrating businesses and homes, called Port Townsend West. It would be a better use of space and financially sounder than developing more businesses requiring huge parking lots, like that in front of our wonderful Goodwill store. Imagine a family that could get by on one car. What would it take to make this transition? Easing of building codes and rezoning of lot size are essential and within the reach of the city government. Facilitating the purchase of adjacent private lots and even guaranteeing starter loans would make this idea a reality. While it might sound expensive and difficult, perhaps it is not when held up to the mirror of an eventual infrastructural maintenance insolvency. Compare that to an investment in a massive new Hadlock sewer system designed to ease the affordable housing crisis but which according to Strong Towns creates the unsustainable sin of suburban sprawl. Bertram Levy 7 Feb 2021 Julie Shannon From: Kate Dean Sent: Sunday, February 7, 2021 3:37 PM To: Julie Shannon Subject: FW: Port Townsend West - a strong town annex From: Bertram Levy Sent: Sunday, February 7, 2021 3:36:53 PM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) To: Bertram Levy Subject: Port Townsend West - a strong town annex CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders. Port Townsend West - a strong town annex Listening to Strong Towns lecturer Charles Marohn last week on KPTZ, I was reminded of the following story. A boy was stopped every week at the Tijuana border by the officer who made him get off his bicycle to be searched. The officer knew he was smuggling something but could never find anything and had to let him pass. Years later he learned that the boy was smuggling bicycles. Perhaps our community's answer lies just beneath our nose as well. Mr Marohn had 3 takeaway messages Firstly, a community cannot afford the long term infrastructure maintenance costs of supporting large commercial developments (e.g. Walmart is a loser, a local pizza shop is a winner). Secondly, increasing urban density by small scale development within existing infrastructure is the key to sustainable communities (he calls it "adaptive complexity"). Thirdly, relaxing zoning and building code restrictions allows young people with limited resources to enter the community, establish a business, and build a life. Can we imagine an annex to Port Townsend within the city limits that allows small complex growth built on well -designed existing infrastructure? Picture an annex with affordable starter homes under 1000 square feet built on small lots; small shops servicing the needs of the surrounding community within walking or bicycling distance; rows of starter shops for new entrepreneurs and 5G business centers for close -to -home workers; light industrial sites, central bus stations and community gardens. Howard Street development could be the unseen bicycle in the story. The SEPA report used by the city to plan the Howard Street Industrial Sector envisioned a commercial development that would bring 1400 jobs to town. The infrastructure for that development is now in place between the two roundabouts. Given the Strong Towns perspective, this area could also be a perfect place for a new town area integrating businesses and homes, called Port Townsend West. It would be a better use of space and financially sounder than developing more businesses requiring huge parking lots, like that in front of our wonderful Goodwill store. Imagine a family that could get by on one car. What would it take to make this transition? Easing of building codes and rezoning of lot size are essential and within the reach of the city government. Facilitating the purchase of adjacent private lots and even guaranteeing starter loans would make this idea a reality. While it might sound expensive and difficult, perhaps it is not when held up to the mirror of an eventual infrastructural maintenance insolvency. Compare that to an investment in a massive new Hadlock sewer system designed to ease the affordable housing crisis but which according to Strong Towns creates the unsustainable sin of suburban sprawl. Bertram Levy 7 Feb 2021 Public Comments From: Barbara Morey <bemorey@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2021 9:43 AM To: Public Comments Subject: Comments for Public Hearing on Emergency Ordinance CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders. These comments are for the purpose of the hearing on the ordinance only and not my public comments: Section 4. (U) provides that "temporary encampment RESIDENTS SHALL cooperate with other providers of shelters and services within the county and SHALL make inquiry with these providers regarding the availability of existing resources." The best practices model for addressing homelessness, titled Housing First, specifically states: "This is what we mean by Housing First: that homelessness is a problem with a solution, and that the solution is housing. For everyone. Whether you follow the rules or not. Whether you are "compliant" with treatment or not. Whether you have a criminal record or not. Whether you have been on the streets for one day or ten years. Permanent housing is what ends homelessness. It is the platform from which people can continue to grow and thrive in their communities." Requiring "inquiring into and participation in social service programs," (as indicted by the use of the word "shall") while well intentioned, is contrary to best practices as established nationwide in the Housing First model. It is also a violation of individual's rights to self-determination. The homeless individuals should not be subject to "imposed dependence." They should be encouraged to participate and services should be offered when available, but neither enrollment nor participation should be mandatory as a condition to access emergency temporary housing. This doesn't mean they have no rules. Even under the eviction moratorium, they can be evicted if the management/landlord provides a written affidavit of behavior that creates a "significant and immediate risk" to others or property. And they also can be evicted by the police with a "verified report" of illegal activity, such as dealing drugs. However, the unsheltered continue to have the same rights to independence as the housed within these constraints. Please change the wording to read, "residents are encouraged to cooperate with other providers of shelters and services within the county and to make inquiry with these providers regarding the availability of existing resources." 1 Barbara Morey, Housing Advocate Nevertheless, she persisted... Public Comments From: Patricia Lopker-W.Arkentin <patricial.w@icloud.com> Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2021 5:20 AM To: Public Comments Subject: Displaced people emergency camping permit and temporary tenancy CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders. It is important when displaced folks try to respect community needs for safe public health during pandemic, this year, by negotiating camping in designated County Campground spaces, with "city services" water n electricity n sanitation... that they be assisted by the agency responsible forthe community... county council, and permit agency designating emergency public campsites spaces as needed. Please. Set cost limits and support rules or service requirements for self management by campers. The pending end to Wa state eviction moratorium may cause increased need for emergency camping spaces this summer in peak tourist season during Port Townsend's recognized limited affordable housing crisis. If possible to help neighboring owner occupied homes for each month of emergency accomodation of campers in town can a percentage of budget be set aside to enhance neighborhood amenities with bicycle trails, or other community improvements requested by majority of property owners adjacent properties? so that the temporary emergency displacement of (limited? number) of citizens in county fairgrounds or other county suitable property creates a lasting net gain for neighborhood property values and helps attitudes of locals (some who object to emergency use of fairgrounds by displaced citizens). Most are keeping the peace. and Thank you Patricia Lopker-W.Arkentin Public Comments From: Frank Hoffman <oldmaninpt@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2021 9:26 AM To: Public Comments Cc: frankinpt Subject: Winter storm CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders. Where did the county put up homeless people during the snow storm / FranR Public Comments From: Julia Cochrane <willowtree@olypen.com> Sent: Monday, February 15, 2021 7:29 PM To: Public Comments Cc: Julia Cochrane Subject: Public Comment CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders. Dear County Commisssioners, Last Friday evening I had the most interesting experience trying to reach "Emergency Management" which I thought was the department Willie represented every Monday. What I found on your website was a way to call after hours to "Request contact with Duty Officer via JeffCom." So I followed that path and ended up talking to a woman about why I was calling that particular number to report an emergency! At that time Seattle was bracing for 6" of snow and we were expecting between 2 - 10" according to NOAA. There was a Winter Storm Warning etc. Not what is suitable for tent camping in a field. I was trying to report an emergency, so that the county would at least open up an animal barn for people to dry out in. I was assured someone would call me back. Eventually the woman, who said she was only telling me what her boss told her to, called and told me there was a "Warming Center" open at the Fairgrounds. I asked her explicitly if she was saying that there was a place open for people to go into and get warm and dry? She said yes. I said - good, thank you. Next I called a person at the Fairgrounds and asked if there was a Warming Center open there. He said not that he knew of ... maybe there was a building open... but no- one told anyone. So I called JeffCom again. It turns out that the "Warming Center" was heated bathrooms that they were allowing to remain open all night. I asked her if the County was really saying that 50 or so people should huddle together in a bathroom building to survive a blizzard during a pandemic. She repeated that she was just reporting what she was told, and put me on hold again. Eventually I spoke with someone named Jeremy who said he was just coming on duty and thought the Fire Department was dealing with it. And he would call them and get back to me. 1 In the end - no one was dealing with it. I was assured the sherrif's knew the people who were at the Fairgrounds and cared for them and would act appropriately if needed in an emergency. What I just don't understand is if there was a tsunami and the North Beach neighborhood had to be evacuated - we would instantly open a public space to shelter our neighbors. What is different about these people that we don't respond the same? Why do all those people at the Fairgrounds not deserve an appropriate response to their emergency? And which group am I in? Julia Cochrane Julia Cochrane willowtree@olvpen.com PO Box 1654 Port Townsend, WA 98368 (360) 821-1926 cell SEEK A WORLD Free of war and the threat of war. SEEK A S00 E..i..Y With equity and justice for all. SEEK A CO M/ICJ 1,, I I Y Where every person's potential may be fulfilled. I SEEK AN EARTH RESTORED. PEI