HomeMy WebLinkAboutM020287
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District No. 1 Commissioner:
District No. 2 Commissioner:
District No. 3 Commissioner:
LarryW. Dennison,
B.G. Brown, Member
George C. Brown, Member
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Chairman'
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JEFFERSON COUlfTY BOARD 01' COMMISSIOlfERS
Clerk of the Board:
Public Works Director:
3erdine C.Bragg
Gary A. Rowe
MINUTES
Week of February 2, 1987
Chairman Larry W. Dennison called the meeting to order in the
presence of Commissioner George C. Brown and Commissioner B.G. Brown.
Glen Bellerud. Chairman. 3efferson County Centennial
Committee re: Awards for the County Flaa Desian contest: Chairman
Dennison introduced and congratulated Peter Allen, first and second
prize winner and Marjorie Illman, runner up prize .winner of the County
Flag Design Contest. Marjorie Illman was presented a check for $35.00
and Peter Allen was presented a check for $185.00.
ADDlicatioDS for Assistance from the Soldiers I and Sailors'
Relief Fund: Commissioner B.G. Brown moved to approve the following
applications for assistance from the Soldiers' and Sailorsf Relief
Fund: Michael Fecho $50.00; Kenneth Boyd $393.47; Charles 3ackson
$100.00; Brinnon VFW #10706 $240.00 for hall rent; and Carl W. Mathis
$50.00.
Extension of Rearina re: Desianatina 3efferson County as a
"Nuclear WeaDODS Pree Zone": Commissioner George Brown moved that the
Hearing being February 2, 1987 be continued until Monday February 9,
1987 at 7:00 p.m. .at the Chimacum School Auditorium and that meeting be
continued until Tuesday February 17, 1987 at 7:00p.m. in the Quilcene
School Cafeteria. Commissioner B.G. Brown seconded the motion.
Mary Gaboury. Auditor re: Personnel Matter: Executive
Session: The Board then met with Auditor Mary Gaboury in Executive
Session to discuss a personnel matter.
BUS lOSS PROM COUNTY DBPARTMEIfTS
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
AGREEMENT. Consultinare:Preliminary Enaineerina-
Groundwater Monitorina at the 3efferson County Landfill: Sweet. Edwards
and Associates: Public Works Director, Gary Rowe, reported that the
Prosecuting Attorney reviewed this Agreement with Sweet Edwards and
Associates and made one change that-the consultant has also agreed to
and initialed. The total estimated contract price is $95,000.00.
Discussion ensued regarding the work that Sweet, Edwards and Associa.tes
of Kelso would be doing for the County. Commissioner B.G. Brown moved
VOL 13 rAGE ~U 351
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Commissioners' Meeting Minutes: Week of February 2, 1987
Page: 2
Public Works Business - Continued:
to approve and sign the Agreement with Sweet, Edwards and Associates. as
changed by the Prosecuting Attorney. Commissioner George Brown
seconded the motion. A representative of Sweet, Edwards & Associates
will make a presentation to the Board regarding their work on February
19, 1986 at 2:00 p.m.
Bid Call re: One (1) Late Model. 8 to 10 Yard Dump Truck and
for One (1) Cab and Chassis for an 8 to 10 yard Dump Truck: The call
for bids for the following items was approveqand the bid opening date
set for February 23, 1987 at 2:00 p.m. by motion of Commissioner B.G.
Brown, seconded by Commissioner George Brown:
One (1) Late model 8 to 10 cubic yard dump truck
One (1) new cab and chassis for an 8 to 10 cubic yard dump
truck.
CONTRACT re: Provide Heatina Fuel for the Chimacum and
Ouilcene Schools: Oil Heat of Port Anaeles: The contract for providing
heating fuel for the Chimacum and Quilcene Schools was approved, as
awarded on 3anuary 20, 1987, by motion of Commissioner B.G. Brown,
seconded by Commissioner George Brown.
CONTRACT re: Provide Propane for the County for 1987; Buckeye
Gas Products Co.. Port Anaeles: The contract for providing propane to
the County during 1987 was approved, as awarded on 3anuary 5, 1987, by
motion of Commissioner B.G. Brown, seconded by Commissioner George
Brown.
CONTRACT re: Provide Unleaded and Reaular Gasoline to various
County Aaencies and Diesel to the Transit for 1987; Harper Oil Company
of Port Townsend: Commissioner B~G. Brown moved to approve and sign
the contract with Harper Oil Company of Port Townsend to provide
Unleaded and Regular Gasoline for various County agencies and Diesel
Fuel to 3efferson Transit for 1987 as awarded on 3anuary 5, 1987.
Commissioner George Brown seconded the motion.
CONTRACT re: Provide I'uel for the Clearwater Shop; West
Wholesale. Forks: Commissioner B.G. Brown moved to approve the
contract with West Wholesale of Forks to provide fuel for the
Clearwater Shop, as awarded on 3anuary5, 1987. Commissioner George
Brown seconded the motion.
Purchase of Photocopy Machines for the Cooperative Extension
Office: Commissioner B.G. Brown moved to approve the purchase of a
Sharp SF8620 Copy Machine for $3,160.00 for the Cooperative Extension
Office after the quotes are posted and the three day posting period has
expired. Commissioner George Brown seconded the motion.
AGREEMENT re: Rodaers Street. Bridae Removal: Washinaton State
Department of Transportation: After reviewing the Agreement with the
State Department of Transportation for the Rodgers .Street Bridge
Removal Project, Commissioner B.G. Brown moved to approve it as
submitted. Commissioner George Brown seconded the motion. The
Chairman also signed the Statement that no utility relocation or
adjustments are required for the project.
Purchase Reauisitions: Gary Rowe presented three purchase
requisitions for the Board's consideration:
A One (1) ton truek for Public Works signing activities.
Public Works Business (Continued):
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Commissioners' Meeting Minutes: Week of February 2, 1987
Page: 3
An S10 Pick up to being used for inspection and engineering
activities.
A Light Utility Vehicle - to be used by Road Maintenance
Supervisor
Commissioner B.G. Brown moved to delay action on these requisitions
until a later date. Commissioner George Brown seconded the motion.
PLANNING DBPARTMENT
Declaration of Sianificance: Seattle Yacht Club: Associate
Planner, Bob Duffy reported that a letter was received from Reid,
Middleton & Associates, Inc. who represent the Seattle Yacht Club
regarding a proposed outstation on Port Ludlow Bay. The Seattle Yacht
Club has agreed to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement. Before
that process can begin the Board needs to issue an Determination of
Significance and request for comments on scoping the EIS. Herb
Carpenter of Reid, Middleton & Associates, Inc. was present to answer
the Board's questions. The Yacht Club's application will be submitted
after the EIS process has begun so that it can reflect the information
provided by that process in an effort to minimize the environmental
impacts anticipated by the project.
Commissioner B.G. Brown asked how it can be determined that a project
will have any environmental impact if an application outlining the
project has not be submitted? Planning Director David Goldsmith
explained that the letter of intent received from Reid, Middleton <<
Associates, Inc. outlines the proposed project and includes a proposed
site plan for the development.
Mr. Carpenter stated that this project had been reviewed previously and
a Determination of Significance was issued, after which the application
was withdrawn. The project that will now be presented is essentially
the same, possibly a little larger, which leads to the conclusion that
an Environmental Impact Statement will be required for it as well. The
scoping process is an opportunity to discuss the project before the
application is made, so that the Yacht Club can get input from the
neighbors as well as State and local agencies regarding the proposal,
in an effort to know and make the necessary compromises before the
application is submitted. The objective of this request by the Yacht
Club is to be as open about this project as possible so that the
application can include elements that will have the best chance of
being approved. Chairman Dennison reminded Mr. Carpenter even though
this process is the reverse of the usual method, there is still the
possibility that the project that is developed could be rejected.
Commissioner B.G. Brown moved to issue a Determination of Significance
and Request for Comments on Scope of an.EIS for the Seattle Yacht Club
for a small scale moorage facility known as an "outstation" on the
southern shore of Port Ludlow Bay. Commissioner George Brown seconded
the motion.
Kala SQ'uare Buildina Permit: This planned unit development
on Rhody Drive at Prospect Avenue was previously approved by the Board,
David Goldsmith, Planning Director, reported. The building permit has
been held, hOWever, for two reasons: 1) Issuance of the sewage
disposal permit and 2) Approval of a public water supply. The sewage
disposal permit has now been approved and issued, but the water supply,
which must be public, still has to be developed. The water supply
engineering plans and specifications have been submitted into the State
DSHS for review, which is anticipated will take another month. The
project proponents would like the bUilding permit to be issued so. that
they can start work with the understanding that the building can not be
occupied until the water system is approved and developed.
Planning Business (Continued):
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Commissioners' Meeting Minutes: Week o.f February 2, 1987
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The Planning Department recommends and Commissioner B.G. Brown moved
that the building permit be issued with a condition and written
agreement that the Certificate of Occupancy for the building will not
be issued until the public water supply system is complete and approved
and the sewage disposal system is installed and approved. Commissioner
George Brown seconded the motion.
Water Quality Grants: A notice was received, David Goldsmith
reported, that the Department of Ecology has grant money available to
counties from the Clean Water Act. These fund can be used for
continuation of existing projects. This funding requires a 50% match
from the County. 3anet Welch and Bill Banks have developed and
suggested three projects that could use these funds: 1) Lease the
tidelands at Donovan Creek for a five year period to prove that this
wetland is a major contributor to the pollution loading in Quilcene
Bay, 2) Continue on with the sanitation repair and education program,
and 3) A feasibility study on developing a community drainfield for
the residences in QUilcene near the Rodgers Street Bridge. Chairman
Dennison directed the Planning Department to advise the State that it
is the consensus of the Board that it is in the best interest of the
County and the State to continue the Quilcene Bay Project (sanitation
repair and education program).
Request for Leave of Absence: Penny Henderson: Commissioner
B.G. Brown moved to approve the Leave of Absence as requested by Penny
Henderson and approved by Planning Director David Goldsmith.
Commissioner George Brown seconded the motion.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
CONTRACT re: Professional Services; Laurinda Lanza:
Commissioner B.G. Brown moved to approve the contract for professional
nursing services with Laurinda Lanza. Commissioner George Brown
seconded the motion.
HOMAN SERVICES
CONTRACT #87-10-01 re: Personal Services; Mental Health
Counsellor; Robert Richardson: The personal service contract for
Robert Richardson to provide mental health counselling services for the
Human Services Department was approved by motion of Commissioner B.G.
Brown. seconded by Commissioner George Brown.
SHERIFF
AGREEMENT re: Maintenance: 911 Equipment: A.T.& T.: The
maintenance agreement for the 911 equipment at the 3ail with A.T. & T.
was approved by motion of Commissioner B.G.Brown, seconded by
Commissioner George Brown.
* * *
3efferson County Historical Society Request for First Quarter
Allocation of Hotel/Motel Tax Fund: Commissioner B.G. Brown moved to
approve the payment of the first quarter allocation of Hotel/Motel Tax
Funds to the 3efferson County Historical Society as requested.
Commissioner George Brown seconded the motion.
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Commissioners' Meeting Minutes: Week of February 2, 1987
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Appointment to. the Brinnon Senior Center Governing Board:
Commissioner B.G. Brown moved to appoint Bob Clark to an unexpired term
on the Brinnon Senior Center Governing Board. Commissioner George
Brown seconded the motion. Mr. Clark will fill the unexpired term of
Isabel Armstrong which will expire on April 15, 1988.
The meeting was recessed until 7:00 p.m. after the Board
discussed mapping with Assessor .lack Westerman and Planning Director
David Goldsmith. The meeting reconvened with all Board members in
attendance. .
HEARING re: Proposed Resolution'Designating 3efferson'Countv
as a "Nuclear WeapOns Free Zone". Approximately 100 interested area
residents were present to hear the testimony presented to the Board
regarding the proposed Resolution to designate 3efferson County as a
"Nuclear Weapons Free Zone".
Chairman Dennison introduced the Board members to those present and
thanked them for attending the hearing. He then explained that the
purpose of this hearing is to take public comment on the,proposed
resolution. The issue, the Chairman continued, as it. relates to Indian
Island or any place is 3efferson County is with respect to the storage,
transportation and keeping of nuclear weapons. The issue is not
whether there will be an expansion project for Indian Island. The
principle reason for passage of this resolution is to make a statement
to the areas Congressional representatives and the other members of
Congress about the County's feelings regarding nuclear weapons storage
here. The bottom line issue is, the Chairman stated, do you, as an
individual, want nuclear weapons stored in 3efferson County? The
Chairman then read the proposed resolution.
Chairman Dennison then announced that the Board, in their morning
meeting, voted to extend this hearing for two more weeks so that
testimony can be taken in Chimacum (Monday February 9, 1987 at 7:00
p.m., Chimacum School Auditorium) and Quilcene (Tuesday February 17,
1987 at 7:00 p.m., QUilcene School Cafeteria). The Resolution will be
voted on by the Board during their normal Board meeting the week of
February 23, 1987.
The Chairman then opened the hearing and called on the first speaker
(The following is a sYnopsis of the comments made by each speaker):
Douwe Rienstra: (In favor) Mr. Rienstra stated that he is a General
Practitioner and belongs to a group called Physicians for Social
Responsibility. liThe destruction in nuclear weapons is incredible.
When you talk nuclear weapons you can only talk prevention, you
can1t talk cure or treatment. We have enough problems here in
terms of unemployment, drug abuse, lack of opportunity, and
violence among people. We're foolish if we feel that the problems
we have including the Ruskies can be solved in Washington D.C.,
they can1t.1f
Rebecca Bloom:. (Opposed) Ms. Bloom stated that she has lived through
every war including 1917 and 1918 and she admires the way our
armed forces have taken care of us and she would like to see it
continue. IIIf we don't have enough (weapons) to protect puget
Sound they will get through. There are Russian nuclear submarines
off the coast out here and we need Whidbey Island and any kind of
defense that the u.S. Government wants to put out here to defend
us. Those aren't put here to do any damage to the area, they are
here so that the armed forces will have something to fight with
and we will never have another Viet Nam."
3im Worthinaton: (In favor) Mr. Worthington stated his support for the
Resolution. "Nuclear weapons are dangerous to local populations
even when they are simply being handled or maintained. The risk
to populations should be minimized and the expansion proposed for
Indian Island does not appear to be in that spirit.1I
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Commissioners' Meeting Minutes: Week of February 2, 1987
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Chuck Russell: (Opposed) "Nuclear weapon proliferation, nuclear
disarmament and world peace were all stated as the reasons behind
this resolution by the Committee for a Nuclear Free 3efferson
County," Mr. Russell stated. "These are real issues and there is
more to this resolution than what is on the face of it. These
issues are not within the scope of County government. These
gentleman are elected to administer County government which is a
very large, complex business" and Mr. Russell stated "they should
get on with it."
Dee DuMont: (In favor) (See written statement).
.lames W. Davis: (Opposed) Mr. Davis said that his concern is and will
remain our national defense. "The oath of citizenship requires
that: 1) You are required toserV'e in the Armed Forces in time of
need, and 2) You will defend it from all enemies within and
without. This is the basis for citizenship in the Uni.ted States.
The reason for the number of weapons there are, is the balance of
power, which is the only thing that deters war. You can not
ignore the fact that the Russians are not going to get rid of
theirs (nuclear weapons) until we have the necessary treaty which
will insure absolute, one on one, destruction of nuclear missiles.
The fear of nuclear weapons has been played upon totally by our
press, particularly locally. They have not done anything but
support the so called activist of Port Townsend." Mr. Davis asked
that this be put on a referendum vote.
Andv Thurston: (In favor) "Storage of nuclear weapons in this area is
incompatible with the nature of the area," Mr. Thurston stated,
"and incompatible. with the quality of economic development that we
have potential for here. Port Townsend and 3effersonCounty is a
special place for recreation for many people. Our economic growth
in the future here is dependent upon the quality of the image that
is projected out into the economic strata of the State and the
tourist industry. Two bottom line economic questions are: 1) On
the local level, are we willing to trade short term economic
gains, and they are questionable gains, for our real wealth, which
i.s the quality of character that we have here in Port Townsend and
2) On the global level, if we can risk nuclear war, we can
certainly risk a negotiated mutual disarmament."
30hn Reel): (Opposed) "A federal military reservation is being discussed
which in itself is not a part of 3efferson County. The local
County and State governments have to be especially invited by the
federal government to exercise their authority on any violation
occurring on this reservation. Ingress and egress to this
military reservation must be granted at all times through the
federal authorities and their agents. It appears moot to discuss
this matter at this time." Mr. Reep as~ed if it is proper for
3efferson County to be a pacifist dominated stronghold in order to
get our elected officials attention in Congress? "If you (the
County Commissioners) desire to be lobbyists, resign and register
as a lobbyist. Don't continue to draw a salary as a 3efferson
County Commissioner." Mr. Reep concluded by asking the Board to
terminate this proposal at their earliest convenience.
30hn Ramont: (In favor) (See written statement).
Charles O'Connor: (Opposed) Mr. O'Connor stated that he does not
understand Commissioner Dennison's thinking when he says that this
resolution has nothing to do with Indian Island. "You are
probably premature to be even discussing this at this point. I am
opposed to the resolution, which doesn't mean .I am for or against
nuclear weapons, because I think. its' inappropriate. I question
whether or not a resolution or an ordinance or a referendum has
any legal meaning other than an opportunity for the citizens of
this community to make a politicCll statement. I'm speaking solely
in terms of the irrelevancy of solving this with a res.olution."
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Commissioners' Meeting Minutes: Week of February 2, 1987
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Tom .lay: (In favor) "I'm against storage of nuclear weapons on Indian
Island because I think it will wreck our economy. If you look at
the money earned here that's derived from local resources such as
logging, fishing or boat building, etc. it is from community
making industries. They provides jobs which bind us all together.
On the. contrary government money comes in and its' kind of like a
solvent. We become a part of a military welfare economy, and
that's a big danger if we allow nuclear weapons to come into our
economy. We should keep our economy a local, basically a resource
based economy becausethatfs th.e hope for the long term. We
should reject the storage of weapons on Indian Island, if for no
other reason, than we are proud and we don't want them here
because we are self sufficient."
Ray Ros:rers: (Opposed) In the resolution it says "other peaceful uses"
and the whole idea of nuclear weapons, Mr. Rogers stated, is to
maintain a peaceful world. liThe news media has picked up this
story and has built it into an issue. Fear beyond reason. We're
all afraid of nuclear power. When you're fearful you either run
or you fight. We can disenfranchise the power of nuclear weapons.
We need to put the genie back in the bottle and this can be done
if we keep an open mind and hold our theories back until the
government has time to advance its' program.1I
Denise Fradin: (In favor) IIIn a recent movie it was brought out that
FDA would not insure any of the homes near (three to twelve miles
away) the Rock Flats facility in Colora.do because of the levels of
plutonium leaking out from the plant.1I The school teacher in her
child's class, Ms. Fradin reported, took a vote on the proposed
resolution and 39 children voted in favor of the resolution, and
five children voted against it. Ms. Fradin stated IIwe should
listen to our children."
Al Boucher: (Opposed) See written statement. Mr. Boucher asked why
nothing w~s said about time limits for speakers in the
advertisement for the meeting? After discussion of this point,
Mr. Boucher decided to read as much of his written statement as
possible in the time allotted.
Ben Shaine: (In favor) Mr. Shaine addressed the following:
1) IIResolution itself: The resolution is reasonable, locally
compelling and intellectually honest. It is particularly,
politically effective. II
2) liThe dangers associated with nuclear weapons in the County:
With regard to safety - we have learned from various
accidents in our history, such as t:he Challenger incident,
that we can't trust technology. The dangers are too great
and the local impacts are too great for us to consider
nuclear weapons storage within the County unless we feel
there is no alternative" .
3) "Economic point: Mr. Shaine stated that his job is not
locally bound which is true.. of quite a few people in this
County and will be increasingly true in the future. He is
here largely because of the quality of life and quality of
the environment here. Why is it that the Navy would consider
it incompatible to have nuclear weapons in population centers
down the sound but acceptable up here in Jefferson County?"
Lvle Tinker: (Opposed) Mr. Tinker stated that he choose to live in
3efferson County. He is against nuclear weapons and would like to
see a unilateral reduction program, because a number of countries
have nuclear weapons beside Russia. "This resolution is a little
too late because in the waters of Jefferson County right now you
have nuclear submarines loaded with nuclear weapons that are doing
maneuvers." Mr. Tinker thinks the resolution is a little late and
he urged the Commissioners Brown to vote no.
Todd Oestreich: (In favor) Mr. Oestreich stated that he finds it
distressing that this issue has polarized people in this
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Commissioners' Meeting Minutes: Week of February 2, 1987
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community. He would like to see this come to a vote of the
people.
Bob Sokol: (Opposed) "There are so many issues. here that are not all
delineated. II He as.ked how many people had actually seen a nuclear
weapon? (A few people raised their hands). "I've spent a lot of
time transporting nuclear weapons in the military. There are a
lot of things that are called nuclear incidents such as: A caster
that needed to be replaced, a ~rayed cable that needed to be
replaced and a lightening strike on an airplane that had nuclear
weapons on board. These were all called nuclear i.ncidents and
didn't have anything to do with the nuclear part of the weapon.
Nuclear spills are from nuclear reactors that have. an on-going
nuclear reaction. With a nuclear weapon pains are taken to be
sure that you don't have one. . The physics of the weapon itself
when it's in storage is such that it can't explode."
FrankD'Amore: (In. favor) Mr. D'Amore thanked the Board for having
this hearing. "It has been his experience in this area that both
the City Council and the County Commissioners have used a
resolution like this as a statement. From my point of view as
someone who has been acutely interested.in maintaining one of our
most valuable resources, the marine environment in this county, I
hope that the Board has the same feeling and that they recognize
the economic value of the marine environment. The Navy has a
history of serious problems with their landfill on the north end
of Indian Island. The effect of the increased activity on the
base is something that is really worth looking into with respect
to its impact on the environment."
Bill Bennett: (Opposed) uIndian Island has been there since 1939.
Nuclear bombs are not going to go off because they need a
detonator. Indian Island has been there all this time and all of
a sudden, with the suggestion of Mr. Dennison here, hate and
discontent has been created among the citizens of the County. Why
do you want to do this Mr. Dennison? You people should be helping
the Navy not hindering them. '.L'hey're for our country. This
meeting shouldn't have been called tonight. What you really
should do is solicit the silent majority and inform them of what's
really going on and what's happened in the past.1I
Frederick
1)
2)
3)
Tuso:(In Favor) Mr. Tuso stated three points:
IIMost everything I was going to say has already been
said. II
IIThere has been discussion about this resolution dealing with
the water - that's State and Federal water. Our ordinance
has nothing to do with submarines in Brinnon. None of the
submarines that are in the locks, in Trident, ever carry live
warheads. II
flI personally worked in radiation - there is no such thing as
a safe weapon, anywhere. This resolution is important to the
children. the future and the economics of this county.1I
Duane Davis: (In Favor) Mr. Davis stated that he wanted to reassure
the Board that "there are people here who really feel that you are
doing your job by being here and I commend them for being here
and a part of this process. Nuclear policy has developed in a
vacuum of silence over the years and its' very important that
people make their feelings known. It starts here at the local
level and its' not out of the question to say that its not within
our power to speak our piece about it and let our representatives
know how we feel.1I
Bvron Swiaart:. (Neutral) IIAll sides of the issue have been pretty well
covered. II
Garv Novak: (In favor) UEvery home owners insurance policy in the
United States has a nuclear exclusion.1I Mr. Novak then read from
the City of Port Townsend Insurance policy regarding nuclear
exclusion. IIBig business, the insurance industry, the capital
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Commissioners' Meeting Minutes: Week of February 2, 1987
Page: 9
system. itself does not trust the storage and handling of nuclear
weapons. If they don't trust it, I don't trust it."
Lee Lewis: (In favor) As the mother of six and grandmother of seven,
Mrs. Lewis recommended t.o the Council to consider an issue of
perception. "This County's economy is resource based. The
perception of a threat to that resource, will limit people who
might improve the economic situation by building processing plants
or harvesting the materials that will make a job that will keep
your kids at home. They will notwsnt to come, because they have
to sell their stuff to other people who perceive contamination as
a real threat. You need to protect this County's economic base
from the perception that this area is contaminated."
Michele D. Lewis: (In Favor) Mrs. Lewis stated liMy son Christopher.
twelve years old, came home from school today talking about the
issue before us. Both sides were presented to him and his class.
It was his conclusion that if a bomb from Russia was fired, he
would rather be close to a base fired upon. His reason being that
he would no longer exist. No $uffering involved. It saddens my
heart deeply that my son has to live in that kind of a reality. I
say no nuclear weapons here or anywhere. We are one world and I
pray, one united people."
Nancv Milholland: (In Favor) "There is so much secrecy involved .in the
nuclear industry and so much ignorance.1I Mrs. Milholland read
from an article from the Philadelphia Inquirer regarding the
storage of nuclear waste. "By passing this resolution we can take
responsibility and say we're not going to accept nuclear weapons
which generate this waste. We must, as people, deal with this
problem and the problems created by creating nuclear weapons.1I
Rick Dennison: (In Favor) "This meeting is democracy. If we relegate
our freedom to speak to Washington D.C., we lose those freedoms,
because this is where it starts. As far as the economy goes, the
military does not hire people off the streets to work at maximum
security operations. If there is an explosion, whether it's a
nuclear explosion or not, it's going to be on the ground and it
will cause a lot more devastation on the ground than it's going to
cause in the air. If it costs this County more economically to
have those people here than they put back in, we loose. Indian
Island as a nuclear storage facility is not going to be the Indian
Island that is there today. It may have been here since 1932, but
it's going to be different -- because that is maximum security.
The first nuclear explosion is the last one, because we won't be
here. The silent majority is a myth. If a majority is silent
then nobody talks for them, because how do you know what they say
if they're silent?"
Doua Milholland: (In favor) "As a nation, it isa critical matter that
the people speak, in terms of nuclear weapons, whether we want our
County as.whole to continue to develop more and more of these
weapons, continue to have to find places to store them, etc. I'm
tired of living in a nuclear age where every time I turn around
I'm wondering when is it going to happen. I don't feel defended
by nuclear weapons any more. I don't feel like the people in
Washington D.C. are looking out for my interest when. they decide
to do things like scrape the SALT II Treaty and produce more
nuclear bombs. Asking our Commissioners to go on record in
opposition to another base, and having more places to store more
weapons, ean make a difference, because right now there is a
balance of power going on in Washington D.C.. The people have to
speak if we're going to have a future."
Bob DeWeese: (In Favor) (See written statement)
Edna Anderson: (In Favor) Vice President and Conservation Chairman,
Admiralty Audubon Society. "The thing that bothers us (The
Society) is the way an accident might be handled." She is in
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Page: 10
favor of the resolution, personally and speaking as Vice Chairman
of the Audobon Society.
Dianne Thompson: (In Favor) "Even though some people have stated that
it would be hard to have a nuclear accident, accidents can happen.
I can't help but believe that there cannot be an accident over
there. We have to make some priorities here some time. I also
can't believe that if we write a resolution more properly that. the
Navy, will open their hearts to us a bit more. If this doesn't do
it, it's not going to get done'."
Kathrink 3enks: (In Favor) Ms. 3enks thanked all of the people who
collected all of the signatures on the petitions. "2,400 people
in this County is a very large number of people and I think that
does express the view of the majority, or at least a plurality.
To that end, it might be a good idea to preclude any kind of
opposition, if we put it on some sort of referendum basis so the
whole county could have their say."
Sheila Moir: (In Favor) "I'm scared. I'm tired of' looking at
newspapers and wondering what I can eat because of things like the
Chernobyl disaster. And, I do not want to look at Indian Island
and wonder whether something is going to go up over there."
30hn Mar: (In Favor) Mr. Mar stated that he is a seasonal fisherman
who lives in Sitka Alaska. I first started to come to Port
Townsend in 1979 and like the area, but if I am going to keep
coming back here will be determined by the action taken by the
County on this resolution."
Larry Lawson: (In Favor) Mr. Lawson stated that he would like to see
this resolution be stronger. He would like to see it become an
ordinance which would give the' County legal hold. "This issue
appears to have two facets: 1) Nuclear issue: Even the people
who are in favor of the balance of power being maintained through
nuclear weapons are against the deploYment of those weapons, and
2) The federal governmentfs response to the will of the people: it
appears that the majority of the people in the County will be in
opposition to the federal government's agent in this County, the
Navy, who wants to expand here. It's going to be very costly to
oppose the Navy. Is it possible to make this a referendum?"
(The Chairman advised that he does not have an answer to this
question or the question of the County passing an ordinance). Mr.
Lawson added that he would like to have the Commissioners consider
what options will give the citizens of this County the most
advantage judicially, if they're ignored politically.
Bob McGuinness: (In Favor) "Every gun that is made, every warship
launched, every rocket fired, signifies in a final sense the theft
from those who hunger and are not fed. Those who are cold and are
not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone, its
spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of scientists, the
house of its children. This is not a way of life. Under a cloud
of war it is humanity handing ,itself on a cross of iron." "This is
a quote from Dwight David Eise:lJ,hower, former President and a five
star General." "I'm sick and tired of the arms race,"Mr.
McGuinness stated. "The arms race can only be stopped by the
United States. If Congress can't stop it, its up to State and
local governments to make a statement."
Steve 30hnson: (In Favor) "The oY$;ter.producing potential of puget
Sound and Hood Canal is immense. It's like something that hasn't
e~enbegun to be realized yet. How would transportation of
nuclear weapons be accomplished if they are to be stored at Indian
Island? We should start thinking about having a nuclear free
planet by the year 2000. It's a goal that could be considered in
a future resolution."
Ann Forest: (In Favor) lilt's obvious that nuclear weapons are not any
form of protection at all from anything. They are totally
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Commissioners' Meeting Minutes: Wee~ of February 2, 1987
Page: 11
hazardous and lethal and they can kill us all and the planet that
we live. If we as a people say do not protect us, perhaps we'll
spend our time and energy learning how to resolve our differences
with other people by talking together. We have to exist together
and let's do it ina nice way. not this way.1I
Susan Secott: (In Favor) "Being citizens and taxpayers, we either
have to help to build weapons or we have to break the law, and
this doesn't give me any choic~ as a person. This meeting is a
chance to express our opinion. I would be proud to be part of a
County and a town that tOOk th~ time and energy to send a real
clear message. I would like to see a vote too."
Lisa Inman: (In Favor) Many good things have been said and she urged
the Commissioners to support this resolution. lilt is very valid
that the Commissioners consider a resolution which is, in effect,
a political statement. Ifm proud that it's being considered and
would like the message to go farther than Port Townsend. Many of
us have created jobs in this town in important, community ,oriented
ways that support the community ,and I think therefs lots of ways
that jobs can be made here."
Wayne Blier: (In Favor) "I'm one of the .few people in this town who
has benefited from the Indian Island build up, I work at the
Counselling Center. Over the years studies have been done that
as~ed teenagers if they think they'll live to be old and they say
fNo' they'll all be killed in a nuclear war. There's a lot of
talk about drugs. Drug use comes from a feeling powerlessness and
rigid family assistance too.' The best thing we could do for
adolescent drug abuse is stop nuclear war, stop nuclear buildup."
Michael List: (In Favor) One of the things that Mr. List stated he
has been thinking about lately is what could be done with $60
million. liThe Navy can drop $60 million on weapons storage and we
can not as a community spend a little money on literacy and
recreation. The two aren't correlated in that respect, but it is
such a contradiction that the government is willing to spend sO
much money on annihilation and destruction of life and so little
on the resources of human endeavor. II
Bruce Marsten: (In Favor) Mr. Marsten said that he came here from
Baltimore Maryland because this community reminded him of where he
grew up. liThe. area we have in Port Townsend is quite unique.
Nuclear buildup is going to create jobs here but it also will
destroy what we have. There are several other issues on the
OlYmPic Peninsula in addition to this one - what is going to
happen to our National Forest and the Golf Course? We have to get
together as a community and safeguard every flower, and every
tree. II
Chairman Dennison thanked everyone for coming to the hearing and
invited them to attend the.hearing~n Chimacum next week. A decision
will not be made on this resolution until after the meeting in
Quilcene.
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