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HomeMy WebLinkAbout120 97 (!t.: H.~fI.S. (/H 51'17 pÚJ.-.n n1r1j) STATE OF WASHINGTON County of Jefferson RESOLUTION IN THE MATTER OF BECOMING A SIGNATORY MEMBER OF THE JEFFERSON COUNTY WATER RESOURCES COUNCIL } } RESOLUTION NO. 120....97 } } WHEREAS, Jefferson County participated in the Dungeness-Quilcene Pilot Planning Project which involved a multi-stakeholder process for watershed planning; and, WHEREAS, one recommendation from the Dungeness-Quilcene Plan (the D-Q Plan) was to form a watershed council; and, WHEREAS, after the production of the D-Q Plan, a watershed council was formed which was named the Water Resources Council, which had the stated purpose of overseeing the implementation of the goals and objectives identified in the D-Q Plan and providing guidance and recommendations with respect to water resource planning issues; and, WHEREAS, the Water Resources Council has continued to meet and function as a forum to discuss water quality/quantity and fisheries habitat issues, promote projects, and to advise governments; and, WHEREAS, the Jefferson County Water Resources Council has requested that the County participate with the council deliberations as a signatory member; and, WHEREAS, in Substitute House Bill (SHB) 2054 the Washington Legislature found that local development of watershed plans for managing water resources and for protecting existing water rights is vital to both state and local interests; and, WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners recognizes that watershed planning is essential to assuring adequate supplies of safe potable water necessary to meet the needs of population growth while maintaining and enhancing aquatic habitats as well as preserving in-stream flows, ground water resources, and overall water quality; and, WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners also recognizes that it is desirable to have all the potential stakeholders involved in watershed planning and to resolve water- related conflicts in a collaborative setting; and, WHEREAS, the Water Resources Council operates under an existing charter that identifies the group as an advisory body to established decision-making bodies, and clearly states that "... agencies, organizations and interests represented on the council are not obligated to adopt or carry out the recommendations of the council"; and, WHEREAS, the Water Resources Council is reviewing standard operating procedures through a working group that has reported to the BOCC and other affected governments, and the recommendations were reviewed by the BOCC and found to address the concerns of the County in terms of organizational structure, membership/representation and decision-making; and, WHEREAS, the Water Resource Council has directed the working group to draft proposed changes to the charter and ground rules and therefore is in the process of reviewing and amending its operational rules and policies. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOL VED, that as a gesture of good faith and recognition of the need for broad-based stakeholder participation in watershed planning, the BOCC has signed the charter of the Water Resources Council in advance of any expected amendments. Page 1 of 2 , YOI- 23 ,~,857 NOW BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County is willing to serve as the lead agency on behalf of the Water Resources Council in applying to the State for watershed planning funding under SHB 2054. Approved and signed thi@ .{t day of ;{) ~ , 1997. SEAL: ATTEST: Lorna Delaney, CMC Clerk of the Board : VOL 23 ".858 Page 2 of2 JEFFERSON COUNTY WATER RESOURCES COUNCIL Charter Purpose The Jefferson County Water Resources Council (the "council") was formed in recognition of the complexity of water issues in east Jefferson County, to build relationships, to set priorities and to solve problems related to water resource issues. The purpose of the council is to provide a collaborative forum for coordination and cooperation among all interests, while avoiding duplication with other groups. The purpose includes development of implementation strategies based on the recommendations of the Dungeness/Qui1cene Water Resources Management Plan (the "D/Q Plan") and supporting a balance of economic, cultural, and environmental interests in the management of the water resources in east Jefferson County. Mission The mission of the Jefferson County Water Resources Council is to work cooperatively to meet water quality and quantity needs of human and natural systems in a manner that will insure the sustainability of both. Relationship to Decision-Making Bodies and Communities of Interest The Jefferson County Water Resources Council is an advisory body to established decision-making bodies and communities of interest. As such the council makes recommendations concerning the use, protection, restoration and enhancement of the water resources of east Jefferson County. The agencies, organizations and interests represented on the council are not obligated to adopt or carry out the recommendations of the council, but will give due consideration to the recommendations and take actions they consider appropriate. These agencies, organizations and interests will report back to the council on any ~VOL 23 )rr859 actions taken in response to council recommendations. Council members will keep their respective agencies, organizations and interests informed about the work of the council and will bring their concerns to the council. Goals and Objectives Goal I: To identify and resolve water use conflict through a cooperative process. Objective A: Develop a voluntary process for water resource planning which includes all affected parties. Objective B: Develop and maintain an understanding of the need to stay flexible and open minded during the water resource planning Goal 2: process. To assess water uses and needs within east Jefferson County and determine if they can be met by locally-available water resources. Objective A: Inventory and record all established uses and needs. Objective B: Determine the total water resources of the area. Objective C: Analyze the results of the assessment in relation to existing and minimum needs and available water resources of the area. Goal 3: To achieve the assurance of the quantity and quality of water that is needed in east Jefferson County to: Protect, maintain and enhance the physical and biological integrity of the rivers, a. b. stream corridors, groundwater and associated wetland and marine systems; Achieve an overall net gain of the productive capacity of fish, shellfish and wildlife habitat by protecting, maintaining and enhancing those habitats; c. Protect, maintain and enhance estuarine ecosystems for the benefit of nearshore marine life. Objective A: Collect and assess available data/information to determine the needed quantity and quality of water. Objective B: Provide the means to fill the data/information gaps so that the council may determine the needed quantity and quality of water. ¡ VOL 23 .~r~860 Objective C: Design and implement procedures and strategies to provide for the needed quantity and quality of water. Goal 4: To achieve the assurance of an adequate supply of water to sustain current and future agricultural needs. Objective A: Investigate all possibilities for water conservation, including innovative measures to optimize water supplies. Objective B: Objective C: Objective D: Based on the actual needs, design funding mechanisms for conservation projects. Design and implement conservation measures within the regional planning boundaries. Develop and implement educational programs for agricultural water users. Goal 5: To encourage the development and implementation of a program for: a. conservation, b. efficiency, elimination of waste, c. d. water reuse, e. restoration of wetlands and riparian habitat areas for recharge, water quality and water retention, Objective A: recommendations for legislation and/or regulation where appropriate. f. Objective B: Investigate alternatives for water conservation and efficiency. Analyze each alternative relative to the needs of the individual hydrologic unit, comparing: 1. efficiency and amount of water conserved, 2. appropriateness of scale, 3. future growth projections, 4. cost effectiveness, 5. environmental impacts. Objective C: Recommend implementation measures including conservation, legislation and funding mechanisms. , VOL 23 ~y:~ 861 Goal 6: To encourage compliance, enforcement and administration of existing laws and regulations affecting water resources, including: a. coordination of policies, plans and management systems, with those of other jurisdictions and governmental agencies within the regional planning boundaries; b. compliance with and enforcement of regulations relating to habitat protection and land use within east Jefferson County; the development of consistent, predictable and equitable region-wide c. regulations. Goal 7: To build public understanding of and responsibility for water resource issues, and opportunities for conservation, stewardship and improvement of water quality and quantity. Objective A: Support existing educational and conservation programs in the County. Objective B: Encourage funding and implementation of programs for public education about conservation of water resources and protection of habitat in east Jefferson County . Objective C: Link the water conservation information throughout the County as a means of information dissemination. Objective D: Encourage the development of water conservation education programs for the general public, policy makers and appropriate interest groups. Objective E: Encourage incentives for and public recognition of water conservation and restoration projects. Goal 8: To assure an adequate supply of water to support sustainable economic and community development for current and future residents of east Jefferson County. Objective A: Determine the current level of residential, commercial and industrial water use within east Jefferson County Objective B: An~lyze th&wture r~\r.ements for residential, ~OL ë,j .~r;-ðOC ---.- - -- commercial and industrial use based on projected and potential population growth, and economic and community development objectives of east Jefferson County. Objective C: Investigate the feasibility and costs for residential, commercial and industrial water conservation. Defme and estimate the amount of water resources that could be saved for alternative purposes using various conservation scenarios. Objective D: Promote the design and implementation of conservation measures and incentives within east Jefferson County . Objective E: Promote the planning and implementation of conservation education programs for residential, commercial and industrial water users. Goal 9: To achieve the assurance of adequate quantity and quality of water and habitat to preserve scenic and aesthetic values, to sustain current and future recreational needs, and to encourage responsible use of public recreation areas. Goal 10: To design and implement an evaluation process to monitor the effectiveness of the council's work and recommendations and maintain documentation of the process. Council Membership With a goal to be as inclusive as possible, the Jefferson County Water Resources Council shall at all times include representatives or input from: local, state, federal and tribal government, water utilities, water districts, independent domestic water users, industrial water users, business, recreation, commercial forestry, agriculture, environmental, fisheries and community groups. A majority of members shall be local citizens, including local officials. The meetings will be open to the public. The public will be invited to participate in council meetings and discussions in an effective manner. As of the date of approval of this charter, council members include: VOL 23 .H~ 863 Local government State government Agency /Organization Jefferson County City of Port Townsend Department of Ecology / Department of Health/ Department of Natural Resources/ W A State Fish & Wildlifel Position Interest Local government Commissioner City Councilor Tribal government Water utility Agency /Organization Port Gamble S'Klallam Position Interest staff Jeff. Co. PUD Commissioner Water districts/ Independent Public Systems Exempt domestic well users Marrowstone Island Groundwater Committee/ Shine Community Action Council Business P. T. Paper Mill Home Builders Association Industrial water users Commercial forestry Agriculture Environmental Fisheries Jeff. Co. Conservation District/ Sustainable Agriculture Olympic Environmental Council Recreation uses Wild Olympic Salmon Washington Rivers Council/ Washington Trails Council Community group Grange Representatives of the Federal Government will be invited to participate as appropriate. The members shall serve at the pleasure of their respective agencies and organizations. Members may designate an alternate to participate on the council in the member's absence. lOne representative - others ad hoc members. . VOL 23 .tr;864 The council will act to replace members who resign or are unable to continue serving on the council. The council will strive to maintain the continuity and the balance of interests by giving preference to representation from the same agencies and organizations at a similar or higher level position. The council will request the agency or organization to nominate a replacement member. If the member cannot participate in more than 50% of the meetings, the council will seek representation from another agency, group or organization with a similar interest. The staff/facilitator will assure and follow up on attendance. The council may add agencies, organizations or interests as council members upon nomination by an existing member and approval by the council. Council Or~anization A Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") will be signed by the City, the County, the PUD, the Tribes and the State to establish a shared funding mechanism for staffing and project management and coordination. Staff will work for the council and be independent of the member agencies. A Coordination Team will be formed to guide staff and assist in obtaining information and technical assistance for tasks assigned by the Water Resources Council. Members of the Coordination Team will be subject to ratification by the Water Resources Council. The Coordination Team will be limited to six members and will be representational and balanced. Any member of the council can raise concerns at any time to the entire council regarding the Coordination Team membership and operation. The council may form subcommittees of its own members and task groups that include individuals not on the council to perform certain functions or focus on specific issues. The council also will identify technical advisors who can provide technical data and assistance and call on these experts as needed. VOL 23 df.~865 Amendments The council may propose amendments to this charter at any time. The council will refer proposed amendments to the represented agencies, organizations and interests for approval. Amendments will become effective after all represented groups indicate their approval. If any amendments affect the conditions of the MOD, the MOD will need to be modified before the amendments go into effect. VOL 23 :,~r~86ô JEFFERSON COUNTY WATER RESOURCES COUNCIL Ground Rules Council members agree to the following ground rules: Council Decision-Making The council will use a consensus decision-making process. A consensus decision is one reached with no objections. Periodically during the decision- making process, the facilitator will check with members to determine the level of consensus for a decision. If the level of consensus is low, the council will consider the means available to move towards consensus. Members absent from a meeting in which a consensus decision has been made will have an opportunity to discuss the decision at the next council meeting. Sufficient time will be provided for members to seek advice from constituents, agencies, or other experts, when desired, before a decision is adopted by the council. When a decision is reached by consensus, members will urge their respective agencies or organizations to support the adoption or implementation of the council decision. A facilitator will conduct the meetings, help ensure full participation of members, help members stay on track, and help members reach consensus. Information such as technical reports, meeting minutes, maps, etc. will be available to every interest in a timely manner and in as understandable and consistent format as possible. VOL 23 :M;:867 Participation The council will hold regular meetings and follow the Open Meetings Law. At least ten minutes will be set aside at the beginning of each meeting for public comment. A majority of the members must be present to hold a formal council meeting. Council members will keep their respective agencies, organizations, or interests informed about the work of the council and bring concerns of their groups to the council. Members may designate a representative of their group to serve as an alternate. Designated alternates will be listed on the council membership list. Each member will brief her/his alternate on all issues and proceedings prior to the alternate's attendance at council meetings. Members will make every effort to attend all council meetings themselves; if they are unable to do so they will notify their alternates. Members will notify the meeting coordinator if both the member and an alternate will be unable to attend a council meeting. If the member and an alternate are unable to attend a meeting, the member may provide written comments or ask another member or the meeting coordinator to represent their position on a particular issue. Members will notify the council if they must vacate their position. VOL 2 3 ~Hr 868 Behavior Members will treat each other with respect, not monopolize meeting time, and listen to and try to understand one another I s views. Members are discouraged from placing blame for past practices. Members will search for opportunities to develop group solutions and to resolve conflicts. Members will work from an issue-based agenda and not a position-based agenda. Members will strive to adhere to the ground rules and will be responsible for their enforcement. Public Information and Media Contacts Public information and media contacts will be coordinated through staff, who will direct inquiries to the Steering Committee as necessary. Members are encouraged to discuss and promote decisions and activities of the council with broader constituencies and provide feedback to the council from such contacts. Amendments A council member may propose amendments to the ground rules at any time. Amendments will become effective when proposed, if all council members are present and approve. Otherwise, amendments will become effective at the meeting following the proposal upon consensus of all present. VOL 23 '~r.~869 PROCESS AND CRITERIA FOR RESPONDING TO REQUESTS FOR JCWRC MEMBERSHIP Process 1. Staff will interview a representative of the agency/organization requesting membership to identify its interests in Jefferson County water resources. Staff will describe the composition, charter and ground rules of the council, and outline the D/Q Plan. Staff will advise the representative of the agency/organization of options for involvement in the council's work and describe the process and criteria for applying for membership. 2. If membership is still requested, the representative of the agency/organization will be asked to respond in writing to the following questions: What are the applicant's interests regarding Jefferson County water resources and/or the D/Q Plan? How do these interests relate to the council's charter, goals and objectives? How might these interests affect and be affected by council decisions? Why are the alternatives to council membership not suitable to ensure representation of these interests? How are the applicant's interests not represented by existing council members? How would the addition of the applicant benefit the work of the council? VOL 23 ;'Af.r 870 3. Is the applicant willing to support the council's charter and are its representatives willing to follow the ground rules? A subcommittee will review the responses to the questions and, using the adopted criteria, make a recommendation to the council. 4. Upon nomination by a member, the council will decide whether to invite an applicant to join the council. A representative of the applicant's agency/organization will be invited to participate in this council meeting. 5. If the nomination is not approved, the council and/or staff will work with the agency/organization to ensure appropriate involvement in council activities. 6. If the council approves addition of a new member, the new member will indicate its commitment to the council by signing the charter. Criteria It is desirable that council membership not increase to a size limiting the ability of each member to participate fully in discussions or that the council loses either its effectiveness, or balance of interests. Accordingly, the following criteria will be used to evaluate requests for membership. To be eligible for membership, an agency/organization must meet all of the following criteria: the interest represented by the applicant should be represented on the council because it is significantly affected by, or has a direct and significant impact on water resources and has a broad -- rather than a specific -- interest in water resources; or, it has responsibility to implement part of the D/Q Plan or other water resource plans; VOL 23 'M.~871 the applicant I s interest cannot be represented adequately by existing members; addition of the applicant will not unbalance the interests represented on the council; the interests of the applicant cannot be adequately represented through an alternative method of involvement, or exclusion of the group would render the council less effective in attaining its goals and objectives. Non-membership Options for Interested Groups place on mailing list for agendas, minutes and other materials; invite representatives to make presentations to the council on specific matters of interest; invite representatives to join task groups that the council forms to deal with specific issues related to their interests; designate representatives as technical advisors to the council; invite participation in the council's public involvement program; and work with an existing council member agrees to work with the agency / organization to represent the group's interests on the council. ~VOL 23 'lr~ 87') -,' -,--,' rt:-- Jefferson County Water Resources Council Charter Approval JEFFERSON COUNTY JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ¡//¡off? Date I f)M1~ D Harpole, Me e // ~O 117 Date ////l'l1 Date VOI~ 23 ~c,.873