HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 23STATE OF WASHINGTON
COUNTY OF JEFFERSON
In the Matter of Declaring an Emergency for
Vessel WN 7877 NE Because It Meets the
Criteria for Temporary Possession Described RESOLUTION NO. 01 2 3
Under RCW 79.100.040(3)
WHEREAS, RCW 79.100.040(D(a) authorizes counties to "tow, beach, or otherwise take
temporary possession of a vessel if the owner of the vessel cannot be located or is unwilling or
unable to assume immediate responsibility for the vessel and if the vessel: (i) Is in immediate
danger of sinking, breaking up, or blocking navigational channels; or (ii) Poses a reasonably
imminent threat to human health or safety, including a threat of environmental contamination;"
and,
WHEREAS, Jefferson County took temporary possession of Vessel WN 7877 NE (the
Vessel) and had it removed from under the Indian Island bridge over Portage Canal (between Port
Hadlock and Indian Island), Jefferson County, WA; and,
WHEREAS, the owner of the Vessel could not be located or was unwilling or unable to
assume immediate responsibility for the vessel and the Vessel: (i) Is in immediate danger of
sinking, breaking up, or blocking navigational channels; and, (ii) Poses a reasonably imminent
threat to human health or safety, including a threat of environmental contamination; and,
WHEREAS, temporary possession was taken of the Vessel, in order to prevent the Vessel
from breaking up, blocking navigation, or posing a threat to human health and safety or the
environment; and,
WHEREAS, before taking temporary possession of the Vessel, Jefferson County consulted
with the United States Coast Guard; and,
WHEREAS, Commissioner Eisenhour worked quickly with the Department of Natural
Resources — Derelict Vessel Removal Program (DNR-DVRP) and secured a commitment to
reimburse the County for the cost of recovering the boat; and,
WHEREAS, Commissioner Eisenhour then contacted TowBoatUS/Marine Assist of Port
Hadlock, Inc. and arranged for them to recover the boat which they subsequently did; and,
WHEREAS, Jefferson County has or will provide notice to the owner that it intends to take
formal and full custody of the vessel on February 14, 2023; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Jefferson County
Commissioners hereby declare that a state of emergency exists for Jefferson County to take
possession of the Vessel under Chapter 79.100 RCW, and that:
1. This Resolution satisfies the requirements in RCW 79.100.040(3)(b) that the basis for
temporary possession of the Vessel be set out in writing within seven takes of Jefferson
County taking action.
2. An emergency requiring quick action was created by the Vessel.
3. The County Administrator is authorized to prepare and execute a sole source contract with
TowBoatUS/Marine Assist of Port Hadlock, Inc., which will include ratification of
expenses incurred prior to the execution of said contract.
4. Jefferson County is authorized to exercise such other actions authorized by state law or
Jefferson County Code as may be necessary to address the threat caused by the Vessel to
public health and safety.
(SIGNATURES FOLLOW ON THE NEXT PAGE)
ADOPTED this day of 2023, at _ _ p.m.
JEFFER ON COUNTY
OUNTY COMMISSIONERS
SEAL:
Greg Brotherton. Chair
9 /
ATTEST:
Eisenhour, Member
123
Carolyn allaway, Date
Clerk of the Board