HomeMy WebLinkAbout042925MS Joint SWAC -ON
'�SFfI NO'
MINUTE S
Joint Special Meeting — April 29, 2025, 1:00 p.m.
Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC)
Public Works Conference Room
623 Sheridan St. Port Townsend, WA 98368
CALL TO ORDER: The Solid Waste Advisory Committee(SWAC) Chair Tracy Grisman called the
SWAC meeting to order and conducted roll call. Commissioner Chair Heidi Eisenhour called the
Special Board of County Commissioners' (BOCC) meeting to order in the presence of Commissioner
Heather Dudley-Nollette. Commissioner Greg Brotherton joined the meeting at 1:05 p.m. The purpose
of the Special Meeting was to allow the Commissioners to meet with the Solid Waste Advisory
Committee (SWAC), and provide comments and direction when necessary.
PUBLIC COMMENT: The BOCC and SWACC members heard one comment from the public.
MEETING INTRODUCTION: Framing discussion and presentation re: Capital funding needs
and Recycling Program: Solid Waste Manager Al Cairns was present to provide a presentation and
answer questions. The presentation reviewed Jefferson County's high level of solid waste service, which
currently surpasses King County's in certain ways despite having far fewer resources, and emphasized
that this level of service is unsustainable without significant changes. Staff recommended a$15 per ton
tipping fee increase to address deferred capital repairs and sustain operations, and suggested privatizing
recycling services to reduce the financial burden. Concerns were raised about how these changes would
impact low-income residents, prompting discussions on implementing discounts and ensuring equitable
access through partnerships with the PUD.
SWAC member/Waste Connections representative Joey Deese, explained their recycling logistics and
potential takeover of operations, including curbside service and the use of technology to improve
contamination control. Multiple stakeholders emphasized the need for a robust and multifaceted public
education campaign to support the transition, especially given the behavioral challenges and
misinformation around recycling.
After discussion, Chair Eisenhour moved to approve adopting a resolution for a capital surcharge in the
per-ton tipping fee, effective August 1, 2025. Commissioner Brotherton seconded the motion. Chair
Eisenhour opened the floor to allow for public comments, and one comment was received. Clerk
Gallaway noted that the resolution in the meeting packet has a different title than what was stated in the
motion. She stated that the resolution title reads as "Amending the Fee Schedule for the Department of
Public Works, Solid Waste Division." Manager Cairns confirmed that the motion refers to the same
resolution as included in the packet. Clerk Gallaway added that the Commissioners can take action on
the resolution at their next regular meeting.
1
Joint BOCC Special Meeting/Solid Waste Advisory Committee(SWAC) April 29, 2025
Chair Eisenhour clarified that SWAC members would be making a recommendation to the BOCC,to
approve the resolution. As this would be action taken by only the SWAC members, Commissioner
Brotherton withdrew his motion. Commissioner Eisenhour, as a SWAC member,restated her motion—
to adopt a resolution for a capital surcharge for a per-ton tipping fee rate effective August 1, 2025, and
recommend that to the BOCC. SWAC member Phil Sonne seconded the motion. SWAC Chair Grisman
called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried.
During the BOCC and SWAC discussion regarding recycling, Manager Cairns stated that his
recommendation is to privatize recycling by April 1, 2026. After discussion, SWAC members moved to
recommend to the BOCC that the County privatize recycling programs as of April 1, 2026. After
receiving one comment from the public, SWAC members approved the motion,with one member
abstaining.
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Chair Eisenhour adjourned the Special Meeting of the
Board of County Commissioners at 2:28 p.m. until the next regular meeting or special meeting as
properly noticed.
JE FERSON COUNTY
B 4 RD OF COMMISSIONERS
SEAL: ,,,,,.,,�FEsp"'••., , /
oN`Miss Oc.
� y: G Hei. Eisel : , Chair
,' : ��• erton, Member
/Pr
ATTEST: .SE l udley-No lette, Member
n Gallaway, CM
Cl of the Board
2