EYE ON JEFFERSON: Board plans to reaffirm emergency declaration in meeting today

Published 12:01 am Monday, September 21, 2015

The three Jefferson County commissioners will reaffirm during a meeting today a declaration of emergency enacted during an Aug. 29 windstorm that blocked roads and cut power to some 12,000 electrical customers.

The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. in commissioners’ chambers at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson St., Port Townsend.

The state Department of Emergency Management requested that a declaration of emergency be made the day of the storm. Commissioners could not meet because of closed roads. One commissioner was contacted by phone, another in person, and another signed the resolution later.

The reaffirmation is to include the declaration in the minutes of a meeting.

At 1:30 p.m., commissioners will be briefed on a matrix that compiles written public testimony from a Dec. 8, 2014, public hearing on a draft of a proposed animal responsibility ordinance today.

Commissioners have been given copies of public comments, but this will be the first time they review the matrix prepared by staff members.

Items on the consent agenda include:

■ A $99,945 contract with Environmental Science Associates to create supporting documents for the county’s critical areas ordinance update.

■ Acceptance of $24,165 in grant funds for accessibility projects for the disabled.

■ A $30,476 contract with Rubio and Co. Construction for the construction and repair of Hadlock Shop stairs.

■ Acceptance of $64,977 in grant funds from the state Department of Ecology for recycling projects.

Port Townsend city

The Port Townsend City Council will consider setting a public hearing on using eminent domain to acquire property for the Howard Street Extension project when it meets today.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers at historic City Hall, 540 Water St.

The resolution would only set a hearing date, proposed to be Oct. 19. It does not authorize or require the use of eminent domain. That would be decided by the council after the hearing.

Nine properties are affected by the project. The city has made agreements with several property owners and is working with others, staff members said in a council memo.

The council also will hear a progress report about water supplies and whether the drought conditions require further action.

It will consider a compensation study for non-bargaining unit employees.

The council will hear presentations on the Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center program development and capital improvement plan and a new program for reducing the carbon footprint called Taming Bigfoot.

Council office hours, during which members of the public can discuss any topic with a member of the City Council, take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday in the mayor’s office at historic City Hall.

Other city committee meetings this week — which are in conference rooms at City Hall at 250 Madison St., unless otherwise noted — are:

■ Parks, Recreation and Trees Advisory Board — 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, first-floor conference room.

■ Council Finance and Budget Committee — 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, third-floor conference room.

■ Planning Commission — 6:30 p.m. Thursday, City Council chambers. The panel will consider action on its recommendation concerning the comprehensive plan.

Port of Port Townsend

The Port of Port Townsend commissioners will discuss continuing budget issues at a meeting Wednesday.

The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. in chambers, 333 Benedict St.

Chimacum schools

The Chimacum School Board will consider phasing in a closed-campus policy when it meets Wednesday.

The board will meet at 6 p.m. in the library of the high school at 91 West Valley Road.

According to the proposal, this school year, only seniors would be able to apply for off-campus permits. In 2016-17, no off-campus permits would be issued.

The board also will consider policies on substance abuse programs and bullying.

Public development authority

The Fort Worden Public Development Authority will discuss financial reports and revenue forecasts at a meeting Wednesday.

The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at Fort Worden Commons.