HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021/06/29 - Regular Board of Mason County Commissioners
Special Meeting Agenda
Commission Chambers
,. 411 N 5th St, Shelton, WA 98584
x�1 June 29, 2021
10:00 a.m.
1. Call to Order-The Chairperson called the special meeting to order at 10:01 a.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance - Ross McDowell led the flag salute.
3. Roll Call - Present: Present: Commissioner District 1 - Randy Neatherlin; Commissioner
District 2— Kevin Shutty; Commissioner District 3 — Sharon Trask.
4. Actions to Consider
a. Emergency Restrictions for Fireworks (Exhibit A, Resolution # 2021-039)
Dave Windom shared that he met on June 28, 2021 with representatives from North Mason Fire,
Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Emergency Management to discuss this
unprecedented weather. These conditions meet the requirement of Mason County Code 14.19.050
limiting fireworks based on fire hazard. The recommendation is to ban fireworks except from 6 p.m.
to midnight on July 4, 2021. This will not restrict the sale of fireworks.
Matt Caldwell, from DNR, commented that the fuel moisture content for the central lowlands is
between 7 and 16% depending on the fuel size. Both the energy release component and the
spread/ignition component are in the 99th percentile. Staffing levels are at a five which is the
highest staffing level. The US Forest Service is at a "moderate"fire level which allows recreational
fires but no fireworks.
Beau Bakken, North Mason Fire Department, shared that staffing is doubled for this coming
weekend as well as Memorial Day and Labor Day. The recommended six-hour window will allow
Departments to focus on fire attention on one day instead of five or six.
Mike Patty, Fire Chief, discussed concerns about dry conditions and encourages the ban on
fireworks. The enforcement process includes doing a fire investigation report and a Sheriff's
incident report.
Ross McDowell, Duty Officer for Emergency Management, will be available to coordinate with Fire
Departments if there is a need.
Herb Gerhardt mentioned economic impact for individuals and places that rely on funds from
firework sales.
Brian Smith shared his support for the fireworks ban.
Cmmr. Trask/Shutty moved and seconded to approve to prohibit the discharge of
fireworks except from the hours of 6 p.m. to 12 midnight on Sunday,July 4, 2021
which does not include licensed and insured commercial displays of fireworks.
Motion carried unanimously. N-aye; S-aye; T-aye.
5. Adjournment—The meeting adjourned at 10:32 a.m.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ATTEST: MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
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McKenzie S th, Cle <of the Board Rand Neather i , Chair
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Kevin Shutty, C f
missioner
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Sharon Tras<, commissioner
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RESOLUTION NO. /.V21-0
An Emergency Resolution limiting the use of Fireworks
WHEREAS RCW 70.77.395 sets the dates and times statewide during which fireworks may be sold as well
as used;
WHEREAS extensive rainfall in early June created a large amount of growth in brush and vegetation and
there have been multiple days of temperatures exceeding 100 degrees which continues to dry
vegetation increasing the chances of ignition AND:
WHEREAS weather forecasts show no appreciable precipitation in the foreseeable future AND:
WHEREAS multiple sources, including the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, National
Weather Service, Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, and local fire chiefs were engaged in this
decision AND:
WHEREAS the Director of Community Development acting in his capacity as Fire Marshal makes
recommendations to the County Commission AND:
WHEREAS pursuant to Mason County Code 14.19.050, the Mason County Board of County
Commissioners, after consulting with the fire marshal, or other elected officials as may be deemed
appropriate, may prohibit the discharge of consumer fireworks during periods of extreme weather AND:
WHEREAS the County recognizes that the national Fourth of July holiday is a celebration of freedom and
liberty in the United States, with the discharge of fireworks as an expression of that freedom AND:
WHEREAS this decision was made to increase the safety for life and property of residents, and in support
of our first responders AND:
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF MASON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS to prohibit the
discharge of fireworks EXCEPT from the hours of 6 p.m. to midnight, Sunday July 4, 2021.This
prohibition does not include licensed and insured commercial displays of fireworks.The public is highly
encouraged to retain fireworks to celebrate the New Year.
Adopted and effective this 29th day of June, 2021.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MASON COUNTY,W HINGTON
ATTEST:MOV ION P it
Z'
Randy atherlin, Chair
McKenzie S Ith, CI rk of the Board
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Sharon Trask" Commissioner
Tim Whitehead, Chief Deputy Prosecuting Kevin Shutty, C01,14sioner
Attorney
J:\RESOLUTIONS&ORDINANCES\RESOLUTIONS-ORDINANCES Word Files\2021\Fireworks restriction resolution.docx