NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
BEFORE THE JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ON ESTABLISHING THE CAPE GEORGE NO SHOOTING AREAS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing is scheduled by the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners for TUESDAY, June 21, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Chambers, County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Due to high Covid-19 case rates, this meeting will be held virtually. Notice of said hearing is to be published in the official newspaper of Jefferson County.
The public hearing is to take comments from all interested persons for or against establishing the Cape George No Shooting Area, which the County Commissioners are considering for possible adoption by ordinance. In accordance with RCW 9.41.300(2)(a), the County Commissioners may establish a no shooting area “where there is a reasonable likelihood that humans, domestic animals, or property may be jeopardized.” Residents of the Cape George Colony have submitted a petition to create a no shooting area within their residential subdivisions.
A draft ordinance has been prepared for consideration in the event the County Commissioners were to decide, after deliberating on public testimony, to designate a no shooting area. Section One of the draft ordinance would add a section to Chapter 8.50 of the Jefferson County Code (JCC) describing the metes and bounds of the Cape George No Shooting Area; Section Two would add to JCC Chapter 8.50 a map of the Cape George No Shooting Area; Section Three states the metes and bounds shall prevail over the map in the event of any discrepancy; Section Four reiterates that nothing in the ordinance is intended to abridge the right of the individual guaranteed by Article I, Section 24 of the State Constitution to bear arms in defense of self or others; Section Five references the penalty provisions found in JCC 8.50.060; and Section Six sets an effective date for the ordinance of 30 days after its adoption.
To view documents, go to www.co.jefferson.wa.us.
The Map and DRAFT Ordinance are available for review at this link: https://test.co.jefferson.wa.us/WeblinkExternal/DocView.aspx?id=3498720&dbid=0&repo=Jefferson
You are welcome to participate in this Pubic Hearing. You will need to join the meeting by
10:30 a.m. using the following methods: VIRTUALLY: Via the following Zoom, link: https://zoom.us/j/93777841705, PHONE: Dial 1-253-215-8782 and enter access code: 937-7784-1705# and press *9 to “raise your hand” to be called upon. Access for the hearing impaired can be accommodated using Washington Relay Service at 1-800-833-6384.
In addition, written testimony is also invited beginning on June 8, 2022 and ending on June 21, 2022 at the end of the Public Hearing, unless extended by the Board of County Commissioners. Written public testimony may be submitted by Email to: jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us; or by Mail to: Jefferson County Commissioners’ Office; PO Box 1220, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Testimony must be received by the Board of County Commissioners by the end of the hearing testimony period.