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07/18/22 08 AM: Tiny Houses, Budgets, COVID, Appointments in Commissioners Meet

Tiny Houses, Budgets, COVID, Appointments in Commissioners Meet

Jefferson County Commissioners addressed tiny house ordinance revisions, consent agenda, COVID-19 update, Q2 budget appropriations, tax levy workshop, EOC review, OPMA guidelines, fairgrounds lease, and planning appointments with workshops, approvals, and discussions.

Tiny House Ordinance Revisions

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:07:00–00:10:38 (PART 1)
  • Categories: land use, ordinances, planning

Summary

Commissioners discussed written public comments from tiny house communities and Bayside regarding the temporary housing ordinance, acknowledging process shortcomings such as bypassing Planning Commission review and substantive post-review changes. Staff (Greg, Josh Peters, Brent Butler) proposed a workshop to clarify definitions (e.g., temporary structures) and nuances, followed by hearings with extended public feedback periods. The ordinance affects Bayside properties like Causal Brown Village and Peter's Place; short-term operation under current rules or minor modification considered during revisions.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner (unidentified): Detailed comments from tiny house communities noted; inquired on addressing them.
  • Greg: Met with Housing Solutions That Work, Bayside reps, DCD (Josh Peters, Brent Butler); acknowledged imperfect process, no codified version to Planning Commission; consensus to reopen ordinance via workshop for definitions, then hearings; reached out to Bayside for interim operation; suggested Planning Commission involvement if substantive changes.
  • Commissioners: Supported workshop (Monday afternoon with DCD, stakeholders, public comment); potential open hearing for nuanced feedback; verify with legal/DCD if Planning Commission needed.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Consensus to schedule workshop with DCD to clarify ordinance; potential interim allowance for Bayside; reopen for hearings, possibly via Planning Commission.
  • Vote: None taken; verbal agreement.
  • Next Steps:
  • Schedule Monday afternoon workshop with DCD, stakeholders, public input (Greg).
  • Verify Planning Commission involvement with legal/DCD.
  • Contact Bayside for short-term operation or minor modification.
  • No specific deadlines specified.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:18:02–00:21:33 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, operations, contracts, personnel, public safety

Summary

The consent agenda was approved unanimously without items pulled for discussion. Notable items included extension of testimony deadline for Jolly Way no-shooting area (to July 25th, mispublished); LTAC code updates clarifying hotel-motel tax use (no capital projects, workforce housing under review); flurry of public health contracts (behavioral health funding). Supporting materials highlighted no major hidden decisions.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner: Called out no-shooting extension (open to adjacent neighborhoods with interest); thanked LTAC code updates (Mark McCauley, Phil Hansecker); noted public health items (Laurie Fleming).
  • Limited discussion; item addressed primarily through supporting materials.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Agenda items included: no-shooting testimony extension; LTAC code clarifications; public health contracts (behavioral health disbursements); solid waste operations praised for pandemic continuity.

Financials

Behavioral health partner funding disbursed; no specific figures discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve and adopt the consent agenda as presented."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all aye, none opposed).
  • No next steps specified.

COVID-19 Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:44:07–01:18:46 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, operations, services

Summary

Dr. Alison Barry provided Jefferson County COVID-19 data (5,033 cases, 712/100k rate, uptick from outbreaks; no hospitalizations/deaths); Clallam comparison; BA.5 dominance (contagious, immune escape, vaccines prevent severe disease). Emphasized boosters (3-4 doses), high-quality masks indoors; answered questions on masks, boosters, global vaccines, gatherings, testing, variants. Vaccine clinics announced for Quilcene (kids under 5 priority).

Key Discussion Points

  • Dr. Barry: National hospitalizations rising; local cases variable; vaccines prevent severe/Long COVID; BA.5 breakthrough infections common but milder; tests last 18+ months; BA.2.75 immune escape, not more severe.
  • Commissioners: Mask efficacy; boosters for 50+; global vaccination; large gatherings; Tai Chi safety; surfaces/food transmission low; symptom onset/post-infection immunity.
  • Q&A on dogs detecting COVID, treatments (Paxlovid).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update; clinics scheduled (Jul 30, Sep 10, Oct 22, 9AM-1PM; call 360-385-9400).
  • No next steps specified.

Second Quarter 2022 Budget Appropriations and Extensions

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:19:46–01:41:38 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, personnel

Summary

Judy Shepherd presented Q2 appropriations: general fund revenue increase $59,563; other funds expenditures $452,089. Items included auditor payroll position conversion; elections voter cards postage; CDBG-CV grants; prosecutor salary grant; PILT increase $238,808; roads SRS/PILT true-up; courthouse security; voter machines; WSU leases/wages; youth services camp; treasurer fees; Munis software. Public hearing held; approved unanimously.

Key Discussion Points

  • Judy Shepherd: Detailed net impacts, fund corrections (e.g., auditor part-time payroll; elections 4-digit precincts; CDBG admin $3k; PILT/roads $57k; WSU 5% lease/janitorial; youth camp; etc.).
  • Commissioners: PDF orientation issues; fund balance coverage noted.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Packet detailed appropriations by fund/department; net general fund positive.

Financials

  • General fund: +$59,563 revenue.
  • Other funds: +$452,089 expenditures (e.g., PILT +$238,808; WSU +$15k; youth camp $ undisclosed; Munis exceedance).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve a resolution [for] the second quarter, 2022 budget appropriations and extensions...as presented."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all aye, none opposed).
  • No next steps specified.

Maximum Property Tax Levy Rates Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:41:51–02:43:33 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, planning

Summary

Assessor Jeff Chapman explained levy types (regular/excess), limits ($5.90 statutory composite, 1% constitutional), proration order (e.g., cultural arts first out, county protected). Current rates far below limits (city $4.21/$5.90, county $4.26); excess levies/bonds outside limits. Discussed lid lifts (fire, hospital), mergers (fire districts), potential homestead exemption impacts, banked capacity. No action; informational.

Key Discussion Points

  • Jeff Chapman: Regular levies capped 1%+new construction; excess voter-approved; proration examples; current/max rates; fire/hospital lid lifts; school levies capped $2.50; homestead $250k risks proration.
  • Commissioners: Fire merger rates; bonds vs. lid lifts; parks district options.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Levy sheets by tax code area; DOR levy manual.

Financials

Current: city $9.68/$1k, county ~$10/$1k (incl. excess); statutory max far higher.

Alternatives & Amendments

Lid lifts (fire to $1.50, hospital to $0.75); banked capacity use.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational workshop; no action.
  • No next steps specified.

EOC Pandemic After-Action Review

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:45:50–03:41:51 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, planning, public safety

Summary

Willie Vince presented initial findings: underprepared for prolonged pandemic; facility/virtual coordination challenges; partner unfamiliarity; staffing strain (volunteers essential); strong spontaneous volunteers (499); mass clinics/call center success; communications issues; logistics successes (PPE). Recommendations: update plans, expand staff/volunteers, virtual EOC, training. Seeking feedback before finalizing.

Key Discussion Points

  • Willie Vince: 2-year activation; all-hazards gaps; hybrid/virtual models; ESF/unified command; reservists; medical reserve; JIC.
  • Commissioners: Virtual EOC viability; comms in disasters; public input.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational; initial findings shared for feedback.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps:
  • Policy group after-action (near-term).
  • Finalize report, implement (e.g., hire FTE, reservists, training).

OPMA Guidelines for Boards/Commissions

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:53:16–04:43:10 (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances, operations

Summary

Phil Brown presented draft guidelines ensuring OPMA compliance (notices, public comment pre-final action, email addresses, hearings). Policy choices: uniform public comment/hearings; Roberts Rules; quorum. Process: resolution adoption; staff/public feedback needed. Workshop continued next week.

Key Discussion Points

  • Phil Brown: Purposes (compliance, guidance); public comment/email logistics; quorum (50%+1?); Roberts Rules optional; hearings policy.
  • Commissioners: Staff burden (email sorting/retention); auto-forward; Roberts complexity; encourage discussion pre-vote.

Public Comments

No public comment taken (technical issues; continued next week).

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft guidelines (purpose, notices, agendas, motions, executive sessions).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Roberts Rules for small boards (simplified version suggested).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Workshop; first reading; continue next week.
  • No next steps specified.

Fairgrounds Lease Renewal Discussion

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:44:55–05:07:03 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, operations, planning

Summary

Fair Manager Danny McCarney addressed rumors of non-renewal; outlined youth/family hub vision (skate parties, homeschool co-op, events); capital needs (DOA grants: bleachers, restrooms, electric). Commissioners affirmed support, no plans to end lease; open to 5-year term, contract review for accessibility/renovations.

Key Discussion Points

  • Danny McCarney: Rumors caused anxiety; youth programming, grants ($75k); potential $100k+ renovation partnership.
  • Commissioners: No intent to terminate; support vision; review contract (3-5 years, accessibility); capital needs noted.

Public Comments

No public comment taken (Danny left; technical issues).

Supporting Materials Referenced

Current lease/MOU (3-year term).

Financials

DOA grants ~$75k (bleachers, restrooms, electric, campground).

Alternatives & Amendments

5-year MOU considered.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Verbal support for renewal (Dec timeline or accelerate); review contract.
  • No vote.
  • Next Steps: Draft/review 5-year MOU (incl. goals/events); discuss renovations (Danny/Kate).

Planning Commission Appointments

Metadata

  • Time Range: 05:10:28–05:34:03 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel, planning

Summary

District 2: Heidi recommended reappointing Lorna Smith (experience, land use background). District 3: Greg initially recommended Craig Durgan (sewer knowledge); reconsidered to Chris Louellen (agricultural perspective, productive). All candidates qualified; appointments serve at Board pleasure.

Key Discussion Points

  • Heidi: Lorna Smith (professional experience, productive).
  • Greg: Chris Louellen over Durgan (ag perspective; concerns on Durgan's obstructionism noted but reconsidered).
  • Commissioners: All qualified; Durgan divisiveness/past litigation concerns; removal possible post-hearing.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Durgan considered/rejected.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Appointed Lorna Smith (District 2); Chris Louellen (District 3).
  • Vote: Unanimous on both.
  • No next steps specified.

Background Materials

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