PACKET: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Dec 05, 09:00 AM

County Sources

AVCapture Page

Documents

AI Information

Fourth Quarter 2022 Budget Appropriations/Extensions

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners introduced a resolution to officially notice a public hearing for the Fourth Quarter 2022 Supplemental Budget Appropriations/Extensions, a mandatory process under RCW 36.40.140. This supplemental budget proposes various one-time and ongoing increases in expenditures for numerous county departments, largely funded by unexpected revenue from fees, grants, or the re-appropriation of prior unspent monies, aiming to improve departmental cost-effectiveness and efficiency. The total proposed new expenditures across the General Fund and Other Funds amount to $5,807,260 in one-time expenditures and $236,642 in ongoing expenditures.

Key Points

  • The proposed Fourth Quarter supplemental budget covers increases requested by various County departments for their 2022 budgets.
  • Increased spending requests are primarily funded by additional, unanticipated revenue streams, including fees, state/federal grants, or budgeted but unexpended monies from prior budget years.
  • The Board must hold a public hearing on these proposed budget changes as mandated by RCW 36.40.140.
  • Specific departmental increases approved on previous supplemental requests include a 9% cost of living adjustment for employees in the first year of recent collective bargaining agreements, and eliminating the bottom two pay steps while adding a top step.
  • The General Fund is projected to have a negative growth in expenditures in 2023, while Other Funds are expected to grow by 11.2% in expenditures.

Financials

Fund Type Revenue (One-time) Revenue (Ongoing) Expenditure (One-time) Expenditure (Ongoing)
General Fund (GF) - 4th Quarter $36,500 $15,805 $526,316 $15,805
Other Funds - 4th Quarter $1,706,899 $0 $1,810,526 $210,837
GF - Total 2022 Supplemental Requests $758,810 $172,032 $1,866,918 $1,682,379
Other Funds - Total 2022 Supplemental Requests $2,753,456 $172,501 $6,353,923 $645,669

Selected Specific 4th Quarter Budget Requests:

  • Auditor (GF 1-020): $36,818 one-time expense for retiree payout and employee payout for move into elected position.
  • Elections (GF 1-021): $15,805 ongoing expense, matched by ongoing revenue, for RCW mandated Voters Pamphlet printing/distribution costs.
  • County Administrator (GF 1-059): $8,690 one-time expense for Central Services Director candidate interview expenses (meals/travel) and supplies, plus moving expenses for the hired candidate.
  • Prosecuting Attorney (GF 1-150): $13,000 one-time expense for unexpected trial-related expenditures and $1,000 for training not originally budgeted.
  • Sheriff (GF 1-180): $36,500 one-time revenue (RSAT Grant) matching $204,273 in total expenditures, including: $36,500 for RSAT program expenses, $69,400 for critical jail control room security system repair and upgrade, $32,972 for New World license/upgrade, and $54,785 for contracted medical services (under-budgeted).
  • Grants Management (Fund 123): $1,692,386 one-time revenue (ARPA - LATCF Revenue Sharing from Dept of Treasury) matched by a budget-only expenditure of the same amount.
  • Hotel/Motel (Fund 125): $56,837 one-time expense required to fulfill the increased TCC Consultant contract amount of $152,000 (raised in May 2022).
  • Capital Improvement (Fund 302): A -$250,000 revision to the original budget is needed to correct a 2022 budgeting error regarding an operating transfer to Fund 401 (Solid Waste).
  • Information Services (Fund 506): $41,944 one-time transfer from the General Fund (1-261) to purchase 40 additional Laserfiche licenses due to a move to a named user licensing format.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

Written testimony regarding the supplemental budget request is invited from December 7, 2022, and ending on December 19, 2022, at the end of the Public Hearing.

Timeline

  • 2022-12-07 & 2022-12-14: Hearing Notice to be published in the Port Townsend Leader.
  • 2022-12-19: Public Hearing scheduled for 10:30 a.m.

Next Steps

The Board is requested to approve the resolution necessary to publish the notice for the hearing set for December 19, 2022.

Sources

  • Adiel McKnight - Executive Assistant
  • Mark McCaulley - County Administrator
  • Rose Ann Conall / Carroll - Elected Official/Department Head (Auditor)
  • RCW 36.40.140

Certifying Tax Levies for Collection in 2023

Topic Summary

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners is required by RCW 84.52.070 to pass a resolution certifying the levies for tax collection in the year 2023 for all local taxing districts within the County. This is a ministerial act; the Board is certifying the amounts as submitted by each district following their respective public hearings and prior resolutions/ballots, indicating the levies have undergone the required legal review by the districts themselves.

Key Points

  • The action certifies the amount of taxes levied upon property in the County for County purposes and for each taxing district (RCW 84.52.070).
  • The legal levies certified include regular general fund levies, EMS levies, and special bond levies for various districts including PUD No. 1, Port of Port Townsend, the City of Port Townsend, two Public Hospital Districts, Cemetery Districts, Fire Protection Districts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9), and multiple School Districts (20, 46, 48, 49, 50, 323, 402).
  • The taxing districts uniformly authorized a 1% increase in their regular property tax levies over the previous year's actual levy, exclusive of new construction value changes, as permitted by state law (RCW 84.55.120).
  • City of Port Townsend leveraged $311,548.61 of "banked capacity" from a previous tax reduction (due to fire annexation agreement) to fund infrastructure for local roads, parks, and trails projects in addition to the 1% regular General Levy increase.
  • East Jefferson Fire Protection District No. 5 (JCFPD #5) authorized a 1% increase plus 5% of Banked Capacity (total 6%) for its EMS Levy for 2023.
  • The Port of Port Townsend authorized two levies: a Regular Levy, showing a 1.0% increase ($10,677.84 increase from previous year) for its General Levy, and an Industrial Development District (IDD) tax levy of $2,634,289 (the same amount authorized in 2022).

Financials

Taxing District (Budgeted Prop Tax) General/M&O Levy Amount EMS Levy Amount Bond Levy Amount (Excess) Other Levy Amounts
Jefferson County PUD No. 1 $600,000 - - -
Port of Port Townsend $1,100,000 - - IDD: $2,634,289
Jefferson County Rural Library Dist. $1,925,000 - - -
City of Port Townsend General: $2,531,000 - Mountain View: $150,000 Library: $1,193,000
Public Hospital Dist #1 $25,250 - - -
Public Hospital Dist #2 $299,000 - $222,000 -
JCFPD No. 1 (East Jefferson) $4,657,961 $1,985,259 - -
JCFPD No. 2 (Quilcene) $501,000 $280,000 - -
JCFPD No. 3 (Port Ludlow) $1,897,000 $686,000 - -
JCFPD No. 4 (Brinnon) $378,000 $151,000 $140,000 -
JCFPD No. 5 $135,000 $62,000 $37,700 -
Clallam/Jefferson FPD 8/3 Regular: $9,981,985.46 EMS: $3,280,458.80 - -
School Dist #49 (Chimacum) EP&O: $2,153,336.88 - - Capital Projects: $1,327,025.49
School Dist #50 (Pt Townsend) EP&O: $3,454,119.11 - Bond (DSF): $2,804,514.74 Capital Projects: $1,751,463.18
School Dist #323 (Sequim) EP&O: $7,338,560 - - Capital Projects: $3,712,143

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

The information submitted by each taxing district underwent a public hearing prior to certification, as noted in the source documents. The Commissioners did not take public comment on the certification itself.

Timeline

  • 2022-12-05: Resolution approved and adopted.

Next Steps

The Board certifies these levy amounts to the Jefferson County Assessor to be extended upon the tax rolls for collection in 2023.

Sources

  • Lauralee Kiesel - Assessor’s Office, Property Tech III, Lead
  • RCW 84.52.070, RCW 84.55.120
  • S. Abigail Berg - Dir. of Finance, Port of Port Townsend
  • Jefferson County Fire Protection District No. 5 Resolution 2022-06

Intergovernmental Collaborative Group (ICG) Extension and Renewal

Topic Summary

The Commissioners processed a Joint Resolution among Jefferson County, the City of Port Townsend, the Port of Port Townsend, and Jefferson County Public Utility District (PUD) No. 1 to formally extend the Intergovernmental Collaborative Group (ICG). The ICG serves as a quarterly forum for the governing bodies of the four entities to collaborate on significant issues of mutual importance, such as housing, economic development, and infrastructure.

Key Points

  • The ICG was initially created in 2020 to develop a COVID-19 Recovery & Resiliency Plan and continued through 2021 and 2022 focusing on an economic development framework.
  • The collaboration achieved high recognition, receiving the ICMA Strategic Leadership & Governance Award (2021) and the AWC Municipal Excellence Award (2022).
  • The purpose of the ICG is to provide a forum for collaboration on issues including, but not limited to, housing, economic development (including broadband), infrastructure, climate change, behavioral health, and food security.
  • The ICG possesses no expenditure authority, cannot own property, and cannot obligate the four entities financially in any way.
  • Final actions of the ICG are taken by consensus (a majority of each governing body), and a quorum is a majority of each entity’s elected officials.
  • All ICG meetings are subject to the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA).
  • Meetings are scheduled for the 3rd Thursday of February, May, September, and November at 5:00 p.m. at the Port of Port Townsend Pavilion (Hybrid format).
  • The parties also intend to establish a "Community Conversations series," which are special meetings that include invited guests to invigorate discussion.
  • The formal process established by this resolution operates until December 31, 2023, unless extended by the Parties through a new authorization.

Financials

  • No fiscal impact specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • 2022-11-17: ICG met and indicated support for maintaining intergovernmental collaboration.
  • 2023 (TBD): ICG Regular Meetings are scheduled for the 3rd Thursday of February, May, September, and November.
  • 2023-12-31: Last meeting of the ICG shall be completed by this date unless extended.

Next Steps

Approval of the proposed Joint Resolution to establish the collaborative process for 2023.

Sources

  • Carolyn Gallaway - Clerk of the Board
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • RCW 39.34 (Intergovernmental Cooperation Act)
  • RCW 42.30.080 (Open Public Meetings Act calling of special meetings)
  • International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
  • Association of Washington Cities (AWC)

Parks and Recreation Lodging Tax Grant Funding

Topic Summary

The Board considered an agreement providing $50,000 in grant funding from the Hotel Motel (Lodging Tax) Fund to the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Division (JCPR). This funding, recommended by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC), is specifically designated for tourism promotion services and maintaining the operation of certain county campgrounds located in unincorporated areas of Jefferson County.

Key Points

  • The funding supports the promotion of tourism and the ongoing preservation of Jefferson County’s heritage, authorized by RCW 67.28 and Jefferson County Code Chapter 3.25.
  • JCPR must use the $50,000 funding to promote and continue the operation of Lake Leland Campground, Upper and Lower Oak Bay Campground, and Quilcene Campground.
  • JCPR is required to submit quarterly reports detailing the use of funds, services, programs, and financial statements by January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 31, 2023, and a final report by January 31, 2024.
  • An annual Lodging Tax Reporting Form must be submitted by February 28th of each year, detailing the number of tourists served, lodging stays, and other metrics demonstrating the impact of increased tourism.
  • Any under-expended monies must be refunded to Jefferson County by January 31, 2024.
  • The use of funds is restricted to the eligible tourism promotion services outlined in Exhibit A.

Financials

  • Total Grant Funding: $50,000 (for 2023)
  • Funding Source: Hotel Motel (Lodging Tax) Fund.
  • Proposed 2023 Proposed Services Expense Budget for Campgrounds (Total $57,233—not all funded by this $50,000 agreement):
    • Staff maintenance (2 hrs/day, 5 days/week, 8 mo/yr): $29,760
    • Utilities: $6,675
    • Equipment & supplies: $6,274
    • Tree service: $3,090
    • Customer service: $4,174
    • Website/rack card/truck: Remaining total.
  • The revenue table for the campgrounds shows $57,233 for each campground, leading to a total proposed revenue budget of $57,233 (if the amount for each campground is actually split from a total of $57,233, not added together). [Note: The table layout suggests the $57,233 total is derived by combining the 3 campground totals of $19,078 each, which total $57,234. However, the agreement amount is $50,000.]
Revenue Leland Quilcene Oak Bay Total
LTAC Funds $19,078 $19,078 $19,078 $57,233

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee met October 28, 2022, and reviewed requests for proposals before recommending this funding.

Timeline

  • 2023-01-01: Agreement term commences.
  • 2023-12-31: Agreement term ends.
  • 2024-01-31: Final quarterly report and financial statement due.
  • 2024-02-28: Lodging Tax Reporting Form (Exhibit B details) due for the previous year.

Next Steps

Approve and sign the agreement.

Sources

  • Adiel McKnight - Executive Assistant
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC)
  • RCW 67.28, Jefferson County Code Chapter 3.25

Change Order No. 5 for JUMP! Playground Project

Topic Summary

The Board is considering Change Order No. 5 to the contract with Interwest Construction Inc. (ICI) for the JUMP! (Universal Movement Playground) Project at HJ Carroll Park. This change order requests an additional $4,680.52 to purchase and install bollards and re-install high visibility fencing to protect the newly hydroseeded playground area.

Key Points

  • Change Order No. 5 addresses the need for purchasing and installing three bollards and re-installing high visibility safety fencing to protect the hydroseeded area until grass becomes established.
  • The change order specifies that the work is ordered by the County Engineer under terms of Section 1-04.4 of the Standard Specifications.
  • The installation covers painting and installing three bollards, including one removable bollard ($725.00) and two static bollards ($980.00 total).
  • The change order itself does not extend the contract time, maintaining the current contract time of 70.0 days.

Financials

  • Additional Amount (Change Order No. 5): $4,680.52 (one-time increase)
  • Previous Contract Amount: $770,836.41
  • New Project Total (Estimated Contract Total After Change): $775,516.93
  • The project is funded by a combination of sources:
    • RCO Grant: $500,000
    • Jefferson County Capital Improvement Fund contribution: $550,000
    • Other grants, pledges, and cash donations (unspecified amounts).
  • Cost breakdown for the $4,680.52 change:
    • Equipment (Truck) + 21% Markup: $494.19
    • Labor (Foreman, Laborers) + 31% Markup: $1,976.53
    • Material (Paint, Concrete, Bollards) + 21% Markup: $2,209.80

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • Construction time remains at 70.0 days.
  • Labor performed for the change order occurred between 2022-10-26 and 2022-11-01.

Next Steps

Public Works recommends the Board execute three copies of Change Order No. 5 with ICI.

Sources

  • Monte Reinders - Public Works Director
  • Eric Kuzma - Engineering Services Manager
  • Interwest Construction Inc. (ICI)
  • Robert Reul - Vice President, ICI
  • RCO Grant

Deed of Right for Salmon Recovery Purposes (Baughman Property)

Topic Summary

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH), Natural Resources Program, seeks approval of a Deed of Right for the former Baughman property (Parcel No. 702 242 012) in Quilcene. This document, required by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) as part of the Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) grant utilized for the property acquisition, ensures the land is protected for salmon recovery in perpetuity.

Key Points

  • The Deed of Right legally enforces use restrictions on the property, preventing any use inconsistent with salmon recovery purposes (protecting, preserving, restoring, or enhancing habitat functions, including floodplain and riparian habitat).
  • The habitat supports priority species or groups of species, including Hood Canal summer chum, Puget Sound Chinook, and Coho salmon.
  • The County must allow public access to the property, subject to restrictions stated in the Project agreement or state law.
  • Grantee (State of Washington, acting through RCO and SRFB) retains the right to inspect the property for compliance.
  • The Deed establishes covenants running with the land, meaning restrictions bind successors, assigns, and subsequent owners (including through foreclosure) in perpetuity.
  • The Deed may only be removed or altered with specific approval from RCO and/or SRFB.
  • The Grantee has a separate and independent right to enforce the terms of the Deed.
  • Grantee consent to an inconsistent use is conditioned on providing substitute salmon recovery land of reasonably equivalent habitat quality, characteristics, location, and at least equal fair market value.

Financials

  • The original property acquisition was funded by a grant from the RCO Salmon Recovery Funding Board (#18-1227) and the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group through an MOU.
  • RCO will not release retainage until it receives the recorded Deed of Right from the county auditor’s office.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • 2019-09-23: Project agreement (#18-1227) signed by Grantor (Jefferson County).
  • 2019-09-30: Project agreement (#18-1227) signed by Grantee (State of Washington).
  • 2022-11-10: Grantee (RCO) Deputy Director Scott T. Robinson signed the Deed of Right.
  • Upon signature: The Deed of Right applies in perpetuity.

Next Steps

JCPH management requests approval of the Deed of Right so the County can sign and record it with the county auditor's office (which then transmits the original recorded document back to RCO).

Sources

  • Pinky Mingo - Environmental Health and Water Quality Director
  • Tami Pokorny - Natural Resources Program Coordinator
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Josh Lambert - Outdoor Grants Manager, RCO
  • Scott T Robinson - Deputy Director, RCO
  • Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO)
  • Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) Grant #18-1227

Cultural Resources Assessment Contract for Olympic Discovery Trail - Anderson Lake Connection

Topic Summary

Jefferson County Public Works seeks approval for a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Lahren Associates (Sylvester Lahren PhD) to perform a Cultural Resources Assessment and Report for the Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) Anderson Lake Connection project. This assessment is mandatory to comply with state and federal cultural resource protection regulations before the project can proceed with design, permitting, and construction.

Key Points

  • The project is officially part of the 2022-2027 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the 2022 Annual Construction Program (Item No. 6 in each).
  • The work aims to satisfy the requirements of 36 Code of Federal Reg. Part 800, Section 106, Protection of Historic Properties.
  • The trail connection runs approximately 3 miles from the south end of the Larry Scott Trail at Milo Curry Road to Anderson Lake State Park.
  • The scope of work involves project management, an archaeological records search, drafting a report, coordinating for Tribal review and comments, a pre-field site visit, field work (pedestrian survey, subsurface testing, field notes), analysis of findings (assuming no archaeological findings), drafting the final report, and distribution.
  • The County retains "ownership and use of documents" produced by the Consultant.

Financials

  • Maximum Agreement Amount: $10,260 (for the PSA with Lahren Associates)
  • Funding Sources:
    • WA State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) WA Wildlife and Recreation Program-Trails grant #20-1745: Up to $7,414.
    • County Capital Improvement Fund #302: Up to $2,846.
  • The consultant's proposed cost breakdown involves 98 hours of Principal Investigator time at $90.00/hour, totaling $8,820 for the services, plus an estimated total of $1,440 (implied remainder of the $10,260 total, with tribal visit hours listed but without total amounts).

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

The scope of work includes submitting a proposal for Tribal Review and Comment in Task 4, and a Tribal visit (8 hours for PI) is accounted for in Task 5.

Timeline

  • The total duration for the Cultural Resources services is anticipated to require 6 to 18 months.
  • All work must be completed on or before December 31, 2025.

Next Steps

Public Works recommends that the Board execute all three original Professional Services Agreement documents.

Sources

  • Monte Reinders, P.E. - Public Works Director/County Engineer
  • John Fleming, P.E. - Project Manager
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Lahren Associates, Sylvester Lahren PhD
  • RCO WA Wildlife and Recreation Program-Trails grant #20-1745

Intergovernmental Cooperation and Shared Challenges

Topic Summary

County Administrator Mark McCauley delivered a message summarizing the 2022-2023 Mid-Biennium Review and Modification, noting that the status quo budget modification was guided by a cautious view of the future due to high inflation and the likelihood of a recession. He highlighted the significant impact of pandemic-related federal revenues and ongoing structural funding challenges facing the county.

Key Points

  • The 2022-2023 Mid-Biennium Review marks the second use of Jefferson County's biennial budgeting policy, successfully achieving its goals of freeing up capacity by streamlining the process.
  • Economic Context: The County emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic in sound financial shape due to robust revenue streams, but faces serious threats from 7.5% destructive inflation and rapidly rising interest rates, increasing the likelihood of a recession.
  • Budget Adjustments (Conservative Approach): Salaries and benefits for 2023 include no general cost of living pay adjustment, though step increases and longevity payments continue. Non-personnel items and general fund transfers saw only a 1.5% increase.
  • Staffing: The budget includes an increase of just over 7 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) employees across all funds.
  • General Fund Reserves: The General Fund Reserve Goal remains 15% of total expenditures (10% for routine cash flow, 5% for revenue stabilization), established by Resolution 041-19. Projections indicate the county is meeting minimum recommended reserves.
  • Transfers to Other Funds: Transfers from the General Fund to Public Health and Community Development were marginally reduced based on a financial needs analysis, but the reduction can be revisited if genuine need arises.
  • Road Fund Challenge: The Road Fund continues to struggle with structural revenue challenges due to property tax growth limitations and inflation. The General Fund property tax diversion to the Road Fund is being reduced from $670,000 (2022) to $620,000 (2023).
  • Structural Funding Gap: The 1% property tax increase limitation severely restricts the ability to maintain service levels in a high-inflation environment (7.5% inflation in 2022).
  • Hadlock Sewer Project: Project status is in the final design phase, but significant commodity price inflation makes full funding uncertain despite $1,945,000 in ARPA commitment; Public Works is seeking additional state funding to close the gap.
  • Affordable Housing: The 1/10th of 1% Affordable Housing sales tax (effective April 2021) generates about $600K/year, funding projects like OlyCAP’s 7th Hendricks affordable housing project.
  • Debt Capacity: The County retired the Castle Hill property acquisition debt in 2021 and is currently evaluating its ability to issue new bonds for needed capital facilities.
  • Intergovernmental Collaboration: The Intergovernmental Collaborative Group (ICG) has proven its worth and is scheduled to be extended through December 31, 2023.

Financials

  • 2022 (thru 3rd Qtr Appropriation) / 2023 (Recommended Budget)
    • General Fund Expenditures: $26,556,391 / $25,681,640 (Reduction of -3.29%)
    • Other Funds Expenditures: $54,078,260 / $60,149,553 (Increase of 11.2%)
    • Total County Expenditures: $80,634,651 / $85,831,193 (Approximate change based on sum of GF and Other Funds)
    • General Fund Ending Fund Balance: $6,900,740 / $6,112,131
  • Key ARPA Investments (Total approx. $7.95 million received):
    • OlyCAP (Caswell Brown Shelter): $1,500,000
    • Jefferson County PUD No. 1 (Broadband): $900,000
    • Jefferson County Public Works (Hadlock Sewer): $650,000 (part of $1,945,000 commitment mentioned elsewhere in message)
    • City of Port Townsend (Evans Vista): $500,000
    • EDC Team Jefferson (Business Assistance Grants): $500,000
  • Road Fund Property Tax Diversion Reduced: $720,000 to $670,000 (2022) and further reduced to $620,000 (2023).

Alternatives

  • Transfers to Public Health and Community Development, which were marginally reduced based on needs analysis, can be revisited and increased if a genuine need arises.

Community Input

  • Public testimony was received during the 9:45 a.m. hearing from Steve Dittmar and Dean Crawford (both identifying as from Port Ludlow). No details on the content of their testimony are provided in the background documents.

Timeline

  • 2022 (Summer/Fall): Budget formulated using available information.
  • 2022-11-21: Recommended 2022-2023 Mid-biennium Review distributed to Commissioners.
  • 2022-12-05: Public Hearing.
  • 2022-12-12: Tentative date for final budget adoption.
  • 2023 (January): New collective bargaining cycle begins.
  • 2032: Distressed Rural County 0.09% sales tax contribution is scheduled to expire.

Next Steps

The Board is directed to hold the Public Hearing, deliberate, and provide direction to staff to prepare a Final 2022-2023 Mid-biennium Review and Modification for potential adoption on December 12, 2022, or a subsequent date.

Sources

  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Judy Shepherd - Finance Manager
  • Resolution No. 041-19 (General Fund Reserve Goal)
  • Resolution No. 38-22
  • Resolution No. 32-10
  • House Bill 1590 (Affordable Housing sales tax)
  • Retiring/Departing Public Servants: Rose Ann Carroll (Auditor), Ruth Gordon (Clerk), Barbara Carr (Juvenile and Family Court Director), Keith Harper (Superior Court Judge).

(Note: The following contracts/agenda items were approved on the Consent Agenda without prior discussion detail in the packet's main body. Summaries are based on the agenda item title text and accompanying agenda requests/resolutions if present.)

Topic Summary

This item constitutes the official agreement for the $50,000 in hotel-motel tax grant funding detailed in a previous section for the Parks and Recreation Division (JCPR).

Key Points

  • Grant Funding is for the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Division.
  • Purpose is for tourism promotion and ongoing preservation of heritage in unincorporated Jefferson County.
  • Funding was reviewed and recommended by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.

Financials

  • Total Amount: $50,000.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • Term: 2023 (full year).

Next Steps

Approval and signature of the agreement (Action taken: Approved on Consent Agenda).

Sources

  • Jefferson County Parks and Recreation (Grantee)

Topic Summary

This item formalizes the agreement between Jefferson County Public Health and the Seattle Aquarium for kelp survey research discussed previously, focused on using ROVs and AI to develop subtidal monitoring techniques on the Pacific Coast.

Key Points

  • The Seattle Aquarium will develop and test subtidal monitoring technology—Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)—specifically for kelp forests.
  • ROV survey protocols will obtain high-resolution video of kelp beds (Bull and Giant kelp) in relatively shallow locations (5-40m).
  • The project is funded by a grant from the Washington State Department of Wildlife (WDFW) for projects recommended by the North Pacific Coast Marine Resources Committee (NPC MRC).
  • The project includes engaging students from Neah Bay High School and Quileute Tribal School through lectures and field trips focusing on ROV survey methods.
  • The Seattle Aquarium must submit a final report by June 15, 2023, detailing work accomplished, findings, outreach plans, and providing presentations.

Financials

  • Total Amount: $24,800.
  • Funding Source: Grant from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (#21-18965).

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

The North Pacific Coast Marine Resources Committee (NPC MRC) recommended the project for funding.

Timeline

  • Agreement Term: July 1, 2021, to June 15, 2023 (Work performed prior to adoption is ratified).
  • Final report: Due June 15, 2023.

Next Steps

Board approval of the agreement (Action taken: Approved on Consent Agenda).

Sources

  • Jefferson County Environmental Public Health
  • Seattle Aquarium
  • Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (Grant #21-18965)
  • North Pacific Coast Marine Resources Committee (NPC MRC)

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners addressed the resignation and reappointment of members to the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

Key Points

  • Resignation: Roger Hall resigned as the long-standing District No. 2 Representative. Mr. Hall served six consecutive terms, first appointed in May 2010.
  • Reappointment: Marianne Walters, a "valued member" since 2018, requested reappointment and was endorsed by Parks & Recreation Manager Matt Tyler for a third two-year term, expiring December 10, 2024, as the District No. 2 Representative.

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • Marianne Walters' new term expires: December 10, 2024.

Next Steps

Approval of the resignation and the reappointment (Action taken: Approved on Consent Agenda).

Sources

  • Julie Shannon - Executive Secretary II
  • Marianne Walters (Reappointment)
  • Roger Hall (Resignation)
  • Matt Tyler - Jefferson County Parks & Recreation Manager

Topic Summary

This item formally implements the renewal resolution for the Intergovernmental Collaborative Group (ICG), establishing the process for 2023 collaboration among Jefferson County, the City of Port Townsend, the Port of Port Townsend, and Jefferson County PUD No. 1.

Key Points

  • The purpose is to maintain a multi-governmental process for collaborating on issues of mutual importance (e.g., housing, economic development, infrastructure).
  • The group was recognized as effective with the 2021 ICMA Strategic Leadership & Governance Award and the 2022 AWC Municipal Excellence Award.

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • The collaboration process is established until December 31, 2023.
  • Regular meetings are set for the 3rd Thursday of February, May, September, and November at 5:00 p.m.

Next Steps

The Joint Resolution was approved (Action taken: Approved on Consent Agenda).

Sources

  • Carolyn Gallaway - Clerk of the Board

Topic Summary

This item formalizes the action necessary to meet the requirement under RCW 84.52.070 for the Board to certify the tax levies for collection in the coming year (2023) to the Assessor.

Key Points

  • The resolution certifies the levies upon property for County purposes and for each taxing district.
  • This process is legally required (RCW 84.52.070).

Financials

  • Fiscal impact referenced Attachment A (District Levy Certification and Budget Resolutions).

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

Certification must occur on or before the first Monday in December.

Next Steps

The Resolution was approved (Action taken: Approved on Consent Agenda).

Sources

  • Lauralee Kiesel - Assessor’s Office Property Tech III, Lead
  • RCW 84.52.070

Topic Summary

This resolution sets the notice and date for the public hearing regarding Fourth Quarter 2022 Budget Appropriations/Extensions for various County departments.

Key Points

  • Hearing scheduled for December 19, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Chambers (Hybrid).

Financials

  • Fiscal impact is provided in the Resolution documents.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • Hearing Date: December 19, 2022, at 10:30 a.m.

Next Steps

The resolution providing the hearing notice was adopted (Action taken: Approved on Consent Agenda).

Sources

  • Resolution No. 62-22

Executive Session regarding Attorney-Client Privilege and Litigation

Topic Summary

The Board held two consecutive executive sessions regarding legal matters: the first concerning actual litigation and the second addressing potential litigation, both under the attorney-client privilege exemption of the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA). Following the first session, the Commissioners waived a conflict of interest for the Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in a pending lawsuit.

Key Points

  • Executive Session 1 (Actual Litigation): Held from 1:31 p.m. to 2:01 p.m. (scheduled 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.) under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). County Administrator and Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney were present.
  • Conflict of Interest Waiver: Commissioner Dean moved to waive any conflict of interest for Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Philip Hunsucker in representing the County in the lawsuit filed by Julie St. Marie. The motion was carried by unanimous vote.
  • Executive Session 2 (Potential Litigation): Held from 2:04 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (scheduled 2:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.) under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). County Administrator, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Department of Community Development (DCD) Director, and DCD Deputy Director were present.
  • Tolling Agreements Authority: Following the second session, Commissioner Dean moved to delegate authority to the County Administrator to finalize and sign tolling agreements on behalf of the County. The motion carried unanimously.
  • Public Comment Requirement: Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Philip Hunsucker confirmed that the Board is required to call for public comments if a motion is made following an Executive Session, and the public only needs to know the content of the motion.

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

  • One comment was received regarding the motion to waive the conflict of interest for the Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney.
  • One comment was received regarding the motion to delegate authority for signing tolling agreements.

Timeline

  • 2022-12-05, 1:31 PM – 2:01 PM: Executive Session 1 (Julie St. Marie lawsuit).
  • 2022-12-05, 2:04 PM – 2:30 PM: Executive Session 2 (Potential Litigation).

Next Steps

The Board took three key actions: (1) Waived a conflict of interest for Philip Hunsucker, (2) Delegated authority to the County Administrator for finalizing and signing tolling agreements, and (3) Received confirmation on the OPMA requirement to call for public comments on subsequent motions.

Sources

  • Heidi Eisenhour - Chair
  • Kate Dean - Commissioner
  • Greg Brotherton - Commissioner
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Philip Hunsucker - Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
  • RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) (Open Public Meetings Act exemption)

Discussion Regarding Legislative Agendas and Steering Committee

Topic Summary

The Commissioners held an internal discussion covering the continuation of legislative agendas and committee assignments for the upcoming year, largely focused on procedural planning.

Key Points

  • Discussion addressed legislative agendas and the 2023 Legislative Steering Committee (LSC).
  • Commissioner Dean expressed desire to continue serving on the LSC.
  • Board and committee assignments are scheduled to be discussed in 2023.
  • Greg Brotherton is tentatively slated as the BOCC Chair for 2023.

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • Next steps (Assignments, Chair election) commence in 2023.

Next Steps

Plan for 2023 Boards and committee assignments, and formally elect the 2023 BOCC Chair (tentatively Greg Brotherton).

Sources

  • Commissioner Dean
  • Greg Brotherton (tentative 2023 BOCC Chair)

Generated On: 2025-11-06 17:08:49.932829-08:00 By: google/gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025 running on https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/