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02/27/23 09 AM: BOCC Approves ARPA Funding, Security Ordinance, Infrastructure Advocacy

BOCC Approves ARPA Funding, Security Ordinance, Infrastructure Advocacy

Jefferson County BOCC addressed public concerns on WSDOT roundabouts, fairgrounds, and courthouse screening; approved consent agenda, $829K ARPA allocations to top-ranked projects, security ordinance sans off-duty LE exception, Olympic Terrace plat alteration, HR work plan; authorized support letters for aquatics, PUD, Quilcene bridge, and Hood Canal Bridge advocacy.

Public Comments on WSDOT Roundabouts, Fairgrounds, and Related Infrastructure

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:37–00:21:03 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, operations, services

Summary

Public commenters raised concerns about WSDOT's roundabout construction at the Visitor Center and Put-in-Bay Canal Bridge, lack of prior notification, timing overlapping with bridge repairs and detours on Highway 101, and impacts on local traffic and businesses. Comments also addressed fairgrounds management changes, a DNR inter-trust land exchange public hearing, and courthouse security screening exceptions. Commissioners responded by acknowledging process frustrations with WSDOT, committing to follow-up discussions, and noting ongoing efforts to improve fairgrounds governance transparency and accountability.

Key Discussion Points

  • Brian (in-person): Expressed frustration over unannounced roundabouts at Visitor Center and bridge end, poor timing with August bridge work, lack of local consultation, and safety concerns.
  • Julia Cochrane (virtual): Supported fairgrounds becoming a broader community resource beyond agriculture, urged retaining younger leadership for modernization after recent staff and board changes.
  • Peter Bales (virtual): Reminded of upcoming DNR public hearing on Dabob inter-trust exchange, noted progression to full exchange, inquired about BOCC letter of support.
  • Josh Tiersch (in-person): Reiterated support for 100% courthouse screening without exceptions, cited statistics on workplace violence from known individuals, compared to TSA/airport screening.
  • Commissioners' responses: Acknowledged WSDOT consultation shortcomings and timing issues, committed to agenda item for follow-up; noted fairgrounds governance discussions underway; confirmed DNR letter consideration; defended screening exceptions while noting operational challenges.

Public Comments

  • Brian (resident): Frustration with roundabout process and timing.
  • Julia Cochrane: Fairgrounds community integration.
  • Peter Bales: DNR land exchange support.
  • Josh Tiersch: Full courthouse screening.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public comments noted; responses provided; no formal action.
  • Next Steps: Add WSDOT follow-up to agenda; consider DNR letter; continue courthouse security hearing.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:22:55–00:25:46 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, personnel

Summary

The BOCC approved the consent agenda as presented, which included substantive items such as ARPA subrecipient agreements for youth prevention programs, MOU amendments for restoration projects, payment of jury fees, and personnel policy revisions. No items were pulled for discussion; brief notes highlighted new funding sources like tobacco prevention grants and ARPA compliance revisions.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; items addressed primarily through supporting materials.
  • Noted new Tobacco Prevention Program funding via empowered teams/coalitions.
  • Chimacum Confluence restoration extension due to federal auditor revisions.
  • ARPA subawards to Brinnon School District (\$4,600 Run Club), Olympic Angels (\$5,000 Dare to Dream), WSU 4-H (\$3,500 Rock Club), OWL 360 (\$5,000 Nest workforce).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Agenda packet included subrecipient agreements, MOUs, vouchers, and reports; chemical components restoration at Spring Ring Farm noted.

Financials

Multiple small grants/subawards totaling under \$25,000; jury fees \$1,355.33; no major divergences.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Moved to approve and adopt the consent agenda as presented." Seconded and approved unanimously (all Aye).
  • No next steps specified.

ARPA Last Call Funding Allocation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:46:12–02:12:24, 02:57:11–04:10:04 (PART 1; morning and afternoon sessions)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts

Summary

The BOCC reviewed 48 oversubscribed ARPA requests totaling over \$3.37M against \$835K available, using blind individual rankings consolidated into a master list. After deliberation, they approved funding for the top ~17 ranked projects (totaling \$829K), contingent on final ARPA tranche receipt, with process for reallocating unspent funds down the ranked list. Public Works allocation to be clarified.

Key Discussion Points

  • 48 projects ranked 1-48 (lowest score highest priority); criteria included leverage, capital investment, kids/youth, geographic diversity.
  • Prioritized capital (e.g., YMCA childcare, pump track, kitchens), housing (Habitat, boat school), equity (navigator, warming shelter).
  • Concerns: Prior funding to some (Habitat, Jefferson Healthcare); readiness (skate park seed money); opportunity cost.
  • Public Works: Bucket funding suggested for grant match across projects.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Spreadsheet of 48 requests with rankings/awards; no divergences noted.

Financials

  • Requested: \$3,372,953 across 48.
  • Available: \$834,718.
  • Approved top projects: \$829K (e.g., YMCA \$100K, Quilcene kitchen \$50K, navigator \$35K, pump track \$50K, warming \$20K, boat school \$80K, skate \$20K, Olympic Neighbors \$24K, Humane \$40K, JHC kitchen \$50K, PW Shine \$100K, Habitat \$80K, Dundee \$80K, Port PT flood \$50K, trails \$20K, JCF \$20K).

Alternatives & Amendments

Discussed partial funding, buckets (e.g., PW); rejected full funding lower-ranked.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved top 17 (per ranked list/spreadsheet) contingent on ARPA receipt; unspent reallocates sequentially.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: 17 agreements; clarify PW allocation (MM to contact EK).

Courthouse Security Ordinance Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:45:08–02:11:51 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, ordinances

Summary

BOCC continued public hearing on draft Ordinance 01-0227-23 repealing Resolution 78-99, establishing mandatory screening and weapons prohibitions in the historic courthouse. Approved as amended, removing off-duty law enforcement screening exception; codified as Ch. 8.100 JCC.

Key Discussion Points

  • Defined terms (sheriff designee, law enforcement); screening all entrants except listed (employees, judges, on-duty LE/first responders/armed forces, attorneys, custody).
  • Removed off-duty LE screening exception; retain weapons carry allowance.
  • Inmates escorted; no unaccompanied bathroom access.
  • Operational notes for policy/procedures post-ordinance.

Public Comments

No new oral; prior written noted (e.g., full screening).

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft ordinance; diverged by removing off-duty LE exception.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Amended: Removed off-duty LE screening exception (F); retained weapons exceptions.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve Ordinance relating to Courthouse security, repealing/replacing Resolution 78-99, as amended."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all Aye).
  • Next Steps: Clean version to Carolyn; policies/procedures follow-up.

Olympic Terrace 2 Phase 2 Plat Alteration Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:59:27–03:41:15 (PART 1)
  • Categories: permits, land use, planning

Summary

DCD presented PLA's plat alteration reducing Phase 2 lots from 39 to 37, reorienting tracts due to wetlands; approved preliminary as conditioned, noting separate public/private road process and emergency egress note on plat.

Key Discussion Points

  • Wetlands expansion removed Tracts B/C; traffic study valid (volumes below projections).
  • Roads private unless petitioned public (separate hearing/engineer's report); emergency egress (20' IFC std) noted on plat.
  • OT1 residents: Require 2nd access/construct road, truck routing via construction access.

Public Comments

  • David Jerko (OT2 HOA Pres.): Process details, truck routing condition.
  • William Dean: Note emergency access on plat, truck routing.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Staff report (10/21); wetlands delineation (5/17); traffic memo (10/21); no divergences.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Amended condition #2: Add plat note referencing emergency egress.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve preliminary plat alteration as conditioned by staff report, as amended."
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Final plat post-conditions (e.g., roads, stormwater, fire cert); public/private road hearing.

HR 2023 Work Plan Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:42:05–03:59:20 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel, planning

Summary

HR Director Sarah Melancon presented 2022 milestones (e.g., HCM implementation, onboarding, union contracts) and 2023 plan (e.g., Neogov self-service, PAM update, expansion). Noted staffing shortfall vs. peers (1 HR pro/75-100 employees); suggested adding 1-2 staff for risk/labor, recruiting.

Key Discussion Points

  • 2022: Onboarded 77; new CDL program; HR roundtables.
  • 2023: Employee engagement, training, leadership dev.
  • Limited discussion; noted retirements, central vs. dept HR balance.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

HR PowerPoint; comparable counties staffing analysis.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

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

Letters of Support for Appropriations Requests

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:10:23–04:22:44 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting

Summary

BOCC approved four letters supporting federal CDS requests: Port Townsend Aquatics (\$1M), Mason PUD #1 substation, Lower Big Quilcene bridge/restoration (RAISE), deferred DNR inter-trust exchange (post-hearing review).

Key Discussion Points

  • Aquatics: Collaborative wellness hub.
  • PUD: Brinnon grid resiliency.
  • Quilcene: Flood-prone bridge replacement/habitat.
  • DNR: Supportive but review parcels/hearing.

Public Comments

  • Jean Paul: Supported PUD electrical redundancy.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft letters; no divergences.

Financials

Requests: \$1M aquatics, unspecified others.

Alternatives & Amendments

Deferred DNR letter.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved three letters unanimously; DNR deferred.
  • Vote: Unanimous on approved.
  • Next Steps: Send letters; attend DNR hearing (GB/HE).

Hood Canal Bridge Closure Advocacy Letter

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:57:11–05:10:39 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, operations

Summary

BOCC tasked Commissioner Dean with drafting letter to WSDOT urging June closures, input on timed openings, IMT participation, ferry additions, avoiding Hwy 101 conflicts.

Key Discussion Points

  • Weekend July/Aug peak impacts catastrophic; June better.
  • June avoids fish barrier; shorter/longer blocks; 2nd PT ferry; IMT.

Public Comments

  • Jean Paul: Supported alternatives amid multi-project constraints.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Alternatives: June dates, 5-day blocks, ferry, IMT.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Authorize Commissioner Dean to draft letter to WSDOT w/ alternatives; collaborate w/ MM."
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Draft/send early week.

Background Materials

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