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03/27/23 09 AM: BOCC Approves Consent Agenda, Road Vacations; Workplan Workshops

BOCC Approves Consent Agenda, Road Vacations; Workplan Workshops

Jefferson County BOCC unanimously approved March 27 consent agenda with ARPA grants, appointments, amendments; intent resolutions for Gustavsen Rd and Ricky Beach Dr ROW vacations; National County Govt Month proclamation. Workshops covered communications strategy, DCD/Central Services/Public Health 2023 workplans. Public comment on surveys/enforcement.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:35.839–00:04:45.311 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, personnel, planning, budgeting, infrastructure

Summary

The Board reviewed and unanimously approved the consent agenda for March 27, 2023, which included multiple ARPA grant agreements (e.g., $20,000 to JIAC for Winter Welcoming Center, $80,000 to NWSWB for student housing, $20,000 to PTC for trailhead, $24,000 to Olympic Neighbors for Adult Family Home, $80,000 to OHT for Dundee Hill housing, $15,000 to PTMTA for overhead), a $49,107 Port of Port Townsend ILA amendment for MRWF closure, Gustavsen Road and Ricky Beach Drive right-of-way vacations (intent resolutions), Brinnon Community Center repairs ($8,649 to N&N Construction), SMP/SUG Ecology grants ($50,000+$3,000 amendment), newspaper bid award to PT Leader ($8.50/column inch), Housing Fund Board appointments (Viki Sonntag 1-year, Julia Cochrane 3-year), Conservation Futures reappointments/appointments (Mary Biskup District 1, Ryan McMackin Wetlands), NPC MRC reappointment (Eileen Cooney), corrections hiring incentive MOA ($15,000 to Justin Maher), Whaleheart video amendment ($9,830 scope change), PTPD Mental Health Navigator ($134,400), substance use prevention amendment (reduction $10,870 to $209,130), West Valley Road 9-hour closure (March 29), USDA childcare meeting authorization (April 19), and other routine items. Commissioner Greg praised hiring incentives in corrections, quick ARPA contracts, local newspaper bid, short West Valley Road closure, shoreline consultant, and positive advisory appointments. A required USDA public meeting for $1.45M childcare facility was noted for April 19 at 6:30 p.m.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Greg: Excited about corrections hiring incentive, ARPA agreements, Leader newspaper bid, 9-hour West Valley Road closure, shoreline master program consultant due to DCD capacity constraints, and positive advisory board appointments.
  • Staff: Announced April 19 childcare project meeting at Courthouse (preliminary drawings, feedback for $1.45M USDA funds); not a BOCC meeting.
  • Limited discussion overall; approved as presented.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Consent agenda packet detailed ARPA grants (e.g., JIAC shelter, NWSWB housing, PTC trailhead, Olympic Neighbors IDD home, OHT condos, PTMTA marine trades, JCF scholarships), MRWF closure ILA ($49,107 revenue, $57K annual savings), road vacations (conditions met within 1 year), Brinnon repairs ($8,649), SMP/SUG grants ($53K total), newspaper contract ($8.50/inch with extras), appointments, incentives, amendments, road closure. No divergences from staff recommendations.

Financials

Multiple ARPA expenditures totaling over $300K (e.g., $20K JIAC, $80K NWSWB/OHT, $24K Olympic Neighbors, $15K PTMTA); $49,107 MRWF revenue; $8,649 Brinnon repairs; $15K corrections incentive; newspaper TBD at $8.50/inch; grants revenue $53K Ecology. Funding: ARPA Fund 123, various.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "I would move to approve and adopt the consent agenda for March 27th, 2023." Seconded.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes from all present: Greg, Heidi, remote Kate Dean).
  • Next Steps: Childcare info meeting April 19, 6:30 p.m. Courthouse; ARPA grants/contracts executed by Dec. 31, 2024; road vacations return for final if conditions met (1 year).

Public Comment Period (Mr. Tiersch)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:16:20.355–00:25:40.477 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other

Summary

Mr. Tiersch provided public comment criticizing lack of documents for the communications workshop, strategic planning survey issues (misspellings like "sheriff," confusion on county roles e.g., roads/schools/port, public safety categories combining sheriff/fire despite separate funding), and low priority of code enforcement (14th on DCD list). He urged better public materials posting, civics education on county jurisdiction, and proactive enforcement of junk cars, solid waste, unpermitted structures, septics, illegal rentals/ADUs. Commissioners/staff responded emphasizing best efforts on materials (initial workshop nature), survey glitches, complaint-driven code compliance (harm reduction/voluntary model, no dedicated enforcement officer), frequent jurisdiction clarifications, and ongoing work.

Key Discussion Points

  • Mr. Tiersch: Communications workshop lacks docs (contrast DCD/Central Services prep); strategic survey shows ignorance (port roads, schools); sheriff/fire combined oddly; code enforcement low priority despite issues like junk cars/waste/unpermitted builds/septics/rentals/ADUs.
  • Commissioner Heidi: Communications initial convo, no agenda materials yet; survey sheriff misspelling forwarded, some parts uneditable post-send.
  • Chair Greg: Civics education needed; frequent non-county jurisdiction explanations (15-20% time); code staff busy, complaint-driven, no proactive officer, harm reduction (no red tags, voluntary compliance).
  • Commissioner Kate: Good points.

Public Comments

  • Mr. Tiersch: As above; time expired.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Strategic plan survey referenced (misspellings, open comments on non-county issues); DCD priorities list (enforcement #14).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action taken; item was informational. Responses noted for transparency/civics/code processes. No next steps specified.

Gustavsen Road Right-of-Way Vacation (Intent)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:00:32.549–01:08:46.545 (PART 1)
  • Categories: land use, infrastructure

Summary

Public Works presented the Hearing Examiner's recommendation to approve vacation of 100-foot segment of undeveloped Gustavsen Road right-of-way (Class A road, bottom of Bolton Peninsula), petitioned by Alvord Investments LLC to make adjacent parcel buildable. Board approved intent resolution subject to three conditions: easement/restrictive covenant preventing landlocking of adjacent parcel 601-061-003, payment of admin fees/appraised value ($20K FMV + fees), and quit claim from north parcel owner. Two-step process (intent now, final after conditions met within 1 year).

Key Discussion Points

  • Colette Kostelec (Public Works): Hearing Examiner recommended approval with conditions (easement for west parcel, fees/value payment, north owner quit claim); petitioner south parcel owner; process followed.
  • Staff/Mark: Delegated hearing authority to Examiner; two-step (intent, then final post-conditions).
  • Uncomplicated; neighbor agreement noted.

Public Comments

No public comment.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Hearing Examiner report (March 1, 2023); maps/exhibits; appraisal ($20K FMV). Matches recommendation.

Financials

Appraised value $20,000 + admin fees ($1,477.08 current + prior $1,396.75 paid, $80.33 due + future/recording).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve a resolution adopting the hearing examiner report and recommendations, and expressing the board's intent to vacate a portion of Gustavsen Road right-of-way, subject to petitioner meeting certain conditions."
  • Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
  • Next Steps: Petitioner meets conditions within 1 year for final resolution; terminates/fee-liable if not.

Ricky Beach Drive Right-of-Way Vacation (Intent)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:08:54.368–01:24:50.781 (PART 1)
  • Categories: land use, infrastructure, public safety

Summary

Public Works presented remanded 20+ year petition to vacate landslide-closed Ricky Beach Drive (dead-end since 1997), recommending Hearing Examiner approval with conditions (access easement for plat lots incl. Lot 57, admin fees, updated appraisal compensation at 50% FMV). Minor language tweak to Condition A clarified no beach access over petitioner's lots. Board approved intent resolution; two-step process.

Key Discussion Points

  • Colette Kostelec: 20-year history (2001 petition missed BOCC step); remanded 2022; unbuildable lots due landslides; conditions ensure access (easement via vacated ROW), fees; petitioner language tweak to Condition A clarified (lots access, not over lots/beach).
  • Staff: Hearing Examiner discretion to modify; two-step (intent, final post-conditions/1 year).
  • No public comment post-tweak.

Public Comments

Opened post-tweak; none received.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Hearing Examiner report (2023); 2019 geotech report (unbuildable lots); petitioner's Friday/morning letter (Condition A language). Adopted with petitioner's clarification (no divergence noted).

Financials

50% FMV compensation (2001 $4,951 outdated; est. $11,350 min. at $10K/acre for 2.27 acres) + all admin fees (2022/2023).

Alternatives & Amendments

Petitioner's Condition A language revision adopted for clarity (lots access excl. over/across lots).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve a resolution in the matter of the intent to vacate Ricky Beach Drive right-of-way, including conditions recommended to the BOCC which also included the updated language from the petitioner for item A."
  • Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
  • Next Steps: Petitioner meets conditions (1 year) for final; staff records instruments.

Communications Strategy Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:26:12.065–02:30:33.887 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other, operations

Summary

New Communications Specialist Wendy Davis presented a draft County Communications Strategy proposal outlining mission (timely/accurate info), objectives (role definition, media-friendly rep, consistent messaging, interaction), principles (clear/proactive/professional, feedback, varied methods, crisis voice), roles (BOCC guidance, dept SOPs, her content creation), legal/ethical (open meetings/PRA, accessibility, inform vs. persuade), action plan (BOCC convening, debriefs, external ties, tools). Board discussed SOPs for emergent comms (chair/admin lead, flexibility), social media policy/training, EOC/PIO role, branding/voice/calendar, website overhaul, style guide; consensus on flexibility/direct access, no bottlenecks, calendar/standing item.

Key Discussion Points

  • Wendy Davis: Proposal details; SOP form for depts; roles (her content/social/website minor updates); audiences/tools appendices; training May.
  • Board/Staff: Emergent SOP (chair first, admin triage, direct commissioner access); social policy awareness; EOC PIO (debate Wendy vs. DEM liaison); branding/voice/calendar/standing agenda item; website overhaul?; style guide/SOPs for depts; metrics; flexibility vs. structure.
  • Mr. Tiersch prior comment noted (no workshop docs).

Public Comments

Opened; none.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft plan (mission/objectives/principles/roles/actions/appendices); social media policy. No divergences.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives; consensus on flexible SOPs/direct access.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action taken; workshop/informational. More of same; develop calendar/SOPs/metrics; empower direct comms.

National County Government Month Proclamation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:35:43.030–00:42:13.371 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other

Summary

Board read and unanimously adopted proclamation declaring April 2023 as National County Government Month, highlighting counties' essential services (health, justice, safety, economy, infrastructure, sustainability, parks, justice access, workforce, collaboration). Noted public unawareness of county roles (e.g., no city streets/state highways).

Key Discussion Points

  • Chair Greg: Read proclamation; joked about "whereas" on non-county roles.
  • Commissioner Heidi: Patting on back but critical services; high service level for staff size.

Public Comments

No public comment.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Proclamation text. Matches adoption.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Move to adopt the National County Government Proclamation."
  • Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

DCD 2023 Workplan Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:57:11.608–03:46:14.475 (PART 1 end)
  • Categories: planning, personnel, operations, permits

Summary

DCD presented 2023 workplan amid capacity crisis (5 resignations since Feb 2023), SDR backlog (~264 apps, 76 complete), Energov issues, economic slowdown (permits down). Priorities: 1) Current planning/fire marshal; 2) SDR/Energov fixes; 3) Grants (SMP/SUG/flood/sea rise); 4) Comp plan docket (5 amendments); 5) 30 intern projects. PC priorities overlap (lot of record, housing study, etc.). Board noted staffing/recruitment focus first.

Key Discussion Points

  • Brent Butler/Josh Peters: Capacity (resignations to other govts); SDR volume/backlog; Energov drag; permits down; priorities ranked; ICC code changes (energy/wildfire); prior BOCC/PC priorities status.
  • Board: Consultant use? Org restructure/supplemental budget? Workshop post-review? UGA use table/housing review? Communicate expectations.

Public Comments

None.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Workplan packet (prior workshops 2021/2022, priorities, emerging issues, permit data). Matches.

Financials

SDR under-recovering costs; Energov over budget; potential consultant/ supplemental requests.

Alternatives & Amendments

Priorities ranked; UGA/subarea withdrawn.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action; workshop. Follow-up workshop post-org review; supplemental budget potential.

Central Services 2023 Workplan Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:46:19.720–04:16:40.959 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, infrastructure, personnel, budgeting

Summary

Central Services presented 2023 plan: IT (ticketing, MUNIS, hires, server relocate, Exchange Online, cyber audit); GIS (EnerGov integration, upgrades); Records/PRA (destructions, trainings); Fleet (replacements, shop upgrades); Facilities (server relocate, community center upgrades). Emphasized team strengths, cross-collaboration, cybersecurity, resiliency.

Key Discussion Points

  • Chris Goy: Org chart/progress/goals per division; praised staff/hires; cyber priorities; EV/solar.
  • Board: GIS-permit links; records destruction; fleet EV grants/public chargers.

Public Comments

None.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Workplan slides. Matches.

Financials

Exchange Online appropriation soon; EV grants.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action; workshop.

Public Health 2023 Workplan Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:17:55.631–05:04:42.308 (PART 1 end)
  • Categories: services, personnel, budgeting, planning

Summary

Public Health presented reset/steady state post-pandemic: 63 staff (48 hires, retirements, 7 managers 5 new); foundational PH funding growth; programs (admin, community/environmental health, human services/BHAC/CHIP); workforce well-being (reviews, supervision, inclusive culture); equity/racism trainings; events/outreach; comms/media. Noted school MH funding gaps.

Key Discussion Points

  • Apple/Veronica: Staffing changes; FPHS planning; programs (WIC hybrid, CHIP epidemiologist hiring); well-being/equity; outreach/events; school MH sustainability.
  • Board: FPHS stability; school MH gaps/funding; CHIP epi hiring.

Public Comments

None.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Workplan slides/programs. Matches.

Financials

FPHS stepwise growth; grants sought.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action; workshop.

Background Materials

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