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04/17/23 09 AM: Jefferson County BOCC Tackles Pickleball Noise, Weeds, Permits, Budget

Jefferson County BOCC Tackles Pickleball Noise, Weeds, Permits, Budget

Public comments on park pickleball noise, noxious weeds, permitting delays. Approved consent agenda, Earth Day proclamation, Q1 budget adjustments. Addressed DCD staffing crisis, closures, consultants. Discussed C-PACER financing, solid waste fee hikes.

Public Comment on Pickleball Noise at Courthouse Park

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:08.220–00:08:49.520 (PART 1)
  • Categories: parks, operations, land use

Summary

Local residents Charles and his wife addressed noise impacts from two pickleball courts installed at Jefferson County Courthouse Park without prior community input or public process, measuring over 60 decibels from their home across the street. They requested reduced court hours, signage to quiet players, and noise attenuation measures like acoustic curtains, citing ongoing conversations with staff since September 2022. Commissioners acknowledged the issue, noted the installation was a permitted use under zoning without public process, suggested mitigation like two courts instead of four and acoustic curtains, and committed to shepherding solutions while preserving recreational opportunities.

Key Discussion Points

  • Residents measured noise exceeding Port Townsend's 60-decibel ordinance, with play lasting 8-12 hours daily in good weather.
  • No public input prior to installation as it was an allowed use; mitigation included building only two courts.
  • Commissioner Dean (District 1): Offered to lead on solutions including cost estimates for acoustic curtains and signage reminding players of residential area.
  • Commissioners noted fewer players since permanent courts opened at Mountain View Commons but recognized proximity impacts.
  • All commissioners play pickleball and oppose removal but support accommodations like signs and attenuation.

Public Comments

  • [Resident (wife)]: Read statement handed to board; requested court hour limits, signage, and noise attenuation; provided resources from other communities.
  • [Resident (husband, Charles)]: Supported statement.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal action; commissioners committed to offline follow-up with staff (Matt Tyler) and solutions.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Commissioner Dean to shepherd solutions; email Matt Tyler; no deadlines specified.

Public Comment on Noxious Weeds and Scotch Broom Control

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:09:27.937–00:14:01.174 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, planning

Summary

Mr. Cheers commended a consent agenda item for Scotch broom control on utility corners but urged expanded efforts on county rights-of-way, noting its invasiveness and visibility. Commissioners responded positively, sharing personal experiences with broom eradication, commending the noxious weed coordinator (Sophie), and discussing funding, priorities set by the Noxious Weed Board, and system changes like certified clean gravel.

Key Discussion Points

  • Consent item funds Scotch broom control on utility corners; speaker seeks broader county right-of-way efforts.
  • Commissioner Eisenhour: Started career pulling broom; family mows annually; seeks more funding/solutions.
  • Challenges include Scotch broom volume, new coordinator priorities, Noxious Weed Board quorum issues, and systems spreading seeds (e.g., gravel).
  • Noxious Weed Board makes enforcement priorities; not advisory to BOCC.

Public Comments

  • [Mr. Cheers]: Praised consent item; urged more emphasis on Scotch broom eradication on county property.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Consent agenda item for weed control spending (not provided).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action; noted for future Noxious Weed Board discussions.
  • Vote: None.
  • No next steps specified.

Public Comment on Permitting Delays and Site Development Review (SDR)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:14:46.038–00:19:09.154 (PART 1)
  • Categories: permits, planning

Summary

Mr. Durgan praised sewer funding but criticized severe permitting delays, citing his 10-year-old conditional use permit still held up despite no boundary adjustments; urged prioritizing permitting over SDR, calling it overkill. Commissioners acknowledged widespread concerns, explained SDR intent to front-load reviews for faster permitting (not yet implemented due to capacity), noted DCD staffing changes, and promised extended discussions later (10:15 and 11:15).

Key Discussion Points

  • Speaker's storage building permit delayed despite approved conditional use >10 years old.
  • SDR purpose: Front-load site development for quicker permitting; implementation stalled by DCD capacity.
  • "Perfect storm" of staffing changes at DCD exacerbating delays.

Public Comments

  • [Mr. Durgan]: Permit delays hinder sewer utility; SDR unnecessary, slows everything.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Deferred to later agenda items (10:15, 11:15) with public comment.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Discussions at 10:15 and 11:15; public invited back.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:19:41.989–00:25:22.873 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, personnel

Summary

The consent agenda was approved unanimously without items pulled for discussion, including noxious weed contracts (EarthCorps), bituminous surface treatment bid award (Northwest Rock), advisory board appointments (Ferry FAC: Nicole Gauthier; Parks: Karin Nyrop), mobile drug unit sharing with Clallam County, household hazardous waste interlocal with Kitsap County, Olympic Angels foster care funding ($30,000 behavioral health sales tax), and HJ Carroll Park caretaker extension. Discussion highlighted weed control (Scotch broom), road maintenance bids, board vacancies (e.g., FAC commerce seat), mobile drug testing equipment training, HHW collaboration post-facility closure, and Olympic Angels safety net value; no major policy/financial issues hidden per supporting materials review.

Key Discussion Points

  • Noxious weed contracts progressing; Sophie commended for crews.
  • Bituminous surface treatment bid for road chip seal; roads team praised.
  • Ferry FAC vacancy for commerce (Port Townsend/Coupeville reliant businesses urged to apply).
  • Parks appointment (Karin Nyrop) praised for expertise/energy.
  • Mobile drug unit: Shared use, no cost to county; trains JCPH staff on testing equipment.
  • HHW interlocal: Collaboration for off-event disposal at Kitsap.
  • Olympic Angels: Behavioral health funding for foster support.
  • Caretaker at HJ Carroll/Indian Island Park.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • EarthCorps noxious weed contract ($34,000, PUD corridor focus).
  • Aggregate bid (Northwest Rock $480k, 2023-24).
  • FAC appointment (Gauthier, commerce/transit rep).
  • Parks appointment (Nyrop, Dist. 3).
  • Clallam ILA (mobile drug unit, $0).
  • Kitsap HHW ILA ($10k cap/year).
  • Olympic Angels PSA ($30k behavioral health tax, Dare to Dream/Love Box).
  • HJ Carroll caretaker extension (Willis, $5,400 services value).

Financials

  • Aggregate bid: $480k (roads ops budgets).
  • Olympic Angels: $30k (behavioral health sales tax).
  • HHW ILA: ≤$10k/year (solid waste fund).
  • Noxious weeds: Up to $34k (MOU funds).
  • No board decision diverged from staff.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve and adopt the consent agenda for April 17, 2023."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all aye).
  • No next steps specified.

Earth Day Proclamation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:31:34.284–00:36:36.682 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning

Summary

The Board read and unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing April 22, 2023, as International Earth Day, highlighting the 1970 origins, county's natural assets stewarded by tribes, 2007 greenhouse gas baseline (40% reduction achieved), Climate Action Committee updates, and local leadership in conservation. Discussion noted PUD switch to hydro and mill tech upgrades drove reductions; new goals forthcoming.

Key Discussion Points

  • 53rd Earth Day; county met 2007 goals early via PUD hydro switch, mill scrubbing.
  • CAC updated GHG inventory (40% drop since 2005); new goals 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: "Approve the proclamation as read."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all aye).
  • No next steps specified.

First Quarter 2023 Budget Appropriations Public Hearing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:40:53.792–01:02:06.073 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting

Summary

Finance Manager Judy Shepherd presented Q1 budget adjustments totaling $1.3M expenditures/$1.1M revenues across funds, including new grants (Sheriff Navigator/RSAT), Therapeutic Courts department creation ($200k), WSU extension, noxious weeds herbicide ($1k), tourism/visitor center ($50k), lodging tax grants, health transfers, homeless housing ($500 true-up), flood zones, PIF awards ($1.2M: EDC/Gateway/Complete Streets), Tri-Area Sewer liquidity ($1M loan), health insurance ($151k), IT Exchange migration ($63k). Public hearing held; one commenter praised summary format. Board approved unanimously.

Key Discussion Points

  • General Fund neutral shifts (e.g., Therapeutic Courts $200k).
  • PIF: EDC $100k total, Gateway $1M, Complete Streets $100k (1.2M impact; balance TBD).
  • Tri-Area Sewer: $1M cash flow advance from CIP, repay later.
  • Health insurance: $151k from non-dept to benefits fund post-vacation end.
  • IT: $63k additional for MS Exchange Online via MRSC RFP.

Public Comments

  • [Tom Thiersch]: Praised improved one-page summary vs. prior multi-page format.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Detailed spreadsheets by fund/dept; Therapeutic Courts case manager; Bayside tiny homes $144.5k; PIF awards.

Financials

  • Total: $2.99M exp / $1.33M rev (one-time).
  • Key: PIF $1.2M exp; Tri-Area $1M transfer; Therapeutic $200k; Health ins $151k.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve Resolution ordering first quarter 2023 budget appropriations/extensions."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all aye).
  • No next steps specified.

DCD Capacity Crisis and Permit Delays

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:09:04.969–02:16:10.507 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel, permits, planning, operations

Summary

DCD Director Butler and Deputy Peters detailed staffing crisis (8 resignations since Feb), 400+ permit backlog, Energov software delays, SDR implementation challenges; proposed closures for catch-up/training, on-call consultants, CAM cuts (50% done), interim moratorium. Board approved May 1 week closure for catch-up, deferred training week; RFP for consultants out; SDR tweaks (e.g., legal lot of record) for future; noted state bills aiding timelines/consultants.

Key Discussion Points

  • 8 resignations: Emily, Amanda, Debra, Amber, Morgan, Jody, Shannon, Helena, Bryan.
  • New hires (4 asst planners, intake tech, Ethan) in trial; 400 cases redistributed.
  • SDR: 100 apps; 42 unplatted lots need history review; legal lot of record bottleneck.
  • CAMs cut 50% (Tues/Wed only); senior staff handles.
  • Proposals: Closures, consultants, moratorium, training.
  • Building/inspections ok (backups).

Public Comments

  • [Ld Record (Planning Comm./HBA Pres.)]: Supports review; emergency; staff dissatisfaction.

Supporting Materials Referenced

DCD capacity proposals; Energov impacts; SDR stats; consultant RFP (daily journal).

Financials

Revenue neutral proposals; $50k ECY for shoreline consultants.

Alternatives & Amendments

Closures (1-2 weeks now, training summer); consultants RFP; moratorium; CAM restructure.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approve 1-week closure May 1; proceed RFP consultants; reassess training.
  • Vote: Unanimous on May closure.
  • Next Steps: May 1 closure; consultant RFP (4/21); return next week on SDR/streamline.

C-PACER Program Establishment

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:17:50.916–02:50:28.873 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, budgeting

Summary

DCD, Assessor, Treasurer presented voluntary C-PACER ordinance for commercial energy/resiliency financing (liens repaid via assessments); no min building size/ground leases ok; fees $500 app + $250 supp +1% cap $15k min $2.5k; RFP/ILA for admin (other counties/nonprofits). Board supported path forward; no action.

Key Discussion Points

  • RCW 36.165; reviews for code compliance/energy savings (20% GHG cut).
  • Requests: Bayside (Port Hadlock Motel affordable), Hastings (historic barn).
  • Admin: RFP/ILA (Whatcom/Pierce model); fees cover costs.

Public Comments

  • [John Kennedy (former C-PACER specialist)]: Low apps now but growth expected re clean bldg standards.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft ordinance/guidebook; Whatcom/Pierce models; CAC endorsement.

Financials

Fees: $500 app (2 reviews), $250 3rd; 1% financed (cap $15k, min $2.5k? concern).

Alternatives & Amendments

Admin: County staff, RFP (nonprofits/title), ILA (other counties).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Authorize admin to pursue RFP/ILA, ordinance prep.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Investigate RFP/ILA; ordinance Aug; talk w/ Mark.

Solid Waste Fee Schedule Adjustments

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:50:49.246–03:35:22.506 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, operations

Summary

Solid Waste Manager Cairns proposed fee hikes (MSW min $10→$20/120→240lbs; yard min $5→$20; per ton 2.5%/yr; Quilcene min $15/2 cans; non-disposal $20) to meet 25% benchmarks (cap/ops), manage demand (45% min loads=13% tonnage), fund $8M replacement. Board supported analysis; public hearing/resolution process discussed (vs ordinance); no action.

Key Discussion Points

  • No hikes since 2019; benchmarks low (12/15%→25%).
  • Demand mgmt: Min fees encourage curbside/heavier loads; Kitsap loses to low mins.
  • Yard: City sets (April council); $20 min/800lbs.
  • Quilcene deficit; pickup visual fees.

Public Comments

  • [Tom Thiersch]: Oppose MSW min double ($10→$20); impractical for small cars; raise ton fee; fund cap via bonds.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Issue paper; replacement TM ($6.9M avg); tonnages/customer %; regional avgs.

Financials

2023 props: MSW $167/ton, $20 min; yard $20 min/$48 ton; gap $1.2M cap.

Alternatives & Amendments

Resolution vs ordinance/hearing; city yard fees.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Review issue paper; workshop resolution process.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Parks/Rec guinea pig for resolution; 45-60 day notice hauler/UTC; draft res post-feedback.

Background Materials

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