PACKET: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Apr 24, 09:00 AM

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Board and Commission Vacancies

Topic Summary

Jefferson County is seeking to fill 20 active vacancies across 13 distinct boards and committees to ensure ongoing community input into governance. The committees with the highest number of vacancies include the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (4), and the Conservation Futures Citizen Oversight Committee (3). Several boards also have upcoming term expirations within the next three months.

Key Points

  • A total of 20 vacancies are currently open across 13 different county groups.
  • The Solid Waste Advisory Committee has the highest number of current vacancies (4), covering an Intent position and Districts #1, #2, and #3.
  • The Conservation Futures Citizen Oversight Committee has 3 vacancies for Districts #1, #2, and one Citizen position.
  • The LEOFF Retirement Disability Board has one vacancy that has been open since January 31, 2021.
  • Upcoming term expirations within 3 months include two Ferry User positions on the Ferry Advisory Committee (one expiring 05/04/23, one 6/10/23), one term on the Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board (expiring 06/22/23), and the two positions on the Planning Commission (terms extended until 06/17/23).
  • The Housing Fund Board has 2 vacancies; the board was reviewing applications as of March 22, 2023.

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

  • Jefferson County relies on community input to its Boards and Commissions and encourages applications.

Timeline

  • 2021-01-31: Vacancy date for the citizen @ large position on the LEOFF Retirement Disability Board.
  • 2022-05-31: Vacancy date for the District #3 position on the Public Infrastructure Fund Board.
  • 2023-01-09: Vacancy date for the Housing Fund Board (2 positions).
  • 2023-03-13: Planning Commission terms extended for 3 months.
  • 2023-05-04: Term expiring on the Ferry Advisory Committee (Ferry User).
  • 2023-06-10: Term expiring on the Ferry Advisory Committee (Ferry User).
  • 2023-06-17: Extended term expiration date for two positions on the Planning Commission.
  • 2023-06-22: Term expiring on the Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board.

Next Steps

The public is encouraged to apply for vacancies. Staff members (Tami, Monica, CarolAnn, Matt, and AI) are noted as currently advertising for respective vacancies.

Sources

  • Jefferson County Boards and Commissions staff (implied advertisers: Tami, Monica, CarolAnn, Matt, AI)

Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) Virtual Assembly

Topic Summary

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) attended a virtual meeting on April 17, 2023, organized by the Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC). The purpose was a Virtual Counties Update, where participants discussed various County issues statewide.

Key Points

  • The meeting was called to order by WSAC staff and held virtually.
  • Attendees included Jefferson County Commissioners Heidi Eisenhour and Kate Dean, along with other Commissioners and County Officials from across Washington State.
  • Discussion focused on "various County issues" with other Washington State Counties and WSAC staff.

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • 2023-04-17: Special Meeting date (12:00 p.m.)
  • 2023-04-17: Meeting adjourned (12:50 p.m.)

Next Steps

None specified.

Sources

  • Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) staff
  • Greg Brotherton - Chair (signing minutes)
  • Heidi Eisenhour - Commissioner
  • Kate Dean - Commissioner

WSU Extension 2023 Work Plan Overview

Topic Summary

The WSU Extension Office presented its 2023 Work Plan covering various community programs, including 4-H Youth Development, Regional Small Farms, Master Gardener, Water Quality/Marine Resources Committee (MRC), and Noxious Weed Control. The overall goal is to provide education, stewardship, and university-trained volunteer support in horticulture, agriculture, and environmental protection.

Key Points

  • 4-H Youth Development: Programs include Afterschool activities (Brinnon School, Salish Rescue/YMCA, Community Boat Project), Explore 4-H Outreach Classes (Fiber Arts, Gardening, Art), and the Jefferson County Fair Youth Capstone Event (August). Community Club Programs cover Horse, Cat, Livestock, Robotics, Metalworking & Jewelry Making, and Gardening & Cooking.
  • Regional Small Farms Program: Focus areas include a PNW research trial on sweetpotato propagation, coordinating the 21st Annual Farm Tour Steering Committee and the Jefferson LandWorks Collaborative, and managing a USDA Farm to School Grant with Port Townsend School District (through September).
  • Master Gardener Program: Engages university-trained volunteers to provide research-based horticulture and environmental stewardship education through various activities, including "Ask A Master Gardener" clinics (Jan-Oct), Lecture Series (Feb-March), and the Growing Groceries Class (March-April, Oct-Nov).
  • Noxious Weed Control: Activities include Weed Surveys (25 hours on public lands Feb-April), Weed Control at Fort Worden, City of PT, Solid Waste Facility (Feb-April), and Japanese knotweed control on City and County properties (Aug-Sept). They are also working toward instituting Weed-Free Certifications for gravel/mulch.
  • Water Programs: Focus on local streams, wetlands, and the Salish Sea, providing community science opportunities and stewardship. Activities include Stream Stewards Training (M-A), Beach Naturalists Training (A-M), and ongoing projects with the MRC (oyster restoration, kelp monitoring, crab pot removal, no-anchor zones).
  • Other Extension Activities: Include the Broadband Initiative, SeaGrant, Snap-Ed, Food Bank Grower’s coordinator, and the Remote Worker’s Certificate program.
  • The presentation was given by Bridget Gregg, WSU Extension Interim Director, who also commented on the applicants for the WSU Extension Director position.

Financials

  • USDA Farm to School Grant is active through September.
  • None other specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • 2023, Jan-Mar: Agricultural Entrepreneurship Course (Small Farms)
  • 2023, Jan-May; Sept-Dec: 4-H Afterschool programs run
  • 2023, June-July: 4-H Explore Outreach Classes
  • 2023, August: Jefferson County Fair Youth Capstone Event
  • 2023, Sept-Dec: Whole Farm Planning Course (Small Farms)
  • 2023, October: USDA Farm to School Grant ends (through September)

Next Steps

The Board was asked to listen to the presentation, ask questions, and provide guidance on the 2023 Workplan.

Sources

  • Bridget Gregg - WSU Extension Interim Director
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator

Topic Summary

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners approved the Consent Agenda for the April 17, 2023, meeting, adopting 11 contractual agreements, financial payments, advisory board appointments, and a bid award. These items covered public health services, infrastructure maintenance, weed control, road material supply, and facility caretaker services.

Key Points

  • Foster Care Programs: Approved a $30,000 agreement ($15,000 for 2023 and $15,000 for 2024) with Olympic Angels for Youth and Families in Foster Care, managed by Jefferson County Public Health.
  • Big Quilcene Floodplain: Approved an agreement with the Washington State Department of Ecology for Washington Conservation Corps Crew time maintaining plantings on the Big Quilcene Floodplain, with no dollar amount, noting it was previously provided by a grant.
  • Harm Reduction: Approved an Interlocal agreement with Clallam County Health and Human Services to focus on a Harm Reduction Program, including sharing a Mobile Drug Unit, with no dollar amount specified (exchange of services only).
  • Hazardous Waste: Approved an Interlocal agreement with Kitsap County for Household Hazardous Waste Disposal, not to exceed $10,000.
  • Weed Control: Approved an agreement for Noxious Weed Control of the Public Utility District Corridor with EarthCorps, LLC, in the amount of $34,000, managed by WSU Extension and the Noxious Weed Control Board.
  • Road Aggregate Supply: Awarded a bid for the Supply of Aggregate for Bituminous Surface Treatment (BST) on County Roads in 2023 and 2024 to Northwest Rock, Inc. for an estimated $480,000 over the two-year contract.
  • Advisory Appointments: Approved the appointment of Karin Nyrop to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (expiring March 2, 2024, District No. 3 Rep) and Nicole Gauthier to the Ferry Advisory Committee (expiring June 6, 2024, Commerce/Transit Rep).
  • Jury Fees: Approved $6,346.64 for Superior Court Jury Fees and $839.01 for District Court Jury Fees.

Financials

  • New Agreement (Olympic Angels): $30,000 total ($15,000 in 2023, $15,000 in 2024).
  • Interlocal Agreement (Hazardous Waste): Not to exceed $10,000.
  • Agreement (HJ Carroll Caretaker Services): $5,400 to Dustin Willis.
  • Agreement (Noxious Weed Control): $34,000 to EarthCorps, LLC.
  • Bid Award (Road Aggregate Supply): Estimated $480,000 over two years to Northwest Rock, Inc.
  • Jury Fees: $6,346.64 (Superior Court) + $839.01 (District Court) = $7,185.65 total.
  • Total Vouchers/Warrants Paid (dated April 10, 2023): $748,446.46.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

  • Three public comments were received before the Consent Agenda was approved.

Timeline

  • 2023-04-10: Date of vouchers/warrants paid ($748,446.46).
  • 2023: Funds allocated for Olympic Angels programs ($15,000).
  • 2024: Funds allocated for Olympic Angels programs ($15,000).
  • 2023-2024: Period covered by the Aggregate Supply bid award.
  • 2024-03-02: Expiration date of Karin Nyrop's term (Parks and Rec Advisory Board).
  • 2024-06-06: Expiration date of Nicole Gauthier's term (Ferry Advisory Committee).

Next Steps

The Consent Agenda items were approved by a unanimous vote.

Sources

  • Jefferson County Public Health
  • Olympic Angels
  • Washington State Department of Ecology
  • Jefferson County Environmental Public Health
  • Clallam County Health and Human Services
  • Kitsap County
  • Jefferson County Public Works
  • Dustin Willis
  • WSU Extension, Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Board
  • EarthCorps, LLC
  • Northwest Rock, Inc.
  • Karin Nyrop - Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Appointee
  • Nicole Gauthier - Ferry Advisory Committee Appointee

2023 First Quarter Budget Appropriations/Extensions Hearing

Topic Summary

The Board held a public hearing on April 17, 2023, to review and approve budget appropriation and extension requests for various County departments for the 2023 first quarter. Finance Manager Judy Shepherd presented the requests, leading to the unanimous approval of the associated resolution.

Key Points

  • Finance Manager Judy Shepherd reviewed the budget requests with the Board and attending public.
  • The Board approved the 2023 First Quarter Budget Appropriations/Extensions.

Financials

None specified, as the exact amounts of the appropriations/extensions were not detailed in the summary.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

  • One individual, Tom Thiersch, provided public testimony during the hearing.

Timeline

None specified.

Next Steps

The Board unanimously approved RESOLUTION NO. 18-23 to order the 2023 First Quarter Budget Appropriations/Extensions for Various County Departments.

Sources

  • Judy Shepherd - Finance Manager
  • Tom Thiersch - Public testimony provider

Proposed Renaming of Kilisut Harbor to Passage Through

Topic Summary

Commissioner Dean initiated a discussion regarding the request by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe to rename Kilisut Harbor to Passage Through, noting that the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe also agrees with the change. Due to time constraints, the Board deferred the approval of a formal support letter to an upcoming meeting.

Key Points

  • The Washington State Board on Geographic Names oversees renaming and naming places across the state.
  • The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe requested the name change to Passage Through.
  • The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe supports the proposed renaming.

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • The Board determined that the draft support letter would be brought forward at an upcoming meeting.

Next Steps

Commissioner Dean will draft a letter for the Board to approve at a future meeting, supporting the renaming. A letter re: Renaming of Kilisut Harbor was later approved on April 24, 2023, supporting the name Passage Through.

Sources

  • Washington State Board on Geographic Names
  • Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe
  • Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe
  • Commissioner Kate Dean

DCD Staffing Issues and Permit Catch-Up Closures

Topic Summary

The Department of Community Development (DCD), facing staffing issues with six open positions, requested approval from the Board to hold limited office closures to allow staff time to catch up on current planning permit review times. The Board approved a one-week permit catch-up closure effective May 1, 2023.

Key Points

  • DCD has six open positions, contributing to extended planning permit review times.
  • DCD Director Brent Butler and Deputy Director Josh Peters requested limited office closures to address the backlog.
  • Staff is working with County Administrator Mark McCauley on posting job openings and changing job descriptions.
  • Director Butler initially proposed closing DCD offices for one week each month.
  • The Board approved a one-week permit catch-up closure for DCD, effective May 1, 2023.

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

  • Commissioner Eisenhour initially moved to approve a one-week closure starting May 1, 2023, followed by a one training week closure in the summer. This motion was withdrawn after Commissioner Dean requested removing the summer week closure for reassessment.
  • Director Butler initially proposed closing offices for one week each month.

Community Input

  • One public comment was received on this topic.

Timeline

  • 2023-05-01: Effective date of the approved one-week permit catch-up closure for DCD.

Next Steps

DCD will implement a one-week office closure starting May 1, 2023, to address permit backlogs.

Sources

  • Brent Butler - DCD Director
  • Josh Peters - DCD Deputy Director
  • Sarah Melancon - Human Resources Director/Acting County Administrator
  • Barbara Ehrlichman - Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator

Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy + Resiliency (C-PACER) Program

Topic Summary

The Department of Community Development (DCD) Director Brent Butler provided a presentation on the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy + Resiliency (C-PACER) program, discussing action taken to date and elements for the Board's consideration, including a Request for Proposals (RFP) ordinance to adopt the program and amend the fee appendix.

Key Points

  • DCD Director Brent Butler presented on the C-PACER program.
  • Discussions points included: program administration, building size and ground lease, approval timelines, authorized fee, and the assigned assigner.
  • The program adoption requires an Ordinance for Request for Proposals and an amendment to the Fee Appendix.

Financials

  • The discussion covers the authorized fee associated with the program, but the specific fee amount is not detailed.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

None specified.

Next Steps

Director Butler reviewed next steps for the program adoption, but these were not explicitly detailed in the minutes beyond adopting an RFP ordinance and amending the fee appendix.

Sources

  • Brent Butler - DCD Director
  • Jeff Chapman - Assessor
  • Stacie Prada - Treasurer

Solid Waste Fee Schedule Workshop

Topic Summary

The Public Works department held a workshop with the Board to review the Solid Waste fee schedule and present a request for increased rates. The discussion concluded with a planned public hearing to further address the proposed rate increases.

Key Points

  • Public Works Director Monte Reinders and Solid Waste Manager Al Cairns were present for the workshop.
  • Manager Cairns reviewed the fee schedule and requested increased rates.

Financials

  • The department is requesting increased Solid Waste rates. Specific proposed rates were not provided.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

  • One public comment was received during the workshop.

Timeline

None specified.

Next Steps

Public Works Director Reinders and Solid Waste Manager Cairns identified that the next step is holding a public hearing on the Solid Waste fee schedule at a later date.

Sources

  • Monte Reinders - Public Works Director
  • Al Cairns - Solid Waste Manager

Proclaiming National Park Week

Topic Summary

Following a revision of the draft proclamation, the Board unanimously approved proclaiming the Week of April 16-23, 2023, as National Park Week.

Key Points

  • Chair Brotherton presented a revised draft proclamation.
  • All three Commissioners read the proclamation aloud before approval.

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

  • No public comments were received on the motion to approve the proclamation.

Timeline

  • 2023-04-16 to 2023-04-23: Period proclaimed as National Park Week.

Next Steps

None specified.

Sources

  • Greg Brotherton - Chair (presented revised draft)

Collective Bargaining Closed Session

Topic Summary

The Board of Commissioners held a Closed Session with the Acting County Administrator/Human Resources Director to plan or adopt strategies related to collective bargaining, professional negotiations, or grievance/mediation proceedings, as permitted under RCW 42.30.140(4)(b).

Key Points

  • The purpose was to plan or adopt strategy/position for Collective Bargaining, Professional Negotiations, or Grievance or Mediation Proceedings, or to review proposals in progress.
  • The Closed Session was held pursuant to RCW 42.30.140(4)(b).

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • 2023-04-17 (3:01 p.m. to 3:21 p.m.): Closed Session duration.

Next Steps

None specified.

Sources

  • RCW 42.30.140(4)(b) - Legal exemption cited for the Closed Session.
  • Sarah Melancon - Acting County Administrator/Human Resources Director

Reappointment to Jefferson County Library Board of Trustees: Joan Chapdelaine

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners received a recommendation from the Jefferson County Library District Board of Trustees to reappoint Joan Chapdelaine to the Library Board of Trustees for a five-year term expiring in April 2028.

Key Points

  • The reappointment is for Joan Chapdelaine to the Jefferson County Library Board of Trustees.
  • The new term will be five years, expiring April 2028.
  • The recommendation for reappointment came from the Jefferson County Library District Board of Trustees after interviewing interested candidates.

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • 2028-04: Expiration date of the proposed new term.

Next Steps

Approve and sign the attached letter reappointing Ms. Joan Chapdelaine. The reappointment was subsequently listed on the April 24, 2023, Consent Agenda (Item 8).

Sources

  • Joan Chapdelaine - Appointee
  • Tamara Meredith - Jefferson County Library Director
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator

Bid Award: Pavement Marking on County Roads (2023-2025)

Topic Summary

Public Works staff recommended awarding the three-year contract for Pavement Marking on Jefferson County Roads (Project No. 180 20490) to the lowest responsive bidder, Specialized Pavement Marking, LLC of Tualatin, OR, for a total contract cost of $615,320.00. The engineer's estimate for the project was $542,599.00.

Key Points

  • The project covers Pavement Marking on County Roads for Calendar Years 2023 through 2025.
  • The contract was awarded to Specialized Pavement Marking, LLC (SPM).
  • SPM was the lowest responsive bidder at $615,320.00.
  • The contract amount is $72,721 over the Engineer's Estimate of $542,599.00.
  • The award is consistent with county goals as it provides for the safety of the motoring public.
  • The cost distribution over the three years (Specialized Pavement Marking, LLC bid): $197,535.00 (2023), $205,845.00 (2024), $188,347.00 (2025). The total of these line items is $591,727.00. The difference seems to relate to the aggregate cost mentioned in the minutes of 4/10/23 (see Financials).
  • Line item amounts include Paint Line and SPCC Plan costs for each year (e.g., 493 linear miles of paint line annually).
  • Note on cost inconsistency: The bid tabulation shows a 3-year total amount for Specialized Pavement Marking, LLC of $542,599.00 below the main section, but the bid award documents state the contract amount is $615,320.00. The $615,320 is listed next to Stripe Rite Incorporated in the table, but the memorandum explicitly awards the $615,320.00 to Specialized Pavement Marking, LLC, which is the amount listed in the 4/10/23 Bid Opening minutes.

Financials

  • Engineer's Estimate (3-year total): $542,599.00
  • Total Contract Cost (Specialized Pavement Marking, LLC): $615,320.00
  • Lowest Bidder (Specialized Pavement Marking, LLC): $615,320.00
  • Second Lowest Bidder (Stripe Rite Incorporated): $616,891.20
  • Funding Source: Public Works Road Operations Budget (annual inclusion).
  • Additional Context (from 4/10/23 Minutes): The total cost to Jefferson County, factoring in the paint (which is separate from the contract), is estimated to be over one million dollars for the three years.

Alternatives

  • Stripe Rite Incorporated submitted a total bid of $616,891.20.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • 2023-04-10: Bid Opening Date.
  • 2023-04-18: Date of Memorandum recommending award.
  • 2023-2025: Contracted period for pavement marking services.

Next Steps

The Board was asked to award the bid by signing the attached Memorandum. The award was subsequently approved on the April 24, 2023, Consent Agenda (Item 1).

Sources

  • Monte Reinders, PE - Public Works Director/County Engineer
  • Conor Ferry - Project Manager/Engineer Technician
  • Eric Kuzma - Engineer Services Manager/Assist. PW Director
  • Specialized Pavement Marking, LLC - Lowest Responsive Bidder
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator

Topic Summary

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners approved the Consent Agenda for the April 24, 2023 meeting, which included the bid award for road pavement marking, a contract award for the Port Hadlock Wastewater Facility Phase I, and four amendments/agreements related to the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) Periodic Review, totaling $84,333.

Key Points

  • Pavement Marking Bid Award: Approved the Bid Award for Pavement Marking on County Roads (2023-2025, Project No. 1800-20490) to Specialized Pavement Marking, LLC.
  • Port Hadlock Wastewater Facility: Awarded a contract in the amount of $1,139,547 (plus tax) for Phase I of the Port Hadlock Wastewater Facility to Seton Construction.
  • Public Health Agreement: Approved a Provider Agreement for Covered Services (Fee for Service) with Community Health Plan of Washington.
  • Shoreline Master Program (SMP) Review - Amendment No. 2: Approved an agreement amendment with BERK Consulting, Inc. for the SMP update through June 30, 2023, in the amount of $49,980.
  • Shoreline Master Program (SMP) Review - Amendment No. 3: Approved an agreement amendment with BERK Consulting, Inc. for the Shoreline User Guide (SUG) update through June 30, 2023, in the amount of $16,745.
  • Shoreline Master Program (SMP) Review - Amendment No. 4: Approved an agreement amendment with BERK Consulting, Inc. for SMP Adoption, SUG Completion, and Staff Training in the amount of $17,608.
  • Advisory Board Reappointments: Approved the reappointment of Jon Cooke to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) for a two-year term (expiring May 15, 2025, District No. 3 Rep) and Joan Chapdelaine to the Library Board of Trustees for a five-year term (expiring April 2028).

Financials

  • Contract Award (Port Hadlock Wastewater Facility, Phase I): $1,139,547 (plus tax) to Seton Construction.
  • AGREEMENT, Amendment No. 2 (SMP Review): $49,980.
  • AGREEMENT, Amendment No. 3 (SMP Review): $16,745.
  • AGREEMENT, Amendment No. 4 (SMP Review): $17,608.
  • Total SMP Review Amendments (Items 4, 5, 6): $84,333.
  • Payroll Warrants Paid (April 5, 2023): $164,030.32.
  • Payroll Warrants Paid (April 20, 2023): $90,585.98.
  • Total Vouchers/Warrants Paid (April 17, 2023): $1,392,294.91.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

  • Thirteen public comments were received on all topics during the initial public comment period, all of which related to decriminalizing entheogens.

Timeline

  • 2023-04-05 & 2023-04-20: Payroll Warrant Dates.
  • 2023-04-17: Voucher/Warrant Date.
  • 2023-06-30: Expiration date for SMP Amendments No. 2 and No. 3 update extensions.
  • 2025-05-15: Expiration date of Jon Cooke's PRAB term.
  • 2028-04: Expiration date of Joan Chapdelaine's Library Board term.

Next Steps

The Consent Agenda was approved by a unanimous vote (Commissioner Eisenhour moved, Commissioner Dean seconded).

Sources

  • Specialized Pavement Marking, LLC
  • Seton Construction
  • Community Health Plan of Washington
  • BERK Consulting, Inc.
  • Jon Cooke - PRAB Reappointment
  • Joan Chapdelaine - Library Board Reappointment

Letter Supporting Renaming Kilisut Harbor to Passage Through

Topic Summary

The Board of Commissioners discussed and approved a draft letter to the Washington State Committee on Geographic Names supporting the proposal to rename Kilisut Harbor to Passage Through, a name requested by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe and supported by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe.

Key Points

  • The letter expresses support for renaming Kilisut Harbor to Passage Through.
  • The renaming refers to the passage between Scow Bay and Oak Bay.
  • The decision to approve the letter followed a brief discussion.

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

  • Chair Brotherton called for public comments on the motion, with no comments received.

Timeline

None specified.

Next Steps

The letter supporting the name "Passage Through" will be sent to the Washington Committee on Geographic Names.

Sources

  • Commissioner Kate Dean
  • Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour
  • Washington Committee on Geographic Names
  • Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe (not explicitly named in this agenda item, but confirmed in the 4/17/23 minutes)

Resolution Supporting Decriminalization of Entheogens

Topic Summary

The Commissioners discussed a proposed resolution to request that law enforcement activities related to adult entheogen use be prioritized as the lowest in Jefferson County, and to declare support for full state and federal decriminalization. The Board consulted with the Sheriff and Prosecutor, discussed amendments, and opened the topic for public comment, receiving 10 testimonies. The resolution was deferred (no vote was recorded in the provided minutes).

Key Points

  • The resolution defines "entheogen" as the full spectrum of psychedelic plants/fungi (e.g., psilocybin mushrooms, ayahuasca, mescaline cacti) used for personal, spiritual, or wellness purposes.
  • Proposed action: Request that the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of adults engaging in entheogen-related activities (cultivation, gathering, sharing, ingestion out of public view) be among Jefferson County’s lowest law enforcement priorities.
  • The resolution aims to ensure no county funds are used to enforce criminal penalties related to adult entheogen activities "when reasonably possible."
  • The Board commits to adding support for the full decriminalization of entheogens to its agenda for the 2024 state legislative session, advocating for decriminalization before or concurrent with any regulated legalization.
  • Entheogens have been shown beneficial in treating conditions like chronic depression, anxiety, addiction (opioid/methamphetamine), and PTSD.
  • Criminalization is cited as increasing harm by limiting access to accurate education, harm reduction information, and decreasing the likelihood of calling for emergency support.
  • This resolution follows similar resolutions adopted by the Jefferson County Board of Health (July 15, 2021) and the City of Port Townsend (December 20, 2021).
  • The resolution explicitly states it does not authorize commercial sales, use/distribution in schools, driving under the influence, or public disturbance.

Financials

  • The resolution states, "We would like to see a future where no county funds or resources are used to assist in the enforcement of laws imposing criminal penalties."
  • The fiscal impact is noted as "None."

Alternatives

  • The Board discussed amendments to the draft resolution after consultation with the Sheriff and Prosecutor. Details of the amendments were not specified in the text.

Community Input

  • Commissioner Eisenhour noted that 13 public comments received at the start of the meeting related to decriminalizing entheogens.
  • An additional 10 comments were received during the dedicated public comment period for this agenda item.
  • Public interest in this resolution is high, with 23 total comments related to the topic across the meeting.

Timeline

  • 2021-07: Jefferson County Board of Health passed a resolution supporting decriminalization.
  • 2021-12-20: Port Townsend City Council passed a resolution declaring entheogen enforcement a "lowest law enforcement priority."
  • 2024 Legislative Session: The Board commits to supporting full decriminalization.

Next Steps

The Board, Prosecutor Kennedy, and Sheriff Nole participated in discussions and considered amendments. The final disposition (approval/rejection) of RESOLUTION NO. ___ is not recorded in the provided text.

Sources

  • Heidi Eisenhour - Commissioner (Resolution sponsor)
  • James Kennedy - Prosecutor
  • Joe Nole - Sheriff
  • Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
  • Port Townsend Psilocybin Society
  • Jefferson County Board of Health
  • Port Townsend City Council
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator

Certificate of Good Practice for Public Works

Topic Summary

The County Administrator and Public Works Director acknowledged the Public Works department for receiving the County Road Administration Board (CRAB) Certificate of Good Practice, emphasizing its importance to the department.

Key Points

  • Public Works received the County Road Administration Board (CRAB) Certificate of Good Practice.
  • County Administrator Mark McCauley explained the accomplishment to the Board.
  • Public Works Director Monte Reinders noted the importance of the certificate to his department.

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • The Board reviewed the 2022 CRAB Reports on the April 10, 2023, Consent Agenda.

Next Steps

None specified.

Sources

  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Monte Reinders - Public Works Director
  • Eric Kuzma - Public Works staff
  • Conor Ferry - Public Works staff
  • County Road Administration Board (CRAB)

State Capital Budget Funding for Jefferson County Projects

Topic Summary

Commissioner Eisenhour provided an update confirming that the State Capital Budget had passed and reviewed Jefferson County projects that were approved for funding.

Key Points

  • The State Capital Budget passed.
  • Jefferson County projects were approved for funding. Specific projects were not detailed.

Financials

  • The status of multiple Jefferson County projects receiving funding from the State Capital Budget was confirmed. Specific dollar amounts were not provided.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

None specified.

Next Steps

None specified.

Sources

  • Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour

Reappointment to Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB): Jon Cooke

Topic Summary

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) recommended the reappointment of Jon Cooke as the District No. 3 Representative for a two-year term, expiring May 15, 2025. This will be Mr. Cooke's fourth term, as he has served since 2017.

Key Points

  • Jon Cooke is recommended for reappointment to the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB).
  • The reappointment is for District No. 3 Representative.
  • The new term is two years, expiring May 15, 2025.
  • Mr. Cooke has served on the board since 2017 and is highly valued in his role.
  • PRAB Manager Matt Tyler relayed the Board's endorsement of the fourth term reappointment.

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • 2017: Year Mr. Cooke began serving on the Board.
  • 2025-05-15: Expiration date of the proposed new term.

Next Steps

The recommendation is to approve the reappointment. The reappointment was subsequently approved on the April 24, 2023, Consent Agenda (Item 7).

Sources

  • Jon Cooke - Appointee
  • Matt Tyler - Jefferson County Parks & Recreation Manager
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator

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