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09/11/23 09 AM: Union Praise, Church Funds Deferred, Consent Agenda Approved

Union Praise, Church Funds Deferred, Consent Agenda Approved

Commissioners praised for efficient UFCW 3000 union contract negotiations; pulled church ADA upgrades from consent agenda for constitutional review; approved remaining items like mental health expansions and infrastructure; acknowledged Humane Society concerns; adopted 9/11 remembrance proclamation.

Public Comment on UFCW 3000 Union Contract Negotiations

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:08.989–00:02:54.701 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel, contracts

Summary

Susan O'Brien, a member of the negotiating team, commended the recent signing of the UFCW 3000 unit contract, highlighting improvements in the negotiation process led by HR Director Sarah Melanchon and County Administrator Mark McCauley. She noted the process began with a statement on public employment's purpose to serve citizens, involved attentive listening to concerns, and resulted in fair agreements benefiting employees and the county. Commissioners responded positively, expressing appreciation for the feedback and hoping it sets a model for future negotiations.

Key Discussion Points

  • Negotiations were described as streamlined, efficient, and a "night and day difference" from past experiences (Susan O'Brien).
  • County representatives emphasized value, fairness, and high-level services to citizens (Susan O'Brien).
  • Negotiating team members signed the final contract, signaling trust in the process (Susan O'Brien).
  • Commissioners noted they often hear negative feedback and valued hearing positive results (Commissioner Kate, Heidi, Dinner).

Public Comments

  • Susan O'Brien (County Employee/Negotiating Team Member): Praised process changes, HR Director Sarah Melanchon, and County Administrator Mark McCauley; emphasized employee value and fair outcomes.

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 thanked O'Brien and affirmed support for the approach.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified; hope for similar success in remaining union agreements (Commissioner Kate).

Objection to Consent Agenda Items 1 and 2: Trinity United Methodist Church ADA Upgrades and ACAC Grant

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:03:29.484–00:10:49.084 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, budgeting, other

Summary

Public commenter Monty Cheers objected to Consent Agenda Item 2, a contract for ADA upgrades at Trinity United Methodist Church, citing violation of Washington State Constitution Article 1, Section 11 prohibiting public funds for religious establishments. Commissioners shared concerns, noted prior rejection of similar church funding requests, and pulled Items 1 (ACAC grant-related) and 2 for legal review and verification of current public use by community groups. Items were deferred pending County Administrator Mark McCauley's review.

Key Discussion Points

  • Item requests county funds for church door handles and upgrades despite prior denial of $20,000 roof/window request as unconstitutional (Monty Cheers).
  • Church listed community groups using facilities, potentially meeting public benefit threshold, but list may not be current (Commissioner Kate).
  • Need legal counsel interpretation and verification of public access (Commissioners Kate, Heidi, Dinner).
  • Contact made with requestor Anna McKay to pull until Mark McCauley reviews (Staff).

Public Comments

  • Monty Cheers: Opposed funding as unconstitutional public money to religious establishment; criticized repeated attempts wasting time/resources.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Interagency Agreement #K7959 with ESD for $5,678.52 ACAC grant to fund ADA upgrades at Trinity United Methodist Church (electrified entry, lever handles, changing tables); church hosts 15 community groups at no cost; budget neutral, grant-funded.
  • Professional Services Agreement for $5,678.52 ADA upgrades at church.
  • Public benefits cited as offsetting ROW value; constitutional concerns flagged in discussion.

Financials

  • Agreement Amounts: $5,678.52 each for Items 1 and 2; grant-funded by ESD/GCDE, no general fund impact.
  • Congregational in-kind: $3,000 pledged.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Items 1 and 2 pulled from Consent Agenda for legal review by County Administrator Mark McCauley.
  • Vote: None on these items.
  • Next Steps: Review by Mark McCauley upon return; bring back in coming weeks (Commissioners).

Consent Agenda Approval (Minus Items 1 and 2)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:12:54.628–00:19:29.477 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, budgeting, infrastructure, services, planning

Summary

The Board approved the Consent Agenda excluding pulled Items 1 and 2, with positive comments on school mental health expansions, Port Hadlock Sewer change orders, food permit digitization, and Seal Rock Road septic license. Items noted for public benefit and progress despite funding challenges.

Key Discussion Points

  • School-based mental health agreements (Chimacum and Port Townsend High) expand to two days/week; important for youth intervention (Commissioner Dinner).
  • Port Hadlock Sewer (HAD Luxor) change orders to local firm; progressing well, wastewater plant bid in October (Monte Reinders).
  • Food permits going digital after years of discussion (Commissioner Kate).
  • Seal Rock Road ROW license for septic upgrade required creative problem-solving by Environmental Health and Public Works (Commissioner Kate, Monte Reinders).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Amendment 1 to Chimacum High (Cynthia Langston LLC): +$44,400 to $67,800; two days/week counseling; DOH/HCA grants.
  • Amendment 1 to Port Townsend High (Sun Path Healing): +$44,400 to $67,800; two days/week; DOH/HCA grants.
  • Port Hadlock Sewer Change Order 1: +$73,272.57 for conduit/vaults (Commerce grant).
  • Change Order 2: +$134,009.17 for unsuitable materials; +12 days (Commerce grant).
  • Seal Rock Road License: Perpetual for 13-ft ROW septic; no compensation; public health/environmental benefits.
  • Food Permits Grant: $8,674 OSOS for digitizing 10 boxes; no match.
  • Behavioral Health Consortium Amendment 1 (Lori Fleming): +$10,000 to $136,000; HRSA grant NCE to 8/31/24.

Financials

  • Mental Health Amendments: +$44,400 each ($1,200/week); grant-funded.
  • Sewer Changes: +$73k (CO1), +$134k (CO2); Commerce grants; totals ~$1.45M.
  • Seal Rock: $0 compensation.
  • Food Digitization: $8,674 grant.
  • BHC Amendment: +$10,000; HRSA grant.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Adopt the consent agenda for September eleventh, 2023 minus items number one and two."
  • Vote: Moved and seconded; unanimous (all Aye).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Discussion on Humane Society Operations and Funding

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:11:02.183–00:12:49.050 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, budgeting, operations

Summary

Commissioners acknowledged multiple public letters on Humane Society issues, including director firing confusion and historical tensions; noted independent status, animal control role, complementary nonprofits, free rent at county facility, and funding/maintenance challenges. Committed to solutions aligning with public input.

Key Discussion Points

  • Humane Society independent but enforces county animal code; checkered history, other nonprofits provide similar services (Chair).
  • Dedicated to addressing funding lack and structural issues like free rent/maintenance costs (Chair).
  • Letters received with varied concerns; aligned with suggested directions (Chair).

Public Comments

No direct public comment during this segment; referenced prior letters.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; informational.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Follow up on issues; dedicated to solutions (Chair).

National Day of Service and Remembrance Proclamation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:31:58.700–00:38:57.507 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other

Summary

The Board adopted a proclamation for September 11, 2023, as National Day of Service and Remembrance, honoring 9/11 victims, first responders, and American resilience. Reflections shared on personal impacts, first responder sacrifices, and ongoing geopolitical effects; observed moment of silence at 9:59.

Key Discussion Points

  • Proclamation read verbatim, referencing 2,977 lives lost, heroism, and congressional request (Commissioners).
  • Personal remembrances of 9/11 impacts and first responders (Commissioners Kate, Heidi, Dinner).
  • Acknowledged law enforcement's recent challenges (Commissioner Heidi).
  • Noted Patriot Act concerns from public comment (Commissioner Dinner).

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: "Adopt this proclamation for national day of service and remembrance."
  • Vote: Moved and seconded; unanimous (all Aye).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Background Materials

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