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10/02/23 09 AM: BOCC Approves Budgets, Proclamations, Strategic Plan, Public Comments

BOCC Approves Budgets, Proclamations, Strategic Plan, Public Comments

Jefferson County BOCC addressed LTAC funding concerns, approved proclamations, health/emergency updates, supplemental budgets, adopted 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, briefed CHIP housing grants, authorized property acquisition—all unanimously where voted.

Public Comments and LTAC Budget Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:09–00:29:39 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, planning

Summary

Public comments focused primarily on Consent Agenda Item 5, the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) 2024 funding recommendations totaling $720,400 across 15 organizations promoting tourism. Speakers raised concerns about conflicts of interest, incomplete applications (e.g., Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce), funding concentration (87.2% to highlighted entities), and procedural violations. Commissioners, including Chair Eisenhower (LTAC Chair), defended the allocations prioritizing year-round operations, recusal processes, and compliance with code limits on tourist facility operations (<50%), while noting plans for future process review and coordination with Port Townsend. The Consent Agenda, including LTAC recommendations, was approved unanimously.

Key Discussion Points

  • Alexa Serbido: Urged rejection of LTAC budget due to conflicts (87.2% funds to few entities), incomplete applications ($611 public dollars), ethics issues; provided document for review.
  • Maria Baka: Expressed concerns about LTAC process favoring established groups over emerging youth/professional events like Quimper Events Collective; noted rule violations.
  • Mr. Teersch (online): Suggested collecting LTAC from short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO/private); requested lifting burn ban.
  • Mr. Smith: Contested radio tower permit at 35 Brain Shower Drive (engineering/soil issues, private road, no posted permit); criticized DCD operations.
  • Commissioner Eisenhower: Defended allocations (year-round priority, recusal votes, <50% facilities per code); questioned Port Townsend Chamber funding; recommended approval to avoid delaying 2024 grants.
  • Commissioner Dean: Noted funding shortfalls, trust in process despite frustrations.
  • Commissioner Eisenhour: Supported moving forward despite concerns; plans LTAC reform.
  • Limited discussion on radio tower/burn ban; responded permitting is in process, burn ban lifted for recreational fires.

Public Comments

  • Alexa Serbido: Reject LTAC budget; conflicts, ethics, procedures.
  • Unnamed speaker (Mr. Smith): Contest radio tower permit; engineering, road, inspection issues.
  • Maria Baka: LTAC favors established; support emerging events.
  • Mr. Teersch: Tax short-term rentals; lift burn ban.
  • Miss Paul (online): Burn ban lifted in county.
  • No further comments.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Consent Agenda Item 5: LTAC recommendations ($720,400 grants + $29,504 contingency/admin); total Fund 125 expenditures $749,904. Staff breakdown showed smaller grants to non-year-round entities; code compliance (<50% tourist facilities).

Financials

  • LTAC recommendations: $720,400 grants (e.g., Tourism Coordinating Council $275,000, Gateway Visitor Center $110,000); $10,000 capital contingency; $4,752 admin; total $749,904 from Fund 125.
  • Jefferson County LTAC funds broader county; Port Townsend allocates $20,000 of $500,000+.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Motion to approve and adopt the consent agenda for October 2, 2023" (includes LTAC).
  • Vote: Unanimous (all Aye).
  • Next Steps: Process 2024 LTAC grants; review LTAC process with Port Townsend; no next steps specified.

Mental Illness Awareness Week Proclamation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:29:55–00:47:00 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, planning

Summary

The Board read and unanimously approved a proclamation designating October 1-7, 2023, as Mental Illness Awareness Week and October 10 as World Mental Health Day, recognizing mental health's role in overall health, COVID-19 impacts, and NAMI's efforts to reduce stigma. Guests from NAMI Jefferson County and Discovery Behavioral Health (DBH) highlighted programs (support groups, education, CIT trainings, AOT), progress in stigma reduction, housing's role in stability, and commitments to free Mental Health First Aid trainings.

Key Discussion Points

  • Proclamation stats: 1 in 5 adults, 1 in 6 youth affected; suicide 10th leading U.S. death cause; half chronic cases begin by age 14.
  • Patrick Johnson (NAMI): Housing essential for stability; NAMI stigma reduction program launching; advocate with legislature.
  • Val Phimister (NAMI): Brochure details support groups, classes, workshops; CIT trainings; tracking AOT (RCW 71.05.148).
  • Jim Novelli (DBH): Progress in awareness; Mental Health First Aid trainings; AOT as diversion from hospitalization.
  • Anne Dean (DBH): Mental health touches all; community commitment via BOCC, nonprofits, hospital.
  • Commissioners: Acknowledged personal/family mental health experiences; committed to action beyond proclamations.

Public Comments

No formal public comments; guest presentations followed proclamation.

Supporting Materials Referenced

NAMI brochure: Recovery Cafe, support groups (twice monthly), education classes (8 Saturdays Jan), workshops (Mental Health Basics, Suicide Prevention), CIT trainings.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Motion to approve this proclamation. Recognize Mental Illness Awareness Week."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all Aye).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Monthly Health Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:47:00–01:07:21 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, public safety

Summary

Dr. Barry provided a COVID-19 surge update: high community activity (4 hospitalizations/week, mostly >70 or unvaccinated), XBB variants dominant (covered by new boosters), slow booster rollout due to private market shift. Recommendations: update vaccines (free at health dept for uninsured), order free tests (covid.gov/tests), test 24-48h apart if symptomatic. Addressed questions on Paxlovid shortages, test kits, side effects, vaccine spacing (COVID first, then RSV, flu). Noted RSV/flu upticks emerging.

Key Discussion Points

  • Dr. Barry: Surge peaked nationally, local peak pending; boosters match variants, full effect 2 weeks; hydrate/pre-medicate for side effects; Paxlovid shortages easing but prioritize high-risk; tests effective but retest if negative.
  • Q&A: Cash vaccine price $110-130 (insured free); free tests via covid.gov; expiration checker online; space vaccines (COVID>RSV>flu).

Public Comments

No public comments; listener questions via KPTZ.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update; no action.
  • No Vote.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Emergency Management Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:07:21–01:12:56 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, planning

Summary

Anna Pioseki announced October events: Great Washington ShakeOut Drill (10:19am Oct 19), trainings Oct 16-20 (volunteer orientation, hub program walkthrough). Noted her last day Oct 20 due to housing issues; moving to Clark County CRESA. Discussed winter prep (windy/wet forecast, pivot from wildfires).

Key Discussion Points

  • Anna Pioseki: ShakeOut (drop/cover/hold, check kits/family); trainings on website; hub program (neighborhood emergency meeting points); windy winter anticipated.
  • Commissioners: Wished well; hub clarification (central locations varying by disaster).

Public Comments

No public comments.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update; no action.
  • No Vote.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Third Quarter 2023 Supplemental Budget Appropriations

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:13:37–01:36:20 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, personnel, infrastructure

Summary

Public hearing on Q3 supplemental appropriations ($73,880 GF revenue/expenditures; $930,819 other funds revenue, $884,969 expenditures) for software (PAO $75,200 Karpel; Superior Ct $54,222 JAVS upgrade), grants (Sheriff wellness/equipment), WSU Extension ($3,500 donation, $32,825 WMRC interns), Public Health ($870k+ grants/fees), CD/MH ($40k+ tax revenue adjustments). Mr. Teersch criticized JAVS costs/markups, Public Health vehicle. Approved unanimously.

Key Discussion Points

  • Judy Shepherd: PAO software quote attached; Sheriff grants; Superior Ct JAVS (end-of-support); WSU mini-grant/interns; Public Health grant tweaks/vehicle; CD/MH contract shifts.
  • Mr. Teersch: JAVS overpricing (e.g., $293 switch vs $131 Amazon, $3,500 shipping); Public Health EV/charging; no ongoing maintenance budgeted.
  • Commissioners: JAVS integrated statewide; capital outlay classification; vehicle grant-funded; fleet vacancies delay EV policy.

Public Comments

  • Mr. Teersch: JAVS markups, sales tax error, warranty missing; Public Health vehicle EV?

Supporting Materials Referenced

Quotes attached (Karpel, JAVS scope); Public Health vehicles grant-funded.

Financials

  • GF: $73,880 rev/$185,052 exp.
  • Other: $930,819 rev/$884,969 exp.
  • Key: PAO $75,200; Superior Ct $54,222; Public Health vehicles $63,569; Engergov $56,880.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Resolution 40-23 approving Q3 appropriations.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Adoption of 2024-2028 Strategic Plan

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:38:58–01:59:30 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, budgeting, operations

Summary

Mark McCauley presented the final 2024-2028 Strategic Plan (6 priorities: Community Resilience, Economic Vitality, Environmental Stewardship, Housing Accessibility, Organizational Health, Thriving People; vision/values/objectives/measures). Developed via surveys (240 community/169 employee responses), interviews, retreat input; BerryDunn facilitated. Unanimously adopted (Res. 41-23); post online, distribute.

Key Discussion Points

  • Mark McCauley: Whole-county effort (leadership signatures); reporting milestones (monthly/quarterly/annual); implementation plan ready.
  • Guests: BerryDunn praised team; metrics for GFOA alignment.

Public Comments

No public comments.

Supporting Materials Referenced

23-page plan; Social Pinpoint metrics.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Resolution 41-23 adopting plan.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Post online; annual reports; monthly 2024 meetings.

CHIP Housing Infrastructure Grant Briefing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:08:24–02:47:05 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, infrastructure, planning, land use

Summary

Brent Butler briefed on $2M CHIP grant (no match; construction by Dec 2025) for infrastructure enabling affordable housing (25% units ≤80% AMI). Identified 6 projects (Mason St, Alcohol Plant, South 7, Caswell-Brown, Peter's Place, Chimacum Rd cluster); hybrid outreach/NOFA recommended. Guests (City PT, Bayside, OlyCAP, Habitat) supported; Caswell-Brown highlighted (sewer/lift station, $1.7M gap). Guidance for Oct 9 decision.

Key Discussion Points

  • Brent Butler: UGA barriers; projects detailed; Chimacum cluster maximizes units.
  • Andre Harper (City PT): Mill St lift station ($1.7M CHIP-funded) for Evans Vista.
  • Bill Rucker (Bayside): 10% project cost; infrastructure critical.
  • Kathy Morgan (OlyCAP): Caswell-Brown gap $1.7M; avoid septic decommission.
  • Maria Drury (Habitat): Mason St not ready; continue talks.

Public Comments

Guest presentations.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

$2M max; no match.

Alternatives & Amendments

Hybrid approach recommended.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational; Oct 9 action.
  • No Vote.
  • Next Steps: Oct 9 decision.

Community Planning Month Proclamation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:54:11–03:05:21 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning

Summary

Proclamation designating October 2023 as Community Planning Month approved unanimously; recognizes planners, commissions. Josh Peters highlighted planning's role balancing rights/welfare; resources (Commerce, MRSC, APA); new DCD hires (permit coordinator, associate/senior planners, permit tech).

Key Discussion Points

  • Josh Peters: Comprehensive plans tackle diverse issues; new staff filling vacancies (13 departures since June 2023).

Public Comments

No public comments.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approve proclamation.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Authorization for Piehl Property Acquisition

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:35:33–04:44:04 (PART 1)
  • Categories: land use, infrastructure

Summary

Tami Pokorny requested/approved authorization/concurrence for Piehl property (1.04ac, $45k appraised, RCO-funded) acquisition on Big Quilcene floodplain for restoration (gap-filler, side channel potential). RR-5 zoned, recreation-only; willing seller basis.

Key Discussion Points

  • Tami Pokorny: Fills ownership gap; flood zones AE/AO; Phase 1 ESA/purchase-sale next; grant expires Dec.

Public Comments

No public comments.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Appraisal/review; DCD lot determination.

Financials

$45,000 just compensation (RCO #18-1227 funded).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Authorize Environmental Public Health/Public Works to proceed with acquisition steps.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Contact owners; Phase 1 ESA; purchase-sale agreement.

Background Materials

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