PACKET: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Oct 02, 09:00 AM

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Change Order No. 3: Port Hadlock Sewer Phase 1 Site Prep

Topic Summary

Jefferson County Public Works proposed and received approval for Change Order No. 3 for the Port Hadlock Sewer Phase 1 project with Seton Construction. This change replaces an originally designed clay core in the wastewater pond embankment with a revised, improved design using a 60 mil HDPE liner and lean concrete backfill. The purpose of this substitution is to create an impermeable cut off wall that ensures reclaimed water is directed downward through the bottom of the infiltration facility.

Key Points

  • Change Order No. 3 modifies the Phase 1 Site Prep, Earthwork, and Service Utilities section of the Port Hadlock Sewer Project (Project No. 405-2114-0).
  • The original design for the wastewater pond embankment included a clay core, identified as Bid Item No. 5.
  • The clay core material and installation method are being replaced by an "improved design" consisting of a 60 mil HDPE liner and lean concrete backfill.
  • The non-permeable cutoff wall created by the HDPE liner and concrete is intended to ensure reclaimed water infiltrates downwards through the facility's bottom.
  • The change order was ordered by the County Engineer under Section 1 - 04.4 of the Standard Specifications.

Financials

  • Cost for Change Order No. 3: $99,559.01 (including 9.1% sales tax).
  • Original contract amount: $1,243,245.78 (including 9.1% sales tax).
  • Current contract amount (prior to this change): $1,450,527.51 (including 9.1% sales tax).
  • Estimated contract total after Change Order No. 3: $1,550,086.52 (including 9.1% sales tax).
  • The project is funded 100% by the Department of Commerce.
  • Detailed cost changes:
    • New Items Total (Liner, Concrete purchase/placement, Trench Excavation): $130,454.82
    • Existing Items Deleted (Bid Item No. 5 Clay Core, 800 CY @ $49/CY): ($39,200.00)
    • Estimated Net Change Subtotal: $91,254.82
    • 9.1% Sales Tax: $8,304.19

Alternatives

  • None specified.

Community Input

  • None specified.

Timeline

  • September 22, 2023: Change Order No. 3 endorsed by Seton Construction, Inc. and approved by Public Works staff.
  • October 2, 2023: Approval by Board of County Commissioners.
  • Contract Time Change: 0 days (Current Contract Time is 112 days).

Next Steps

The Board of Commissioners moved to approve the Consent Agenda, which included authorizing Change Order No. 3 with Seton Construction and directing Public Works to return two originals for further processing.

Sources

  • Monte Reinders, P.E. - Public Works Director/County Engineer
  • Samantha Harper, P.E. - Project Manager
  • Eric Kuzma - Engineering Services Manager
  • Seton Construction, Inc.
  • Washington State Department of Commerce (Funding Source)

Nurse Family Partnership Home Visiting Services Contract (DCYF)

Topic Summary

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is seeking approval for a contract with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to fund Home Visiting Services under the Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) model. This state-funded agreement, totaling $419,557.29, ensures the continuation of evidence-based visiting nurse services aimed at mitigating the impacts of poverty, unemployment, and other factors on child development, while also supporting neighboring counties through subcontracts.

Key Points

  • The contract funds NFP Home Visiting Services, a model supported by efficacy studies.
  • JCPH community nursing staff provide home visits to support families coping with challenges like poverty, single parenthood, parental unemployment/underemployment, parental disability, and family engagement in child welfare.
  • The grant allows JCPH to subcontract services to Kitsap and Clallam Counties.
  • Services must be voluntary for participants, who must provide written consent to participate and, ideally, consent to share confidential information with DOH for data matching purposes.
  • The term of the contract for performance is July 1, 2023, through July 31, 2024 (services must be provided by June 30, 2024).
  • The contract aligns with DCYF goals related to Health (Healthy Birthweight) and Resilience (healthy relationships, supported parents/caregivers).
  • Jefferson County's maximum service capacity (funded slots) under the HVSA contract is 62 families (37 funded by DCA (i502) State Funds, 25 funded by General Funds State).
  • The target service area includes 13 General Fund State (GSF) families in Clallam County; 17 families in Jefferson County (11 DCA, 6 GSF); and 32 families in Kitsap County (18 DCA, 14 GSF).
  • The County must maintain an active participant caseload meeting or exceeding 85% of the Maximum Service Capacity (62 families); failure to do so for two consecutive quarters triggers a review and improvement process.
  • Performance Payment Awards are available for milestones including Enrollment (85% capacity or greater), Family Retention (12/18 months), Depression Screening/Follow-up, and Healthy Birthweight Outcomes.

Financials

  • Total Contract Amount: $419,557.29.
  • Funding Source: Fully funded by Washington State DCYF via state dollars from the Home Visiting Services Account (HVSA).
  • Budget Breakdown (State Fiscal Year 2024):
    • DCA (I502) Funding: $171,129.00 (Personnel, Goods/Services, Contracted/Professional Services, Indirect Charges)
    • General Fund State Funding: $230,425.32 (Personnel, Goods/Services, Travel, Contracted/Professional Services, Indirect Charges)
    • HVSA Performance Pay (Additional Award Eligibility): $12,220.00
  • Staffing allocation: 2.62 Home Visitor FTEs combined from DCA (1.17 FTE) and General Fund State (1.45 FTE) sources.

Alternatives

  • None specified.

Community Input

  • None specified.

Timeline

  • July 1, 2023: Contract effective date/Performance commencement date.
  • July 31, 2024: Contract completion date (extended from June 30, 2024 to allow for final reporting).
  • Quarterly Progress Reports due: October 20, 2023, January 20, 2024, April 22, 2024, July 22, 2024.
  • Annual Pre-Contract Questionnaire due: May 16, 2024.
  • Final claims for payment due: No later than 45 days following the expiration date of the contract.

Next Steps

JCPH management requested and received approval for the Washington State DCYF contract funding Home Visiting Services.

Sources

  • Apple Martine - Public Health Director
  • Denise Banker - Community Health Director
  • Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
  • Philip C. Hunsucker - Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
  • Ivon Urquilla - DCYF Program Contract Manager

Letter of Support for Washington Department of Commerce Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update Grant (PUG)

Topic Summary

Jefferson County requested authorization to sign a Letter of Support for a non-competitive grant application to the Washington Department of Commerce's Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update Grant (PUG) program. This grant, totaling $350,000, is reserved for the County to fulfill the Growth Management Act (GMA) requirement to review and update its Comprehensive Plan and related development regulations by June 30, 2025.

Key Points

  • The Washington Department of Commerce designated Jefferson County as eligible for a non-competitive PUG grant of $350,000 based on the County's population size.
  • The grant funding is explicitly for planning costs associated with the GMA-required periodic review (RCW 36.70A.130(5)(b)).
  • The next GMA periodic review deadline for Jefferson County is June 30, 2025.
  • The funds are split over two state fiscal years: $175,000 for FY2024 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024) and $175,000 for FY2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025).
  • Funds cannot be carried over from FY2024 to FY2025 due to state legislative appropriation rules.
  • The funds are the "only currently identified funds for the County’s Comprehensive Plan periodic review."
  • The proposed scope of work includes:
    • Developing the Port Hadlock/Irontdale Urban Growth Area due to the onboarding of a wastewater facility.
    • Additional analysis for the Housing Element.
    • Considering Tribal interests and information as a new stand-alone element or integrated within existing plan elements (Tribal Outreach and Policy Development task: $10,000).
    • Reviewing/updating Countywide Planning Policies (CPP) jointly with the City of Port Townsend.
    • Reviewing aggregate mineral resources and drafting a Mineral Resource Land Overlay Map.
    • Updating the Critical Areas Ordinance and Development Regulations Ordinances.
    • Conducting Transportation Analysis and a Level of Service Report ($30,000 in SFY 2025 funds).

Financials

  • Total Grant Award: $350,000 (Non-competitive formula grant).
  • SFY 2024 Funding: $175,000 (available retroactively from July 1, 2023).
  • Personnel/Salaries: $80,375
  • Professional Services: $91,625
  • SFY 2025 Funding: $175,000
  • Personnel/Salaries: $81,986
  • Professional Services: $90,014
  • Total Expenses must match Total Revenue for each fiscal year ($175,000 each year).

Alternatives

  • Staff noted that they may seek additional funds for specific planning topics that require special evaluation.

Community Input

  • None specified in the agenda request or supporting materials.

Timeline

  • June 27, 2023: Department of Commerce informed the County of grant eligibility.
  • July 1, 2023: Project costs incurred may be reimbursed (retroactively eligible for FY2024 funds).
  • September 30, 2023: Commerce requested grant application materials deadline.
  • October 2, 2023: Date of the Letter of Support and BOCC review/approval.
  • December 31, 2023: Anticipated completion date for the Periodic Update Checklist.
  • June 30, 2025: GMA-mandated deadline for completing the periodic review and update.

Next Steps

The Board of Commissioners granted approval for the County Administrator to sign the Letter of Support, enabling Community Development to proceed with grant agreement execution and preparation of the grant contract with Commerce.

Sources

  • Josh D. Peters - DCD Director
  • Joel Peterson - Lead Long Range Planner
  • Dave Andersen, AICP - Managing Director, Growth Management Services, WA Department of Commerce
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) 2024 Funding Recommendations

Topic Summary

Jefferson County considered and approved the funding recommendations submitted by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) for 2024. The recommendations allocated $720,400 across 15 proposals submitted by various organizations for promoting tourism and supporting tourism-related infrastructure, plus additional funds for contingency and administrative costs, totaling $749,904.

Key Points

  • LTAC reviewed proposals submitted through the Jefferson County 2024 Lodging Tax Request for Proposals process on September 19, 2023.
  • Total amount requested by applicants was $1,144,353.
  • Total amount recommended for regular grants (15 proposals): $720,400.
  • Key recipients and recommended amounts:
    • Tourism Coordinating Council: $275,000
    • Olympic Peninsula Gateway Visitor Center (TCC): $110,000
    • North Hood Canal Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center: $55,000
    • The Production Alliance (TPA): $55,000
    • Forks Chamber of Commerce for West End Visitor Center: $50,000
    • Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS): $50,000
    • Quilcene Historical Museum: $51,000
  • Two organizations, Centrum and Quimper Events Collective, received $0 in the LTAC review.

Financials

  • Total recommended expenditures from Fund 125: $749,904.
    • Regular Grants (15 proposals): $720,400
    • Capital contingency for County's Visitor Center: $10,000
    • Cost to administer Hotel/Motel Fund & Contracts: $4,752
    • Subtotal Contingency & Admin: $14,752

Alternatives

  • None specified.

Community Input

  • The Commissioners addressed public comments regarding the LTAC recommendation (Consent Agenda Item No. 5). The specific content of these comments was not detailed.

Timeline

  • September 19, 2023: LTAC Committee met to review and recommend proposals.
  • October 2, 2023: Board of Commissioners approved the LTAC funding recommendations.

Next Steps

The Board approved the motion to adopt the 2024 Hotel Motel fund expenditures as recommended, allowing timely processing of the 2024 lodging tax funding agreements.

Sources

  • Adiel McKnight - Executive Assistant
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC)

Proclamation: Mental Illness Awareness Week

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners formally approved a proclamation designating the week of October 1-7, 2023, as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in Jefferson County. This action acknowledges the widespread impact of mental health conditions, the need to fight stigma, and the importance of promoting early diagnosis and treatment, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic's contribution to mental health challenges.

Key Points

  • The proclamation aligns with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) initiative to raise awareness and fight discrimination related to mental illness.
  • Key statistics cited: One in five adults nationwide experiences a mental health problem annually; one in six U.S. youth aged 6-17 experiences a mental health disorder each year.
  • Suicide is highlighted as the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the 2nd leading cause among young adults.
  • The proclamation mentions that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly contributed to mental health challenges in all age groups (children, youth, adults, and elders) in Jefferson County.
  • October 10, 2023, is recognized as World Mental Health Day.

Financials

  • None specified.

Alternatives

  • None specified.

Community Input

  • Patrick Johnson (NAMI Jefferson County President) emphasized that the "most important thing to help address mental health issues is housing" and requested advocacy with the State legislature for the Stigma Reduction Program.
  • Val Phimister (NAMI Jefferson County Director) thanked the BOCC and shared a new NAMI brochure explaining program activities.
  • Jim Novelli (Discovery Behavioral Health) underscored the importance of addressing stigma and discussed existing programs.
  • Anne Dean (Discovery Behavioral Health Director) spoke about promoting mental health.

Timeline

  • October 1-7, 2023: Mental Illness Awareness Week.
  • October 10, 2023: World Mental Health Day.
  • October 2, 2023: Proclamation approved by BOCC.

Next Steps

The Commissioners approved the proclamation as read.

Sources

  • Patrick Johnson - NAMI Jefferson County President
  • Val Phimister - NAMI Jefferson County Director
  • Anne Dean - Discovery Behavioral Health Director
  • Jim Novelli - Discovery Behavioral Health
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Third Quarter 2023 Supplemental Budget Appropriations/Extensions Hearing

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners held a public hearing to consider and subsequently approve the Third Quarter 2023 Supplemental Budget Appropriations/Extensions for various county departments. These changes address unanticipated revenues (primarily grants and fees) and necessary expenses not originally funded in the annual budget, including new software, equipment upgrades, and grant expenditures across the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Superior Court, Sheriff's Office, WSU Extension, Public Health, and Mental Health/Chemical Dependency funds.

Key Points

  • The appropriation is required under RCW 36.40.140 for budget increases addressing unanticipated revenues/expenditures.
  • Source funds include grants from State and Federal government, fees, and budgeted but unexpended monies from the prior year.
  • Public notice for the hearing was published in the Port Townsend Leader on September 20 and 27, 2023.
  • Prosecuting Attorney's Office (PAO) requests $75,200 for Karpel Case Management Software to address the difficulties in managing and tracking longer, detailed reports with multi-media, which cannot be competently done with existing methods (laserfiche is described as "clumsy and imperfect").
  • Superior Court requests $54,222.00 for an update to the JAVS courtroom recording platform and equipment, as the existing platform will become obsolete, and maintenance will cease on December 31, 2023. The upgrade includes new HD cameras to replace units that are at least 15 years old.
  • Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) appropriations cover three new grants: CJTC Officer Wellness Program ($35,000 revenue/expenditure), WSP NCHIP Grant ($8,130 revenue/expenditure for Operating Law Enforcement), and WASPC RSO Address Verification Program Grant (additive revenue of $30,750). The budget includes $12,500 additional funds for the FRT Navigator and $35,000 for WELLNESS PROGRAMS.
  • WSU Jefferson County Extension appropriations cover:
    • $3,500 one-time revenue/expenditure for the 4-H PT Rock Club from a Public Health Mini Grant, used for Operating Supplies.
    • $32,825 reallocation for spending under the WMRC2 OTGP Grant Funding, specifically hiring three MRC Interns (Raingarden, Crabber Outreach, and MRC Assistant) plus administrative costs.
  • Public Health / Health and Human Services (Fund 127) appropriations total $870,412 in additional revenue and $708,822 in expenditures, covering funds for RCOR Implementation Grant, PVEP CDC NACCHO, Youth Tobacco, and DSHS State Funds/Fees/FPHS/DDD Grant revenue categories.
    • Significant Expenditures include: Misc Prof Services ($243,000 ADMIN, $158,792 CH), Engergov Software ($56,880), and Vehicles ($63,569).
  • Chemical Dependency/Mental Health (Fund 131) appropriations reflect overall net adjustments to numerous inter-organizational contracts, funded by a $40,307 increase in the CHDEP/MENTL Health Service Tax revenue.
    • Major changes include eliminating the MCS-Law Enforcement Navigator Contract ($-55,000), eliminating Discovery Behavioral Health-Wrap Around Svcs ($-55,000), offsetting the OESD-MH Services Contract ($-46,407), and increasing funding for Dove House Recovery Cafe (+$48,094), Jumping Mouse Children Center (+$48,063), and new items Gateway to Freedom BIR-Mobile Unit (+$43,472) and Gateway to Freedom BIR-Fire Cares (+$50,000).

Financials

  • Total appropriation/extension amount across all departments (calculated from summation of requested one-time appropriations): $75,200 (PAO) + $54,222 (Superior Ct) + $55,630 (JCSO Expenditures) + $3,500 + $32,825 (WSU Ext Expenditures) + $509,073 + $79,400 + $120,449 (Public Health Expenditures) + $11,360 + $55,159 + $73,203 (CD/MH Expenditures) = $1,019,921.00 (Total requested expenditure over current budgets). Note: This does not account for offsets, transfers, or negative appropriations.
  • PAO Karpel Software Total Cost: $75,200.00 (Software: $39,250; Installation: $4,150; Professional Svcs: $14,300; Training: $12,000; Travel: $5,500).
  • Superior Court JAVS Upgrade Total Cost: $54,221.13 (Including $4,476.97 sales tax).

Alternatives

  • None specified.

Community Input

  • Tom Thiersch provided testimony during the public testimony period. The content of his testimony was not detailed.

Timeline

  • September 18, 2023: BOCC declared need for supplemental expenses.
  • September 19 & 26, 2023: Notice of hearing published (per Resolution text).
  • October 2, 2023, 10:15 a.m.: Public Hearing held.

Next Steps

The Board approved Resolution No. 40-23 adopting the Third Quarter 2023 Supplemental Budget Appropriations/Extensions by a unanimous vote. The County Auditor is directed to extend the budget of the listed funds.

Sources

  • Judy Shepherd - Finance Manager
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Sophie Nordstrom (Client contact for JAVS)
  • Tom Thiersch (Public testimony)

Authorization to Acquire Piehl Property on Big Quilcene River Floodplain

Topic Summary

The Department of Environmental Public Health requested and received authorization and concurrence from the Board of County Commissioners to proceed with negotiations to purchase the 1.04-acre Piehl property on the Big Quilcene Floodplain. The acquisition, which is contingent upon a willing seller, is part of the Lower Big Quilcene Floodplain Acquisitions project and is intended to support the ongoing Big Quilcene River restoration work led by the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group.

Key Points

  • Public Health is partnering with Public Works for this acquisition effort.
  • The property consists of two parcels (991201002 and 991201004) totaling 1.04 acres.
  • The land is located south of the Big Quilcene River shoreline, adjacent to County-owned property.
  • The property is zoned RR-5 (Rural Residential - five-acre minimum).
  • The Jefferson County DCD determined the property is not a legal lot of record and is ineligible for most development permit applications per Chapter 18.12 JCC, though it may be conveyed (sold) per RCW 58.17.210 ("Legal Lot of Record Determination for Development Eligibility" dated July 10, 2023).
  • The highest and best use of the vacant site is determined to be for recreational use due to the development ineligibility.
  • The land is situated within flood zones AE and AO (with 2-foot average flood depth), and development is subject to Shoreline Master Program requirements (150-foot building setback from the river).
  • Acquisition will be fee-simple and based on a willing seller.
  • The acquisition is supported by an appraisal completed by R. F. Duncan & Associates, Inc., and reviewed by SH&H Valuation and Consulting.

Financials

  • Just Compensation (Offer) Established: $45,000 (appraisal effective date: August 29, 2023).
  • Funding Source: Acquisition is funded by RCO Grant #18-1227.
  • Match Funding Sources: An MOU with the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group and funds from the Big Quilcene Flood Account.
  • Assessed Value (2023): $4,800 total ($2,200 for each parcel in 2022).
  • Review Appraisal Cost: Not to exceed $2,800.00 (Paid via Public Health Purchase Order).

Alternatives

  • None specified.

Community Input

  • Sandra Piehl, the owner's representative, declined a joint inspection but had no questions about the appraisal process.
  • No public comment was heard during the brief discussion and motion on this item.

Timeline

  • July 10, 2023: Jefferson County DCD issued Legal Lot of Record Determination (ineligible for development).
  • August 29, 2023: Date of Value for the appraisal.
  • September 1, 2023: Owner contact date (telephone discussion with Sandra Piehl).
  • September 5, 2023: Date of Appraisal Report (Richard F. Duncan, MAI).
  • September 7, 2023: Date of Appraisal Review (Chad C. Johnson, MAI).
  • October 2, 2023: BOCC Authorization and Concurrence granted.

Next Steps

The Board authorized the Department of Public Works, in partnership with Environmental Public Health, to proceed with the offer, negotiation, and acquisition of the property at the established just compensation of $45,000, in accordance with RCO and Department of Ecology policies. The Departments are also directed to execute documentation to close the transaction and coordinate with funding sources.

Sources

  • Pinky Mingo - Environmental Public Health and Water Quality Director
  • Tami Pokorny - Natural Resources Program Coordinator
  • Monte Reinders, P.E. - Public Works Director/County Engineer
  • RCO #18-1227 (Funding Source)
  • Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (Match MOU/Restoration Lead)
  • Richard F. Duncan, MAI - Appraiser
  • Chad C. Johnson, MAI - Review Appraiser
  • Greg Ballard - UDC Administrator, Jefferson County DCD

Adoption of the 2024–2028 Jefferson County Strategic Plan

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners officially adopted the 2024–2028 Jefferson County Strategic Plan (Resolution No. 41-23), following many months of development involving input from local leaders, employees, community stakeholders, and guidance from the Commissioners. The five-year plan establishes the County’s mission, vision, core values, and outlines six strategic priorities with measurable objectives intended to guide resource allocation and focus County staff efforts moving forward.

Key Points

  • The Strategic Plan development encompassed input from 240 community survey responses, 169 employee survey responses, 23 interviews, and 3 focus groups.
  • The plan is intended to be a "living document" and prioritize time and resource allocation over the next five years.
  • Vision: All people of Jefferson County thrive in a healthy and secure community that preserves natural resources and cultural heritage, supports a robust economy, innovates, cultivates diversity, and provides leadership in growth management.
  • Core Values: Accessible and Responsive, Engaged and Collaborative, Innovative and Forward-Thinking, Professional and Service-Oriented, Respect for All, and Trustworthy and Accountable.
  • Six Strategic Priorities:
    1. Community Resilience: Focuses on civic engagement, planning health and safety programs, strengthening emergency preparedness, and closing health system gaps.
    2. Economic Vitality: Focuses on job creation potential areas (Port Hadlock UGA, Glen Cove Industrial Area), broadband expansion, enhancing business-friendly zoning (increase multi-use zoning by 50 acres), completing Port Hadlock sewer Phase One, and optimizing LAMIRD development.
    3. Environmental Stewardship: Focuses on completing the Comprehensive Plan update by June 30, 2025, completing the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) by December 31, 2023, and mitigating sea level rise impacts.
    4. Housing Accessibility: Focuses on shortening planning/permitting review times (migrate to fully online permitting by Dec 31, 2024), considering re-zoning for density, using fiscal measures to incentivize housing development, and reducing homelessness.
    5. Organizational Health: Focuses on workforce retention/recruitment (equitable/competitive salaries by end of 2024), enhancing management training, increasing cross-department collaboration, and implementing an employee recognition program by June 30, 2024.
    6. Thriving People: Focuses on celebrating diversity, increasing youth-focused activities, removing physical and digital barriers to access (Update ADA Transition Plan by 2025), and promoting recreational activities.
  • The County commits to ongoing accountability, including posting an annual progress report on its website.

Financials

  • None specified. (The agenda request states: "This request has no fiscal impact.")

Alternatives

  • Staff recommended adoption of the final plan over seeking further changes or revisions.

Community Input

  • The Plan development timeline mentions 240 community survey responses and 11 Ideas Wall comments.
  • The Board Chair stated the plan reflects a consensus of opinions and priorities gathered from a broad cross-section of governmental partners, business and non-profit leaders, employees, and residents.

Timeline

  • February – March 2023: Project Initiation and Planning.
  • September 2023: Internal review and implementation planning prior to BOCC adoption.
  • October 2, 2023: Board of Commissioners adoption of Resolution No. 41-23.
  • October 2023 – September 2028: Implementation Period.
  • December 31, 2023: Target completion date for the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
  • December 31, 2024: Migration to a fully online permit application and processing system target completion date.
  • June 30, 2025: Target completion date for establishing a performance tracking system and a baseline for permit processing times.

Next Steps

The Board approved Resolution No. 41-23 adopting the 5-Year Strategic Plan by a unanimous vote. County departments must now develop detailed implementation plans to fulfill the strategic goals and objectives, and staff will track and report progress.

Sources

  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Heidi Eisenhour - Commissioner District No. 2
  • BerryDunn Consulting Team (Seth Hedstrom, Michelle Kennedy, Renee Bryant, Maddison Powers Spencer)

Housing Infrastructure Grants Briefing (CHIP Grant)

Topic Summary

The Department of Community Development (DCD) briefed the Board on the Washington State Department of Commerce's Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP) Grant opportunity. This grant, with a maximum award of $2 million and no match requirement, focuses on funding water, sewer, and stormwater connections to increase affordable housing units. Staff identified several local affordable housing projects that could be competitive applicants and recommended pursuing a hybrid approach (Approach 3) to submitting a grant application.

Key Points

  • The CHIP grant aims to increase affordable housing supply by funding crucial infrastructure connections (water, sewer, stormwater, ROW extensions).
  • Affordable housing construction must commence by December 2025.
  • Eligibility requirements include: applicant is a city, county, or public utility; project delivers new affordable housing; 25% of units must be affordable at 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI); and waived system development charges for affordable housing.
  • Six potential qualifying local projects identified:
    1. Habitat for Humanity’s Mason Street Project (Port Hadlock)
    2. Bayside’s affordable housing expansion adjacent to the Old Alcohol Plant
    3. OlyCAP second phase of South Seven (serving older adults)
    4. OlyCAP Caswell-Brown Village connection to Port Townsend sewer
    5. Peter’s Place (contingent on including permanent supportive housing)
    6. Chimacum Road Sewer connections to various projects (Garden Court Apts - PHA; Port Hadlock Motel - Bayside; BNR Mobile Home Court - 55+; Hadlock Village Mobile Home Park)
  • Staff has engaged with key housing and utility partners to discuss project objectives, zoning barriers, and potential solutions through updating the Port Hadlock UGA zoning.
  • Three procedural approaches for determining grant partners were proposed by staff: (1) Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA); (2) Direct Contact with Local Developers; and (3) Hybrid (NOFA and Direct Contact). Staff recommends the hybrid approach (Approach 3).

Financials

  • Maximum Award Amount: $2 million.
  • Match Requirement: $0 (No match required).
  • Fiscal Impact to County: Budget neutral, aside from staff time (estimated 40 hours of outreach).

Alternatives

  • Approach 1 (NOFA): equitable process, invites applications up to $2 million.
  • Approach 2 (Direct Contact): outreach to affordable housing developers to determine interest in partnering.
  • Approach 3 (Hybrid - Recommended): reach out to eligible developers while also issuing a NOFA.

Community Input

  • Attendees present included Andre Harper (City of Port Townsend Project Manager), Bill Rucker (Bayside Housing), Kathy Morgan (OlyCAP Housing Director), and Maria Drury (Habitat for Humanity).
  • Continued discussion followed the briefing session.

Timeline

  • October 31, 2023: CHIP grant application deadline.
  • December 2025: Affordable housing construction must begin by this date.
  • October 9th: Commissioners planned to return and request a decision on the approach.

Next Steps

The Board listened to the presentation and provided guidance; a decision on the recommended approach (Approach 3) is expected on October 9th.

Sources

  • Brent Butler, Chief Strategy Officer - DCD
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Andre Harper - City of Port Townsend Project Manager
  • Bill Rucker - Bayside Housing
  • Kathy Morgan - OlyCAP Housing Director
  • Maria Drury - Habitat for Humanity
  • Washington State Department of Commerce (CHIP Grant Originator)

Letter of Support for Mason PUD USDA Grant Application

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners approved signing and sending a letter of support for Mason PUD No. 1's application for the USDA/US Forest Service's Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program. The grant application seeks funding for a "Whole–System VM Project" to comprehensively manage vegetation and clear fuel stocks within PUD easement lands in south Jefferson County to mitigate wildfire risk and reduce power outages caused by treefalls.

Key Points

  • Mason PUD No. 1 is proposing a comprehensive vegetation management (VM) project in their easement land in south Jefferson County.
  • The project aims to mitigate future wildfire risk, which is critical in this heavily forested area, and reduce power outages frequently caused by treefalls.
  • The comprehensive plan includes trimming the entire system and procuring key equipment: a highline bucket truck, chip truck, and chipping/saw machinery.
  • The PUD is currently only financially capable of addressing small portions of easement and removing a few dead trees annually.
  • The PUD's plan includes proactive removal of danger trees, as identified by an arborist.
  • Jefferson County supports the PUD's intent to pursue federal funds for preventative work without pressuring electric rates in the low-income community of south Jefferson County.
  • The County maintains a cooperative relationship with the PUD regarding infrastructure projects and emergency management activities.

Financials

  • The letter indicates the PUD requires funding from USDA/FS via the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program to undertake the needed mitigation work due to current financial constraints.
  • None specified regarding County funds.

Alternatives

  • None specified.

Community Input

  • None specified.

Timeline

  • October 2, 2023: BOCC approved signing and sending the letter of support.

Next Steps

The letter of support for the Mason PUD USDA Grant application was approved and will be signed and sent.

Sources

  • Mason PUD No. 1
  • United States Department of Agriculture/US Forest Service (Grantor)

Letter of Support for North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Coalition (NOPRC)

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners approved signing a letter expressing strong support for the North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Coalition's (NOPRC) applications for Recompete Plan Approval and a Strategy Development Grant. The County believes the program is a vital mechanism to address the regional Prime Age Employment Gap (PAEG) and improve economic vitality.

Key Points

  • NOPRC's application addresses the economic challenges and the Prime Age Employment Gap (PAEG) affecting the region.
  • Jefferson County is excited about the NOPRC project to explore creating an Urban Growth Area in Glen Cove, which has the potential to unlock economic development, diversify the local economy, and create living-wage jobs.
  • The application also includes the expansion of the Port of Port Townsend's Boatyard to bolster the maritime industry.
  • The NOPRC focuses on addressing barriers to economic development, specifically childcare and workforce development, to create a more inclusive and equitable economic landscape.
  • The coalition successfully assembled diverse stakeholders from Clallam and Jefferson Counties, as well as local Tribes.

Financials

  • None specified.

Alternatives

  • None specified.

Community Input

  • None specified.

Timeline

  • A motion was approved on October 2, 2023, for the letter of support, as amended.

Next Steps

The Board approved the letter of support, as amended, for the NOPRC application for Recompete Plan Approval and Strategy Development Grant.

Sources

  • North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Coalition (NOPRC)

Authorization of Piehl Property Acquisition (Motion Verbiage)

Topic Summary

During open session following the workshop briefing regarding the Piehl Property acquisition, the Board took a specific action to formally authorize the necessary steps to acquire the property on the Big Quilcene River floodplain.

Key Points

  • The motion was to authorize the Department of Environmental Health to move forward with the acquisition of the Piehl Property on the Big Quilcene River Floodplain.
  • The motion included authorization for all necessary steps required before the final acquisition action.

Financials

  • None specified.

Alternatives

  • None specified.

Community Input

  • Public comment was called for, but no comment was received.

Timeline

  • October 2, 2023: Authorization granted.

Next Steps

The motion was approved unanimously, directing Environmental Health to undertake the necessary pre-acquisition steps.

Sources

  • Tami Pokorny - Natural Resources Program Coordinator (provided presentation)

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