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10/09/23 09 AM: County Tackles Aquatic Concerns, Approves Funding, Ordinances

County Tackles Aquatic Concerns, Approves Funding, Ordinances

Jefferson County Commissioners meeting covered public criticism of proposed aquatic center and tax, consent agenda approvals for infrastructure, Indigenous Peoples Day proclamation, campground electrical expansion funding, parks grant shortfall, CHIP housing grants, C-PACER ordinance adoption, and building code public hearing extension.

Public Comment on Proposed Aquatic Center and County-Wide Tax

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:26.052–00:09:03.336 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, planning, other

Summary

James Carantino provided public comment criticizing the proposed Port Townsend aquatic center, highlighting unreported costs like $20-23 million in bond interest over 20 years at updated rates of 5.3-5.5%, potential $1 million turf fields at Hazel E. Carl Park, and questions on lodging tax revenue from five large accommodations. Commissioners responded by noting invitations to public events on October 19 and November 16, acknowledging early stage of process, concerns over PUD formation and election costs, and encouraging public engagement without committing to positions.

Key Discussion Points

  • Carantino announced citizen events at Chimacum Community Center (October 19, 6 PM) and Chimacum Clubhouse (November 16) to review 316-page packet, criticizing lack of outreach and hidden costs.
  • James Carantino (Port Townsend Free Press): Questioned total project cost exceeding $60 million with financing, turf fields impact on feasibility, and lodging tax details.
  • Commissioner Eisenhour hosted shore event October 19, unavailable for Chimacum; suggested broadening PUD service area for county-wide amenities.
  • Commissioner Brotherton noted unread full packet but awareness via news; counseled against PUD, raised special election costs (~$110,000).

Public Comments

  • James Carantino (Port Townsend Free Press): Opposed proposal due to unreported costs, lack of outreach, and feasibility issues; invited commissioners to events.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials provided; transcript references 316-page executive summary packet delivered September 5, steering committee minutes.

Financials

  • Construction: $37.1 million plus hard/soft costs.
  • Financing: 20-year bond at outdated 4.5% interest ($20 million); current rates 5.3-5.5% push to $23 million+.
  • Turf fields: Potentially $1 million.
  • Lodging tax: Targets $500,000 from 5 accommodations (including 2 campgrounds) needing $25 million gross revenue.
  • Special election: ~$110,000 cost, payer unclear.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public comment heard; no action taken.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Public events October 19 and November 16; process ongoing for potential PUD ballot.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:09:36.352–00:14:22.444 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, infrastructure, contracts, operations, personnel

Summary

The consent agenda was approved unanimously without items pulled for discussion, including Port Hadlock membrane bioreactor WWTP construction call for bids (~$7 million ARPA-funded), Oil City/Upper Hoh Road projects, Laserfiche records database migration ($28,000 state grant-funded), noxious weed board appointment (Dr. Thomas Backman, District 5), and other public works items. Discussion noted WWTP progress, road bidding/engineering, and Laserfiche upgrade from risky Access database using state grant.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; items addressed primarily through supporting materials.
  • WWTP: Phase 2 MBR plant (90,000 gpd capacity), $7 million estimate, ARPA-funded.
  • Public Works: Oil City Road/Upper Hoh capacity additions; Laserfiche migration for 3,000 physical record boxes.
  • Noxious Weed Board: Dr. Backman appointed.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Port Hadlock WWTP: $7 million bid call, ARPA $20 million.
  • Laserfiche: $28,000 state grant, migrates Access database.
  • Oil City/Upper Hoh Roads: Bidding/engineering phase. Board decision aligned with staff recommendations.

Financials

  • WWTP: $7 million + tax (ARPA).
  • Laserfiche: $28,000 (state grant).
  • Road projects: Multiple $1 million items. No financial information discussed beyond approvals.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Move to approve the consent agenda for October ninth, 2023."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Indigenous Peoples Day Proclamation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:29:52.209–00:52:44.198 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other

Summary

The Board adopted a proclamation recognizing October 9, 2023, as Indigenous Peoples Day, honoring tribal nations' ancestral lands, treaties, contributions, and addressing systemic racism. Tribal representatives from Jamestown S'Klallam, Port Gamble S'Klallam, and Lower Elwha Klallam Tribes spoke, sang traditional songs, and expressed gratitude for the recognition and partnership.

Key Discussion Points

  • Proclamation read, highlighting ancestral lands (S'Klallam, etc.), Point No Point/Quinault Treaties, contributions, and UN origins.
  • Tribal speakers emphasized healing, land caretaking, historical exclusion, and ongoing strength.
  • Commissioner Eisenhour shared personal learning from indigenous history texts.

Public Comments

  • Teresa Rose-Nauman (Jamestown S'Klallam): Honored history, traditions; acknowledged commissioners.
  • Laura & Joseph Price (Port Gamble S'Klallam): Raised hands in thanks for recognition, healing, Katai village history.
  • Lonnie (phone, salmon recovery): Suggested adding 2019 ordinance reversal; praised partnerships.
  • Makah Tribe member: Shared song from grandfather on Ozette village return.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Move to approve this proclamation for October ninth being indigenous people say." Adopted.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes); Commissioner Dean absent.
  • Next Steps: Signed copies provided to tribes; photos taken. Lonnie suggested 2019 ordinance addition for future.

Oak Bay Campground Electrical Expansion Funding Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:03:10.710–01:28:24.366 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, budgeting

Summary

Parks staff requested and received approval for $72,510 capital funds transfer to expand electrical pedestals from 1 to 12 sites at Upper Oak Bay Campground, citing efficiency and revenue potential; project is shovel-ready. Public comment supported electrification for EVs; board approved unanimously via road fund reallocation.

Key Discussion Points

  • Scope expanded for cost-efficiency; sites 1-12 used ~half as much as electric sites.
  • Matt Tyler (Parks Manager): $97k total, $25k available; electric sites $30/night vs. $25 non-electric; pays back in 8-10 years.
  • Funding via $412k road fund transfer (Center Road resurfacing surplus).
  • Tom Cheers (public): Requested 50-amp for EV charging, larger transformer.

Public Comments

  • Tom Cheers: Supported; urged 50-amp pedestals, 150kVA transformer.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Map of campground; prior 2018 electrification of sites 13-20 successful. Staff recommendation followed.

Financials

  • Total: $97,391 ($72,510 additional requested).
  • Available: $24,881 parks capital.
  • Source: Road fund transfer ($412k surplus).
  • Revenue: ~$12k/year additional.

Alternatives & Amendments

Single site possible (~half cost), but expanded scope preferred.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Allocate 72,510 in capital funds to the Oak Bay upper campground electrical improvements."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified; construction possible 2023.

Parks LTAC Grant Shortfall Discussion

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:12:14.233–01:24:12.130 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting

Summary

Parks missed 2024 LTAC grant ($45k) due to unnoticed deadline shift; historical average $50-60k/year funded campgrounds. Discussion on supplemental LTAC round (~$34k possible), budgeting fixed amounts for visitors centers/parks, and revenue projections ($725k 2024).

Key Discussion Points

  • Missed due to 6-week early deadline, email failure.
  • Matt Tyler: Conservative grant; supplemental possible post-year-end.
  • LTAC balance: $562k projected end-2023 ($200k reserve); $725k 2024 RFP.
  • Prioritize parks O&M; consider fixed allocations.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

LTAC projections: $655k budget, ~$900k actual; $346k unspent 2023 grants.

Financials

  • Lost: $45k (historical avg. $50-60k).
  • Projections: $725k 2024 grants; possible $250k supplemental.

Alternatives & Amendments

Supplemental RFP; budget fixed amounts (e.g., $20k visitors centers).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Priority; review year-end for supplemental; confident in $45k.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Year-end review for supplemental LTAC.

CHIP Housing Infrastructure Grants Authorization

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:34:23.214–02:01:54.093 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, infrastructure, planning

Summary

Board authorized Chief Strategy Officer to apply for two CHIP grants by Oct 31: Caswell-Brown Village ($2M lift station) and Port Hadlock sewer (Chimacum projects bundle). Prioritized readiness, cost/unit; construction by Dec 2025.

Key Discussion Points

  • Criteria: Affordability (25%+ at 80% AMI), readiness, transit, cost/unit.
  • CBV: 40+ units, $5M committed; Evans Vista synergy.
  • Port Hadlock: Bundles Peter's Place, South7, etc.; Bayside motel ready.
  • Brent Butler: CBV competitive; Port Hadlock needs readiness confirmation.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

CHIP NOFO; project rankings (CBV #4 top).

Financials

  • Max $2M/grant, no match; biennium funding.

Alternatives & Amendments

Mason St. withdrawn; others lower readiness/cost.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Authorize two applications (CBV/OlyCAP; Port Hadlock/Bayside).
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes).
  • Next Steps: Submit by Oct 31; potential 2026 opportunity.

C-PACER Program Ordinance Adoption

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:07:24.315–02:21:55.855 (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances, planning

Summary

Public hearing held on new JCC 15.20 for voluntary C-PACER financing (energy/resiliency upgrades); adopted unanimously as amended (indemnity language, definitions fix). SCJ Alliance administers; no county fiscal liability.

Key Discussion Points

  • Finances 30-year liens for efficiency, seismic, etc.; self-funded by fees.
  • Brent Butler: 5 counties adopted; supports preservation/climate goals.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Ordinance/guidebook; RCW 36.165; CAC support.

Financials

  • Fees: $500 app, 1% financed (max $15k); admin fee offsets costs.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Amended: Indemnity (add volunteers/marital); remove duplicate "department."
  • Whatcom/Pierce declined admin.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Adopt JCC 15.20 as amended.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes).
  • Next Steps: Effective Nov 5; SCJ starts Nov 5.

2021 International Building Codes and Fire Inspection Program

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:44:28.709–03:33:22.393 (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances, public safety, permits

Summary

Public hearing on adopting 2021 IBCs (by state reference), ag building clarifications, $3k permit exemption, commercial fire inspections; extended to Oct 16 due to concerns. State effective Mar 15, 2024 (delayed).

Key Discussion Points

  • Auto-references state WAC; fire program for commercials/STRs; ag bldg: no habitation/public, 10ft sep, farm-only storage.
  • Phil Cecere: Life safety; inspections risk-based; ag prevents misuse.
  • Tom Cheers: Ag illogical (UTVs, cars, separation, public invite); auto-adopt opacity; fire for Airbnbs.

Public Comments

  • Tom Cheers: Ag changes unjustified/illogical; auto-adopt lacks visibility; fire for commercials/STRs.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Ordinance; WABO/WAC; state delays.

Financials

No fiscal impact; fees cover fire program.

Alternatives & Amendments

State petition for variances.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Hearing extended; written testimony to Oct 13, 4:30pm.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Deliberate Oct 16, 2:30pm.

Background Materials

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