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10/16/23 09 AM: BOCC Tackles Ag Codes, Forests, Budgets, Tourism, Housing

BOCC Tackles Ag Codes, Forests, Budgets, Tourism, Housing

Jefferson County BOCC meeting included public comments urging changes to ag building codes and Last Crocker forest protection, consent agenda approval, disability employment proclamation, 2024-25 budget workshop, Olympic Peninsula tourism plan update, Port Hadlock UGA/CHIP housing briefing, and ongoing 2021 building codes debate. No major votes beyond consents; future workshops planned.

Public Comment Period

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  • Time Range: 00:01:14.677–00:30:14.048 (PART 1)
  • Categories: land use, planning, operations, other

Summary

Public comment opened at the start of the meeting with multiple speakers addressing proposed agricultural building code changes, forest conservation (specifically urging cancellation of the DNR Last Crocker timber sale and inclusion in climate solutions), and Day Bob natural area expansion. Comments highlighted concerns over code language granting exclusive discretion to the building official without appeals, low dollar thresholds for permits, and the ecological value of mature forests. Commissioners responded after comments closed, noting prior briefings, ongoing work with DNR on forest tools, and plans for further discussion on ag code at 2:30 p.m.

Key Discussion Points

  • Mr. Thiersch emphasized removing "exclusive discretion" language for building official determinations on ag buildings, citing due process concerns and existing violation processes.
  • Nina (Center for Responsible Forestry) praised forest nominations but urged adding Last Crocker forest (mature, wet, diverse) to climate solutions acreage.
  • Jim Oliver supported Nina, criticizing DNR timber practices and urging cancellation of Last Crocker sale.
  • Jean Fall agreed on ag code issues ($3,000 threshold too low) and Last Crocker; thanked commissioners for Day Bob tour.
  • Commissioner Dean shared ag code concerns (subjectivity, greenhouses); noted DNR financial issues and preference for legislative tools over specific sales.
  • Commissioner Eisenhower focused on DNR tools (Trust Land Transfer, $83M proviso); curious about Last Crocker marshes.
  • Commissioner Brotherton defended DNR practices; questioned $3,000 threshold (doubled from $1,500); noted greenhouses may not qualify as ag buildings.

Public Comments

  • Mr. Thiersch: Remove "exclusive discretion" from ag code; unconstitutional without appeals.
  • Nina (Center for Responsible Forestry): Nominate Last Crocker mature forest to climate solutions; unique wetlands.
  • Jim Oliver: Urge DNR to cancel Last Crocker sale; criticizes timber industry influence.
  • Jean Fall: $3,000 threshold prohibitive; supports Thiersch on ag code; backs Last Crocker and Day Bob expansion.
  • George Young: Review Port Townsend ag study process.

No public comment on this topic after initial speakers.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No specific documents referenced in discussion; prior ag code briefing (October 9) and written testimony noted. Last Crocker referenced but no materials provided.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public comment closed; commissioners to respond after agenda items; ag code continued to 2:30 p.m. with Phil Cecere.
  • No vote.
  • Next Steps: Ag code discussion at 2:30 p.m. (October 16); written testimony closed October 13.

Consent Agenda Approval

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  • Time Range: 00:30:14.048–00:39:23.121 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, budgeting, operations, infrastructure, services

Summary

The consent agenda was approved unanimously without items pulled for discussion. It included routine items such as professional services agreements, sewer project amendments, change orders, budget briefings, proclamations, PIF RFP initiation, lodging tax amendments, and mobile app maintenance. Commissioners noted interest in LTAC/PIF transparency improvements and set-asides but deferred to future workshops.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; primarily procedural.
  • Commissioner Eisenhower highlighted sewer contract progress, LTAC funding transparency, PIF $800K to RP (suggested set-asides for capacity-building).
  • Commissioner Dean supported reviewing grant processes (LTAC, PIF, Housing Fund Board) for clarity/budgets.
  • Noted public health mobile app value; potential county-wide expansion.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • PSA with People First of Washington ($17K, DD self-advocacy; sole source).
  • Port Hadlock Sewer Amendment #7 with Tetra Tech ($294K ARPA-funded; LPS/WWTP designs).
  • Port Hadlock WW Change Order #2 with Ovivo ($438K Commerce-funded; master control panel).
  • 2024-25 Budget Briefing (CA/BOCC funds).
  • National Disability Employment Month Proclamation.
  • PIF RFP Round ($800K available).
  • NHCCC Lodging Tax Amendment #1 ($29K visitor center staffing).
  • Public Health Mobile App Amendment #1 with CivicPlus ($6.8K maintenance). Board decision aligned with staff recommendations; no divergences.

Financials

  • People First PSA: $17,000 (PH Fund 127).
  • Tetra Tech Amendment: $294,932 (ARPA).
  • Ovivo Change Order: $438,000 + WSST (Commerce Fund 405).
  • PIF RFP: Up to $800,189 (Fund 306).
  • NHCCC Amendment: $29,000 (Hotel-Motel Fund 125).
  • CivicPlus Amendment: $6,810.58 (PH Fund 127).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve and adopt the consent agenda for October sixteenth, 2023 as presented."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: all).
  • Next Steps: Items executed per approvals; LTAC/PIF process workshop scheduled.

National Disability Employment Month Proclamation

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  • Time Range: 00:39:23.121–00:50:50.519 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, personnel, other

Summary

The Board adopted a proclamation designating October 2023 as National Disability Employment Month, recognizing local businesses employing individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and committing to recruitment/retention efforts. 21 businesses were honored; speakers urged county hiring via Cascade Community Connections.

Key Discussion Points

  • Proclamation highlights 12.9% WA population with disabilities; low employment rates.
  • Recognized businesses: ACI Boats, Anchor Restaurant, etc. (21 total).
  • Anna McEnery: 35+ years in field; urged county positions pre-COVID model.
  • Taylor Webster (Cascade): Focus on strengths; ready workforce; urged govt hiring.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Proclamation text read verbatim; list of employing businesses provided. County strategic plan noted for actionable proclamations.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Declaring October, 2023 as national disability employment month."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: all).
  • Next Steps: Explore county hiring via Cascade; add departments to employer list next year.

2024-2025 Budget Briefing: County Administrator/BOCC Funds

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  • Time Range: 00:51:01.731–01:34:50.898 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, operations, personnel, contracts

Summary

Workshop briefed preliminary 2024-25 budgets for County Administrator/BOCC-managed funds, noting increases in personnel benefits, contracts (e.g., indigent defense, facilities), and RFP-dependent funds (LTAC, PIF, Affordable Housing). Commissioners discussed LTAC/PIF transparency/set-asides; historical society subsidy; noted preliminary nature with updates expected.

Key Discussion Points

  • Personnel benefits double due to end of premium holiday.
  • Non-dept: Info Services $1.3M+; Facilities ~$1M; Public Defender ~$900K.
  • Operating Transfers: $450K to DCD; Veterans levy self-sustaining.
  • Grant Mgmt: ARPA/CDGB/YMCA pass-throughs declining.
  • Affordable Housing: RFP-heavy; $27K Commerce grant for recording fee reduction.
  • LTAC/PIF: Workshop processes for budgets/set-asides (50% base funding?); compare other counties.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Preliminary budgets (pre-Sept 5 due date); updated for knowns (e.g., premiums). Historical preservation: 90% revenue pass-through (~$6K). LTAC: ~$800K; compare Clallam/Kitsap/PT.

Financials

  • CA: 2024 req $901K (+41%); benefits ~double.
  • BOCC: 2024 req $744K (+11%).
  • Non-Dept Prof Svcs: $1.34M (2024).
  • Grant Mgmt: $3.85M (2024) → $2.23M (2025).
  • Affordable Housing: $992K RFP (2024).
  • PIF: Sales tax $775K/yr.

Alternatives & Amendments

LTAC: Base budget recurring items (50%), RFP remainder; parse large grants.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • No action taken; informational workshop.
  • Next Steps: Workshops (funding processes, historical society subsidy); recommended budget November.

Olympic Peninsula Tourism Strategic Plan Presentation

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  • Time Range: 02:53:38.732–03:25:16.294 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, operations, services, other

Summary

Debbie Homer (project manager) and Marcia Murphy (OPVB) presented progress on the Olympic Peninsula Tourism Strategic Plan, emphasizing shoulder/winter visitor spending via marketing, assets, networks, and collaboration. $320M NPS economic impact noted; resident survey (1,440 responses, 19% rate tourism extremely/very important); town halls yielded "peaceful, beautiful, friendly" themes.

Key Discussion Points

  • Pillars: Demand (marketing), Supply (experiences), Networks (culinary/arts/biking), Collaboration (infrastructure/housing).
  • Data: 10 focus groups, 30 interviews (4 tribes), industry survey (168); 4 town halls.
  • Action plans: Trail businesses, workforce, EV charging, transit itineraries/fams.
  • Visioning workshop Nov 2.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

NPS 2022 survey ($320M impact); resident/industry surveys; town hall word clouds (peaceful/beautiful common).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • No action taken; informational.
  • Next Steps: Nov 2 visioning; final plan end-2023; input welcomed.

Port Hadlock UGA Zoning and CHIP Grants Briefing

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  • Time Range: 03:25:24.919–04:30:39.379 wait, transcript has CHIP after building code ~04:30 (PART 1 end)
  • Time Range: 04:30:39.379–04:50:54.966 (PART 1)
  • Categories: land use, planning, infrastructure, budgeting

Summary

DCD CSO Brent Butler briefed on linking Port Hadlock UGA zoning reforms with CHIP grants ($2M each for Caswell-Brown Village/Old Alcohol Plant). Approaches: proforma, demonstration projects, charrettes. Challenges: UGA boundaries, CARAs. Board supported pursuing both projects.

Key Discussion Points

  • Tenure focus: Workforce (80-120% AMI); models (rental, land trust).
  • Projects: CBV (OlyCAP, outside PT UGA?); Alcohol Plant (Bayside, $5M infra, seniors 30% below AMI).
  • UGA swap (SB5593) for Alcohol Plant (CARAs low-impact).
  • Transit: 6-min walk, low frequency.

Public Comments

  • Mike (Bayside): Alcohol Plant 60-150 units seniors; $29M total; stage-wise; super project sewer.

Supporting Materials Referenced

CHIP guidelines (UGA focus, $2M max, constr 12/2025); prior renderings; CEDS.

Financials

  • CHIP: $2M ea (no match); Alcohol Plant infra $5M (FEMA? sewer reserves).

Alternatives & Amendments

UGA swap; Alcohol Plant over motel.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Proceed with apps (Castle commitment; Bayside subrecipient); explore UGA swap.
  • No vote.
  • Next Steps: Submit 10/31; city talks; follow-up mtg w/ fire chief/public works.

Adopting 2021 International Building Codes (Continued)

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  • Time Range: 03:25:24.919–04:29:50.960 (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances, permits, public safety, operations

Summary

Continued deliberations on ordinance adopting 2021 codes, ag building definition, $3K exemption threshold, fire inspection program. Concerns: Ag def excludes greenhouses (livestock/plumbing limits); "exclusive discretion" appeals; threshold to $5K? Staff to refine ag def (FEMA/RCW alternatives), return next week.

Key Discussion Points

  • Ag def: Add "cultivation"; plumbing "not requiring septic"; use RCW/FEMA (temp structures for crops/livestock).
  • Threshold: $3K (doubled from $1.5K) vs $5K/$10K; fire/HVAC safety.
  • Appeals: Type 1 (court); no board needed.
  • Fire program: Fees via interlocals.

Public Comments

No new; prior written/oral (Thiersch on discretion/$3K).

Supporting Materials Referenced

2021 codes (WAC 51); prior brochure; RCW/WAC defs; Clallam/Kitsap thresholds.

Financials

No fiscal impact; fees cover fire program.

Alternatives & Amendments

FEMA def; $5K threshold; rephrase discretion.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • No action; hearing closed.
  • Next Steps: Staff/prosecutor refine ag def/threshold; new ordinance next week.

Background Materials

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