PACKET: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Oct 23, 09:00 AM

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Cancellation of Unclaimed Warrants Exceeding One Year (Resolution No. 45-23)

Topic Summary

Jefferson County plans to officially cancel outstanding claims and payroll warrants that have remained unclaimed for more than one year, following state law requirements. This administrative housekeeping action, managed by the Treasurer's office, results in the funds being credited back to the original issuing fund. The total amount of the canceled warrants is $2,268.18.

Key Points

  • The resolution cancels 35 outstanding claims warrants and one payroll warrant exceeding one year from the date of issue.
  • Cancellation is required by RCW 36.22.100 and RCW 63.29.130/63.29.150, which establish a one-year abandonment period for claims and wages.
  • Upon cancellation, the County Auditor and Treasurer are directed to adjust records so that the funds are available to the issuing fund, as if the warrant had never been drawn.

Financials

  • Total amount of claims and payroll warrants for cancellation: $2,268.18.
  • Breakdown:
    • AP Warrants (Period 7/01/2020 thru 6/30/2022): $2,266.19
    • Payroll Warrant (Period 7/1/2021 thru 06/30/2022): $1.99
  • Fiscal impact: Funds are credited back to the issuing fund.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • Warrants date of issuance: Period from 7/01/2020 through 6/30/2022 (AP) and 7/1/2021 through 06/30/2022 (Payroll).
  • Resolution adoption: October 23, 2023.

Next Steps

The Board approved/adopted the resolution (Resolution No. 45-23) as part of the Consent Agenda. The County Auditor and Treasurer are directed to cancel the identified warrants.

Sources

  • Stacie Prada - Treasurer
  • RCW 36.22.100, RCW 63.30.040 (10) and (11), RCW 63.29.130, and RCW 63.29.150 - State law regarding unclaimed property and warrant cancellation.

Adoption of Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resiliency (C-PACER) Fee Schedule (Resolution No. 46-23)

Topic Summary

Following the adoption of the C-PACER Ordinance, the Department of Community Development (DCD) proposes adopting a fee schedule via resolution to support the program. The fees are designed to be commensurate with the services rendered, in line with the C-PACER Act (Chapter 36.165 RCW), with the goal of passing service costs onto the third-party consultant.

Key Points

  • The resolution adopts a fee schedule for the C-PACER Program within Jefferson County Code (Chapter 15.20 JCC).
  • The fees are intended to recoup the costs of providing services, consistent with RCW 82.02.020 and RCW 82.02.080.
  • The fee table specifies amounts for applications, additional reviews, and program participation/administration.

Financials

  • Application and program fee (two reviews only): $500
  • Application and program fee (each additional review beyond two): $250/review
  • Program participation administrative fee (due at closing/prior to recording): 1% of the amount, no more than $14,500 or less than $2,500.
  • Inspection fees: Equal to the fee noted in the Building Schedule (if not included in the qualified improvement permit).
  • Administration of third-party review: Based on the Land Use schedule for a planner’s hourly rate (15-minute increments).
  • Fiscal impact: None anticipated, as the cost for services is passed on to the third-party consultant, SCJ Alliance.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

A public hearing on the C-PACER program ordinance was held on October 9, 2023. The fee schedule resolution was added after the ordinance was adopted and the fee ordinance was anticipated to be repealed and replaced by the resolution.

Timeline

  • Public Hearing on C-PACER Ordinance: October 9, 2023 (Notice published September 20, 27, and October 4, 2023).
  • C-PACER Ordinance adopted: October 9, 2023.
  • Resolution Adoption: October 23, 2023.

Next Steps

The Board approved/adopted the resolution as part of the Consent Agenda.

Sources

  • Brent Butler - Chief Strategy Officer, Department of Community Development (DCD)
  • SCJ Alliance (third-party consultant)
  • Chapter 36.165 RCW (C-PACER Act)
  • JCC Chapter 15.20 and JCC 3.80.020
  • RCW 82.02.020, RCW 82.02.080

Ad Valorem Tax Levies for 2024 Hearing Notice

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners approved the notice for a public hearing scheduled in November 2023 to consider and potentially adopt resolutions setting the 2024 Ad Valorem Tax Levies. The proposed resolutions include an option to increase the property tax limit factor above the rate of inflation.

Key Points

  • A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, November 13, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Chambers (Hybrid).
  • Proposed actions include adopting resolutions setting the 2024 Ad Valorem Tax Levies (based on 2023 assessments for collection in 2024).
  • The Board is considering finding a substantial need to increase the property tax limit factor to 101 percent for the 2024 tax year (a 1% increase above the rate of inflation).
  • Proposed increases are up to one percent (1%) in the County General Fund Tax Levy, the County Road District Tax Levy, and the County Conservation Futures Tax Levy, plus increases resulting from new construction, improvements, assessed value increases of state-assessed property, and refunds from the previous year.
  • The Board is also considering a resolution to continue diverting $620,000 of the Road Levy for Traffic Law Enforcement within the General Fund.

Financials

  • Proposed property tax limit factor increase: 101 percent (1% above inflation).
  • Proposed diversion of Road Levy: $620,000 (for Traffic Law Enforcement in the General Fund).
  • Proposed levy increase cap: Up to 1% for the County General Fund Tax Levy, County Road District Tax Levy, and County Conservation Futures Tax Levy.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

A public hearing is scheduled on November 13, 2023. Written testimony is invited from October 25, 2023, until the end of the hearing.

Timeline

  • Notice Publication: October 25 and November 1, 2023 (in Port Townsend Leader).
  • Public Hearing: November 13, 2023, at 9:30 a.m.

Next Steps

Approve the hearing notice. Proceed with the scheduled public hearing on November 13, 2023, for ultimate consideration and approval of the levies.

Sources

  • RCW 84.55.120 (State law requiring public hearing on tax levies)

Interagency Agreement for North Pacific Coast Marine Resources Committee Support

Topic Summary

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) requested approval for an Interagency Agreement with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) providing $40,000 to support the administrative capacity and projects of the North Pacific Coast Marine Resources Committee (NPC MRC) over a two-year funding cycle. The purpose of the committee is marine ecosystem health and stewardship.

Key Points

  • The agreement funds NPC MRC coordination, participation in the Washington Coastal Marine Advisory Council, and education/outreach activities.
  • The goal of the Coastal MRC program is to understand, steward, and restore marine and estuarine ecological processes for ecosystem health, sustainable livelihoods, cultural integrity, and coastal communities.
  • Jefferson County will provide MRC coordinator support in partnership with Clallam County, including meeting facilitation, task management, and communication/outreach tools.
  • The agreement requires quarterly progress reports and financial statements, as well as an annual report to the Legislature.

Financials

  • Total contract value: $40,000.00
  • Funding period: July 1, 2023, to July 31, 2025 (25 months).
  • Funding source: State General Fund, administered through the WDFW Coastal MRC Program.
  • Match requirements: No impact to the Jefferson County General Fund and no match requirements specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • Contract Period: July 1, 2023, to July 31, 2025.
  • Deliverables: Quarterly progress reports (Jan 31, Apr 30, July 31, Oct 31) and annual reports (Oct 15 of each fiscal year). Final reports due July 15, 2024, and July 15, 2025.

Next Steps

The Board approved the agreement as part of the Consent Agenda. JCPH Management is recommended to proceed with WDFW for the grant funding.

Sources

  • Pinky Mingo - Environmental Public Health and Water Quality Director
  • Tami Pokorny - Natural Resources Program Coordinator (Contractor's Representative)
  • Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)
  • Chris Waldbillig - WDFW's Representative

Contract for Road Departure Reduction Project (KT Contracting Company)

Topic Summary

The Public Works Department recommended the execution of a contract with KT Contracting Company, Inc. for the Jefferson County Road Departure Reduction Project. This project is federally funded through a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant and focuses on safety improvements across multiple county roads.

Key Points

  • The project consists of replacing approximately 600 traffic signs, installing guardrail reflectors, and installing flexible guideposts on various county roads, along with traffic control.
  • Four bids were received, and the contract was awarded to the lowest responsive contractor, KT Contracting Company, Inc. (Salem, Oregon).
  • The project is funded at 100% by a FHWA HSIP (Highway Safety Improvement Program) grant, contingent upon meeting project timelines.
  • Field work is scheduled to start on or before April 15, 2024.

Financials

  • Contract Award Amount: $702,965.00
  • Funding source: 100% Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) HSIP Funds.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • Bid Solicitation Date: July 5, 2023.
  • Award of Contract recommended: September 25, 2023.
  • Execution of Contract: October 2023.
  • Field work start date: On or before April 15, 2024.
  • Physical Completion: Sixty working days after the start of field work.

Next Steps

The Board approved the agreement as part of the Consent Agenda (listed as item #5, Agreement re: Road Departure Reduction Project; In the to be determined; Public Works; KT Contracting Company). Public Works will proceed with contract execution and processing.

Sources

  • Monte Reinders, P.E. - Public Works Director/County Engineer
  • Bruce D. Patterson, P.E. - Project Manager
  • KT Contracting Company, Inc.

Contract for Oak Bay Campsite Electrical Installation (Henden Electric)

Topic Summary

The Public Works Department pursued a contract with Henden Electric Inc. to install electrical service in 11 additional campsites and the new camp-host site at Upper Oak Bay Campground. The initiative is a capital improvement project intended to increase campground revenue and meet community demand for sites with electrical service.

Key Points

  • The work involves installing electrical service in 11 additional campsites and the new camp-host site in Upper Oak Bay Campground (Port Hadlock, WA).
  • The service installation includes a 320A meter base, two 200A 240V 8-space rain tight panels, 12 new campsite electrical pedestals (with 50A, 30A RV, and 20A GFI receptacles), and necessary conduit installation.
  • The new camp-host site will be in a more strategic location and include a larger gravel pad, electrical service, and water to help attract qualified hosts and improve supervision.
  • Currently, the campground has 10 sites with electrical service; this project will more than double that number.
  • Henden Electric Inc. was selected as the contractor.

Financials

  • Total project value: $97,391.
  • Installation contract value: $78,687.10
  • Funding sources:
    • Existing capital improvement funds: $24,881
    • Additional capital improvement funds (allocated 10/9/23): $72,510
  • Estimated annual revenue increase: $12,000 (due to new electrical service in 11 sites and the new camp-host site).
  • The contractor chose to have the County withhold 10% of the contract amount in lieu of a Contract Bond, per RCW 39.08.010.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • Project Start: After the campground closes on November 1, 2023.
  • Completion: By December 15, 2023.
  • Substantial Completion: Within 30 calendar days after the Notice to Proceed.

Next Steps

The Board approved the agreement (listed as item #6, Agreement re: Oak Bay Electric Project; Public Works; Henden Electric), and Public Works will proceed with issuing the Notice to Proceed.

Sources

  • Monte Reinders - Public Works Director/County Engineer
  • Matt Tyler - Public Works contact
  • Henden Electric Inc.
  • RCW 39.08.010 (Contract bond requirement for contracts under $150,000)

2024 Hotel-Motel (Lodging Tax) Grant Funding Agreements

Topic Summary

Jefferson County approved agreements for 2024 Lodging Tax (Hotel-Motel) grant funding for various non-profit organizations to promote tourism and preserve county heritage in unincorporated areas. These grants were recommended by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee after a review of proposals and were subsequently approved by the Board.

Key Points

  • General Terms (Applicable to all grantees):
    • Funding is provided from the Hotel-Motel (Lodging Tax) Fund, per Chapter 67.28 RCW and JCC Chapter 3.25.
    • Grantees must provide quarterly reports on use, services, programs, activities, and financial statements (due Jan 31, Apr 30, July 31, Oct 31, 2024, and Jan 31, 2025). The final quarter report must detail 2024 financials.
    • Grantees must submit a yearly report (due Feb 28th of each year) providing metrics on tourism impact, including estimated tourists served (those traveling more than 50 miles), estimated lodging stays in commercials lodging, and measurements demonstrating the impact of increased tourism.
    • Funds must be used exclusively for the services described in the agreement; unused funds must be refunded to the County by January 31, 2025 (or immediately if termination occurs).
    • Grantees must maintain records of payments and expenditures for a minimum of six years and provide access for county/state audits.
  • Specific Grant Awards & Services:
    • Emerald Towns Alliance (Hood Canal Fjord Fest): $10,000 for tourism promotion services, specifically the 2024 Hood Canal Fjord Fest. Proposed expenses include marketing advertising ($10,000), entertainment ($10,000), rentals ($10,000), vendor online program ($2,500), and electrical cable/boxes ($2,500). Total proposed budget: $35,000.
    • Forks Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center: $50,000 for promoting tourism in unincorporated West Jefferson County. Services include seasonal staffing at the Kalaloch Visitor Center (Olympic National Park), staffing at the Forks Visitor Information Center, tourism marketing (Washington State Visitor Guide, co-op marketing with OPTC, social media, print ads), and mailing the Rain Forest Country Adventure Map.
    • Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce: $17,400 to promote tourism in unincorporated East Jefferson County, focusing on the greater Port Hadlock/Tri-Area region and Port Ludlow region. Proposed services include redesign/reprinting of two maps (Jefferson County Map and Northwest Waterways map, 50,000 copies each) and updating/reprinting Port Townsend Pad Maps. The Chamber will market and sell ads on the maps and retain the profit.
    • Jefferson County Farmers Market: $15,000 to promote the Chimacum Farmers Market. Proposed promotional activities relying on LTAC funds include print ads, boosted Facebook/Instagram posts, Olympic Culinary Loop participation, rack cards, video production airing on WA State Ferries/Rose Theatre, Seattle Times digital ads, and operational stipends for live music, kids' activities, and market coordination/staff time. Total requested grant: $34,898.96.
    • Jefferson County Historical Society: $50,000 to fund staff salaries for operating tourism facilities, caring for the collection, promoting heritage awareness, and providing tourism promotion services (verbal information, displays, brochures, website/social media). Facilities mentioned include the Jefferson Museum of Art & History, Rothschild House Museum, Commanding Officers Quarters at Fort Worden, and the Historical Research Center.
    • North Hood Canal Chamber of Commerce: $55,000 for operating visitor centers in Quilcene and Brinnon. Services include weekend and holiday operations of the Quilcene Visitor’s Center (in the ranger station), Brinnon Visitor’s Center, and Brinnon Community Center with receptionist staff. The budget requests payroll for staff ($70,514.26 total requested payroll) and operational costs (telephone/internet, postage, insurance, etc.).
    • Peninsula Trails Coalition (PTC): $12,000 for promoting tourism activities related to trails. Total requested LTAC funding for promotional support was $25,000, plus $8,000 for a special request (trailer for event fencing). The $12,000 grant will fund Hall Baetz Viewpoint electrical services ($7,000) and site safety/fencing ($5,000). Total proposed budget of work requested was $30,000.
    • The Production Alliance (TPA): $55,000 to promote Jefferson County Events, restricted to promotional expenses. Services include website development, videography, marketing/advertising (print, digital, radio), graphic design, administration of tourism events, and providing event equipment and entertainment displays. Total stated proposed event and promotional budget is $105,000, plus an additional $5,000 for website development.
    • Quilcene Fair and Parade: $10,000 to promote the Quilcene Fair and Parade (plus Car Show). Funding is restricted to eligible expenses from the itemized list, including print/Facebook/physical advertising, entertainment, rental/physical items (restrooms, tents, rock wall), and costs related to kids' carnival, participants, and administration. Total budget requested for all itemized list expenses was $34,810.
    • Quilcene Historical Society (Quilcene Historical Museum): $51,000 to promote, operate, and maintain the museum (Worthington Park) as a cultural resource and tourism destination. Payments are semi-annual. Proposed budget items include visitor event support, cooperative partnerships, website/social media hosting, special events/promotion/marketing, and professional services/facilities maintenance. Total requested LTAC funding from QHM was $86,970.
    • Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC): $275,000 for year-round, strategic, regional, and global tourism promotions and acting as a clearinghouse for community involvement, consistent with County Ordinance 02-0622-98. The budget proposal splits funds across advertising/collateral ($55,500), advertising/marketing ($126,500), Olympic Peninsula Tourism Comm. + Programs ($65,000), and Professional Services/Coordination ($53,000).
    • Tourism Coordinating Council – Olympic Peninsula Gateway Visitor Center (Gateway Visitor Center): $110,000. TCC acts as a pass-through agency (fiscal agent) for staffing and operating the Gateway Visitor Center. Services include staffing, processing information requests, routine grounds/utility maintenance (paid by County through TCC), and providing a refined 24/7 outdoor display area with QR codes and complementary WiFi. The County retains maintenance responsibility for the Center, roof, exterior walls, foundations, and utility systems.
    • Wooden Boat Foundation: $10,000 for Marketing and Promotions of the Wooden Boat Festival, targeting out-of-town cultural tourists. Proposed promotional expenses include writing/design/printing materials, magazine ads (48 North, WoodenBoat Magazine), social media/Google ads, radio underwriting (KUOW), and using a poster service (Keep Posted). Total requested promotional support was $25,000, plus an $8,000 special request for a trailer. The awarded amount is $10,000.

Financials

  • Total Lodging Tax Grant Funding Awards (Consent Agenda Items 7–19): $743,400.00
    • Emerald Towns Alliance: $10,000
    • Forks Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center: $50,000
    • Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce: $17,400
    • Jefferson County Farmers Market: $15,000
    • Jefferson County Historical Society: $50,000
    • North Hood Canal Chamber of Commerce: $55,000
    • Peninsula Trails Coalition: $12,000
    • The Production Alliance: $55,000
    • Quilcene Fair and Parade: $10,000
    • Quilcene Historical Museum: $51,000
    • Tourism Coordinating Council: $275,000
    • TCC – Olympic Peninsula Gateway Visitor Center: $110,000
    • Wooden Boat Foundation: $10,000
  • Funding Source: Hotel Motel (Lodging Tax) Fund.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee met on September 19, 2023, and reviewed requests for proposals.

Timeline

  • LTAC Review Meeting: September 19, 2023.
  • BOCC Funding Approval: October 2, 2023.
  • Contract Term (most agreements): January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.
  • Gateway Visitor Center Term: May 26, 2024, to December 31, 2024.
  • Final reports due: January 31, 2025, and February 28, 2025.

Next Steps

The Board approved these agreements as part of the Consent Agenda. Staff is directed to approve and sign the agreements.

Sources

  • Adiel McKnight - Executive Assistant, County Administrator's Office
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Philip C. Hunsucker - Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
  • Jefferson County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
  • Grantees (Emerald Towns Alliance, Forks Chamber, JCCC, JCFM, JCHS, NHCCC, PTC, QFPA, QHS, TCC, WBF)
  • Ordinance 02-0622-98 (TCC establishment)
  • RCW 67.28, JCC Chapter 3.25 (Lodging Tax)

Change Order No. 1: Snow Creek Road MP 0.84 Culvert Replacement

Topic Summary

The Public Works Department requested approval of Change Order No. 1 with Bruch and Bruch Construction, Inc. for the Snow Creek Road Culvert Replacement project. The change order adds a bid item for flaggers and modifies the guardrail specifications, resulting in a slight increase in the contract amount, although the total project cost is anticipated to be reduced due to underruns on other items.

Key Points

  • Change Order No. 1 to Contract No. 18020310 (Snow Creek Road MP 0.84 Culvert Replacement).
  • Changes include:
    1. Adding the bid item "Flaggers," per hour, in accordance with WSDOT Standard Specifications Section 1-10 Temporary Traffic Control.
    2. Revising guardrail plans: Deleting 131.25 LF of "Beam Guardrail Type 31" and replacing it with 131.25 LF of "Beam Guardrail Type 31 - 8 Ft. Long Post" (no cost change).
    3. Revising guardrail terminals: Deleting the "Beam Guardrail Type 31 Non-Flared Terminal" and replacing it with a "Beam Guardrail Type 31 Buried Terminal Type 2."
  • The project's contract time remains unchanged at 80 days.
  • The project is funded 87.5% by a FEMA Hazard Mitigation grant (No. D21-031) and 12.5% by a Public Works Board Construction Loan.

Financials

  • Original Contract Amount: $1,092,394.00
  • Estimated Net Change (Increase) this Order: +$3,300.00
    • Flaggers: $74.00/hour estimated quantity 30 hours = $2,220.00
    • Guardrail Terminal Freight (lump sum for replacement): $1,080.00
  • Estimated Contract Total After Change: $1,095,694.00
  • Overall Financial Impact: Despite the increase from the change order, the total contract completion is expected to be approximately $29,000 less than the original contract amount due to underruns on various bid items.

Alternatives

None specified. The change appears mandatory based on field conditions/design revision (guardrail items requested by the County).

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • Original Contract Time: 80 days.
  • Contract Time Change: 0 days added/deleted.

Next Steps

The Board approved the Change Order as part of the Consent Agenda (Item #20). Public Works is directed to authorize Change Order No. 1 with Bruch and Bruch Construction, Inc.

Sources

  • Monte Reinders, P.E. - Public Works Director/County Engineer
  • Mark Thurston, P.E. - Project Manager
  • Bruch and Bruch Construction, Inc.
  • WSDOT Standard Specifications Section 1-10 Temporary Traffic Control and Section 1-04.4
  • FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant No. D21-031
  • Public Works Board Construction Loan

Emergency Supplemental Budget Appropriation/Extension for Roads Division (Fund 501)

Topic Summary

The Central Services Department requested an emergency supplemental appropriation/extension to the 2023 budget for the Roads Division (Fund 501 - Equipment Rental and Repair, ER&R). The adjustment is required to fund additional materials needed for road maintenance projects beyond what was originally budgeted. The motion unanimously approved the emergency supplement.

Key Points

  • The emergency appropriation/extension is necessary to provide additional materials for needed road maintenance projects not originally budgeted for in 2023.
  • The BOCC is required per RCW 36.40.140 to hold a public hearing on such emergency expenditures.
  • The motion approved Resolution No. 47-23 approving the emergency supplement.
  • The source of funding for the emergency expenditure includes anticipated revenue and utilization of the fund's balance.

Financials

  • Total Revenue increase: $425,000.00 (from Pit Sales: $200,000, and Asphalt Emulsion: $225,000).
  • Total Expenditure increase (Inv/Resale): $918,000.00.
  • Amount from Unencumbered Fund Balance required: $493,000.00 ($918,000 Expense - $425,000 Revenue).
  • The Finance Manager confirmed "Yes" there is enough Fund Balance to cover this additional expenditure.
FUND # FUND NAME AMOUNT FROM UNENCUMBERED FUND BALANCE REVENUE EXPENSE
501 Equipment Rental $493,000 $425,000 $918,000

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

A public hearing was held, opened by Chair Brotherton for public testimony. Hearing no testimony, the public segment was closed.

Timeline

  • Emergency declared by BOCC: October 9, 2023.
  • Hearing Notice published: October 11 and 18, 2023.
  • Public Hearing and Resolution Adoption: October 23, 2023, at 9:45 a.m.

Next Steps

The BOCC unanimously approved Resolution No. 47-23. The County Auditor is directed to extend the budget of Fund 501 by the approved amounts.

Sources

  • Judy Shepherd - Finance Manager
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Central Services Department - ER&R Fund #501
  • RCW 36.40.140 (Emergencies subject to hearing requirement)

Redefinition of Building Codes, Agricultural Building, and Commercial Fire Inspection Program (Ordinance No. 05-1023-23)

Topic Summary

The Board adopted an ordinance amending Jefferson County Code (JCC) Titles 2 and 15 to incorporate the 2021 International Building Codes and refine elements of local code. Key components include clarifying the definition of "Agricultural Building," establishing exemptions for minor construction up to a specific dollar threshold, and formalizing a comprehensive commercial fire safety inspection program.

Key Points

  • The ordinance adopts the 2021 versions of the International Building Codes (IBC, IRC, Energy Codes, Mechanical Code, Fire Code, Wildland Urban Interface Code, Uniform Plumbing Code) by reference, subject to WAC additions, deletions, and exceptions.
  • The ordinance amends JCC 2.40.010 to officially recognize the position of Fire Marshal (designated by the Community Development Director) and clarify inspection programs.
  • It formally adopts a Commercial Fire Safety Inspection Program (JCC 15.05.046) to ensure fire safety in commercial buildings and other premises, mandated by Washington State Fire Marshal's Office and WAC 51-54A.
    • The Fire Marshal shall develop the inspection program and determine frequency based on occupancy hazards and WAC mandates.
    • The Fire Marshal is authorized to enter into interlocal agreements with fire districts, municipal governments, etc., to implement the program.
    • The Fire Marshal may collect reasonable fees (adopted via JCC 3.80) to cover the cost of the program.
  • The definition of "Agricultural Building" in JCC Title 15 is clarified, including specific definitions verbatim from RCW 19.27.015 (Agricultural structure and Temporary growing structure).
    • The definition explicitly includes greenhouses.
    • Additional local requirements for exemption include being freestanding (10 feet from nearest structure, unless attached to another agricultural building), restricting plumbing to only livestock/horticulture watering systems (no human use/occupation), requiring permits for heat sources (wood stove or electrical permit), and prohibiting public use unless a building permit is obtained.
  • The amended code provides a local option for Work Exempt from Permit (Section 105.2 of IBC).
    • Exemption covers minor construction/alteration activities in Group R3 (residential) and Group U Occupancies.
    • The maximum valuation for the exemption is set at three thousand ($3,000) dollars in any twelve-month period (down from $5,000 discussed previously).
    • Permits are still required for certain life/safety activities regardless of cost: water heater permit, re-roof permit, mechanical permit, and fire alarm/sprinkler modifications.

Financials

  • No direct fiscal impact to the county is specified.
  • Potential fiscal notes include:
    • New construction projects may encounter more restrictive energy code requirements, increasing upfront costs (recouped via utility savings).
    • Wildland Urban Interface requirements may increase project costs due to newly mandated fire-resistant materials.
    • The commercial fire inspection program allows the Fire Marshal to collect reasonable fees to cover program costs.

Alternatives

  • Staff had previously been directed during deliberations (Oct. 16) to explore changing the minor alteration dollar threshold to $5,000; however, the adopted motion used the $3,000 threshold recommended in the agenda request as necessary for "life/safety and manage risk."
  • DPA Barbara Ehrlichman proposed removing the specific "2021 Versions" language from the ordinance title to protect against potential state non-adoption, an amendment which was agreed to by the Commissioners.

Community Input

  • Public hearing previously held October 9, 2023.
  • Brief closing public comments were included in the October 23 meeting (02:33:31 PM and 02:34:53 PM). The content of these comments was not provided.

Timeline

  • SBCC voted to delay effective date for 2021 codes until October 29, 2023.
  • Public Hearing held: October 9, 2023.
  • Deliberations continued: October 16, 2023, and October 23, 2023.
  • Ordinance Adopted (Ordinance No. 05-1023-23): October 23, 2023.
  • Effective Date (Section 3 - code adoption): Date of adoption of the 2021 International Building Codes by the Washington State Building Council.
  • Effective Date (Remainder): Date of adoption of the ordinance (October 23, 2023).

Next Steps

The Board unanimously voted to adopt Ordinance No. 05-1023-23 as amended (removing the specific "2021 Versions" language from the title).

Sources

  • Phil Cecere - Fire Marshal/Building Inspector
  • Josh Peters - Department of Community Development (DCD) Director
  • Barbara Ehrlichman - Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (DPA)
  • Washington State Building Code Council ("SBCC")
  • RCW 19.27.031, RCW 19.27.040, RCW 4.24.115, RCW 3.80, WAC 51-50 et seq., WAC 51-54A, WAC 197-11-800(19)
  • Jefferson County Code (JCC) Titles 2 and 15

Planning Commission Appointments

Topic Summary

The Commissioners deliberated and acted on two unexpired term appointments to the nine-member Jefferson County Planning Commission (PC), filling vacant seats in District 1 and District 2. The appointees will complete the remainder of the terms before becoming eligible for reappointment to a full four-year term.

Key Points

  • Two Planning Commission seats were vacant: District 1 (unexpired term to March 17, 2024) and District 2 (unexpired term to March 17, 2026).
  • Three applicants were interviewed for the District 1 seat, though one withdrew. One applicant was interviewed for the District 2 seat.
  • Mike Shultz was appointed to the District 2 PC position (unexpired term running to March 17, 2026).
  • Ahren Stroming was approved for the PC District No. 1 position (unexpired term running to March 17, 2024).

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified. The discussion centered on filling the existing vacancies with the interviewed candidates (Ahren Stroming, Amy Hiatt, Mike Shultz).

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • District 1 term expiration: March 17, 2024.
  • District 2 term expiration: March 17, 2026.
  • Appointments made: October 23, 2023.
  • Upcoming Joint BOCC Special Meeting/Planning Commission Meeting: Saturday, January 20, 2024 (afternoon).

Next Steps

The Board approved the appointments unanimously. Josh Peters and Joel Peterson provided a Shoreline Master Program update.

Sources

  • Josh Peters - Department of Community Development (DCD) Director
  • Joel Peterson - DCD Associate Planner
  • Mike Shultz (Appointee)
  • Ahren Stroming (Appointee)
  • Amy Hiatt (Unselected/Unspecified Status, interviewed for District 1)

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