Skip to content

11/20/23 09 AM: Aquatic Center Debated, Consents Approved, Priorities Updated

Aquatic Center Debated, Consents Approved, Priorities Updated

Jefferson County Commissioners addressed public comments on aquatic center funding/locations (Sprung alternatives, central sites) and SMP geoduck provisions, approved consent agenda including DNR leases and HR extension, reviewed DNR income ($4.3M YTD), aquatic briefing ($37M plan, PFD funding), hospital waste MOU, tipping fee waiver, and shared 2024 legislative priorities. No major votes; aquatic financial review pending.

Public Comment Period

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:03:05.835–00:34:16.928 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, ordinances, services, other

Summary

Public comment opened with speakers addressing the proposed aquatic center, including alternative construction using Sprung Structures, location concerns favoring central county sites, funding mechanisms, and operational needs. Additional comments focused on the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) update, urging a public hearing on geoduck cultivation provisions due to recent Planning Commission votes (4-5 and 5-4) differing from draft language approved preliminarily by Ecology and matching Kitsap and Clallam Counties. Commissioners responded post-comment, appreciating input, noting upcoming staff presentations, and committing time to review SMP recommendations expected next week or December 4.

Key Discussion Points

  • Jim Scarantino: Proposed Sprung Structures could build aquatic center for half cost (est. $18.6M), 6-month timeline; shared with aquatic coalition; eliminates bond needs via leasing; urged invitation for presentation.
  • Marilyn Showalter: Urged public hearing on SMP geoduck provisions before Board vote; criticized 5-4 Planning Commission vote favoring discretionary permits for existing shellfish expansions vs. standard conditional use permits for new; noted 56 signatories on letter.
  • Jane Armstrong (Jefferson County Aquatic Coalition): Emphasized failing pool, 30+ years effort, needs for children/elders/disabled; bond covers 40% financing costs, city operations $400K/year, user fees $10-30 realistic.
  • Steven Schumacher: Opposed Port Townsend location; suggested central sites like HJ Carroll Park; noted growth in Tri area, youth needs; referenced Scarantino's cost alternative.
  • Gordon King: Supported SMP draft allowing geoduck conversions/expansions without full CUPs; criticized Kitsap language insertion; emphasized aquaculture jobs in aging county.
  • Trish Teersh (online): Questioned decision timeline/public comment; favored central UGA location near community center; opposed county funding Port Townsend ballot (90% users local).
  • Commissioner Dean: Appreciated diverse input; interested in Scarantino alternative, Lopez Island challenges with similar structures; noted county-wide partners.
  • Commissioner Eisenhour: No action today; Port Townsend subsidizes pool, complicating Tri sites; PFD funding mechanism challenging.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: Agreed with comments; explored locations; awaited afternoon presentation/questions for Kerry Height.

Public Comments

  • Jim Scarantino: Game-changer Sprung Structures; city could fund without county tax; county may need to guarantee bonds.
  • Marilyn Showalter: Irrational SMP favoring existing shellfish; greater rights in Kitsap/Port Gamble.
  • Jane Armstrong: Critical for vulnerable; $20M bond, least burden via grants/fees.
  • Steven Schumacher: Central location (Hadlock/Jake Carroll); youth-oriented facility; Port Townsend can do own.
  • Gordon King: SMP more restrictive than Mason; supports shellfish farming/reliable rural income.
  • Trish Teersh: Prioritize sewer for central site; Port Townsend pay 90% if located there.
  • No further online comments during period.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Aquatic center: Opsis proposal $37.2M; Sprung est. half; coalition could raise $17.2M; bond counsel noted county guarantee likely needed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Sprung Structures (membrane buildings) vs. traditional; central locations (HJ Carroll Park, Hadlock) vs. Mountain View; MPD vs. PFD funding; discretionary vs. standard CUPs for geoduck.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public comment closed at 9:34 AM; commissioners committed to SMP review (Planning Commission recommendation next week/Dec 4) and aquatic presentation afternoon.
  • No Vote.
  • Next Steps: SMP staff presentation (next week/Dec 4); aquatic coalition presentation afternoon.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:34:16.928–00:39:16.440 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, personnel, other

Summary

The Board reviewed and unanimously approved the consent agenda, noting excitement for DNR lease surrenders (Quimper East/West), continued Proctor House funding, and BOE resignation impacting institutional knowledge. Commissioners lamented low state reimbursement (<3%) for indigent defense ($1M county input yields $30K return), praised 100% Naylors Creek funding, and noted WSU documents with track changes (accepted upon approval). Item 12 letter to DNR updated with address block; no items pulled for discussion.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Eisenhour: Excited for DNR lease items (3/4); track changes accepted; Item 12 letter update; Proctor House unique youth model envied by other counties; BOE resignation (Daryl Gillette) creates vacancies/advertisement.
  • Commissioner Dean: Lamented indigent defense "unfunded mandate" (<3% reimbursement); praised Naylors Creek 100% funding, HJ Carroll caretaker.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: Low indigent reimbursement; Public Works Dailers Creek funding.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Consent agenda packet items referenced: Public defense ($29,406), DNR leases, Naylors Creek ($60K max), Proctor House ($222K), WSU leases, EDC services ($20.5K max), DNR letter, BOE resignation.

Financials

  • Public defense: County $1M input, state $30K (<3%).
  • Naylors Creek: Up to $60K (100% funded, no 15% match).
  • Proctor House: $222,319.71.
  • EDC: $20,530 max.

Alternatives & Amendments

None discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Consent agenda approved as presented, accepting track changes.
  • Vote: Unanimous (all Aye).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

DNR Quarterly Income Report

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:27:07.431–01:39:47.049 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting

Summary

DNR State Lands Assistant Drew Rosanbalm reported Q2/Q3 income totaling $4.3M ($1.5M Q2, $1.8M Q3 incl. Taylor Downhill); Q4 projected $445K. Treasurer Stacie Prada questioned a $17K distribution (agreement ending 602) coded as DNR interest. Rosanbalm to provide Excel spreadsheet; 2024 projection ~$1.6M (Last Crocker $1.389M appraised, Pennywise/others).

Key Discussion Points

  • Drew Rosanbalm: Q3 strong ($1.8M); Jupiter extended (cable logging); Pennywise $300K Q3, potential $400K Q4; Last Crocker auction Dec (100% Jefferson, expect >appraised); strong bidding (50% over); 2024 ~$1.6M.
  • Stacie Prada: Questioned $17.4K-$18K (agreements 602/662); Rosanbalm to investigate/direct sales.
  • Commissioners: 2024 budgeted $372K (reduction accounted); distribution per levies.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

DNR Q2/Q3 income report; projections for Q4/2024.

Financials

  • YTD: $4.3M (Q2 $1.5M, Q3 $1.8M).
  • Q4 proj: $445K.
  • 2024 proj: ~$1.6M (Last Crocker $1.389M appraised; Pennywise/Center 21/Jupiter).
  • Budgeted 2024: $372K.

Alternatives & Amendments

None discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update.
  • No Vote.
  • Next Steps: Rosanbalm to send Excel to Prada; next quarterly report.

Labor Relations and HR Consulting Agreement

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:40:11.730–01:48:53.386 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, personnel

Summary

HR Director Sarah Melancon requested 18-month extension ($50K) with Braun Consulting for continuity during negotiations (2 ongoing, uniformed next year); terminable anytime, RFP post-2024 bargaining. Pulled last week; Board approved striking ratification clause (15.15), expressing reform commitment while noting goodwill built via staff-led talks.

Key Discussion Points

  • Sarah Melancon: Braun's history instrumental; staff-led bargaining this year (Melancon/McCauley); continuity needed; RFP commitment post-2024.
  • Commissioner Dean: Continuity for new staff negotiators; progress in staff-led talks reduced "hired gun" tension.
  • Commissioner Eisenhour: Concerns on mixed messaging/reform; faith in staff; RFP post-2024.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: Gratitude for compassionate leadership/shift from "good old boys."

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Agreement with Braun Consulting Group.

Financials

  • $50,000.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Strike 15.15 (ratification); RFP post-2024 bargaining.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved striking 15.15, renumbering.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Enact agreement; RFP after 2024 bargaining.

Healthier Together Aquatic Center Briefing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:12:02.093–03:38:32.672 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, infrastructure, services, contracts, planning

Summary

City Parks Director Kerry Height presented revised aquatic center plans (public showers +$100K construct/$50K operate; revised parking/entry); PFD recommendation (0.2% sales tax, $10-30/person/year, county-wide per 2014 YMCA data showing 40% non-PT users); $37M total ($20M bond, $17M grants/philanthropy); city $400K/year ops subsidy. 24 public comments debated location (PT vs. central/Tri), costs/alternatives (Sprung), equity; commissioners split (support vs. PT-focused MPD). No action; independent financial review ($15K, 1-3 months) needed pre-PFD resolution.

Key Discussion Points

  • Kerry Height: Revisions (showers, parking); pro forma shows $14M surplus end-30yrs; ops $1.27M expense/$840K revenue/$43K subsidy (+$50K showers); Y ops; April ballot for grants.
  • Commissioner Dean: Regional facility; PFD better than MPD (regressive property tax); supports steering recs.
  • Commissioner Eisenhour: Not ready to vote; location concerns (central sites in sewer UGA); PFD doubles housing/behavioral tax; staffing/cost questions.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: Briefing only; showers good; alternatives (Sprung/Lopez); PFD subsidy inequitable.

Public Comments

  • Linda Rosenberry (PTSD Supt): Equity for poverty kids near transit; current pool failure loses families.
  • John Morrow (PT City Mgr): Decades effort; partners committed; city $400K+ subsidy.
  • Bill (county resident): Regional need; showers via port.
  • Unnamed: Regional; Bainbridge success.
  • Jim Scarantino: Sprung halves cost.
  • Unnamed (county): 26yrs user post-surgeries; seniors/kids.
  • Unnamed: 3hr drive illogical; focus on pool not complex.
  • Unnamed: Y for-profit; poor can't afford.
  • Diane McDade (JAC fundraising): $3M goal; momentum; 40% taxpayer cost.
  • Unnamed: No usage data; community vs. county unclear.
  • Unnamed (PT family): Kids need; PT families drive to PA.
  • Unnamed: Site fits hill; not Midwest design.
  • Swim team members: Need space/depth/temp for practice/state.
  • Jane Armstrong: Layered funding; 7 partners.
  • Unnamed: 2014 YMCA survey (30% would use).
  • Unnamed: 40yrs; all ages use.
  • Trish Teersh (online): PT subsidy + county $30K; PFD creation legality.
  • Marcia Kelvin (Quilcene, online): Central (Hadlock); growth/youth.
  • John Noak (online): Thoughtful process; MPD impacts schools.
  • Unnamed (online): Crop failure parallel; central.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Pro forma (14M surplus); 2014 YMCA report (40% non-PT); market analysis (Ballard vet by Y); ops plan ($1.27M expense).

Financials

  • Total: $37M ($20M bond, $17M grants/philanthropy).
  • Ops: $1.27M expense/$840K revenue/$43K subsidy (city $400K); showers +$150K.
  • Tax: 0.2% sales ($10-30/person/yr); 20-25% tourism.
  • Election: $110K special.
  • Review: $15K.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Location: Mountain View vs. HJ Carroll/Hadlock/Tri/Quilcene.
  • Funding: PFD vs. MPD; Sprung membrane (half cost, lease).
  • Design: Showers added; less Taj Mahal/youth-focused.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Briefing only; support steering recs debated; independent review needed.
  • No Vote.
  • Next Steps: Financial review (1-3mo); PFD resolution/appointments; Dec 4 SMP/aquatic follow-up.

MOU for Hospital Demolition Waste Hauling

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:40:34.313–04:06:10.345 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, operations

Summary

Public Works requested preliminary approval for MOU with Waste Connections (Olympic Disposal) allowing bypass of transfer station for hospital demolition (600 tons C&D fluff, 30 roll-offs/day); 10% pre-tax/ton fee as "insurance" for county infrastructure. Board supported; finalize for Dec agenda (Waste Connections review post-travel).

Key Discussion Points

  • Al Cairns: 54% overcapacity; staffing limits; 10% fee protects investment; flow control ordinance future.
  • Commissioners: Supportive; strong hauler relations.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft MOU.

Financials

  • 600 tons est.; 10% pre-tax/ton fee.

Alternatives & Amendments

Flow control ordinance considered future.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Preliminary approval to finalize MOU.
  • No Vote.
  • Next Steps: Waste Connections review; Dec Consent Agenda.

Tipping Fee Waiver Policy Review and Beach Cleanup Request

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:40:34.313–04:06:10.345 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, budgeting

Summary

Request to waive ~$720 tipping fee for ongoing Quilcene marine litter cleanup per 1995 Resolution 74-95; reimburse enterprise fund (gen fund?). Board approved this request, noted admin burden, suggested budget line/threshold; review policy for future (e.g., $750 cap?).

Key Discussion Points

  • Al Cairns: First since 2008; est. $540-720; account/not-to-exceed; perennial?
  • Commissioners: Encourage community benefit; budget line/threshold; review 74-95.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Resolution 74-95 (fee waivers).

Financials

  • Waiver est. $540-720.

Alternatives & Amendments

Budget line ($750?); threshold; streamline small waivers.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approve waiver; review policy.
  • No Vote.
  • Next Steps: Consent Agenda next week; policy review.

Legislative Priorities Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:07:49.394–05:04:09.215 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other, planning, budgeting, personnel, public safety

Summary

Electeds/departments shared 2024 priorities: Auditor (HB1241 election harassment, voter address simplification); Assessor (statewide aerial imagery); Treasurer (tax threshold $150, investment fee $150); Clerk (HB1205 dependency notices); Planning (GMA equity/LAMIRD); Health (septic study $250K, school env health, child fatality RCW70.05.170, data access, syphilis/RSV vaccine, micro kitchens). No county agenda finalized; continue input.

Key Discussion Points

  • Quinn/Brenda (Auditor): HB1241 (C felony harassment, address confidentiality); recording bill.
  • Jeff Chapman (Assessor): Statewide imagery ($28-36M biennium); senior exemption fix; homestead.
  • Stacie Prada (Treasurer): Tax threshold $150; investment fee $150.
  • Josh Peters (DCD): WASCRPD/GMA equity/LAMIRD.
  • Apple (Health): Septic $250K; school rules; child fatality; data access; syphilis telehealth; RSV vaccine def; standing orders.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

WASCRPD/WAPA priorities PDFs.

Financials

  • Imagery: $28-36M state biennium.
  • Septic study: $250K.

Alternatives & Amendments

None discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational; refine county priorities.
  • No Vote.
  • Next Steps: Gather input; refine list; potential testimony/support.

Background Materials

Contents

AI Information