MEETING: Commissioners Meeting at Tue, Jan 02, 08:52 AM

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MEETING SUMMARY: Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners

MEETING DATE: 2024-01-02

Board Reorganization and Chair Election

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:04:17–00:05:49
  • Agenda Item: Reorganization of the Board
  • Categories: operations

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners conducted its annual reorganization to rotate the board chair. Following a discussion that took place over the holidays, Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour nominated Commissioner Kate Dean to serve as the Chair for 2024, noting that it was Dean's turn in the rotation. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Greg Brotherton noted that rotating the chair is traditionally done at the first meeting of the year (00:04:11).
  • Commissioner Eisenhour stated that she had discussed the matter over the holidays with Commissioner Brotherton and the outgoing Chair Mark, and suggested that Kate Dean should be the chair as it was her turn in the rotation (00:04:26–00:04:33).
  • Commissioner Eisenhour nominated Kate Dean for Chair of the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners for 2024 (00:04:44–00:04:48).
  • Commissioner Dean accepted the nomination (00:04:53) and Commissioner Brotherton seconded the motion (00:04:57).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Kate Dean was elected Chair of the Board of County Commissioners for 2024.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: Dean, Eisenhour, Brotherton) (00:05:46–00:05:47).
  • Next Steps:
  • - Kate Dean: Assume responsibilities as Chair for the 2024 term.

Public Comment: Shoreline Master Program (SMP) and Shellfish Operations

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:06:50–00:10:13
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: land use, planning

Topic Summary

A member of the public, Marilyn Showalter, used the public comment period to challenge the narrative used by County planning staff regarding the Planning Commission's recommendation for the Shoreline Master Program update concerning shellfish aquaculture. Showalter argued that the claim that the recommendation "met in the middle" was misleading, presenting data from a public records request showing that 100% of existing shellfish operations would be subject to a discretionary Conditional Use Permit (CUP) under the recommendation, in contrast to a low number of applications over the last decade.

Key Discussion Points

  • Marilyn Showalter stated the Planning Commission's recommendation on the SMP used "talking points" suggesting they "met in the middle" or "somewhere in the middle," implying balance (00:07:02–00:07:33).
  • Showalter asserted that 100% of existing shellfish operations would be subject to a discretionary CUP, versus an "unknown percent or number" of new operations that would be subject to a standard permit (00:07:40–00:08:08).
  • Citing a public records request, Showalter noted that in the decade since the SMP took effect (January 1, 2014), there have been only three applications for shellfish operations (00:08:56–00:09:04).
  • Only one of these applications, for geoducks, had occurred in 10 years (00:09:41–00:09:45).
  • Showalter stated that the phrasing "middle" was misleading given the dramatic imbalance in permit requirements (00:09:57).

Public Comments

  • - Marilyn Showalter (Resident): Refuted the consulting staff's claim that the Planning Commission recommendation "met in the middle" on the SMP. Provided data indicating little recent application activity (3 total in 10 years, 1 for geoducks) while noting the recommendation subjects 100% of existing operations to discretionary permits.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Showalter noted that a single operator controls or owns at least 600 acres of shellfish operation, and noted the large financial scale ("big math") considering PVC tubes at "somewhat like 43,000 per acre" (00:08:35–00:08:43).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; this was public comment.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • Commissioner Eisenhour noted that the SMP hearing is scheduled for the following Monday, January 8th, at 10:30 a.m., and looks forward to the discussion (00:21:42–00:21:50).

Public Comment: Homeless Services and Shelters

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:10:25–00:16:17
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: services, public safety

Topic Summary

A homeless resident, Maggie, voiced numerous severe concerns regarding the management of the homeless shelter run through OlyCAP at the American Legion, alleging that County funds intended for homeless services are instead subsidizing Legion parties that cause rodent and disease problems. Maggie also alleged that the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department illegally stole people's IDs during the election season. The Chair had to intervene multiple times to enforce the 3-minute time limit.

Key Discussion Points

  • Maggie alleged that Jefferson County government subsidizes "an ongoing public health epidemic" by funding the Legion for parties that have beer and food, which "feed and breed rodents" (00:10:50–00:11:00).
  • Maggie stated that homeless residents living underneath the Legion are not allowed to have food, which leads to mice (00:11:00–00:11:14).
  • Maggie claimed a lack of ventilation created a "mini COVID epidemic" in the shelter (00:11:55).
  • Maggie also mentioned a lawsuit between Jefferson County/Clallam County and DSHS for money intended for mentally ill people, and alleged a mentally ill woman was trespassed 28 times from the shelter and later died in a park (00:13:05–00:13:36).
  • Maggie alleged the Sheriff's Department hired someone who stole people’s IDs from King, Clallam, and Pierce counties during election season, which is illegal (00:14:27–00:14:34).
  • Commissioner Brotherton noted the challenges in the system, stating the rent the Legion charges OlyCAP has increased considerably (00:22:33–00:22:41).
  • Brotherton said the County is working with OlyCAP to build a new "purpose built emergency shelter that does have ventilation" and includes kitchenettes for permanent supportive housing (00:22:41–00:23:13).

Public Comments

  • - Maggie (Homeless Resident): Claimed County subsidies to the American Legion divert homeless funds to parties that foster disease/rodents, leading to hospitalizations among shelter residents. Claimed the Sheriff's Department illegally stole IDs during election season.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Maggie alleged that County money is taken out of the homeless budget to subsidize the Legion (00:10:48).
  • Commissioner Brotherton confirmed the rent the American Legion charges OlyCAP has "gone up considerably" and that housing funds based on recording fees are down "50% [or] 60%" (00:22:33–00:24:42).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; this was public comment.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • Commissioner Brotherton offered to speak with Maggie, giving the phone number 360-385-9101, to "understand a little better what the issues that she's struggling with at the legion" (00:22:27–00:22:33).
  • Commissioner Eisenhour noted the structural funding gap driven by rising shelter costs and legislative priorities focusing on capital versus operational dollars (00:28:25–02:08:43).

Public Comment: Support for Board of Commissioners

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:16:29–00:19:40
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: general

Topic Summary

Bruce Cowan, a resident of Port Townsend, provided positive comment on behalf of himself and friends, thanking the Commissioners for their work over the last six years, noting the continuity of government despite turnover in seats and department heads, and highlighting progress made in housing, infrastructure (Port Hadlock sewer), and pandemic response.

Key Discussion Points

  • Bruce Cowan stated that over the last six years, all three commissioner seats and four upstairs leadership seats have turned over, yet continuity of government remains (00:17:11–00:17:21).
  • Cowan commended the progress on housing, including the establishment of Caswell Brown Village and Seventh Haven (40+ units), and helping Habitat acquire 17 acres (00:17:38–00:17:56).
  • Cowan highlighted the breaking ground on the Port Hadlock sewer after decades of obstacles, which will allow denser housing in the urban growth area (00:18:01–00:18:05).
  • Cowan praised the Board's response to the global pandemic, stating the County was able to "dodge the worst of the pandemic... because we embraced the science" (00:18:31–00:18:54).
  • Cowan expressed gratitude, saying the residents elected them "because we trust you to make good decisions on our behalf" (00:19:23–00:19:27).

Public Comments

  • - Bruce Cowan (Port Townsend Resident): Commended the Board for their great progress on housing (Caswell Brown, Seventh Haven, Habitat), resolving long-standing issues (Port Hadlock sewer, Black Point development), and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • Commissioner Brotherton thanked Cowan, noting that successful efforts are based on community supports, good nonprofits, and county staff, and asked to "Spread that praise around to all the people that do the real work" (00:23:13–00:23:34).

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:31:21–00:35:12
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, infrastructure, services, operations, grants

Topic Summary

The Board adopted a robust consent agenda which included, but was not limited to, the award of a $10.02 million contract for the Port Hadlock Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP) Phase 2 construction, several Public Infrastructure Fund (PIF) grants totaling $900,000 for local utility and economic development projects, and multiple intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) related to road work and public services. Commissioner Brotherton moved to approve the consent agenda, which passed unanimously.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Brotherton called out item number 2, the $10 million contract for the Port Hadlock WTP, as "monumental," representing the award of the contract for the Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) physical plant (00:31:23–00:32:06).
  • Brotherton discussed item 19, the Sims Way Gateway Project and Boatyard Expansion PIF grant amendment, which added $300,000 to cover increased costs associated with public engagement and unanticipated expenses (total PIF: $1.3 million) (00:32:38–00:33:01).
  • Commissioner Dean acknowledged the successful reapplications of strong Housing Fund Board members and the appointment of Don Rod to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) (00:33:07–00:33:43).
  • Dean noted the exciting addition of "Epi services coming in house" (epidemiology) to understand the work of "navigators" (00:33:43–00:34:15).
  • Commissioner Brotherton commented on the WSDOT agreements for detours related to the Beaver Valley and Paradise Bay road roundabouts on SR 104, stating it means the project is "really going to happen this year" (00:34:15–00:35:02).
  • Brotherton highlighted the Center Road 2R Overlay Project, funded by CRAB dollars, as a "pretty substantial replacement" over 4.24 miles (00:34:46–00:35:02).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

The consent agenda items approved encompassed: - Phase 2 Port Hadlock WTP Contract Award: Award of $10.02 million construction contract (Interwest Construction Inc.) for the WTP MBR plant (Input 3). - Sims Way Gateway and Boatyard: PIF Grant Amendment No. 2 adding $300,000 for a new total of $1.3 million PIF allocation (Input 11). - JCIA Eco-Industrial Park: PIF Grant Agreement for $350,000 (Input 5). - Public Infrastructure Grant - Port Hadlock Sewer Debt: PIF Grant Agreement for $85,000 annually over 20 years ($1.7 million total) for Ecology loan debt service (Input 6). - Glen Cove Feasibility: PIF Grant Agreement for $250,000 feasibility and design study (Input 7). - WSDOT Detour Agreements: Agreements committing WSDOT to detour management and subsequent road repair on Center Road (SR 19 detour) and Paradise Bay/Shine Roads (SR 104 detour) during construction (Input 15, 16). - Center Road 2R Overlay: Call for Bids and Contract Plans for the $1.66 million federally funded overlay project (Input 14). - DSHS DDA Program Amendment: Increasing DDA revenue by $304,353 to fund Community Inclusion Services (Input 12). - Strategies 360: $72,000 annual contract for legislative lobbying services (Input 4). - Cassel Creek Bridge Cleaning: $20,159 maintenance agreement for WSDOT bridge cleaning on Oil City Road (Input 1). - Trout Unlimited Agreement: Subrecipient agreement for NOAA-funded fish barrier culvert/bridge replacements ($53,754 reimbursable for county easements/review) (Input 2).

Financials

  • Port Hadlock WTP Phase 2 Contract: $10,020,835.00 awarded to Interwest Construction Inc. (00:31:23).
  • Sims Way PIF Amendment: Additional $300,000 funding approved (00:32:51).
  • Center Road Overlay: $1,663,767.75 Engineer’s Estimate, fully funded by CRAB grant (Input 14).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed beyond the contents of the consent agenda items.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: The consent agenda was approved and adopted as presented.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: Dean, Eisenhour, Brotherton) (00:35:08–00:35:12).
  • Next Steps:
  • - Public Works: Proceed with the $10 million contract award and other infrastructure projects.

Commissioner Briefing: Updates and Appointments

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:35:20–00:41:04; 01:27:42–01:32:43
  • Agenda Item: Commissioner Briefing
  • Categories: operations, planning, economic development, public safety

Topic Summary

Commissioners provided updates on their recent activities, focusing on holiday work, committee meetings, and internal County staffing. Key highlights included positive progress in hiring for JeffCom 911, an update on the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) Recompete Grant success, and the status of several capital projects and administrative appointments.

Key Discussion Points

  • JeffCom 911 (Brotherton): Hiring continues to be "really strong" after raising compensation significantly. The pipeline is at maximum capacity, although reliance on sheriff's deputies and overtime remains; the office should be fully staffed "pretty soon" (00:36:24–00:37:37).
  • OLYCAP (Brotherton): Attended a training/holiday gathering; learned about the work of various departments (housing, early childhood services) (00:38:12–00:38:45).
  • RCO Recompete Grant (Brotherton): The County's coalition received a $2.5 million strategy grant and an invitation to apply for Phase 2, which was called "huge news" (00:40:00–00:40:37).
  • Transit (Eisenhour): Completed a positive evaluation of CEO Nicole (01:1:13–01:1:27).
  • Rangeland/Forestry (Eisenhour): Met with a guest forest conservation leader to discuss forestry work and path ahead (01:42:06–01:42:19). Also held a KPTZ "County Connections" update on sewer (Port Hadlock WTP) and Vauxora (01:42:32–01:43:50).
  • Central Services Staffing (McCauley): A candidate for the Central Services position, Tracy Coleman, interviewed and received unanimous staff approval (01:31:44–01:32:00); McCauley anticipates a "bidding war" (01:32:17).
  • New Fleet Manager (McCauley): Josh Montgomery, the new fleet manager, plans to rent in Discovery Bay for 6 months (01:30:34–01:30:54). McCauley suggested his wife, a candidate for the Auditor's office, would enable them to afford a house if hired (01:30:47–01:30:54).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • The RCO recompete grant was successful, awarding a $2.5 million strategy grant (00:40:00).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; item was informational.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioner Brotherton: Will continue "digging in" on the RCO recompete grant coordination (00:40:37).
  • - Staff McCauley: Will follow up with the Central Services candidate, anticipating an acceptance decision (01:32:04).

Public Health and Emergency Management Update: Respiratory Viruses and Winter Weather

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:47:39–01:17:12
  • Agenda Item: Public Health Update
  • Categories: public safety, services

Topic Summary

Dr. Alison Barry provided an update on public health, reporting a national rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations, influenza, RSV, and strep infections. The rise in COVID-19 is linked to the new, more transmissible JN.1 subvariant, though severe disease is not yet rising in Washington State or Jefferson County, possibly due to higher vaccination rates. Emergency Management Director Willie Benz reported that the winter has been mild but cautioned residents to prepare for upcoming colder and wetter periods and provided an update on the NIXLE alert system.

Key Discussion Points

  • COVID-19 Status (Dr. Barry): Nationally, COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising due to post-holiday travel and the new JN.1 subvariant (Omicron family), which is highly transmissible and shows more immune evasion (00:48:28–00:49:37; 00:50:25).
    • Local COVID-19: Washington state and Jefferson County are not yet seeing a rise in severe disease, hospitalizations, or ED visits (00:48:55).
    • Vaccination: Only 18% of Americans have the updated booster, but 31% of Jefferson County residents have it, offering protection against severe outcomes (00:50:30–00:50:54).
  • Other Viruses (Dr. Barry): Influenza (25% rise in cases over the last week in WA) and RSV continue to rise (00:51:37–00:52:20). Strep infections are also rising, particularly in the very young, often presenting with abdominal discomfort/nausea (00:53:39–00:54:14).
  • Paxlovid Access (Dr. Barry/Brotherton): Commissioner Brotherton raised concerns about a resident who was unable to find Paxlovid at local pharmacies (e.g., QFC) after receiving a prescription (00:54:32–00:56:17). Dr. Barry confirmed she was unaware of a critical shortage but committed to investigating the distribution issue (00:55:01–00:56:30).
  • Winter Weather (Willie Benz): The winter has been mild thus far, but the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center expects a "warmer than average although wetter than average" winter for January–March, with still a possibility of cold snaps and snow in late January or February (01:10:00–01:10:52).
  • Warming Center (Benz): The Winter Welcoming Center at the Pope Marine building in Port Townsend is open 7 days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (01:09:54).
  • NIXLE (Benz): NIXLE is a subscription-based text alert system used for ongoing, non-life-threatening situations like road closures and traffic accidents (01:12:39). Willie Benz advised residents to go to the NIXLE website to customize alerts (01:14:20). Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are reserved for life-threatening events (01:12:48).

Public Comments

  • No public comment during this session (listener questions were read by the Chair).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Paxlovid Shortage: Concerns referenced that QFC may not have had Paxlovid since August or September (00:56:17–00:56:21).

Financials

  • Costs for septic professional certification testing (discussed in consent agenda) are $0 to the county, but septic professionals pay a $180 fee directly to WOSSA (Input 8).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • RSV Vaccine: Due to a critical shortage of the RSV preventative Nirsevimab (for children under 18 months), Jefferson Healthcare has received a limited supply. Dr. Barry urged parents of high-risk infants to contact their primary care providers immediately (00:52:50–00:53:39).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; item was informational.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Dr. Barry: Investigate the Paxlovid shortage issue at local pharmacies (00:56:28).
  • - Public Health: Ensure information on RSV vaccine availability is disseminated to the community (00:53:05).

Conservation Futures Funding Approvals (2023 Projects)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:18:08–01:26:51
  • Agenda Item: Hearing: Conservation Futures
  • Categories: land use, planning, environmental

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners held a public hearing on the 2023 Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee (CFFCOC) recommendations. Acting Chair Ross Harbor and Natural Resources Coordinator Tammy Pokorny presented three draft resolutions to fully fund all three projects recommended by the Land Trust for conservation land acquisitions. The Board unanimously approved all three resolutions, dedicating funds to projects in Chimacum Creek, Snow Creek, and the Quilcene Bay watershed.

Key Discussion Points

  • Committee Recommendation (Ross Harbor/Tammy Pokorny): The committee recommended fully funding all three projects brought by the Land Trust, which requested $5,000 each for Operations and Maintenance (O&M) reimbursement (01:19:40).
  • Project Scope: The three projects cover the Lower Chimacum Creek main stem acquisitions, the North Barry Snow Creek Project, and the Schmidt Farm (01:19:46–01:20:01).
  • Growth Finding (Pokorny): Pokorny confirmed that the Department of Community Development (DCD) made a finding that the projects would not preclude the county from accommodating projected growth (01:20:01–01:20:15).
  • Support (Brotherton): Commissioner Brotherton expressed "gratitude for the committee," calling the work "some of the most important work in our community." He was pleased that funding was available for all three projects this year (01:20:39–01:21:21).
  • Timing Concern (Sarah Spaeth, Land Trust): Land Trust representative Sarah Spaeth thanked the committee and staff but noted that the process has taken the longest of a number of years and requested that future efforts be expedited, as a couple of projects "are pretty ripe to go" (01:23:37–01:23:56).

Public Comments

  • - Sarah Spaeth (Jefferson Land Trust): Thanked the committee and staff for getting the funds through but noted the approval process has taken the longest in recent years, asking the Board to expedite in the future as two time-sensitive projects are "ripe to go."

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Lower Chimacum Creek Mainstem Acquisitions (Resolution 01-24): Requested $52,000 ($47,000 acquisition + $5,000 O&M) (Input 18).
  • North Barry Snow Creek Project (Resolution 02-24): Requested $74,000 ($69,000 acquisition + $5,000 O&M) (Input 18).
  • Schmidt Farm Project (Resolution 03-24): Requested $60,000 ($55,000 acquisition easement + $5,000 O&M) (Input 18).

Financials

  • Total Dedicated Funds: $186,000 (from $230,000 available in the 2023 cycle) (Input 18).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Three resolutions funding the conservation future projects were approved.
  • Vote:
  • Resolution 01-24 (Chimacum Creek): Unanimous (01:25:52).
  • Resolution 02-24 (Snow Creek): Unanimous (01:26:15).
  • Resolution 03-24 (Schmidt Farm): Unanimous (01:26:38).
  • Next Steps:
  • - Staff (Tammy Pokorny): Update the resolutions to reflect the new Board Chair.
  • - Jefferson Land Trust: Begin the contracting phase to secure the property acquisitions, noting the need for speed.

Resolution to Issue Grant Anticipation Note (GAN) for Port Hadlock WTP

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:43:21–03:06:08
  • Agenda Item: Have executive session from 2 to 2:30 [followed by Debt discussion]
  • Categories: infrastructure, budgeting, contracts

Topic Summary

The Board discussed and approved a resolution authorizing a Grant Anticipation Note (GAN) of up to $10 million to temporarily finance the Port Hadlock Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP) construction. Public Works needs the cash flow to pay for work upfront before receiving the $33.2 million in reimbursable grant funds. The winning bid from Kitsap Bank offers a flexible, prepayable line of credit at 70% of the prime rate (currently 5.95%) with no unused fee, which was deemed the most cost-effective and straightforward choice to avoid tax complications.

Key Discussion Points

  • Purpose (Stacie Prada/Monty Reinders): The $10 million line of credit is needed to cover the "cash flow issue" during the 18 months of construction, as the $33.2 million in project funding is based on reimbursable grants (02:44:34–02:45:58).
  • Winning Bid (Jim Nelson, DA Davidson): Kitsap Bank offered the best proposal. The key feature is that it is prepayable anytime with no penalty over the 3-year maximum term. The rate floats at 70% of the bank’s prime rate (initial rate is 5.95%) (02:46:59–02:47:13; 02:48:16).
  • Unused Fee: Kitsap Bank does not charge an unused fee, unlike a competing bid from U.S. Bank (02:48:16–02:49:10).
  • Tax and Risk Avoidance (Mark Greeno, Bond Counsel): Counsel noted that using a revolving reimbursement mechanism (Kitsap Bank) simplifies the transaction and is much easier to administer than borrowing the full amount upfront (Webster Bank) which could "slide into tax trouble" with the IRS due to arbitrage (03:01:10–03:01:37).
  • Security: The note is a special obligation secured only by the grant proceeds, not a pledge of the County General Fund (03:00:39).
  • Internal Controls (Brotherton/Prada/Reinders): Public Works will communicate draw requests (minimum $250,000) to the Treasurer’s office, preferably with 2 days notice (03:02:15). Funding can only be used for the Port Hadlock WTP (03:04:53). The transaction will be reported on monthly financial reports (03:03:50).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Kitsap Bank Proposal: Offered a variable rate at 70% of Prime Rate (02:50:55).
  • Webster Bank Proposal: Offered a fixed rate (lower than Kitsap's current rate) but was rejected because it was not prepayable for the first 18 months and would have caused tax complications (02:47:51–02:49:02).
  • Grant Funds: Total committed grants of $33.2 million for the project (02:47:15).

Financials

  • Maximum Loan Amount: $10,000,000 (02:50:41).
  • Interest Rate: 5.95% initial rate (70% of Prime) (02:50:55).
  • Upfront Closing Costs: Approximately $48,000 to cover fees for bond counsel, placement agent (DA Davidson), and the bank's origination fee (03:04:49).
  • Security: Secured by $33.2 million in committed grant funding (02:47:15).
  • LGIP Rate (Stacie Prada): The Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP) rate for December was 5.4299% (02:56:57).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Alternatives: Two other bids (U.S. Bank and Webster Bank) were considered, but the Webster fixed rate offering was deemed too restrictive due to the prepayment penalty structure and tax implications (02:47:51–02:49:02).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: The resolution authorizing the Grants Anticipation Note (GAN) up to $10 million was approved.
  • Vote: No vote count recorded.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Staff (Prada/McCauley): Execute the final terms of the GAN with Kitsap Bank ($5,000 origination fee; variable rate at 70% of prime) (Input 17).
  • - Monty Reinders: Plan for the first draw (minimum $250,000) to be available on January 18, 2024 (02:55:06-02:56:06).

Executive Session and County Administrator Contract

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:43:43–02:46:00
  • Agenda Item: Executive Session and Post-Executive Session Action
  • Categories: personnel

Topic Summary

Following an Executive Session for performance review (RCW 42.30.110(1)(g)), the Board returned to public session. Commissioner Eisenhour moved to extend County Administrator Mark McCauley's contract, including an option for further extension.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour moved to extend County Administrator Mark McCauley's contract for one year, with an option for an additional one-year extension (Input 19).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: County Administrator Mark McCauley's contract was extended for one year, with an option for a subsequent one-year extension.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Input 19).
  • Next Steps:
  • - BOCC/Staff: Formalize the execution of the contract extension document (02:46:00).

County Commissioner Board and Committee Assignments (2024)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:45:5–02:42:24
  • Agenda Item: Board and Committee Assignments
  • Categories: operations, planning, services

Topic Summary

The Board reviewed and finalized their committee assignments for 2024, balancing the workload across the three commissioners, with slight adjustments made to accommodate schedules and workload. Key appointments included Greg Brotherton leading the Olympic Consortium Board (workforce development) and Kate Dean taking over the Chair role of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC). Discussion focused on maximizing organizational synergy and managing time conflicts.

Key Discussion Points

  • Workload Balance: After adjustments, Commissioners' total assigned points were: Heidi Eisenhour (32 pts), Greg Brotherton (31 pts), and Kate Dean (29 pts) (02:36:00–02:36:20).
  • Jefferson Fairgrounds Executive Committee: Commissioner Dean will be the lead on this new committee to help guide capital improvements and increase revenue generation (02:03:16).
  • Olympic Consortium Board (OCB): Greg Brotherton will assume the lead from Kate Dean, citing a desire for synergy with his focus on workforce development through the recompete grant (02:24:44–02:25:04).
  • LTAC and TCC: Kate Dean will take over the LTAC chairmanship and the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) to synergize tourism and tax funding (02:32:30–02:32:39).
  • Solid Waste: Greg Brotherton retained the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) and requested to be the sole commissioner working on solid waste and the associated capital planning committee (02:30:25–02:30:40).
  • Water Utility Coordinating Council (WUCC): Commissioner Brotherton agreed to take the lead on the WUCC, noting its ramping-up importance due to new legislation regarding climate resilience and growth management (02:34:44–02:34:58).
  • Department Work Plan Briefings: The Board agreed to schedule department work plan briefings earlier in the year, incorporating a review of the County Strategic Plan as context (01:47:04–01:47:35).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Reference to the document detailing Committee Assignments, which uses a "point" system to weigh time commitment (02:36:00).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Climate Action Committee: Heidi Eisenhour expressed willingness to step down from the Climate Action Committee due to frequent conflicts, but no clear successor was determined at the moment (01:57:37).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: The revised Commissioner Board and Committee Assignments for 2024 were conceptually approved.
  • Vote: No formal vote noted; consensus was reached.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Clerk/Staff: Finalize the calendar with the new assignments.
  • - BOCC: Discuss work goals for 2024 in the following weeks (01:46:59).
  • - Greg Brotherton: Take the County Connections KPTZ slot on Friday (01:49:15).

Glen Cove Infrastructure Feasibility and Air Quality

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:40:25–01:42:47
  • Agenda Item: Follow up from Consent Agenda Glen Cove PIF Grant
  • Categories: planning, infrastructure, environmental

Topic Summary

During calendaring, the commissioners paused to discuss the Glen Cove Infrastructure Feasibility PIF grant (approved on the consent agenda), raising a concern that the feasibility study and subsequent housing development could conflict with unaddressed air quality issues stemming from the nearby Port Townsend Paper Mill. Commissioner Eisenhour stressed the need for a definitive green light from either the CDC or Ecology related to residential development in the Mill's "bloom path."

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Eisenhour emphasized the need to follow up with Ecology or the CDC regarding air quality in Glen Cove, particularly for housing development, due to the nearby Port Townsend Paper Mill (01:40:25–01:41:24).
  • Commissioner Brotherton recounted that the CDC had started a study on air quality in that area before COVID-19, but the researcher was reassigned (01:41:17–01:41:47).
  • Commissioner Brotherton mentioned that a recent State Department of Health report on the air quality impacts of the mill was "really inconclusive" and found "no evidence" of deleterious human health impact (01:42:20–01:42:31).
  • Commissioner Eisenhour noted that the issue (especially residential living in the concentrated mill area) is critical, particularly under the lens of the Heal Act and environmental justice (01:42:38–01:42:47).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Glen Cove PIF Grant: Approved earlier for $250,000 for infrastructure feasibility and design (Input 7).
  • Prior CDC Study: A study on air quality in the Glen Cove area was previously put on hold (01:41:17).

Financials

  • The Glen Cove infrastructure study is funded by a $250,000 PIF grant (Input 7).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; the item was intended to flag a critical outstanding issue.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioner Eisenhour/Brotherton: Agreed to follow up and "bird dog that" contact at Ecology/CDC to determine the status of the residential appropriateness study (01:41:59–01:42:04).

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