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01/02/24 09 AM: BOCC Reorganizes, Approves $10M WTP Contract, Conservation Funds

BOCC Reorganizes, Approves $10M WTP Contract, Conservation Funds

Jefferson County Board of Commissioners reorganized with Kate Dean as new Chair; approved consent agenda including $10M Port Hadlock wastewater contract, $300k PIF increase, and other infrastructure/personnel items; public health update on respiratory illnesses; approved $186k Conservation Futures for three projects; authorized $10M GAN for WTP cash flow; extended County Administrator contract; finalized 2024 committee assignments. Public comments on SMP, homelessness, support.

Board Reorganization

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:03:15–00:05:49
  • Categories: other

Summary

The Board conducted its annual reorganization at the first meeting of 2024. Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour nominated Commissioner Kate Dean for Chair, stating it was her turn in the rotation following discussions over the holidays. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Greg Brotherton and approved unanimously.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Greg Brotherton noted prior discussions about rotating the chair and Heidi Eisenhour sharing duties but confirmed Kate Dean as the choice.
  • Heidi Eisenhour: "I suggested that Kate should be chair because it's her turn in the rotation and I think it'd be great."
  • Brief mention that approving documents would require changes to reflect the new chair.

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: "Moved and seconded to move Kate Dean to chair with the Board of County Commissioners for 2024."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all in favor by saying "aye").
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Public Comment Period

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:06:30–00:31:21
  • Categories: other

Summary

The Board opened public comment for up to 3 minutes per speaker, starting in-room then online/phone. Three in-room speakers addressed shoreline regulations, homeless services funding, and general support for the commissioners; no online comments. The Board responded collectively, noting an upcoming SMP hearing on January 8 and offering engagement on shelter issues.

Key Discussion Points

  • Chair Kate Dean clarified public comment procedures and responses after all comments.
  • Limited discussion; responses focused on appreciation and upcoming opportunities.

Public Comments

  • Michelle Walter (Maryland Show Walter), Port Townsend area: Refuted prior SMP presentation claiming a "middle ground" recommendation; cited public records showing minimal new shellfish applications (3 in 10 years) vs. existing operations; argued it favors industry over environment.
  • Maggie, homeless resident: Criticized diversion of homeless funds to American Legion (rodent issues, no cooking allowed in shelter); questioned lawsuits against DSHS, shelter ejection of mentally ill woman, ID theft by Sheriff's Department.
  • Bruce Cowan, Port Townsend: Offered positive support, highlighting progress in housing (Caswell Brown Village, Seventh Haven, Habitat land, Port Hadlock sewer), pandemic response, gun ranges, Black Point; praised commissioners' integrity.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • No action taken; informational.
  • Next Steps: SMP hearing noted for January 8 at 10:30 a.m.; Chair Kate Dean offered phone contact for Maggie.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:31:21–00:35:12
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, infrastructure, personnel, planning

Summary

The Board approved the robust consent agenda unanimously without pulling items. Highlights included a $10 million contract award for the Port Hadlock wastewater treatment plant (praised as a milestone), $300,000 additional PIF for Sims Gateway/Boatyard due to cost increases, SWAC appointment (Don Rhoden commended for expertise), in-house epidemiologist services, detour agreements for roundabouts, and Center Road overlay call for bids.

Key Discussion Points

  • Kate Dean: Called attention to $10M Port Hadlock MBR contract as rare large consent item; kudos to Public Works.
  • Heidi Eisenhour: Noted Sims $300k increase for cost overruns; praised SWAC appointee Don Rhoden and Housing Fund Board reappointees; excited for epidemiologist and roundabout detours; Center Road overlay funded by crabshell dollars.
  • Greg Brotherton: Seconded motion.
  • "Limited discussion; item addressed primarily through supporting materials."

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Port Hadlock WTP Phase 2 contract to Interwest Construction ($10M, exceeds estimate by 28.8%, Commerce grant-funded).
  • Sims Gateway/Boatyard PIF amendment (+$300k to $1.3M total for cost increases).
  • SWAC appointment: Don Rhoden (District 2, solid waste experience).
  • Epidemiology transition to in-house.
  • WSDOT detour agreements for SR19/Center Rd and SR104/Paradise Bay roundabouts.
  • Center Road 2R overlay call for bids ($1.66M estimate, CRAB grant).
  • Other: Cassel Creek bridge cleaning ($20k max WSDOT), Trout Unlimited culverts ($53k reimbursable), Strategies 360 lobbying ($72k/yr), PIF grants (JCIA eco-park $350k, Glen Cove $250k, Hadlock sewer debt $85k/yr x20), OWL360 therapeutic support ($22k), WOSSA septic testing ($0), Lower Big Quilcene extension, DSHS DDA amendment (+$304k), DOH data sharing ($0), Clallam NFP ($12k), JCCD water quality ($60k), Housing Fund reappointments.

Financials

  • Port Hadlock WTP: $10,020,835 (Interwest, Commerce grants).
  • Sims PIF: +$300,000 (total $1.3M).
  • Other majors: JCIA PIF $350,000, Glen Cove PIF $250,000, Hadlock debt PIF $85,000/yr x20, Strategies $72,000/yr, OWL360 $22,248, etc. Various grant-funded/no General Fund impact.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve and adopt the consent agenda as presented."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all "aye").
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Monthly Public Health Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:47:44–01:09:25
  • Categories: public safety, services

Summary

Dr. Robin Barry provided the monthly respiratory update, noting rises in COVID-19 (JN.1 variant), flu, RSV, and strep locally/nationally post-holidays; emphasized vaccines (31% boosted locally vs. 18% national) and masking. Listeners asked about long COVID risks, Paxlovid access, deer transmission; Dr. Barry clarified vaccination halves long COVID risk, recommended primary care for Paxlovid. Jefferson County not yet seeing severe rises, credited high vax rates.

Key Discussion Points

  • Dr. Robin Barry: Rises in COVID (JN.1 ~50% cases, more transmissible/immune evading but vaccines effective), flu (+25% WA), RSV high locally, strep in kids; urged boosters/masking; RSV shortage for kids but some nirsevimab available; Paxlovid no shortage noted, use primary care.
  • Questions: Long COVID (7% risk, halved by vax, virus damage key); kids reinfections (low protections in schools); ventilators (small proportion); deer (reservoir but human primary source).
  • Kate Dean: Paxlovid access issue over holidays (QFC shortage since Aug/Sep).
  • Heidi Eisenhour: COVID predictions accurate.

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

  • No action taken; item was informational.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Conservation Futures Funding Public Hearing and Approvals

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:17:26–01:27:08
  • Categories: land use, planning

Summary

The Board held a public hearing on three Conservation Futures projects recommended by the committee (Lower Chimacum Creek $52k, North Bay Snow Creek $74k, Schmidt Farm $60k; total $186k). One speaker thanked the committee/staff; DCD finding confirmed no growth impact. Board approved all three resolutions unanimously.

Key Discussion Points

  • Ross Harbor (Acting Chair, CFF Committee): Easy year with three solid Land Trust projects; full funding recommended including $5k O&M each.
  • Tami Pokorny: DCD finding: projects won't preclude growth accommodation.
  • Kate Dean: Gratitude to committee/Land Trust; loves Chimacum area.
  • Greg Brotherton/Heidi Eisenhour: Appreciated work; good geographic spread.

Public Comments

  • Sarah Spaith (Jefferson Land Trust): Thanked committee/Tami; noted timing pressures, critical local match for grants; hopes for faster process.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Three resolutions for $186k total ($171k acquisition +$15k O&M); match from SRFB/Farmland/Navy REPI; DCD growth analysis (90.59 acres, low yield 8 units); all worthy per committee.

Financials

  • Total: $186,000 (Chimacum $52,000, Snow Creek $74,000, Schmidt $60,000); Conservation Futures levy (RCW 84.34.230); available $230k.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved three resolutions verbatim.
  • Vote: Unanimous on each.
  • Next Steps: Contracts with Land Trust; acquisitions contingent on matches (3-10 yrs).

Grant Anticipation Note for Port Hadlock WTP

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:43:21–end (afternoon session implied)
  • Categories: budgeting, infrastructure

Summary

Treasurer Stacie Prada presented RFP results for $10M line of credit (GAN) for Port Hadlock WTP cash flow (reimbursable grants total $30.6M vs. $33.7M project). Kitsap Bank recommended (5.95% variable, prepayable no penalty); board approved resolution authorizing issuance.

Key Discussion Points

  • Stacie Prada/Jim Nelson: Kitsap best (vs. US/Webster); 70% prime (floor 3%, cap 7%); $48k upfront costs; LGIP comparison.
  • Monte Reinders: Cash flow for $30M+ contracts.
  • Mark Greeno: Tax-exempt, grant-secured; easy admin.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Kitsap proposal; grants listed; projected debt service $315-365k (sewer fund).

Financials

  • Max principal: $10M; rate 5.95% initial; fees $48k; service $315-365k; grants $30.625M.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • US Bank/Webster bids rejected (fees/penalties).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Resolution 4-24 authorizing GAN.
  • Vote: Unanimous (implied approval).
  • Next Steps: Closing Jan 18; mature Dec 1, 2026.

County Administrator Contract Extension

Metadata

  • Time Range: Post-executive session ~02:46
  • Categories: personnel

Summary

Post-executive session on public employee performance, board unanimously approved one-year extension of County Administrator Mark McCauley's contract with option for another year.

Key Discussion Points

  • Heidi Eisenhour: Moved extension.
  • No public discussion of terms.

Public Comments

No public comment received.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Extend contract one year + option.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

2024 Board and Committee Assignments

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:43:00–02:42:00
  • Categories: other

Summary

The Board reviewed and adjusted 2024 assignments across 40+ committees, balancing points (Kate Dean 29, Heidi 32, Greg 31). Changes included Kate on Tourism/LTAC, Heidi on PRTPO/Parks Rec, Greg on OCB/EDC; added recompete, fairgrounds, etc.

Key Discussion Points

  • Reviewed draft; swapped for conflicts (e.g., workforce, tourism); points for effort (1-3); added placeholders (recompete 2, drainage 2, fairgrounds).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft list with points/meetings.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Various swaps discussed (e.g., O3A, climate).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • No formal vote; consensus finalized.
  • Next Steps: Wendy Housekeeper to update.

Background Materials

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