MEETING: BOCC Coordination Meeting at Fri, Jan 19, 11:30 AM

County Sources

Packet Contents

AI Information

MEETING DATE: 2024-01-19 19:30:24+00:00

Call to Order and Public Comment

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:09.517–00:01:29.001
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated
  • Categories: operations

Topic Summary

The county government coordination meeting was called to order by Chair Kate Dean (00:00:25.463). Chair Dean announced that she was sharing the meeting until 12:15 PM, after which Commissioner Eisenhour or Greg will take over as she needs to leave for KPTZ (00:00:41.720). The public comment period was opened and subsequently closed as no members of the public were present either in person or online (00:01:29.001).

Key Discussion Points

  • Chair Kate Dean called the meeting to order (00:00:25.463).
  • Chair Dean noted a technical discrepancy between the Zoom screen and the monitor regarding the number of people present (00:00:33.789).
  • The meeting agenda includes: Strategic Plan Implementation, an update on contracts and grants in Munis, and a roundtable discussion (00:01:11.421).

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: Meeting called to order.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Strategic Plan Implementation Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:37.903–00:05:12.213
  • Agenda Item: Strategic Plan Implementation
  • Categories: planning, operations, contracts

Topic Summary

The Chair provided an update on the progress of the county's strategic plan implementation. A proposal has been received from Barry Dunn for services including finalizing the implementation plan, assisting with progress reporting, and developing data dashboards for tracking (00:02:21.888). The plan's objectives were noted as aligning well with existing departmental work, making the assignment of tracking objectives to logical departments feasible, simplifying the tracking process (00:02:55.334).

Key Discussion Points

  • Mark (County Administrator) is working with Barry Dunn to secure their services for implementation (00:01:50.903).
  • The Barry Dunn proposal includes three tasks: finalizing the implementation plan, progress reporting assistance, and developing data dashboards (00:02:21.888).
  • The strategic plan's objectives accurately reflect the county's work over the next five years (00:02:36.842).
  • Examples of logical objective assignments include: Community health assessment/CHIP programs to Barb Jones at Public Health (00:03:05.536), emergency preparedness to Willie (00:03:14.784), Phase 1 of Port Hadlock to Public Works (00:03:35.573), and multi-use/business-friendly zoning to DCD as part of the next Comprehensive Development plan (00:03:46.105).
  • A table of objectives and associated departments needs to be created, and the Chair will follow up with Barry Dunn to see if they already have one (00:03:54.153).
  • The Chair expressed excitement about the actionable nature of the objectives and the potential for the new reporting system to track progress (00:05:12.213).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The Strategic Plan itself was used to review and discuss the nature of objectives and their alignment with current departmental work (00:02:36.842).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update received.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Chair/Mark: Review the Barry Dunn proposal.
  • - Chair: Reach out to Barry Dunn regarding an existing objective/department assignment table (00:04:00.476).

ESS, Contracts, and Grants in Munis Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:05:14.093–00:10:12.702
  • Agenda Item: ESS/Contracts/Grants in Munis Update
  • Categories: operations, contracts, budgeting, personnel

Topic Summary

Finance Manager Judy Shepherd provided an update on the implementation of three major areas within the Munis system, noting that progress has been delayed due to staff turnover and vacancies (00:05:59.379). Grants are being advanced through the financial worksheet process, and a significant effort is underway to implement contracts tracking, starting with Public Health and working with the Prosecuting Attorney's office and Carolyn for training (00:07:16.642). Employee Self-Service (ESS) implementation is pending, with a new payroll team member, Sarah Mcintyre, likely to head the project, though delays are expected due to prioritizing complex CBA changes for the February 5th payroll (00:09:46.743).

Key Discussion Points

  • Progress has been slower than hoped due to changes in team players and staff losses, with one more accounting position needing to be hired (00:06:10.894).
  • Grants: Training is underway, but more Munis background training is needed for Amanda Christopherson; grants may be integrated via the financial worksheet process (00:06:38.889).
  • Contracts: This is considered a priority ("hot to trot"). Public Health is ready to start entering contracts (00:07:10.889).
  • Training is being set up for the Prosecuting Attorney's office (ADL) and Carolyn in the coming week (00:07:16.642).
  • Tracking contracts in Munis will link payments, ensuring tracking against contract amounts, aiding auditing, AP staff, and departmental staff (00:07:52.093). Departments are encouraged to reach out to Judy Shepherd for training and setup (00:08:18.367).
  • ESS (Employee Self-Service): Implementation will happen, but the project will likely be headed by Sarah Mcintyre, a new payroll team member (00:09:04.938).
  • ESS implementation is delayed by the current team's workload, including preparing the February 5th payroll and dealing with "huge" changes from CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) revisions that alter payroll and HR processes (00:09:46.743).
  • January is a high-demand month due to W2s and quarterlies (00:09:51.546).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The topic draws implicitly on the Meeting Packet Summary which lists this item.

Financials

  • The update concerns the tracking of contracts and grants in the Munis finance system.
  • The use of Munis is expected to help departments track budgets against contract amounts (00:07:42.582).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update received.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Judy Shepherd: Follow up with Public Health on contract entry status.
  • - Judy Shepherd: Set up contract training for the Prosecuting Attorney's office (ADL) and Carolyn (00:07:16.642).
  • - Judy Shepherd: Continue providing updates on ESS progress (00:10:00.564).

Roundtable: Assessor's Office - Levies, Abstract, and Legislative Concerns

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:11:00.672–00:14:38.850
  • Agenda Item: Roundtable
  • Categories: budgeting, ordinances, operations

Topic Summary

The Assessor's Office successfully certified the levies to the Treasurer's office ahead of schedule, despite ongoing technical flaws in the software that required manual intervention (00:11:50.539). The abstract is being double-checked before distribution. Assessor Jeff Chapman expressed concern that the software vendor has not corrected a known issue, which is problematic given the volume of property tax legislation currently being debated (00:12:32.573). He specifically highlighted a potential homestead exemption measure in the legislature that would significantly complicate the Assessor's role by requiring tracking of principal residences and monitoring income (00:14:02.658).

Key Discussion Points

  • The Assessor's Office successfully certified levies to the Treasurer several days early (00:11:12.993).
  • The tax software still contains flaws, including one that tends to "zero out" the highest value levies, requiring Laura Lee to manually correct and ensure the hospital district levy was not lost (00:11:42.336).
  • The software vendor was supposed to provide a correction before Christmas but has not, which concerns the Assessor (00:12:32.573).
  • Assessor Chapman, on the Assessor's legislative committee, reported approximately 70 bills focused on property tax exemptions (00:12:59.210).
  • A potential homestead exemption, favored in King County, would deduct a percentage of value for the state levy calculation (00:13:23.397).
  • Implementing the homestead exemption would require a complete change in the software system and force the Assessor's office to monitor and audit principal residences and income, potentially requiring 2-3 additional FTEs in some counties (00:14:02.658).
  • The appraiser staff is beginning the 2024 revaluation process for School District 50 areas, including Discovery Bay, Cape George, and Glen Cove, using new iPads (00:14:29.175).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • The discussion centered on setting and certifying tax levies (00:11:12.993).
  • Legislative changes could require the Assessor's Office to add 2 to 3 FTEs (Full-Time Equivalents) (00:14:02.658).
  • A potential homestead exemption would take a percentage of property value off for state levy calculation (00:13:23.397).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update received.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Roundtable: Auditor's Office - Elections, Payroll, and Staffing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:15:13.122–00:17:56.572
  • Agenda Item: Roundtable
  • Categories: operations, personnel, public safety

Topic Summary

The Auditor's Office is simultaneously managing three elections: the Port Ludlow and two special school elections, and the Presidential Primary (00:15:41.590). Due to a recent court decision delaying the certification of primary ballot access, the team faces a two-day constraint to prepare the information for the printer (00:16:03.150). This process is complicated by the courtroom elevator being out of service, as election equipment needs to be kept secure under seal in a lower-level room (00:16:37.099). Furthermore, the office successfully mailed out W2 forms and is currently interviewing to fill an Accounts Payable position (00:17:47.374).

Key Discussion Points

  • The office is working on three concurrent elections: Port Ludlow Language District (Feb 6th), special school elections (Feb 13th), and the Presidential Primary (00:15:41.590).
  • A recent court decision certified the state's ballot, giving the Auditor's office only two days to deliver data to the printer (00:16:03.150).
  • The malfunctioning elevator is complicating election setup, as programmed Presidential Primary equipment must be kept under seal in the lower level, preventing it from being accessed easily in the office (00:16:41.409). The team thanked Ben for securing a room in the lower level.
  • W2 forms were successfully mailed out yesterday, marking the first time the new payroll team, without assistance from the Sheriff's Office, generated them (00:17:31.628).
  • The office is interviewing again today for an Accounts Payable position to relieve the current workload shared by Noimi, Jessie, and the Auditor (00:17:52.774).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • The physical (official) Logic and Accuracy tests may be impacted if the elevator is not fixed before next month's state visit, forcing the office to use equipment downstairs (00:16:37.099).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update received.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Auditor's Staff: Continue working to test and finalize the Presidential Primary ballot data for the printer (00:16:55.681).
  • - Auditor's Staff: Hold interviews for the Accounts Payable position (00:17:47.374).

Roundtable: Sheriff's Office - Staffing and Weather Response

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:19:03.896–00:20:00.253
  • Agenda Item: Roundtable
  • Categories: public safety, personnel, operations

Topic Summary

The Sheriff's Office has hired a replacement for the retired courthouse security officer, Gordon Tamara. The new officer, Dylan Heck, is a lateral hire from Clallam County and began FTO (Field Training Officer) on January 14th (00:19:25.685). The Sheriff also reported that deputies responded to a high volume of traffic accidents (43) from the previous Thursday through the date of the meeting, primarily due to dangerous icy road conditions (00:19:34.934).

Key Discussion Points

  • New courthouse security officer named Dylan Heck started January 14th; he is a lateral hire from Clallam County Sheriff's Office (00:19:15.855).
  • Dylan Heck is currently in FTO and should soon be working on his own (00:19:25.685).
  • Deputies responded to 43 traffic accidents between the previous Thursday (snow day) and today (00:19:34.934).
  • One accident involved a driver on Center Road who was reportedly using cruise control set at 55 mph in poor conditions (00:19:53.172).

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: Informational update received.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Roundtable: Treasurer's Office - Tax Statements, Year-End, and Financial Training

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:21:18.483–00:26:01.110
  • Agenda Item: Roundtable
  • Categories: operations, budgeting, personnel

Topic Summary

The Treasurer’s Office is finalizing the levy data provided by the Assessor's Office for the website and printer delivery, aiming for mid-February tax statement distribution (00:21:55.956). The office is still managing year-end processes, including the recent posting of final thirteenth-month benefits in Munis (00:22:40.196). Treasurer Stacey Vira also acknowledged the stress of office closures due to weather and the decision-making process (00:23:45.422). Finally, four staff members, four out of five in the office, have signed up for the GFOA Certified Public Finance Officials (CPFO) training program, a multi-year effort to improve internal financial expertise and professional growth (00:25:49.968).

Key Discussion Points

  • Kudos were given to the Assessor's Office for submitting certified levies early, aiding the Treasurer's preparation (00:21:34.420).
  • The office is working to finalize data for the website and get the tax statement file to the printers in the next couple of weeks, aiming for circulation by mid-February (00:21:55.956).
  • The 13th-month benefits have been posted, which affects cash metrics and requires financial staff to ensure Munis year-to-date reports include this data (00:22:55.994).
  • The Treasurer's office appreciated the communication regarding office closures, especially for staff commuting from long distances such as Port Angeles (00:23:51.233).
  • Four staff members are now participating in the two-to-five year GFOA CPFO training program to enhance financial expertise and career development (00:25:31.122).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • The focus is on tax statements and finalizing levies (00:21:34.420).
  • Thirteenth-month benefits were posted, affecting cash and general fund numbers (00:22:40.196).
  • The office is investing in the Professional CPFO training for four staff (00:25:49.968).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update received.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Treasurer's Staff: Finalize tax levy data and submit it to the printer for mid-February distribution (00:21:55.956).

Discussion: County Closure Policy and Employee Value

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:26:01.110–00:30:10.008
  • Agenda Item: Roundtable - Discussion on County Closure Policy
  • Categories: personnel, operations, public safety

Topic Summary

Veronica from HR initiated a discussion regarding the county's process for deciding office closures during hazardous weather (00:27:09.947). She stressed that closing the county, especially when peer entities like the Port and schools close, is an opportunity to show employees they are valued, citing a personal tragedy involving icy roads (00:26:35.076). She called for a transparent review of the current closure process, advocating for the responsibility to be shared among a team, including the safety committee, commissioners, public works, and roads staff, rather than resting solely on the County Administrator (00:27:38.777). Assessor Jeff Chapman echoed this, seeking a fair policy that allows staff with shorter commutes to work remotely, rather than showing favoritism only to those living furthest away (00:29:15.457).

Key Discussion Points

  • Veronica emphasized that closing the county during storms demonstrates employee value (00:26:35.076).
  • She requested a transparent review of the county closure process, arguing the decision should not rest on one person (Mark/County Administrator) (00:27:27.211).
  • She noted the Port and schools closed early, suggesting the county could lean on these other entities for guidance (00:27:56.632).
  • Assessor Jeff Chapman noted disparity in allowing some employees (those from Port Angeles) to work remotely for safety, while employees closer in, like from Chimicum, are expected to commute (00:29:15.457).
  • Chapman requested a fair policy and backup work options for all staff to work from home equally when road risks are high (00:29:21.728).
  • Chair Dean agreed that Mark (County Administrator) felt he had not made the right call and suggested a "committee of the experts" (Public Works, Roads) would be a good approach (00:30:04.746).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Alternative discussed: Creating a committee, including Public Works and Roads staff, to determine county office closures (00:30:04.746).
  • Alternative discussed: Developing an equitable work-from-home policy for all staff during weather emergencies (00:29:21.728).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: The discussion was informational and acknowledged the need for a review of the closure policy.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: A formal review of the county closure process by an existing safety committee or a new ad hoc team was implicitly suggested (00:27:19.521).

Roundtable: Public Works - Storm Response and Employee Compensation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:30:23.069–00:36:10.064
  • Agenda Item: Roundtable
  • Categories: operations, infrastructure, personnel

Topic Summary

Public Works Monty Smith addressed the severe icing conditions and the department's storm response, emphasizing the budgetary and logistical impossibility of effectively clearing ice from roads without the resources of WSDOT (00:31:43.424). He highlighted the extreme effort of the small crews who worked 20 to 24 hours per day for four days straight, putting out nearly a million pounds of sand (00:32:57.188). Smith raised the policy issue of compensating essential Public Works employees who had to work during the storm versus other county staff who received a paid day off, suggesting a look at extra compensation or PTO for the crew who worked (00:31:04.753).

Key Discussion Points

  • Monty Smith noted that the roads were affected by the speed and depth of the freeze (00:31:31.704).
  • The county lacks the budget and infrastructure for the amount of salt required to melt ice (00:31:43.424).
  • Public Works has half the crew and half the number of trucks as a comparable entity (presumably WSDOT or a larger county), yet worked 20 to 24 hours per day for four days straight (00:32:46.044).
  • The crew deployed nearly a million pounds of sand and over 100,000 pounds of salt in four days (00:33:04.989).
  • Expectations need to be reset: Public Works cannot plow ice, nor will they clear small residential areas like cul-de-sacs in Port Ludlow (00:34:37.418).
  • Policy question raised: What benefit do essential employees who drive in from difficult areas (like Sequim) and work the storm get when other employees receive a paid day home? (00:31:04.753).
  • The Solid Waste transfer station was closed for several days because the haulers and the waste-to-train transport were not running, and the scales froze (00:35:52.328).
  • Public Works currently has two road crew vacancies in Hadlock (00:33:55.714).
  • Sheriff Knowl clarified his earlier accident report was not meant to imply the roads were completely untended (00:36:27.864).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Mention of the county not having the budget for salt for ice removal (00:31:43.424).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Alternative discussed: Providing extra PTO or other compensation for essential staff who work during weather closures when other county staff receive paid time off (00:31:04.753).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update received; policy question posed for future discussion.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: Policy makers should consider compensation for essential staff working during paid-closure events (00:31:04.753).

Roundtable: Commissioner - Weather Response and HR Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:38:04.970–00:42:36.267
  • Agenda Item: Roundtable
  • Categories: operations, personnel, contracts

Topic Summary

Commissioner Greg Brotherton expressed appreciation for Public Works' efforts during the storm, noting his personal experience with the dangerous conditions that delayed his commute significantly (00:39:24.678). HR Director Sarah advised that January has been dedicated to entering new data into Munis related to changes in wage tables, grades, and steps following recent contract negotiations (00:41:05.895). She confirmed the successful bargaining of UFCW and Sheriff's Administration contracts and stated that the Public Works contract is up for ratification (00:41:47.835). The next three union contracts (FLPR Correction Staff, Deputies, and Command Staff) expire at the end of 2024, with outreach beginning in June (00:42:23.820).

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Brotherton described a two-hour commute home due to driving 5 mph in icy conditions, emphasizing the need for the public to slow down (00:39:24.678).
  • HR is working closely with Payroll to enter new wage tables, grades, and steps into Munis following CBA negotiations (00:41:05.895).
  • Recently adopted contracts: UFCW (mid-2023) and Sheriff’s Office Admin (December) (00:41:39.838).
  • The Public Works Union vote for ratification was scheduled for Wednesday or Thursday, possibly delayed by the weather (00:41:47.835).
  • Three other contracts for FLPR Correction Staff, Sheriff’s Deputies, and Sheriff’s Command Staff, will expire at the end of the year, with negotiations starting around June (00:42:23.820).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • HR is updating wage tables and grades in Munis based on CBA changes (00:41:05.895).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update received.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Public Works Union: Ratify the pending contract (00:41:47.835).
  • - HR: Prepare to open negotiations for three expiring contracts starting in June (00:42:23.820).

Roundtable: District Court - Elevator Malfunction and Trial Scheduling

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:43:00.594–00:45:52.275
  • Agenda Item: Roundtable
  • Categories: infrastructure, operations, services, permits

Topic Summary

The District Court is facing a significant operational challenge due to the continued malfunction of the courthouse elevator (00:43:52.328). Judge Brian noted that he cannot reasonably expect the entire potential jury pool to ascend the stairs to the second floor, a major impediment for public access and ADA accommodations (00:43:11.343). As a result, the court may have to cancel a trial scheduled for the following Thursday (00:43:34.131). The root of the problem is believed to be a necessary part stuck on the East Coast (00:44:09.788). The Judge requested an official staff-wide email update from Central Services regarding the repair status to aid departmental planning (00:45:14.268).

Key Discussion Points

  • District Court is scheduled for a trial on Thursday (00:43:00.594).
  • The malfunctioning elevator is the major concern, as it affects the jury population's ability to reach the second floor and violates ADA accommodation standards (00:43:45.521).
  • Status hearings will be set next week to determine if the trial must be canceled (00:43:34.131).
  • The delay is attributed to a required part being stuck on the East Coast (00:44:05.535).
  • The Judge requested a staff-wide email update from Central Services (who currently lacks a Facilities Director) about the elevator status (00:45:14.268).
  • The Judge also offered a shout-out to the Records department for their hard work assisting departments with record destruction transition and paper file transfer (00:45:28.283).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Alternative discussed: If the elevator is not fixed, the primary alternative is to cancel the jury trial (00:43:34.131).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update received; severe operational issue flagged.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps:
  • - District Court: Set status hearings next week to manage the pending trial (00:43:34.131).
  • - Central Services (Encourage Name): Send a staff-wide email update on the elevator repair status (00:45:14.268).

Roundtable: DCD - Planning Update, New Staffing, and Policy Deadlines

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:45:47.051–00:54:53.105
  • Agenda Item: Roundtable
  • Categories: planning, land use, infrastructure, contracts, permits

Topic Summary

DCD Director Josh Johnson announced a new staff member, Vince, who started work on long-range planning, primarily supporting the 2025 periodic update, focusing on the Capital Facilities and Transportation elements (00:46:44.269). Johnson noted the weather interruptions have made meeting deadlines particularly difficult (00:47:18.278). DCD is actively working on multiple critical projects, including responding to an audit from the Department of Ecology/FEMA regarding the National Flood Insurance Program requirements (00:48:09.080) and advancing the Shoreline Master Program (00:48:25.552). DCD is requesting a resolution to reconvene the Growth Management Steering Committee to discuss population projections and allocation throughout the county with Port Townsend, the Port, and the PUD (00:48:49.422).

Josh Johnson's departure date was announced, and Brent was introduced as the staff member focused on transferring a large workload. Brent provided a list of six high-priority current projects, including C-PACER, stock plans, short-term rentals, flood damage prevention ordinances, the coordinated water system plan, and UGA zoning (00:54:29.967).

Key Discussion Points

  • New Staff: Vince was hired for long-range planning, focusing on the 2025 Periodic Update, specifically the Capital Facilities and Transportation elements (00:46:44.269). He will work closely with Public Works on transportation and with Central Services and external partners on capital facilities planning (00:46:44.269).
  • FEMA/Ecology Audit: DCD is responding to a "Community Assistance Visit" (an audit) from the Department of Ecology, representing FEMA, to ensure compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program and flood plain regulations (00:48:04.514).
  • Shoreline Master Program: Staff will discuss this with the Board on Monday and potentially move to an ordinance in February (00:48:25.552).
  • Growth Management: DCD is requesting the Board consider a resolution to reconvene the Growth Management Steering Committee (City of Port Townsend, Port of Port Townsend, possibly PUD) to select a new 20-year population projection from the Office of Financial Management for allocation (00:48:56.929).
  • Brent's "Big 6" Projects (DCD Consultant Workload Transfer):
    1. C-PACER (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resiliency) has been adopted and is moving forward (00:49:43.231).
    2. Stock Plans are in their final phase, ready for the community when the new building code is adopted (00:49:55.450).
    3. Short-Term Rentals: Meetings are set in different parts of the county in February to gather input on caps and residency requirements (00:50:40.281).
    4. Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance: Planned to be submitted to the Board by the end of March after a public hearing in early March; this revises rules for development in the 1% chance (100-year) flood zone (00:51:27.640).
    5. Coordinated Water System Plan: Scope of work is challenging; targeting to be ready for consultants on February 5th and 12th (00:51:52.570).
    6. UGA Zoning (Urban Growth Area): Staff, including Mo Qi, is working on incentivizing "missing middle housing" (duplexes/triplexes that blend in with single-family homes) (00:54:16.088).
  • Housing Trust Funds: Habitat for Humanity won $1.4 million and Olympic Housing Trust (Dundee Hill) received $500,000 in Housing Trust Fund awards (00:53:03.371).
  • Brent is working with Josh's identified team members to transfer his workload before his April departure (00:54:53.105).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Habitat for Humanity received a $1.4 million Housing Trust Fund award (00:52:46.573).
  • Dundee Hill (Olympic Housing Trust) received a $500,000 award (00:52:53.486).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update received.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps:
  • - DCD: Present the Shoreline Master Program discussion to the Board on Monday (00:48:25.552).
  • - DCD: Request Board resolution to reconvene the Growth Management Steering Committee (00:48:40.794).
  • - Brent: Continue finalizing the Coordinated Water System Plan RFP for the first two weeks of February (00:51:52.570).
  • - Brent/Dean: Begin the short-term rental public meetings in February (00:50:32.626).
  • - Brent/DCD: Submit the revised Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance to the Board by the end of March (00:51:27.640).

Roundtable: Legislative Tracking - Property Tax Exemptions and Rentals

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:55:06.071–00:56:38.777
  • Agenda Item: Roundtable - Future Topics
  • Categories: ordinances, operations, planning

Topic Summary

Assessor Jeff Chapman shared information about House Bill 2026, which is moving through the short legislative session and could significantly complicate property tax exemptions (00:56:01.677). The bill would allow seniors and qualifying disabled individuals to exclude income earned from renting out their residential property (short- or long-term) when qualifying for their exemption (00:55:46.297). Chapman noted that if this bill passes, the Assessor's office will be required to track this rental income, requiring them to utilize or integrate with any information collected by DCD through new short-term rental regulations (00:56:26.042).

Key Discussion Points

  • Assessor Jeff Chapman tracks numerous legislative bills through the Assessors legislative committee (00:55:29.861).
  • House Bill 2026 would exempt rental income (short- or long-term) for seniors and disabled persons seeking property tax exemptions (00:55:46.297).
  • If passed, the Assessor's Office would have to start monitoring rental income, requiring data access from DCD/Planning if the county codifies and tracks short-term rental income sources (00:56:26.042).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • The discussion focused on property tax exemptions and rental income (00:55:46.297).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update received.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Chair/Dean: Track HB 2026 (00:56:38.777).

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