MEETING: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Jan 22, 09:00 AM

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JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING SUMMARY

Meeting Date: January 22, 2024

Public Comment: General Concern, Homelessness Services, and Infrastructure

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:39.241–00:48:07.254
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: services, public safety, operations, infrastructure, planning, other

Topic Summary

The public comment period was extensive, covering several critical areas, primarily focusing on issues related to homelessness, including police interaction and vehicle towing during the recent cold weather emergency, the difficulty homeless individuals face obtaining a residential address, and advocacy for critical community infrastructure like a public swimming pool and showers. Also discussed were concerns regarding the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) and the new policy delegating fee waivers.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Dean acknowledged the difficult issue law enforcement dealt with over the weekend: the death of a newborn (00:01:01.146).
  • Commissioner Dean confirmed public comments are restricted to 3 minutes, and Board responses will follow all comments (00:02:17.858).
  • Harold Homesby described getting lost during the cold wave and having his van towed, despite staff at the warming center telling him towing would cease. He asked for his van back and expressed belief that authorities were being dishonest (00:03:18.196–00:05:20.461).
  • Maggie stated she has direct knowledge the police lied to Harold Homesby regarding the towing of his vehicle during the emergency declaration and connected this action to "cronyism" and "capitalism." She contrasted the police prioritizing towing vehicles to the simultaneous lack of resources for a "baby in danger" (00:05:39.223–00:07:10.772).
  • Mr. Cohen praised the warming center for saving lives and advocated for a public swimming pool, calling swimming an "essential life skill." He thanked the commissioners for taking up the issue and referenced previous funding measures passed by the Port Townsend School District (00:07:34.987–00:09:56.359).
  • Deborah Peterson spoke to the upcoming consent agenda item regarding the Department of Commerce agreement for the aquatic center and specifically requested that public showers be explicitly included in the scope of work for the independent study (00:10:24.340–00:12:35.793).
  • Zachary noted absentee property owners convert homes to Airbnbs in rural areas like Quilcene, which increases property taxes, and expressed opposition to paying taxes for the proposed Port Townsend aquatic center (00:12:46.793–00:14:11.896).
  • Ariel Schulzer Miho discussed the difficulty of being unhoused and accessing essentials because the homeless shelter forbids using their address. This prevented her from receiving a free mobile device and (due to a mix-up) her mailed ballot (00:14:19.442–00:17:10.962).
  • Janet Welch requested amending the forthcoming Shoreline Master Program (SMP) revision, specifically Section 4.4.0 subset 3 (aquaculture), to use a standard "Conditional Use Permit" (CUP) instead of the proposed "discretionary conditional use permit" for expanded and converted categories (00:18:25.153–00:19:30.342).
  • Marilyn Showalter confirmed that Mason County code only exempts conversions of aquaculture from the CUP requirement and not expansions, contradicting prior assertions. She advocated for a "full CUP across the board for geoducks" (00:19:53.843–00:22:16.543).
  • Mr. Teersch supported delegating fee waiver authority (Consent Agenda Item 1) but recommended department directors report waivers quarterly to the County Administrator and Board to maintain internal controls (00:22:31.927–00:23:36.676).
  • Mr. Teersch requested the county establish a webpage to post all documents submitted to the Department of Commerce for the aquatic center financial evaluation for public review and transparency before the evaluation is complete (00:24:06.131–00:24:55.022).
  • Ms. Cochran noted the Warming Center saw record usage (57 people on the busiest day) during the 8-day 24-hour operation. She supported Harold and Maggie's testimony, advocating for a county-level towing ban during winter weather emergencies. She also supported Ariel's point about the address barrier (00:25:36.745–00:30:09.824).
  • Gordon King clarified that the original SMP draft had fewer CUP requirements than the current version. He noted that Mason County does not require a CUP for conversions only, and stated the shellfish industry would support that same standard (00:28:18.663–00:29:59.762).

Public Comments

  • - Harold Homesby: Requested his van back, which was towed during the cold weather; expressed sadness over dishonesty (00:04:31.642).
  • - Maggie [Unnamed Affiliation]: Asserted police lied about towing a vehicle during the emergency declaration; criticized police priorities, contrasting mass towing with the newborn death (00:05:39.223).
  • - Mr. Cohen: Supported the aquatic center, noting swimming is an essential life skill (00:07:42.047).
  • - Deborah Peterson: Requested public showers be explicitly detailed in the Department of Commerce aquatic center study scope (00:10:24.340).
  • - Zachary [Klosting-area resident]: Opposed Port Townsend aquatic center costs due to local tax concerns and criticized conversion of local homes to Airbnbs (00:13:53.628).
  • - Ariel Schulzer Miho: Highlighted that homeless shelters prohibiting residents from using the address creates a major barrier to receiving aid and voting (00:15:05.599).
  • - Janet Welch [Nordland]: Advocated for standard CUPs in the SMP for expanded/converted aquaculture, moving away from discretionary CUPs (00:18:38.856).
  • - Marilyn Showalter: Stated Mason County only exempts conversions from CUPs, not expansions; pushed for full CUPs for all geoduck activity (00:19:53.843).
  • - Tom Teersch: Advocated for quarterly reporting of fee waivers and setting up a county webpage for aquatic center study documents (00:22:58.445).
  • - Ms. Cochran: Supported a towing ban during emergencies; noted high use of the Warming Center; emphasized the critical barrier of access to an address (00:26:52.695).
  • - Gordon King [Shellfish Industry/Port Townsend]: Clarified SMP process history; affirmed Mason County standard of no CUP for conversions; stated industry supports that standard (00:29:55.244).

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials explicitly cited during the discussion, but the content refers to several consent agenda items (aquatic center agreement, fee waivers).

Financials

  • The Department of Commerce price for the aquatic center audit reportedly decreased from $18,000 to $11,000 (00:25:03.244).
  • Fee waivers under consideration are for amounts up to $500 (00:23:24.660).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Commissioner Eisenhour suggested looking into a towing ban during emergency declarations (00:30:47.641).
  • Commissioner Brotherton agreed with the idea of a quarterly report regarding fee waivers (00:34:17.759).
  • County Administrator McCauley confirmed the current resolution requires the department director to provide him a copy of any waiver granted, and he is tasked with monitoring the program (00:34:26.198).
  • Commissioner Brotherton recommended the county work with the Auditor's office to find a solution for allowing unhoused people to receive mail/ballots (00:33:19.270).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal motions passed during public comment. The Board provided staff direction for follow-up on issues including the towing incident, the address problem for the unhoused, and reporting requirements for fee waivers.
  • Vote: No votes taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • Commissioners/Staff: Look into addressing the lack of a proper address for unhoused residents (00:32:39.030).
  • County Administrator (McCauley): Ensure public showers are included in the independent financial feasibility review for the aquatic center (00:32:21.347).
  • County Administrator (McCauley): Create a mechanism for quarterly reporting of fee waivers (00:34:17.759).
  • County Administrator (McCauley): Create a mechanism to post aquatic center study documents online for transparency (00:39:10.666).
  • Commissioner Dean: Contact the City/REAL team to assist Harold Homesby with his impounded van (00:44:14.710).

Proclamation: Parks and Recreation Volunteer Appreciation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:48:21.828–00:56:54.663
  • Agenda Item: Proclamation
  • Categories: services, other

Topic Summary

The Board unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing the significant contributions of volunteers to the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation department in 2023. Volunteers donated 4,809 hours, valued at over $150,000, essential for maintaining the county's 22 parks and running youth recreation programs.

Key Discussion Points

  • Matt Tyler (Parks and Recreation Manager) introduced the proclamation, noting 4,809 hours were donated, equating to 2.31 full-time employees (00:49:15.780).
  • Tyler noted that Irondale Beach Park and Indian Island Park are 100% volunteer-maintained, a practice carried over since the recession (00:49:44.309).
  • The total calculated value of the volunteer hours was $152,926 (00:52:00.677).
  • Commissioner Brotherton and Commissioner Dean emphasized the importance of Parks and Recreation as a non-mandated service that relies heavily on volunteer spirit to make the community healthier (00:54:01.391–00:56:46.288).

Public Comments

  • - John Cook (Parks and Rec Advisory Board Chair): Emphasized that the advisory board's volunteer work is small compared to the trail builders and youth coaches in the community (00:53:29.187).
  • - Vern Bessey (Parks and Rec Advisory Board Member): Stated volunteers are key in developing valuable park and recreation programs (00:53:43.583).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The proclamation used data from the Independent Sector website, estimating one hour of volunteerism at $31.80.
  • The proclamation cited operations of 22 parks on 1,100 acres in Jefferson County (00:51:04.382).

Financials

  • Total calculated value of volunteer hours: $152,926 (00:52:00.677).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Adopted and approved the proclamation as read.
  • Vote: Unanimous (00:52:31.593).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified. The proclamation was approved.

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:57:06.863–01:03:43.410
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda
  • Categories: services, infrastructure, budgeting, operations, personnel, contracts

Topic Summary

The Board discussed key items within the consent agenda before approving it unanimously. Discussion focused on the surprisingly low cost of the Department of Commerce aquatic study contract ($11,000) and the recommendation to add an FTE to the IT Office, which the County Administrator justified as focusing on staff retention and basic service desk support. Concerns regarding redundant court system contracts and utilizing available affordable housing capital funding were also briefly noted.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Dean noted the Department of Commerce contract for the aquatic study came in at a lower-than-expected $11,000 (00:57:14.731).
  • Discussion arose over the proposed salary range ($90,000–$100,000/year) for the new Information Technology Officer FTE (Consent Item 18).
  • County Administrator McCauley clarified the new role is intended as a low-level IS 2 or 3 position to handle "service desk calls" (printer issues, low-level tasks) to prevent higher-level staff from being distracted (00:58:19.546–00:59:10.157).
  • McCauley stated this is Step 1 in a 2-step process, which will involve a higher-level review and compensation comparison with peer counties once the new Central Services Director, Tracy, arrives (00:59:28.839–00:59:35.421).
  • Commissioner Eisenhower asked why separate contracts for audiovisual maintenance/support are needed for District Court and Superior Court (Consent Item 14) given they use the same vendor (JAVS). McCauley clarified the equipment is separate (01:01:00.870).
  • Commissioner Brotherton expressed disappointment that more Affordable/Homeless Housing Funds (Fund 148, Fund 149) could not be expanded (Consent Items 5-13) and hoped providers got the memo that the county needs capital projects (01:02:03.305).
  • Commissioner Dean highlighted the Chimacum Confluence Project Amendment (Consent Item 15) as addressing a "long-long time code compliance issue" and praised the new thinking to address the whole site (01:02:47.129).

Public Comments

No public comment was offered during the discussion of the consent agenda.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Consent Agenda Item 18: Authorizes the addition of FTE to the IT Office (00:57:45.117).
  • Consent Agenda Item 4: Interagency Agreement for Public Facilities District Financial Feasibility Review (Cost $11,000) (00:57:14.731).
  • Consent Agenda Item 14: JAVS maintenance support for District Court AV systems (01:01:00.870).

Financials

  • The Interagency Agreement for the Aquatic Study cost $11,000 (00:57:20.861).
  • The new IT FTE is estimated to cost up to $100,000 annually (00:58:05.516).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • The Board concurred to approve the IT FTE addition, with McCauley agreeing to leverage existing salary studies and perform a compensation comparison (00:59:35.421). He stated the work is fundamental enough to proceed prior to the new Director's arrival (01:00:44.245).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved and adopted the consent agenda as presented.
  • Vote: Unanimous (01:03:43.410).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Reconvening the Growth Management Steering Committee (GMSC)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:04:35.581–01:32:16.178
  • Agenda Item: Reconvening the Growth Management Steering Committee
  • Categories: planning, land use, other

Topic Summary

The Board adopted Resolution 09-24 to re-establish the Growth Management Steering Committee (GMSC) for the 2025 Comprehensive Plan periodic update. The committee will advise the Board on critical, and often complex, GMA issues: selecting population projections (up to 2045), allocating that population, and updating the Countywide Planning Policies (CPPs). The Board amended the proposed committee composition to include three members from the Port Townsend City Council and added one representative from the Brinnon LAMIRD (Limited Area of More Intensive Rural Development).

Key Discussion Points

  • Josh Peters (DCD Director) stated the committee's purpose is to facilitate intricate discussions around population projections, population allocation over the next 20 years (to 2045), and updating Countywide Planning Policies (CPPs), last amended in the 1990s (01:05:12.281–01:05:35.960).
  • The committee meetings will function as Board meetings with "special guests" (01:06:15.196).
  • Emma Bolan (Port Townsend Planning Director) requested the city's representation be increased from the proposed two representatives to three to match council assignments already made (01:07:45.803).
  • Commissioner Dean asked about the balance of geographic representation, noting City (Port Townsend) interests sometimes differ from County interests, especially regarding rural issues/LAMIRDs (01:21:04.090–01:22:17.005).
  • Peters confirmed that final population allocation decisions must be made in coordination with the City (01:17:42.036).
  • Peters noted that this cycle includes complicating factors: new housing element changes (planning for income bands), expanding the Port Townsend Urban Growth Area (UGA), and the unknown growth rate of the Port Hadlock UGA (01:18:10.506–01:19:49.914).
  • Commissioner Brotherton proposed adding a representative from the Brinnon LAMIRD due to anticipated growth and planning work (01:23:18.268).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Resolution 09-24: Re-establishing the Multi-Jurisdiction Growth Management Steering Committee (GMSC) (01:28:17.963).
  • The composition amended Resolutions 107-91, 128-92, and 40-99 (01:28:45.639).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Amendment 1: Increased city representation from two to three members (01:29:04.559).
  • Amendment 2: Added one representative of the Brinnon LAMIRD (01:31:41.004).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved the resolution re-establishing the GMSC with two amendments (three City Council members and one Brinnon LAMIRD representative added).
  • Vote: Unanimous (01:32:05.598).
  • Next Steps: First meeting tentatively scheduled for February 8 (01:27:17.967).

Discussion: Implementation of Tyler Enterprise Permit and Licensing Suite (EPL)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:32:37.459–02:25:29.986
  • Agenda Item: Workshop implementation of our new enterprise permit and licensing suite
  • Categories: operations, planning, technology

Topic Summary

The Board held a workshop on the progress and challenges of implementing the Enterprise Permit and Licensing (EPL) software suite (formerly EnerGov), a project begun in 2018. The project has faced hurdles due to staff turnover (especially in IT), complexity, and lack of specialized expertise, which has slowed productivity. Staff, led by Project Manager Cherie Moulin, proposed a long-term strategy centered on moving the application to a cloud-hosted environment (Software as a Service - SaaS) to offload maintenance and improve performance. Key immediate goals include rolling out a basic Customer Self-Service (CSS) portal by July 1, 2024.

Key Discussion Points

  • County Administrator McCauley introduced the workshop, noting the implementation has been "problematic" and "remarkably difficult," comparing it to the difficulty faced during Clark County's transition (01:33:01.628–01:34:28.949).
  • Cherie Moulin (Contracted Project Manager) noted the product is now rebranded as EPL. The project is at the "toddler stage" (01:36:53.707).
  • Key Accomplishments (Last 6 Months): IT secured all necessary software version upgrades, ensuring continued vendor support. Core processes (7–8) were documented to standardize software behavior and minimize reliance on individual "people's heads," a tactic lost during staff turnover. Approximately 40 issues were addressed, though 98 remain. iPads are functional for field inspections (01:37:21.665).
  • Phil Cecier (Fire Marshal/Building Official) detailed the new iPad system for field inspections, which allows real-time recording, tracking of inspector location, and immediate emailing of corrections/photos to contractors (01:42:09.126–01:43:58.411).
  • Key Challenges: There is critical IT understaffing due to the loss of four staff members, leaving only two. There is limited in-house expertise on EPL, and complex third-party integrations (LaserFiche, Online RME, DIY Septic) are "very fragile" (01:52:53.111).
  • Proposal for Hosted Environment: Moulin strongly recommended moving the EPL application to Tyler's cloud-hosted solution (SaaS), as 2/3 of Tyler customers are hosted. This would offload server maintenance and upgrades from the shrinking county IT staff (01:58:01.976).
  • CSS Portal Timeline: Phase 1 (Simple Records Search by parcel/address) targeted for July 1, 2024. Phase 2 (Intelligent Intake Forms, Fee Payments) targeted for July 1, 2025 (01:54:01.732). Scott Carpenter (Database Expert) confirmed Phase 1 would link to the county's GIS system (01:55:43.359).
  • Reporting: Moulin noted that most reporting functionality is currently "red" (non-functional) and highlighted the need to track metrics like average permit time, which are now impossible to measure (02:05:58.065–02:07:09.215).

Public Comments

No public comments on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The discussion focused on the matrix/heatmap of EPL functionality, noting red (non-functional) areas are concentrated in reporting, calendaring, and land use-side operations (02:04:53.778). EPL is Tyler's enterprise permit and licensing suite (01:36:08.075).

Financials

  • Moving to a hosted environment will entail additional cost, and the Board may need to consider changing the current technology fee (5%) charged on permits to support it (02:20:17.994).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Staff are moving away from the proprietary and complex LaserFiche integration toward Tyler Content Manager to simplify the environment (02:00:03.905).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action or vote taken; workshop was informational.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • Moulin/Carpenter: Continue focus on CSS Portal rollout (Phase 1 by July 1, 2024) (02:18:59.495).
  • McCauley/Moulin/Carpenter: Conduct due diligence and bring a contract proposal back to the Board for migrating EPL to the cloud/SaaS environment (02:20:01.707).

Discussion: 2024 Human Resources Work Plan

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:01:18.898–03:28:11.687
  • Agenda Item: Workshop: 2024 Human Resources Work Plan
  • Categories: personnel, services, other

Topic Summary

HR Director Sarah Melancon presented the 2024 Work Plan, which includes objectives like recruiting an HR Analyst II, completing five union contracts, updating the Personnel Administration Manual, and conducting an exempt employee comparable pay analysis. A discussion catalyzed by public input and department directors centered on the need to formally integrate mental health awareness, training, and a supportive culture into the work plan following recent traumatic events.

Key Discussion Points

  • Sarah Melancon (HR Director) noted high turnover in 2023: 87 new hires and 71 separations (03:03:08.665).
  • 2024 Objectives: Negotiate 5 new union contracts, update the Personnel Administration Manual, and conduct an Exempt employee comparable pay analysis (03:05:53.129).
  • Melancon noted that a mandatory training initiative, including defensive driving, anti-harassment, and network security, increased completion by 30% (03:04:15.084).
  • Jenny [Department Director] expressed strong concern that the work plan did not dedicate enough energy to establish a formal mental health program, policy, and procedure following the severe mental health issue and death of an employee (Chris's death), emphasizing the need for an assessment of what could have been done better (03:11:04.152).
  • Melancon stated that HR has approached mental health conversations "in a more quiet way" due to the sensitivity but typically focuses on normalizing conversations and encouraging use of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (03:12:16.882).
  • Apple Martine (Public Health Director) offered her department's capacity to lead a mental health first aid training for county staff, emphasizing that supervisors need empowerment to speak up and attend to staff's mental health vulnerability (03:16:37.356–03:21:07.967).
  • Jenny requested a formal evaluation and documentation of best practices for mental health support, arguing that an issue of this magnitude requires more than just "training of sprinkle here and a sprinkle there" (03:22:24.764–03:24:12.473).

Public Comments

  • - Jenny [Department Director]: Concerned about the lack of a formal, detailed plan in the HR Work Plan for addressing and improving employee mental and behavioral health support following recent high-profile internal tragedies (03:11:04.152).

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Amendment: Melancon agreed to incorporate a subcommittee into the 2024 Work Plan focused on reviewing and developing a formal mental health strategy and training program, assisted by Public Health and an interested Commissioner (03:24:47.086–03:27:01.588).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal vote on the work plan. The HR Director was directed to lead the conversation on forming the mental health subcommittee.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • Sarah Melancon (HR): Lead the formation of a mental and behavioral health subcommittee with Public Health and interested Commissioners to develop a formal strategy and training (03:28:02.987).
  • Elected Officials/Staff: Apple Martine and Commissioner Eisenhower committed to serving on the subcommittee (03:27:01.588, 03:29:19.382).

Discussion of DNR Natural Climate Solutions Allocation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:29:40.002–04:15:58.482
  • Agenda Item: Discussion with Department of Natural Resources
  • Categories: land use, planning, budgeting, other

Topic Summary

The Board discussed the DNR's proposal to allocate 952 acres of "structurally complex, carbon dense forestland" in Jefferson County for conservation under the state's Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) proviso. The Board voted to concur with the allocation, which primarily includes land in the Dabob Bay, Mount Walker, and Notch Pass areas. Crucially, the concurrence included the condition that DNR explore using the Notch Pass acreage to protect lands around Lake Sutherland in Clallam County, reflecting a regional approach to conservation, and emphasized the necessity of replacing the lost timber revenue in the original junior taxing districts.

Key Discussion Points

  • Dwayne Emmons (DNR Assistant Deputy Supervisor for State Uplands) presented the allocation. The $70 million proviso requires DNR to identify 2,000 acres for conservation (out of trust status) and then acquire replacement land to keep the trusts whole (03:32:10.722).
  • The identified Jefferson County acreage is 952 acres (671 acres State Forest Transfer / Common School in Dabob; 281 acres State Forest Transfer in Mt. Walker/Notch Pass) (03:40:37.174–03:41:06.423).
  • DNR selected the parcels based on metrics (e.g., must have 60 metric tons of live carbon per acre) and adherence to structural complexity criteria (03:38:20.127). The parcels were selected for co-benefits, such as adjacent habitat and connectivity (03:41:50.260).
  • Commissioner Eisenhower expressed concern about the capacity to "maintain those trusts" given the junior taxing districts affected. Emmons confirmed that replacement lands could be acquired from private landowners within the taxing district or could involve acquiring Common School or other trust land and using funding to replace those trusts anywhere in the state (03:44:03.692–03:44:52.353).
  • Commissioner Dean proposed offering the Notch Pass acreage to Clallam County to protect environmentally supported lands around Lake Sutherland, reflecting a regional conservation goal and recognizing the possibility that Notch Pass parcels had lower structural complexity (03:51:00.729–03:52:11.193).
  • Emmons agreed to discuss the proposal for trading/refining acres with Commissioner Franz (03:53:11.193).
  • Peter Bales (Public Comment) supported the Dabob acres but urged caution regarding the Mt. Walker/Notch Pass "giveaway" to Clallam County without ground-truthing the quality of the forest. He stressed that the ideal solution for replacement lands is to buy land in the same taxing district from a private entity like Rainier (04:07:45.558).
  • Mary Jane Ryan (Public Comment) supported the regional collaboration idea, noting that "forest carbon does not know county boundaries" and the best structurally complex forest should be prioritized (04:12:24.544).

Public Comments

  • - Peter Bales [Conservation advocate]: Asked for an update on the proposed 3,000-acre Dabob Bay Natural Area expansion; urged caution on the Notch Pass decision without ground-truthing; advocated for same-taxing-district private replacement lands (04:06:42.699).
  • - Gene [Name unstated, supporter]: Expressed gratitude for the land allocation; agreed to trade Notch Pass for Lake Sutherland lands; reiterated the importance of holding tax beneficiaries whole (04:10:34.676).
  • - Mary Jane Ryan [Center for Responsible Forestry]: Supported the plan and the idea of collaborating regionally for the strongest climate benefit; noted Notch Pass was "minimally qualifying" (04:12:34.621).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • DNR provided a presentation identifying the 952 acres of Structurally Complex Forestland (03:31:07.026).
  • The discussion focused on the legislative proviso providing $70 million for NCS conservation (03:31:58.968).

Financials

  • DNR reserved $20 million of the proviso funding to acquire replacement land that corresponds to county trust land (03:41:20.939).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Alternative Proposed (Adopted as Motion): Concurrence with DNR's overall acreage, conditioned on exploring an agreement with Clallam County for the Notch Pass acreage to be used for conservation around Lake Sutherland (04:05:06.868).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: The Board authorized Commissioner Eisenhower to draft a Letter of Concurrence to DNR, including the condition of potential use of Notch Pass acreage for Lake Sutherland land protection in Clallam County.
  • Vote: Unanimous (04:15:17.925).
  • Next Steps:
  • Commissioner Eisenhower: Draft the letter of concurrence first thing on January 23 (04:15:32.753).
  • DNR Staff (Emmons): Discuss the proposal for acreage refinement with Commissioner Franz (03:53:35.892).

Discussion: Shoreline Master Program (SMP) Continued Deliberations

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:28:39.423–05:41:29.080
  • Agenda Item: Continued Deliberations on the Shoreline Master Program
  • Categories: land use, permits, planning

Topic Summary

The Board continued deliberations on the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) review, focusing solely on the permitting process for geoduck aquaculture, specifically surrounding how to treat conversions and expansions. Five policy options were presented, ranging from simply adopting the Planning Commission's (PC) recommendation (Option 1) to requiring a Standard Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for all geoduck activity (Option 5). While there was no consensus, the majority favored moving toward a version of Option 2, which treats expansions like new geoduck operations (requiring a Standard CUP), and dedicating future time to strengthen mandatory language around the cleanup of marine plastics/derelict gear.

Key Discussion Points

  • Josh Peters (DCD Director) noted the discussion is a follow-up to the previous week's workshop and is intended to direct staff on which policy elements to include in the drafting of a final ordinance (04:30:10.566).
  • Lisa Grueter (BERK Consulting) presented five options for geoduck permitting, noting that expansions are not explicitly addressed in the state WAC, making it a local policy choice on how expansions are defined (new vs. discretionary) (04:41:17.546).
  • Option 1 (PC Recommendation): Mixed Standard and Discretionary Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) (04:36:52.765).
  • Commissioner Brotherton was open to Option 1 but leaned toward Option 2, arguing that an expansion is essentially an extension onto new ground and should be treated like a new geoduck operation requiring a Standard CUP (05:05:05.109).
  • Commissioner Eisenhower also leaned toward Option 2, but was concerned about adopting a measurable threshold (like 25% or X acres, Option 4), calling that measure a "slippery slope" that might undermine habitat protection if applied crudely (05:07:37.008).
  • Commissioner Dean emphasized the economic importance of the shellfish industry as the county's largest farm gate sale and expressed interest in policies that balance protection (especially in priority aquatic areas) while incorporating existing industry Best Management Practices (BMPs) to minimize redundancy (05:17:25.342).
  • All Commissioners agreed to strengthen language in the code relating to operational responsibility regarding permanent gear, cleanup, and marine plastics, citing a lack of clarity in the proposed code sections (05:25:09.767).
  • Peters cautioned that deciding on an option (1, 2, or 5) only establishes the process but does not address the Board's desire to beef up language around gear/plastics, which would require dedicated time to draft new regulatory language (05:36:20.604).

Public Comments

  • The public hearing remained open (05:02:40.748). No new comments were taken during deliberation, as directed by staff (05:39:42.227).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Five-option matrix for CUP requirements for geoduck aquaculture (04:56:47.118).
  • WAC requirements for aquatic shoreline designations (04:54:39.401).

Financials

  • Financial information was limited to noting that the planning process is within the budgeted fund for staff and consultants (05:36:34.506).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Majority Direction (Emerging Consensus): Bring back an ordinance draft incorporating Option 2 (treating expansions like new geoduck operations, thus requiring a Standard CUP) instead of the PC recommendation (Option 1).
  • Next Steps Direction: Commit to scheduling additional time to address the strengthening of language regarding derelict gear/marine plastics.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No vote was taken. Staff requested direction on which option to draft the resulting ordinance by.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • Staff (Peters/Consultants): Draft an ordinance reflecting a policy that treats gueyduck expansions like new gueyduck operations (Option 2).
  • Commissioners/Staff: Schedule additional time for continued deliberation, specifically to draft and review code language strengthening requirements for gear monitoring and marine plastic cleanup (05:41:08.739).

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