MEETING: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Feb 12, 09:00 AM

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JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING SUMMARY

MEETING DATE: February 12, 2024

Public Comment: Housing, Homelessness, and Illegal Towing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:50.412–00:04:17.058
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: services, ordinances, public safety, planning, other

Topic Summary

The brief period for public comment primarily involved two citizens raising concerns. One speaker, Maggie, focused on homelessness, asserting that specific vehicle towing by the city during a declared emergency was illegal and that the County lacks a housing committee and subsequent policy, thereby proposing an immediate 90-day stay policy for all occupants of tents, cars, or tarps on public property. The second speaker addressed concerns regarding the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) update, urging the Commissioners to rely on scientific research concerning the impacts of geoduck aquaculture rather than the claims of waterfront property owners.

Key Discussion Points

  • Maggie stated that Harold's van was towed illegally during a declared emergency because, under the Homestead Act, the van was considered his home [00:01:10.553].
  • Maggie claimed the Governor called to instruct local authorities not to tow the van because Harold had applied for and been denied housing [00:01:40.356].
  • Maggie criticized the police chief and city manager for acting as if they "didn't get the message" and stated that all cars towed in the transit parking lot were towed illegally [00:02:01.224].
  • Maggie asserted that because the County has a $110 million budget but no housing committee, it consequently has no housing policy, allowing her to establish an immediate policy [00:02:20.140].
  • Proposed Housing Policy: Maggie proposed that "Anybody in a tent or with a tarp or in a car or anywhere on public property in Jefferson County gets to stay there for 90 days without having to move" [00:02:35.510].
  • A second speaker, identified as Bell Street, Port Townsend, expressed concern over the Board's deliberations on the Shoreline Master Program (SMP), suggesting the Board is showing excessive "deference to Shine neighbors claims of the negative impacts of geoduck farming" [00:04:25.151].
  • The second speaker urged the Board to consider scientific research papers on geoduck culture impacts, comparing them to what were described as "implausible inaccurate claims" from property owners (e.g., decline in marbled murlett, orcas, and salmon) [00:04:36.197].
  • The second speaker claimed that other factors such as waterfront property development, clearing of vegetation, bulkheads, and road runoff/pollution are the direct or indirect causes of marine ecological declines [00:06:20.572].

Public Comments

  • Maggie (Affiliation Unstated): Asserted that the city illegally towed homes (vans) of homeless individuals during an emergency and proposed a temporary 90-day no-move policy for all people residing on public property due to the County's lack of housing policy.
  • Bell Street Port Townsend (Affiliation Unstated): Urged the Board to disregard non-scientific claims concerning geoduck farming during the SMP update process and instead focus on environmental damage caused by waterfront development.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials detailing housing policy or the SMP were referenced in the meeting packet.

Financials

  • Maggie stated the County has a budget of "110 million" [00:02:25.513]. No other financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Maggie proposed an alternative "housing policy" for all individuals living on public property [00:02:35.510].

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

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

Approval of Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for Public Works Employees (Teamsters Local No. 589)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:28.617–00:00:46.612 (Procedural item, assumed to be part of Consent/Administrative Agenda Review)
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Administrative/Contract Approval)
  • Categories: contracts, personnel, budgeting, operations

Topic Summary

The Board was expected to approve a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and Subscription Agreement with Teamsters Local No. 589 (representing Public Works employees). The three-year agreement (January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2026) includes a cumulative General Wage Increase (GWI) of 12% over the term, significant restructuring of the wage step system, and a transition from traditional sick/vacation leave to a combined Personal Time Off (PTO) system.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; item addressed primarily through supporting materials. The Board was set to approve the agreement which provides an 8% GWI in 2024, followed by 2% increases in 2025 and 2026.
  • The agreement converts the wage structure from 10 steps to 7 steps, adjusting increments from 2.5% to 3.0% between steps.
  • The new PTO system replaces Sick and Vacation leave and grants two additional annual floater days (8 hours each).
  • New longevity pay tiers are established, reaching up to $3,800 annually for 45 years of service.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and Trust Participation for Public Works Employees (Teamsters Local No. 589) materials were the source for key terms.
  • The County is responsible for 85% of health and welfare contribution costs. The total specified monthly premium for Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life/AD&D Plans is $1,590.20 per employee.

Financials

  • Total Collective Bargaining Increase (Wages): Approximately 12% over three years.
  • Health and Welfare Monthly Premium (Per employee): $1,590.20 (County pays 85%).
  • Longevity Pay (Maximum): $3,800 annually (45 years of service).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Includes provisions for employees to request a 9/80 alternative work schedule.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: The Board was requested to approve and sign the Collective Bargaining Agreement, effective January 1, 2024. (Decision likely made on Consent Agenda, though not explicitly confirmed in the transcript).
  • Vote: (Assumed motion and approval via standard procedural process).
  • Next Steps: CBA takes effect retroactively to January 1, 2024, and expires December 31, 2026.

Contract Award: Center Road 2R Overlay Project

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:28.617–00:00:46.612 (Procedural item, assumed to be part of Consent/Administrative Agenda Review)
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Administrative/Contract Approval)
  • Categories: infrastructure, contracts, budgeting

Topic Summary

The Public Works Department recommended the award of a contract for the Center Road 2R Overlay Project (MP 10.34 to MP 14.58) to Lakeside Industries, Inc., the lowest responsive bidder. The total contract amount is $1,112,583.65, fully funded by a CRAB RAP grant, requiring no County match.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; item addressed primarily through supporting materials.
  • Lakeside Industries, Inc. submitted the lowest bid among five received bids. The awarded amount ($1,112,583.65) was slightly higher than the Engineer's Estimate ($1,063,767.75).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The Contract Award: Center Road 2R Overlay Project materials were the source for the cost, scope, and funding details.

Financials

  • Total Contract Cost: $1,112,583.65.
  • Funding Source: 100% covered by a CRAB RAP grant (CRAB RAP Project No. 1622-01).
  • County Match: None required.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed; recommendation followed the competitive bid process.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: The Board was requested to authorize the Award of Contract to Lakeside Industries, Inc.
  • Vote: (Assumed motion and approval via standard procedural process).
  • Next Steps: Project to proceed following contract authorization.

Local Agency Agreement Supplement: SR 19 Rhody Drive Ped-Bike Improvements

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:28.617–00:00:46.612 (Procedural item, assumed to be part of Consent/Administrative Agenda Review)
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Administrative/Contract Amendment)
  • Categories: contracts, budgeting, infrastructure

Topic Summary

Public Works requested approval for Supplement No. 1 to the Local Agency Agreement with WSDOT for the SR 19 Rhody Drive Ped-Bike Improvements (South Segment). The supplement shifts $128,633.00 internally from the Preliminary Engineering (PE) Agency expenditure line to a new PE Consultant expenditure line to ensure the County can seek reimbursement for consultant costs under the existing federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant. The supplement does not change the total project cost of $175,830.00.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; item addressed primarily through supporting materials.
  • The shift in funds is mandatory for WSDOT Local Programs reimbursement requirements.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The Contract Amendment: SR 19 Rhody Drive Ped-Bike Improvements - South Segment materials provided the financial and procedural justification.
  • The project is funded 86.5% by TAP funds and 13.5% by the County Road Fund match.

Financials

  • Total Project Cost (PE Phase): $175,830.00 (No change).
  • Funds Shifted: $128,633.00 moved to the consultant line.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: The Board was requested to sign two originals of the Local Agency Agreement Supplement No. 1.
  • Vote: (Assumed motion and approval via standard procedural process).
  • Next Steps: Agreement supplement is executed, allowing for consultant cost reimbursement through the TAP grant.

Change Order No. 7: Port Hadlock Sewer Phase 1

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:28.617–00:00:46.612 (Procedural item, assumed to be part of Consent/Administrative Agenda Review)
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Administrative/Contract Amendment)
  • Categories: contracts, operations, infrastructure, budgeting

Topic Summary

Public Works sought approval for Change Order No. 7 for the Port Hadlock Sewer Phase 1 project (Seton Construction, Inc.). This change order adds $49,905.14 to the contract, raising the cumulative total to $1,950,857.84, and adds 7 working days. The modifications are necessary to address unexpected physical conditions, including the realignment of a water main and the need to pave the WWTP access road and a portion of Lopeman Road to handle traffic.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; item addressed primarily through supporting materials.
  • The change order incorporates new items: waterline realignment, installation of a 2-inch side sewer, and roadway/asphalt work to support the new Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) access road.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The Change Order No. 7: Port Hadlock Sewer Phase 1 materials provided the justification and breakdown.
  • The entire project is reported as 100% funded by the Department of Commerce.

Financials

  • Change Order Net Total (incl. tax): $49,905.14.
  • New Contract Total: $1,950,857.84.
  • Funding Source: 100% Department of Commerce funding.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: The Board was requested to authorize Change Order No. 7 with Seton Construction.
  • Vote: (Assumed motion and approval via standard procedural process).
  • Next Steps: Contract time is extended to 154 calendar days.

Contract: DUI Electronic Monitoring (VCheck24 Services)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:28.617–00:00:46.612 (Procedural item, assumed to be part of Consent/Administrative Agenda Review)
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Administrative/Contract Approval)
  • Categories: public safety, services, contracts, budgeting

Topic Summary

The District Court requested approval of a one-year (up to five-year) service agreement with Ascentec Holdings LLC for VCheck24 Services, a low-cost electronic monitoring application. This service, using continuous GPS tracking and video check-ins, provides an alternative to traditional Electronic Home Monitoring (EHM) and pre-trial detention, specifically targeting DUI clients. The service aims to improve equity and reduce jail costs.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; item addressed primarily through supporting materials.
  • The VCheck24 app provides GPS tracking, random/scheduled video check-ins, and proactive communication.
  • This service addresses the lack of traditional, high-cost EHM programs in the County.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The Contract: DUI Electronic Monitoring... (VCheck24 Services) materials outlined the flat daily subscription rate and provided justification regarding cost savings versus jail time (estimated $135/day in 2019).

Financials

  • Active Client Rate: $1.95 per day per actively monitored client.
  • Funding: District Court budgeted line item (DC52330 310061- Monitoring). Costs are intended to be reimbursed by probationers, unless waived or covered by 1/10th Treatment Sales Tax funding.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • The service acts as a low-cost, accessible alternative to jail and expensive traditional EHM.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: The Board was requested to approve the service agreement for a term of up to five years.
  • Vote: (Assumed motion and approval via standard procedural process).
  • Next Steps: Agreement commences for the initial one-year term.

Professional Services Agreement: Juvenile Counseling Services (Claire Chambers, LMHC)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:28.617–00:00:46.612 (Procedural item, assumed to be part of Consent/Administrative Agenda Review)
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Administrative/Contract Approval)
  • Categories: services, contracts, budgeting, personnel

Topic Summary

Juvenile and Family Court Services (JFCS) requested approval of a professional services agreement with Claire Chambers, LMHC (Brackenfern Psychotherapy), for individual counseling with a family component for court-involved youth. The agreement, spanning February 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025, replaces a prior provider who relocated. Services, utilizing CBT models, are funded by the 1/10th of 1% Behavioral Health Sales Tax and the existing JFCS budget.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; item addressed primarily through supporting materials.
  • Services target youth involved in Truancy, Child in Need of Services, At-Risk Youth, and moderate/high-risk programs defined by the Statewide Positive Assessment Change Tool.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The Professional Services Agreement: Juvenile Counseling Services (Claire Chambers) materials provided the contract term and funding sources.

Financials

  • Total Contract Amount (Maximum): $10,000.00.
  • Hourly Rate: $120.00 per hour.
  • Funding Sources: 1/10th of 1% Behavioral Health Sales Tax dollars (Fund 131) for low-risk youth, and existing JFCS budget for moderate/high-risk youth.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • The contract was necessary to replace a prior provider who moved out of state.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approval of the professional service agreement was requested.
  • Vote: (Assumed motion and approval via standard procedural process).
  • Next Steps: Agreement commences February 1, 2024.

Brinnon Reach Assessment and Conceptual Design Project (Dosewallips River)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:28.617–00:00:46.612 (Procedural item, assumed to be part of Consent/Administrative Agenda Review)
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Administrative/Contract Approval)
  • Categories: contracts, planning, infrastructure, services, land use

Topic Summary

Jefferson County Public Health requested approval for a $139,984.25 professional services contract with Natural Systems Design + Coastal Geologic Services (NSD + CGS). This RCO-funded project will assess flood risk and develop conceptual restoration designs for the Brinnon Reach of the Dosewallips River to enhance salmon habitat and improve community resilience against flooding and erosion, incorporating climate change projections.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; item addressed primarily through supporting materials.
  • The project includes 2D Hydraulic Modeling to assess existing and projected mid-century (2050) flood flows and utilizes a sole-source contractor because they are already engaged in other design planning efforts on the Dosewallips River.
  • The design will be refined through input from the Dosewallips River Collaborative.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The Contract: Brinnon Reach Assessment and Conceptual Design Project materials specified the total cost and the RCO (#23-1062) grant funding source, along with the required 15% in-kind match.

Financials

  • Total Contract Amount: $139,984.25.
  • Funding Source: RCO #23-1062 grant, with a minimum 15% in-kind match provided by other entities (e.g., Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed; the focus is on developing a single conceptual design approach.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public Health Management recommended approval of the professional services agreement.
  • Vote: (Assumed motion and approval via standard procedural process).
  • Next Steps: Project runs from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025, with conceptual design expected in 2025.

Hoh River Resiliency Preliminary and Final Design Project (Lindner Complex Reach)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:28.617–00:00:46.612 (Procedural item, assumed to be part of Consent/Administrative Agenda Review)
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Administrative/Contract Approval)
  • Categories: contracts, planning, infrastructure, services, land use

Topic Summary

Jefferson County Public Health sought approval for an $835,433.00 agreement with Natural Systems Design + Coastal Geologic Services (NSD + CGS) for the preliminary and final design of the Hoh River Resiliency project. Funded by an RCO grant, this project focuses on improving habitat for listed salmonids and bull trout through the placement of Engineered Log Jams (ELJs) while decreasing flood and erosion risks for local infrastructure and the community along Upper Hoh Road.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; item addressed primarily through supporting materials.
  • The project requires detailed 2D HEC-RAS modeling and climate change impact analysis.
  • ELJs must be designed to be stable under a 100-year flood event and projected 2070 climate models.
  • Extensive stakeholder engagement, including meetings with the Hoh Tribal Council, County leadership, and up to 40 individual property owners, is mandated. All work is conducted in partnership with the Hoh Tribe.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The Contract: Hoh River Resiliency... Preliminary and Final Design Project materials noted the specific cost, the RCO (#22-1375) grant funding source, and the in-kind match of 2022 LiDAR/aerial imagery valued at $150,000, provided by the Hoh Tribe.

Financials

  • Total Contract Amount: $835,433.00.
  • Funding Source: RCO #22-1375 (Washington Coast Restoration & Resiliency Initiative).
  • Matching Funds: $150,000 in-kind match provided by the Hoh Tribe.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • The project will develop up to three conceptual design alternatives and a no-action alternative before proceeding to final design.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public Health Management recommended approval of the professional services agreement.
  • Vote: (Assumed motion and approval via standard procedural process).
  • Next Steps: Project runs from January 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026.

Authorization of Public Hearing and Next Steps for Big/Little Quilcene Flood Hazard Management Plan (CFHMP)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:28.617–00:00:46.612 (Procedural item, assumed to be part of Consent/Administrative Agenda Review)
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Administrative/Planning)
  • Categories: planning, land use, infrastructure, services, ordinances

Topic Summary

The Department of Community Development (DCD) requested authorization to set and publish notice for a public hearing to adopt the Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan (CFHMP) for the Big Quilcene and Little Quilcene Rivers. This plan assesses current and future flood risks, driven by Ecology grant funding and local input, and prioritizes non-structural solutions, such as property acquisition from willing sellers and ecological restoration, over structural alternatives like new levees.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; item addressed primarily through supporting materials.
  • High-Priority Actions include developing an emergency response plan for Hiddendale Drive, proactive landowner outreach, property acquisition (from willing sellers), and completion of the Moon Valley and Lower One Mile restoration projects.
  • Structural alternatives (e.g., levee/flood wall) for the Hiddendale Drive community were explicitly rejected due to high cost, limited effectiveness, adverse environmental impacts, permitting difficulty, and inconsistency with the plan’s non-structural priority.
  • Linger Longer Road is highlighted as highly vulnerable due to being the sole access point for 70 residences and a commercial oyster hatchery.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan for the Big Quilcene and Little Quilcene Rivers packet detailed the scope and goals, noting that climate change (increased atmospheric river events, sea level rise) is expected to worsen flood intensity.
  • The plan was funded by a Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) grant.

Financials

  • Funding Source for Plan Development: Ecology Grant (FCAAP).
  • The document qualitatively ranks subsequent actions as Low, Medium, or High Cost (e.g., property acquisition is High Cost).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Structural alternatives were analyzed but rejected in favor of non-structural, ecological restoration approaches.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: The Board was requested to authorize DCD to publish notice of a public hearing.
  • Vote: (Assumed motion and approval via standard procedural process).
  • Next Steps:
    • - DCD: Publish notice of public hearing on February 14 and 21, 2024.
    • - BOCC: Hold public hearing in Commissioners’ Chambers on February 26, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:28.617–00:00:46.612 (Procedural Agenda Items)
  • Agenda Item: Consent/Administrative Actions
  • Categories: personnel, budgeting, contracts

Topic Summary

The Board proceeded with the approval of several routine administrative items. These included advisory board reappointments and appointments, approval of minor warrants and payroll payments, and the adoption of a contract change order related to federal requirements, with no impact on the contract amount.

Key Discussion Points

  • The appointments/reappointments to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC), Solid Waste Facility Task Force (SWFTF), and Clean Water District Advisory Council were approved.
  • Approved Change Order No. 1 for the Road Departure Reduction Project with KT Contracting. The change order modifies the "Build America/Buy America" provision to allow flexibility for minor amounts of foreign materials (up to 5% of material cost) without altering the contract cost.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The Minor Contracts and Administrative Actions materials confirmed:
    • Reappointments of Steve King, Alysa Thomas, and Joey Deese to SWAC.
    • Reappointment of Richard Hull to the Clean Water District Advisory Council.
    • Acceptance of Carol Cummins’ resignation from the SWFTF and appointment of Janet Welch.

Financials

  • District Court Jury Fees Payment: $920.19.
  • Payroll Warrants (Benefits Paid): $1,125,595.20.
  • Road Departure Reduction Project: Contract cost of $702,965.00 remains unchanged by the change order.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: All administrative items and advisory board appointments were approved.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Assumed).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Presentation: Finance Department 2024 Work Plan

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:28.617–00:00:46.612 (Procedural item, assumed to be an informational agenda item)
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Informational Report)
  • Categories: operations, planning, budgeting

Topic Summary

Finance Manager Judy Shepherd presented the 2024 Finance Work Plan, outlining goals focused on stabilizing the accounting team, furthering the integration and optimization of the Munis financial system (including Employee Self-Service and Grant Management modules), ensuring successful completion of audits ("No Findings" goal), and enhancing financial training across County departments.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; item addressed primarily through supporting materials.
  • 2023 accomplishments included navigating payroll implementation challenges, increasing the payroll team from one to three, and improving communication with HR.
  • Key 2024 goals include achieving "No Findings" from the State Auditor's Office (SAO), meeting the Federal audit deadline of September 30, and offering comprehensive training workshops (Munis, Travel Policy, Budget).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The Finance Department 2024 Work Plan Presentation provided details on the department's strategy, including the focus on compliance with GAAP and the SAO BARS Cash Manual.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed, as this was a plan presentation.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; item was informational.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
    • - Finance Department: Complete Federal audit by September 30.
    • - Finance Department: Implement Munis modules (Employee Self-Service, Contract Management, Grant Management) throughout 2024.