MEETING: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Mar 04, 09:00 AM

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JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING SUMMARY

MEETING DATE: 2024-03-04 (Commencing 17:00:36+00:00)

Public Health Update Scheduling

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:47.065–00:01:15.341
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Agenda Update)
  • Categories: operations

Topic Summary

The public health update for the meeting, scheduled to be provided by Dr. Barry, was postponed due to an emergency. The update, which also included emergency management information, was rescheduled for the following Monday.

Key Discussion Points

  • Dr. Barry had an emergency and was unable to join the meeting for the public health and emergency management updates (00:01:06.467).
  • The discussion was moved off the current agenda and rescheduled for the next Monday (00:00:54.880).

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: The public health and emergency management update was deferred.
  • Vote: No vote taken; informational item.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Dr. Barry/Staff: Provide the public health and emergency management update next Monday.

Transportation Lab (T-Lab) Conference Sponsorship Request

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:36.117–00:04:46.376
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: budgeting, planning, community services

Topic Summary

Scott Walker, representing the Transportation Lab (T-Lab) action group of Local 2020, formally requested a $2,000 contribution from the County to support its upcoming one-day conference. The conference, themed "Moving in the Right Direction," will address the intersection of transportation with housing, equity, climate, and economic vitality. Commissioners expressed strong support for the funding and committed to establishing a clear process for handling such sponsorship requests in the future.

Key Discussion Points

  • Scott Walker identified himself as a Port Townsend resident and member of the T-Lab, speaking on behalf of the group (00:01:36.117).
  • T-Lab is hosting a one-day conference on April 19th at the Legion Hall, titled "Moving in the Right Direction" (00:01:54.264).
  • The theme is the intersection of transportation with "housing, equity, health, climate and environment, economic vitality, tax revenue, sprawl" (00:02:03.850).
  • The conference will feature "three world-class presenters," including former Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and disability mobility initiative director Zebarts (00:02:09.293).
  • Scott Walker requested $2,000 for space rental, modest presenters' honorariums, printing, and website work (00:03:31.963).
  • Commissioner Brotherton stated that $2,000 for the T-Lab conference is "a no-brainer" (00:00:50.781).
  • Commissioner Brotherton recommended designating funds in the budget for sponsorships so community groups doing county-related work can apply without direct appeals (00:20:10.419).
  • Commissioner Dean supported the funding and suggested T-lab's information could help inform the County's Comprehensive Plan process (00:30:37.887).

Public Comments

  • - Scott Walker (Port Townsend): Presented the goal and logistics of the T-Lab conference on April 19th, open to the public from 9 am to 4 pm at the Legion Hall. Requested $2,000 in funding and offered an invoice (00:03:42.013).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Requested Amount: $2,000 for conference costs (00:00:42.013).
  • Funding Note: Commissioners discussed identifying a dedicated internal budget line-item for non-professional services sponsorships (00:20:19.484).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Alternatives discussed focused primarily on the future process for requesting and awarding such funds.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal motion was made as this occurred during public comment, but consensus supported processing the invoice.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioner Brotherton/Mark McCauley (County Administrator): Discuss processing the $2,000 invoice (00:05:05.485) and setting up a clear application process for public benefit funding requests (00:23:38.829).
  • - Commissioner Dean/Josh Peters (DCD): Discuss using T-Lab material as outreach for the County's Comprehensive (Comp) Plan process (00:30:51.468).

Social Housing, Homeless Shelter Management, and Pool Funding

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:05:37.081–00:08:34.406; 00:16:30.568–00:17:27.236
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: services, budgeting, housing

Topic Summary

Public comments addressed the disparity in social housing provision compared to France, criticisms of the management and sanitation issues at the local homeless shelter (including a "rodent problem and the blocking of the showers"), and objections to the continued expense and proliferation of committees dedicated to building a new aquatic center. Speakers asserted that if the County cannot manage a shelter, it cannot successfully build a pool complex.

Key Discussion Points

  • Becky provided a historical context of social housing in the USA compared to France, noting the USA would need to build six times its current capacity to meet UN Resolution Article 25 (housing as a human right) (00:06:22.648).
  • Becky criticized the current shelter: "I heard about your commerce meeting the state of housing and i don't see with the rodent problem and the blocking of the showers problem that has led to serious sanitation problems in the shelter... I would rather sleep outside" (00:08:14.665).
  • Shelley questioned the proliferation of "task force committees meetings" required for the pool project, calling it an "egregious waste of taxpayer funds" (00:16:42.562).
  • Shelley argued that difficulty managing the current shelter makes the notion of building a new pool complex questionable: "If you can't build a shelter, you can't build a pool" (00:16:30.568).
  • Commissioner Brotherton acknowledged the shelter issues: "it sounds like the situation at the shelter is less than optimal" and deferred to other commissioners for immediate knowledge (00:20:52.205).
  • Commissioner Dean emphasized the necessity of proceeding with aquatic center planning: "if we don't build a pool... then we're not going to have a new pool... it will make Jefferson County a better place" (00:28:20.549).

Public Comments

  • - Becky: Criticized the nation’s failure to meet social housing obligations (00:07:02.914) and described the local shelter as dangerous, unsafe, and having "serious sanitation problems" (00:08:14.665).
  • - Shelley: Urged the County to cease spending money on pool planning due to existing financial constraints and lack of results: "It's just time to shut this down and not spend another dime" (00:17:21.028).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed, only criticism regarding expenditure levels.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken. Commissioners continued to defend exploratory work on the aquatic center.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioner Brotherton/Staff: Address the shelter issues, including a potential separate meeting on "the cultures and the Cosmo Brown" on Wednesday at 2:30 PM (00:24:18.417).

Shoreline Master Program (SMP) and Shellfish Aquaculture Regulation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:08:51.653–00:12:05.846; 00:12:50.263–00:13:42.050
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: land use, permits, ordinances, environment

Topic Summary

Speakers raised significant concerns regarding the regulation of existing ("grandfathered") shellfish farms operating under the Shoreline Master Program (SMP), particularly noting applications for conversion from hand harvesting to mechanical harvesting involving "like a tulip harvester." Critics argued that current county code is insufficient because it lacks mandatory disclosure requirements for operational changes or expansions less than 25%, unlike neighboring counties. Speakers requested the County require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for all geoduck operations, expansions, and conversions.

Key Discussion Points

  • Michelle Walter questioned if commissioners were aware that three shellfish farms are applying to switch from hand harvesting to mechanical harvesting of clams for the explicit purpose of "reducing the number of jobs" (00:09:21.769).
  • Michelle Walter criticized the grandfather provisions: Existing farms are "not regulated in any way" and can expand up to 25% with "no underlying permit" or regulation, contrary to SEPA and Shoreline Management Act requirements (00:10:04.348).
  • Michelle Walter suggested adopting a "statement of exemption" requirement, as used in Mason County, which compels permit filings for any changes, allowing the county to determine if a permit is needed (00:11:07.933).
  • Su Corbett (Port Ludlow) criticized the Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) exemption often applied to geoduck operations, noting that liquefying the substrate can be highly disruptive (00:12:50.263).
  • Su Corbett urged the County to implement a standard Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for all geoduck operations, including expansions and conversions, to ensure rigorous review of issues like eelgrass protection (00:13:34.361).
  • Commissioner Brotherton acknowledged the new information regarding conversion in the SMP debate and the complexity of drawing the line between conversion and expansion requiring new permits (00:21:11.132).
  • Commissioner Brotherton stated the current plan is likely to move forward with a standard CUP for new and expansions, but an administrative requirement for conversions (00:22:24.897).
  • Commissioner Dean agreed with the need to better track all operations to assess cumulative impacts and requested Michelle Walter's suggestions on the statement of exception (00:31:13.891).

Public Comments

  • - Michelle Walter (Port Townsend): Advocated for tighter regulation of grandfathered shellfish farms and suggesting a "statement of exemption" system (00:11:51.935).
  • - Su Corbett (Port Ludlow): Requested the County require a standard CUP for all geoduck operations, addressing the HPA exemption issue (00:13:21.079).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Alternatives Proposed: Implementing a "statement of exemption" process (Michelle Walter) (00:11:07.933) and requiring a standard CUP for all geoduck operations (Su Corbett) (00:13:34.361).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken. Item was informational, related to ongoing Shoreline Master Program update.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioner Brotherton/Staff: Continue incorporating new information regarding conversion and expansion into SMP deliberations (00:22:03.523).
  • - Michelle Walter: Submit detailed suggestions regarding the "statement of exemption" (00:11:51.935).

Aquatic Facility Task Force Formation and OPMA Compliance

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:14:07.390–00:16:05.224; 00:27:16.650–00:28:16.550
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: operations, ordinances, governance

Topic Summary

Public comment addressed the planned formation of the Healthier Together Task Force (referred to as the "new committee" or "task force"). Concern was raised that because the task force's recommendations must be considered by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), the task force constitutes an advisory committee subject to the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA), requiring associated public notice, agenda publishing, and cost.

Key Discussion Points

  • Tom Tiersch referenced the County's OPMA guidelines, noting that "Any board commissioner committee that makes recommendation that must be considered by the board of county commissioners is subject to OPMA" (00:15:03.874).
  • Tom Tiersch cautioned the BOCC to keep OPMA compliance in mind when appointing members, noting there is "some cost" and staff time associated with compliance (00:15:42.717).
  • Commissioner Brotherton acknowledged the requirement: "it seems like those meetings would have to be open" and noted that the task force is technically advising the steering committee, not directly the BOCC, though the BOCC takes ultimate action (00:27:43.099).
  • Commissioner Dean assumed the group would need to comply with OPMA because they are advisory to the BOCC (00:31:40.616).
  • Diane McDade (Jefferson Aquatic Coalition) expressed organizational support for the task force, particularly in looking for new options outside the city limits and exploring alternate construction costs (00:18:47.329).

Public Comments

  • - Tom Tiersch: Reminded the BOCC of OPMA requirements for any advisory committee making recommendations that must be considered by the BOCC (00:15:35.776).
  • - Diane McDade (Jefferson Aquatic Coalition): Expressed support for the task force and confirming that the 2 PM session today was intended to be interactive (00:19:19.482).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Jefferson County's OPMA guidelines for boards, commissions, and committees (00:14:41.224).

Financials

  • Financial impact is represented by the administrative staffing and publishing costs of applying OPMA to the task force (00:15:42.717).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken. Commissioners acknowledged the requirement for the task force to likely comply with OPMA.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioner Brotherton/Staff: Review OPMA compliance requirements before the task force is formally initiated (00:27:43.099).

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:35:40.532–00:40:02.873
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda
  • Categories: operations, planning, infrastructure, contracts, legal

Topic Summary

The Board discussed and subsequently approved the consent agenda, which included a contentious commercial lease agreement that was 25% over budget, an extension for the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) contract due to issues with the DNR's WUI maps, approval of the Recompete Strategy Development Grant, and other essential contracts and appointments.

Key Discussion Points

  • Item 5 (CWPP Amendment): Discussion centered on the need for the CWPP extension (Amendment No. 1, increasing budget by $27,475.30) due to "funky input from some of our key stakeholders" regarding the State DNR Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) maps (00:36:10.907).
  • Commissioner Brotherton noted the inaccurate DNR maps were a "very real problem that is being addressed" through recent state legislation spearheaded by Senator Van (00:37:06.396).
  • The consensus was that the extension would result in a "better product" with more accurate risk assessment maps (00:37:35.988).
  • Item 1 (Commercial Lease): Commissioner Brotherton expressed surprise that the commercial lease amount was "really high," considerably over the budgeted amount (00:38:34.637).
  • Commissioner Dean noted the price was 25% over budget, but also acknowledged limited climate-controlled space in the area (00:38:51.452). (Note: Packet states the monthly cost of $4,000, and indicates staff will look for alternatives to decrease the net monthly payout to $2,870.)
  • Item 4 (Recompete Strategy Grant): Approval of the Recompete Strategy Grant allows DCD to move forward with planning for the Glen Cove Industrial Area (00:39:30.233).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on the consent agenda items.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Commercial Lease Agreement (55 Fredericks St.): 5-year lease for $4,000/month (25% over budget estimate).
  • CWPP Amendment No. 1: Adds $27,475.30 (New Total: $194,956.30) to expand scope/mapping accuracy.
  • Recompete Strategy Development Grant Subaward: Approves $60,000 subaward from Clallam County for infrastructure planning in Glen Cove.
  • Prosecuting Attorney’s Office LexisNexis Contract: $13,608 annual cost ($1,134/month).
  • Center Road 2R Overlay Construction Contract: Lakeside Industries contract for $1,112,583.65 (100% RAP grant funded).
  • Enterprise Permitting & Licensing (EPL) Project Management Amendment: Adds $90,000 (New Total: $180,000) for project manager services.
  • Solid Waste Facility Task Force (SWFTF) Appointment: Appoints Don Rhoden as Citizen representative.
  • Nurse Family Partnership Home Visiting Services Amendment: Adds $40,913.61 for "concrete goods" assistance to families (New Total: $460,470.90).

Financials

  • High Lease Cost: $4,000 per month (25% over budget) (00:38:51.452).
  • CWPP Added Cost: $27,475.30 (00:36:27.984).
  • Total EPL Project Management Contract: $180,000.
  • All consent agenda financials and contracts were approved.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Discussion noted that the lease could be pulled out if a better alternative is found, based on the packet's information (00:38:45.442).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve the consent agenda for March 4, 2024, passed.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: Brotherton, Dean, Eisenhower) (00:40:02.873).
  • Next Steps:
  • - Central Services: Execute high-cost commercial lease subject to the term's conditions.

Washington State Association of Counties (WASAC) Restructuring

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:03:53.020–01:13:40.081
  • Agenda Item: Commissioner Briefing (WASAC Report)
  • Categories: governance, operations, public safety, budgeting

Topic Summary

Commissioner Dean reported on the WASAC Legislative Steering Committee's adoption of a new operational structure designed to prevent large urban counties from exiting the organization. The new structure uses weighted voting based on dues/population for urban issues but generally maintains a one-county, one-vote system for rural priorities. This change, which was highly contentious previously, passed with near unanimity, reflecting a significant effort to maintain membership and budgetary stability.

Key Discussion Points

  • The restructuring addressed concerns from large urban counties, some of which had exited or threatened to exit WASAC, which accounted for 40% of the organization's budget (01:04:36.484).
  • The new system categorizes legislative proposals into three buckets: urban, rural, or all county (01:05:16.537).
  • Urban Caucus Voting: Weighted voting is used, primarily based on dues, giving the three largest counties a significantly greater say (01:05:52.522). The urban caucus selects only two priorities (01:06:17.405).
  • Rural Caucus Voting: Decisions generally rely on a one-county, one-vote system (with two votes for the largest rural counties) for its two priorities (01:06:43.237).
  • All County Voting: Proposals must achieve 85% agreement (01:10:56.777).
  • WASAC adopted a policy of generally maintaining a neutral position on policy matters to avoid alienating members (01:09:41.818).
  • This new system, initially met with "war" during discussion in November (01:10:36.958), passed with "nearly unanimous agreement" (01:10:26.323).
  • Budget Uncertainty: The WASAC organization is facing austerity budgeting and an executive search while potentially losing significant revenue (01:11:35.017).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • The three largest counties represent approximately 40% of WASAC's total organizational budget (01:04:36.484).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • The new legislative priority setting process using three categories and weighted voting serves as the replacement for the prior, less representative system (01:05:07.202).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: The Legislative Steering Committee adopted the new operational policy (01:05:07.202).
  • Vote: Passed with almost unanimous support (01:09:20.051).
  • Next Steps:
  • - BOCC/Staff: Begin thinking about legislative priorities for the next biennium earlier, with submissions due to WASAC in May (01:09:04.685).

Recognition of Outstanding County Service: Ricky Ray (Road Crew)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:17:15.856–01:33:33.722
  • Agenda Item: Walk-On Item (Employee Recognition)
  • Categories: personnel, operations, services

Topic Summary

The Board, along with Public Works Director Monty Reinders, recognized Road Maintenance Technician Ricky Ray for his outstanding service, specifically for volunteering "hero hours" to keep the Jefferson County Transfer Station open on Saturdays in January 2024 during a period of acute staffing shortages. Mr. Ray worked 50-plus hour weeks, maintaining his road crew duties while filling in for Solid Waste, thereby preventing closures of an essential service.

Key Discussion Points

  • Monty Reinders introduced Ricky Ray (Road Maintenance Technician) and the Public Works supervisory team (01:17:29.059).
  • Commissioner Brotherton explained that due to severe short-staffing at Solid Waste in December and January, Ricky Ray volunteered for Friday and Saturday shifts at the Transfer Station (01:19:58.016).
  • Ricky Ray worked over 50 hours per week, covering both Road Crew responsibilities (including snow and storm response) and Transfer Station operation (01:20:45.575).
  • Commissioner Brotherton stated Ricky Ray was the "difference to keep that facility open" on Saturdays in January (01:21:18.286).
  • The letter of recognition also cited his 12+ years of service, "unblemished safety record," and exceptional skills on brush-cutting equipment (01:21:49.952).
  • The full letter of recognition was read into the record by Commissioner Dean (01:25:23.615).
  • Road Maintenance Superintendent Dale Brownfield attested to Ray's dependability over 40-plus years of personal knowledge, stating, "If Ricky is out of town, we're kinda worried that are we gonna get somebody to do what he does" (01:31:20.482).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on the letter of recognition.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • A letter of recognition prepared by Commissioner Brotherton and Public Works Director Monty Reinders (01:23:41.746).

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • The initial plan was to approve the letter via Consent Agenda next week, but the Board decided to take action, sign the letter immediately, and pass it on to Mr. Ray while his supervisory team was present (01:24:34.336).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve signing the letter of recognition, as read into the record, passed.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: Brotherton, Dean, Eisenhower) (01:27:18.273).
  • Next Steps:
  • - BOCC/Clerk: Sign the letter immediately.
  • - Public Works Staff: Ensure a copy is made for the record before giving the original to Mr. Ray (01:29:40.483).

Port Hadlock Sewer Project Outreach and Ordinance Progress

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:35:05.641–01:43:14.080
  • Agenda Item: Commissioner Briefing / Public Works Update
  • Categories: infrastructure, planning, ordinances, grant management

Topic Summary

The Public Works Department hosted a successful public outreach meeting for the Port Hadlock Sewer Project, focusing on preparing community members for construction impacts and answering complex questions. Staff confirmed that the crucial sewer ordinance is nearing completion and will be reviewed by the Prosecuting Attorney’s office soon, with an anticipated briefing to the Commissioners in the next couple of months. The project has moved forward efficiently despite the lack of "slack in the schedule."

Key Discussion Points

  • Sewer Outreach Meeting: The meeting was successful in addressing public questions, particularly from those with long lists of concerns, with Public Works staff and the contractor present (01:37:07.721).
  • The project team (including staff like Sam and Bob) made "good connections," handling detailed inquiries (01:45:56.301).
  • The meeting provided updates on the overall project status, schedule, and connection details (01:35:43.792).
  • Construction Impact: The project layout and contractor selection (CE Construction) were planned to minimize disruption to local businesses, using methods like side-street access where possible (01:36:09.021).
  • Sewer Ordinance: The sewer ordinance draft is considered "pretty clean, understandable" and is the next major step. It is moving to the Prosecuting Attorney's office for review, a process expected to take several weeks (01:38:09.561).
  • Grant Management: The project is being managed concurrent with funding deadlines. The County secured a crucial $1.3 million match waiver from the EPA, a process that took six months (01:41:45.287).

Public Comments

  • Wendy Davis provided an online comment that the sewer meeting "was a great meeting" and met its goal of providing citizens with resources (01:36:58.247).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced, but spoke to future ordinance and existing grant documentation.

Financials

  • Grant Waiver Value: A $1.3 million EPA match waiver was secured for the project (01:41:45.287).
  • Funding is through EPA and Department of Ecology grants (01:41:04.575).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; informational update.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Public Works/PAO: Conclude the review and finalization of the sewer ordinance draft (01:38:30.729).
  • - BOCC/Public Works: Schedule a future briefing on the sewer ordinance in "a couple of months maybe" (01:39:09.658).

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:13:54.687–01:17:07.552
  • Agenda Item: Bid Opening
  • Categories: contracts, legal

Topic Summary

The Clerk of the Board conducted the public bid opening for the designation of the County's Legal Newspaper of Record, a requirement by state law (RCW 36.72.075). Two bids were received and opened: one from the Port Townsend Leader and one from the Peninsula Daily News. The bids presented differing pricing structures, font sizes, and circulation/subscription numbers, which will be formally compared in a tabulation process next week.

Key Discussion Points

  • The designation is required by April’s first regular meeting (01:14:12.600).
  • Bid 1: Port Townsend Leader
  • Cost: $10.00 per column inch (01:15:18.722).
  • Print Circulation/News Stand: 5,763 copies combined (01:15:32.533).
  • Electronic Subscriptions: 10,966 (01:15:50.280).
  • Bid 2: Peninsula Daily News
  • Cost: $7.90 per column inch (01:16:12.603).
  • Total Jefferson County Print: 1,392 (01:16:41.200).
  • Electronic Subscriptions: 3,910 (01:16:59.598).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • RCW 36.72.075 (Governing state law) (01:14:12.600).

Financials

  • Port Townsend Leader: $10.00 per column inch (01:15:18.722).
  • Peninsula Daily News: $7.90 per column inch (01:16:12.603).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Bids were opened and received. No action taken.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Carolyn Gallaway (Clerk of the Board): Prepare a formal bid tabulation form for the Board’s review next week (01:17:06.745).

DCD 2024 Workplan and Priorities for Compressive Plan Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:15:47.393–02:56:56.571
  • Agenda Item: Workshop: Department of Community Development (DCD) 2024 Workplan
  • Categories: planning, permits, ordinances, grants, infrastructure, land use

Topic Summary

Community Development Director Josh Peters presented the department's 2024 work plan, which inventories essential ongoing services and 21 major projects driven by the Growth Management Act (GMA) Periodic Update deadline of June 30, 2025. Key discussion points centered on the capacity challenges of managing four concurrent state grants (Periodic Update, Middle Housing, Climate Planning, and Recompete) with limited staff, the need for continued project management capacity for the EPL system, and coordinating sewer infrastructure timelines with urban zoning changes.

Key Discussion Points

  • Staffing vs. Grant Management: Josh Peters stated DCD is not planning to ask for additional staff but relies heavily on consultants to manage the workload from the four concurrent grants (02:42:48.484). He noted that sustaining grant-funded staff beyond 2025 would be difficult (02:42:56.321).
  • GMA Periodic Update: The Growth Management Steering Committee (GMSC) meets tomorrow evening to address population projections and allocation to UGAs, NPRs, and rural lands (02:22:49.985). The deadline extension until December 2025, which Commissioner Dean reported was carried in a companion bill, was seen as providing "a little breathing room" (02:46:27.801).
  • Short-Term Rentals (STR): Discussion is moving forward with the Chief Strategy Officer Burn Futler and involves public meetings set for next week (02:27:13.212). Commissioners discussed integrating the STR policy conversation into the broader Comp Plan Periodic Review (02:28:09.402).
  • UGA and Caswell Brown: DCD is pursuing legislation (SB 5834 companion bill) that would allow the County to include Caswell Brown and adjacent properties into the City of Port Townsend UGA via a "net-zero swap" (02:33:17.891). This is intended to simplify access to public funding for city-extended sewer service to Caswell Brown (02:34:03.229).
  • Port Hadlock UGA/Sewer: DCD is working with Public Works to align sewer infrastructure timing with changes to urban development regulations (02:32:32.784). There is a plan to use visual outreach ("shreds style conversation") to show the community what proposed development proposals might look like (02:32:48.924).
  • EPL System: The Enterprise Permitting & Licensing system requires continued investment in project management (Item 18) and tools/dashboards to improve transparency and compliance with mandated review timelines (SB 5290) (02:37:04.303).
  • Fee Study: The study nearing completion will present the Board policy choices on whether to pursue 100% cost recovery or a lower rate for permit fees (02:35:46.632).
  • Brent Futler’s Transition: Brent Futler will transition out of full-time employment by March 31, 2024, and move to a contract/clerk hire status, tapering off until September (02:45:10.715).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • DCD 2024 Work Plan document (three pages) (02:16:18.300).
  • Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) (02:30:55.217).
  • House Bill 1110 (Middle Housing) (02:20:20.355).

Financials

  • DCD expects to recover some grant costs dating back to July 1, 2023 (02:24:58.444).
  • Grant funding status does not change due to the GMA deadline extension; DCD must still spend funds by June 30, 2025 (02:46:56.118).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • DCD is keeping the Caswell Brown UGA designation option alive by placing a placeholder in the 2024 Comp plan amendment cycle (02:34:10.287).
  • DCD is currently reviewing three responses to its RFP for additional consultant assistance for the 2025 Periodic Update (02:24:04.928).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational workshop. No action taken.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Josh Peters/Mark McCauley: Finalize plan for managing Middle Housing Grant funds and the transition of Brent Futler (02:45:24.060).
  • - Commissioner Brotherton: Revise the CWPP/Stock Plan conversation to include CLT façade builders from the Recompete Coalition to align affordable housing efforts (02:41:07.649).

Aquatic Facility Task Force Recruitment Methodology

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:57:05.769–03:32:37.597
  • Agenda Item: Workshop: Aquatic Facility – Recruitment of Healthier Together Task Force Members
  • Categories: operations, ordinances, services, governance

Topic Summary

The Board discussed and decided on a methodology for recruiting the six BOCC-appointed members of the Healthier Together Task Force. The methodology selected will be an open recruitment process, requesting letters of interest to be posted via social media and other channels, rather than relying solely on commissioner knowledge. The Board will select two members per district to ensure balanced geographic representation and will finalize the Task Force's scope in a workshop next week.

Key Discussion Points

  • OPMA Compliance: Tom Tiersch intervened in the discussion to clarify that under OPMA (RCW 42.30.240), if the task force is subject to the Act, it must accept public comment directly at every meeting, which can be written only (03:21:43.956). This corrected the steering committee’s assumption that public comment could be solely directed to the BOCC or City Council (03:01:01.407).
  • Commissioner Dean confirmed the belief that the task force will be subject to OPMA (02:57:29.806).
  • Mission Clarity: Commissioners emphasized that the recruitment should target people who are willing to critically approach the challenging work and who are committed to "identifying solutions that result in aquatic facility in Jefferson County" (03:06:03.619).
  • Recruitment Process Selected:
    1. The County will conduct open recruitment (using social media, etc., not solely legal notice) (03:13:41.817).
    2. Applicants must submit a one-page letter of interest addressing the selection criteria (03:14:20.858).
    3. Each commissioner will choose two members from their respective district (03:14:32.375).
    4. The full Board will adopt the final slate as a check-and-balance (03:14:51.051).
  • Public Criticism: Shelley and Morningstar criticized the process, insisting the steering committee/task force already holds a "pro pool" bias and ignores viable options like remodeling the existing facility. Shelley stated the current plan is for a "Taj Mahal of pools" that is unaffordable (03:23:22.032).
  • Commissioner Brotherton responded that the engagement is specifically to find a path the majority of the county will support, taking the assumptions out of the project, and being responsive to the public's current concerns (03:28:42.691).
  • John Monroe (City Manager) noted the current pool is "hemorrhaging resources pretty badly" and the task force is about vetting options the city didn't fully explore (03:32:01.490).

Public Comments

  • - Tom Tiersch: Critical Legal Clarity: Confirmed that if the task force is subject to OPMA, it must accept public comment directly at all meetings (03:21:29.143).
  • - Shelley: Argued the task force is structurally biased ("you already have everybody on there is totally pro pool") and that the current cost exceeds 25% of the original remodel estimate. Demanded the process stop before a Public Facilities District (PFD) vote (03:23:45.766).
  • - Morningstar: Echoed concerns about bias and unaffordable "fancy stuff." Called for the task force to include diverse, local people connected to the land to find "viable solutions" (03:27:33.646).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Draft criteria document from Kerry Height (02:58:33.179).

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Recruitment Alternatives: Rejected the option to rely solely on commissioner knowledge, opting for open recruitment (03:12:31.100).
  • Scope Amendment: The Board determined it will polish up the criteria and the Task Force scope (work product) in a follow-up workshop next week to ensure it will address the BOCC's information needs (03:18:18.639).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: The Board reached consensus on the recruitment methodology (open recruitment, letter of interest, two members per district selected by commissioner, adopted by Board). No formal action taken.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioner Brotherton/Carolyn Gallaway: Revise the Task Force charter, criteria, and scope document to include public and legal feedback, making the mandate for solution-oriented work clearer (03:16:17.961).
  • - BOCC: Schedule a workshop, possibly on March 11, to approve the final scope and notice for posting the open positions (03:20:25.064).

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