MEETING: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Mar 18, 09:00 AM

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MEETING SUMMARY: Jefferson County Board of Commissioners

MEETING DATE: 2024-03-18

Public Comment: Shellfish Aquaculture Regulations

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:03:08.328–00:06:33.763
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: land use, planning, environmental, ordinances

Topic Summary

A member of the public raised concerns regarding the ongoing new issues surfacing in the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) update, attributing the fundamental tension to the shellfish industry's desire for exceptions/exemptions versus the requirements of the Shoreline Management Act and SEPA. The speaker referenced specific cases, arguing that exemptions (such as 25% expansion without requiring review) circumvent the need for site-specific environmental evaluation, particularly in sensitive areas like estuaries. The comment stressed the need for the SMP to establish a clear process for discovery and evaluation of impacts.

Key Discussion Points

  • The source of tension is the fundamental conflict between the shellfish industry's requested exemptions and the strict requirements of the Shoreline Management Act (00:03:40.344).
  • Legislative exemptions, such as classifying PVC tubes as "not structures," ignore the cumulative impact of having 43,000 tubes per acre remaining in the sand (00:03:56.139).
  • The current code allows a 25% expansion and conversion of cultivation methods without requiring the County to be informed (00:04:23.163).
  • Shoreline Management Act and SEPA are site-specific, requiring evaluation of cumulative effects (00:04:44.550).
  • Public Comment (Marilyn Valentine): Recounted a correspondence from 2009 where County staff accommodated "nearly all of the aquaculture industry's comments" on past policy versions, which later allowed an operator to move an unsuccessful facility from Dabob Bay to Tarmu Bay in 2016 (00:05:47.150).

Public Comments

  • Marilyn Valentine: Argued that the SMP should establish specific processes for determining "what is the case" regarding aquaculture activities rather than attempting to evaluate the pros and cons of every situation (00:06:22.371).

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action was taken; item was part of the public comment period.

Public Comment: Homeless Shelter Services and Closures

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:06:55.367–00:10:15.073
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: services, infrastructure, public safety, budgeting

Topic Summary

A member of the public, Maggie, provided a detailed comment regarding the closure of the existing homeless shelter, stating that the issue is not primarily funding but rather unresolved contract violations related to sanitation (showers) and noise. She expressed concern over resulting skin infections and requested that the Board refrain from harassing those setting up emergency re-camps. Maggie requested County assistance in providing portable toilets and waste disposal resources for these new sites.

Key Discussion Points

  • The document fees used for shelter funding went up by $100 per document last year (00:07:07.151).
  • The shelter closing is due to unresolved contract violations, including sanitation failures (no shower access) that have allegedly led to skin infections reported at Jefferson Healthcare (00:07:22.994).
  • The speaker stated doctors are not legally required to report these health issues to the state health department (00:07:44.973).
  • The shelter is closing at the end of March (00:08:00.671).
  • Emergency services are providing cots for the re-camps (00:09:20.806).
  • The speaker requested the Board provide portable toilets ("ported parties") and waste disposal at the temporary camp sites (00:09:20.806).

Public Comments

  • Maggie: Stated she would be the first one out "on the city hall line" (00:08:08.896) and had spoken to Ben Thomas, advising that dealing with contract violations is necessary before reopening the shelter (00:08:23.985). She warned that harassment by law enforcement could lead to a lawsuit (00:08:55.688).

Supporting Materials Referenced

The increase in document fees/funding impact mentioned in the comment was later addressed by Commissioner Dean (00:13:46.764).

Financials

  • Document fees reportedly went up by $100 per document used for shelter funding (00:07:07.151).

Alternatives & Amendments

The speaker is facilitating setting up re-camps and coordinating cot delivery from emergency services.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action was taken; item was part of the public comment period.

Public Comment: Shellfish Aquaculture and Shoreline Armoring

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:10:15.073–00:13:01.647
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: environmental, land use, ordinances

Topic Summary

Gordon King commented on the discussion regarding plastics in the environment and the new Shoreline Master Program (SMP). He questioned the source of microplastics, suggesting synthetic clothing washing is a major contributor, and argued that PVC sinking makes it less likely to enter the food system via filter feeders. He expressed concern over exemptions for shoreline armoring for private residences, stating that unlike speculative impacts from aquaculture, shoreline armoring is scientifically known to damage the environment by reducing beach erosion and damaging forage fish habitat.

Key Discussion Points

  • The major source of microplastics is synthetic clothes washing, which produces fibers that shed (00:10:44.782).
  • PVC sinks, making it unlikely to enter the food system through filter feeders (00:11:06.106).
  • King expressed skepticism about concerns regarding aquaculture exemptions while ignoring major exemptions for private residences along the shoreline (00:11:27.024).
  • Shoreline armoring (bulkheads) is known to damage the environment by reducing natural beach erosion, leading to "hardening of beaches" and reducing the ability of forage fish to spawn (00:12:03.429).
  • King asked for an update on the status and hearing schedule for the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) update, noting it has "gone all dark" (00:12:50.135).

Public Comments

  • Gordon King: Focused criticism on the environmental impact of shoreline armoring as a scientifically proven detriment to beaches and marine life (00:11:17.863).

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action was taken; item was part of the public comment period.

Board Responses and Shoreline Master Program (SMP) Hearing Status

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:13:32.068–00:22:35.572
  • Agenda Item: Board Responses to Public Comment / Shoreline Master Program Update
  • Categories: budgeting, services, planning, ordinances

Topic Summary

Commissioners responded to public comments. Commissioner Dean addressed the shelter funding and closure, confirming the funding model was halved due to decreased real estate document transactions, but announced the shelter received a reprieve to operate through April. The primary discussion focused on the SMP update, confirming the March 25th deliberation session was canceled/deferred. The Board of County Commissioners (BOC) is awaiting a legal review draft from the Prosecuting Attorney's Office (PAO), which is delaying the scheduling of the final deliberation and the closing of the public hearing.

Key Discussion Points

  • Homeless Shelter Update (Commissioner Dean): The shelter's funds (derived from aggregate real estate document transactions) were "literally cut in half" due to a decrease in transactions (00:13:46.764). The shelter has a reprieve and will operate through the end of April (00:14:06.200).
  • Shower/Contract Violations (Commissioner Dean): Stated she has communicated with OlyCAP about the shower situation and that (Number 2 is still down) (00:14:37.054).
  • SMP Hearing Status (Josh Peters, DCD Staff): The next session for BOC discussion on the SMP (originally March 25th) is delayed because the Prosecuting Attorney's Office (PAO) is still conducting its legal review (00:17:01.550).
  • SMP Hearing Openness: The public hearing is currently still open, and written testimony continues to be accepted (00:17:33.104). DCD staff confirmed they will post the new draft well in advance of the new deliberation date (estimated sometime in April or later), which will include PAO-recommended changes for legal risk purposes (00:20:26.955).
  • Commissioner Dean's Comment: Encouraged the public to keep comments focused on policy rather than personalized attacks on people or businesses (00:22:20.506).
  • Document Fees (Commissioner Brotherton): Clarified that the recording fees increased, but the most significant portion that increased went to the state, not the county. The county's smaller portion decreased due to a drop in the number of transactions caused largely by high interest rates (00:23:07.330).

Public Comments

  • Gordon King (via Zoom, as Panelist): Received clarification on the next steps for the SMP.

Supporting Materials Referenced

The impact of real estate document fees on housing funds was a key point of discussion (00:13:46.764).

Financials

  • Shelter funds were cut in half due to decreased real estate document transactions (00:13:46.764).

Alternatives & Amendments

No formal alternatives discussed, only process adjustments for the delayed SMP hearing.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Action: DCD staff are awaiting the PAO's draft of proposed SMP amendments.
  • Next Steps:
    • - DCD Staff (Josh Peters): Set a new deliberation date after receiving the PAO draft and notify the public; update the website accordingly.
    • - DCD Staff (Josh Peters): Set a closing date for written testimony once the deliberation date is confirmed.

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:24:03.937–00:25:02.608
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda
  • Categories: operations, contracts, infrastructure, services, personnel

Topic Summary

The Board reviewed and approved the consent agenda, noting the presence of an item regarding the implementation of a mobile payment system (ParkMobile) for County campgrounds.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Brotherton highlighted the importance of the item regarding the on-demand user fee and ParkMobile implementation at campgrounds, calling it an easy update that reflects "how the world works now" (00:24:07.840).
  • The transition to mobile payment systems was noted as a "Big labor saver" (00:24:40.723).

Public Comments

No public comment on the consent agenda items was provided.

Supporting Materials Referenced

The following substantive items were approved in the Consent Agenda packet: - Naylors Creek Culvert Replacements Contract: Awarded $1,696,325.00 construction contract to Nordland Construction NW, Inc., funded 100% by the Federal Highway Administration. - I/DDAB Appointments: Approved the resignation of Cherish Cronmiller and appointed Sara Peck and Michelle Simmons to open three-year terms. - ParkMobile Campground Agreement: Approved a five-year agreement with ParkMobile, LLC, to provide mobile payment options, generating a $1.00 share of the $2.00 user fee for the County. - Juvenile Services FFT Agreement: Approved a $30,000 contract with Patricia Oden for Functional Family Therapy (FFT) for juvenile offenders, funded by DCYF/JR Evidence Based Expansion dollars. - Port Hadlock Phase 3 Sewer Contract: Executed the $4,997,707.00 contract with Seton Construction, Inc., for the low-pressure sewer system construction, fully funded by grants and loans. - Port Hadlock Phase I Wastewater Funding: Accepted the $6,667,000.00 combined financial assistance agreement from the State Department of Ecology (ECY), including a grant, forgivable loan, and SRF loan for the Phase I core area project. - Oak Bay Camp Host Agreement: Approved the compensated $8,075 agreement with Terry Taylor and Susan Cartmel Taylor for April 1 - October 31, 2024. - DOH Consolidated Contract Amendment: Approved Amendment No. 18 to the Consolidated Contract with the Department of Health, increasing funding by $64,983 for WIC, Sexual & Reproductive Health, and the BEACH Program. - WaTech Aerial Imagery SLA: Approved a two-year, $20,000 cooperative purchase agreement with WaTech for aerial imagery service for County GIS.

Financials

  • Financials for multiple items were approved as part of the consent agenda (see above). The $1.00 user fee revenue from ParkMobile was highlighted (00:24:09.919).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed; items approved as presented in the consent agenda packet.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approve and adopt the consent agenda as presented.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: Dean, Eisenhour, Brotherton).
  • Next Steps: The County Administrator/Public Works will proceed with the execution and processing of all contracts and appointments.

Letter of Support: Hoh Tribe Congressional Earmark

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:25:02.608–00:29:52.945
  • Agenda Item: Unscheduled/Walk-on Item (Hoh Tribe Letter of Support)
  • Categories: infrastructure, land use, government affairs

Topic Summary

The Board addressed a walk-on item to approve an immediate letter of support for the Hoh Tribe's congressional appropriation request (earmark). The funding is for a turn lane off Highway 101 to facilitate the movement of their village to a new highland location and to support a new convenience store/gas station. The due date for the letter was established as noon on the same day.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Eisenhour introduced the letter of support, confirming the congressional appropriation ask is for a turn lane off Highway 101 (00:25:40.244).
  • The tribe is moving its village up closer to Highway 101 (00:25:48.250).
  • The request is jointly supported by WSDOT (WashDOT) since WSDOT would be the entity constructing the turn lane (00:28:01.445).
  • Commissioner Brotherton asked about the safety of entering and leaving the state highway at that point (00:28:27.892).
  • The letter is addressed to all three members of the county's congressional delegation for the current spending year (00:28:40.216).

Public Comments

  • One online participant clicked the raise hand button but clarified they intended to offer general public comment and not comment on this specific legislative item (00:29:14.597).

Supporting Materials Referenced

The content of the draft letter was displayed on screen (00:26:00.237).

Financials

The support is for a congressional appropriation request (earmark). No specific dollar amount was mentioned in the discussion or motion.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approve sending the letter in support of the Hoh Tribe's request for a congressionally directed community project.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: Dean, Eisenhour, Brotherton).
  • Next Steps: The letter will be processed and submitted to the congressional delegation before the noon deadline (00:25:48.250).

Public Comment: Short-Term Rentals, Permits, and Transparency

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:29:14.597–00:35:43.191
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: planning, services, permitting, ordinances

Topic Summary

Dan Tish provided public comment, thanking the County for holding short-term rental (STR) community sessions. His primary request was to expedite the resolution of the DCD website's inability to allow users to look up permit information, citing this lack of transparency as a major hindrance to residents trying to verify compliance with STR and zoning regulations. The commissioners discussed interim solutions for public access to permit information.

Key Discussion Points

  • Public Permit Access: The speaker noted the continuing problem with the DCD website being unable to allow the public to look up permit information due to ongoing software conversion issues (00:30:26.900).
  • Compliance Check: The inability to check permits hinders residents attempting to find out if neighbors are in compliance with STR and zoning regulations (00:30:48.271).
  • Commissioner Dean: Observed that many people attending the recent community STR meetings were short-term rental owners who did not realize they needed a permit (00:32:10.167).
  • Transparency Solution: Commissioner Eisenhour suggested an interim step: creating a publicly posted spreadsheet of the 78 currently permitted STRs so residents can verify if their neighbors are compliant, stating this is easier than dealing with 330 separate public records requests (00:32:34.601).
  • Concern over Workload: Commissioner Dean expressed concern that making the list easily available would result in an overwhelming influx of complaints, potentially generating "330 complaints in a month" for code compliance officers (00:34:06.554).
  • Total STRs: It was stated there are only 78 permitted STRs, but reportedly 400 to 500 total STRs operating in the County (00:35:03.974).

Public Comments

  • Dan Tish: Requested the County expedite the process of making permit information searchable and transparent on the DCD website (00:30:52.026).

Supporting Materials Referenced

There are 78 permitted short-term rentals in the County according to recent staff recounts (00:32:56.458).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Discussion focused on the interim solution of posting a public spreadsheet of existing STR permits.
  • Other solutions mentioned: requiring a third-party listing (like Airbnb) to display the license number (00:33:39.682).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Action: No formal action; the item was referred to Mark McCauley and DCD staff for review of interim data access solutions (00:34:24.995).

Commissioner Reports: Eisenhour

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:35:57.664–00:45:57.976
  • Agenda Item: Commissioner Reports
  • Categories: services, infrastructure, environmental, land use, planning

Topic Summary

Commissioner Eisenhour provided updates on her recent committee and interdepartmental activities, focusing on behavioral health, drainage district focus groups, organics management, and state-level planning concerning forest resources. A major ongoing effort is facilitating the focus groups for the Chimacum drainage district to include more area landowners. She also reported on the deep urban-rural divide in state-level organics management solutions.

Key Discussion Points

  • Behavioral Health: Attended the quarterly Behavioral Health Advisory Committee meeting, which included an update on opioid settlements (00:36:09.538).
  • Chimacum Drainage District: Held the second geography-specific focus group meeting for the drainage district, focused on the Eastern Reach (00:37:13.891). Postcard mailings are planned to reach the approximately 400 landowners who have not yet participated (00:38:41.005).
  • Lake Shammaconis: There is concern that lake conditions are worsening due to a lack of maintenance over the last couple of years (00:39:37.555). The Conservation District is performing drone flyovers to photograph the extent of the lake (00:39:44.441).
  • Organics Management (DNR, Ecology): Discussions revealed a "vast divide between urban and rural issues" regarding organics management solutions. Current recommendations largely favor urban approaches due to population density allowing for viable commercial composting operations (00:41:06.315). The solutions discussed largely excluded rural areas due to capacity issues (00:43:06.550).
  • Rural Organics Need: Eisenhour specifically requested consideration for a dedicated rural track for organics management planning to address the significant portion of carbon emissions derived from this stream (00:43:45.688).
  • Forestry Contract: Met with Mallory for a monthly check-in regarding her contract, stating there are plans for "thining projects" and more harvesting on County-owned lands (00:44:27.122). Mallory intends to market the wood locally first (00:44:43.910).
  • Ecosystem Coordination/Puget Sound Partnership: The next Hood Canal Coordinating Council/Puget Sound Partnership meeting will be alongside the Ecosystem Coordination Board meeting (00:45:04.226).
  • Short-Term Rentals: Attended the Tri-Community Center discussion on STRs (00:45:57.927).

Public Comments

No public comments received during this report.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Alternative for reaching landowners: postcard mailing planned to supplement reliance on local email lists (00:37:40.282).
  • Alternative/Next Step for Organics: A "rural track" for planning was suggested to the Department of Ecology (00:43:45.688).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The report was informational; no action taken.

Commissioner Reports: Dean

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:46:05.284–00:59:04.012
  • Agenda Item: Commissioner Reports
  • Categories: services (social/housing), economic development, workforce, grants, infrastructure, ordinances

Topic Summary

Commissioner Dean’s report covered a wide range of topics, heavily focused on economic development, housing, and grant preparation. She detailed efforts to support the local Economic Development Council (EDC), including advocating for a 32-hour work week structure, and discussed the ongoing challenges and systemic delays affecting the Recompete grant application due to missing state data. A significant portion of the report focused on the urgent housing crisis, especially concerning the closing shelter, and the need to explore the County’s emergency encampment ordinance. Finally, she addressed potential solutions for better short-term rental enforcement, acknowledging the complexity of the issue.

Key Discussion Points

  • EDC and 32-Hour Work Week: Attended the EDC Finance Committee and is advocating for the EDC to reframe newly vacant communications and bookkeeper positions (currently 20-35 hours) as full-time 32-hour jobs with a competitive wage ($31/hr) (00:46:55.012).
  • Recompete Grant Delays: The Recompete grant application (focused on job creation, barrier removal, and workforce development) is suffering from systemic delays because the critical data needed will not be available until early to mid-April (00:49:11.725). This is compressing the time available to write the grant.
  • Housing/Shelter Crisis: Attended meetings regarding the closing shelter (00:51:08.626). The shelter has been extended for another month with OlyCAP support (00:51:26.992). The County is exploring options, including using the emergency encampment ordinance to find gaps that faith-based organizations might fill (00:51:26.992).
  • Prime Age Employment Gap (PEGS): Discussed the ongoing struggle to understand why people in the 25-54 age group (PEGS) are not participating in full-time employment, suggesting childcare and the "too many hours" perception play a role (00:52:16.181).
  • Shoreline Master Program (STR) Discussion: Attended two community discussions about short-term rentals, noting that many owners were unaware of the permit process (00:53:05.650). Discussion included concerns that making STRs harder does not automatically convert them into long-term rentals (00:53:30.624).
  • STR Enforcement Mechanism: Strongly supported the idea of requiring STR platforms (like Airbnb) to enforce the permit/license requirement by only listing properties that submit their county-issued license number (00:56:02.233). This was noted as happening in Seattle (00:56:46.748).
  • Lodging Tax Revenue: Attempted to determine the percentage of lodging tax revenue contributed by STRs but could not find the breakdown in the Treasurer's reports (00:54:04.439).

Public Comments

No public comments received during this report.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Advocated for a competitive wage of $31/hour for two redefined EDC positions (00:47:05.481).
  • Lodging tax revenue from STRs was referenced but could not be quantified (00:54:04.439).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Proposed using STR platforms to self-enforce the permit requirement (00:56:02.233).
  • Exploring the Emergency Encampment Ordinance (00:51:26.992).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The report was informational; no action taken.

DNR Quarterly Update: Timber Sales and Non-Timber Revenue

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:58:51.429–01:41:58.794
  • Agenda Item: DNR 4th Quarter County Income Report Update (Briefing)
  • Categories: operations, planning, infrastructure, permits, environmental, budgeting

Topic Summary

DNR representatives met with the Board to review the County's 2023 financial performance related to state forestlands, provide an outlook for 2024 and 2025, and discuss operational challenges including pre-harvest planning (cultural resources), the timber market, mischief, and new technologies. DNR reported a successful 2023, closing out at $4.3 million (well above the $1.5M average). The 2024 projection is lower at $711,000. Discussions covered the importance of cultural resource assessments, increased public recreation use, and emerging biochar technology for slash pile management.

Key Discussion Points

  • 2023 Revenue: Total revenue accrued to Jefferson County in CY 2023 was $4,432,494.00, which is significantly higher than the 10-year average of $1.5 million to $1.7 million (01:01:10.792; per packet $4,432,494.00 accrued).
  • 2024 Revenue Projection: Expecting approximately $711,000 under contract for 2024, placing the year "quite a bit under average" (01:03:34.783).
  • 2025 Revenue Projection: A key sale, "VALADJUSTED SALE," is anticipated to generate between $800,000 and $1 million (total value) and is the primary income expectation for 2025 (01:06:10.220).
  • Timber Market: The market has been performing well for several years but is currently "slipping a little bit" with a downward trend (01:07:31.607).
  • Timber Tax (TAB) Revenue: Assessor Jeff Shetman asked about the consistency of timber tax revenue (TAB). DNR staff predicted a decrease, driven largely by private side reductions (Rainier's cut is way down near 30 million feet) and the slowing down of harvesting (01:13:00.110).
  • Cultural Resource Assessments: Required for any DNR timber sale plan, triggering an archaeologist review if anything "shows up on the report" (01:13:57.970). This process, and coordinating with local tribes, can add weeks to the layout process (01:14:43.884), but DNR has embedded this into its core procedures (01:18:32.417).
  • Land Management: DNR stated that the high quality of existing old-growth-like timber stands is a result of DNR management practices, not despite them, emphasizing staff expertise and adherence to strict forest practices rules (01:22:50.443).
  • Enforcement/Mischief: DNR reported increased issues with dumping (e.g., spending $6,000 to remove a Class A RV) and illegal "leave tree theft" (01:26:08.534; 01:25:08.572). The agency has hired a new officer, increasing on-the-ground patrol capacity, including night shifts (01:26:52.141).
  • Public Recreation: Saw a "huge increase" in year-round recreation, especially dispersed camping and campground use, attributed to COVID-19 (01:28:57.749).
  • Recreational Shooting Pilot: DNR confirmed that their congressional appropriation request for a recreational shooting pilot project was funded, providing the first opportunity for the County to discuss site selection (01:31:40.904). Needle Rock/Tarboo Lake area was mentioned as a possible location, but the final site is undetermined, and the DNR Recreation ADM is just beginning to define the process (01:35:58.372).
  • Biochar/Slash Piles: Discussed the potential for new biotech (biochar) operations to utilize slash piles. DNR is supportive, noting it would solve their slash burn headaches and provide a stable supply of product instead of the current volatile market for Herman’s cogeneration fuel (01:38:09.469).

Public Comments

No public comments received during this briefing.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • 2023 Revenue Accrued: $4,432,494.00 (from packet).
  • 2024 Under Contract: $891,503.86 (from packet; $711,000 discussed in meeting).
  • Land Areas: DNR manages 14,722 acres in Jefferson County (from packet).

Financials

  • 2023 Accrued Income: $4.3 million (01:01:10.792).
  • 2024 Expected Income: $711,000 (01:03:34.783).
  • 2025 Projected Sale (Valadjusted): $800,000–$1 million total value (01:06:10.220).
  • Clean-up Cost: $6,000 spent to remove one abandoned Class A RV (01:26:08.534).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Trustland Transfer Discussion: The "South Ozette" legacy land transfer site in Clallam County, valued by the Makah Tribe and others, is an active topic currently being worked through (01:20:23.039).
  • Recreational Shooting: DNR is seeking sites with easy access (likely near Port Angeles/North side) but faces challenges defining the pilot program procedure.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The briefing was informational. - Action: No action taken. - Next Steps: - - DNR Staff: Monitor the process and timeline for the recreation shooting pilot project and keep the Board informed (01:36:40.375). - - Commissioner Dean: Will maintain contact with DNR regarding the recreational shooting site selection (01:36:06.503).

Commissioner Reports, Looking Ahead, and Legislative Priorities

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:42:39.654–02:19:40.526
  • Agenda Item: Commissioner Reports / Future Agenda Planning
  • Categories: services (healthcare/social), housing, economic development, government affairs (WASAC)

Topic Summary

The Commissioners provided detailed reports on their ongoing activities, focusing heavily on grant and earmark submissions for major infrastructure and housing projects (Mill Road and OlyCAP shelter), the challenges of coordinating those applications, and state-level policy work. Commissioner Dean reported on the State Board of Health meeting, including an inspiring presentation by the Suquamish Tribe's high-touch healthcare model. Looking ahead, priority was given to scheduling an ordinance on local home funds (transfer tax for housing) as a legislative priority for WASAC.

Key Discussion Points

  • State Board of Health: Commissioner Dean reported attending the meeting/dinner at the Suquamish Tribe's facility, noting their high-touch wellness center model includes childcare and "walk-you-from-one-clinic-to-the-other" patient navigation, leading to positive outcomes, especially for addiction treatment (01:46:20.233).
  • Newborn Screening: The State of Washington tests every newborn for 32 conditions, with 215 out of 217 positive cases receiving treatment within two days (01:48:25.581).
  • Puget Sound Partnership/Maritime Washington: The Maritime Washington National Heritage Area is launching a grant program offering $250,000 for small grants (under $10,000) for maritime, non-profit events, and interpretive work (01:51:26.790).
  • Congressional Earmark Updates:
    • Mill Road Project: The $1.8 million request, done primarily by Steve King, City of Port Townsend, looks good (01:55:07.501).
    • OlyCAP Shelter Project: Applying for approximately $2.5 million to account for increased costs due to the "Buy America" provision; the OlyCAP team is meeting with congressional staff soon (01:56:08.861).
  • Funding Timeline: The earmark process is highly fluid; Congressional offices should choose their projects this summer, but funding allocation (FY25 budget) may be delayed until the following year (01:58:23.287).
  • Planning/County Climate Goals: A strategy to "de-politicize" the county's upcoming climate goals discussion was adopted, aiming for department-head buy-in by making the goals achievable and department-driven rather than mandated by the BOC (02:00:43.994).
  • San Juan Home Fund (WASAC Priority): Commissioner Dean proposed advocating for a technical fix to an RCW that currently prevents most counties from exercising a local option (voter-approved) 0.5% real estate excise tax (REET) to fund workforce housing (02:08:09.799). The current RCW requires a pre-condition (investment in conservation by 2003) that only San Juan County met (02:09:42.243). This fix is prioritized for WASAC.

Public Comments

No public comments received during this report.

Supporting Materials Referenced

RCW 82.46.075 was briefly reviewed as the legal mechanism for the home fund discussion (05:32:18.733).

Financials

  • Mill Road Earmark request: $1.8 million (01:55:48.046).
  • OlyCAP Earmark request: Approx. $2.5 million (01:56:29.380).
  • San Juan Home Fund provides $1.5 million per year for workforce housing (02:09:33.435).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Home Fund Legislative Fix: Proposal to change (or remove) the 2003 deadline in RCW 82.46.075 to allow all counties to adopt the local option real estate excise tax to fund workforce housing (02:09:50.397).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The report was informational. - Next Steps: - - Commissioner Dean: Will prepare a legislative proposal for the San Juan Home Fund RCW technical fix for WASAC approval in May (02:09:50.397). - - Commissioner Brotherton: Agreed to assume coverage of the EDC meeting on May 2nd (04:54:33.987).

Workshop: Uniform Rules for Adoption of Ordinances and Resolutions

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:26:18.148–04:41:21.267
  • Agenda Item: Workshop: Proposed Ordinance for Adopting Rules of Procedure
  • Categories: ordinances, operations, planning

Topic Summary

The Board held a workshop to review a draft ordinance designed to create uniform, internal rules for the adoption of ordinances, resolutions, and motions. The proposed ordinance aims to increase county efficiency, transparency, and consistency by codifying procedures already practiced, such as requiring all ordinances to be approved as to form by the Prosecuting Attorney’s office. A key addition requested by the Board was greater specificity within the document regarding when a public hearing is required for a resolution, as this has been a source of confusion.

Key Discussion Points

  • Goal: To establish basic, internal requirements for ordinances, motions, and resolutions, codifying best practices to make the County operationally more "efficient, consistent, and transparent" (04:27:06.293).
  • Legally Enforceable (Internal Only): The ordinance is only enforceable internally by the County Administrator and the Board; it is not for public use or reliance (04:27:45.659).
  • Standardization: Standardizes requirements for public notice, including specific content requirements and the timelines for publishing (14 days before the hearing) (04:28:47.106).
  • Approval as to Form: Reaffirms the requirement that all proposed legislative documents must be approved as to form by the Prosecuting Attorney (PAO) or designee, meaning the document is "in a form sufficient to enforce the ordinance" and is reviewed against local, state, and federal laws (04:29:19.920).
  • Public Hearing Clarification: Commissioner Brotherton requested more explicit language on when a hearing is required, noting that an ordinance always requires a public hearing (under RCW 36.32.120 Sub 7) but a resolution does not, unless mandated by state statute or County code (04:33:07.963).
  • PAO Response: PAO staff agreed to make the ordinance more explicit, possibly by including a non-exclusive list of resolutions that require a public hearing (04:37:00.514).

Public Comments

No public comments were provided during this workshop.

Supporting Materials Referenced

The "Proposed Ordinance for Adopting Rules of Procedure" detailed the definitions and procedural steps to be codified as Chapter 2.55 JCC.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed ("Fiscal Impact: None").

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Proposed Amendment: Amend the ordinance to be more explicit about which resolutions require a public hearing to clear up internal confusion (04:36:29.983).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Action: No action taken; item was a workshop for Board guidance.
  • Next Steps:
    • - PAO Staff: Will review the document for explicit clarity on public hearing requirements for resolutions (04:37:55.260).
    • - BOC: The hearing notice for this ordinance is slated for consideration on the March 25th consent agenda and for potential adoption on April 8th at 11:00 AM (04:38:40.581).

Letter of Support: Mason PUD No. 1 Grid Resiliency Project (Amendment)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:41:41.703–04:47:56.702
  • Agenda Item: Unscheduled/Walk-on Item (Mason PUD No. 1 Letter of Support Amendment)
  • Categories: contracts, infrastructure, government affairs

Topic Summary

The Board adopted revised language for the two letters of support for Mason PUD No. 1's Grid Resiliency Project. The revisions were intended to add "nuance" and make the letters stand out to congressional staff by opening with a stronger statement regarding the frequent, lengthy, and potentially "existential" power outages experienced by rural residents in south Jefferson County.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Eisenhour proposed amending the letters to highlight the vulnerability of the current system along Highway 101 and the "existential concern" heard by the BOC from Jefferson County residents (04:43:51.479).
  • The amendment inserted a new, high-impact paragraph near the beginning of the letter to provide context about the severity of the outages (04:44:07.557).
  • One letter is addressed to Senator Cantwell, and the other to Senator Murray, asking them to select the project for appropriation funding (04:46:47.054).

Public Comments

No public comment was taken on this item since the action was a minor amendment to previously discussed support letters (04:47:20.892).

Supporting Materials Referenced

The agenda packet outlined the Grid Resiliency Project, noting that the current single-feed system along Highway 101 (Hoodsport to Mt. Walker) is highly prone to outages, leading to power loss for over three days during 2022 storm events.

Financials

No specific financial information was discussed beyond the fact that the project would be federally appropriated.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Amendment: The letters were amended to include language detailing the "existential concern" of rural south Jefferson County residents due to repeated outages (04:43:51.479).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to send the two amended letters of support for the Mason PUD No. 1 congressional appropriations request.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: Dean, Eisenhour, Brotherton).
  • Next Steps: The amended letters will be processed and sent immediately.

Briefing: DOE Grant for Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) and Stock Plans

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:56:09.307–05:21:09.548
  • Agenda Item: DOE Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Briefing
  • Categories: grants, planning, economic development, environmental, land use

Topic Summary

The Board received a briefing from staff (Brent Butler) and a Climate Action Committee (CAC) representative (Page Klawell) regarding an upcoming Department of Energy (DOE) competitive grant application. The grant aims to build capacity for local energy efficiency/conservation and C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) implementation. The main focus of the application will be funding certified commercial energy auditors, which the County currently lacks, and potentially securing funds to audit the County's previously approved commercial stock plans for energy code compliance.

Key Discussion Points

  • Grant Purpose: The DOE Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) is competitive and designed to fund capacity building for smaller cities/counties not eligible for direct federal funding (04:58:32.048).
  • Grant Focus Areas: The grant application must focus on certain objectives, primarily advancing energy strategy, equity, and policy goals (04:58:46.713). The due date is April 1st (04:59:17.612).
  • Target Areas: The County qualifies to apply because the screening tool identifies areas in the West End (District 3) and zip code 98268 (Chimacum) as "burdened communities" based on multiple factors (e.g., population loss from natural hazards, high energy costs, heart disease, transportation barriers) (05:01:03.120).
  • C-PACE Program: The C-PACE program enables commercial owners to finance resiliency and energy improvements (zero fossil fuels, EV charging, seismic hardening) that align with climate action goals (05:03:02.951).
  • Proposed Use of Funds (Primary): The CAC's priority is applying for funds (estimated target request: $100,000) to contract for trained energy auditors (05:12:01.153). No commercial auditors currently exist in Jefferson County, and this expertise is the first step property owners need to qualify for C-PACE loans (05:11:05.258).
  • Proposed Use of Funds (Secondary/Questionable): Staff inquired whether the grant could cover the engineering and auditing costs for commercial stock plans to meet higher energy code standards (05:13:55.761). Staff have asked DOE for clarification, as the Board previously funded only the $8,000 plan review, requiring applicants to pay for subsequent inspections (05:14:24.847).
  • Public Outreach: Despite the grant listing public education as an option, the CAC decided not to apply for this, believing that current members and partnerships (like Local 2020) have the resources and skills to handle public outreach without grant funding (05:18:25.552).

Public Comments

No public comments received during this briefing.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Target Areas: Specific zip codes (West End/District 3 and 98268 Chimacum) were cited to show the presence of "burdened communities" (05:01:03.120).
  • C-PACE Program: Referenced the RCW that outlines C-PACE standards and project types (05:03:30.406).
  • Greenhouse Gases: Buildings contribute about 44% of greenhouse gas emissions (05:09:40.479).

Financials

  • Target Grant Request: Approximately $100,000 (05:12:01.153).
  • $7,100 was the estimated cost for one-time inspection coverage for the commercial stock plans (05:14:55.828).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Focus: The application will focus on funding trained commercial energy auditors (the capacity-building need) over public education (where the County believes it has internal capacity) (05:18:39.421).
  • Staff confirmed that if the grant is successful, they will return to the Board for approval of the full agreement (05:20:30.890).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The briefing was informational. - Decision: No action taken; the Board encouraged staff to move forward with the application. - Next Steps: - - Staff (Brent Butler): Submit the competitive grant application before the April 1st deadline. - - Staff: If successful, return to the BOC for final contract approval.

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