MEETING: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Apr 01, 09:00 AM

County Sources

Packet Contents

AI Information

MEETING DATE: 2024-04-01

CALL TO ORDER AND COMMISSIONER PARTICIPATION

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:05.000–00:00:33.000
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated
  • Categories: operations

Topic Summary

The meeting of the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) was called to order. Commissioner Brotherton was absent on vacation, and Commissioner Kate Dean and Commissioner Heidi Eisenhower were both participating remotely. Commissioner Dean noted the shift back to a largely virtual format for the day and requested staff in the chambers, specifically Mark McCauley, to manage visual cues.

Key Discussion Points

  • The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Dean (00:00:05.000).
  • Commissioner Brotherton was noted as being on vacation (00:00:20.000).
  • Both Commissioner Dean and Commissioner Eisenhower were joining remotely (00:00:20.000).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

Decision: Meeting commenced with two commissioners participating remotely. Vote: Not applicable. Next Steps: Mark McCauley will assist with identifying speakers in the chamber for the remote commissioners.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:44.000–00:11:43.000
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: services, housing, public safety, operations, planning

Topic Summary

The public comment period included feedback on the need for more subsidized housing inventory, specific critiques of local shelter conditions for the disabled homeless population, concerns about the spread of measles and the need to recognize Public Works (roads) in community proclamations, requests to delay the timing of the public comment period in meetings, and an update on the selection of nominees for the Aquatic Center Task Force.

Key Discussion Points

  • Maggie (In Chambers):
    • The United States is behind the G7 nations by 5 or 6 times in subsidized housing inventory (00:02:42.000).
    • Affordable housing is economically discriminatory to the disabled; homeless campers near DFC will not be able to afford the new affordable housing units and will be displaced (00:02:53.000).
    • Shelter housing is "not housing," citing exceptions to discrimination, lack of essential amenities (showers/water), rodent infestation, and excessive noise (00:03:20.000).
    • Specific shelters (e.g., 209 Mineral, Caswell Brown) are reportedly violating contracts due to unworkable portable showers/toilets (especially for the disabled); staff often lack CPR certification and understanding of disability (00:04:39.000).
    • Suggested alternatives include leasing land for small villages with alternative kitchen, shower, and toilet solutions, focusing on land restoration and long-term reasons for occupancy (00:05:25.000).
  • Mr. Teersch (Online):
    • Asked for the status of measles from Public Health, noting its high infectivity and spread across the country (00:06:26.000).
    • Praised the County's efforts on roads, which he identified as the sector where the "biggest chunk of our tax dollars goes" (00:07:00.000). He suggested roads should be mentioned in the County Government proclamation (00:07:16.000).
  • [Ms. Unclear name, possibly Yule/You]:
    • Implored the Board to move the public comment period later in the morning, potentially after lunch, so the public can comment on items discussed the same day (00:07:39.000).
    • Requested formal public outreach on whether the public desires another study on the pool process due to "so much money implications" and widespread opposition to more taxing (00:08:30.000).
    • Expressed concern that pursuing a new taxing district for the pool would result in a "real negative in how we look at how county government works" (00:08:50.000).
  • Ms. McDade (Jefferson Aquatic Coalition):
    • Reported the Jefferson Aquatic Coalition would meet that afternoon at 2:00 PM to finalize two selections for the Healthier Together Task Force (00:09:31.000).
    • Clarified that one nominee also applied for the at-large seat and both live in District 2 (00:10:06.000).
  • Commissioner Responses:
    • Commissioner Dean noted the intention to build in public comment during specific agenda items with public interest to address the scheduling concern (00:12:52.000).
    • Commissioner Dean agreed with the importance of roads, echoing Mr. Teersch (00:12:28.000).
    • Regarding the Aquatic Center Task Force, Commissioner Dean stated the task force's intent is to increase public feedback, as members will hear from neighbors and friends (00:13:35.000).
    • Commissioner Dean confirmed the measles question would be brought up to Dr. Barry (00:14:22.000).
    • Responding to Maggie, Commissioner Dean acknowledged the crisis point in accessible housing, noting the County is constrained by state definitions for very low-income housing (00:15:12.000).
    • She reported a 50% loss in funding for very low-income housing this year due to ties to decreasing recording fees (00:16:06.000).
  • Ms. Cochran:
    • Expressed support for the Public Health Department proclamation, calling them "incredible allies" in working with shelter and encampment issues and supporting the requested funding for the Laundry Vouchers Program (00:17:00.000).

Public Comments

  • Maggie: Against affordable housing plan near DFC; criticized shelter conditions for the disabled; advocated for small villages on leased land.
  • Mr. Teersch: Requested measles update; praised Public Works/roads and suggested inclusion in the County Proclamation.
  • [Ms. Unclear Name]: Requested moving public comment later in the day; implored BOCC to formally gauge public support for a new pool study/taxing district.
  • Ms. McDade: Provided update on Aquatic Coalition nominee selection.
  • Ms. Cochran: Supported Public Health, particularly regarding shelter/encampment work and the Laundry Vouchers Program.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Meeting Packet Summary: Public Health is requesting approval for an agreement re: Laundry Vouchers Program (Mom’s Laundromat) for the unhoused population, with a total cost not to exceed $6,000.00 (Consent Agenda).

Financials

  • Commissioner Dean reported the loss of approximately half of the funding for very low-income housing this year due to decreasing county recording fees (00:16:06.000).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Maggie suggested supporting "small villages with alternative ways of Doing the kitchens and the showers and the toilets" on leased, potentially restorable land (00:05:25.000).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

Decision: Public comment closed (00:11:43.000). Next Steps: - The Board will schedule a discussion about the Aquatic Centre Task Force Appointments (00:11:59.000). - The measles status question will be presented to Dr. Barry (00:14:22.000). - The Board will wait for Diane McDade's email regarding the Aquatic Coalition nominees (00:09:55.000).

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:17:47.000–00:19:45.000
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda
  • Categories: contracts, services, personnel, budgeting

Topic Summary

The Commissioners approved the April 1, 2024, Consent Agenda. Commissioner Eisenhower noted the inclusion of contracts for Investment Custody Services, and both commissioners expressed appreciation for the Laundry Vouchers Program and the committee appointments included on the agenda.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Eisenhower commented on learning about "custody services for our investments," noting that the State Treasurer chooses a provider (Principal Bank) to oversee county investments (00:17:58.000).
  • Commissioner Eisenhower highlighted the Laundry Vouchers on the agenda as a "great example of our work of our public health team" (00:18:20.000).
  • Commissioner Dean acknowledged the "number of appointments" for community committee volunteers on the consent agenda (00:18:30.000).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The Consent Agenda included approval of the Investment Custody Services Contract with Principal Bank for four years (4/1/2024-3/31/2028), increasing the annual cost by $1,000, funded by Fund 001.270.
  • The Consent Agenda included approval of the Agreement re: Laundry Vouchers Program (Mom’s Laundromat), not to exceed $6,000.00, funded by Foundational Public Health Services.
  • The Consent Agenda included Advisory Board Appointments for SWAC, Olympic Area Agency on Aging, I/DDAB, and the Housing Fund Board.
  • The Consent Agenda also approved Resolution No. 37-24 for the 2024 Equipment Rental and Revolving Fund Rental Rates and the disposal of Surplus Personal Property from the Clerk’s Office and Parks & Recreation.

Financials

  • Investment Custody Services Contract: increased annual cost by $1,000 to $4,000 per year, funded from Fund #: 001.270 (Non-Departmental).
  • Laundry Vouchers Program: total maximum payment of $6,000.00, funded by Foundational Public Health Services (Fund # 127).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

Decision: Motion made by Commissioner Eisenhower and seconded by Commissioner Dean to approve the April 1, 2024 consent agenda (00:19:39.000). Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: Dean, Eisenhower) (00:19:45.000). Next Steps: Contractual and appointment processes move forward according to the terms of the approved documents.

PROCLAMATION: NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK (APRIL 1-7, 2024)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:19:45.000–00:28:10.000
  • Agenda Item: Proclamation
  • Categories: services, public safety, personnel, budgeting

Topic Summary

The Board adopted a proclamation declaring April 1-7, 2024, as National Public Health Week, acknowledging the vital work of the Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) department. Public Health staff, Veronica McCravey and Jen Brown, accepted the proclamation and highlighted the department's large presence, strategic budgeting, harm reduction programs, and dedicated staff.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Dean noted that both she and Commissioner Eisenhower were joining remotely due to caregiving needs and medical preparations, respectively, but stressed the importance of the proclamation (00:20:06.000).
  • The proclamation outlined JCPH’s role in preventing and mitigating health threats (infectious diseases, natural disasters due to climate change) and collaborating across non-health sectors (00:21:11.000).
  • Veronica McCravey, representing Public Health, expressed gratitude for the Commissioners’ support (00:23:43.000).
  • In response to a question from Commissioner Eisenhower, Veronica McCravey stated that JCPH currently has approximately 55 staff members (00:24:34.000).
  • Commissioner Dean praised the department for its large "outsized" presence for a small county, citing its forward-looking approach to obtaining funding for essential services (00:24:47.000).
  • McCravey emphasized JCPH's need to "strategize, we prioritize, and we're strategic with our budgeting" to maximize the limited general fund and seek outside funding (00:25:14.000).
  • McCravey noted that Director Apple Martin’s leadership enabled the expansion of harm reduction programs, supported by Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS) funding (00:26:00.000).
  • McCravey affirmed the staff's excellence and professionalism (00:26:48.000).
  • McCravey announced that the Public Health Hero Awards would be given at the Board of Health meeting on April 18th at the courthouse (00:27:38.000).

Public Comments

  • Ms. Cochran (during initial public comment) praised Public Health employees as "incredible allies" (00:17:00.000).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Proclamation - National Public Health Week: Confirmed that the proclamation recognized JCPH's role in addressing climate change, public health emergencies, and health equity.

Financials

  • Department relies heavily on strategic budgeting and applying for "outside funding" because of limited general fund resources (00:25:23.000).
  • FPHS funding supports programs like harm reduction (02:26:00.000).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

Decision: Motion made by Commissioner Eisenhower and seconded by Commissioner Dean to approve the proclamation (00:23:18.000). Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: Dean, Eisenhower) (00:23:26.000). Next Steps: Commissioners Dean and Eisenhower will sign the proclamation later in the week and deliver it to the public health office (00:27:32.000).

PROCLAMATION: NATIONAL COUNTY GOVERNMENT MONTH (APRIL 2024)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:28:10.000–00:34:21.000
  • Agenda Item: Proclamation
  • Categories: operations, planning, personnel, services

Topic Summary

The Board adopted a proclamation recognizing April 2024 as National County Government Month. The discussion highlighted the extensive, often unrecognized, role of county government in residents' daily lives, covering services from health and justice to infrastructure. Staff pointed out the complexity of overseeing 11 elected officials and the many state mandates administered locally.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Dean noted that county government is often "a unknown to a lot of people even though it touches their lives daily" (00:32:19.000).
  • The reading of the proclamation highlighted services including public health, justice administration, infrastructure (water, broadband), parks, libraries, and workforce development (00:29:43.000).
  • Mr. McCauley, addressing a public comment from earlier, expressed pride in the County’s road maintenance (00:31:22.000).
  • Mr. McCauley confirmed that Deputy Clerk of the Board Adiel McKnight has been promoted to Deputy Clerk of the Board (00:31:37.000).
  • Commissioner Eisenhower expressed astonishment at the sheer volume of responsibilities governed by the County, noting that staff often must clarify legislative authority for programs mandated by the state (00:32:56.000).
  • Mr. McCauley, reflecting on his 23 years in county government, noted that counties are generally perceived as running well, which is often why people "don't think about it much" (00:33:58.000).

Public Comments

  • Mr. Teersch (during initial public comment) requested that roads be included in the proclamation (00:07:00.000).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Proclamation - National County Government Month: Stated that the proclamation was intended to highlight county services, including administration of justice, public health, and infrastructure.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

Decision: Motion made by Commissioner Eisenhower and seconded by Commissioner Dean to approve the proclamation (00:31:04.000). Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: Dean, Eisenhower) (00:31:13.000). Next Steps: Commissioners Dean and Eisenhower will sign the proclamation later in the week (00:34:21.000).

COMMISSIONER AND ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:34:30.000–00:45:11.000
  • Agenda Item: Commissioner/Administrator Reports
  • Categories: land use, planning, public safety, contracts, services, infrastructure, budgeting

Topic Summary

Commissioners Dean and Eisenhower, along with County Administrator Mark McCauley, delivered updates on various meetings and activities from the previous week. Key activities included ongoing work on public health subcommittees (small-scale solid waste and the Law Library Board), discussions on transitional housing funding, securing federal appropriations for local infrastructure (a potential roundabout) and the new emergency shelter, and labor negotiations preparations.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Eisenhower (00:34:38.000):
    • Attended the Board of Health subcommittee on environmental public health, focusing on small-scale solid waste disposal and the complexities of regulating RVs hooking up to disposal facilities (00:35:04.000).
    • Attended the first meeting of the revitalized Law Library Board of Trustees since the 1980s, where they discussed pros and cons of maintaining hard copy books versus online subscriptions for legal resources (00:36:45.000). Found most users do not rely on hard copies (00:38:18.000).
  • Commissioner Dean (00:39:30.000):
    • Met with Mr. Teersch on ferry advisory committees and potential legislative fixes (00:39:46.000).
    • Met with the Jefferson Transit climate action steering committee concerning outreach for their climate action plan, including an upcoming survey (00:40:05.000).
    • Attended the Intellectual Developmental Disability Board meeting, noting their large reliance on state/regional entities and an efficient small budget (00:40:37.000).
    • Attended a Housing Fund Board meeting; the board recommended allocating $27,000 for 2024 and 2025 to mitigate the impacts of the Emergency Shelter closure (00:41:18.000).
    • Met with Senator Murray’s staff to discuss two federal appropriation projects (00:41:45.000):
      1. Caswell Brown emergency shelter construction (takes precedence) (00:42:01.000).
      2. Mill Road intersection design funding (for a larger-than-WSDOT-proposed roundabout to address a challenging city-county line intersection) (00:42:15.000).
  • Mark McCauley (County Administrator) (00:43:05.000):
    • Met regarding the flow of funds for the sewer project and the complex accounting of the "running credit" and debt service fund (00:43:19.000).
    • Met with Public Health Director Apple Martin on strategic plan items (00:44:00.000).
    • Attended the risk pool conference and executive board meeting (00:44:33.000).
    • Met with Sara Monson and Bob Ron to discuss negotiating parameters for Corrections and Central Services bargaining units (00:44:50.000).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Workshop re: Emergency Shelter Closure: The Housing Fund Board recommendation to allocate $27,000 for 2024/2025 (reported by Commissioner Dean) is related to the issue discussed in the workshop (March 25, 2024).

Financials

  • Housing Fund Board recommended $27,000 allocation for 2024 and 2025 to mitigate Emergency Shelter closure impacts (00:41:37.000).
  • The federal appropriations sought are for: 1) Caswell Brown emergency shelter, and 2) a design study for the Mill Road roundabout (00:42:01.000).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Discussion on a potential, better-designed roundabout at the Mill Road intersection (00:42:15.000).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

Decision: Informational reports concluded. Next Steps: - The $27,000 Emergency Shelter mitigation funding decision will come before the commissioners at a future date (00:41:37.000). - Labor negotiation closed session is scheduled for the afternoon (00:45:06.000).

MONTHLY PUBLIC HEALTH AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT UPDATE

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:45:11.000–01:02:20.000
  • Agenda Item: Monthly Public Health Update
  • Categories: public safety, services, contracts

Topic Summary

Dr. Allison Berry (Public Health Officer) reported that the region is officially exiting the flu and RSV season, with rapid reductions in cases. COVID-19 severe disease and hospitalizations are also decreasing. The bulk of the discussion focused on the current national spread of measles, current availability and guidelines for COVID-19 treatments (Paxlovid/vaccination), and travel risks. Willie Bence (Emergency Management) announced an upcoming, free community training event on heat and wildfire smoke emergencies.

Key Discussion Points

  • Respiratory Disease Status (Dr. Berry):
    • Officially moving out of flu and RSV season with rapid downtrends (00:45:45.000).
    • COVID-19 severe disease rates (hospitalizations) are decreasing nationally, statewide, and locally, corroborated by wastewater data in the Port Townsend area (00:46:03.000).
  • Measles (Dr. Berry):
    • Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease seeing a resurgence in places with low vaccination rates (00:47:27.000).
    • Symptoms can include rash and flu-like illness, but rarely severe outcomes, including encephalitis, deafness, blindness, or death, particularly in young children (00:48:02.000).
    • Active measles outbreaks are occurring in Clark County and Spokane County, WA (00:48:45.000). No local cases have been seen, but Public Health is closely monitoring the I-5 corridor due to population movement (00:49:02.g).
    • Unvaccinated children exposed to a measles case would have to stay home for 21 days (the incubation period) (00:49:21.000).
    • The MMR vaccine starts at age one; protection lasts into adulthood. Individuals born before the 1960s are often immune from having contracted measles (00:50:42.000).
  • COVID-19 Treatment & Travel (Dr. Berry):
    • Travel is a significant risk factor for contracting COVID-19 due to indoor gatherings in airports, boarding, and at event destinations (00:53:11.000). Recommended masking during TSA, boarding, takeoff, and landing (00:53:37.000).
    • Paxlovid Eligibility: High-risk individuals (over 65, or those with asthma, neurologic, cardiac/lung disease, hypertension, or immunosuppression) are eligible (00:55:01.000).
    • Paxlovid must be taken within 5 days of symptom onset (the sooner, the better) to be effective (00:55:17.000).
    • For high-risk individuals on Medicare, Medicaid, or who are uninsured, Paxlovid remains free through the end of 2024 (00:56:48.000).
    • Masking is met with less public anger now, suggesting it's safer for nervous individuals to mask up in non-masking spaces (00:57:33.000).
    • Data Tracking: Nationally, total case counts are not tracked; hospitalization and death metrics are tracked by statute and reported to the CDC (00:58:29.000).
  • Emergency Management (Willie Bence):
    • Announced a free "environmental emergencies" training for the public on heat and wildfire smoke (00:59:50.000).
    • Training Details: April 10, 5:30 PM–7:00 PM at Finn River in Chimacum, with speakers from the Olympic Clean Air Agency and WA State Department of Health (01:00:04.000).
    • People at high risk from heat or smoke include the elderly, those with cardiac or lung disease, all children, and all pregnant people (01:01:27.000).

Public Comments

  • Mr. Teersch (during initial public comment) requested the status of measles outbreaks (00:06:26.000).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Monthly Public Health and Emergency Management Update: Confirmed the update was led by Dr. Berry and Willie Bence, with training details for April 10 at Finn River.

Financials

  • Paxlovid is free through the end of 2024 for those on Medicare, Medicaid, or uninsured (00:56:48.000).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

Decision: Informational update concluded. Next Steps: - The public is encouraged to attend the environmental emergencies training on April 10 (01:00:17.000).

CENTRAL SERVICES 2024 WORK PLAN PRESENTATION

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:02:44.000–02:03:31.000
  • Agenda Item: Work Plan Presentation
  • Categories: operations, infrastructure, budgeting, land use, permits, personnel, records

Topic Summary

Central Services Director Tracy Coleman, along with staff members, presented a comprehensive 2024 Work Plan covering significant projects across IT, GIS, Records, Fleet, and Facilities. The presentation noted the critical need for financial corrections in the Equipment Rental & Revolving (ER&R) Fund, which has lost $1.5 million since 2017. Major infrastructure updates include migrating records to the cloud, advancing the EnerGov permitting system (Phase 1 launch July 1), and completing a courthouse-wide fiber installation by September 30. Numerous facility projects, including courthouse elevator modernization and septic system studies, were detailed, along with initial steps to address maintenance backlogs and capacity issues.

Key Discussion Points

  • IT and GIS (01:07:46.000):
    • Wiring for the new Records Building (55 Frederickson) is complete; VPN integration due April 12 (01:08:40.000).
    • Fiber installation across the Courthouse is planned for completion by September 30 to improve speed and reliability (01:10:42.000). Mikey from IT explained this will be done with minimal downtime (01:12:14.000).
    • Email storage migration to a cloud-based system is scheduled for May 31 (01:12:51.000).
    • EnerGov Database (Phases 1-3 for customer portal/EPH/DCC/PW) starts July 1 (01:14:37.000).
    • GIS is updating all addressing points to be compliant with 911 emergency call-out NENA standards by April 30 (01:16:32.000).
    • GIS staff are working on a Vector Tile Base map system for customized map viewing (e.g., roads only, water only) with Roads going live March 29 (01:17:30.000).
  • Records and Public Records (01:20:45.000):
    • Grant-funded project to migrate old records access database to Laserfiche Forms is due June 28 (01:21:07.000).
    • The Public Records Administrator is four months backlogged on email searches, which constitutes a major liability (01:24:41.000). Tracy Coleman recommended considering a cross-training program or additional hiring for succession planning (01:25:10.000).
  • Fleet/ER&R Fund Health (01:26:31.000 - Josh Montgomery, Fleet Manager):
    • The ER&R Fund has seen an average loss of $175,000 annually since 2017, totaling a $1.5 million loss (01:27:12.000).
    • The 2024 projected loss is $747,000, which would reduce the fund balance from $1.9M to $1.1M (01:27:20.000).
    • The loss is attributed to past issues with rental rates and the current system not properly allocating costs (01:27:45.000).
    • Goal: Sustain the fund at a $2 million balance (01:28:09.000).
    • Actions include removing $695,000 in non-fleet capital outlay projects, adjusting monthly rental rates (due to high parts and labor cost inflation/COVID increase), and formalizing consultation with department heads (01:28:31.000).
    • Fleet replacement strategy is projected through 2039 to smooth out peaks and valleys in replacement cost; the year 2032 is "especially worrisome" due to the cost of roads equipment (dump trucks, loaders) coming due (01:34:52.000).
  • Facilities and Capital Planning (01:37:06.000):
    • Courthouse Elevator Modernization: RFB out by April 5, with project completion anticipated by March 2025 (01:39:42.000).
    • Septic Upgrade/Community Center: A feasibility study for the septic upgrade at the Community Center is complete. The design scope includes potential rescue facilities, showers, and a commercial kitchen to be built in conjunction with a Parks Department RCO grant (01:41:06.000). The award is TBD based on the Parks Department's plan for a potential skate park (01:42:35.000).
    • EV Charging Stations: Negotiations for the Port Townsend Community Center EV Charging Station contract language were accepted today, allowing the project to move forward (01:49:13.000). The station will occupy the first three parking spots on Tyler Street (01:49:44.000). The Olympic Peninsula Visitor Center EV Charging Station funding was pulled, with staff waiting for status updates from WSDOT (01:48:26.000).
    • Animal Shelter: A facelift (window/canopy replacement, repainting holding pins) and a road upgrade are planned for completion by July 31 (01:45:47.000). The road will be turned over from Public Works to Facilities maintenance (01:46:09.000).
    • Maintenance Philosophy: Coleman emphasized that all of the current capital plan is "maintenance" and not capital for a new building. She questioned how the County can afford a new building amidst growing maintenance costs and constrained reserves (02:00:32.000). Commissioner Dean stressed the need for a long-range capital plan to avoid perpetual band-aids on aging facilities (02:02:04.000).
  • Climate Goals (Commissioner Eisenhower): Asked how climate goals are threaded into these decisions. Coleman indicated recycled materials, like those used for a splash pad, could be used for the shower/restroom facilities and that grant applications often require addressing climate aspects (01:56:01.000).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Central Services 2024 Work Plan Presentation: Provided the detailed timelines, financials, and project status for all IT/Facilities/Fleet work.

Financials

  • ER&R Fund: $1.5 million in total losses since 2017; $747,809 projected loss in 2024 (01:27:12.000).
  • The rental rate structure is complex, including depreciation, replacement cost, and overhead (01:32:06.000).
  • Large future capital expenses on roads equipment risk spiking the budget in 2032 (01:34:52.000).
  • Courthouse Elevator Modernization is an estimated six-month project (01:39:42.000).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Exploring two options for the Community Center septic project: only the required septic upgrade, or expansion to include facilities for a grant-funded RCO/skate park (01:41:06.000).
  • Considering options for the Olympic Peninsula Center siding rot: paint now to delay decay, or wait for LTAC funding to replace and paint (01:46:50.000).
  • Evaluating replacement of the modular home at the jail crisis addition ($275,000) versus maintained use (02:01:45.000).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

Decision: Informational discussion; no vote taken (02:02:58.000). Next Steps: - Staff will pursue the numerous capital projects according to the stated timelines. - Mr. McCauley confirmed he will "resurrect" the long-range capital planning committee to address the need for new facilities (01:58:48.000).

WORKSHOP RE: NEW BURN RESTRICTION MODEL

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:04:23.000–03:00:16.000
  • Agenda Item: Workshop
  • Categories: public safety, land use, ordinances, planning

Topic Summary

Fire Marshal Phil Cecere and DCD Director Josh Peters presented a proposed new burn regulation model, including a five-stage National Fire Danger Rating System for Jefferson County and clarity on fireworks and open flame devices. The central point of discussion was determining the best decision-making mechanism for enacting and changing burn restrictions, weighing the expediency of a Fire Marshal Declaration against the transparency of a more deliberative Board process.

Key Discussion Points

  • Proposed Burn Rating System: Cecere proposed adopting the National Fire Danger Rating System, which uses five color/risk levels (Green: Low to Red: Extreme), for clarity and consistency with state/federal lands (02:05:52.000).
    • Stage 2 (Moderate/Blue) is proposed as the default annual burn restriction season (July 1–September 30) (02:07:31.000).
    • Stage 3 (High/Yellow) would restrict recreational campfires, prohibit charcoal/wood cooking fires, and trigger fireworks restriction (02:07:50.000).
  • Ordinance Gaps and Clarifications:
    • Cecere raised the issue of Indian ceremonial fires held off-reservation during burn bans, which are not currently addressed directly in county code (02:11:07.000). Commissioner Dean felt keeping this as a permissible activity with proper notice was an appropriate "Nod to our sovereign tribal neighbors" (02:37:11.000).
    • The issue of the popular Solo Stoves (low-smoke wood burning containers) was raised for clarification on whether they would be treated as regular wood-burning devices (02:40:59.000).
    • Cecere recommended repealing antiquated code JCC 5.10.010, which designates the entire unincorporated county as "Fire Zone 3" (02:26:03.000).
  • Decision-Making Authority: Cecere sought guidance on which of these options to pursue (02:17:48.000):
    1. Annual BOCC Resolution (Current): Quickest, but still requires an agenda item; conditions can change weekly (02:14:43.000).
    2. Create a Burn Board: Provides public interaction but is cumbersome (Open Public Meetings Act, staff bandwidth) and slower (02:15:38.000).
    3. Fire Marshal Declaration (Quickest): Fastest decision, based on facts/science, but with minimal public interaction and high discretion (02:16:30.000).
    4. Commissioner Consensus: Both commissioners leaned toward the Fire Marshal Declaration (Option 3) for expediency while retaining transparency (02:50:32.000).
    5. Commissioner Dean suggested a hybrid model: Fire Marshal is empowered to change levels in extreme situations, but the board retains a regular public-facing status update/conversation (perhaps tied to the June 1 DNR report) (02:53:18.000).
  • Fireworks Restrictions and Tribal Reservations: Cecere confirmed that fireworks purchased on reservations are often commercial grade and illegal for use off-reservation anyway. Commissioner Dean expressed concern that the lack of clear, common enforcement authority for those purchased from tribal reservations created a "massive loophole" in fire restrictions (02:57:44.000). DCD will research how other jurisdictions (Kitsap, Mason County) manage this (02:57:28.000).
  • Short Term Renal Life Safety Inspections: Cecere proposed safety inspections every two years for STRs, requiring fire extinguishers, evacuation plans, and mandating that all outdoor wood-burning flame devices be secured during dry conditions (02:23:05.000).

Public Comments

No public comments specific to this workshop.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Workshop re: New Burn Restriction Model: Provided the details of the proposed 5-stage system, firework restriction, and STR safety checks.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Three options for implementing burn restrictions were discussed (BOCC Resolution, Burn Board, Fire Marshal Declaration) (02:17:48.000).
  • Commissioners suggested a hybrid model combining the expediency of the Fire Marshal’s authority with routine, public briefings (02:53:18.000).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

Decision: No formal decision made; staff received guidance (02:59:53.000). Next Steps: - Phil Cecere will develop a hybrid option for decision-making authority incorporating both expediency and transparency (02:54:27.000). - Staff will gather information on how neighboring counties (Kitsap, Mason) address the regulation of fireworks purchased on tribal reservations (02:57:28.000). - The discussion on the Aquatic Center Task Force appointments was postponed until the following Monday to include Commissioner Brotherton (03:01:07.000).

CLOSED SESSION AND ADJOURNMENT

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:03:01.000–03:04:15.000
  • Agenda Item: Closed/Executive Session
  • Categories: personnel

Topic Summary

The Commissioners entered an Executive Session with the County Administrator and Human Resources Director to discuss collective bargaining for Corrections and Central Services units. The meeting was set to reconvene at 3:00 PM, but the Commissioners ultimately adjourned early due to scheduling conflicts.

Key Discussion Points

  • The purpose was to discuss collective bargaining, professional negotiations, and review proposals for the Corrections and Central Services bargaining units (03:03:01.000).
  • The session was scheduled from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM (03:03:10.000).
  • Commissioner Eisenhower had a hard stop at 4:00 PM (03:00:37.000).

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 Board entered an Executive Session (03:03:10.000). Upon reconvening, the remaining commissioners agreed to adjourn early (03:03:50.000). Vote: The motion to adjourn was unanimous upon reconvening (03:03:43.000). Next Steps: The Board adjourned until the next regular meeting.

Generated On: 2025-11-07 14:04:53.558009-08:00 By: google/gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025 running on https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/