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04/08/24 09 AM: Jefferson County Board Tackles Homelessness, Safety, Infrastructure, Planning

Jefferson County Board Tackles Homelessness, Safety, Infrastructure, Planning

Meeting featured public concerns on shelter conditions, South County policing, encampments, pools, roads, EV chargers. Board defended operations, pulled EV deal for workshop, approved road transfers, STR moratorium, pool task force, sewer vouchers; discussed homeless future, ordinances.

Public Comments and Board Responses

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:47–00:52:13 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, personnel, public safety, contracts, planning, other

Summary

Public commenters raised concerns about homeless shelter conditions, South County law enforcement shortages, a proposed pool facility, unpermitted encampments, consent agenda road transfers, and EV charger specifications. Board members responded by defending shelter operations, committing to explore South County deputy allocation from Pleasant Harbor funding, reviewing pool task force plans, directing code enforcement follow-up on encampments, clarifying road maintenance shifts to Central Services and Solid Waste, and pulling the EV charger agreement from consent for further discussion due to technology and rate concerns.

Key Discussion Points

  • Maggie (unspecified affiliation): Described shelter as unsanitary with non-functioning showers, rodents, fund misappropriation; alleged conflicts of interest with officials on OlyCAP board; urged exoneration of homeless for sleeping in parks.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: No conflict per AG audit; showers work; shelter critical lifeline; will visit encampment sites.
  • Shelley Armel (Bremerton resident): Requested dedicated South County sheriff deputy from Pleasant Harbor; criticized pool document as recycling failed plans.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: Supports dedicated deputy; pool task force to set agenda.
  • John Holbert (Brennan resident): Echoed need for South County police presence.
  • Will Ferry (Port Townsend): Complained of unpermitted illegal camp on county right-of-way at South Second Street.
  • Commissioner McCarty: Code enforcement prioritizing; field trip to shelter suggested.
  • Online commenter (unspecified): Praised Jacob Miller Road cleanup; opposed consent items on road transfers and EV chargers as obsolete/underpowered.
  • Tracy Coleman (Central Services Director): Critter Lane to Central Services (re-graveling soon); EV via grant, no county cost/maintenance; level 2/3 mix; 13-ft cable sufficient.
  • Board: Pulled EV item 5 for workshop; approved consent minus 5.

Public Comments

  • Maggie: Shelter unsanitary; conflicts; exonerate homeless.
  • Shelley Armel (Bremen): South County deputy; oppose mega pool.
  • John Holbert (Brennan): Need South County police.
  • Will Ferry (Port Townsend): Unpermitted encampment on county property.
  • Online (Mark Trish): Road transfers unwise; EV chargers obsolete (8-yr tech, underpowered); pull item 5.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Consent agenda items: Road log adjustments (Landfill Road to MP 0.26, Critter Lane removal); EV Site Host Agreement (4 Level 3 DCFC at 150kW, 1 Level 2 at 7.6kW; grant-funded; county revenue $0.05/kWh DCFC, $0.03/kWh L2).

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Consent agenda approved minus item 5 (EV chargers pulled for workshop).
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: Dean, Brotherton, Eisenhour).
  • Next Steps: EV workshop (possibly afternoon or following week); shelter site visits; South County deputy discussions with sheriff.

Adjustment of County Road Logs (Landfill Road and Critter Lane)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:52:13–00:53:37 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, operations

Summary

Public Works proposed removing short internal roads (County Landfill Road beyond MP 0.26 and Critter Lane) from the official County Road Log to shift maintenance from County Road Fund to Solid Waste and Central Services, respectively. Online commenter opposed as Solid Waste/Animal Shelter lack funds; board clarified Central Services to maintain Critter Lane (re-graveling soon) and noted incoming Humane Society funding agreement.

Key Discussion Points

  • Roads as driveways: Gated, not public; general practice avoids county roads with gates.
  • Mark Trish (online): Opposed transfers; shelters short-funded.
  • Tracy Coleman: Critter Lane to Central Services (re-grade/re-ravel in 2 weeks); Landfill Road logical for Solid Waste.
  • Board: Makes sense; Humane Society funding agreement forthcoming.

Public Comments

  • Mark Trish (online): Animal Shelter/Solid Waste unqualified/short-funded for roads.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Agenda packets: Adjust Landfill Road ending MP from 0.55 to 0.26 (internal beyond scales to Solid Waste); remove Critter Lane (0.16 miles driveway to shelter, to Central Services).

Financials

  • Maintenance shifts from County Road Fund to Solid Waste/Central Services funds.
  • No figures discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved as part of consent agenda.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • No next steps specified.

Site Host Agreement for EV Charging Stations (Consent Item 5)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:16:20–00:43:29; 04:31:48–04:32:00 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, contracts, budgeting

Summary

Board pulled consent item 5 for EV Site Host Agreement with EVCS at Port Townsend Community Center (4 Level 3 DCFC 150kW, 1 Level 2 7.6kW; grant-funded, 10-year term). Public/staff raised concerns on obsolete tech (8-yr old, CCS vs NACS/J3400), underpowering, short cables, uncapped rates, revenue share ($0.05/kWh DCFC, $0.03/kWh L2). Tracy clarified grant limits options (host only, no county cost/maintenance); board sought workshop on future-proofing, rates, power.

Key Discussion Points

  • Mark Trish (online): Obsolete Level 2 (7kW), short cables; pull for review.
  • Tracy Coleman: Grant-funded (federal for PTCC Level 3 ~150kW min); 13ft cable sufficient; no rate cap (PUD sets); 5¢/kWh rebate from EVCS charges; 10-20yr maintenance.
  • Board: Pull for workshop; negotiate upgrades (e.g., 350kW, fewer higher-power); visitor center Level 2 useless; contact grant admin/EVCS.

Public Comments

  • Mark Trish (online): Obsolete tech/standards, underpowered; need Level 3; pull item.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • EVCS Agreement: 4x Level 3 (150kW Noodoe), 1x Level 2 (7.6kW); grant (WSDOT ZEVIP); county revenue share; 10yr term; EVCS owns/maintains.

Financials

  • No county cost (grant covers install/maintenance).
  • Revenue: $0.05/kWh DCFC, $0.03/kWh L2 (rebate from EVCS charges).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Negotiate higher power (350kW, fewer units); forgo revenue; Level 3 at visitor center.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Pulled from consent; tabled to April 15 workshop.
  • Vote: Unanimous pull.
  • Next Steps: Tracy contact EVCS/grant admin; EVCS consultants (McKay/Botsford) joined 4/8; review rates/uptime (97% WashDOT std).

Letter of Support for EJFR CARES Program

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:53:37–00:55:42 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, services

Summary

Board approved letter supporting East Jefferson Fire Rescue's FIRE CARES co-responder program for AWC funding (2024-2025), praising its response to aging population's non-emergent 911 calls and service linkages. Correction made to years (2024-2025).

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Eisenhour: Personal experience with EJFR paramedics during family medical event.
  • All supported.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Letter from Chief Bret Black requesting support for 2023-2024 funding extension.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve all signing this letter of support with the date modifications as noted."
  • Vote: Unanimous (motion Brotherton, second Eisenhour).
  • No next steps specified.

CDBG-CV Grant Closeout Public Hearing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:18:43–01:39:20 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, services, planning

Summary

Public hearing held for closeout of $321k CDBG-CV grant (used for homeless services at Caswell-Brown Village after reallocation from COVID nav). Funds enabled fairgrounds encampment relocation, site prep/management; served 327 low/mod income persons. No action required; certified complete.

Key Discussion Points

  • Amanda Christofferson (Grants Admin): $321k expended ($196k+100k reallocated 2022-23); OlyCAP subrecipient; 327 served (136 very low income).
  • Robin Pangborn (ex-shelter mgr): Built community/standards at landing pad to Caswell-Brown Phase 2.
  • Debbie Steele (Community Build): Volunteers built 21 tiny shelters; missed OlyCAP but proud.
  • Commissioner Dean: Success story; next: transitional housing.
  • No public testimony.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • CDBG-CV Closeout Report: $321,450 expended; 327 beneficiaries; hearing certifies performance.

Financials

  • Total Expended: $321,450.11 (Admin $10,963; Subsistence $19,093; Homeless $291,393).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Hearing held; no action (informational closeout); McCauley signed report.
  • No next steps specified.

Future of Emergency Homeless Shelter

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:39:36–01:48:24 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, budgeting, contracts

Summary

Board discussed continuing American Legion shelter post-June (OlyCAP contract ends); potential county-led coalition; $27k Housing Fund Board funds available to June 30; hire coordinator (possibly under county direct, housing role); new state recording fee funds incoming. Field trip suggested.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Eisenhour: Field trip to shelter.
  • Staff: OlyCAP to June ($27k); Legion open to county lease; Public Health natural home for staff.
  • Board: Coalition (faith orgs/city); housing czar role; Housing Fund Board special mtg; check other counties.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • $27k Housing Fund to June 30; new state recording fees (competitive, ~$25M statewide).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • County direct staff vs dept; year-round vs seasonal.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action; staff explore staffing/budget/coalition.
  • Next Steps: Greg meet stakeholders; Housing Fund Board special mtg; pull $27k to June 30.

Rules for Adoption of Ordinances/Resolutions/Motions Public Hearing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:48:51–02:05:31 (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances

Summary

Public hearing opened on procedural ordinance (Ch. 2.55 JCC) standardizing ordinance/resolution/motion processes (one subject, hearings, formatting, PAO review). Incorporated prior feedback; hearing continued to review late comments.

Key Discussion Points

  • Philip Hunsucker (PAO): Uniform process/transparency; workshops ok but no adoption w/o notice; codify general/permanent ordinances.
  • Late comments from David Alber noted.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Draft ordinance (revisions per BoCC/BoH/PAO).

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Hearing continued to April 15, 1:30pm.
  • Next Steps: Review comments; clean revised draft.

Moratorium on Short-Term Rental Permit Applications

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:19:57–02:29:15 (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances, land use, planning

Summary

Board adopted emergency ordinance (01-0408-24) imposing 1-year moratorium on new STR permit apps (JCC 18.20.210) to allow STR regulation review amid housing crisis (>500 unpermitted STRs). No public comment; PC review May 1.

Key Discussion Points

  • Josh Peters (DCD Dir): >400 unpermitted; grace period post-rules.
  • 2017 housing emergency cited.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Draft ordinance.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Port Hadlock Sewer: Voucher Program Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:29:52–03:02:18 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, budgeting, contracts

Summary

Workshop on phased on-site grinder pump connections (prioritize high-water users); voucher up to $2,500/property for electrical to grinder pump control panels (~$300k total, ARPA). Board approved direction; grease traps business cost.

Key Discussion Points

  • Samantha Harper (Project Mgr): Stages 1-4; county owns grinder pumps; voucher for 240V/30A service.
  • ~135 properties; no plumber reimbursement.

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Maps/stages; voucher app; $5.9M total on-site est.

Financials

  • Vouchers: $2,500 max/property (~$300k ARPA); total project $5.9M (Ecology/EPA).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Proceed with voucher program.
  • Next Steps: PAO review; publish info.

Healthier Together Aquatic Center Task Force Appointments

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:02:36–03:36:36 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, other

Summary

Board unanimously appointed 8-member task force (2/district + JAC at-large) to review pool options (sites, designs, costs, financing); mostly Zoom, written comments; workplan at first mtg. Public urged OPMA, community poll.

Key Discussion Points

  • Appointees: D3 (Adele Govert, Lynn Hovde); D2 (Jim Scarantino, Celeste Schoenthaler); D1 (Todd McGuire, Nancy Spenser); JAC (Craig Henry, Mary Rothschild).
  • 8 mtgs biweekly; facilitator (Greg?); OPMA-like.

Public Comments

  • Mark Trish: OPMA required; chair/Roberts; no bios sharing (PRA); redundant.
  • Shelley Armel: Not anti-pool; poll community; public mtgs.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Task force doc (workplan, norms).

Financials

  • Staff time only.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Internal chair vs facilitator; OPMA training.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Create the task force and seat the members."
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: First mtg soon; confirm availability.

Background Materials

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