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05/13/24 09 AM: Public Works Updates: Roads Cert, Playground, Trail, Waste Fees

Public Works Updates: Roads Cert, Playground, Trail, Waste Fees

Jefferson County Board recognizes Public Works' CRAB certification securing $1.4M annual gas tax for 400 miles of roads; updates include JUMP playground shade tarps and $500k Phase 2 grant, Olympic Discovery Trail ROW completion for $5M summer build, and solid waste minimum fee hike data showing efficiency gains and low-income discounts.

CRAB Certificate of Good Practice Recognition and Public Works Roads Program Updates

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:05:59.725–00:28:48.548 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, operations, budgeting

Summary

The Board recognized Jefferson County Public Works Roads Department for receiving the 2023 County Road Administration Board (CRAB) Certificate of Good Practice, required for eligibility to receive approximately $1.4 million annually in motor vehicle fuel tax revenues. Public Works Director Monte Reinders highlighted the department's maintenance of 400 miles of county roads, four times the mileage managed by WSDOT in the county, and ongoing projects including the fully grant-funded Center Valley Road rehabilitation via Rural Arterial Program (RAP) funding. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the department's leadership and progress on various initiatives.

Key Discussion Points

  • Public Works Director Monte Reinders noted the certificate ensures gas tax distribution and eligibility for grants like RAP for the Center Valley Road project, a 4-mile rehabilitation last paved over a century ago, 100% funded by motor vehicle fuel tax without county matching funds [00:09:07.324–00:11:25.227].
  • County Engineer Monty Reinders (attributed via context) detailed challenges managing 400 miles of roads and cash flow for multiple grant-funded projects, including a potential cash flow loan for upcoming $5 million bridge and trail work [00:10:02.699–00:27:16.062].
  • Commissioner praised progress on road improvements visible while driving Center Valley Road and overall Public Works leadership [00:06:22.228–00:06:57.655].

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Packet confirms CRAB certification under CRAB Resolution 2024-004 on April 25, 2024, covering administration, engineering, maintenance, budgeting, and IT standards per RCW 36.78.020; ensures continued state gas tax distribution per RCW 36.78.090 and WAC 136-04-050.

Financials

  • Annual motor vehicle fuel tax: $1.4 million.
  • Center Valley Road project: 100% RAP grant-funded (motor vehicle fuel tax), no county funds.
  • Upcoming projects: $5 million bridge replacement; Olympic Discovery Trail segment: $5 million (state RCO with federal match); fish barrier replacements: $1 million (Layer Creek); sign replacements: $700,000 (federal).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational recognition and photo with certificate; no formal motion or vote.
  • No next steps specified.

Jump Playground Updates

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:12:14.762–00:19:15.873 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, services

Summary

Public Works provided updates on solutions for hot black orca slides at the Jefferson Universal Movement Playground (JUMP) and progress on Phase 2 expansion funded by a DANTONG grant. Shade tarps will be installed over portions of the playground, coordinated with Phase 2, funded partly by county capital, with poles mostly outside the play area. Volunteers led by Sarah Grossman secured over $500,000 no-match DANTONG grant for Phase 2 targeting younger children (ages 3-6), after the area was prepared but grassed over due to prior cost overruns.

Key Discussion Points

  • County Engineer detailed fiberglass orcas retaining heat; solution is large triangular shade tarps common in hotter climates, providing shade, rain protection, and cooler play surface; county capital funding for foundations and installation coordinated with Phase 2 [00:12:27.161–00:15:56.182].
  • Phase 2 grant over $500,000 (100% no-match via state DANTONG); for youngest kids on poured-in-place tiles; volunteers including Sarah Grossman worked with Parks staff Matt Tyler [00:16:34.286–00:18:19.129].
  • Public Works also assisted Quilcene skate park grant application, advancing to first round and topping region [00:18:28.638–00:18:59.025].

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No specific supporting materials referenced in discussion.

Financials

  • Phase 2 DANTONG grant: over $500,000 (100% no-match).
  • Shade tarps: county capital funds for foundations/poles; tarps cost-effective to replace every 7-10 years.

Alternatives & Amendments

Alternatives considered for orcas: different colors (reduced temperature but altered appearance); removal to Colorado impractical/disruptive [00:12:35.618–00:13:16.554].

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update; congratulations extended.
  • No next steps specified.

Olympic Discovery Trail Updates

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:19:15.873–00:25:38.631 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, planning

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:19:15.873–00:25:38.631 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, planning

Summary

Public Works reported completion of right-of-way acquisition to Anderson Lake State Park boundary for the Olympic Discovery Trail segment, now through certification with WSDOT due to federal funds; construction planned for next summer as a $5 million project. The route uses switchbacks for <5% grade; state parks to connect through park. Design nearly complete for related section on Old Highway 9, also building next summer.

Key Discussion Points

  • All right-of-way acquired (county, private, DNR trades); part-time ROW employee completed WSDOT certification for federal Transportation Block Grant match to RCO funds [00:19:46.505–00:20:49.605].
  • $5 million project to state park boundary; state parks to build internal trail (thicker path, not 10-foot paved) [00:22:51.750–00:23:23.090].
  • Old Highway 9 section (most challenging) permitting underway; staffing/cash flow limits simultaneous builds with Center Road, signs, fish barriers [00:22:02.560–00:26:45.048].

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No specific supporting materials referenced in discussion.

Financials

  • Project cost: $5 million (RCO state funds with federal Transportation Block Grant match).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Construction next summer; RAISE grant on TIP then annual construction program.

Solid Waste Program Fee Revisions Update and Customer Survey

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:28:48.548–01:13:53.838 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, budgeting, services

Summary

Public Works Solid Waste Manager Al Cairns presented six-month data (Nov 2023–Apr 2024) on minimum fee increase from $10 to $20 (first since 2014) and new low-income discount (LID), aimed at reducing small-load self-haul congestion by encouraging curbside pickup (39% subscription rate in unincorporated area). Per-ton fee up 2.5% to $167; Q1 2024 showed 5-20% margin after three red years; small loads still 69% of transactions (up from 61%). Survey of 91 customers found 41% minimum-weight loads, 53% curbside-aware, average $31 needed to shift behavior; LID used by 841 solid waste/585 yard debris customers ($14,260 discount).

Key Discussion Points

  • Minimum fee controls demand; curbside more efficient (Waste Connections compacts 1000 homes/trip, pre-compacted loads allow 100 tons/2 staff vs. 100 tons/6 staff for self-haul) [00:31:05.816–00:34:19.255].
  • Fuel proxy for GHG: curbside 49% fuel/68% tonnage vs. self-haul 51% fuel/32% tonnage [00:34:50.496–00:35:42.046].
  • Customer survey (Mar 12-23): 41% Port Townsend (despite mandate), 87% residential; 34% fee too high; comments: social outing, cheaper than Clallam, illegal dumping risk [00:49:41.183–01:00:01.482].
  • LID success: $28,520 annual forecast cost, social responsibility win [00:48:19.516–00:48:54.349].
  • Household hazardous waste events efficient (same material/4 days vs. 50 days fixed site) [00:39:13.960–00:43:01.814].

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Packet details fee revisions (Res. 31-23, Nov 2, 2023), LID pilot (50% off minimum for EBT/Apple Health), 841/585 usages, $28,520 annual forecast; survey findings match transcript; programs funded by fees ($620k recycling).

Financials

  • Minimum fee: $20 (up from $10/2014); per-ton: $167 (up 2.5% from $162.93/2019).
  • LID discount: $14,260 (6 months); annual forecast $28,520.
  • Q1 2024 margin: 5-20%; prior 3 years red, spending reserves.
  • Recycling: $620k/year; HHW events: $25-27k each.

Alternatives & Amendments

Discussed potential future per-ton differential for self-haul vs. commercial, higher minimum for mandated-curbside areas; monitor through summer peak [01:03:11.794–01:03:41.679].

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational workshop/briefing; committed to fall report post-busy season.
  • No next steps specified.

Background Materials

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