MEETING: Commissioners Meeting at Tue, May 28, 09:00 AM

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PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES SUMMARY

MEETING DATE: 2024-05-28 16:00:38+00:00

Public Comment: Jefferson County Food Bank

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:34–00:04:54
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Part of General Public Comment)
  • Categories: operations, budgeting, services

Topic Summary

Patricia Hennessey, the executive director of the Jefferson County Food Bank Association (JCFBA), provided an update on the organization's recent changes, increased demand for services, and internal financial review efforts. Following her hiring in November, the organization saw significant board turnover, including the retirement of the president, vice president, and treasurer. Hennessey stressed the commitment to financial oversight, noting that the board approved a forensic audit for historical review prior to external allegations being made. The JCFBA now serves over 3,200 households monthly, an increase of 600 since the beginning of the year.

Key Discussion Points

  • Hiring and Board Change: Patricia Hennessey was hired as the first executive director on November 6, following a board vote and approval in Spring 2023 (Hennessey, 00:01:42). Since then, the president, vice president, and treasurer retired, and two other board members resigned (Hennessey, 00:02:00).
  • Financial Oversight: The entire board approved a forensic audit for a historical review of JCFBA's books to ensure viability, with this decision being made prior to a former volunteer contacting the press and the IRS (Hennessey, 00:02:22).
  • Increased Demand: The association serves over 3,200 households a month, which is an increase of 600 in the first quarter of the year (Hennessey, 00:02:41).
  • Operations: The added demand impacts ordering and workflows, which volunteers are handling (Hennessey, 00:02:56). Food is purchased, occasionally from outside the region, but local sourcing is prioritized (Hennessey, 00:03:12).
  • Infrastructure Issues: JCFBA has an ongoing rodent issue in the dry area and is working with the health district and pest control experts to remedy it (Hennessey, 00:03:26). Capital improvements are needed at all locations, with a focus on securing funding without jeopardizing expenditures like food and staffing capacity (Hennessey, 00:03:42).
  • Conflict: Hennessey characterized the source of current complaints and false allegations as former board members and volunteers unhappy with the changes and hiring (Hennessey, 00:03:56). She called the behavior divisive, noting it negatively impacts assisting neighbors in need (Hennessey, 00:04:12).

Public Comments

  • - Patricia Hennessey (JCFBA Executive Director): Requested continued support for their mission to unite the four food banks and their shared assets (Hennessey, 00:04:34).

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • The need to secure funding for capital improvements without jeopardizing expenditures like food and staffing capacity was mentioned (Hennessey, 00:03:42).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

Hennessey was thanked for her update. Commissioner Dean noted she invited Hennessey to speak to provide a public forum update (Dean, 00:09:04). Commissioner Brotherton acknowledged the changes and stressed the need for an update on capital projects, specifically the co-op building in Twilight (Brotherton, 00:09:42). - Decision: No action taken; item was an informational public comment. - Vote: No vote taken. - Next Steps: - - Patricia Hennessey: Will attend the next food bank meeting to present a plan to move forward on the co-op building project (Hennessey/Brotherton, 00:10:40). - - Patricia Hennessey/JCFBA: May be invited to return for an afternoon workshop after planning and forensic accounting are complete (Brotherton, 00:10:32).

Public Comment: Housing and Homelessness Issues

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:05:03–00:08:47
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Part of General Public Comment)
  • Categories: services, housing, public safety

Topic Summary

Maggie, a resident, delivered a public comment criticizing the current approach to housing and homelessness, arguing that it is fundamentally flawed due to issues across shelter conditions, resource allocation, and policy. She specifically cited problems at the emergency shelter, including infrastructural failures (toilets, showers, flooding), discrimination, lack of basic amenities (cooking, ADA bathrooms), and opposition to permanent supportive housing (PSH). Maggie also alluded to political and military failures connected to inadequate housing policies.

Key Discussion Points

  • Inadequate Solutions: Housing and homelessness cannot be resolved by "duct taping working toilets," blocking showers due to rodent infrastructure/flooding in the basement, or by ignoring basic needs (Maggie, 00:05:18).
  • Failed Shelter Conditions: Cited specific issues at the shelter, including no place to cook, no ADA bathrooms, noise violations (3-4 times/week by landlords), discrimination against mental/physical illness and the elderly, and vigorous opposition to permanent supportive housing (Maggie, 00:06:03).
  • Policy Critique: Referenced the issue of arresting people who talk to the public about vacant promises on housing (Maggie, 00:06:17).
  • Broader Context: Cited works by Studs Terkel and Dr. Charles Plumb to suggest that socioeconomic problems cannot be solved militarily (Maggie, 00:06:40). Later, emphasized the link between stolen or improper elections and war (Maggie, 00:08:25).

Public Comments

  • - Maggie (Resident): Outlined critical and infrastructural failures in the county's handling of homelessness and housing services, particularly at the American Legion emergency shelter (00:05:18).

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed, only references to inappropriate funding use (Maggie, 00:05:18).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed beyond the call for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) (Maggie, 00:06:17).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

Commissioner Brotherton affirmed support for Permanent Supportive Housing but acknowledged operational costs were a challenge (Brotherton, 00:11:17). He reported inspecting the American Legion shelter, confirming both showers had hot water (Brotherton, 00:11:45). He emphasized the need for a new chapter at the shelter that includes the voices of those with lived experience and landlords through a policy council (Brotherton, 00:11:32). Commissioner Dean echoed the challenges of conflict among well-intentioned people and structural deficiencies in infrastructure due to lack of funding, noting that the county is working desperately to build a new shelter building (Dean, 00:13:32). - Decision: No action taken; item was an informational public comment. - Vote: No vote taken. - Next Steps: No next steps specified, though the need for a policy council for the emergency shelter was affirmed (Brotherton, 00:12:05).

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:15:45–00:20:40
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda
  • Categories: infrastructure, planning, operations, land use, contracts

Topic Summary

The Board adopted the consent agenda, which included approval of meeting minutes, and the formalization of several key projects and agreements, notably a road surface treatment project on Van Trojen Road and two interlocal agreements pertaining to public health and waste management. Informal discussion focused on the materials (bitumen), household hazardous waste collaboration with Kitsap County, and a resignation from the Noxious Weed Control Board.

Key Discussion Points

  • Van Trojen Road Project: Mention of an upcoming item for a road surface treatment project (creating a county project for Bituminous Surface Treatment (BST) (00:15:45). Commissioner Brotherton noted he had just learned about "bitumen," the petroleum product used in asphalt (Brotherton, 00:15:54).
  • Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) ILA: Commissioner Brotherton highlighted the importance of the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Kitsap County for year-round Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) disposal. This eliminates the need for residents to rely solely on infrequent collection events, utilizing the existing Kitsap facility and the new North Kitsap medium risk waste (MRW) facility opening in Kingston in 2025 (Brotherton, 00:17:42). He added that future events would have more lines and greater capacity to reduce wait times (Brotherton, 00:19:13). The supporting materials (Interlocal Agreement for Household Hazardous Waste Disposal with Kitsap County) specified that this agreement allows year-round, fee-free access for Jefferson residents to Kitsap's MRW facilities, charging Jefferson County $55.00 per customer, capped at $13,750 annually from the Solid Waste Fund.
  • Noxious Weed Control Board: A resignation was noted, leading to a vacancy on the Noxious Weed Control Board in District 2 (Brotherton, 00:19:33). Commissioner Brotherton joked that this now allows him to ask a neighbor to join, having personally removed poison hemlock from the roadside (Brotherton, 00:19:38).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Creation of County Project: Van Trojen Road Bituminous Surface Treatment: Approved the creation of the $154,600 capital project to upgrade 1.22 miles of gravel road to chip seal using Road Fund resources.
  • Interlocal Agreement for Household Hazardous Waste Disposal with Kitsap County: Approved the ILA allowing Jefferson residents year-round, fee-free access to Kitsap County HHW disposal for a fee of $55.00 per residential customer, capped at $13,750 annually.
  • Contract for De-escalation Training Services: Approved a $1,000 contract with Behavioral Health Solutions LLC for "Mental Health & De-escalation" training for JCPH staff on June 27, 2024, funded by CDC COVID-19 Public Health Workforce Development funds.
  • Data Sharing Agreement: Foodborne Illness Notification System (FINS): Approved a five-year, no-cost Data Sharing Agreement with WA DOH for Jefferson County Public Health access to the centralized FINS database for timely foodborne illness detection and control.

Financials

  • The Van Trojen Road project cost is estimated at $154,600 (Supporting Materials).
  • The HHW ILA fee is $55.00 per resident use, capped at $13,750 annually (Supporting Materials).
  • The De-escalation Training contract cost is $1,000 (Supporting Materials).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The Consent Agenda was approved. - Decision: Motion to approve the consent agenda for May 28, 2024 (Brotherton, 00:20:31). - Vote: Unanimous (Aye: Dean, Brotherton, Eisenhour, 00:20:38). - Next Steps: No next steps specified for the consent agenda items, beyond the implementation of the projects and agreements approved.

Dabob Bay Natural Area Expansion Proposal

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:45:04–01:37:36
  • Agenda Item: Dabob Bay Natural Area Expansion Proposal Support
  • Categories: land use, planning, environment

Topic Summary

DNR representatives Kristen Ohlson-Kiehn and Jayana Marshall presented an overview of the DNR's Natural Area Preserves (NAPs) and Natural Resource Conservation Areas (NRCAs) programs and detailed the proposal to expand the Dabob Bay Natural Area (DBNA). The expansion is driven by a 2023 legislative proviso requiring the designation of 2,000 acres of trust lands with structurally complex, carbon-dense "carbon sequestration forests" in Western Washington. The proposal incorporates 671 acres of trust lands in Jefferson County—the majority being State Forest Transfer lands—into the DBNA boundary, primarily to take advantage of the revitalized Trust Land Transfer (TLT) process for compensation.

Key Discussion Points

  • Background: DNR manages NAPs (for rare species, high protection, limited public use) and NRCAs (integrating conservation and low-impact public recreation) (Ohlson-Kiehn, 00:48:43). The DBNA was established in 1984 as a NAP and previously expanded in 2009 and 2015 (Ohlson-Kiehn, 00:54:42; 00:57:01).
  • Expansion Driver (Carbon Sequestration): A 2023 legislative proviso directed DNR to identify and designate 2,000 acres of trust lands with "structurally complex, carbon dense forest features" (Ohlson-Kiehn, 01:01:58). DNR used a scientific definition (Dr. Robert Van Pelt's) to identify these forests (Ohlson-Kiehn, 01:03:05).
  • Proposed Inclusion: The proposal includes 671 total acres of trust lands: 606 acres of State Forest Transfer lands (benefitting junior taxing districts) and 65 acres of Common School Trust lands (Ohlson-Kiehn, 01:10:06; 01:11:18).
  • TLT Process: Inclusion in the DBNA boundary enables DNR to use the revitalized Trust Land Transfer (TLT) process to pay beneficiaries for the land and timber values, allowing replacement of the timberland with economically productive lands elsewhere (Ohlson-Kiehn, 01:00:18).
  • DNR Proposal vs. County Request: The DNR proposal (depicted on slide 11) largely aligns with the County's previous request but excludes the area known as "Dabob West" (a marble occupied site not adjacent to the DBNA) to allow continued forest management for local districts (Ohlson-Kiehn, 01:12:50; 01:13:32).
  • Timeline and Public Process: DNR plans on publishing the public notice by May 29, opening a 30-day comment period, with a public hearing scheduled for June 17 at the Coyle Community Center (Ohlson-Kiehn, 01:15:19; 01:15:33). A commissioner decision is anticipated by early to mid-July (Ohlson-Kiehn, 01:16:03).
  • Tribal Consultation (U&C Rights): DNR affirmed they will actively reach out to interested tribes (Point No Point Treaty Council, Jamestown) to request consultation, noting that NRCA management plans specifically allow for tribal treaty rights (Marshall, 01:18:19; 01:23:07).
  • Public Access: Commissioner Eisenhour expressed concern about recreational access, noting illegal parking and dangerous log crossings (Eisenhour, 01:24:52). DNR confirmed that NRCAs are designed to integrate low-impact recreation (Ohlson-Kiehn, 01:26:04). The recent hiring of a Natural Areas Manager for the Olympic Region will allow DNR to assess access needs and pursue Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) funding to manage access (Ohlson-Kiehn, 01:26:31; 01:27:52).
  • Funding Uncertainty: A portion of the funding for the acquisition is derived from the funding for further implementation of this dependent on future Climate Commitment Act (CCA) proceeds, which is subject to repeal and subsequent decisions in November (Eisenhour, 01:35:31; Ohlson-Kiehn, 01:35:53). The TLT process serves as the backup (Ohlson-Kiehn, 01:37:10).

Public Comments

  • - Cindy Brass (Port Townsend): Strongly supported the DBNA expansion as a "nice first step" toward meeting carbon sequestration goals (01:30:04).
  • - Peter Dales (Director, Northwest Watershed Institute): Strongly supported the proposal, thanking the County and DNR for moving forward (01:31:16). He noted the project will protect a globally rare Rhododendrone forest (01:31:56). Dales clarified that some land purchase funding is available now through the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) to purchase State Forest Transfer lands, with TLT serving to fund the rest (01:32:38; 01:33:02). He also confirmed that the Jamestown and Port Gamble tribes have supported the project since 2020 (01:33:17) and have retained treaty rights (01:33:31).
  • - Cindy Cheney (Port Townsend, Climate Action Committee): Supported the proposal, noting it is consistent with the county's greenhouse gas inventory and carbon sequestration goals (01:34:31).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Dabob Bay Natural Area Expansion Proposal Support: DNR presented the proposal resulting from the December 2023 DNR Board of Nature Resources vote to proceed with the boundary expansion.

Financials

  • The expansion proposal involves 671 total acres of trust lands: 606 acres of State Forest Transfer lands and 65 acres of Common School Trust lands (Ohlson-Kiehn, 01:11:18).
  • Funding involves both the TLT process and current funding sources, including the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) (Dales, 01:32:48; Ohlson-Kiehn, 01:36:03).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • DNR's proposal excluded a marble occupied site (known as Dabob West) that the County suggested, to protect resources for local taxing districts (Ohlson-Kiehn, 01:12:50).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The Board received the presentation and thanked the DNR representatives. - Decision: No action taken; item was informational. - Vote: No vote taken. - Next Steps: - - DNR: Publish public notice May 29, hold public hearing June 17, and work towards a Commissioner decision by mid-July (Ohlson-Kiehn, 01:15:19). - - DNR: Initiate tribal consultation with interested tribes (Marshall, 01:18:19). - - DNR: If approved, acquire lands and apply to the Trust Land Transfer process (Ohlson-Kiehn, 01:20:35; 01:20:44).

Letter of Support for Pulling Together in Restoration—Phase 6

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:38:28–02:09:22
  • Agenda Item: Letter of Support for Washington Coastal Restoration and Resiliency Initiative (WCRRI) Grant
  • Categories: environment, services, land use, personnel

Topic Summary

Jill Silver of the Northwest Watershed Institute (NWI) presented the "Pulling Together in Restoration—Phase 6" grant application, which is seeking $1.47 million in WCRRI funding to continue invasive species control (Scotch broom, knotweed, reed canarygrass, spotted jewelweed) and workforce development across West Jefferson County and the Olympic Peninsula. The project emphasizes training local crews for long-term stewardship, preventing seed spread via roads, and incorporating new remote sensing technology for better planning. The Board approved the draft letter of support.

Key Discussion Points

  • Project Scope: Phase 6 focuses on invasive plant prevention and control to "future proof watershed health" against climate change, benefiting fish habitat, forests, and wildfire suppression (Silver, 01:40:45). Target species include Scotch broom, reed canary grass, and spotted jewel weed, which is "exploding" and moves like wildfire (Silver, 01:41:13; 01:52:14).
  • Workforce: The program currently employs 25 local people full-time, year-round, with a goal to expand to 12 per watershed (Silver, 01:42:55; 01:43:03).
  • Data/Planning: NWI plans to use remotely sensed, satellite-based high-resolution imagery to supplement the current aerial inventory which is too infrequent (Silver, 01:47:58; 01:48:09).
  • Restoration Activity: The project provides invasive control support for local restoration projects including Owl Creek (Trout Unlimited) and the Lindner Complex development (managed by Tami Picorni) (Silver, 01:49:57; 01:52:39).
  • Scotch Broom: Silver highlighted the wildfire danger posed by Scotch broom, which easily establishes in old harvest units (Silver, 01:57:48). NWI successfully utilizes bio-controls (seed-eating beetles) that are highly specific to the broom species (Silver, 01:55:13; 02:06:08).
  • Flame Cap Kilns/Biochar: Silver is working to develop a program to use flame cap kilns to create biochar from Scotch broom and thinning material to increase soil carbon and water storage, seeking to fund an East Jefferson County version through the Puget Sound Partnership (Silver, 02:00:14; 02:00:50). She suggested that carbon sequestration forests, like the one being discussed for Dabob Bay, are likely harboring Scotch broom underneath (Silver, 02:07:17).
  • Legislation: Commissioner Brotherton discussed the need to advocate to Ecology regarding rulemaking for flame cap kilns to distinguish them from standard burn barrels (Brotherton, 02:04:10).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Letter of Support for Washington Coastal Restoration and Resiliency Initiative (WCRRI) Grant: The attached draft letter supported 10KYI’s application (Project #24-1602) for invasives control and workforce development.

Financials

  • Grant request: $1,473,000 (Silver, 02:01:08).
  • Total budget: $1,650,000 (Silver, 02:01:17).
  • Most of the budget is allocated to personnel, reflecting raises and investment in technical equipment/workshops (Silver, 02:01:17; 02:01:27).
  • No direct fiscal impact to the County (Supporting Materials).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The Board discussed the invasive control efforts and the flame cap kiln advocacy. - Decision: Motion to approve and sign the letter of support as presented (Brotherton, 02:08:42). - Vote: Unanimous (Aye: Dean, Brotherton, Eisenhour, 02:09:16). - Next Steps: - - County Staff: Send the signed letter of support to NWI/Jill Silver (Dean, 02:09:22). - - Jill Silver: Send the presentation to staff (Dean, 02:08:07). - - Jill Silver: Provide comment on the Community Wildfire Prevention Plan, which currently does not mention Scotch broom (Dean, 02:08:22). - - Commissioner Brotherton/Jill Silver: Will coordinate on advocacy for flame cap kiln rule writing (Brotherton, 02:04:30).

Adoption of Ordinance Governing Rules for Legislative Actions

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:45:59–02:57:38
  • Agenda Item: Adoption of Ordinance Governing Rules for Legislative Actions (Continued Hearing Deliberation)
  • Categories: ordinances, administrative, planning

Topic Summary

The Board continued deliberation on the proposed ordinance to adopt unified procedural rules for legislative actions (ordinances, resolutions, and motions) for the BoCC and Board of Health. The final substantive revision debated addressed Planning Commissioner concerns regarding when legal counsel review of their recommendations is sought by staff. The Board adopted the ordinance with the final technical language changes suggested by DCD Director Josh Peters.

Key Discussion Points

  • Hearing Recess: The initial hearing was closed, but the agenda allowed for deliberation and consideration of clarifying amendments based on public comments received at previous sessions (Hunsucker, 02:55:00).
  • Clarification Issue: DCD Director Josh Peters noted that Planning Commissioner Cynthia Collins was concerned that the language made it seem as if the Planning Commission itself would need to seek legal counsel before finalizing their recommendations (Peters, 02:51:05).
  • Substantive Clarification: The language in Section 7(3)(i), part 4, was modified to address this: changing "before the Planning Commission submits a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration" (Hunsucker, 02:53:03, referencing proposed change) to clarify the sequence of staff obtaining legal review of a recommendation after the Planning Commission adopts it and before it is submitted to the BoCC (Peters, 02:54:17).
  • Amended Language: The final amendment changed the wording to: "A recommendation from the Planning Commission must be reviewed by the Prosecuting Attorney's office so that the Prosecuting Attorney's office may advise the BoCC of any relevant legal concerns prior to the BoCC's consideration." (Hunsucker, 02:54:17). Both Commissioners and the DCD Director agreed this resolved the issue (Eisenhour/Brotherton, 02:54:31).

Public Comments

No public comment was offered on the adopted changes, as the additional period for comment was opened and closed with no response (02:56:35–02:56:55).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Adoption of Ordinance Governing Rules for Legislative Actions: The latest draft included clarifying language based on previous testimony. The final changes were introduced verbally by DCD Director Josh Peters and modified live on the shared screen (Peters/Hunsucker, 02:50:46).

Financials

No financial information discussed as this item has no identifiable fiscal impact (Supporting Materials).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • An amendment incorporating passive voice to clarify the timing of legal review (after the Planning Commission submits and before the BoCC reviews) was proposed and adopted (Peters, 02:53:03; 02:54:17).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The ordinance was adopted with the final amendments. - Decision: Motion to approve, as modified, an ordinance adopting rules for the adoption of ordinances, resolutions, and motions in Jefferson County (Eisenhour, 02:56:15). - Vote: Unanimous (Aye: Dean, Brotherton, Eisenhour, 02:57:10). - Next Steps: - - Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (Phil Hunsucker): Send a clean copy of the adopted ordinance to the County Administrator's office for signatures (Hunsucker, 02:57:36). - - Ordinance: Shall be codified as Chapter 2.55 JCC (Supporting Materials).

Proposed Sponsorship Program for Qualifying Activities (Development and Funding)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:01:05–03:09:07
  • Agenda Item: Proposed Sponsorship Program for Qualifying Activities (East Jefferson Little League)
  • Categories: funding, services, budgeting

Topic Summary

The Board addressed a request for $2,500 in financial support and in-kind aid for the East Jefferson Little League (EJLL) to host a mult-county major league baseball tournament (Washington District 2 Little League Conference). The Board first approved the direct financial support for the tournament, then separately directed staff to develop a formal, annual sponsorship program, proposed to be funded at $10,000 from the General Fund, to manage such requests consistently.

Key Discussion Points

  • EJLL Request: EJLL requested $2,500 and in-kind aid (brush cutting, signs, traffic cones) to support hosting the District 2 Little League tournament (McCauley, 02:59:29; 03:00:36). Public Works had indicated they lacked capacity for the in-kind support (McCauley, 03:02:21).
  • Initial Motion (Specific Funding): Commissioner Dean moved to approve the $2,500 for EJLL (Dean, 03:01:43). The amount was noted to be within the comfort range of where financial support can make a difference (Eisenhour, 03:05:56).
  • Second Motion (Program Development): Following discussion, Commissioner Dean requested a secondary motion to direct staff to develop a formal sponsorship program to avoid handling future requests on an ad hoc basis (Dean, 03:07:46).
  • Program Parameters: Discussion noted that a $10,000 annual budget would likely be quickly consumed by 3-4 requests at the $2,500 level (Dean, 03:05:35). The need for guidelines (e.g., nonprofit status, dollar limits, application deadlines, criteria for community vs. tourist events) was identified (Dean/Eisenhour, 03:06:14). Staff was directed to research previous county programs and consult with other communities (Eisenhour, 03:07:25).

Public Comments

No public comment was offered on either motion.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Proposed Sponsorship Program for Qualifying Activities: Supported the need for a programmatic approach given the Little League request complexity.

Financials

  • Direct financial support approved for EJLL: $2,500 (Dean, 03:01:43).
  • Proposed annual funding for new sponsorship program: $10,000 (General Fund) (McCauley, 03:01:19).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • A secondary motion was created to address the systemic issue of funding outside of the specific Little League request.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

Two motions were approved: - Decision 1 (EJLL funding): Motion to approve $2,500 to East Jefferson Little League to support their upcoming championship tournament (Dean, 03:01:43). - Vote 1: Unanimous (Aye: Dean, Brotherton, Eisenhour, 03:04:52). - Decision 2 (Program Development): Motion to direct staff to develop a formal sponsorship program, to be funded annually (Dean, 03:07:46). - Vote 2: Unanimous (Aye: Dean, Brotherton, Eisenhour, 03:08:45). - Next Steps: - - Staff (led by McCauley): Develop a formal annual sponsorship program with identified guidelines and bring it back for discussion (Eisenhour, 03:07:46).

Emergency Shelter Management Status Update (American Legion)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:38:02–04:04:51
  • Agenda Item: Emergency Shelter Management Status Update (American Legion)
  • Categories: housing, services, contracts, budgeting

Topic Summary

Commissioner Brotherton reported a significant development in the emergency shelter transition following OlyCAP's departure: Bayside Housing and Services is considering taking over shelter operations. Bayside is analyzing the proposed fully-funded budget and will make a final decision at their Wednesday board meeting. This arrangement would involve a three-way agreement between Bayside, the County (maintaining the rental/utilities contracts), and the American Legion. Discussion reiterated the challenge of high fixed costs, the value of bringing in experienced management, and noted severe operational problems and noise complaints raised by a shelter resident.

Key Discussion Points

  • Potential New Operator: Bayside Housing and Services expressed interest in managing the shelter operations. They are reviewing the budget document provided by county staff (Brotherton, 03:39:06). Their final decision is expected at their board meeting on Wednesday (Brotherton, 03:40:33).
  • Financial Status: The County would maintain the rental contract and utilities, with all operational costs subcontracted to Bayside based on a "fully funded budget" (Brotherton, 03:40:07). This operation is anticipated to be funded for one year (July 1, 2024–July 1, 2025) using funds from the Housing Fund Board (Brotherton, 03:41:10). Bayside emphasized they cannot contribute financial resources (Brotherton, 03:41:25).
  • Operational Concerns (Bayside): Bayside staff (Heather Dali Nolette, Gary Keister) noted they still have questions regarding staffing costs and need direct conversation with the American Legion command (Dali Nolette, 03:42:17). They affirmed this work is critical to their mission (Dali Nolette, 03:42:49).
  • Volunteer Support: Bayside is interested in reinstituting the use of service clubs and faith-based organizations to cover high-cost meals via in-kind donations, reducing the burden on the payroll budget (Keister, 03:47:39; 03:47:48).
  • Shelter Coalition: The need for the Shelter Coalition to continue meeting and potentially establishing a policy council (including residents and the landlord) was affirmed, regardless of the new operator (Brotherton, 03:46:09).
  • Infrastructure and Noise (Public Comment): Maggie, a resident, reported that the shelter is effectively unusable due to noise from Legion parties upstairs (up to 3-4 times a week, sometimes until 3:00 AM), infrastructural failures (blocked showers, duct-taped working toilets), and a failure to enforce the noise ordinance (Maggie, 03:56:00). She questioned if people arrested for camping outside could be reasonably expected to sleep in a shelter with such conditions (Maggie, 04:00:12).
  • Response to Concerns: Commissioners agreed the situation is "not the ideal location for the shelter" due to incompatible uses (Eisenhour, 03:58:25) and reiterated that the goal is to build a new, purpose-built shelter (Eisenhour, 03:58:52) or work through the policy council (Brotherton, 03:58:02). Bayside committed to folding the insights of people with lived experience into their operations review (Dali Nolette, 04:01:28).

Public Comments

  • - Maggie (Resident): Detailed severe noise issues (Legion parties until 3 AM), infrastructural failures (non-functioning showers/toilets), and rodent/hygiene issues at the American Legion facility, questioning its status as a viable shelter (03:56:00; 04:00:02).

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced, though a proposed Shelter Budget and Fund 149 were mentioned internally (Supporting Materials, May 20th workshop).

Financials

  • The shelter operation is planned for a year, fully funded by Housing Fund Board (Brotherton, 03:41:00).
  • Fixed costs (rent, utilities) remain primarily with the County; variable costs (staffing, supplies) with Bayside (Brotherton, 03:41:00; 03:51:58).
  • Commerce has indicated they have no additional funds to assist with the transition (Shepherd, 03:53:05).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Bayside is performing due diligence on alternatives to cover high staffing costs, including volunteer meal coverage and seeking external funding sources, to operate within the proposed budget (Keister, 03:50:02; 03:51:25).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The Board received the update. - Decision: No action taken; item was informational. - Vote: No vote taken. - Next Steps: - - Bayside Housing and Services: Hold a board meeting Wednesday (May 29) for a final decision on management (Brotherton, 03:40:33). - - Commissioner Brotherton: Connect Bayside staff with the American Legion commander (Brotherton, 03:46:43). - - Staff/Bayside: Continue working on final budget, contract documents, and next week's Shelter Coalition meeting (Brotherton, 03:53:39).

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