PACKET: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Jun 10, 09:00 AM

County Sources

AVCapture Page

Documents

AI Information

Conservation Futures Fund Project Applications

Topic Summary

The County is setting a public hearing date to solicit comments on three applications submitted for the 2024 Conservation Futures funding cycle. The total available funds for 2024 are $280,000, but the total amount requested by the three projects is $402,000. Project applicants include the Deerfoot Forest, Humbleberry Farm, and Tarboo Wildlife Preserve – West Slope Forest Addition.

Key Points

  • Jefferson County Code (JCC) 3.08.030(4) requires a public hearing notice before the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) takes final action on annual allocations from the Conservation Futures Fund.
  • The three projects submitted for consideration are Deerfoot Forest, Humbleberry Farm, and Tarboo Wildlife Preserve – West Slope Forest Addition.
  • The Conservation Futures Citizens Oversight Committee (CFCOC) recommended fully funding the Tarboo Wildlife Preserve - West Slope Forest Addition project and allocating the remainder of funds to the Humbleberry Farm project.
  • CFCOC chair Joanne Pontello noted that all three projects were worthy of funding and upheld Conservation Futures values, but there were insufficient funds to fully fund all requests.
  • The Deerfoot Forest project was not recommended for funding at this time due to limited funds.
  • Public comment will be accepted from June 12, 2024, until the close of the Commissioners’ public hearing.

Financials

  • Total Conservation Futures funds available for projects in 2024: $280,000
  • Total amount requested by the three projects (Deerfoot Forest, Humbleberry Farm, and Tarboo Wildlife Preserve – West Slope Forest Addition): $402,000
  • Costs to publish the Public Hearing Notice in The Leader will be paid by the Conservation Futures Fund.

Alternatives

None specified. (The CFCOC made funding recommendations which included not funding one project, but formal alternatives to the funding pool itself were not listed.)

Community Input

  • Project proponents present:
    • Sarah Spaeth, Jefferson Land Trust Executive Director, provided comments during the briefing session.
  • The public hearing is scheduled to take comments on the three projects.

Timeline

  • 2024-06-10: BoCC meeting; Approval requested for Public Hearing Notice.
  • 2024-06-12: Publication of Public Hearing Notice begins in The Leader; Written testimony period begins.
  • 2024-06-19: Publication of Public Hearing Notice in The Leader (second date).
  • 2024-06-24 at 9:45 a.m.: Scheduled Public Hearing date.
  • 2024-06-24 (End of Hearing): Public comment period closes.

Next Steps

The Board of County Commissioners is asked to approve the Public Hearing Notice to hold the hearing on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 9:45 a.m., to facilitate a timely public process. After the public hearing, the BoCC may resolve to award funding to one or more of the projects.

Sources

  • Pinky Feria Mingo - Director, Environmental Public Health & Water Quality
  • Tami Pokorny - Natural Resources Program Coordinator
  • Joanne Pontello - Conservation Futures Citizens Oversight Committee (CFCOC) Chair
  • Sarah Spaeth - Jefferson Land Trust Executive Director
  • Jefferson County Code (JCC) 3.08.030(4)

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) Recommendations and Zero-Based Budgeting Proposal

Topic Summary

Commissioner Greg Brotherton, as Chair of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC), recommends that the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) reject the current LTAC proposed budget recommendations for 2025. Instead, he proposes directing the LTAC to undertake a Zero-Based Budget (ZBB) exercise to re-evaluate the best uses for lodging tax revenue, potentially shifting focus toward infrastructure, workforce housing, and consolidation of marketing efforts. This step is suggested due to difficulties encountered during the 2024 budget process, fluctuating revenues, and underlying challenges related to housing and infrastructure limiting tourism growth.

Key Points

  • LTAC's proposed 2025 budget includes "budgeted items for 2025 for the keystone institutions" to create a known baseline and a more realistic pool for new applicants.
  • The recommendation is to reject this proposed budget and direct LTAC to explore the best uses for lodging tax revenue under Chapter 3.25 JCC through a Zero-Based Budget exercise.
  • Lodging tax revenue (4% special sales tax from stays < 30 days) must be spent on tourism promotion, acquisition or operation of tourism-related facilities, per RCW 67.28.180.
  • Lodging tax revenue has fluctuated significantly: $445,000 (2017), $608,761 (2021), $968,357 (2023), and $749,904 awarded in 2024 against $1,159,011 requested.
  • The 2024 funding process used a decremental approach, funding "keystone applicants" (e.g., Jefferson Historical Society, four VICs, Tourism Coordinating Council) at roughly 80% of 2023 levels.
  • The lack of short-term rooms and affordable workforce housing fundamentally limits the county's ability to increase lodging tax revenue.
  • The proposal aims to align lodging tax use with the Olympic Peninsula Tourism Master Plan (OPTMP) strategic directives, which include improving destination marketing and developing tourist infrastructure.
  • Legal constraint: The BoCC may only fund recipients recommended by LTAC, though an informal Attorney General opinion suggests the amount can be changed if the BoCC seeks further input from LTAC, following procedural requirements of RCW 67.28.1817(2).
  • Alternative uses proposed for LTAC evaluation (consistent with OPTMP takeaways):
    1. Folding the county's Destination Marketing Organization (Tourism Coordinating Council, TCC) into Clallam County’s Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission (OPTC) ("Make one destination brand").
    2. Using the Public Facilities District (PFD) process to enhance the Tri-Area (Port Hadlock UGA) with appealing facilities for locals and tourists ("Locals Support Tourism Big Time"). Lodging tax revenue could be used for ongoing administrative revenue needed to maintain and operate a PFD.
    3. Using lodging tax revenue to promote or fund affordable workforce housing, provided to a Housing Authority or non-profit, near transit service. This usage must comply with JCC 3.25.040 limitations (max 50% for operation, max 25% for acquisition/development of a tourism-related facility).

Financials

  • Distributed LTAC funds have ranged from $445,000 (2017) to $968,357 (2023).
  • $749,904 was awarded in 2024, despite $1,159,011 in requests.
  • Lodging tax funds are limited by JCC 3.25.040 categorical distribution:
    • Not more than 50% for operation of tourist-related facilities (e.g., Historical Society, TCC).
    • Not more than 25% for acquisition and development of tourism-related facilities owned/operated by a municipality or PFD.
    • Not less than 25% for tourism promotion.
  • Fiscal Impact of the recommendation to discuss memo: None specified.

Alternatives

The core proposal is an alternative (ZBB exercise) to the conventional incremental budgeting/decremental approach previously used by LTAC and the newly proposed LTAC "base budget" recommendation.

Community Input

None specified. (Memo is an internal recommendation).

Timeline

  • 2024-06-06: LTAC Memo dated
  • Future action: The LTAC’s proposed budget will soon be before the BoCC (after legal review).

Next Steps

The BoCC is requested to read and discuss the memo, and consider recommendations to: (1) reject the recommended budget, and (2) direct LTAC to explore the best uses for lodging tax revenue via a Zero-Based Budget exercise and evaluate possible adjustments to allocation under Chapter 3.25 JCC.

Sources

  • Greg Brotherton - Commissioner District No. 3 and Chair, Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC)
  • Monte Reinders (Reviewed by)
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator (Reviewed by)
  • RCW 67.28.180, RCW 67.28.1815-1816, RCW 67.28.1817(2)
  • Chapter 3.25 Jefferson County Code (JCC)
  • MRSC (Municipal Research Services Center)
  • Informal Attorney General Opinion (August 17, 2016)
  • Olympic Peninsula Tourism Master Plan 2024-2029 (OPTMP)
  • Bordeaux, D. C. (Cited reference for cutback budgeting)
  • Behn, R. D. (1985) (Cited reference for cutback budgeting)

Alternative Enforcement Program (Environmental Public Health)

Topic Summary

The Jefferson County Public Health Department is proposing to adopt an Alternative Enforcement Program to address code compliance issues, specifically when non-compliance may lead to serious consequences (fines, litigation) and could stem from underlying social or medical challenges. This program aims to exercise enforcement discretion by providing social services assistance to eligible persons struggling with issues such as mental health disorders, hoarding, or economic hardship, with the goal of achieving compliance.

Key Points

  • The program's purpose is to offer social services assistance to persons facing code enforcement for failure to comply with Jefferson County Code (JCC), Title 19, particularly where failure could lead to daily fines, fees, and litigation costs.
  • Environmental Health (EH) developed the program to ensure equity in enforcement by reducing barriers to compliance.
  • Eligibility for the Program includes a determination by EH that a person could benefit from a Social Worker's assistance due to possible: hoarding disorder, mental health disorder, chemical dependency, economic need, or physical disability.
  • EH and Code Compliance staff will use the following factors to prioritize enforcement authority and resource distribution:
    • Whether the condition affects a vulnerable adult or minor.
    • Whether an imminent threat to human health or the environment exists.
    • Whether the condition constitutes a nuisance, as defined in JCC 19.10.015(36).
  • The department has Foundational Public Health Services funding specifically designated to provide social services support in code compliance cases.
  • Participant Responsibilities: Sign confidentiality and release of information agreements, acknowledge participation is voluntary, understand compliance is the goal, complete an initial assessment, and sign a voluntary compliance agreement (VCA) with a timeline. They must attend bi-weekly sessions with the Social Worker for a determined period.
  • Social Worker Responsibilities: Develop a plan for connecting participants to services (e.g., Discovery Behavioral Health, OlyCAP, DoveHouse), develop a SMART plan for objectives, conduct assessments, and track progress/hours. Social workers cannot share confidential health information with EH or Code Compliance staff but can update staff on progress toward compliance.
  • Termination: Participants who do not show progress in coming into compliance at any time after ninety days shall be terminated. Lack of progress includes: failure to comply with a SMART Plan, failure to meet with the Social Worker as agreed, or making the problem worse.

Financials

  • No Fiscal Impacts are specified for the adoption of the resolution.
  • The department has Foundational Public Health Services funding allocated for social services support in code compliance cases.
  • Failure to comply through the standard process can lead to daily fines, charges for staff time, attorney's fees, and costly litigation (JCC 19.30.020).

Alternatives

The Alternative Enforcement Program itself serves as an alternative to the standard legal enforcement process (fines and litigation).

Community Input

None present.

Timeline

  • June 10, 2024: Agenda discussion date.
  • Upon adoption: Resolution takes effect immediately.
  • For participants: Termination occurs if no progress is shown any time after ninety days from entry into the program.

Next Steps

The Board of County Commissioners is requested to adopt the Resolution, thereby implementing the Alternative Enforcement Program reflected in Appendix 1.

Sources

  • Pinky Mingo - Environmental Public Health and Water Quality Director
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator (Reviewed by)
  • Philip C. Hunsucker - Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (Approved as to form only)
  • Jefferson County Code (JCC) Title 19—Code Compliance Code, Chapter 19.10.05, 19.10.015(36), 19.10.065, 19.30.020
  • WAC 197-11-800(19) (SEPA Compliance Exemption)

Payroll Warrants Approval (June 5, 2024)

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners is being asked, as a Consent Agenda item, to approve payroll warrants dated June 5, 2024, totaling $2,450,771.43, covering checks, direct deposits, and benefits.

Key Points

  • Total value of payroll warrants dated June 5, 2024: $2,450,771.43
  • This total includes checks, direct deposits, and benefits paid.

Financials

  • Total Payroll Warrants: $2,450,771.43
    • Payroll Checks: $7,829.24 (Check #'s: 15885 - 15886)
    • Payroll Direct Deposit: $1,322,292.53 (Advice #'s 10091794 – 10092122)
    • Benefits Paid: $1,120,649.66 (AP Warrant #'s: 100227771 – 100227795; Electronic Payments)

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • 2024-06-05: Payroll Warrants Date.
  • 2024-06-10: Agenda review date for approval.

Next Steps

The Board is requested to approve the Payroll Warrants.

Sources

  • Jefferson County Auditor’s Office (retains records of claims submitted)

Management Update on Emergency Shelter at the American Legion (June 3 Minutes)

Topic Summary

Commissioner Brotherton and County Administrator Mark McCauley provided an update on the county's assumption of management of the Emergency Shelter located at the American Legion facility. A draft 3-Way Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is in place, and the County plans to negotiate a rental contract with the American Legion.

Key Points

  • Jefferson County is assuming management and operations of the Emergency Shelter at the American Legion.
  • A draft 3-Way Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) exists between Jefferson County, the American Legion, and Bayside Housing.
  • The County plans to negotiate a rental contract with the American Legion.
  • The Housing Fund Board recommended allocating $100,000 in the 2025 Budget to the Emergency Shelter at the American Legion in a related Consent Agenda item.

Financials

  • Allocation of $100,000 in the 2025 Budget to the Emergency Shelter at the American Legion was approved as a Housing Fund Board recommendation (Consent Agenda item from June 3 meeting).

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • 2024-06-03: Update provided during Regular Meeting.

Next Steps

The County plans to negotiate a rental contract with the American Legion.

Sources

  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Commissioner Greg Brotherton

Brinnon Crosswalk and Speed Reduction Request (Public Works/WSDOT)

Topic Summary

Commissioners discussed a request from Brinnon residents to lower the speed limit and install a crosswalk in downtown Brinnon, which is located on a State highway. Public Works Director Monte Reinders provided input, noting that WSDOT has previously stated a crosswalk would only be installed if the speed limit was reduced.

Key Points

  • Residents requested a reduction of speed limit and installation of a crosswalk in downtown Brinnon.
  • The location is on a State highway, making Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) the primary authority.
  • Public Works Director Monte Reinders stated that WSDOT requires a speed reduction before they will install a crosswalk.
  • Director Reinders noted that a speed reduction by 5 miles per hour, allowing for a high-visibility crosswalk, would be appropriate.
  • Chair Dean sought input from Director Reinders before providing a letter of support from the County.

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

  • Brinnon Residents: Requested the reduction of speeds and installation of a crosswalk.

Timeline

  • 2024-06-03: Discussion held during Commissioners' Briefing Session.

Next Steps

Chair Dean requested input from Public Works Director Reinders prior to Jefferson County providing a letter of support regarding the Brinnon requests.

Sources

  • Monte Reinders (Director, Public Works)
  • Brinnon residents
  • WSDOT (Cited as jurisdiction for the State highway)

Closure of Sandy Shore Lake Road (Milepost 1.48)

Topic Summary

The Board considered and approved the closure of a portion of Sandy Shore Lake Road (County Road #428509 at Milepost 1.48) following a request from Rayonier. The approval was granted via Resolution No. 31-0603-24, though Commissioners indicated a desire to revisit the issue after the summer or in the fall due to public concerns.

Key Points

  • Rayonier requested the closure of a portion of Sandy Shore Lake Road at Milepost 1.48 (County Road #428509).
  • Public Works Director Monte Reinders presented the item.
  • Representatives from Rayonier present at the discussion: Forester Shawn Greif and Public Relations Director Holly Johnson.
  • The motion to approve Resolution No. 31-0603-24 was carried unanimously.
  • Director Reinders noted the area lacks bathroom facilities.

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

  • One public comment was received regarding the motion. Concerns prompted the discussion of revisiting the issue later.

Timeline

  • 2024-06-03: Motion to approve Resolution No. 31-0603-24 carried.
  • Future date (after summer or in the fall): Commissioners indicated they would like to revisit the issue.

Next Steps

The road closure resolution was approved. Commissioners indicated they would like to revisit the issue in the future, possibly after summer or in the fall.

Sources

  • Monte Reinders - Public Works Director
  • Shawn Greif - Rayonier Forester
  • Holly Johnson - Rayonier Public Relations Director
  • Resolution No. 31-0603-24

Organizational Climate Goals (Electric Vehicles)

Topic Summary

The Commissioners held a discussion focusing on organizational climate goals, specifically concerning electric vehicles (EVs).

Key Points

  • The discussion focused on organizational climate goals.
  • The specific substantive focus was electric vehicles.

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • 2024-06-03: Discussion held.

Next Steps

None specified.

Sources

None specified.

Potential Litigation (Executive Session)

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners held an Executive Session regarding potential litigation, as permitted under the Open Public Meetings Act, to discuss matters protected by Attorney-Client Privilege. No action was taken immediately following the session.

Key Points

  • An Executive Session was held regarding Potential Litigation, citing exemption RCW 42.30.110(1)(i).
  • The session was closed to the public based on Attorney-Client Privilege.
  • Key staff present included the Acting County Administrator, Community Development Director, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, and Civil Deputy Prosecutor.
  • No proposed action or public comment was taken on this topic following the close of the Executive Session (June 3 minutes).

Financials

None specified.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

  • None present. (Public comment was not taken after the Executive Session, as no action was proposed.)

Timeline

  • 2024-06-03: Executive Session held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:01 p.m.
  • 2024-06-10: Executive Session scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by Discussion and Potential Action with Public Comment re: Topic of the Executive Session.

Next Steps

The June 10 agenda includes a "DISCUSSION, POTENTIAL ACTION with PUBLIC COMMENT re: TOPIC OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION" following the closed session. The June 3 meeting resulted in no action.

Sources

  • RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) (Open Public Meetings Act Exemption)
  • Mark McCauley - Acting County Administrator
  • Community Development Director
  • Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
  • Civil Deputy Prosecutor

Generated On: 2025-11-06 17:11:03.183613-08:00 By: google/gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025 running on https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/