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

County Sources

Packet Contents

AI Information

PUBLIC MEETING SUMMARY: Jefferson County Board of Commissioners

MEETING DATE: 2024-07-01

Olympic National Park Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:00–01:12:00
  • Agenda Item: Olympic National Park 2024 Report Update
  • Categories: operations, infrastructure, public safety, planning

Topic Summary

The Olympic National Park Superintendent provided an update on recent park incidents, ongoing recovery efforts, and major infrastructure projects. Key discussion centered on the quick repair of Hurricane Ridge access, the continuous threat of wildfires, coastal erosion impacting park structures, and the status of the planned Hurricane Ridge visitor center replacement. The Superintendent noted the Hurricane Ridge team’s quick response to a failure that temporarily closed the area, and informed the board that while the Washington office is supportive of rebuilding, the project is not in the National Park Service's main budget (Green Book).

Key Discussion Points

  • Hurricane Ridge Failure Response: Superintendent Sula Jacobs reported that a failure occurred, but the Park's team and contractors achieved a rapid solution, enabling full access again ("on the way down it was all salt," [00:00:39]). Cameras are back up, allowing visitors to view conditions remotely [00:01:10].
  • Wildfire Preparedness: The park acknowledges the continued risk of wildfires, referencing the park's biggest wildland fire and eight breaches that occurred last year near the lodge site and at Obstruction Point [00:01:54]. The Park Service shares a duty officer and a wildland fire response team with the Forest Service, stating they have "professionals who are very, very, very adept and skilled" [00:02:35]. The fire danger is currently at its "first, st" level, with July and August forecasts suggesting potential danger [00:03:03].
  • Coastal Erosion and Kalaloch Cabins: Several Kalaloch cabins had to be demolished due to critical coastal erosion; one cabin pad would have been "hanging over the edge" [00:03:30]. Staff is now engaged in complex, long-term planning for the area, considering whether to replace the cabins or pursue "something else" [00:04:05]. Superintendent Jacobs estimated seven cabins were affected [00:05:23], acknowledging the site's popularity with no open rooms until fall [00:05:32].
  • Infrastructure Projects (South End): Projects in Jefferson and Grays Harbor Counties include:
    • Improvements to the utility corridor to also function as a tsunami evacuation route [00:06:14].
    • Rehabilitation of the sewage system and improvements to the South Beach Comfort Station [00:06:27].
    • Housing improvements in the area [00:06:39].
    • Road repairs along the Hoh [00:06:44] (distinguished from the "big flat project," [00:06:49]).
    • Rehabilitation of the center of here and abutment of Finley Creek bridge [00:07:25] (believed to be in B, but location unclear).
    • Extensive trail work, noting a major connection trail was taken out by fire damage in the center of the park [00:07:46].
  • Enchanted Valley: The Superintendent, resource management staff, and interpretation head hiked up to Enchanted Valley in September following a request that was initially delayed [00:08:35]. A decision on Enchanted Valley is pending, as they are "juggling a lot of different projects" [00:09:02]. A Board member noted hearing concerns about the bridge leading into the valley [00:09:12].
  • Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center: Commissioner (Unidentified) inquired if rebuilding the center is fully funded [00:09:30]. Superintendent Jacobs confirmed the Washington office is "tremendously supportive," but the project is not included in the NGS budget (the Green Book) [00:09:44]. Visitor access is being maintained with limited facilities, including summer drinking water, but there is "no respite in winter" [01:03:07].
  • Winter Operations: The Park only snowplows Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, plus holidays, due to the difficulty and danger of the work, including avalanche checks [01:11:15].
  • National Parks Visibility: Commissioner Dean noted that from Port Townsend, three National Parks (Olympics, North Cascades, and Rainier) are visible from one spot, a fact the NPS Washington office could not readily match [01:21:40]. The Superintendent suggested one might be able to see four or more [01:41:00].
  • Camping Reservation System: Commissioner Dean asked about the new hybrid camping reservation system [01:15:00]. Superintendent Jacobs reported the feedback has been "largely positive," citing benefits such as avoiding early morning rush tactics (reserving sites for friends) and providing certainty for "once in a lifetime" trips [01:16:15].
  • Public Comment Encouragement: The Superintendent encouraged the public to use the Park's comment portal for feedback (positive or negative) on the reservation pilot and on the Enchanted Valley area [01:17:27].

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The discussion focused on operational updates and infrastructure projects not detailed in the provided packet materials.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed regarding current operations, only the observation that the Hurricane Ridge replacement funding is not currently in the NPS budget.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Discussion points included long-term alternatives for the Kalaloch cabins (replacing the cabins versus "something else").
  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Item was informational.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Olympic National Park Staff: Continue long-term planning for Kalaloch Cabin erosion issues.
  • - Public: Submit feedback on reservations pilot and Enchanted Valley via the public comment portal.

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:11:18–02:22:20
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda
  • Categories: contracts, services, funding, budgeting, operations

Topic Summary

The Board proceeded to approve the Consent Agenda quickly due to a time constraint (needing to approve by 10:00 a.m. for an Executive Session). The consent agenda included approval of agreements for homeland security, various grants, and public health services. Commissioner Brotherton highlighted the exciting nature of the Marine Resources Committee (MRC) amendment, specifically noting a budget shift (not an addition) to support satellite and kelp health monitoring.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Brotherton noted positive adjustments within the MRC scope of work, specifically satellite and bulk health monitoring, clarifying that this represented a "shift of the budget, not an addition to the budget" [02:14:04].
  • Board expressed the need to approve the consent agenda rapidly due to the looming 10:00 a.m. timed executive session [02:11:18].

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

All items listed were approved implicitly through the consent agenda vote: - Homeland Security Grant Program Contract E24-130 ($27,539): Supports DEM operations, part-time clerk salaries, and outreach (All County Picnic, Nixle). - Emergency Management Performance Grant E24-236 ($28,025 Federal, $28,025 Local Match): Supports DEM, including clerk salaries and sustaining planning, public education (NPREP, All County Picnic), and Mass Care Services development. - Amendment 1 to Interlocal Agreement: Student Assistance Professional Services (Quilcene School District) (+$25,450, FPHS funded): Extends SAP services for substance use prevention through the 2024-2025 school year. - Agreement: Remote Registered Dietitian Services (WIC Program) ($64,200 total): Two-year contract renewal for remote RD services, fully funded by WA State WIC. - Environmental Grant Amendment 1: Marine Resources Committee Operations and Projects (No change to total $249,000): Adjusts scope to pilot satellite imagery for bull kelp monitoring (Task 2 increase) and reduces derelict crab pot removal in Year 1 (Task 3 decrease). - Second Quarter 2024 Budget Appropriations/Extensions Public Hearing Notice (Informational): Approved notice for a public hearing on supplemental budget changes on July 15, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

Financials

  • The motion incorporated approval of several financial agreements detailed in the packet, including:
    • HSGP Contract E24-130: $27,539.00 (Federal)
    • EMPG E24-236: $56,050.00 Total Project Cost ($28,025 Federal, $28,025 Local Match from DEM Director Salary)
    • Quilcene SAP Amendment: Adds $25,450.00 (FPHS Funded)
    • WIC Dietitian Contract: $64,200.00 (Federal Grant-funded)
    • MRC Amendment #1: No change to $249,000 overall total, only internal budget shifts.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved and adopted the Consent Agenda.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: Unspecified, indicated by saying "Aye").
  • Next Steps: No specific next steps mentioned, other than proceeding to the Executive Session. The Budget Appropriations and Extensions Public Hearing is scheduled for July 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

Executive Session: Potential Litigation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:22:20–02:40:40
  • Agenda Item: RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)
  • Categories: other (legal/procedural)

Topic Summary

The Board convened an executive session to discuss potential litigation, as permitted by RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) of the Open Public Meetings Act. The session included the acting county administrator, community development director, and chief civil deputy prosecuting attorney. The purpose of the discussion was to address legal risks associated with potential litigation.

Key Discussion Points

  • The session was called at an unspecified time between 9:58 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. [02:22:20].
  • Attendees included the acting county administrator, community development director, chief civil deputy prosecuting attorney, and civil deputy prosecutor [02:23:07].
  • The time allotted for the executive session was not specified in the transcript.

Public Comments

  • No public comment.

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 came out of executive session.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps: No action was taken as a result of the executive session.

Jefferson County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) Approval and Signature Ceremony

Metadata

  • Time Range: 05:01:03–01:03:01
  • Agenda Item: Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) Approval and Adoption (Timed at 11:00 a.m.)
  • Categories: public safety, planning, ordinances

Topic Summary

The Board formally approved and adopted the Jefferson County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) during a signature ceremony that included multiple stakeholders and members of the CWPP Advisory Group. The CWPP is the County's first and is vital for securing state and federal funding for wildfire resiliency. Participating officials noted the plan serves as a "stop gap" for objectives not met at the state level (regarding the wildland urban interface) and emphasized its role in community education and preparation during a period of rising wildfire risk.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Dean introduced the item, thanking all participants for the "couple of year process" involving "number of community engagement meetings" [05:18:52] and rigorous review [05:22:50].
  • The plan was developed with consultants SWCA and the CWPP Advisory Group [05:20:50].
  • Commissioner Dean remarked on the importance of the implementation phase, for which a contract with SWCA is already in place [05:31:02], emphasizing that the plan "doesn't just sit on a shelf" [05:32:08].
  • An unidentified speaker stated that the plan serves as a "little bit of a stop gap" for critical wildfire prevention measures that were not adopted by the state level in the wildland urban interface [05:42:04].
  • Fire Chief (Unidentified) acknowledged the persistence of the Chiefs in keeping the topic prioritized and referenced the long process ("hundreds of hours") [05:48:00].
  • The Chief noted the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) moved to Preparedness Level 3 (high risk) that morning—an early status for the region [05:53:06]. He stated 2.5 million acres have burned nationally year-to-date, above the 1.8 million average [05:54:47].
  • The Chief shared that community members in Quilcene and at the library are already displaying new moderate wildfire risk signs [05:55:03].
  • Emma (City Representative) commented that the City appreciates the collaborative opportunity and the educational aspect the plan brings to property owners regarding risk mitigation [05:58:39]. The City Council plans to sign the plan later that night [05:59:02].
  • Commissioner Dean praised the document's value for the public to make their homes "more firewise" and communities "more prepared" [06:01:00].

Public Comments

  • No public comment was delivered during the ceremony/discussion, though it was noted the plan was finalized after public review.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The CWPP's adoption is the goal of the agenda item. Packet materials indicate the CWPP was funded by the Secure Rural Schools Act Title III and is a prerequisite for future grant funding, and recommends formal revision every five years.

Financials

  • No direct fiscal impact was discussed, but the plan's adoption is necessary to unlock substantial future state and federal grant funding. The initial plan development was funded by the Secure Rural Schools Act Title III.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Commissioner Brotherton moved to approve and adopt the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) and all appendices. Commissioner Unidentified seconded.
  • Vote: Unanimous ("All in favor? Aye.")
  • Next Steps:
  • - BOCC, Fire Chiefs, John Ryan (Forest Service), and City Representative: Participated in the signature ceremony.
  • - City Council: Scheduled to sign the plan later that evening (July 1, 2024).
  • - County/SWCA: Continue implementation work.

First Amendment to Pleasant Harbor Consulting Agreement (Future Staffing)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:03:07–01:13:24
  • Agenda Item: Discussion and Potential Action regarding First Amendment to Future Staffing and Consultant Agreement
  • Categories: contracts, land use, permits, planning

Topic Summary

The Board discussed and approved the First Amendment to the Future Staffing and Consultant Agreement with Pleasant Harbor Master Planned Resort (PHMPR). Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Phil Hunsucker, explained that the amendment formalizes the successful establishment of the surface water quality baseline required by the prior agreement. Crucially, the amendment substitutes the original 60-day review period for baseline reports with a permanent, comprehensive list of Best Management Practices (BMPs) (Appendix 1), allowing PHMPR to immediately apply for specific demolition permits.

Key Discussion Points

  • Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Phil Hunsucker, clarified that the document is "fairly simple," establishing the baseline water quality for surface water and incorporating the required Best Management Practices (BMPs) into the agreement [01:04:16].
  • The amendment drops the requirement for a 60-day review period for the baseline report, as the County's environmental consultant has reviewed the data and agrees that the baseline has been established [01:05:47].
  • Appendix 1, attached to the amendment, consolidates all required BMPs (Pre-construction, Construction, Operation) into a checklist, which will facilitate the required annual review [01:06:52].
  • Hunsucker stated that the amendment allows the developer to proceed with demolition permits for obsolete campground structures immediately [01:07:07].
  • Commissioner Dean raised concern about timely reporting of BMPs now that the 60-day review timeline was removed [01:08:27]. Hunsucker responded that compliance will be enforceable under the County’s development regulations (Title 19) [01:09:06], but cannot guarantee timely compliance [01:09:47].
  • Commissioner Dean stated that while she was concerned that the modification might "Easier for a developer to not meet environmental standards," she finds the amendment achieves the "same. If not better desired outcome" by removing "unnecessary barriers" [01:10:02].
  • Commissioner Unidentified was "comfortable with it," finding it a "good path for all parties" [01:10:40].

Public Comments

  • Shelley Arnao: Stated she was "really happy to see this on the agenda" and "the beginnings of Pleasant Harbor being able to start their project" due to its major impact on the Brinnon area [01:12:10].

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • First Amendment to Future Staffing and Consulting Agreement (Pleasant Harbor Master Planned Resort): Document formally deletes the original Section 2.10 and replaces it, acknowledging baseline completion and incorporating a new Appendix 1 of BMPs. The amendment allows immediate application for demolition permits.
  • Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP), Appendix N: The source of the original baseline and BMP requirements.

Financials

  • No financial information was discussed in the meeting. Packet materials note that completion of the resort is projected to provide a significant increase in the County’s tax base and boost the South County's economy.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Amendment: The amendment itself is the alternative to the original 60-day timeline requirement, replacing it with a formally adopted list of BMPs (Appendix 1). No other alternatives were discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Commissioner Unidentified moved to approve and sign the First Amendment to the Future Staffing and Consultant Agreement with Pleasant Harbor. The motion was seconded.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: Unspecified).
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioners (Mark McCauley/Heidi Eisenhour): Expected to sign the document immediately.
  • - Kate Dean: The remote Commissioner's signature will be acquired later, with her approval recorded telephonically.
  • - Pleasant Harbor: Now able to apply for demolition permits for obsolete campground structures.

Commissioner Briefings and Calendar

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:40:40–05:01:03 and 01:13:42–01:46:45
  • Agenda Item: Commissioner Briefings / Calendaring
  • Categories: services, planning, social services, public health, budgeting, infrastructure

Topic Summary

The Commissioners provided extensive briefings on activities from the previous week, focusing heavily on social service issues, particularly the challenges in Jefferson County Food Bank Association, and a valuable informational presentation on pool facility financing and community engagement received by the Healthier Together task force. Topics also included legislative planning, shelter operations, and fleet funding deficiencies. The upcoming week's calendar is relatively light due to the July 4th holiday weekend.

Key Discussion Points

Commissioner Brotherton's Briefing (Last Week): - Housing Fund Board: Attended an onboarding meeting for O, an interim appointee, replacing Palmer [02:48:40]. - Transit and 32-Hour Work Week: Discussed finance and budget expansion with finance staff. Promoted the idea of a 32-hour work week (a 20% reduction in hours, a 20% increase in effective hourly cost) to address struggles in hiring drivers and operators, noting that Kitsap County is seeking a 28% bump [02:59:16]. He noted Transit's robust cash balance makes this progressive change feasible [03:09:59]. - Emergency Shelter: Numerous operational meetings regarding the shelter handover, including meetings with Bayside and community members [03:18:00]. Bayside approved the contract [03:22:00]. The shelter received CAM approval from the city, requiring a zoning letter rather than a full new permit [03:28:30]. - Healthier Together Task Force (Pool Project): Received an informative presentation from Matt Sims (Southwood Park and Recreation District) on their successful bond passage after two failures (1998, 2008) [03:45:00]. - Messaging/Planning: Messaging was identified as one of four "core tenets" [03:52:19], noting how division over amenity placement (e.g., "why not the pool here?") can "kill a project" [03:55:00]. - Amenities Survey: A survey of 1,700 unique responses (representing 5,000 of 7,000 district people) indicated no need for a dedicated therapeutic pool, saving a significant amount (estimated $1,000 per square foot) [04:06:40]. - Mertha Pools: The district settled on Mertha pools over conventional construction for being faster and having a longer life cycle, noting they are used for Olympic trials set up in football stadiums [03:50:00]. - Septic/Siting: The septic system alone cost $1.7 million and caused a three-year delay due to poor perking soil and the permitting process [04:22:20]. - Financials: Southwood used a $27 million bond passed via property tax. They issued the first $14 million of the bond strategically to save taxpayers "a penny per thousand dollars in millage rate" [04:50:00]. - Cost Recovery: Most pools achieve 60% recovery; the ideal model (Snoqualmie) achieved 96% through flexible programming and rentals [04:57:00]. - LTAC: Discussed housing as part of a review of San Juan County's LTAC model, which requires an annual update to a long-range master plan [04:25:00]. - Paper Mill Emissions: A meeting is scheduled for July 10th at the WSU Hope Building to review the preliminary paper mill emissions report (a limited study conducted in 2018) [05:00:00].

Commissioner Dean's Briefing (Last Week): - Climate Action Committee: Reported the Committee is "remiss" in meeting goals, requiring immediate collaboration with Mark McCauley [04:33:59]. - WASAC: The Board adoption of Bylaw Steering Committee recommendations, including changing to a "weighted voting system" due to Jefferson County's "fraction of a vote" [04:41:00]. - Fairgrounds Housing: Signed the fairgrounds operating agreement. The fairgrounds seeks to offer longer-term camping accommodations (like the Port of Port Townsend model) for employees (e.g., construction workers) to generate revenue while avoiding "tenancy" issues [04:47:00].

Commissioner Eisenhour's Briefing (Last Week): - Opioid Settlement Summit/Behavioral Health Advisory Committee (BHAC): Debriefed the summit, where housing and transportation were unequivocally the two highest priorities (18 comments each) [01:14:50]. - BHAC Expansion: A recommendation was made to the BOCC to create a Community Services seat on the BHAC and ask Nicole (from Transit) to fill it, with the Olympic Community Action Programs (OlyCAP) Director as the alternate [01:15:30]. (This requires BOCC appointment). - Funding: Phillip Hunsucker clarified that the Supreme Court decision on the Purdue settlement will not affect current funding but would apply if new settlements occur that follow the One Washington strategies [01:18:36]. - Food Bank Association: Reported significant tension among the board and the executive director, noting the organization is struggling with management ("catches catch can") due to an influx of money and new expectations for professionalism, reminiscent of the fairgrounds' past issues [01:21:59]. - The first-ever Executive Director (8 months into the role) is under pressure, and the board is committed to holding a forum for volunteers to interact with the board [01:40:40]. - The board is discussing hiring someone to handle volunteer management to alleviate pressure on the ED [01:42:07]. - NOLA Steering Committee (Legislative): Debriefed the 2024 session and looked ahead to 2025 legislative priorities: housing/homeless encampments (post-SCOTUS decision), updated building codes, transportation, and infrastructure [01:31:24]. - Encumbered Lands Work Group: Reported that Jefferson County may lose its seat at the table as it has only "73 acres" of encumbered state forest trust lands, which is low compared to others [01:35:42]. The next step is to define the work group's scope and criteria for county inclusion [01:37:30]. - Shelter Agreement: Confirmed the smooth ratification of the contract with Bayside, including the resolution of a communication breakdown with the American Legion which resulted in a 2-party MOU instead of a 3-party MOU [01:38:00].

Commissioner Calendaring (Next Week): - Brotherton: Meeting with Marsha Macey to prep for an LTAC presentation on the Olympic Peninsula Master Tourism Plan; meeting with EDC Finance on C3 status; meeting with SCJ/Christina on the Glencoe project grant [01:39:26]. Will explore his private property for cougar sign with a wildlife biologist from the Point-No-Point Treaty Council [01:40:44]. - Dean: State Board of Health meeting on Wednesday regarding the water recreation rule (relevant to the planned aquatic center); Port Townsend Development Authority (PTDA)/Fort Worden meeting on the economic impact study and consultant recommendations [01:42:13]. Potential public radio show on Friday (subject to fiddle tunes preemption) [01:43:08]. - Eisenhour: Opioid planning meeting (prepping for BHAC meeting next week); attending a Community Foundation gathering [01:43:57]. Plans to take a break for a wedding [01:44:24]. - McCauley: Senior Management Team meeting; working on contracts; meeting with Josh Peters for action plan logistics [01:45:51].

Public Comments

  • No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Transit: Reportedly has a robust cash balance, making the proposed 32-hour work week change feasible.
  • DEM: Director salary is used as the local match ($28,025) for the EMPG grant.
  • Housing Fund: The one Housing Fund Board decision noted was informational (committing of funds).
  • Pool Project: Key financial data from Southwood Whidbey Park & Rec District was reported: $27 million bond passed; $1.7 million septic system; $1,000/sq. ft. pool cost; 96% cost recovery goal.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Staffing: Commissioner Brotherton advocated for the implementation of a 32-hour work week model at Transit to address staffing shortages [02:59:16].
  • BHAC Structure: Recommendation to the BOCC to add a permanent Community Services position to the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee to address housing and transportation priorities [01:15:29].

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Briefings were informational.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioner Eisenhour/Staff: Initiate the process of formally appointing a Community Services representative and alternate to the BHAC.
  • - Mark McCauley/Kate Dean: Collaborate in July to finalize the Climate Action Committee's goals and review metrics.
  • - Commissioner Eisenhour/Staff: Reach out to the Community Foundation/Washington Nonprofit Association for resources on improving nonprofit governance (Volunteer Management).
  • - Commissioner Brotherton: Follow up on the potential 32-hour work week proposal for Transit.
  • - BOCC: Adjourned the meeting for the holiday and upcoming calendar events.

Generated On: 2025-11-07 14:10:22.535183-08:00 By: google/gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025 running on https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/