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10/28/24 09 AM: Commissioners Approve Consent, Climate Actions; Open Flood Hearing

Commissioners Approve Consent, Climate Actions; Open Flood Hearing

Jefferson County Commissioners approved consent agenda with grants/contracts (skate park, CDBG, Teamsters), supported South County deputy for budget, kept flood ordinance hearing open, opposed I-2117 repealing Climate Commitment Act, joined America is All In coalition, vacated streets, scheduled TIP hearing.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:13:20.000–00:18:20.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, infrastructure, services, planning

Summary

The Board reviewed and unanimously approved the consent agenda for October 28, 2024, which included multiple contracts, grants, leases, and agreements without any items pulled for separate discussion. Items highlighted included the Quilcene skate park RCO grant award, Teamsters contract ratification, CDBG grant for early learning center, noxious weed control agreement, public health lease, inmate food services amendment, immunization data sharing, culvert replacement MOA, and skate park donation agreement. Commissioners noted excitement over grant successes, partnership with YMCA, and progress on transportation and weed control.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Brotherton: Praised RCO grant for Quilcene skate park ($767,263 awarded, one of two in state), leveraging ARPA funds, Public Works and Parks efforts, and volunteer work.
  • Commissioner Dean: Highlighted CDBG grant for early learning center nearing bid phase, YMCA partnership.
  • Commissioner Eisenhower: Noted six-year TIP hearing on November 12, Port Hadlock space expansion at Castle Hill, weed control efforts, high lease costs prompting long-term facility planning thoughts.
  • Limited discussion overall; items addressed primarily through supporting materials.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Noxious Weed Control Agreement with WA Dept of Ecology/WCC: $47,090 budget-neutral contract for crews (34 days at $1,385/day), funded by partners.
  • Public Health lease at 1210 W Sims Way: 3-year term, $111,949 total, funded by grants/state revenues.
  • Teamsters CBA: 3-year term (2024-2026), 12% wage increase, ratified October 16.
  • CDBG Subrecipient Agreement with YMCA: $1,990,000 for early learning center construction/10-year operation.
  • Inmate Food Services Amendment #1: 1-year extension from Jan 1, 2025, $177,720 est. annual cost.
  • Immunization Data Sharing ISA with DOH: 3-year renewal at $0 cost.
  • Two Trout Creek Culvert MOA with FHWA: $3.96M total, fully federal-funded via toll credits.
  • Quilcene Skate Park Donation Agreement: YMCA to build 7,500 sq ft facility with $767,263 RCO grant. Board’s decision aligned with staff recommendations; no divergences noted.

Financials

  • Various: Skate park grant $767,263; CDBG $1,990,000; Teamsters wage increases 12% total; Public Health lease $111,950 over 3 years; Inmate food $177,720 annually; Culvert $3.96M (federal/toll credits); Weed control $47,090 (partner-funded). No new County general fund impacts specified.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve the consent agenda for October 28, 2024."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: all three commissioners).
  • Next Steps: Items proceed as approved; e.g., leases/ contracts executed, grants administered.

Public Comments on Sheriff's South County Deputy and America is All In

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:03:48.000–00:13:13.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, public safety, planning

Summary

Public commenters urged support for adding a South County Sheriff's deputy and signing onto America is All In climate pledge. Commissioners expressed general support for the deputy amid ongoing budget process, requesting data on crime levels, and looked forward to the climate item later, noting alignment with County goals.

Key Discussion Points

  • Cindy Jane (Vice Chair, City-County Climate Action Committee): Recommended County join America is All In by November 1 for COP29 inclusion; aligns with County's 58.7% reduction by 2030, 95% by 2050 goals.
  • Shelly Arnell: Requested yes/no on South County deputy budget.
  • Jean: Supported I-2117 resolution and South County deputy.
  • Commissioner Eisenhower: Supports deputy, community need evident.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: In favor, notes improved budget request.
  • Commissioner Dean: Inclined to support deputy with flexibility ideas (e.g., cross-training); County Administrator to relay data request to Sheriff.

Public Comments

  • Cindy Jane, Port Townsend: Unanimous committee motion to join coalition of 5,000+ organizations.
  • Shelly Arnell: Emphasized community interest in deputy funding.
  • Jean: Echoed support for deputy.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No specific documents referenced; climate item tied to later agenda.

Financials

South County deputy: Part of upcoming budget workshop November 4; no figures discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal action; noted for budget process (recommendations November 4) and America is All In (later approval).
  • Next Steps: Budget workshop November 4; climate discussion ~2:00 PM same day.

Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Public Hearing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:00:04.000–01:57:23.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances, planning, infrastructure, public safety

Summary

Staff presented updates to JCC 15.15 for NFIP compliance following 2023 FEMA/ECY audit, including 1-foot freeboard above base flood elevation (BFE), new floodplain development permit, and CRS eligibility for insurance discounts. Discussion focused on floodway restrictions, ag exemptions, variances, and Brennan impacts; hearing kept open for more input amid concerns over public outreach and existing structures.

Key Discussion Points

  • Phil Cecere (Fire Marshal/Building Official/Floodplain Administrator): Explained purpose (protect life/property, NFIP eligibility), changes (ASCE 24 standards, 1-ft freeboard, critical facilities 3-ft above BFE, farmhouse/livestock provisions), CRS benefits (5-45% discounts).
  • Board questions: BFE definition (1% annual chance/100-year flood), floodway limits, variances (Type III to Hearing Examiner), ag flexibility, GIS/maps for checks.
  • Shelly Arnell: Criticized minimal outreach, Brennan floodway impacts "burying" businesses, no opt-out.
  • Staff: Existing structures unaffected unless substantial improvement (>50% value); floodplain permit tracks records; no NFIP opt-out risk if compliant.

Public Comments

  • Shelly Arnell, Brinnon: Poor outreach; floodway rules hinder Brennan businesses/repairs; consider DNR logging effects.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft ordinance reviewed by Ecology, Commerce, Planning Commission (recommended approval), Prosecuting Attorney, FEMA; SEPA non-significance March 13, 2024. Aligns with model code; enables CRS.

Financials

No direct costs; CRS could reduce premiums (5% at Class 9).

Alternatives & Amendments

Phased freeboard (1-ft now, potential 2-ft later); no flat 2-ft like Port Hadlock.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Hearing opened; kept open until COB November 1 for written/oral testimony; continue November 4.
  • No Vote: Deferred.
  • Next Steps: Additional testimony November 4; potential approval post-review.

Resolution Opposing Initiative 2117

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:58:33.000–02:17:15.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances, planning, budgeting

Summary

Public hearing on resolution opposing I-2117 (repeal Climate Commitment Act, ban cap-and-trade); four speakers supported opposition citing CCA funding for transit/electrification/resilience ($3.8B revenue loss if passed), alignment with County goals. Board unanimously approved, noting local projects at risk.

Key Discussion Points

  • Staff: Response to October 7 public comments; CCA generated $2B+ for climate programs.
  • Jackie Aussem: Urgent action needed; supports CCA for emissions cuts.
  • Noreen Parks: $3.8B revenue/1.7B spending loss; funds 1,500 projects (transit, salmon habitat).
  • Cindy Jane: Cap-and-invest values forests; flexible framework.
  • Jane: Port Townsend Council acting similarly.
  • Commissioners: Supports local CCA-funded projects (EV chargers, Highway 19 improvements); disincentivizes emissions.

Public Comments

  • Jackie Aussem, Port Townsend: Proud of state leadership; repeal risks environment/budget.
  • Noreen Parks, Port Townsend: Details CCA programs; tax polluters.
  • Cindy Jane, Port Townsend: Retain for forest carbon value.
  • Jane, Port Townsend: Notes city action.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Resolution drafted by Prosecuting Attorney; ties to prior climate resolutions (2007-2009, 80% reduction by 2050).

Financials

CCA statewide: $2B+ revenue; I-2117 loss $3.8B revenue/1.7B expenditures through 2029. Local projects funded.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve resolution opposing Initiative 2117."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: Dean, Brotherton, Eisenhower).
  • No next steps specified.

America is All In Commitment

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:40:56.000–02:44:22.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, services

Summary

Following morning public comment and Climate Action Committee recommendation, Board unanimously approved joining America is All In coalition (Paris Agreement goals: 50-52% emissions cut by 2030, net-zero 2050) by November 1 for COP29 listing. Aligns with County GHG targets; ICLEI webinar prompted.

Key Discussion Points

  • Cindy Jane: Reiterated unanimous committee support, 5,000+ members including WA peers.
  • Commissioners: Consensus alignment with values/goals; many jurisdictions joined.

Public Comments

No additional comment.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Website reviewed; consistent with June GHG goals.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: County joins via online submission.
  • Vote: Unanimous (motion/second, Ayes).
  • Next Steps: Staff to submit by November 1.

Resolution of Intent to Vacate Mitchell Street and Duffy Avenue Rights-of-Way

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:36:58.000–02:40:36.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: land use, infrastructure

Summary

Board unanimously approved Resolution of Intent to vacate unopened 1908-platted rights-of-way abutting petitioner's property (Zimmermann/Orling, Rayonier joined), per Hearing Examiner recommendation; no public opposition, topography issues noted.

Key Discussion Points

  • Colette Kostelec: Never opened; no public need; pay half assessed value ($10,500) plus admin fees.
  • No opposition at July 26 hearing.

Public Comments

No public comment.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Hearing Examiner report (July 26 hearing, no opposition); Engineer's findings support vacation.

Financials

Compensation: $10,500 (half assessed value) + admin fees/hearing examiner costs.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Adopt Resolution of Intent; finalize upon payment.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Petitioner pays within 1 year; record Final Resolution.

2025-2030 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program Public Hearing Scheduling

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:15:42.000–00:15:56.000 (PART 1, noted in consent discussion)
  • Categories: infrastructure, planning, budgeting

Summary

Consent agenda noted upcoming public hearing on November 12 for 2025-2030 TIP adoption ($94.8M, 38 projects focused on culverts/bridges/non-motorized); required by RCW 36.81.121.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Eisenhower: Hearing on November 12.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

TIP: $94.8M total (76.7% federal); Road Fund projection above reserves.

Financials

Total: $94,765,408 (culverts/bridges 60%).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Hearing scheduled November 12, 10:30 AM.
  • Vote: Via consent approval.
  • Next Steps: Publish notices October 30/November 6; adopt post-hearing.

Background Materials

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