MEETING: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Nov 18, 09:00 AM

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PUBLIC RECORDS MEETING SUMMARY: Jefferson County Board of Commissioners

Meeting Opening and Public Comment

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:27–00:48:29
  • Agenda Item: Meeting Call to Order, Announcements, and Public Comment
  • Categories: public safety, operations, contracts, planning, services, personnel

Topic Summary

The meeting commenced with announcements regarding a continued public hearing in Brennan on the flood prevention ordinance, noting staff would offer one-on-one discussions an hour early. During public comment, primary themes included appreciation for the commission’s outreach, intense concern over solid waste finances and the future of recycling, criticism of the provision of homeless services, and vigorous debate on the funding recommendations for local housing and domestic violence shelters.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Dean announced an upcoming continued hearing in Brennan regarding the flood prevention ordinance, with staff available at 5:30 PM for discussion and the hearing starting at 6:30 PM (00:00:34).
  • Commissioner Brotherton and Commissioner Dean announced they would be traveling to Vancouver for the county's conference and urged caution due to inclement weather (00:01:13).
  • Commissioner Dean requested a workshop be scheduled with staff and the Peninsula Trails Coalition President, Jeff Bowman, to discuss the naming of the eastern portion of the Olympic Discovery Trail (00:16:46).
  • Commissioner Dean expressed distress and concern regarding the impending departure of the Library Director (Tamara) in March and concerns raised by library employees (00:17:51).
  • Commissioner Brotherton acknowledged the tight fiscal environment, noting the 1% tax increase is necessary to keep offering the current level of service (01:54:53).

Public Comments

  • Shelly Arnell (Brennan, S-Y iPhone 16): Thanked the commissioners for holding the flood prevention meeting in Brennan (00:03:18). Requested more explanation on the $100,000 contract cap for a master plan resort contract planner on the consent agenda, calling the cap "long overdue and very welcome" (00:03:25). Suggested local entrepreneurial solutions for glass recycling, referencing a video of college students in Louisiana (00:04:15).
  • Tom Tush: Expressed concern over solid waste: alleging misinformation after the minimum shipping fee doubled from $10 to $20 in May 2023, coupled with increased tipping fees, under the promise that funds would pay for a new transfer station. Stated there is now "no money left" for the facility and questioned if the fund had been audited (00:05:35). He noted the lack of a census on commercial vs. self-haulers hinders curbside feasibility studies (00:06:43). Challenged the plan to eliminate all recycling other than commercial haulers by 2026, arguing cardboard and metal remain marketable (00:07:30). Requested a monetary analysis on the cost of recycling, questioning how much the tipping fee would increase if the $300,000 subsidy were added (00:08:12).
  • Jean Balle (Quilcene): Thanked the board (00:09:08). Detailed a "Herculean effort" cleanup off Lourdes Lake Loop Road, involving almost two dozen volunteers, clearing six sites, filling two four-yard dumpsters provided by Waste Connections, and more (00:09:15). Praised the Jefferson County Trash Task Force as "terrific" and deserving of support (00:10:19).
  • Maggie: Criticized the city and health department for insufficient porta-potties at Evansista camp (00:12:14). Questioned the decision to spend $450,000 on showers and toilets at Caswell Brown when the Yacht Club could have been acquired for $375,000 (00:12:45). Suggested having Boy Scouts help secure tents for people with disabilities at the encampment (00:14:30).
  • Julia: Expressed excitement about the Housing Fund Board recommendations on the consent agenda (00:15:23). Stated the county desperately needs a staff person to focus on housing grants and coordination (00:15:34).
  • Beulah Solaburn (Executive Director, Dovehouse, Brennan): Publicly asked the Commissioners not to approve the Housing Fund Board's recommendations (00:37:17). Stated Dovehouse scored highest on the RFP but was being asked to do "more for less" by receiving partial funding (00:38:08). Dovehouse requested $149,000 and was the least amount requested for the fund (00:37:49). She noted the Housing Fund Board implied nonprofits had "padded the budget" (00:39:03). Stressed the women's shelter operates 24/7, runs a crisis line, and hosts children/pregnant mothers, operating at a much higher cost than the downtown (men's) shelter, which was funded fully (00:38:12, 00:47:23). Warned of an anticipated 49.5% cut, or $258,000, to state victim services funding expected by July (00:39:21). Asked for full funding for the shelter and funding for food at the Recovery Cafe (00:39:58).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Pleasant Harbor Master Planned Resort Contract Planner Services: The public commentor, Shelly Arnell, referenced the contract planner item. The associated non-provided document clarifies this is a PSA with OTAK, Inc. to retain Cristina Haworth after she moved firms, with a $100,000 cap paid entirely by the developer (p. 592).
  • 2025 Affordable Housing and Homeless Housing Funding Recommendations: Julia’s and Beulah Solaburn’s comments referred heavily to the Housing Fund Board’s recommendations. The background detailed that Dove House - Emergency DV Shelter received a recommendation of $145,000 on a request of $146,923 (p. 604). Total requests totaled $2,948,153 against only $1,565,000 available (p. 604).

Financials

  • The need for a housing coordinator position was estimated by Commissioner Brotherton to be a $100,000 proposition (00:32:52).
  • Dovehouse is anticipating a potential cut of $258,000 (49.5%) in state funding for victim services (00:39:24).
  • The downtown emergency shelter was funded at $100,000 until June (00:42:49).
  • The current $1.5 million in available housing funds are oversubscribed by two to one against $3 million in requests (00:41:02).
  • The minimum shipping fee for solid waste was doubled from $10 to $20 (00:05:35).
  • Glass recycling carried a $300,000 subsidy (00:08:12).
  • Maggie referenced $450,000 for Caswell Brown showers/toilets vs. $375,000 for the Yacht Club (00:12:45).
  • The grant for indigent defense covers $32,000, representing approximately 3% of the total cost (00:48:52, 00:49:04).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Commissioner Brotherton mentioned that alternatives to the proposed funding levels were not discussed by the HFB due to severe oversubscription, resulting in many worthy projects being unfunded or partially funded (00:43:54).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: The Housing Fund Board recommendations were defended by Commissioner Brotherton, acknowledging the difficulty of allocating funds when the programs were oversubscribed (00:41:00). Commissioner Dean noted that funding for operations and maintenance (O&M) for existing housing is a top legislative priority (00:44:12).
  • Decision: Approve the Consent Agenda for November 18th, 2024.
  • Vote: Ayes: 3 (Unanimous)
  • Next Steps:
  • - Board of Commissioners and Public Works Staff: Workshop to be scheduled to discuss the naming of the Olympic Discovery Trail (00:16:46).
  • - Staff: Prepare to address solid waste fees and the eventual transition to curbside collection (00:20:06).
  • - Commissioner Dean: Sending a draft resolution regarding ICG quorum issues later today (01:38:06).

Washington State DNR Quarterly Income Report

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:11:09–01:27:50
  • Agenda Item: Update from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Third Quarter County Income Report
  • Categories: infrastructure, budgeting, land use, natural resources

Topic Summary

The DNR presented its report on third-quarter timber revenue distribution for Jefferson County, showing a year-to-date total of over $848,000. DNR staff confirmed that two major sales, Jupiter Access and Center 21, are wrapping up, with only initial deposits left, and projected calendar year 2025 revenue of over $2 million under contract due to anticipated sales like Last Crocker Sorts Resale, Maladjusted, and AC Alder.

Key Discussion Points

  • DNR Staff (Drew Rosanbalm) reported that at the end of Q3 2024, DNR revenue to the county was about $535,000 (01:12:12).
  • Sales Update: The Jupiter Access sale, hindered by fire and yards, is nearly paid off with only the initial deposit remaining (01:12:47). Center 21 thinning is finally wrapping up, and Pennywise has also concluded (01:13:07).
  • A surprise income of over $6,000 came from a direct sale of piled up pulp timber, "Beaver Valley Pulp," left over from a previous sale due to a poor pulp market, purchased by a firewood supplier (01:14:15).
  • Projections for 2025: The projected total under contract for collection in 2025 is just over $2 million (01:16:20).
  • Last Crocker Sorts Resale is expected to deliver in Q3 2025 (01:14:53).
  • Maladjusted is projected for a January 2025 sale and expected to harvest in 2026 (01:15:10).
  • AC Alder (purely alder) is scheduled for a June 2025 sale, estimating over 1 million feet, and is hopeful for a summer/fall harvest in 2025 (01:15:57, 01:16:09).
  • Revenue Distribution: The General Fund receives about 14.6% of timber revenue (01:18:30). Roads diversion is decreasing from 620 to 520 (01:18:49).
  • Non-Timber Revenue: Drew noted a payment schedule alignment caused non-timber revenue (mainly commercial sites, rights of way, leases) to show up entirely in Q3, totaling $14,000 (01:26:07, 01:26:29).

Public Comments

  • No public comment was taken on this item.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Washington State Department of DNR Quarterly County Income Report: The report detailed the Q3 2024 and projected 2025 revenue (p. 648-650).

Financials

  • Q3 2024 DNR distribution: $536,903.86 (p. 649).
  • Year-to-date 2024 total accrued revenue: $848,000 (01:25:33).
  • $123,000 of YTD revenue went to the General Fund (01:25:52).
  • Projected 2025 revenue under contract: over $2 million (p. 648).
  • General Fund percentage: 14.6% (01:18:30).
  • Road Fund diversion reduction: from $620,000 to $520,000 (01:18:41, 01:18:49).
  • Fire Districts 4 and 5 currently have zero timber under contract (01:20:52).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: DNR update was informational.
  • Vote: No action was taken.
  • Next Steps: None specified.

Setting of Ad Valorem Tax Levies for 2025

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:41:06–02:00:58
  • Agenda Item: Public Hearing on the Setting of Ad Valorem Tax Levies for 2025
  • Categories: budgeting, land use, ordinances

Topic Summary

The Board held a public hearing on three resolutions proposing to adopt a 1% increase in regular Ad Valorem (property) tax levies for the General Fund, Road Fund, and Conservation Futures Fund for 2025, and a diversion of $520,000 from the Road Levy to the General Fund for traffic law enforcement. Assessor staff explained that property values are rapidly increasing, leading to a dropping levy rate, requiring the 1% increase along with new construction revenue to offset growing costs like salaries.

Key Discussion Points

  • Assessor Jeff Chapman stated that the county's assessed value is nearly $10 billion (01:43:28). This year's assessment ratio should be about 92% of market value, up from 88% last year (01:44:00).
  • Property Tax Law: The law limits a levy increase to 1% annually if inflation (Implicit Price Deflator) is above 1%; an increase is highly recommended to offset higher costs (01:41:57, 01:54:53).
  • New Construction Revenue: New construction revenue combined with the 1% cap is projecting growth below 2% due to dropping levy rates. Last year's levy rate was 99 cents (01:48:08).
  • Road Diversion: The diversion request for traffic law enforcement is for $520,000 (01:58:34). Commissioner Brotherton noted the reduction in the Road Diversion amount ($100,000 reduction from previous year) combined with increases in SRS payments will be a hit to the General Fund (01:59:14).

Public Comments

  • No public comment was provided during the specific hearing period (01:53:54).
  • Commissioner Dean noted that the property tax increase is a "regular, doing business" item, and acknowledged that 70% of the budget consists of salaries, which rise more than 1% annually (01:54:50).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • 2025 Ad Valorem Tax Levies and Road Levy Diversion: The packet provided the levy amounts to be collected (p. 647).

Financials

  • General Fund 1% increase proposed: $90,973 (01:56:25).
  • Road Fund 1% increase proposed: $50,844 (p. 644).
  • Road Levy diversion for traffic law enforcement: $520,000 (01:58:34).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Alternatives: None formally proposed.
  • Amendments: No amendments were made to the proposed resolutions.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision 1: Motion to approve a resolution increasing the Jefferson County General Fund Levy for 2025 taxes by $90,973.
  • Vote 1: Ayes: 3 (Unanimous). Motion passes (01:56:32).
  • Decision 2: Motion to approve a resolution increasing the Jefferson County Conservation Futures Tax Levy for 2025 taxes.
  • Vote 2: Ayes: 3 (Unanimous). Motion passes (01:57:10).
  • Decision 3: Motion to approve a resolution increasing the Jefferson County Road Levy for 2025 taxes.
  • Vote 3: Ayes: 3 (Unanimous). Motion passes (01:58:20).
  • Decision 4: Motion to approve a resolution diverting road levy for traffic law enforcement for the 2025 General Fund budget ($520,000).
  • Vote 4: Ayes: 3 (Unanimous). Motion passes (01:59:57).
  • Decision 5: Motion to approve and sign the letter to the Assessor outlining the approved levy amounts.
  • Vote 5: Ayes: 3 (Unanimous). Motion passes (02:00:58).
  • Next Steps: Approved amounts are certified to the Assessor's office.

Open Space Tax Program Applications

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:01:47–02:41:19
  • Agenda Item: Public Hearing on Open Space Tax Applications
  • Categories: land use, natural resources, planning, taxation, services

Topic Summary

The Board held a public hearing on three Open Space Tax applications to incentivize land conservation. After staff reported on the Public Benefit Rating System (PBRS) scores, one application (Thorndyke LLC) was pulled by the applicant due to a pending legal issue. The Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group application was approved with conditions, while the Zuker/Alde application was continued to a future session to allow the applicants to submit further documentation to gain extra points under the PBRS.

Key Discussion Points

  • Associate Lead Planner David Wayne Johnson summarized the Open Space Tax Program, which provides property tax reduction to preserve lands for public/environmental benefits (02:05:08). Applications are scored under a PBRS requiring a minimum of 5 points for a tax reduction (02:07:44).
  • Thorndyke LLC Application (CUA 2024-00002): Pulled by applicant Marie Pope to resolve an issue with a "previous property owner" and placed in pending status (02:05:01). This site is a sensitive estuary with high fish barrier removal board value that staff advocated protecting (02:22:06).
  • Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG) Application (CUA 2022-00002):
    • Points: Achieved the maximum 12 points, qualifying for a 90% tax reduction (02:08:26, 02:17:50).
    • Status: The non-profit needed to convert parts of the parcel from designated forest land (DFL) and Open Space AG to Open Space to suit its mission of salmon habitat preservation, avoiding a large compensatory tax ($30,000) (02:17:17).
    • Condition: Applicant Gus Johnson requested delaying the requirement for public access signage until 2028, after the major restoration work (summer 2025–2028) is completed (02:30:01).
  • Zuker/All Day Application (CUA 2024-00001):
    • Points: Awarded 10 points (02:08:41), qualifying for a 30% tax reduction (02:18:57).
    • Applicant Zoe Zucker questioned why they did not receive full points for all significant fish and wildlife habitat sections, given active salmon runs and Fish and Wildlife attendance (02:26:04).
    • Staff noted the current criteria require verification by a State Fish and Wildlife professional to qualify for additional points (02:34:39).

Public Comments

  • Gene Alde (Chimicum): Stated a need for higher points for the Zuker property, citing active salmon run verification by Fish and Wildlife and requested clarification on the difference between PBRS points and the percentage tax relief (02:25:53, 02:27:12).
  • Gus Johnson (Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group, Port Angeles): Thanked staff for assistance (02:28:23). Requested an amendment to the condition, delaying installation of public access signs until 2028, after their anticipated habitat restoration construction (Summer 2025–2028) is finished, to ensure public safety (02:30:01).
  • Jean Balle (Quilcene): Applauded the Open Space Tax efforts (02:32:45).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • 2024 Open Space Tax Program Current Use Applications (HCSEG, Zuker, Thorndyke): The report detailed the PBRS scores, the percentage of tax reduction, and the perpetual easements and conditions placed on the properties (p. 608-616).
  • DCD Staff & Assessor (Sherrod Schultz) assisted in clarifying the tax impacts of the open space transfers (02:16:53).

Financials

  • HCSEG Tax Benefit: 90% reduction (10% of market value) (02:17:50). They avoided over $30,000 in compensatory tax by moving from DFL/Open Space AG to Open Space (02:17:17).
  • Zuker Tax Benefit: 30% reduction (02:18:57). Their taxes are projected to increase slightly as the land valuation moves from DFL land ($100 per acre) (02:19:02).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • HCSEG Signage Timeline: The Board adopted the condition with the applicant's friendly amendment to allow signage installation until 2028, deferred due to active construction (02:38:44).
  • Zuker/Alde Points: Commissioner Brotherton sent an email from an external party (Eric Kingfisher) to confirm the priority habitats, moving to continue the hearing to allow the official documentation to be submitted (02:36:21).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision 1 (HCSEG): Motion to approve the HCSEG application (CUA 2022-00002) with conditions, including the temporary deferral of public access signage until 2028 (02:38:06).
  • Vote 1: Ayes: 3 (Unanimous). Motion passes (02:40:47).
  • Decision 2 (Zuker/Alde): The hearing was continued to allow the applicant to provide documentation from Fish and Wildlife to qualify for additional PBRS points.
  • Outcome (Thorndyke LLC): Application pulled by applicant and placed in pending status (02:05:01).
  • Next Steps:
  • - DCD Staff (David Wayne Johnson): Will work with Zuker/Alde applicants and contact Fish and Wildlife to gather required documentation; hearing to be continued (02:36:03).
  • - HCSEG: Will finalize and sign the tax agreement, which will include the 2028 signage condition (02:39:12).

Port Hadlock UGA Sewer Utility Code Adoption

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:43:08–03:03:26
  • Agenda Item: Housing Regarding Jefferson County Code Title 13 Sewer Utility Code
  • Categories: infrastructure, planning, ordinances, services, budgeting

Topic Summary

The Board adopted the new Jefferson County Code Title 13 Sewer Utility Code and the affiliated Sewer Fee Schedule via a resolution. The code adoption is a monumental step for the Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area (PHUGA), establishing the regulatory framework and fee structure needed for the sewer system to become operational. The fees, set at $80 per month for a typical single-family home (1 ERU), were benchmarked as middle of the range for Washington, and the System Development Charges (SDCs) will be phased in slowly over several years due to the project being largely funded by federal and state grants.

Key Discussion Points

  • Public Works Staff (Sam Harper and Mansvi Shah) stressed that the Sewer Utility Code is essential for planning, design, use, maintenance, and fee collection for the new PHUGA system, fulfilling the GMA requirement to provide urban services (02:45:17).
  • Fees and SDCs: The residential user charge is $80 per month for a single-family home (02:46:59). The SDC fee (one-time fee for new connections) is "significantly lower than the average" because the capital costs (construction) were almost entirely covered by grants (02:48:49). SDCs will not kick in for several years.
  • Connection Mandates: The code clarifies that existing single-family residences with "adequate" septic systems are not required to connect even if sewer is available, a point that had been emphasized in public forums (02:47:45).
  • Financial Status: The project will be entirely subsided initially, as the low number of initial customers will not cover all operational costs (02:49:15).
  • Funding Hookups: Grant funds are expected to cover hookups for required connections (commercial/high water users in Phase 1) but will likely not cover costs for residential customers who voluntarily connect (02:55:53).
  • Placemaking: Commissioner Brotherton described the adoption as the "birth of a new placemaking time," enabling the Port Hadlock/Tri-Area to develop as the area's urban growth center (03:01:35).

Public Comments

  • No public comment was provided during the specific hearing period (02:59:39).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Port Hadlock UGA Sewer Utility Code Adoption: The packet included the proposed resolution for the fee schedule (p. 506-512) and the ordinance itself (p. 521-558).

Financials

  • Residential Monthly Rate (Single-family residence/1 ERU): $80.00 (p. 507, 02:46:59).
  • Latecomer vs. SDC: SDCs are collected by the county for future capital debt/improvements; latecomer fees are a 20-year payback mechanism for private parties who invest money to extend collection systems (02:51:13).
  • Capital Project Funding: 100% from grants; no loan is currently in place for construction (02:48:49).
  • SDCs will be phased in incrementally only starting in 2028 (p. 510).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Decision 1 (Fee Schedule): Motion to approve the resolution adopting a sewer fee schedule for the Port Hadlock urban growth area sewer utility as presented.
  • Vote 1: Ayes: 3 (Unanimous). Motion passes (03:01:59).
  • Decision 2 (Ordinance): Motion to adopt an ordinance adopting a sewer utility code for the Port Hadlock urban growth area (JCC Title 13).
  • Vote 2: Ayes: 3 (Unanimous). Motion passes (03:02:55).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Adopted new JCC Title 13 and the Sewer Fee Schedule.
  • Vote: Unanimous (3-0) for both the resolution and the ordinance (03:01:59, 03:02:55).
  • Next Steps: A final, clean version of the ordinance and resolution is required. The interlocal agreement with the PUD to operate the system will be brought before the Board before the end of the year (02:49:21).

Adoption of Updated Countywide Planning Policy (CPP) and Planning Data

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:05:09–04:13:18
  • Agenda Item: Hearing and Action: Updates to Countywide Planning Policy and Planning Data
  • Categories: planning, land use, ordinances, services

Topic Summary

The Board held a public hearing on and subsequently adopted three crucial resolutions related to the 2025 Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) Update: the updated Countywide Planning Policies (CPP), the 2025-2045 Population Projection and Allocation, and the Public Participation Plan (PPP). The new population allocation shifts to an 80% urban / 20% rural split, emphasizing growth in urban areas like Port Hadlock, supported by the sewer utility. Community engagement was criticized as insufficient; however, staff defended outreach efforts and cited new strategies involving Community-Based Organizations (CBOs).

Key Discussion Points

  • Planner Joel Peterson verified that the CPP update was vetted through five Growth Management Steering Committee (GMSC) meetings and incorporates mandated updates on Tribal Coordination and Climate Planning policies (03:07:06).
  • CPP Language: Commissioner Dean noted that the CPP language felt "slim" on the future development of the unincorporated Port Hadlock UGA, but Director Peters clarified that the existing language was intentionally modest to facilitate ongoing discussions around "decoupling" the Port Townsend UGA municipal boundary (03:10:00, 03:14:01).
  • Population Projection (2025-2045):
    • The GMSC selected the OFM midrange series, projecting an increase of 5,900 people over 20 years (03:24:13).
    • Allocation: Shifted from 70% urban / 30% rural to 80% urban / 20% rural, with the 80% split evenly between the Port Townsend UGA and the Port Hadlock UGA (40% each) (03:26:24).
    • Housing Needs: GMSC selected Department of Commerce Methodology C for rural communities to allocate housing needs across income bands, acknowledging limited rural infrastructure (03:31:01).
    • Master Planned Resorts (MPR) (Brennan, Ludlow): MPR growth is a finite number already accommodated, but staff can be flexible on whether that growth is calculated from the urban or rural allocation (03:39:15).
  • Public Participation Plan (PPP): Staff defended the multi-faceted PPP, noting significant efforts to leverage new CBO grants from future-wise, Bayside Housing, and Jefferson Land Trust to reach underserved and specialized communities, which George Terry confirmed involves eight CBOs and ten associated groups (04:07:08). Staff are open to better implementation ideas.

Public Comments

  • Shelly Arnell (Brennan): Criticized the public outreach as "woefully inadequate," arguing GMSC ended too abruptly (03:17:23). Stated that CBO meetings are typically poorly attended, and urged reliance on "word of mouth" and social media through community members, as recommended by a local study (04:11:56).
  • John Conan Holbert (Brennan): Asked where the Master Planned Resort (MPR) allocations fall in the 40-40-20 split and voiced concern that the 20% rural limit might not allow enough housing for future MPR employees (03:37:38).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Updates to Countywide Planning Policy (CPP) and Comprehensive Plan Planning Data: The committee selected the OFM Medium Series population projection and recommended the 80/20 urban/rural split (p. 3). The PPP was included as an endorsement item.

Financials

  • No fiscal impact for adopting the policies and projections (p. 3).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • CPP Adoption: No alternatives to deny or defer were proposed.
  • Decision 1 (CPP): Motion to repeal and replace Resolution 107-91 and 128-92 to adopt the updated Countywide Planning Policy (CPP).
  • Vote 1: Ayes: 3 (Unanimous). Motion passes (03:22:40).
  • Decision 2 (Population Projection): Motion to repeal and replace Resolution 38-15 to adopt the 2025-2045 population projection, allocation, and Methodology C (HAPT).
  • Vote 2: Ayes: 3 (Unanimous). Motion passes (03:42:09).
  • Decision 3 (PPP): Motion to approve the resolution adopting the Public Participation Plan for the 2025 Comp Plan Update.
  • Vote 3: Ayes: 3 (Unanimous). Motion passes (04:13:18).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: All three resolutions related to the 2025 Comp Plan update planning framework were unanimously adopted.
  • Next Steps:
  • - BOCC and DCD Staff: Plan to meet to discuss specific ideas and stakeholder lists for more effective PPP implementation (04:05:31, 04:06:31).
  • - DCD Staff: Will proceed with the internal review and initial drafts of the Comp Plan utilizing the adopted population and policy frameworks.

Transmittal of Planning Commission and Staff Recommendations for 2024 Docket (Workshop)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:13:42–04:26:29
  • Agenda Item: Workshop: Transmittal of Planning Commission and Staff Recommendations for the 2024 Docket
  • Categories: planning, land use, infrastructure, ordinances

Topic Summary

The Board held an informational workshop to receive the Planning Commission’s modified recommendations for the four proposals in the 2024 Comprehensive Plan and UDC amendment docket. Staff sought and received authorization to schedule a final public hearing and adoption meeting for the entire docket on December 9th, 2024. Notable modifications included decoupling the Port Townsend UGA boundary to include Caswell Brown Village for sewer service and limiting the Airport Overlay III expansion to only Port-owned property.

Key Discussion Points

  • Planner Joel Peterson presented the final four proposals, noting that two (Caswell Brown UGA extension and Airport Overlay expansion) required modifications since the Planning Commission initially reviewed them (04:14:54, 04:15:04).
  • Proposal 2 (Caswell Brown UGA Extension): This boundary extension decouples the Port Townsend UGA from the municipal boundary for Caswell Brown Village and adjacent parcels (32.72 acres) (04:16:43, 04:16:51). This allows sewer service installation necessary for the Village to operate and qualify for CHIP funding (04:16:20).
  • Proposal 3 (Congregate Housing): Amendments encourage residential density in rural areas by adding the use category "Congregate Housing" and clarifying Planned Rural Residential Development (PRRD) standards (04:17:22, 04:18:01). This provision is intended to accommodate farm worker housing without specifically being limited to it (04:18:40, 04:18:47).
  • Proposal 4 (Airport EPF Expansion/Overlay III):
    • This expands the Airport EPF by 12 acres. The major change is restructuring the Airport Overlay III zone expansion (for non-airport industrial uses) to include only property owned by the Port of Port Townsend, simplifying access disputes and ensuring public review (04:20:52, 04:21:11).
    • The expansion supports the Jefferson Timber Collective and other local wood processors by providing appropriate space and collaborative use of capital infrastructure (04:22:41, 04:22:53).
  • Hearing Requirement: The Planning Commission strongly recommends holding a final public hearing before adoption on December 9th to provide a final opportunity for public comment on the modified proposals (04:25:00, 04:25:10).

Public Comments

  • No public comment was taken during the workshop itself, as it was an informational transmittal (04:13:42).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • 2024 Comprehensive Plan and UDC Annual Amendment Cycle Recommendation: The report detailed the specific acreage changes, the UGA decoupling justification, and the conversion from Binding Site Plan to general development regulations for the Airport Overlay III (p. 602-606).

Financials

  • The Board recently approved $420,000 for the Port to put access and utilities into the "Eco-Business Park" (the expanded Overlay III area) (04:23:09).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Decision: Motion to approve holding a public hearing on December 9th, 2024, regarding final action on the 2024 Comprehensive Plan/UDC amendment docket proposals (04:25:21).
  • Vote: Ayes: 3 (Unanimous). Motion passes (04:25:41).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved scheduling the final public hearing and adoption meeting for December 9th, 2024.
  • Next Steps:
  • - DCD Staff: Finalize and publish the hearing notice for December 9th, 2024 (04:24:11).
  • - BOCC: Conduct the hearing and take final action to adopt or deny the entire 2024 docket on December 9th (04:26:00).

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