MEETING: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Nov 25, 09:00 AM

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JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING SUMMARY

Meeting Logistics and Website Usability Issues

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:55–00:10:53
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Opening formalities, announcements, public comment on non-agenda issues)
  • Categories: operations, services, infrastructure, other

Topic Summary

The meeting commenced with logistical announcements, including the absence of Commissioner Brotherton and the early adjournment planned for 11:00 AM due to an election certification. The primary discussion revolved around persistent technical difficulties, particularly the quality of the Zoom audio, which multiple public commentators described as "echoey," "hollow," and "tinny." Issues with the newly deployed county website were also raised, including difficulty accessing meeting documents. Commissioner Dean acknowledged that the sound quality issues had not previously been formally reported and pledged to work with IT staff to address them.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Dean announced that Commissioner Brotherton was at a Forest Service meeting and the meeting would be short, adjourning by 11:00 AM for election certification (00:01:11).
  • Audio Quality: Tom Pierce (Public Comment) reported that Commissioner Dean’s voice was "extremely echoey" (00:07:30) and difficult to understand because she was not using the microphone (00:07:32).
  • Tom Pierce also requested the reinstatement of the microphone at the public lectern and noted that County Administrator Mark McCauley’s comments (presumably when at the lectern) were often difficult to hear (00:08:13).
  • Lori (Public Comment) suggested the sound quality was not "echoey" but "hollow" (00:23:17), which might help the IT team pinpoint the issue.
  • Jane (Public Comment) stated the audio quality was "definitely worse today" (00:22:03), possibly due to a simple volume change applied by IT staff since Commissioner Dean could hear the microphone being broadcast live (00:10:04).
  • Website Usability: Tom Pierce expressed disappointment that the new website "doesn’t work" and criticized the lack of thorough testing before deployment (00:09:00).
  • Carolyn, staff, explained that all boards must post agendas to the county calendar, which includes instructions for meeting materials and attendance (00:17:14). She noted the current lack of a centralized committee meeting section is temporary (00:17:20).
  • Commissioner Eisenhower noted that the new agenda format requires users to go to Laserfiche, rather than having live links within the PDF agenda, which decreases transparency (00:32:30).

Public Comments

  • - Julia: Provided dates (11/28, 12/10-12/15, 12/25-12/29) when no one was signed up to provide dinner for the Winter Welcoming Center shelter and confirmed the new county website navigation worked for her (00:04:10).
  • - Tom Pierce: Critically addressed the need for microphone use for clearer audio and described the newly launched website as looking "great" but "doesn't work" (00:09:00).
  • - Maggie: Discussed issues at a local encampment behind DSHS, noting that a disabled woman spent a year requesting porta potties from the city. She also highlighted concerns about Recovery Cafe staff escalating non-crisis situations, specifically involving a man with autism (00:12:34).
  • - Jane: Reported she could not find a Zoom link for the upcoming LTAC meeting on the county’s AV page (00:16:35) and agreed the county's room acoustics are likely hindering sound quality (00:16:18).
  • - Lori: Suggested the poor audio quality was "hollow" rather than "echoey" (00:23:17).
  • - Gordon: Agreed the quality issue may stem from the "very hard serviced room" acoustics (00:24:06).
  • - Shelly: Stated the meeting sound is "tinny" and "could be as simple as your cable" (00:25:12).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced regarding the audio or website issues.

Financials

  • Tom Pierce noted public funds had been "invested money in" the existing microphone technology that was not being used effectively (00:07:49).
  • Commissioner Dean estimated the cost of a port audio system upgrade at $70,000 (00:26:03).
  • Carolyn noted that the newer OWL L4 audiovisual device, which has extension mics, costs approximately $2,000 (00:30:39).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Commissioner Dean attempted to fix the audio in real time by speaking into her microphone and by having IT staff turn down the volume of the in-room speakers (00:09:44, 00:22:09).
  • Carolyn suggested buying an upgraded charcoal OWL with an extender mic for the chambers, which is currently in the Amazon shopping cart (00:27:54).
  • Carolyn proposed adding a dedicated, easy-to-use hybrid meeting system in the first floor conference room (00:28:45).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal decision made; discussion resulted in acknowledged problems and potential fixes.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioner Dean/Staff: Liaise with IT (Scott) to test the cause of the poor audio and improve its quality for virtual participation (00:21:37).
  • - Carolyn/Staff: Investigate the purchase of the upgraded OWL L4 and extender microphones (00:27:54, 00:30:46) and send specs to Mark McCauley for budget workup (00:27:25).
  • - Carolyn/Staff: Send out notification about the Housing Fund Board meeting cancellation (01:08:57).

South County Encampment and Provider Services Concerns

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:19:33–00:21:16
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Public Comment/Commissioner Response)
  • Categories: services, public safety, operations, other

Topic Summary

Commissioner Dean responded to public comments regarding homeless encampments and provider service quality. She detailed her recent observations at the encampment behind DSHS and acknowledged the complexities of waste management and mental health support. A public commenter highlighted specific failures in provider staff behavior at Recovery Cafe when dealing with individuals with disabilities.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Dean walked through the encampment behind DSHS on Saturday and noted observing a lot of discarded property on the ground (00:19:41).
  • She raised the question of whether a dumpster would be effectively utilized at the encampment site (00:20:00).
  • Commissioner Dean expressed appreciation for people with training who are good at discerning between a true emergency and a non-crisis situation in the context of mental health and homelessness (00:20:41).
  • Maggie (Public Comment) claimed Recovery Cafe provider staff were isolating themselves, failing to interact with consumers, and behaving poorly, such as escalating a minor upset from a man with autism (00:14:20).
  • Maggie argued that staff were creating a crisis out of a non-crisis (00:15:41) and should offer "grace" and demonstrate good role modeling behavior (00:15:14).

Public Comments

  • - Maggie: Asserted that the city failed to provide basic sanitation (porta potties) or recycling/waste management for the encampment, leading to public health issues (00:13:20).
  • - Maggie: Criticized Recovery Cafe staff for poor fit, isolating themselves, and escalating emotions, resulting in socially inappropriate but non-illegal behavior (00:14:45).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Maggie advocated for the provision of porta potties and recycled containers at encampments (00:13:30).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; discussion was informational in response to public comment.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:31:37–00:37:23
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda
  • Categories: licensing, environment, land use, contracts, personnel, budgeting, planning

Topic Summary

The Board discussed and approved the consent agenda, with particular focus on three items. Commissioner Eisenhower highlighted the effectiveness of the Marine Resources Committee's Olympia oyster shell application program. Commissioner Dean provided context for the ratification of a USDA grant signature regarding the new child care center, noting the frustrating delays and bureaucratic challenges faced. The agenda was approved with an amendment correcting a date error in a public hearing notice.

Key Discussion Points

  • Carolyn noted that she created 2023 minutes that were missing from the agenda package, which is included in the consent agenda (00:31:57).
  • Commissioner Eisenhower praised the Marine Resource Committee’s (MRC) project to purchase oyster shells, noting that population growth is "strengthening" in areas where oyster shell application has occurred (00:34:48).
  • Commissioner Eisenhower was also pleased about the Weed Board's commitment to increased Scotch broom removal, particularly along the John Anderson Lake Road PUD right-of-way (00:35:31).
  • Mark McCauley noted that the hearing notice for the mid-biennium budget review (Item 1) incorrectly stated the year as "2020" instead of 2024; the change would be made (00:35:44).
  • Commissioner Dean provided rationale for Item 14 (Ratification of Signature), stating that the signature was required on a USDA Letter of Conditions for the new child care center grant (00:36:18).
  • Commissioner Dean expressed frustration that the child care center project has been "exceedingly frustrating" due to incredible administrative delays with the USDA (00:36:40).

Public Comments

  • No public comment was provided specifically on the consent agenda items (as it was closed at 00:17:05).

Supporting Materials Referenced

The consent agenda, approved with one correction, contained the following substantive items based on the provided input: - Hearing Notice for Biennial Budget Mid-Biennium Review (Correction Made) - Memorandum of Agreement for Acceptance of Hiring Incentive for Corrections Officer Acea Such ($10,000 incentive, 3-year service requirement). - Consolidated Contracts Amendment #22 (DOH): Decreased contract value by $822,343, primarily by a large reduction in COVID-19 vaccine funds, while adding funds for opioid awareness campaigns ($24,500 initial allocation) and Infectious Disease Syringe Services. - WDFW Interagency Agreement Amendment for North Pacific Coast MRC, increasing the contract by $1,500 for the Coastal MRC Summit. - Noxious Weed Control Agreement with Jefferson PUD #1: A $90,000, three-year agreement ($30,000 annually) for the County to control noxious weeds, particularly Scotch broom, on PUD properties. - MRC Oyster Shell Purchase Contract with Hood Canal Oyster Co. for $16,000 for Olympia oyster restoration efforts, funded by an existing grant (OTGP-2023-JeCoWS-00009). - Public Works Change Order No. 4 for the Port Hadlock Low Pressure Sewer System (Phase 3), increasing the contract by $166,076.02 and time by 9 days to add parallel and extended LPS lines. - Ratification of Documents for Early Learning Facility Grant (USDA-RD): Post-facto approval of the Chair’s signature to secure a $1,375,000 federal grant (P.L. 117-328) for the child care center project.

Financials

  • Child Care Center Grant: USDA grant appropriation of $1,375,000 pending satisfaction of Letter of Conditions (00:36:27).
  • Oyster Shell Purchase: Up to $16,000 for the contract with Hood Canal Oyster Co. (Funding: Northwest Straits Commission grant).
  • Noxious Weed Control: $30,000 annual revenue from Jefferson PUD #1 ($90,000 total over three years).
  • Corrections Officer: $10,000 hiring incentive for Acea Such.
  • Consolidated Health Contract: Net decrease of $822,343.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Commissioner Eisenhower moved to approve the consent agenda with the change to the date listed in item number one (the hearing notice) from 2020 to 2024 (00:37:09).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve the consent agenda, as amended, was passed.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: Dean, Eisenhower).
  • Next Steps:
  • - BOCC/Staff: Correct the date on the hearing notice for the Mid-biennium Review (Item 1) to 2024 (00:35:44).

Commissioner Reports and Legislative/Planning Review

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:37:27–01:03:55
  • Agenda Item: Commissioner's Briefing Session
  • Categories: land use, planning, budgeting, services, environment, personnel, contracts, infrastructure, other

Topic Summary

Commissioners Dean and Eisenhower delivered reports on their attendance at the Washington Association of Counties (WASA) County Leaders Conference and detailed week-long activities, including participation in the legislative steering committee and meetings concerning major county projects. Key topics included the legislative priorities for the 2025 session, the passage of the flood ordinance in Brinnon, and the ongoing coordination for the nascent child care center and derelict vessel removal program. Both commissioners and the County Administrator reflected on their upcoming departures and the processes to replace them.

Key Discussion Points

  • WASAC Conference/Legislative Work: Commissioner Eisenhower attended the WASAC County Leaders Conference (Timber County’s Caucus and Legislative Steering Committee) in Vancouver to ensure the county was "present and accounted for" as a timber county (00:38:35).
  • Commissioner Dean co-chaired her final Legislative Steering Committee meeting (00:40:38). Priorities for the 2025 legislative session include: state funding 50% of indigent defense, full funding for the independent coroner mandate, housing initiatives, and increasing the 1% levy limit to up to 3% (00:50:47).
  • Brinnon Flood Ordinance/South County Engagement: Commissioner Dean attended a special meeting in Brinnon where the flood ordinance was passed (00:45:26). She noted a better job is needed in communicating that the ordinance was for "administrative fixes" to maintain eligibility for the National Flood Insurance Program, not new land use regulations (00:45:56).
  • Commissioner Dean noted a common refrain at the meeting: "We don't do anything for South County," which she countered by listing multiple ongoing county initiatives benefiting the area (00:47:14).
  • Child Care Center: Commissioner Dean detailed the extreme frustration with the USDA grant process due to "incredible delays" and outdated forms (00:54:12). She reported positive movement after the USDA Rural Development State Director, Price Johnson, joined a call (00:54:55).
  • Marine Resources Committee (MRC): Commissioner Eisenhower attended the annual retreat and praised the MRC's success, particularly with the Olympia oyster project (00:42:28). She noted that the MRC is an effective, largely volunteer group (00:44:14).
  • Commissioner Eisenhower reported momentum for creating a county derelict vessel removal project, possibly with a coordinator, to interface with state funding sources (00:43:26).
  • Public Meetings: Commissioner Dean announced public meetings for changes to the Septic Code: one evening meeting in Port Townsend on the 10th and another on the 16th in Quilcene (00:56:05).
  • ICG and LTAC: Commissioner Dean reported that her final Inter-Jurisdictional Coordinating Group (ICG) meeting addressed administrative wrap-up and resulted in new MOUs/ILAs (00:56:31). She also reported on the final LTAC meeting before Tuesday's deliberation (00:57:44).
  • County Administrator's Activities (Mark McCauley): McCauley reported heavy snow near Mount Walker after the Brinnon meeting (01:01:43), meeting with the Sheriff command staff on negotiations (01:02:53), and a meeting with Clip Moore to discuss the upcoming process to replace the County Administrator (01:03:10).

Public Comments

  • No public comment was provided during the briefing session.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Hoh River Resiliency Design Project (Lindner to Fletcher Ranch Reach) Amendment 1: Referenced implicitly in the context of broader planning and tribal interface work. The budget is $835,433.00 (unchanged), and the focus shifted due to landowner issues.
  • RAISE Grant Agreement for ODT Planning: Referenced implicitly; $2,080,000 portion for Jefferson County planning/design of the trail gap.
  • Amendments to Development Code (RCW 36.70B / SB 5290 Implementation): Referenced implicitly; procedural changes to permit review times (e.g., Type I: 65 days, Type II: 100 days) to meet state law.

Financials

  • WASAC Legislative Priorities: State funding proposals involve massive county budget impacts, including shifting costs for indigent defense (from 3-4% state coverage to 50%) and full funding for the coroner mandate (00:50:50).
  • Child Care Center Grant: Securing an appropriation of $1,375,000 from the USDA (Congressionally Directed Spending) (00:36:27).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Alternatives for implementing a derelict vessel removal program were discussed, ranging from the county removing vessels directly to taking on an "interface with the state" role (00:43:10).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; meeting was informational.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioner Dean: Compile the invite list for the December 20th event (01:10:50).
  • - Commissioner Eisenhower: Check if her Navy regional reception invite on December 7th is transferable to Carolyn (01:07:45).
  • - Next BOCC Meeting: December 9th, with two hearings in the morning and a road renaming hearing at 2:00 PM (01:10:26).

Scheduling and Conflicts for the Week Ahead

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:03:58–01:12:06
  • Agenda Item: Looking Ahead/Scheduling
  • Categories: operations, services, budgeting, other

Topic Summary

The Board finalized scheduling for the shortened week and addressed conflicts for the following two weeks. Key future meetings include deliberation on lodging tax grant recommendations and check-ins regarding shelter and childcare operations. Commissioner Dean confirmed the Housing Fund Board meeting was canceled due to the Thanksgiving short week.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Eisenhower tentatively accepted an invitation to the Dr. Bush Estuary Research and Monitoring Fall Meeting (10:00 AM, tomorrow) (01:04:21).
  • Commissioner Eisenhower has a conflict and can't attend the Parks and Rec meeting (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM) on Thursday, December 5th (01:05:21). Commissioner Dean offered to attend if the agenda warrants it (01:05:35).
  • Commissioner Eisenhower cannot attend the Navy’s regional winter reception in Everett on Saturday, December 7th, and offered the invite to Carolyn (01:06:40).
  • Commissioner Dean confirmed that the Housing Fund Board meeting on Wednesday, the 27th, was officially canceled (01:08:57).
  • Commissioner Dean will be gone from December 6th to the 12th, but will call into the BOCC meeting on Monday, the 9th (01:09:58). The BOCC will attempt to keep the December 9th meeting short, with final action before 2:00 PM, due to her travel schedule (01:10:35).
  • County Administrator McCauley confirmed he will be attending the LTAC deliberation meeting tomorrow morning and will participate in the shelter operation check-in/coalition meetings (01:11:35).

Public Comments

  • No public comment was provided.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • None specified.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: The meeting was adjourned at 01:13:30.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps: The Board is adjourned until next Monday.

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