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12/09/24 09 AM: Board Approves LTAC Funds, Initiates Aquatic PFD

Board Approves LTAC Funds, Initiates Aquatic PFD

Jefferson County Board approved LTAC's $767K tourism funding recommendations unanimously after debates and public comments criticizing processes; initiated PFD formation for aquatic center with survey planned; passed mid-biennium budget review, comprehensive plan amendments, consent agenda, open space tax apps, and road renaming. Public focused on LTAC delays, tourism priorities, PFD prematurity.

Public Comment Period

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:58–00:29:01 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other

Summary

The Board opened the meeting to general public comment, receiving testimony from multiple speakers primarily on Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) funding recommendations, tourism priorities, the proposed Public Facilities District (PFD) for an aquatic center, use of the word "citizen" in county documents, website accessibility, and other community concerns. Speakers expressed disappointment in LTAC processes, urged approval of LTAC recommendations, criticized PFD formation as premature without a market study, and highlighted risks of delays in tourism funding. No action was taken during the comment period.

Key Discussion Points

  • Multiple speakers, including Tom Teers, Dan Ventura, Debbie Wardrop, Diana Smeeland, Andrew Schwartz, Jim Friedman, Shelley Yarnell, Gene Ball, Steve (phone), and Maggie, raised concerns about LTAC rejecting Commissioner Brotherton's priorities, zeroing out Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) funding, and potential delays harming small businesses and events.
  • Teers praised HR response on "citizen" usage and criticized PFD formation with $20,000 as insufficient without market survey.
  • Ventura listed disappointments in BoCC and LTAC processes, conflicts of interest, and loss of tourism expertise.
  • Wardrop emphasized lodging tax intent for marketing, not resident amenities like pools.
  • Smeeland defended LTAC deliberations and urged full approval of recommendations.
  • Friedman cited Pasco PFD delays and urged maintenance plans for tech investments.
  • Yarnell criticized pool process and LTAC RFP handling.
  • Ball called PFD/LTAC override a "train wreck."
  • Steve highlighted LTAC's year-long work and risks to OPVB projects like Hood Canal signage.
  • Routine items: Julia requested better website links; Maggie promoted exhibits and unhoused support list.

Public Comments

  • Tom Teers: Thanked HR on "citizen" usage; opposed sending LTAC back and PFD formation without market survey.
  • Dan Ventura/North Hood Canal Chamber: Expressed multiple disappointments in BoCC/LTAC processes, conflicts, and volunteer damage.
  • Debbie Wardrop: Urged funding tourism marketing per master plan; pool not tourist draw.
  • Diana Smeeland/LTAC Chair: Defended LTAC process; urged full approval to avoid delays.
  • Andrew Schwartz/North Hood Canal Chamber: Echoed disappointments; opposed funding changes and delays.
  • Jim Friedman: Cited Pasco PFD delays; urged maintenance plans for tourism tech.
  • Shelley Yarnell: Criticized pool outreach and LTAC process.
  • Gene Ball: Concurred with others; PFD/LTAC override premature.
  • Steve (phone): Praised LTAC work; delays risk OPVB projects like signage grant.
  • Julia: Requested front-page meeting link.
  • Maggie: Promoted exhibits, unhoused support list.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced during public comment.

Financials

  • LTAC funds: $20,000 for PFD market survey criticized as insufficient; risks to $50,000 OPVB signage grant match.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public comment closed; no action taken.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: LTAC discussion deferred to later agenda item.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:29:33–00:30:15 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, personnel, other

Summary

The Board approved the consent agenda unanimously without items pulled for discussion, including hearing notices, coroner program hearing cancellation/rescheduling, call for bids, and other routine items. Commissioner Eisenhauer noted the coroner hearing cancellation and rescheduling.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; Eisenhauer highlighted coroner program hearing notice cancellation and rescheduling.
  • "Speedy consent agenda consideration. Any items of question or concern? That's great."

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Consent agenda included substantive items like tax levy certifications, coroner ordinance hearing notice, road vacations, camp host agreement, basketball resurfacing, and budget appropriations. No major policy/financial hidden issues flagged beyond routine approvals.

Financials

No specific financials discussed; routine procedural.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "move that we approve and adopt the consent agenda as presented."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: all three commissioners).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Open Space Tax Program 2024 Current Use Application (Continuation)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:29:12–00:35:30 (PART 1)
  • Categories: land use, planning

Summary

The Board continued the public hearing on Open Space Tax Program applications, approving CUA2024-0001 (Zucker Al Bay property) after staff revised scoring to 12 points based on missing fish/wildlife habitat report. Public testimony closed; Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group previously approved. Both applications scored 12 points for 10% market value reduction.

Key Discussion Points

  • David Wayne Johnson (DCD): Hearing continued from Nov 18; Zucker application missing habitat report, now revised to qualify for 2 extra points (total 12). HCSEG signed tax agreement received.
  • Board confirmed hearing closed to testimony; approved without questions.

Public Comments

No public comment; testimony closed Nov 18.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Revised staff report (pages 3,5) confirmed Zucker qualifies for fish/wildlife habitat points (Type F stream, priority species).

Financials

No financials discussed; tax reduction via current use assessment.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "move that we approve CUA 2024-0001 as presented today."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: all three).
  • Next Steps: Zucker signed tax agreement expected today; consent agenda next Monday (Dec 16) for signatures; record by year-end for 1st tax statements.

Mid-Biennium Budget Review and Modification Hearing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:16:01–02:01:02 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting

Summary

Staff presented the 2024-2025 mid-biennium budget review, projecting $100.4M revenues/$114.5M expenditures across all funds, with General Fund at $26.8M rev/$30.2M exp relying on 6.39% underspending history. Key updates: employee compensation increases, DCD transfer +$815K, South County deputy, reserves at 15% ($4.5M). Public comment limited; Board approved with appreciation for process improvements.

Key Discussion Points

  • Mark McCauley: Revenues static/declining slightly; expenditures up due to inflation/compensation/staff adds; healthy cash ($10M); 5-year projections maintain reserves.
  • Judy Shepard/Stacie Prada/Brenda Huntingford: Detailed revenue assumptions (4% sales tax growth conservative due to projects).
  • Board: Praised team; noted sales tax strength; Kate reflected on 8 budgets, urged community funding pots.

Public Comments

  • Jean Ball (Quilcene): Thanked for South County deputy.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Preliminary budget posted; 5-year model shows reserves met; sales tax 4% growth conservative.

Financials

  • All Funds: Rev $100.4M, Exp $114.5M.
  • GF: Rev $26.8M, Exp $30.2M (underspend to balance).
  • Reserves: 15% GF exp ($4.5M); cash ~$10M.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives; relies on underspending.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Hearing closed; no changes; adoption next Monday (Dec 16).
  • Vote: N/A (informational hearing).
  • Next Steps: Adoption Dec 16; monitor/quarterly reviews.

Comprehensive Plan and UDC 2024 Amendment Docket

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:02:31–02:22:08 (PART 1)
  • Categories: land use, planning, ordinances

Summary

Staff presented four docketed amendments: Port Hadlock UGA implementation, core towns/UGA boundary mods (Casual Brown Village), rural housing density, airport EPF overlay expansion. Planning Commission recommended approval. Board approved all unanimously after public support for airport item.

Key Discussion Points

  • Josh Peters/Joel Peterson: Reviewed four items; minor ordinance updates (dates, land swap clauses removed).
  • Public supported airport expansion for timber co-op.

Public Comments

  • Scott Freeman/Jefferson Timber Co-op: Supported airport EPF for wood processing.
  • Aaron Berg/Port Director: Supported airport item.
  • Cody Whalen/Jefferson Timber Co-op: Supported airport for jobs.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Port Townsend letter supported UGA expansion; staff reports/maps.

Financials

No financials discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Land swap vs. expansion (chose expansion).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved amendments to Comp Plan/UDC Titles 13/15/18.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Effective upon signing (UGA exp 60 days).

LTAC 2025 Funding Recommendations

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:22:16–03:23:22; 03:25:32–03:26:32 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts

Summary

Board deliberated LTAC's $767K recommendations (15 projects; $782K total w/contingency), rejecting Brotherton's alternative ($516K reallocating to TCC/LTAC staff, visitor center to chamber). After exec session/legal consult, approved LTAC slate unanimously; directed annual LTAC review/bylaws.

Key Discussion Points

  • Kate/Heidi: Adopt LTAC as-is; phase changes via new RFP; concerns over process/conflict.
  • Greg: Reject visitor centers/TCC; fund chamber for Gateway; new LTAC needed; AI/QR metrics.
  • Public: Urged LTAC approval; criticized confrontation/delays.

Public Comments

  • Alexis: Criticized Brotherton's approach; urged collaboration.
  • Dan Ventura: Sought compromise; opposed zeroing TCC/Gateway.
  • Jean Ball: Breaking eggs for change; approve LTAC.
  • Debbie Wardrop: LTAC professionals key; master plan foundation.
  • Diana Smeeland: Explained LTAC/TCC priorities delay; Gateway has QR.
  • Shelley Yarnell: Gateway ineffective; fund South County.

Supporting Materials Referenced

LTAC recs ($767K awarded/$900K avail); Brotherton alt ($516K).

Financials

  • LTAC: $782K rec/$900K avail.
  • Brotherton: $516K (TCC/LTAC staff $97K, chamber Gateway $140K, etc.).

Alternatives & Amendments

Brotherton alt rejected; adopt LTAC; review LTAC bylaws.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved LTAC recs; initiate LTAC annual review/bylaws.
  • Vote: Unanimous on LTAC.
  • Next Steps: Kate initiates LTAC review; contracts proceed.

Public Facilities District (PFD) Formation Initiation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:26:32–03:48:09 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, budgeting

Summary

Board directed Prosecuting Attorney to draft PFD resolution per RCW 36.100 for aquatic center support, following task force/city recs. JAC committed private donations ($100K+) for startup; survey planned Q1 2025 via utility bills/QR. Public mixed: premature vs. necessary step.

Key Discussion Points

  • Greg/Mark: Independent entity for fundraising; JAC survey Q1; $100K+ private pledges.
  • Diane McDade/JAC: Survey for resident/tourist input; PFD donations post-formation.

Public Comments

  • Jim Friedman: Pasco PFD took 20+ years; end-of-life if fails.
  • Tom Teers: Premature sans market survey.
  • Jean Ball: Premature; survey IP concerns.
  • Shelley Yarnell: Premature/skewed survey.
  • Deborah Peterson: Motion just drafts res, not creates PFD.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Commerce report; JAC survey.

Financials

LTAC $20K seed; JAC pledges $100K+.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Direct PAO draft PFD res.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Resolution drafting; JAC survey Q1.

Road Name Change Petition: Mount Walker View Drive

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:48:09–04:00:09 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other

Summary

Petition to rename "Mount Walker View Drive" (inaccurate view, delivery issues); proposals: Bear Claw Ln/Place, Starry Night Ln/Place, Owl Ln/Place. Agencies rejected Bear Claw/Owl (conflicts); approved Starry Night Place. Board unanimously approved Starry Night Place.

Key Discussion Points

  • Brian Tracer/Dave Shepard: JCC 12.20.150 process; agency exhibits prefer Starry Night Place (no conflicts).
  • Board favored Starry Night Place.

Public Comments

No comments.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Agency exhibits (Jeffcom, PW, Assessor, GIS, Fire, Sheriff) flagged conflicts.

Financials

Fee $776.48 paid.

Alternatives & Amendments

Bear Claw/Owl rejected; Starry Night Place selected.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved res renaming to Starry Night Place.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Record res; notify USPS; owners maintain signs.

Background Materials

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