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12/23/24 09 AM: Board Honors Dean, Approves Budgets, Swears In Commissioners

Board Honors Dean, Approves Budgets, Swears In Commissioners

Jefferson County Board meeting featured tributes to outgoing Commissioner Kate Dean, consent agenda approvals including trails, lodging taxes, and pet policy; administrator pay amendment; fairgrounds demolition; swearing-in of Commissioners Eisenhower and Dudley; ADA plan briefing; road update; budget appropriations and interfund loans; separate coroner office establishment; legislative priorities; LTAC review with new application call; climate actions adoption.

Opening Public Comment

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:52–00:20:27 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other

Summary

The Board opened the meeting for public comment on any topic, with speakers primarily offering tributes to outgoing Commissioner Kate Dean on her final meeting and service over eight years. Comments praised her leadership, community care, and impact on public health and governance. Limited policy remarks included support for a transportation benefit district to fund roads, laundry vouchers in the consent agenda for unhoused services, and criticism of city spending on unhoused camps.

Key Discussion Points

  • Multiple speakers, including Deborah Peterson, Bill Dean, Ethel Apple, Julia, Lori (Port Townsend Paper), Ms. Kistler, and others, expressed gratitude for Commissioner Dean's service, vulnerability in governance, and personal impact.
  • Julia: Noted laundry vouchers on consent agenda aid Recovery Cafe and Winter Welcoming Center with limited budgets.
  • Unnamed speaker: Supported transportation benefit district for road funding leverage, citing Port Townsend's success.
  • Maggie: Criticized city spending on Evans Vista camp ($63k, including $40k cleanup) and alleged false narratives on unhoused exploitation; Board thanked her advocacy.
  • Commissioner Dean responded appreciatively, noting support from Jefferson County Democrats.

Public Comments

  • Deborah Peterson (Fort Patson): Thanked Dean for service and praised retirement party.
  • Bill Dean: Congratulated Dean on two terms as family member.
  • Ethel Apple: Praised Dean's leadership in public health.
  • Julia: Supported laundry vouchers; wished Dean well.
  • Lori (Port Townsend Paper): Thanked Dean for mill support.
  • Ms. Kistler: Honored Dean's humanity in governance.
  • Unnamed: Praised Dean since 2016 candidacy; supported transportation benefit district.
  • Maggie: Alleged waste in city unhoused camp spending and false narratives.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public comment closed.
  • No vote.
  • No next steps specified.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:20:40–00:25:48 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, planning, personnel, budgeting

Summary

The Board approved a large consent agenda minus item 4 (county administrator pay amendment), including substantive items like Olympic Discovery Trail extension to Anderson Lake State Park, sheriff's office command staff CBA ratification, multiple lodging tax awards, paper-to-digital grant for DCD permitting, and a new pet policy pilot. Discussion highlighted trail progress, pet policy as a modern update to 1999 rules, and sheriff CBA.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Eisenhower: Called out ODT to Anderson Lake, sheriff CBA, lodging tax awards, paper-to-digital grant; pulled item 4 to abstain due to potential candidacy interest.
  • Pet policy: Pilot allowing dogs/cats in private offices/outdoors with restrictions; updates 1999 policy; all commissioners pet owners.
  • ODT Anderson Lake: Trail instructing out; every mile ~$1M/year.
  • Limited discussion overall; addressed via supporting materials.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Consent agenda packet included ODT trail contract, sheriff CBA, lodging tax awards (e.g., parks campgrounds $50k, Quilcene Fair $10k, Olympic Culinary Loop $17.1k, PFD seed $20k, OPGVIC $140.5k, Quilcene Museum $91.5k, NHCCC $50k, Chimacum Farmers Market $24.2k, OPTC $109.5k, JCHS $84.55k, Wooden Boat Festival $45k, PTC $35.7k, QEC $28.5k, Forks Chamber $61.3k), paper-to-digital grant ($94k for DCD EPL software per SB 5290).
  • Pet policy draft as pilot program.

Financials

Multiple: Lodging tax total awards ~$878k across recipients; ODT trail costs noted as high; no specific new figures beyond packet.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Move to approve the consent agenda minus item number four." Seconded.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes).
  • No next steps specified.

County Administrator Pay Rate Amendment

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:25:56–00:28:09 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel, budgeting

Summary

The Board approved Resolution 53-1-10-14-24R amending the county administrator pay rate to a consistent wage range (MG26) based on comparable counties, pulled from consent agenda by Commissioner Eisenhower to abstain due to potential interest in position. Current administrator unaffected; enables recruitment advertising.

Key Discussion Points

  • Sarah (HR): Pay based on comparables; needed for recruitment as Mark McCauley retires June 2025.
  • Matches other exempt employees.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Resolution details 2024-2026 salary schedules: MG26 $11,966-$14,288 (2024), increasing 2-3% annually.

Financials

  • MG26 range: $11,966.67-$14,288.83/month (2024); no change to current pay.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve a resolution amending the pay rate for Jefferson County's administrator... Resolution 53-1-10-14-24R."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3, Commissioner Eisenhower abstained).
  • Recruitment process starts late January.

Fairgrounds Double-Wide Demolition Contract

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:28:09–00:30:35 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, contracts

Summary

The Board approved a $48,948 contract with a contractor (reviewed by PAO/risk) to demolish a decrepit double-wide manufactured home and storage at fairgrounds, viewed as liability/attractive nuisance; funded from risk management fund (not general fund as initially stated).

Key Discussion Points

  • Sean/Carly: Missed consent due to event prep; contractor lined up; includes survey, abatement, demolition.
  • County owns fairgrounds.

Public Comments

No public comment.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Photo of structure shown; contract reviewed by PAO/risk.

Financials

  • Total: $48,948 (survey, abatement, demolition/removal).
  • Funding: Risk management fund.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Amendment noted: General fund to risk management fund.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve the construction contract as presented."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes).
  • Proceed with work.

Swearing-In Ceremony

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:30:35–00:40:21 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel

Summary

Clerk Brendan Mack swore in re-elected Commissioner Heidi Eisenhower (District 2) and incoming Commissioner Heather Dudley (District 1, effective January 1); Commissioners expressed excitement for new board dynamics.

Key Discussion Points

  • Tributes to Dean; Dudley noted maritime history with Eisenhower.
  • Effective January 1.

Public Comments

No formal 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: Oaths administered.
  • No vote.
  • No next steps specified.

Public Right-of-Way ADA Transition Plan Briefing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:42:48–00:48:31 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, planning

Summary

Public Works briefed a draft PROW ADA Transition Plan (required for federal funding), identifying barriers (72% non-compliant curb ramps, 87% sidewalks) costing ~$15M; no funding/schedule due to lack of funds, but tied to projects; public comment through Jan 3.

Key Discussion Points

  • Eric Kuzma: Specific to PROW; barriers: ramps, sidewalks, driveways; costs per unit listed; webpage up; send to DASH group.
  • Driveways on sidewalks require ADA ramps.
  • City has similar plan.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft plan online; appendices (ADA notice, grievance, APS policy); cost estimates ($18.5k/ramp, $635/100ft sidewalk).

Financials

  • Total: ~$15.3M (no budget/schedule).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • No action; informational.
  • Next Steps: Adoption early January post-comments.

Upper Hoh Road Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:48:31–00:52:35 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, operations

Summary

Public Works updated on Upper Hoh Road damage from high river flows (30k CFS); reduced to one-way local traffic, park closed; federal funding unlikely as no emergency declaration/threshold met.

Key Discussion Points

  • Crack along edge; more rain expected; not emergency for federal aid.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Photos shown; email from Federal Highways.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • No action; informational.
  • No next steps specified.

4th Quarter Budget Appropriations Public Hearing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:52:44–01:07:37 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting

Summary

Public hearing approved $1.38M in 4th quarter appropriations/extensions (revenues $609k, expenses $1.38M), including salaries (auditor, CBAs), grants (RSAT, medical sensors), fair payment, Karpel software, public health supplies/FPHS refunds ($273k), DCD transfer ($300k), water quality services ($165k); no public testimony.

Key Discussion Points

  • Judy Shepherd: Detailed by fund/dept; timing issues (grants reimbursements); DCD $300k ($200k transfer + $100k loan expected later).
  • Board noted large but necessary; good salary forecasting.

Public Comments

No public comment.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Detailed packet by fund/dept/revenue/expenditure.

Financials

  • Total revenues: $609k; expenditures: $1.38M (general fund $542k expense).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved resolution.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • No next steps specified.

Interfund Loans

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:07:37–01:18:41 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting

Summary

Board approved two interfund loans: $100k General to DCD (5% interest, repay 12/31/25; liquidity for consultants/grants) and $350k Capital Improvement to HJ Carroll Park (5% interest, repay 9/30/25; JUMP Phase 2 grant reimbursement cash flow).

Key Discussion Points

  • DCD: $1.09M prior transfers; 2025 budget $1.25M transfer; relief from staffing/consultants.
  • HJ Carroll: Fully grant-funded, reimbursement basis.

Public Comments

No public comment required.

Supporting Materials Referenced

DCD transfers detailed; JUMP grant.

Financials

  • DCD loan: $100k @5%.
  • Park loan: $350k @5%.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved resolutions.
  • Vote: Unanimous both.
  • Repay by deadlines.

Ordinance Establishing Separate Coroner Office

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:19:13–01:51:35 (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances, personnel, public safety

Summary

Public hearing adopted ordinance amending JCC 2.15 to establish separate Coroner Office (effective 12/31/24), prohibiting lawyers; appointed David Bradley (funeral home) via resolution/contract ($1.5k/month, no benefits, 69 hrs/mo max, annual review); deputies continue; $18k budget.

Key Discussion Points

  • James Kennedy/Melissa: State law change; appointed cheapest option; Bradley qualified, training March.
  • Duties: Death investigations per RCW.

Public Comments

No public comment.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Ordinance, resolution, contract; AG opinion.

Financials

  • $18k annual (General Fund).

Alternatives & Amendments

Rejected elected/contract options.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Ordinance/resolution/contract approved.
  • Vote: Unanimous all.
  • Effective 1/1/25; annual review.

Legislative Priorities Discussion

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:51:44–02:46:53 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, budgeting, other

Summary

Board discussed/adopted draft 2025 priorities with lobbyist Stephanie (Strategies 360): housing revenue (excise tax, O&M, 80-120% AMI), UGA/landward flexibility, short-term rental tax option; capital: Mill Rd/Hwy 20 roundabout primary, pool design secondary; monitored trust land transfers, RAPACT recycling; housing focus.

Key Discussion Points

  • Caswell Brown shelter funded ($ from Commerce); roundabout shared priority.
  • Short-term rental tax (Sen. Lovell) promising.

Public Comments

No public comment.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft list; NOLA priorities (hospitals, Peninsula College).

Financials

No new figures.

Alternatives & Amendments

Multiple capital options weighed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • No formal vote; refine for Jan 6.
  • Next Steps: Paragraphs each; meet partners; Jan 6 workshop 3pm.

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) Annual Review

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:47:58–03:36:41 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, other

Summary

Annual review found stagnant membership (same orgs 12+ years), low alignment with BOCC priorities (e.g., ignored TCC staffing); approved motion to draft new priorities and open all positions for applications incorporating priorities/residency.

Key Discussion Points

  • Long tenure, ignored priorities/RFP mid-process.
  • Metrics/residency/term limits debated; short-term rental rep suggested.

Public Comments

  • Heather Dudley-Norlette: Invite LTAC/TCC input; metrics from funded groups/Main Street/State Parks.
  • Shelly: Term limits; metrics/reports; oppose Gateway focus.
  • Mr. Church: Oppose dismissing board; term limits bad; residency policy; define metrics.

Supporting Materials Referenced

LTAC packet (multiple grants ~$878k).

Financials

Lodging tax awards detailed in packet.

Alternatives & Amendments

RFP for applicants with priorities.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Write new priorities for LTAC and open all positions to new application."
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Draft priorities/bylaws/application; legal review; bring back.

Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Actions

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:36:48–04:00:02 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, infrastructure, operations

Summary

Board adopted list of ~10 adaptation/mitigation actions (e.g., EV fleet, energy audits, PROW ADA, sustainable forestry, remote work review, paperless/recycled paper) for Climate Action Committee; added remote work policy review, paper reduction.

Key Discussion Points

  • From hazard plan; actionable/in-process; public health goals incorporated.

Public Comments

No public comment.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft lists (mitigation: EVs, audits; adaptation: culverts, armoring).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Added paperless/recycled, remote work.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Adopt these... for submittal to Climate Action Committee."
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Submit to committee.

Background Materials

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