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01/06/25 09 AM: BOCC Elects Eisenhower Chair, Acting Sheriff; Approves Roads, Priorities

BOCC Elects Eisenhower Chair, Acting Sheriff; Approves Roads, Priorities

Jefferson County BOCC reorganized with Heidi Eisenhower elected 2025 Chair, Andrew Pernsteiner as Acting Sheriff. Approved consent agenda, board assignments, TBD interlocal, legislative priorities. Addressed public comments on homelessness, fireworks, roads; updates on health, emergencies, washouts.

Board Reorganization and Chair Election

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:21.000–00:01:56.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel, operations

Summary

Acting Chair Jason deTrick called the meeting to order and welcomed new Commissioner Heather Dudley-Eisenhower. Commissioner Dudley-Eisenhower moved to nominate Heidi Eisenhower as Chair for 2025, which was approved by voice vote without formal seconds or thirds noted. Heidi Eisenhower assumed the chair role and read a New Year poem by WS Merwin published by Copper Canyon Press.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Dudley-Eisenhower: "I will move that we nominate Heidi Eisenhower as chair for BOCC of 2025."
  • Chair Eisenhower: "All in favor, indicate by saying hi." (Approved unanimously by voice.)

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Heidi Eisenhower nominated and elected as Chair for 2025.
  • Vote: Unanimous voice vote (Ayes by saying "hi").
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Public Comment Period

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:03:39.000–00:39:29.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, planning, public safety, other

Summary

The Board opened public comment for up to 30 minutes, hearing from eight speakers in-room and online on topics including homelessness services, gun violence, housing programs, developmental disabilities board vacancies, fireworks enforcement, road repairs, and Transportation Benefit District public comment periods. Speakers included Maggie (homeless camp support), Viola (OlyCap housing achievements), Bonnie Obramski (IDD advisory board), Julia Cochran (homeless grant oversight), Shelley Yarnell (fireworks policy enforcement), Jean Ball (Hoh River road update), and Tom Tears (fireworks ban, TBD comments). Board members responded collectively, acknowledging comments, clarifying processes, and committing to follow-ups on housing, roads, fireworks, and boards.

Key Discussion Points

  • Maggie: Criticized city spending on homeless camp cleanup ($38,000 for 200 sq ft), promoted Eden Bloom exhibit and donations, requested MAT unit and porta-potty at Evans Vista encampment, urged distinguishing shelter from housing.
  • Viola (OlyCap Housing Director): Submitted letter on CoC decision, listed achievements including best practices alignment, coordinated entry expansion, vulnerability assessment, low-barrier shelter operations, employment program at CBV.
  • Bonnie Obramski (Public Health IDD Coordinator): Announced two vacancies on IDD advisory board, invited employers and self-advocates.
  • Julia Cochran (Winter Welcoming Center): Suggested MOU with OlyCap for homeless grant oversight, supported encampments with sanitation/safety, criticized labeling camps as illegal.
  • Shelley Yarnell: Urged fireworks policy enforcement citing RCWs on permits, insurance, operators; reported unpermitted New Year's display.
  • Jean Ball: Requested Hoh River road update, road insurance, Army Corps/military involvement, repair options, donation list for Maggie.
  • Tom Tears: Supported fireworks ban, noted enforcement issues; clarified TBD agenda includes public comment per policy.

Public Comments

  • As listed in Key Discussion Points.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Viola submitted letter on CoC; Housing Fund Board special meeting referenced for CoC details.
  • Shelley sent fireworks pictures.

Financials

  • Maggie: $38,000 city spent on Heavens Vista camp cleanup (200 sq ft, 2 hours double-time work).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Comments noted; no formal action.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps:
  • Road update after consent agenda.
  • CoC decision by January 20 for FY2025.
  • Fireworks policy discussion considered.
  • IDD board recruitment amplified.
  • TBD public comment at 2:30 PM BOCC agenda and 3:30 PM TBD meeting.

Consent Agenda Approval (Minus Pulled Items)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:39:33.000–00:44:52.000; 01:35:07.000–01:36:20.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, personnel, operations, infrastructure

Summary

The Board reviewed and approved the consent agenda minus item 7 (animal shelter contract, pulled for contractor name clarification) and a noted typo in Conservation Futures (committee member name). Items included routine approvals like closing the dormant Hotel/Motel bank account ($4,500 transfer), OlyCap housing grant, road emergency declarations/closures (Upper Hoh MP 9.8, Quinault South Shore MP 1.3), and others. Pulled item 7 approved later after staff confirmation (Westsound Construction/Northwest Controls Contractors LLC).

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Dudley-Eisenhower: Questions on new status (hotel/motel account closure, TCC contract absence, animal shelter contractor names).
  • Chair Eisenhower: Noted referral on roads emergency, significant damage images.
  • Staff: Animal shelter contract confirms Westsound Construction; Conservation Futures name typo (Tom Ehrlichman).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Consent items per packet: road closures/emergencies ($ negligible notice cost), OlyCap CBV grant ($660k Fund 148), animal shelter contract ($47,798.60 Fund 301), hotel/motel closure ($4,500 transfer Fund 125), SCJ Alliance amendments, Tyler Technologies amendment ($9,600 Fund 127), Dosewallips grant extension, CFF 2025 launch ($252k available), official newspaper bids.

Financials

  • Hotel/Motel account: $4,500 transfer to Fund 125.
  • Animal shelter: $47,798.60 (original $40,665.60 + $7,133 change order) Fund 301 ($65k budgeted).
  • OlyCap CBV grant: $660k Fund 148 (operations $325k, tiny shelters $200k, hygiene $450k gap).
  • CFF 2025: $252k acquisition, $48k O&M.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve and adopt the consent agenda other than item 7 as presented"; item 7 approved post-review.
  • Vote: Unanimous (minus item 7 initially).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Upper Hoh Road and Quinault South Shore Road Washouts

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:45:38.000–00:57:04.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, budgeting, planning

Summary

Public Works Director Monty Reinders reported washouts on Upper Hoh Road (MP 9.8, half road eroded) and Quinault South Shore Road (MP 1.3, smaller washout), both closed; history of 20 federal-funded repairs ($30M since 1996) due to river migration/landslides. Federal ER funding requires regional emergency declaration; complex permitting (Army Corps, NOAA, tribes) delays; no county funds available. Board committed to legislative outreach for funding.

Key Discussion Points

  • Monty Reinders: Detailed damage, history (e.g., 2016 washout), federal funding needs, permitting challenges (e.g., 2016 Oil City site unpaid); 300k annual visitors.
  • Chair Eisenhower: Connected to TBD for road preservation.

Public Comments

Jean Ball: Requested update, insurance, Army Corps/military aid, repair strategies, donation list.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Slides/maps of damage, repair history; packet emergencies/closures.

Financials

  • Past repairs: $30M federal (e.g., $19.5M 2020-2023); current ~$500k/road estimated, no county funds.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational; consent referrals approved.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Federal/state legislative outreach; Public Works pursuing permits/funding partners.

Public Health Update (KPTZ Radio Segment)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:57:07.000–01:20:44.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, services, personnel

Summary

Dr. Jessica Berry reported high flu activity (higher hospitalizations than last year; 1/3 vaccinated), low COVID/RSV (rising), pertussis cluster (vaccine rates down), norovirus outbreaks (handwashing key), avian flu in birds/cattle (no human transmission; protect poultry/cats). Emphasized vaccines, masking in crowds, handwashing; answered listener questions on boosters, wastewater, vaccines, insurance. Board commended habits from COVID era.

Key Discussion Points

  • Dr. Berry: Flu vaccine urged; pertussis like bad cough (risk to infants); norovirus via vomit aerosol/food; avian flu risks (raw poultry for pets).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational monthly update.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: First Monday monthly updates.

Emergency Management Update (KPTZ Radio Segment)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:20:49.000–01:25:55.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, planning

Summary

Willie Bence forecasted above-average precipitation/below-average temps Feb-Mar (snow risk); Jan warmer/wetter (no snow). Advised drop/cover/hold under nearest sturdy object next to interior wall for earthquakes; promoted library preparedness series (Jan 16 individual prep).

Key Discussion Points

  • Willie Bence: Winterized vehicles; earthquake: closest cover (e.g., plastic chair over heavy desk if nearer); library events Jan-Mar.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational monthly update.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Monthly first Monday updates; library series.

Appointment of Acting Sheriff

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:26:30.000–01:35:01.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel

Summary

Following Sheriff Joe Nole's retirement (Jan 3, 2025), Civil Deputy Melissa Pleimann requested appointment of Undersheriff Andrew Pernsteiner as Acting Sheriff per RCW 36.16.115 until partisan vacancy filled (Democratic Party nominates 3, BOCC appoints interim to Nov 2025 election). Pernsteiner expressed readiness; Board praised his leadership.

Key Discussion Points

  • Melissa Pleimann: RCW process; interim to avoid 60-day gap.
  • Undersheriff Pernsteiner: Worked closely with Nole, ready for responsibilities.
  • Commissioners: Praised Pernsteiner's Jeffcom leadership, simulation event insights, compassion.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Packet resolution; RCW 36.16.115.

Financials

Budget neutral (less than Nole's pay).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve a resolution... appointing Andrew William Pernsteiner as acting sheriff."
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Compensation agreement; Democratic Party nominations for interim.

2025 Board and Committee Assignments

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:19:36.000–02:48:04.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel, operations

Summary

The Board reviewed and approved 2025 assignments, balancing workload (1-3 per commissioner), aligning related roles (e.g., behavioral health to Heather), district-specific, chair roles. Adjustments: Behavioral Health Consortium/PRTPO swap, Peninsula Trails to Greg (District 3 shift), WASAC LIFT backup to Heather.

Key Discussion Points

  • Chair Eisenhower: Balanced capacity; align similar roles, district reps.
  • Assignments detailed (e.g., Heather: BHAC chair, IDD, Salish ASO; Greg: LTAC lead, TCC lead).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Assignment list.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Calendar conflicts to be resolved post-approval.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve the Jefferson County Board and Committee assignments for 2025 as discussed."
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Resolve calendar conflicts.

2025 Legislative Priorities

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:41:18.000–04:03:06.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, planning, infrastructure

Summary

County Administrator Mark McCauley presented draft priorities: Hwy 20/Mill Rd design ($1.79M), mid-County aquatic center; policy: Lamarin flexibility, excise tax for housing, STR sales tax. Emerging: roads funding, mobile home parks, O&M/vouchers, producer responsibility. Aligned with WASAC/NOLA; federal focus on Hoh/Quinault washouts. State Sen. Stephanie Lovett affirmed priorities.

Key Discussion Points

  • Mark McCauley: Capital asks, policies; watch mobile homes.
  • Sen. Lovett: Priorities obtainable; weekly touch-base.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft list; WASAC priorities.

Financials

  • Hwy 20/Mill: $1.79M design (WSDOT $1M construction committed).
  • Aquatic center: TBD (~$200-400k).

Alternatives & Amendments

Add mobile home parks support.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Finalize letter for consent next week.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Fill blanks, share at WASAC; weekly Sen. check-ins; Mill Rd mtg 1/14.

Interlocal Agreement with Transportation Benefit District

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:03:12.000–04:14:42.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, operations, budgeting

Summary

BOCC approved ILA for County staff support (clerk, legal, finance, Public Works) to TBD until assumption; ratifies prior actions. TBD funds road preservation (chip seal); low admin demand (1-2 mtgs/yr, PW reports). Public supported (Tears, Ball).

Key Discussion Points

  • Mark McCauley/Ariel Speser: Ratifies support; TBD separate entity; funds to PW via budget transfer.

Public Comments

  • Tom Tears: Supports TBD for roads; low staff load post-assumption.
  • Jean Ball: Concurs, willing to pay for roads.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Packet ILA/resolution; RCW 36.73/74.

Financials

TBD revenue (0.1% sales tax, $20 tab) covers roads maintenance; staff charges offset by TBD funds post-collection.

Alternatives & Amendments

Assumption dissolves ILA.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Authorizing... interlocal agreement with... Transportation Benefit District."
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: TBD mtg 3:30 PM for funding vote.

Background Materials

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