MEETING: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Jan 06, 09:00 AM

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JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING SUMMARY

Reorganization of the Board

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:30–00:01:41
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated
  • Categories: personnel

Topic Summary

The meeting commenced with the acting chair, Commissioner Greg Allen, calling the meeting to order and welcoming the newest member, Commissioner Heather Dudley. Dudley's first action was to move for the nomination of Heidi Eisenhower as the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for 2025. The motion was approved unanimously, and the transition of the chair position was executed immediately.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Greg Allen, as acting chair, called the meeting to order and welcomed Commissioner Heather Dudley.
  • Commissioner Dudley moved to nominate Heidi Eisenhower as Chair for the BOCC of 2025.
  • Eisenhower accepted the nomination, expressing gratitude and noting that it had been a couple of years since she last held the chair position.
  • Eisenhower opened her tenure by reading a poem, "To the New Year," by NS Merwin, published by Port Townsend's Copper Canyon Press, to initiate the year's work.

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 was nominated and approved as BOCC Chair for 2025.
  • Vote: Unanimous (01:08).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Public Comment on Community Issues and Homelessness

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:03:46–07:53
  • Agenda Item: Public Comments
  • Categories: services, public safety, housing, other

Topic Summary

The public comment period focused heavily on issues related to homelessness, specifically the Caswell Brown Village (CBV) encampment, and broader community safety, including gun violence and fireworks enforcement. Commenters provided both criticism of current services, arguing the emergency shelter is not true housing, and updates on community support initiatives.

Key Discussion Points

  • Maggie stated that 38,637 people died by gun violence in America in the current year (04:39).
  • Maggie criticized the cost of managing the encampment at Evans Vista, noting that the city spent $38,000 for 200 square feet of camp space for weekend work (04:52).
  • Maggie highlighted the hierarchy of need and noted that the emergency shelter is a fair housing violator, "exempt from taking people who quote unquote cannot take care of themselves" (06:23).
  • Maggie requested a NASH unit at Evans Vista to help people who cannot organize themselves to build a tent (07:05).
  • Maggie also urged the use of accurate terminology, stating that the shelter is "not housing," which is defined as "subsidized housing with some permanence" (07:44).

Public Comments

  • Maggie: Criticized the cost of managing the Evans Vista camp; requested NASH unit support for setting up tents for disabled individuals; stated police are over-criminalizing the homeless population; and emphasized the shelter is not housing (07:53). She also promoted Eden Bloom's "Curating Empathy" exhibit and a donation drive on February 7th at the health department (05:23).
  • Viola [Housing Director, OlyCAP]: Submitted a letter regarding the County considering becoming the Continuum of Care (COC). She listed recent work aligning operations with best practices, expanding coordinated entry, establishing quality control, implementing continuous improvement plans, and integrating teams with partner agencies, all while increasing productivity with less staff (08:39).
  • Bonnie Obramski [Jefferson County Public Health, IDD Coordinator]: Announced two upcoming vacancies on the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) advisory board, specifically inviting employers of people with IDD or self-advocates (10:47).
  • Julia Cochran [Winter Welcoming Center]: Suggested the County enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with OlyCAP for an oversight advisory board regarding the Consolidated Homeless Grant (CHG). Advocated for giving the "much improved administration of OlyCAP a chance" to lead collaboration on homelessness, which is increasing at an 18% national rate (13:07). She urged the city to support encampments with sanitation and safety efforts, noting the lack of legal camping within city limits (13:20).
  • Shelley Yarnell: Addressed fireworks enforcement, stating that a recently formed policy is "not being enforced" for events like New Year's Eve (14:39). She cited RCWs requiring local permits, licensed pyrotechnic operators, and specific insurance amounts for demonstrations (15:09). She argued that the fireworks used are not "small firework devices" (16:09) and requested a response regarding lack of enforcement (17:39).
  • Jean Ball: Requested an update on the Ho River situation and suggested exploring road insurance, Army Corps of Engineers involvement, and military reserve participation for the reclamation project; requested a list of donation items from Maggie to help mobilize community support (18:14).
  • Tom Tears: Stated that while new fireworks rules exist, "enforcement as always in this county is an issue" (20:23). He urged the BOCC to take the next step and simply enforce an outright ban on fireworks (20:36), noting that changes require a "year and a day" before taking effect (20:51). He also questioned the earlier statement regarding the anticipated lack of public comment at the afternoon Transportation Benefit District (TBD) meeting, noting the published agenda includes a public comment period, and two action items would require it (21:13).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • OlyCAP Housing Director submitted an unspecified letter to the BOCC (08:27).
  • Speakers referenced RCW 70.77.260(1), 70.77.415, and 70.77.260(2) regarding fireworks regulations (15:09).

Financials

  • Maggie cited city spending of $38,000 on 200 square feet for camp space at Evans Vista (04:52).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Tom Tears proposed an outright ban on fireworks (20:36).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Discussion only.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps: Commissioners will address public comments, including confirming the Ho River update would occur after the consent agenda, and clarifying public comment opportunities for the TBD meetings. Commissioner Allen will send an email to Maggie about donation opportunities (23:50). Commissioners will follow up on the fireworks enforcement and consider a ban (28:37).

BOCC Response to Public Comments

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:23:43–00:39:29
  • Agenda Item: Public Comments Response
  • Categories: housing, public safety, services, infrastructure

Topic Summary

Commissioners responded to public comments. Commissioner Allen addressed concerns about the encampment, stating the County is largely split on the fireworks issue (either a risk or an expression of freedom), clarified the current fireworks were legal under existing policy, and provided context on the approaching Consolidated Homeless Grant decision, which will be discussed on January 13th. Commissioner Eisenhower re-stated support for the IDD advisory board recruitment and confirmed the strong support for the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) as a tool for road maintenance. Commissioner Dudley expressed gratitude for community input, offered an alternative resource (Medical Reserve Corps) for encampment support, and supported aligning the Consolidated Homeless Grant oversight.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Allen noted that while a NASH unit's intended purpose is medical support, resources are available (23:54). He stated the city has been "incredibly supportive" of the Evans Vista encampment (24:19) but expressed "mixed mind about unsupported encampments" due to past public safety and health impacts (24:26).
  • Allen clarified that the County must decide by January 20th whether to become the Continuum of Care (COC) or defer to OlyCAP for the next biennium (25:01). This will be discussed robustly on January 13th (25:30).
  • Regarding fireworks, Allen believed the New Year's display used consumer fireworks on private property, which is lawful under the County's current policy (27:11). He reiterated that the only way to eliminate them is to outlaw them altogether, and any new policy would take a year to take effect (28:37).
  • Commissioner Eisenhower encouraged support for the Eden Bloom exhibit and the call for blankets (29:49). She emphasized the importance of engaging people with lived experience in housing and community planning, calling them the "only people who know better" (31:43). She affirmed her strong support for the TBD, stating it is a necessary tool for maintaining county roads (34:09).
  • Commissioner Dudley suggested the Medical Reserve Corps as an alternative to the NASH unit for supporting people with tents and mental health needs at encampments (35:14). She acknowledged the OlyCAP improvements made by Viola and Holley Morgan (35:43) and looked forward to reviewing the budget and discussing the COC decision (36:03).
  • Dudley agreed that the new IDD advisory board recruitment is crucial, particularly for supporting aging parents of adults with developmental disabilities (36:48).

Public Comments

The public comments previously delivered were attributed and responded to collectively.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Commissioner Allen referenced the Housing Fund Board special meeting from the previous Friday regarding the COC discussion (25:30).

Financials

No new financial information was presented; discussion focused on fiscal and policy oversight.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Commissioner Dudley suggested the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) (35:14).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational response.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps: A work session regarding the Consolidated Homeless Grant with OlyCAP will likely occur on January 13th. The Public Works update on the damaged Ho and Quinault South Shore Roads will proceed after the consent agenda.

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:39:33–00:45:01
  • Agenda Item: Consideration of Consent Agenda
  • Categories: contracts, finance, infrastructure, services, personnel

Topic Summary

The Board discussed and approved the consent agenda, with members raising questions about two items: the closure of a dormant Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) bank account and a discrepancy in a contractor name for the animal shelter improvements. They unanimously approved the agenda after pulling the animal shelter contract for later approval subject to clarifying the contractor name and noting a typo in a committee member’s name.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Dudley inquired about the resolution to close the dormant TCC motel/hotel bank account (01:14:56), which was confirmed to be a straightforward no-brainer due to the account's inactivity for multiple years, relieving staff (01:14:14).
  • Dudley also questioned the animal shelter improvements contract (Item 7), noting the agreement listed "Northwest Controls Contractors LLC" at the top but "West Sound Company" at the end, seeking clarification on the correct contractor (01:14:41).
  • Commissioner Allen noted a typo in Tom Ehrlichman's last name in the Conservation Futures item (01:14:45).
  • Commissioner Allen emphasized the significance of the road damage detailed in the agenda's Declaration of Emergency resolution, noting that viewing the images of the Upper Ho and South Shore Roads was "pretty dispiriting" (01:14:44).

Public Comments

No public comment on consent agenda items.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The Consent Agenda included:
    • Closure of Upper Hoh Road (CR# 914207) at MP 9.8.
    • Closure of Quinault South Shore Road (CR# 911607) at MP 1.3.
    • Declaration of Emergency Due to County Road Damage.
    • Affordable Housing and Homeless Housing Grant Agreement ($660k with OlyCAP for Caswell Brown Village).
    • Closing the Hotel/Motel Bank Account.
    • Conservation Futures Fund (CFF) 2025 Application Cycle Launch Resolution (with minor typo noted).
    • Amendment 1 to SCJ Alliance Agreement (Flood Control Assistance Grant Facilitation).
    • Amendment 2 to Dosewallips Wolcott Flats & Rocky Brook Planning Grant.
    • Amendment 3 to Tyler Technologies Contract (API Consulting).
    • Supplemental Budget Appropriations/Extensions.
    • Animal Shelter Improvements Construction Contract (Item 7 - Pulled).

Financials

  • The unanimous consent agenda included ratifying a $660,000 grant agreement with OlyCAP for Caswell Brown Village (Affordable Housing Fund 148).
  • The intention to close the TCC Hotel/Motel bank account, transferring a remaining $4,500 balance to Fund 125, was discussed (00:40:39).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Amendment: Item 7 (Animal Shelter Improvements Contract) was pulled for later approval subject to clarification and correction of the contractor name (00:43:52).
  • Correction: A typo in Tom Ehrlichman's name was noted for correction in the Conservation Futures resolution (00:43:32).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: The Consent Agenda, minus Item 7, was approved and adopted.
  • Vote: Unanimous (00:44:41).
  • Next Steps: Staff to clarify the contractor name on Item 7 (00:43:52).

Update and Repair Strategy for Upper Ho and Quinault South Shore Roads

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:45:11–00:57:04
  • Agenda Item: Untimed Item (Public Works Update)
  • Categories: infrastructure, finance, environment, operations

Topic Summary

Public Works Director Monty Reinders provided an update on the emergency closures of the Upper Ho Road (MP 9.8) and Quinault South Shore Road (MP 1.3) due to severe river erosion and landslide activity. The road is federally eligible for funding but requires a complex process involving federal highway emergency declarations and multi-agency permitting (Army Corps, Tribes, Fish & Wildlife) for even basic repairs (riprap with large rocks), which is made more critical by high staff turnover at federal agencies. Without successful federal emergency funding, the County lacks the necessary resources to manage the $30 million scale of work needed for the Ho Road corridor.

Key Discussion Points

  • Upper Ho Road Closure: Road is closed at MP 9.8, where about half the road has washed out due to the Hoh River migrating. The road is susceptible to a "big deep seated landslide which is on the move now" (00:47:57).
  • Historical Context: In the past 25 years, 20 projects valued at $30 million have been federally funded along the Upper Ho Road, a major road to the Olympic National Park (00:48:59).
  • Funding Challenges: To get Federal Highway Emergency Relief (ER) money, a regional emergency declaration is required (00:51:09). The County lacks the internal funding to tackle these sites with road funds or the General Fund (00:53:13).
  • Permitting Paralysis: Repair work, which involves using large rocks (riprap), is extremely complex and unpopular with fisheries agencies (00:52:03). A site damaged in 2016 still has unresolved permitting in 2025, and the County has yet to be reimbursed by FEMA for a $500,000 repair done in 2016 (00:52:46).
  • Quinault South Shore Road: This road has a "smaller" but similar washout (00:55:29).
  • Economic Value: The Upper Ho Road sees 300,000 visitors yearly, making its repair critical for the West End economy (00:53:45).
  • Next Steps: Public Works is pursuing both funding and permits simultaneously (00:55:10) and is working to reconstitute the multi-agency working group (00:51:36).

Public Comments

  • Jean Ball had requested this update (00:18:31).
  • Tom Tears referenced the need for funding sources for roads (00:21:24).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Public Works Director Reinders showed a map illustrating 20 repair projects since 1996 for the first 12 miles of the Upper Ho Road (00:48:44).

Financials

  • $30 million was spent on 20 repair projects in the last 25 years on the Upper Ho Road (00:49:08).
  • A 2016 repair on Oil City Road, funded by FEMA for $500,000, still has not been reimbursed due to unresolved mitigation permitting (00:52:46).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No practical alternatives were discussed beyond obtaining federal funding.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps: Commissioners Allen and Eisenhower will contact federal legislative staff, including Senator Murray's office and Congresswoman Randall's director, to help secure a federal emergency declaration and funding (00:56:48).

Public Health Update: Winter Illnesses and Avian Flu

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:57:15–01:21:22
  • Agenda Item: KPTZ/Public Health Update
  • Categories: public safety, services, health

Topic Summary

Dr. Allie Berry provided an update on public health risks, noting high rates of Influenza (Flu), low but increasing levels of COVID-19 and RSV, and a rise in Pertussis (Whooping Cough) due to reduced vaccination rates. She detailed the highly contagious nature of Norovirus, urging strong soap-and-water handwashing. Dr. Berry also addressed concerns about Avian Flu, stating that while it is concerning in wild and domestic animal populations (including cats), person-to-person spread is not currently observed, and the risk can be mitigated by proper hygiene and avoiding feeding pets raw poultry.

Key Discussion Points

  • Influenza: Activity is high across the country, with higher rates of hospitalization and emergency visits than the previous year. Only about one-third of County residents have received the flu vaccine (00:58:43).
  • COVID-19/RSV: Activity is low in Jefferson and Clallam counties but expected to increase. RSV vaccine is critical for high-risk groups (over 65 with underlying conditions, very young, or pregnant people) (00:59:29).
  • Pertussis: Cases are on the rise statewide and starting to appear in the County, attributed to a reduction in Tdap immunization rates since the pandemic (01:00:35). Pertussis symptoms include a severe, prolonged cough and can be severe in very young children (01:02:04).
  • Norovirus: Widespread surge across the country, characterized by sudden, severe vomiting (01:02:57). It is highly contagious, often spread through contaminated food or contact with infected surfaces; hand sanitizer is ineffective (01:03:55). It can aerosolize from vomit, requiring N95 masks for close household contact (01:14:50).
  • Avian Flu (H5N1): Widespread in wild birds; affecting domestic poultry and cattle. No person-to-person transmission is seen (01:06:03). Infections in humans (66 cases in the US) have exclusively been in people with prolonged close contact with animals (01:05:45).
  • Avian Flu in Cats: Cougars and domestic cats have died from the virus, typically from eating contaminated raw poultry. Dr. Berry recommended avoiding feeding cats raw poultry (01:07:40).
  • Oysters: Norovirus can live in water and contaminate shellfish; Dr. Berry advised cooking oysters or ensuring they are safely harvested (01:10:21).
  • COVID-19 Booster: For individuals over 65, a twice-yearly updated vaccine is recommended due to their inability to maintain immunity as well as younger people (01:13:02).

Public Comments

  • KPTZ listener questions covered: Norovirus prevalence, COVID-19 booster recommendations, wastewater surveillance (low COVID activity in Port Townsend), Sinovac vaccine efficacy (good until 2022 batch), health insurance limits on anesthesia (policy was stopped), and RSV vaccine age limits (only approved for highest risk groups over 65/70).

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • For Norovirus, Dr. Berry endorsed the use of N95 masks during severe vomiting episodes to prevent aerosolized transmission, in addition to frequent hand washing (01:14:50).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps: Regular infection prevention practices (vaccination, handwashing, masking in crowds) are encouraged.

Emergency Management Update: Winter Climate and Earthquake Preparedness

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:21:08–01:26:05
  • Agenda Item: KPTZ/Emergency Management Update
  • Categories: public safety, services

Topic Summary

Emergency Management Director Willie Bence updated the Board on the climate outlook, noting that while January is expected to be above average in temperature, the forecast still holds for a February-March period with above-average precipitation and below-average temperatures—a "perfect mix for potential snow events." He also provided advice on earthquake preparedness, emphasizing that the best place to take cover is the location closest to the individual to minimize travel distance during shaking.

Key Discussion Points

  • Winter Outlook: The forecast for February and March remains consistent, predicting a mix of above-average precipitation and below-average temperatures, creating potential for snow events (01:21:41). January is expected to be above average in temperature but with high precipitation, leading to ongoing issues like road erosion (01:22:20).
  • Earthquake Preparedness: In a "drop, cover, and hold on" scenario, people should seek cover wherever is closest (within five to eight feet) to minimize travel (01:22:50). Cover is primarily sought against falling objects, not building collapse, making sturdiness less critical than proximity and being away from exterior walls/glass (01:23:09).
  • Educational Outreach: Emergency management is partnering with INPREP (neighborhood preparedness groups) to hold educational presentations at the Jefferson County Library (01:24:06). Topics will cover individual preparedness (Jan 16th), family planning (Feb), and neighborhood planning (Mar) (01:24:22).

Public Comments

  • A KPTZ listener asked for advice on picking a sturdy location to take cover during an earthquake (01:22:36).

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps: Community members are encouraged to attend upcoming preparedness presentations.

Appointment of Acting Sheriff

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:26:05–01:35:01
  • Agenda Item: Discussion and Potential Action re: Appointment of Acting Sheriff
  • Categories: personnel, public safety

Topic Summary

Following the retirement of Sheriff Joe Nole, the Board of County Commissioners addressed the urgent need, per RCW 36.16.115, to appoint an Acting Sheriff to ensure continuity of operations. The resolution proposed appointing Undersheriff Andrew William Pernsteiner to the Acting role. Prosecutor Melissa Pleimann confirmed this interim appointment precedes the separate process where the Democratic Party (the outgoing Sheriff's party) will nominate three candidates for the BOCC to choose an Interim Sheriff to serve until November 2025.

Key Discussion Points

  • Sheriff Joe Nole retired, creating a vacancy that requires the BOCC to appoint an Acting Sheriff until a statutory replacement process can be completed (up to 60 days) (01:27:16).
  • The legal process requires the outgoing sheriff's partisan office (Democratic Party) to provide the BOCC with three candidates for the interim sheriff role (01:29:18).
  • The interim sheriff, once appointed, will serve until the general election in November 2025, when a full election will occur to fill the remaining year of the term (01:30:28).
  • Undersheriff Pernsteiner expressed his readiness and eagerness to assume the full responsibilities of the office (01:31:47).
  • Commissioners offered strong support, praising Pernsteiner's leadership on the Jeffcom board (Allen) (01:32:06) and his team's mixture of professionalism and compassion, particularly when working with housing residents (Dudley) (01:33:44).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Resolution in the matter of appointment of Andrew William Pernsteiner as Acting Sheriff (01:34:49).
  • RCW 36.16.115 (Authorizes BOCC to appoint an acting sheriff).

Financials

  • The accompanying materials noted that the Acting Sheriff's salary would be budget neutral, as the amount would be less than the retiring Sheriff Nole's pay.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Resolution approved, appointing Andrew William Pernsteiner as Acting Sheriff for Jefferson County.
  • Vote: Unanimous (01:34:54).
  • Next Steps: The County Administrator will finalize the compensation agreement with Undersheriff Pernsteiner (01:34:10). The Democratic Party initiates the separate process to nominate three candidates for the interim sheriff appointment.

Approval of Animal Shelter Improvements Contract (Pulled Item 7)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:35:38–01:36:20
  • Agenda Item: Consideration of Consent Agenda, Item 7 (Animal Shelter)
  • Categories: contracts, facility, finance

Topic Summary

The previously pulled item from the consent agenda—the animal shelter improvements contract—was addressed. Staff confirmed that the contractor's legal entity, Northwest Controls Contractors LLC, operates under the trade name Westsound Construction, resolving the confusion over the names listed in the document. The contract was approved subject to correcting the document's language.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Dudley's question regarding the contractor name was resolved by clarifying that "Westsound Construction" is the DBA (Doing Business As) for "Northwest Controls Contractors LLC" (01:35:54).
  • Commissioner Dudley noted that editorial or name corrections would be applied to the document before being signed, though the core contract was approved (01:35:46).
  • An informational request was logged to receive an update on a previous five-acre land gift to the animal shelter, its intended use (dog park/building), and the Humane Society’s capital campaign efforts (01:36:37).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Animal Shelter Improvements Construction Contract (Contract Total: $47,798.60).

Financials

  • The contract total amount is $47,798.60 (Original: $40,665.60 + Change Order: $7,133.00), funded by the Construction Renovation Fund (#301) (per supporting materials).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion approved to approve the agreement for animal shelter improvements, subject to correction of the contractor name clarification.
  • Vote: Unanimous (01:36:20).
  • Next Steps: BOCC staff to request an update from the Humane Society regarding its capital campaign and land use (01:36:54).

OlyCAP Contract Delays and Status of Capital Housing Projects

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:37:33–01:38:56
  • Agenda Item: Briefing (Follow-up on Consent Agenda)
  • Categories: contracts, housing

Topic Summary

In a follow-up to the approved OlyCAP contract on the Consent Agenda, the timeline for other delayed OlyCAP agreements was discussed. The delay is attributed to the new prosecutor team deciding to revise the standard contract boilerplate. Remaining contracts are expected by January 13th, with two capital projects—Housing Trust and CASA—pending a legal review regarding long-term affordable housing verbiage.

Key Discussion Points

  • A new prosecutor team is revamping the boilerplate contract language, causing delays in approving additional OlyCAP agreements (01:37:41).
  • The remaining eight OlyCAP contracts are expected to be approved by January 13th (01:38:02).
  • Two contracts are pending special verbiage: the Housing Trust and CASA (for the Hugging Tree site) (01:38:14). Legal must provide an answer and draft contract verbiage regarding requirements for keeping the property in affordable housing for a specific duration (01:38:26).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The conversation references the Housing Trust and CASA/Hugging Tree project agreements.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational/Status Update.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps: Legal staff must finalize verbiage for the Housing Trust and CASA contracts, expected by January 13th (01:38:36).

Commissioner Briefing: Updates on EDC, Port Ludlow Development, ORCA, and Housing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:39:12–02:18:51
  • Agenda Item: Briefing (Last Two Weeks)
  • Categories: economic development, land use, infrastructure, environment, housing, services

Topic Summary

Commissioners provided detailed updates from the previous two weeks. Commissioner Allen reported on the EDC job search following the ED’s retirement, the sunsetting Master Plan Resort Development Agreement in Port Ludlow (with DCD leaning toward non-renewal), and significant financial and structural challenges facing ORCA (Olympic Region Clean Air Agency), masked by a recent large penalty windfall. Eisenhower toured the Gates Foundation’s septic exhibit, providing context for the local sanitation needs. Dudley shared her positive onboarding experience and preliminary meetings.

Key Discussion Points

  • EDC Update: Executive Director Cindy Brooks is retiring in June. The job search is beginning, with contemplation of internal candidates and addressing staff churn (01:40:32).
  • Port Ludlow (NPR) Development Agreement: The Master Plan Resort Development Agreement sunsets in June 2025. The Port Ludlow Village Council requested a five-year extension to June 2030 (01:41:17). The Department of Community Development (DCD) is inclined to let the agreement lapse due to the staff capacity needed to manage special permitting rules (01:42:44). The timber agreement is tied to the lapse question (01:41:58).
  • ORCA (Olympic Region Clean Air Agency): Allen, as Finance Chair, reported ORCA is undergoing an audit and faces a long-term revenue-to-expense dilemma (01:44:23). A $1.9 million windfall from single penalties is currently obscuring structural financial issues and staff churn (01:43:51). Allen volunteered to conduct the ORCA municipal inspection at Indian Island in late January (01:48:44).
  • Housing Projects: Allen discussed several key housing issues: the South 7 senior housing at the Port Hadlock Methodist Church is advancing; and the Haines Street Cottages face approximately $1 million in deferred maintenance and capital needs, potentially leading to their demolition and replacement with denser housing (01:50:1). The Housing Authority is prioritizing investment in Jefferson County (01:51:20).
  • Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) & AI: Allen is taking the lead on TCC due to lack of staff (01:52:10). He is developing a metrics/evaluation plan and advancing the Gateway Visitor Center project (01:52:48), which has a grant for paving to facilitate Clallam/Jefferson transit and will include EV chargers and potential septic infrastructure for bathrooms and food carts (01:53:48). Allen is testing Otter AI to clerk the TCC meetings as a solution to staff shortage, using external Google/YouTube accounts to mitigate the burden of public records complexity (01:55:15).
  • Sanitation/Septic: Commissioner Eisenhower reported on a trip with Pinky Mingo to the Gates Foundation to view a sanitation exhibit focused on lower-entry septic solutions. She felt the systems displayed would require an engineer to maintain (02:08:50), indicating the need for simpler solutions for Phase 2 of the sanitation subcommittee work (02:07:38).
  • Drainage District: Eisenhower had a meeting with Assessor Jeff Chapman regarding the Chimicum Drainage District survey options (02:11:19).
  • IDD Advisory Board: Allen relayed a thank-you from Bonnie Obramski, reporting that the board received two applicants following the morning's public comment session (02:11:03).

Public Comments

No additional public comments were taken during the briefing.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Gates Foundation Discovery Center Sanitation Exhibit (02:05:15).
  • EDC job description notes (01:40:32).
  • PLA Master Plan Resort Development Agreement (01:41:17).

Financials

  • ORCA received penalties totaling $1.9 million (01:43:51).
  • Haines Street Cottages has approximately $1 million in capital needs for maintenance (01:50:41).
  • The county is using a $60,000 grant for infrastructure planning in Quilcene/Wind Cove (02:15:39).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • DCD is reportedly considering not renewing the Port Ludlow master development agreement due to higher internal staffing costs (01:42:44).
  • Testing the use of Otter AI and external systems to clerk TCC meetings (01:55:15).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational updates.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps: All Commissioners will calendar their appointed boards/committees to identify and resolve any conflicts.

Approval of 2025 Board and Committee Assignments

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:19:58–02:48:09
  • Agenda Item: Commissioner Board and Committee Assignments for 2025
  • Categories: personnel, operations

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners reviewed and adjusted the draft 2025 Board and Committee Assignments list to ensure equitable distribution of workload and align individual interests, particularly for new Commissioner Heather Dudley. Key changes included transferring the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee (BHAC) Chair and other related behavioral health positions to Dudley, and allocating key housing and transportation roles to Commissioners Allen and Eisenhower. The revised list was approved unanimously.

Key Discussion Points

  • The goal was to balance capacity (each member sits on over 20 committees) (02:21:10) and align assignments by subject matter (e.g., behavioral health) or geographic jurisdiction (02:22:12).
  • Change in Transportation Lead: Commissioner Dudley volunteered for the Jefferson Transit Authority Board Chair role (replacing a rotationally deferred Eisenhower) and took on the PRTPO role (02:24:31).
  • Change in Behavioral Health Lead: Commissioner Eisenhower proposed transferring the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee (BHAC) Chair (02:28:42), the Salish Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (ASO) (02:29:44), and the Behavioral Health Consortium (02:32:18) to Commissioner Dudley for alignment. These were approved, centralizing behavioral health issues under Dudley.
  • Change in Environmental Lead: Commissioner Eisenhower noted she is taking over the Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) responsibility from Allen (02:34:53).
  • Change in Coastal Resources: Commissioner Allen suggested Dudley take the Olympic Coast Marine Sanctuary and Maritime Washington National Heritage Area roles due to her historic preservation background and their overlapping coastline focus (02:38:23).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Draft 2025 Commissioner Board and Committee Assignments list (02:45:13).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Amendment: Commissioner Dudley was assigned the BHAC Chair, Salish ASO, and Behavioral Health Consortium roles (02:32:35).
  • Amendment: Commissioner Dudley was assigned the Jefferson Transit Authority Board Chair (02:24:31).
  • Amendment: Commissioner Eisenhower was assigned the Peninsula Regional Transportation Planning Organization (PRTPO) (swapped from Dudley) (02:34:00).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: The Jefferson County Board and Committee assignments for 2025 were approved as discussed, including the swaps and new assignments.
  • Vote: Unanimous (02:48:04).
  • Next Steps: Commissioners will cross-reference the new assignments with their detailed schedules to identify and resolve any formal calendar conflicts (02:44:39).

Approval of Conservation Futures Fund 2025 Application Cycle

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:11:11–03:39:09
  • Agenda Item: Conservation Futures Fund (CFF) 2025 Application Cycle Launch
  • Categories: land use, finance, environment, planning

Topic Summary

The Board adopted the resolution to launch the 2025 Conservation Futures Fund (CFF) application cycle based on recommendations from the Conservation Futures Fund Citizen Oversight Committee (CFFCOC). Ron Grimble, Vice Chair of the CFFCOC, presented the substantive changes, which focused on improving long-term stewardship evaluation, addressing climate resiliency, requiring information on water rights, and eliminating subjective scoring factors, such as feasibility of acquisition.

Key Discussion Points

  • Ron Grimble (CFFCOC Vice Chair) presented recommended changes to the program manual, application, and score sheet (03:13:22).
  • Substantive Changes: Applicants will now be required to provide a map showing critical areas (03:15:21), detail their long-term management strategies, and explain their commitment to implementing those strategies (03:29:00).
  • Scoring Improvements: New focus on the scale of the project regarding climate resiliency (e.g., protecting aquifer recharge zones) (03:27:08) and species that will benefit (03:22:23).
  • Feasibility Deletion: Questions rating the "feasibility of acquisition" were removed because they were unreliable predictors of successful project closing (03:19:00). Funds from failed acquisitions return to the next cycle (03:20:00).
  • Water Rights: Applicants must now inform the committee of water rights status associated with the property (03:29:43).
  • Applicant Profile: Grimble clarified that typical applicants are government entities or local non-profits (Land Trust, Fish and Wildlife, etc.) that can meet the minimum 50% matching grant requirement (03:35:58).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Attachment A: Explanation of recommended changes to CFF program materials (03:13:00).
  • Resolution establishing the 2025 CFF application period, estimated funding, and approving program materials (03:38:47).

Financials

  • The unanimous consent agenda included an estimated $252,000 available for the 2025 acquisition grants (per supporting materials).
  • All projects require a minimum 50% match (03:35:58).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Changes were made to scoring weights, reducing the raw score of two questions (threats to property and project scale) to better align with conservation valuation (03:27:45).
  • The Committee is planning additional changes for the 2026 cycle focusing on linking questions more clearly to County code criteria and requesting details on adaptive management (03:32:05).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Resolution approved, establishing the 2025 CFF application period and program materials as presented.
  • Vote: Unanimous (03:39:03).
  • Next Steps: The application period begins January 12th and ends March 21st, 2025 (per supporting materials).

Legislative Priorities and Federal Road Funding

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:41:31–04:03:06
  • Agenda Item: Discussion and Potential Action on Legislative Priorities
  • Categories: planning, infrastructure, housing, finance

Topic Summary

The Board, with input from lobbyist Stephanie Stuller, reviewed and affirmed its state legislative priorities, including key capital asks (Mill Road/Highway 19–20 intersection and Aquatic Center design funding) and policy items (land development flexibility and local sales tax options for housing). The Board agreed to finalize the funding amounts for the capital asks and formally approve the priority list on the consent agenda next week. Commissioners also committed to coordinated contact with the state's congressional delegation to secure a federal emergency declaration necessary to fund the critical Upper Ho Road and Quinault South Shore Road repairs.

Key Discussion Points

  • Emergent Federal Priority: The immediate focus is securing a federal highway emergency declaration to unlock funding for the Upper Ho and Quinault South Shore Road repairs (03:45:54).
  • Coordination: Commissioner Allen will contact Senator Murray’s staff, and Commissioner Eisenhower will contact Congresswoman Randall’s staff (Shanta, the new director of everything) (03:45:21). The lobbyist, Stephanie Stuller, will connect with Public Works Director Monty Reinders to ensure consistent messaging among all partners (03:48:07).
  • State Policy Priorities: The Board affirmed the key policy items (03:48:18):
    1. Land Use Flexibility ("expanding a county authority to increase development options").
    2. Amending RCW 82.46 to allow more counties to impose an additional excise tax for housing.
    3. Supporting a local option sales tax on short-term rentals.
  • Mobile Home Park Affordability: Commissioner Dudley raised the need to monitor or support legislation making state funds more accessible for resident-owned mobile home park communities, as current eligibility (related to AMI) is causing funds to go unused (03:50:01). The lobbyist will check with the Low Income Housing Alliance (03:51:44).
  • Capital Asks: The ask for the Highway 19–20 intersection design funding is approximately $1.79 million (04:01:24). The athletic center design ask needs to be confirmed (estimated at $200k–$400k) (04:01:36).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Draft list of Jefferson County Legislative Priorities (03:44:16).
  • RCW 82.46. (Proposed amendment to subheading five) (03:54:02).

Financials

  • The preliminary ask for the Mill Road/Highway 19–20 intersection design is $1.79 million (04:01:24).
  • The Athletic Center capital ask is estimated between $200,000 and $400,000 (04:01:36).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Monitoring mobile home park affordable housing access legislation was added as an item to watch (04:02:18).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: The drafted legislative priorities were accepted for finalization.
  • Vote: No formal vote; item deferred to next week's consent agenda for formal approval (04:01:46).
  • Next Steps: Commissioner Allen is to formalize the priorities document with the confirmed financial asks and submit it for formal approval on the January 13th consent agenda (04:02:40). Stuller and Commissioners will establish a weekly check-in schedule during the legislative session (03:57:48).

Interlocal Agreement for Transportation Benefit District Staff Support

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:03:30–04:14:42
  • Agenda Item: Discussion and Potential Action regarding the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with the Transportation Benefit District (TBD)
  • Categories: contracts, infrastructure, finance, operations

Topic Summary

The Board considered and unanimously approved the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with the newly formed Jefferson County Transportation Benefit District (JCTBD). The ILA is necessary to permit County staff (legal, clerk, public works) to provide administrative support to the JCTBD, a separate legal entity which is currently unfunded and unstaffed. The County Administrator confirmed the capacity demand is expected to be low as all activities, including the annual report on routine maintenance, will be integrated into existing processes or involve limited meetings.

Key Discussion Points

  • The JCTBD needs the ILA immediately to conduct business and initiate funding collection because it is a separate government entity but currently lacks staff and funds (04:04:06).
  • Capacity/Workload: County Administrator Mark McCauley stated the ILA is a "low demand item" (04:06:16). The workload will largely come from Public Works, and the administrative staff load for the BOCC Clerk is limited to perhaps "one or maybe two meetings a year" (04:07:37).
  • Annual Report: The annual report will be simple, detailing how the revenue was spent on preservation (chip sealing, striping); the report content will come primarily from Public Works (04:07:24).
  • Funding Flow: Once the JCTBD Board authorizes the funding sources (sales tax and car tabs), the revenue will flow into the TBD's fund, managed by the County Treasurer (04:09:12). Funds will then be transferred from the TBD fund to the Road Fund (180) (04:09:25).

Public Comments

  • Tom Tears: Reiterated strong support for the TBD for funding necessary road maintenance (04:11:18). He agreed the administrative load would be minimal, especially if the County assumes the TBD (04:12:30).
  • Jean Ball: Concurred with Mr. Tears and expressed willingness to pay for "nice roads" (04:13:54).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Resolution authorizing the County Administrator to execute an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with the JCTBD (04:10:11).
  • The discussion references the JCTBD's governing structure under RCW 36.73 and 36.74 (Assumption) (per supporting materials).

Financials

  • The ILA authorizes charging the JCTBD for staff support, but overhead and duplication costs are avoided (per supporting materials).
  • The TBD is discussing funding sources as one-tenth 1% sales tax and a $20 car tab (04:08:56).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed beyond the eventual assumption of the TBD by the County (04:13:01).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Resolution approved, authorizing the County Administrator to execute the Interlocal Agreement with the JCTBD.
  • Vote: Unanimous (04:14:34).
  • Next Steps: The BOCC adjourned its regular meeting and would reconvene at 3:30 PM for the inaugural meeting of the Transportation Benefit District, where the assumption of the TBD and funding sources will be discussed (04:15:03).

Generated On: 2025-11-07 14:07:56.188301-08:00 By: google/gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025 running on https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/