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01/13/25 09 AM: Homeless Grant Debate, Road Washouts, Aquatic Survey Approved

Homeless Grant Debate, Road Washouts, Aquatic Survey Approved

Jefferson County Commissioners heard public comments urging retention of OlyCAP as CHG lead amid service disruption fears; discussed funding challenges for Upper Hoh/South Shore road washouts; approved Community Risk Reduction proclamation, TBD assumption resolution, $1,500 aquatic survey; deferred CHG lead role to 2027 with accountability measures.

Public Comments on Consolidated Homeless Grant (CHG) and Homeless Services

Metadata

  • Time Range: PART 1: 00:00:55–00:30:22
  • Categories: services, budgeting, contracts, planning

Summary

Numerous public commenters urged the Board to retain OlyCAP as the CHG lead grantee, citing risks to services at Caswell Brown Village and other housing programs if administrative funds were redirected to the County, with OlyCAP supplementing CHG by over $30,000 in unrestricted funding due to insufficient coverage for operations like HR and payroll. Commenters shared personal success stories from OlyCAP programs, emphasized the need for continuity amid limited alternative providers, and criticized rapid transition without strategic planning or community input. Some supported County oversight for better accountability and transparency, noting past issues with OlyCAP service delivery and unspent funds.

Key Discussion Points

  • Holly Morgan (OlyCAP Executive Director): Urged caution in moving CHG from OlyCAP, warning of weakened capacity, service disruptions, and lack of planning; noted $30,000+ supplementation and no ready alternatives.
  • Becky Forrester (Caswell Brown resident): Credited Caswell Brown for stability enabling job applications and education.
  • Jamie Fowler (WICAM case manager): Shared personal housing journey via OlyCAP services during pregnancy and COVID.
  • Viola Ware (OlyCAP): CHG/EHF supplements Caswell Brown operations; new shelter relies on CHG planning.
  • Maggie (unnamed): Compared to historical sanitation workers' strike, criticized Port of Port Townsend for allowing homeless cleanup but opposing housing.
  • Gary Doherty: Requested timeline on Port Ludlow timber agreement renewal.
  • Vicki (community member): Advocated County as CHG lead for equitable system, shared responsibility beyond outsourcing to OlyCAP.
  • Shelley Yarnell: Supported removing CHG from OlyCAP due to negative experiences and capacity issues.
  • Karen Wanderon (OlyCAP property manager): Highlighted success story of mother/family moving from car to homeownership via CHG-assisted services.
  • Bill (unnamed): Criticized infighting over funds, urged focus on solving homelessness.
  • Chris Hannon (OlyCAP youth services): Praised improvements under new leadership, focus on long-term workforce integration.

Public Comments

  • All listed above under Key Discussion Points.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials provided or referenced beyond general CHG context; transcript notes OlyCAP supplemented CHG with $30,000+ unrestricted funds; CHG lacks 10% admin allowance coverage.

Financials

  • OlyCAP supplemented CHG with over $30,000 unrestricted funding as of October 31.
  • CHG requires GAAP funding; does not cover full program costs without 10% admin allowance.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal action; commissioners responded, committed to workshop later that day on CHG oversight, capacity, and impacts.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Workshop on Consolidated Homeless Grant that afternoon (no public comment); parse COC vs. CHG dollars, assess admin impacts.

Upper Hoh Road and South Shore Road Washouts

Metadata

  • Time Range: PART 1: 00:44:22–01:12:36
  • Categories: infrastructure, budgeting, operations, planning

Summary

Public Works reported ongoing erosion at Upper Hoh Road (milepost 9.8, ~football field length lost) and South Shore Road (milepost 1.3 above county line), with no funding in hand despite emergency permits in process; repairs historically federally funded via FHWA ER or FEMA, but processes are slow (e.g., 2015 Oil City Road FEMA payment pending). Olympic National Park noted full closure of Hoh Rainforest area (300,000 annual visitors), restricted employee access, and appreciation for county collaboration; plan to reinstall North Shore bridge post-winter (likely April). City of Forks pledged support letters/resolutions; Board urged letters to legislators for funding, including potential from continuing resolution/House Bill 10545 ($2.3B NPS capital fund).

Key Discussion Points

  • Monty Reinders (Public Works Director): No county funds available; seeking FHWA ER (90% of past repairs); permits for emergency work in process; repairs feasible in 2-3 weeks with funding; past FEMA delays (2015 unpaid $600k).
  • Eric Kuzma (Assistant Public Works Director): Permits ongoing (WDFW, Army Corps); after-the-fact mitigation required; property access via "use at own risk" permits.
  • Kevin Killian (Olympic NP Deputy Superintendent): Hoh Rainforest closed; appreciates county communication; follow-up meeting this week.
  • Jeff Doriand (Park Facilities Chief): North Shore bridge removal precautionary; reinstall post-storm season (~April).
  • Rod Fleckham (Forks City Attorney/Planner): Regional tourism impact; past reimbursements slow; Forks to provide support letters.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: ~$1M total repair cost; explore continuing resolution funds; permits for property access available.

Public Comments

  • Ed Bowen: South Shore Road emergency; funding/temporary bypass needed; private property access; advocate federal funds (House Bill 10545, $2.3B NPS).
  • Jean: Support for park roads funding.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No documents provided; referenced past repairs (2015 Oil City, 2016 Upper Hoh milepost 9.7), FHWA FLAP funding delays (10-year paving project).

Financials

  • Estimated repairs: ~$1M total (Upper Hoh + South Shore).
  • Past FEMA: $600,000 unpaid (2015 Oil City Road).
  • Potential: House Bill 10545 NPS Capital Fund ($2.3B); FHWA ER (federal highways).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • North Shore bridge reinstall (~April); federal FLAP for preemptive armoring (past denial). No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal action; commit to letters of support from Forks, Port Townsend, Park; explore federal/state funding; Public Works in "full court press."
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps:
  • Letters to senators/congress for FHWA ER/continuing resolution.
  • Meeting with Park this week.
  • Template letters for partners.

Proclamation: Community Risk Reduction Week

Metadata

  • Time Range: PART 1: 01:13:54–01:19:02
  • Categories: public safety, services

Summary

East Jefferson Fire & Rescue presented a proclamation recognizing January 20-26, 2025, as Community Risk Reduction Week, highlighting 2023 call volumes across county fire agencies and CRR's data-informed approach using the "five E's" to prevent fires/medical calls. The proclamation notes MLK Day (Jan 20) as a National Day of Service for risk reduction programs like wildfire prep, smoke alarms, and car seats. Board read and unanimously approved the proclamation.

Key Discussion Points

  • Robert Wittenberg (EJFR Community Risk Manager): CRR promotes awareness, partners with agencies; new elements include car seat installations.
  • Board read proclamation detailing 2023 calls: EJFR (6,826 total), Quilcene (572), Brinnon (536), Discovery Bay (108).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Proclamation text referenced 2023 call stats; no packet materials provided.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Move that we approve this proclamation as read."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: all three commissioners).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Transportation Benefit District (TBD) Assumption

Metadata

  • Time Range: PART 1: 01:19:18–01:25:20
  • Categories: operations, ordinances

Summary

Prosecuting Attorney staff presented resolution of intent and public hearing notice to assume JCTBD powers under RCW 36.74, streamlining administration by abolishing separate TBD body since boundaries are coterminous and no revenue collected yet. Assumption aligns with ~80% of similar districts, eliminates interlocal staff agreements and separate funds/agendas. Board unanimously approved resolution and set hearing for Jan 27 at 10am.

Key Discussion Points

  • Carolyn LaFay (Prosecuting Attorney): Procedure requires intent resolution, two publications, public hearing; simplifies to county funds/reports.
  • County Administrator McCauley: Efficiency measure, no visibility loss.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft ordinance amends JCC 3.90; RCW 36.74.020/030; MRSC notes 85% assumption rate.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved resolution stating intent to assume TBD; approved public hearing notice.
  • Vote: Unanimous on both motions.
  • Next Steps:
  • Publish notice Jan 15/22.
  • Public hearing Jan 27, 10am.

Consolidated Homeless Grant (CHG) Lead Grantee Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: PART 1: 01:25:55–02:31:26
  • Categories: services, budgeting, contracts, planning

Summary

Auditor's Office workshop analyzed assuming CHG Continuum of Care (COC) lead role (deadline Jan 20), presenting admin duties, OlyCAP spending ($1.07M of $1.65M award, 10% admin), peer models (e.g., Skagit PH with 3 staff/20 subgrants), and capacity concerns; Board grappled with OlyCAP improvements vs. accountability needs, unspent funds, provider collaboration gaps. Public Health Director noted no housing unit, bandwidth limits; decided to defer this cycle, plant flag for next (2027), task Housing Fund Board with accountability measures, data transparency. Emphasized no-harm intent, system efficiencies.

Key Discussion Points

  • Judy Shepherd/Amanda Christofferson (Auditors): Commerce NOFO; CHG for system oversight/subgrants; OlyCAP data shows direct services/operations heavy; peers in PH depts audit/train subgrantees.
  • Commissioner Rand (former Bayside): Past unspent funds (e.g., Bayside eviction prevention returned); need upfront provider consultation.
  • Apple Martine (PH Director): PH not housing agency, capacity maxed/budget cuts; logical spot but challenging.
  • Commissioner Eisenhour: Intent to assume next cycle; build capacity via Housing Fund Board.
  • Board: Defer to avoid harm; require OlyCAP reporting/collaboration; explore DRF for staff.

Public Comments

No public comment (workshop format).

Supporting Materials Referenced

OlyCAP spending charts (CHG $1.65M award, $1.07M spent); peer info (Skagit/Grays Harbor); Commerce NOFO/RCW 43.185C (80% low-barrier by Jul 2025).

Financials

  • CHG 2024-25: $1,651,291 awarded; $1,071,225 spent (Direct Services 40%, Salaries 33%, Admin 10%).
  • Anticipated 25-27 decrease up to 20%.
  • Unspent historical: $100-150k/cycle.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Defer to OlyCAP this cycle; assume COC 2027. No amendments.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Move that we… defer the opportunity to act as the COC."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: all).
  • Next Steps:
  • Housing Fund Board: Accountability measures, reporting for OlyCAP.
  • Plan capacity for 2027 COC.
  • Peer follow-up (Pacific County).

Jefferson Aquatic Coalition (JAC) Survey

Metadata

  • Time Range: PART 1: 02:31:56–03:10:16
  • Categories: planning, budgeting, services

Summary

JAC presented survey draft for PUD bill insert (~13k households, Feb waves) using $1,500 LTAC funds to gauge support/usage for mid-county aquatic center (resident/tourist versions, QR code); covers demographics, swimming needs, programs (lessons, aerobics, PT), non-aquatic co-locates (gym, pickleball), sales tax support. Public comments raised bias/accessibility concerns (paper/digital, rural outreach, question order); Board approved amid feedback for vetting (Chamber by Jan 20th). Survey live Feb 1 ~late Mar, rack cards for tourism.

Key Discussion Points

  • Diane McDade (JAC President): Bifurcated survey (resident 30+ q, tourist short); PUD card mockup; editable to Feb 1; multilingual; optional answers.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: LTAC $20k covers; rack cards for hotels/ferries; site control for LCP ask.
  • Public: Vetting questions, rural/digital access, paper stuffing, future needs vs. current, tax question early, stakeholder breadth.

Public Comments

  • Deborah Peterson: Paper uniqueness/ballot stuffing; ask future possibilities (e.g., PT, kids).
  • Tom Tirsch: "Replacing Mountain View" presumptuous; e-bills miss insert; "prefer not to say" option; ferry costs.
  • Shelley Yarnell: Tax question first; specify costs; slant toward tourist complex.
  • Jean: Rural/West End outreach; Chamber review; 13k covers ~1/3 pop.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Survey draft/PUD card mockup; LTAC $20k prior approval.

Financials

  • Survey insert: $1,500 (LTAC funds).
  • PFD seed: $115k pledged.

Alternatives & Amendments

Paper option debated (manual entry burden).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve the use of the $1,500 of the LTAC award to pay for this survey."
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps:
  • Feedback by ~Jan 24 (Chamber Jan 20).
  • Live Feb 1; report late Mar.
  • Rack cards/tourism promo.

Background Materials

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