MEETING: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Feb 10, 09:00 AM

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JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING SUMMARY

MEETING DATE: 2025-02-10 17:00:58+00:00

Public Comment on Vulnerable Populations and Shelter Needs

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:41–04:24:24
  • Agenda Item: Public Comments
  • Categories: services, budgeting, public safety

Topic Summary

The public comment session addressed two primary concerns: the county's response to homelessness and exposure, specifically regarding the "preponderance of need" standard for opening emergency shelters, and development frustrations related to the Pleasant Harbor Master Plan Resort (MPR). Maggie Mitchell and Julia Cochrane argued for lowering the temperature threshold for emergency shelter opening, citing deaths in King County. They also requested warm-weather resources (four-season tents) and maintenance support (toilets) for the Bayside shelter at the American Legion. Commissioners acknowledged the urgency, noting the current policy is 33 degrees but allows staff discretion to open earlier, and committed to exploring additional resources and addressing shelter maintenance issues.

Key Discussion Points

  • Maggie Mitchell discussed the "preponderance of need" standard for opening emergency shelters and advocated for opening shelters at temperatures higher than 33 or 36 degrees, citing 12 related exposure deaths in King County in January 2024 (01:30:00).
  • Ms. Mitchell noted that behavioral health or recovery groups were distributing inadequate tents, comparing them to "a tank over a t-shirt" for sub-23-degree weather (02:47:00).
  • Ms. Mitchell and Julia Cochrane raised concerns about conditions at the American Legion site, specifically the noise from "partying" and the condition of the toilets (masking tape on one toilet), asking what would happen if the ADA toilet also went out during a declared emergency (03:30:00, 03:48:00).
  • Ms. Cochrane reported that Mom's Laundromat is not accepting county vouchers again, an issue that previously cost the Winter Welcoming Center approximately $2,000 and caused the Recovery Cafe to withdraw support (15:18:00).
  • Commissioner [unnamed] stated that staff has been working on blue flag rules to extend Welcoming Center and emergency shelter hours (24:40:00). The 33-degree threshold remains due to affordability constraints, but the policy allows any emergency shelter to "turn on the emergency floodlight" to connect services if the situation warrants (24:58:00–25:15:00).
  • Commissioner [unnamed] committed to looking into the laundry voucher issue and contacting Bayside regarding plumbing and support needs (25:56:00, 15:55:00).
  • Commissioner [unnamed] mentioned working with public health to find additional resources, including outreach to companies for warmer tents (19:10:00–19:39:00). Commissioner [unnamed] suggested reaching out to North Face for surplus four-season tents, based on previous experience (34:15:00).

Public Comments

  • Maggie Mitchell: Advocated against the strict 33-degree exposure rule, criticized inadequate tent distribution, and raised concerns about shelter maintenance and noise at the American Legion (01:04:00–04:16:00).
  • Julia Cochrane: Stressed the need for support for Bayside in keeping the shelter "super functional," particularly the toilets, and asked the county to check into the issue with Mom's Laundromat not accepting county vouchers (14:58:00–15:55:00).

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials were referenced.

Financials

  • The issue with Mom's Laundromat vouchers previously cost the Winter Welcoming Center approximately $2,000 (15:18:00).
  • Four-season tents are noted as expensive and resources are severely constrained for even basic needs (25:15:00).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Commissioner discussion centered on implementing staff discretion (choice in the hands of the staff) to open the shelter when they "feel like people need to come in," even if the 32-degree mark has not been met (21:06:00–21:14:00).
  • Exploring donation/surplus of four-season tents from outdoor retailers like North Face (34:15:00).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal motion or decision was required; this was a discussion period following public comment.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioner [unnamed]: Reach out to Bayside to assess support needs, particularly regarding the complicated toilet apparatus (21:29:00).
  • - Commissioner [unnamed]: Look into the laundry voucher issue with Mom's Laundromat (25:56:00).
  • - Commissioner [unnamed]: Continue efforts to source warmer tents, possibly through outdoor retailers (34:15:00).

Public Comment on Pleasant Harbor Master Plan Resort (MPR) Development Delays

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:42:00–13:56:00
  • Agenda Item: Public Comments
  • Categories: permits, planning, contracts, land use, economic development

Topic Summary

Multiple public speakers expressed severe frustration and pain over the near 18-year delay in development for the Pleasant Harbor Master Plan Resort (MPR). John Holbert (Project Manager) and Shelley Darnell Brandon detailed perceived structural process problems within the Department of Community Development (DCD), citing instances where staff opinion superseded licensed professional engineer work, excessive billing ($170,000 charged for an application valued at $10,377), and consultants using wrong county codes (Jefferson County, Colorado, instead of Washington). Public comments quantified the lost economic opportunity, noting $47 million in foregone property taxes and 150+ lost jobs. Commissioners responded by acknowledging the pain and complexity, emphasizing the need to move forward defensively given the project's unique complexity (third MPR in the state), opposition, tribal interests, and environmental factors (shellfish beds).

Key Discussion Points

  • John Holbert stated he was hired 18 months ago to get the project past 18 years of frustration but has not been successful in obtaining a development permit (04:59:00).
  • Holbert claimed there is a "structural process problem" in DCD where county staff routinely set aside work stamped by licensed engineers, geologists, or hydrologists, substituting their own or a consultant's opinion (05:44:00–06:00:00).
  • Holbert provided an example where $500,000 worth of civil engineering was substituted with a $35,000 consultant review that was later withdrawn by the county, yet the county billed the developer for the withdrawn consultant work (06:22:00–06:52:00).
  • Holbert noted a preliminary plat application with a published cost of $10,377 has accrued $170,000 in charges, prompting him to spend nearly $500,000 on consultant fees to meet county consultant requirements without success (07:14:00).
  • Shelley Darnell Brandon highlighted "unqualified consultants" and a case where the consultant submitted code requirements from Jefferson County, Colorado, not Washington (09:09:00–09:22:00).
  • Brandon accused a consultant company of advising groups that oppose the resort projects, citing correspondence directing opponents to specific documents (SEPA checklist, modular construction) and state officials (Washington L&I), suggesting an "obvious conflict of interest" (09:30:00–10:03:00).
  • Jean provided economic data detailing the missed opportunities: a $1 million modular home construction building waiting since October 2021 for a permit; local sales tax of about $30,000 on that first building alone; over 150 jobs lost in hospitality, healthcare, and retail; and $2.6 million in lost property tax annually, totaling nearly $47 million over 18 years (11:10:00–13:18:00).
  • Commissioner [unnamed] acknowledged the "lot of pain" and frustration shown by the speakers, and proposed a workshop to review all the comments in detail with DCD staff (21:56:00).
  • Commissioner [unnamed] stated that all commissioners "want it" (the project) but they must do the administrative work "the right way" and "defensively" because the project is the third MPR in the entire state and faces complexity due to tribal interests, two prime shellfish beds, and active opposition (28:47:00–30:49:00).
  • Commissioner [unnamed] criticized the developer for slowing down the project, noting StateSman didn't get involved until 2011 and lawsuits have caused delays, suggesting it is inaccurate to attribute all delays to the County's administrative process (29:28:00).

Public Comments

  • John Holbert: Reported failure to get a development permit, criticized DCD's structural process for substituting staff/consultant opinion for licensed engineer work, and detailed excessive billing costs (04:42:00–08:08:00).
  • Shelley Darnell Brandon: Criticized the use of unqualified consultants (citing the Colorado code error), alleged a conflict of interest with consultants advising project opponents, and questioned the excessive use of executive sessions for potential litigation (08:08:00–10:42:00).
  • Jean: Quantified the lost economic output, citing an approximate $47 million loss in property tax revenue over 18 years and jobs (10:56:00–13:56:00).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • A letter from the Chairman (Mr. Mayor) of Pleasant Harbor Metro Plan Resort stating the viability of the project is seriously called into question (provided to Commissioners by Holbert) (07:50:00).
  • Preliminary plat application with a published cost of $10,377 (07:14:00).

Financials

  • Developer allegedly paid ACD (DCD) $700,000 for services without receiving a single building permit (11:24:00).
  • The project has accumulated $31 million in total investment over almost two decades (10:37:00).
  • Foregone annual property tax revenue is estimated at $2.6 million, totaling almost $47 million over 18 years (13:18:00).
  • $170,000 charged for a $10,377 application value (07:14:00).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • John Holbert implicitly proposed the Board change the DCD staff's job description to prevent them from substituting their opinion for the opinion of licensed engineers (06:15:00).
  • Jean recommended a weekly update status report from DCD to the County Commissioners every Monday (13:56:00).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal motion or decision was required.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - BoCC: Commit to reading the Chairman's letter and comments (24:24:00).
  • - BoCC: Explore the option of holding a workshop with DCD staff to review the issues raised (22:40:00).

Public Comment on Olympic National Park Access Roads (South Shore and Upper Hoh)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 16:09:00–18:16:00
  • Agenda Item: Public Comments
  • Categories: operations, infrastructure, tourism

Topic Summary

Ed Bowen, a resident of West Jefferson County, requested updates on the status of the South Shore Road (Quinault area) and Upper Hoh Road washouts. He advocated for the County to work with the National Park Service (NPS) to implement a short-term detour using the North Shore Road for the South Shore Road. Mr. Bowen also voiced concern over the NPS launching a new planning project (East Fork Quinault Trail and Enchanted Valley Overcrowding Planning Project) which he views as a "mechanism" to further close stuff off rather than find working solutions. Commissioners acknowledged the high level of frustration, noted the road team is working hard, and committed to finding a resolution, including coordination with the tourism committee (OPTIC).

Key Discussion Points

  • Ed Bowen requested an update on whether County staff inspected his previously suggested detour route for the South Shore Road washout, which involves using a portion of the North Shore Road (16:34:00).
  • Mr. Bowen highlighted that the NPS is running a planning project on "East Fork Quinault Trail and Enchanted Valley Overcrowding," which he views as the NPS avoiding solutions for road access (17:11:00).
  • Commissioner [unnamed] reported speaking with Eric Kuzma, noting that Public Works staff (Bill) was unable to perform on-site inspections due to snow (26:35:00).
  • Commissioner [unnamed] noted that the Olympic Peninsula Tourism Committee (OPTIC) is actively involved because the road closures are impacting summer bookings (26:55:00).
  • Commissioner [unnamed] noted the April 15th deadline for buying backpacking permits, increasing the urgency for an ETA on road repairs (26:55:00–27:15:00).
  • Commissioner [unnamed] stated that staff is pursuing funding opportunities, particularly Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) emergency response funds, emphasizing legislative efforts are involved (36:12:00).
  • Commissioner [unnamed] noted that the Upper Hoh Road alone provides access to over 330,000 people annually (1:52:04).

Public Comments

  • Ed Bowen: Requested an update on staff inspection of the North Shore Road detour suggestion and urged the County to push the NPS for a short-term access solution (16:34:00–18:13:00).

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials were referenced.

Financials

  • No financial information was discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Ed Bowen advocated for an immediate temporary solution using the North Shore Road for the South Shore Road detour (18:02:00–18:09:00).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal motion or decision was required.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - BoCC: Continue working on funding opportunities for road repair (27:15:00).
  • - BoCC: Push the National Park Service, which owns the essential bridge, on the feasibility of the North Shore Road detour (37:15:00).

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:37:56–00:45:28
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda Action
  • Categories: ordinances, contracts, personnel, budgeting, planning

Topic Summary

The Board reviewed and unanimously approved the Consent Agenda with minor administrative edits noted for the minutes and for the reappointment date on one advisory board. Key substantive items included the approval of an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with the Chimacum School District (CSD) regarding grant applications for a new aquatic facility, the corresponding legal waiver of conflict, and notable appointments to advisory boards.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner [unnamed] specifically called out the ILA and Waiver of Conflict of Interest with CSD for the proposed aquatic facility (38:00:00). This agreement establishes roles for site control (CSD maintains control for minimum 15 years), allows the County's Prosecuting Attorney's Office (PAO) to provide joint legal representation, and is required for the upcoming grant application deadline (39:29:00).
  • The intent of the ILA is to secure grounds for the grant and shows early planning without "pushing this through without due process," providing a "graceful exit" if the project stalls (39:48:00).
  • Two specific new board appointments were highlighted: Robert Simmons (Conservation Futures Citizen Oversight Committee - CFFCOC) for his expertise in water quality issues, and Holly Morgan (Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board - IDDAB) (40:40:00–41:11:00).
  • Commissioner [unnamed] noted and requested a correction on the reappointment dates for Cheri Van Hoover to the Rural Library District Board, as the document expiration date was listed as two years prior to the current date (42:02:00).
  • Commissioner [unnamed] highlighted a Noxious Weed Control partnership with Clallam County, praising the "elegant agenda request" by Sophie DeGroot (43:00:00).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The Interlocal Agreement for the Aquatic Facility with CSD required delegation of signing authority to the BoCC Chair and a Conflict of Interest Waiver for joint PAO representation (Agenda Items 1 and 3).
  • Narrative for the Noxious Weed Partnership noted the agreement's purpose is to prevent wild chervil from crossing the county line (Agenda Item 2).
  • Advisory Board appointments and resignations were listed, including Cheri Van Hoover's reappointment and the appointments of Robert Simmons and Holly Morgan (Agenda Items 7 and 10).

Financials

  • The ILA is structured to maximize governmental resources by sharing support staff and legal services (39:56:00).
  • The Noxious Weed contract is for $5,000 for services with Clallam County (43:00:00).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Administrative edits were proposed for the resignation letter of Mary Biskup (Item 7) and the expiration date for Cheri Van Hoover’s reappointment (Item 10) (41:23:00–42:29:00).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve the consent agenda, incorporating the noted edits, passed. (44:45:00)
  • Vote: Unanimous. (45:02:00)
  • Next Steps:
  • - Staff: Process the appointments and resignations.
  • - County Administrator/PAO: Finalize and execute the Interlocal Agreement and legal waiver with CSD upon their board approval.

Approval of Connectivity Summit Invitation Letter

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:45:44–00:49:35
  • Agenda Item: Walk-on item
  • Categories: services, economic development

Topic Summary

The Board reviewed and approved an invitation letter intended for community outreach, drafted by partners at the Production Alliance, encouraging attendance at the upcoming Connectivity Summit. The letter was adopted with a minor correction to ensure grammatical consistency.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner [unnamed] shared the draft letter, which serves as an invitation to the community for the Connectivity Summit (46:37:00).
  • Discussion involved a minor typo correction in the last paragraph: amending "community's pressing issues" to "communities' pressing issues" to be more inclusive (47:51:00–48:39:00).
  • The letter will be used as an outreach tool (48:49:00).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic. (49:14:00)

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • A draft invitation letter prepared by the Production Alliance (46:03:00).

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Correction of the possessive punctuation in "community's pressing issues" (47:51:00–48:39:00).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve the letter to be signed by the Commissioners for "soliciting engagement at the connectivity summit" passed. (49:14:00)
  • Vote: Aye (Unanimous). (49:29:00)
  • Next Steps:
  • - Staff: Print and finalize the approved letter for distribution (49:35:00).
  • - BoCC: Follow up on involvement options (TED Talks, Youth Summit, Marine Resources Committee) for the Connectivity Summit (50:08:00–51:03:00).

Legislative Update and County Revenue Challenges

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:51:20–01:03:36
  • Agenda Item: Legislative Update
  • Categories: budgeting, ordinances, public safety, housing

Topic Summary

Commissioner [unnamed] provided an update on legislative action in Olympia, highlighting several bills affecting county revenue and social services. A key focus was the proposal for a county utility tax (HB 1702) to address shrinking revenues, noted legislative efforts to increase housing options, and discussed grant funding for public defense and wildfire claims.

Key Discussion Points

  • A legislative effort to balance accountability with rehabilitation for misdemeanor individuals failed a Wasac Legislative Steering Committee vote, yielding 15 in support and 10 against, because it required an 85% super-duper majority for passage (52:23:00–52:59:00).
  • Commissioner [unnamed] asked the local delegation to sponsor House Bill 1702, which would allow counties to implement a councilmatic utility tax of 1% to 3% on general utilities (electric, water, sewer), following authority already granted to the state and cities (up to 6%) (54:17:00–55:00:00). This revenue would go to the General Fund and is deemed "significant" at the 3% level (55:16:00).
  • Supported bills included one pushing the state to pay its share of public defense costs (currently resting heavily on counties) and another establishing a prescribed fire claims fund pilot program (56:45:00–57:28:00).
  • Housing bills gaining traction include:
    • Senate Bill 5471 (middle housing bill) (58:44:00).
    • House Bill 1345/5470 allowing detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) outside urban growth areas (58:58:00).
    • House Bill 1480 allowing counties to impose an excise tax for housing (59:22:00).
    • Companion bills (HB 1763/SB 5576) proposing a 6% special excise tax on short-term rentals (1:00:14:00–1:00:23:00).
    • House Bill 1263, which passed the House and is moving to appropriations, increasing access to vouchers for affordable and permanent supportive housing (1:01:00:00–1:01:11:00).
  • Commissioner [unnamed] requested future attention be paid to bills fire districts are supporting and requested an alternate attend the April 2nd and 3rd LSC meetings (1:02:45:00, 1:02:55:00).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Wasac legislative report (briefing paper) (52:04:00).
  • House Bill 1702 (Councilmatic utility tax).
  • House Bill 1263 (Housing voucher access).

Financials

  • The proposed county utility tax (HB 1702) could generate revenue between 1% to 3% of utility bills, which is considered "significant" at the 3% level (54:32:00, 55:16:00).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Wasac's initial legislative efforts that failed the 85% supermajority vote (52:59:00).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal action taken other than informational update.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioner [unnamed]: Continue monitoring bills and report back on Wasac progress (1:01:45:00).
  • - Commissioner [unnamed]: Will check out the fire district bills (1:02:32:00).
  • - Commissioner [unnamed]: Attend the April 2nd-3rd LSC meetings as alternate for Commissioner [unnamed] (1:02:55:00).

Finance Director Workplan (2025)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:03:36–01:30:08
  • Agenda Item: Finance Director Work Plan
  • Categories: budgeting, operations, contracts

Topic Summary

Finance Director Judy Shepherd presented her 2025 work plan, stressing the transition to an annual budget process and leveraging the Munis ERP system for greater efficiency and transparency. Key goals include enhancing the public-facing Gravity Budget Book to tell a "story," rolling out the Munis Contract Management module countywide, and fostering an integrated, mentorship-focused financial team. This follows a successful 2024, highlighted by submitting the 2023 Annual Report with zero findings.

Key Discussion Points

  • 2024 Achievements: Completed the 2025 budget amendment (Judy Shepherd's first time as lead), used the Munis ERP system for salary projections (01:05:00), deployed the Munis Contract Management module in DCD (01:06:34), continued grants administration development (01:08:16), implemented the Gravity Budget Book (01:09:10), and oversaw the 2023 Annual Report completion with no findings (01:12:35).
  • Munis Contract Management: The system aims to centralize contract tracking, auto-trigger for milestones and expenditures, eliminating the need for separate Excel tracking (01:07:08).
  • Shift to Annual Budget: The department is moving away from the biennial process, largely because two-year projections are difficult and the current process still requires extensive mid-biennial amendments (01:17:19). The Finance Director noted that the current two-year budget is essentially "two annual budgets," necessitating the change (01:17:39).
  • New Budget Goal: To implement GFOA standards to create a budget document that tells a more informative "story" for the public, using summary data and charts (01:10:07–01:11:12).
  • Team Growth Focus: Shepherd plans two groups: (1) a collaborative group of county accounting professionals for peer support and (2) a mentorship group for non-accounting staff doing financial tasks to increase accuracy and efficiency (01:14:07).
  • Training: Plans include developing video training modules for travel and Munis functions, integrating them into the employee onboarding process (01:21:16).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • 2025 Finance Director Work Plan Presentation (1:04:13:00).
  • Gravity Budget Book (a separate presentation software for budget data) (1:09:10:00).
  • Munis (Enterprise Resource Planning system) (1:05:26:00).
  • GFOA (Government Finance Officers Association) budget standards (1:05:19:00, 1:18:47:00).

Financials

  • The shift to an annual budget is primarily procedural, intended to better reflect the true work involved in the current system (01:17:05).
  • No new financial requests were associated with the work plan.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Discussion on the merits of moving from a biennial to an annual budget process, noting that the biennial system did not accomplish its intended efficiency goals (01:16:37–01:17:05).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; item was informational.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Finance Department: Begin implementing the new work plan, focusing on team development and the transition to the annual budget process for the 2026 cycle (01:13:48).

Discussion of Federal Financial Assistance Spending Freeze Letter

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:31:13–02:01:52
  • Agenda Item: Discussion on Federal Financial Assistance Spending Freeze Letter
  • Categories: services, infrastructure, public safety, advocacy

Topic Summary

The Board extensively edited and subsequently approved a letter to the Congressional Delegation expressing concern over the uncertainty surrounding federal financial assistance programs due to Executive Orders. The letter was strengthened with specific local examples of threatened programs, including East Jefferson Fire and Rescue's (EJFR) critical funding sources and the uncertainty around funding for washed-out Olympic National Park access roads. The Commissioners also amended the letter to characterize the actions as "reckless" and requested an "organized and professional approach," with public comment largely in support of the strengthened advocacy.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner [unnamed] emphasized that the letter should serve as a starting point for local discussions to make the community more "locally resilient" (1:38:47).
  • Commissioner [unnamed] provided tangible examples of threatened funding, including potential cuts of $1 million for East Jefferson Fire and Rescue (EJFR) if both Olympic Community of Health and Ground Emergency Medical Transport (GEMT) funds are eliminated (1:44:27).
  • The Commissioners added that the uncertainty is complicating efforts to find federal emergency response funds for the washed-out Upper Hoh Road, which provides access to the Hoh Rainforest for over 330,000 people annually (1:51:57–1:52:10).
  • The language was strengthened to request the Delegation to reconsider support for the President's objectives and replace the term "knee jerk actions" with "reckless actions" by the administration (1:56:53).
  • The letter was edited to explicitly request an approach that acknowledges the necessary checks and balances of the three branches of government and considers the most vulnerable (1:43:06, 1:43:38).

Public Comments

  • Gene Ball: Congratulated Commissioners for the deliberations, stating the revised letter is "far better, more compelling," and empowers representatives with tangible, constructive specificity and supporting tangible information (1:59:07).
  • Ruth: Thanked the Commissioners for the "good solid letter" that was requested a week prior (2:00:45).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Draft letter to Senators Patty Murray, Maria Cantwell, and Representative Emily Randall (1:31:41).
  • Budget summary from EJFR November budget hearing regarding $1 million deficit spending risk (1:44:27).

Financials

  • East Jefferson Fire and Rescue (EJFR) faces a risk of an immediate $1 million hit if federal funding via Olympic Community of Health and GEMT is eliminated (1:45:25).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Alternatives discussed were to either send the existing general letter immediately or delay it to add more specific, researched program examples (1:40:01). The Board chose to modify the letter with immediate, high-impact examples (EJFR, Hoh Road) while maintaining the two-page limit (1:45:53).
  • Critical change: Adding the road issue and EJFR funding cuts to illustrate that the uncertainty affects basic services, not just "political issues" or DEI (1:48:48).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to send the letter as presented and edited to the federal delegation passed. (2:01:22)
  • Vote: Aye (Unanimous). (2:01:23)
  • Next Steps:
  • - BoCC: Commit to doing local outreach to programs and non-profits to "bring people to the table" to understand the full local impact of the federal funding uncertainty (1:40:11).
  • - Staff: Send the signed letter (2:01:22).

Hearing and Action re: Transportation Benefit District (TBD) Assumption

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:01:52–02:12:43
  • Agenda Item: Hearing and Action re: Transportation Benefit District (TBD) Assumption
  • Categories: infrastructure, administration, ordinances

Topic Summary

The Board held a mandated public hearing to consider assuming the rights, powers, functions, and obligations of the Jefferson County Transportation Benefit District (JCTBD), which currently operates as a parallel governing board with the same membership as the BoCC. Staff indicated that the assumption, authorized by RCW 36.74, would streamline administration, eliminate the need for a separate board and an interlocal agreement for staff support, and result in a more efficient government. The JCTBD had previously imposed a 0.1% sales and use tax and an annual vehicle fee. The Board unanimously (3-0) adopted the ordinance assuming the TBD's functions.

Key Discussion Points

  • The principal benefit of assumption is "more efficient government," eliminating the TBD board, separate meetings/minutes, and an interlocal agreement for staff support (2:03:20).
  • The legal basis is RCW 36.74, requiring an ordinance if the Board finds the action is in the public interest or welfare (2:04:30).
  • The JCTBD is coterminous with the County's unincorporated area (2:04:53).
  • The required procedural steps were completed, including a prior resolution of intent (January 13, 2025) and required public notice (January 29 and February 5, 2025) (2:05:52).

Public Comments

  • Tom Tierce: Fully supported the ordinance, citing "obvious cost savings, simplification of functions, and reduction of overhead" (2:08:50). He also commented that due to the risk of federal funding loss, the County should "immediately" consider putting an additional two-tenths of a percent sales tax on the next available ballot (2:09:13).
  • Jean Ball: Expressed "full support, 100% behind this" (2:10:47).
  • No written testimony was received on this matter (2:10:23).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • RCW 36.74 (Assumption of TBD functions) (2:04:30).
  • The ordinance amends Jefferson County Code, Chapter 3.90, to abolish references to the separate TBD governing body (2:12:39).

Financials

  • The JCTBD previously imposed a one-tenth of one percent sales and use tax and an annual vehicle fee (2:11:27).
  • The administrative change allows for streamlining administrative costs by eliminating the interlocal agreement (2:04:05).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • None specified.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to adopt the ordinance assuming the rights, powers, functions, and obligations of the Jefferson County Transportation Benefit District and amending JCC Chapter 3.90 passed. (2:12:39)
  • Vote: Unanimous. (2:12:50)
  • Next Steps:
  • - Staff: Implement the administrative transfer of TBD functions to the BoCC (2:05:38).

Workshop on Procedure for Filling Sheriff Vacancy

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:17:13–04:08:20
  • Agenda Item: Workshop re: Procedure for Filling Sheriff Vacancy
  • Categories: personnel, legal, governance

Topic Summary

The Board held a workshop with the Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney to establish the process for filling the elected Sheriff position left vacant by Sheriff Joe Nole's retirement on January 3, 2025. The statutory deadline is March 4th, 2025. The BoCC must select from three nominated individuals (provided by the Jefferson County Democrats) in an open meeting. The Board decided to use a public interview session, dubbed "speed dating," on February 24th, 2025, after first requesting candidates resubmit updated application materials. Criteria guiding the appointment focus on stability, integrity, and community trust for the one-year remainder of the term.

Key Discussion Points

  • Sheriff Joe Nole retired effective January 3, 2025; the BoCC must fill the vacancy from the list of three candidates provided by the political party (Jefferson County Democrats) by March 4th (3:19:44).
  • If the BoCC is deadlocked, the list is sent to the Governor for appointment within 30 days of the deadlock (3:22:07).
  • A key legal point: Unlike standard staff hiring, records related to filling an elected office vacancy (including application materials and Commissioner notes, even from executive session) are subject to the Public Records Act (3:26:37–3:27:11).
  • The BoCC must hold candidate interviews in an open public meeting (3:33:09). Candidates are not required to leave the room while others are interviewed (3:32:33).
  • Desired Criteria for Appointment: The Commissioners agreed to focus on the limited context of a one-year appointment, prioritizing: (1) stability/continuity in the department, (2) integrity and equity, and (3) community trust in leadership (3:57:05–3:58:42).
  • The Board tentatively scheduled public interviews for February 24th in the afternoon (2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.), noting the need to extend the time if possible (3:35:49, 3:42:40).
  • To maintain an organized process, the Board decided to request candidates resubmit a package of materials (letter, resume, letters of recommendation, proof of required training) instead of relying solely on the Democrats' submitted packet (4:05:02).

Public Comments

  • Former Sheriff Joe Nole was present in the room for the duration of the workshop (3:17:59).
  • Sheriff Nole noted that department staff may not want to provide input into the decision publicly for fear of political consequence with a future boss (3:37:50–3:38:45).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) (Open Public Meetings Act exemption for potential litigation) (3:01:18).
  • RCW 36.28.025 (Sheriff qualification regarding basic law enforcement training certificate) (3:24:07).
  • RCW 42.56.250(1)(b) (Public Records Act disclosure for elected office vacancy applications) (3:26:37).

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Discussion on whether to hold public interviews or individual private interviews. The consensus settled on a public, group interview session on the 24th due to better transparency and efficiency, acknowledging that individual private interviews would require all three Commissioners to meet with all three candidates separately (3:47:49, 4:00:15).
  • Amending the materials request to include proof of basic law enforcement training and responses to core questions reflecting the BoCC's criteria (4:06:07).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: The Board agreed to proceed with public interviews on or around February 24th, after requesting and reviewing updated candidate materials.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioner [unnamed]: Draft a one- to two-page position description and materials request (including questions based on stability, integrity, and trust) and send to candidates by the end of the week (4:06:43).
  • - Staff: Coordinate the February 24th interview schedule ("speed dating") with the three candidates (4:06:26).
  • - Commissioner [unnamed]: Research to ensure the interview process is compliant with state HR/personnel equity standards regarding consistency of questioning (3:54:01).

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