MEETING: Commissioners Meeting at Tue, Feb 18, 09:00 AM

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JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING SUMMARY

Routine Procedural Matters and Public Comment

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:10.000–00:16:12.000 / 03:36:04.000–03:36:16.000
  • Agenda Item: Call to Order, Public Comment, Workshop Public Comment
  • Categories: other

Topic Summary

The meeting was called to order, followed by a period of public comment during which residents addressed issues including the fate of South Shore Road, the Pleasant Harbor Resort project, the formation of a Public Facilities District (PFD) for an aquatic center, and resources for the unhoused population. Commissioners provided updates on the road funding and the status of the resort development permitting process. The PFD workshop later in the session was opened for additional public comment via consensus.

Key Discussion Points

  • Ed Bowen (West Jefferson County) requested an update on the South Shore Road issue, specifically advocating that the Park Service expedite the temporary bridge process. He noted that the county has prerogative under Revised Statute 2477 (right of way across public lands) to claim the North Shore Road as a county road that predated the Park's establishment (03:26:00.000). He also requested an update on the congressional delegation's efforts (03:33:00.000).
  • Commissioner Brotherton responded to Mr. Bowen, stating the county road fund lacks the approximately $1.2 million needed for repairs. Staff has sent a memo to the local WASHDOT regional engineer outlining the emergencies that caused the road failures to free up FHWA emergency repair funds (03:16:32.000–03:17:45.000).
  • Commissioner Dudley Noulette stated she does not advocate that the county try to take over the challenging road due to distance from facilities (03:25:24.000).
  • Shelley Yarnell (Brennan) expressed concern over the "ticking time bomb" of the Pleasant Harbor Resort project, referencing a February 2019 decision upholding the development (04:46:00.000). She noted the developer, Statesmen, had recently requested a timeline with reasonable fees from the Department of Community Development (DCD) and requested the DCD director's response (05:35:00.000). She felt the board's pursuit of other goals was secondary to settling this matter (04:22:00.000).
  • Joe Baish (Brennan) spoke against the poverty in South County, stating 90% of children in Brennan's school qualify for free and reduced meals, and emphasized the need for the Pleasant Harbor project to move forward for economic growth (11:00:00.000–12:07:00.000).
  • Commissioner Brotherton stated DCD administration is overseeing the Pleasant Harbor project and is focused on moving the preliminary plat before the hearings examiner. He indicated the county offered pre-hearing review assistance, but Statesman is "seemingly a little reluctant to take our help" (04:47:00.000).
  • Julia Cochrane expressed gratitude for COVID relief and reimbursement for extra hours and supplies at the shelter. She noted the shelter is full and needs more meal providers (12:40:00.000). She highlighted the Winter Welcoming Center is the sole organization offering vouchers for showers at DW, questioning the sustainability of this arrangement and asking the county for support (13:13:00.000–13:48:00.000).
  • Commissioner Dudley Noulette noted that the matter of vouchers for showers and laundry could be brought up as topics for the Housing Fund Board (03:23:24.000).
  • Tom Tirsch and Diane McDade requested public comment be allowed during the afternoon workshop regarding the potential formation of a Public Facilities District (PFD) (07:29:00.000, 07:55:00.000).
  • Commissioner Dudley Noulette agreed to add public comment to the PFD discussion (03:22:34.000).
  • Diane McDade thanked the Healthier Together Task Force (HTTF) members for their research aiding the PFD consideration, naming Todd McGuire, Nancy Spesser, Celeste Schoenthaler, Jim Scarantino, Adele Gobert, Lynn Hovey, Cray Henry, and Mary Rothschild (08:31:00.000–09:32:00.000).
  • Jim Friedman (Quilscene) cautioned against the PFD path, citing the City of Pasco's 20-year struggle after forming their PFD, only recently passing a tax for a pool (14:18:00.000). He raised concern about taxing constituents struggling to afford basic necessities for a pool (03:46:14.000).

Public Comments

  • Ed Bowen: Advocated the Parks speed up the temporary bridge decision on South Shore Road and suggested the County could invoke Revised Statute 2477 to claim the North Shore Road.
  • Shelly Yarnell: Urged movement on the Pleasant Harbor Resort project, worrying about lost tax revenue and a potential lawsuit due to DCD oversight issues.
  • Tom Tirsch: Requested public comment be allowed on the PFD workshop.
  • Diane McDade: Thanked the Healthier Together Task Force for paving the way for the PFD discussion.
  • Joe Baish: Expressed concern over poverty in the South County and supported the Pleasant Harbor Resort project as a necessity for economic growth and jobs.
  • Julia Cochrane: Requested coordinated county support and funding for shower/laundry vouchers for the unhoused, citing the current temporary and unsustainable reliance on the Winter Welcoming Center.
  • Jim Friedman: Cautioned using the City of Pasco, WA, as a potential warning example for the PFD process and requested that efforts prioritize finding ways to tax those who can afford it rather than the entire county population.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials were explicitly referenced during this discussion period, although the later PFD workshop relied heavily on documents.

Financials

  • South Shore Road/Temporary Bridge: Approximately $1.2 million in required repairs (03:16:32.000).
  • Poverty: 90% of children in Brennan's school qualify for free and reduced meals (11:16:00.000).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • South Shore Road: Ed Bowen suggested the county claim North Shore Road under Revised Statute 2477 (03:26:00.000), but Commissioner Dudley Noulette dismissed this as a "bridge too far" (03:25:34.000).
  • PFD: Jim Friedman advocated for reviewing the City of Pasco's pitfalls, suggesting the project be slowed until the public survey results are fully available to gauge the appetite for new taxing (15:35:00.000).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public comment closed. The request to add public comment to the PFD workshop was granted.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioner Brotherton/DCD: Continue focusing on pushing the Pleasant Harbor preliminary plat to a hearings examiner.
  • - Commissioner Dudley Noulette: Propose adding shower/laundry vouchers as discussion topics for the Housing Fund Board.

Proclamation: Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Volunteers

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:37:45.000–04:11:46.000
  • Agenda Item: Proclamation
  • Categories: services, other

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners officially read and approved a proclamation recognizing the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Volunteers. The proclamation highlighted that 5,522 hours of volunteer service were donated in 2024, valued at over $214,000, which is the equivalent of 2.55 full-time employees.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Dudley Noulette stated that the 5,522 volunteer hours donated in 2024 amounted to the equivalent of over two and a half full-time equivalent employees (03:56:19.000).
  • Volunteer efforts are used to support recreation programs, which served 240 children in school districts, and helped maintain the 22 parks on 1,100 acres (03:59:00.000–04:06:00.000).
  • Commissioner Brotherton noted that volunteer work is an immense value, appreciating the $214,370 in services conserved by the county (03:59:49.000).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The proclamation used data from the Independent Sector (www.independentsector.org) to value volunteer time at $40.28 per hour for Washington State in 2024.
  • Total volunteer hours donated in 2024: 5,522 hours.
  • Total value of volunteer hours: $214,370.

Financials

  • Total value of donated services: $214,370.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve the proclamation as read passed.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:14:00.000–04:41:42.000
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda
  • Categories: operations, ordinances

Topic Summary

The Board approved the revised Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) by-laws, which mandate a change from six meetings per year to quarterly meetings. The board also approved the implementation of the Jefferson County Transportation Benefit District (JCTBD) Material Change Policy, a requirement following the county's absorption of the district.

Key Discussion Points

  • SWAC By-laws: The bylaws change the meeting schedule for the Solid Waste Advisory Committee to quarterly meetings (January, April, July, October) to allow more time for staff preparation and material review, especially for the Solid Waste Management Plan update beginning in April 2025 (04:14:00.000). The by-laws did not include a discussion about staff removing the recording of meetings (04:15:26.000).
  • Material Change Policy (JCTBD): The policy implements the requirements of RCW 36.73.160(1) following the county's absorption of the Transportation Benefit District, requiring a public hearing if project costs exceed the budget by over 20% (04:28:00.000).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • SWAC By-laws Update: The revision sets the meeting frequency to quarterly rather than six times per year to support the Solid Waste Management Plan update process.
  • JCTBD Material Change Policy: This policy aligns the county with RCW 36.73.160(1), which requires material changes (cost increase over 20%, or scope/schedule changes resulting in a cost increase over 20%) to be addressed, potentially via a public hearing.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve the consent agenda passed.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Department of Emergency Management (DEM) 2025 Workplan Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:41:42.000–01:33:28.000
  • Agenda Item: 2025 DEM Workplan
  • Categories: public safety, planning, operations

Topic Summary

Willie Bence, DEM Director, presented the 2025 workplan, which shifts focus to training and organizational development using the Incident Command System (ICS) model. Accomplishments included finalizing major planning documents (CEMP, Hazard Mitigation Plan). Key upcoming projects include developing a Comprehensive Evacuation Plan, establishing a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) earlier than anticipated, and launching a Food and Agriculture Emergency Support Function (ESF #11) project.

Key Discussion Points

  • DEM is organized according to the Incident Command System (ICS) and operates with 3.4 FTEs, primarily funded by federal grants through the State Emergency Management Division (04:49:00.000–04:52:00.000).
  • 2024 Accomplishments: Submitted the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and the multi-year Hazard Mitigation Plan for state/FEMA review; established the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and developed a hazardous materials response plan (04:59:00.000–05:55:00.000).
  • 2025 Focus (Training): The primary 2025 focus is on training, including organizing monthly community outreach presentations through the volunteer-led GREEN (Grassroots Emergency Education Network) team (05:50:00.000–05:57:00.000).
  • EOC Training Defunded: A training and credentialing plan for EOC responders was developed but lacked funding, requiring DEM to "reimagine" how to train people locally for key ICS roles (01:06:57.000–01:07:32.000).
  • New Planning Projects:
    • Evacuation Plan: Developing a comprehensive plan (wildfire, tsunami, hazardous materials-focused) with a spring tabletop exercise and potential community-wide drill (01:12:52.000). Commissioner Dudley Noulette noted particular interest from downtown Port Townsend business leaders for evacuation planning (01:14:34.000).
    • ESF #11 (Food Resiliency): A volunteer-led project creating a "battle book" of food system resources (farms, food banks, grocery stores) and planning for supply chain analysis and mitigation projects (e.g., refrigerated storage, generators) (01:19:27.000).
    • Business Continuity Plan (BCP): Accelerated due to concerns from Human Resources regarding federal issues, DEM is collaborating with HR and Central Services to conduct critical function surveys and identify recovery timelines for essential county services (01:22:40.000).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Organizational Chart: DEM is structured around the Incident Command System (ICS) with four federally funded part-time clerk hires acting as the key staff (Planning, Operations, Logistics, etc.). The Volunteer Coordinator (Elena Berry) is a second full-time staff member, funded locally (04:52:00.000–04:59:00.000).
  • 2024 Accomplishments List: Highlighted the submission of CEMP, Hazard Mitigation Plan, and LEPC Hazardous Materials Plan.
  • 2025 Workplan: The focus for 2025 is "Training," leveraging the GREEN network (NPREP, CERT, VECOM, MRC, DART) and expanding the All-County Picnic (01:02:40.000).

Financials

  • EOC Training: Was not funded through the general fund in the current budget (01:07:32.000).
  • Food Resiliency: Commissioner Dudley Noulette suggested a low-power, biochar-based cooler design from the Appropriate Technology Institute for food storage, using waste biochar from the Port Townsend Paper Mill (01:31:07.000).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • All-County Picnic: Commissioner Brotherton suggested using the All-County Picnic to encourage smaller, neighborhood summer gatherings as a more progressive approach (01:03:13.000).
  • Business/School Evacuation: Commissioners suggested DEM expand its focus beyond neighborhoods to include central business districts (Port Townsend, Hadlock) and school communities in evacuation planning (01:15:35.000–01:18:50.000).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; item was informational.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps:
  • - DEM/Commissioners: Coordinate attendance at the upcoming Hazardous Materials Response Plan approval meeting.
  • - DEM/DCD/Commissioners: Collaborate on integrating business and school communities into the Comprehensive Evacuation Plan.
  • - DEM/Food Resiliency Volunteers: Willie Bence requested Commissioner Dudley Noulette send the biochar cooler plans to volunteers for review.

Department of Community Development (DCD) 2025 Workplan

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:34:03.000–02:39:06.000
  • Agenda Item: DCD 2025 Workplan
  • Categories: land use, planning, permits, operations

Topic Summary

DCD Director Josh Peters, along with Chelsea Pronovost and Greg Ballard, presented the department's 2025 workplan, emphasizing improvements in operational efficiency, public transparency, and completing legally mandated planning updates. Accomplishments include dramatically reducing permit review times (from 18.3 to 14.5 weeks in 2024) and launching Phase 1 of the digital Customer Self-Service (CSS) Portal. Key 2025 goals include finishing the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) and the 2025 Periodic Update, which encompasses the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) update and new housing requirements.

Key Discussion Points

  • Organizational Stability: Commissioner Eisenhower praised Josh Peters' leadership for restoring stability, noting DCD had not lost staff since his arrival, following the loss of 13 people in a compressed period prior to his tenure (01:37:41.000).
  • Permit Center Efficiency: In 2024, the Permit Center handled 22,000 phone calls and 8,900 emails. Permit issuance time decreased from 18.3 weeks (2023) to 14.5 weeks (2024), with a recent measure showing the average at 62.4 days (01:42:27.000–01:42:48.000).
  • Transparency & Digital Tools: Phase 1 of the Customer Self-Service (CSS) Portal launch allows constituents to track permits and view associated documents digitally. A Phase 2 goal is improving GIS integration and implementing a "decision tree" to help applicants navigate complex requirements (01:42:03.000–01:43:23.000).
  • Development Review (Greg Ballard): Staff standardized Site Development Reviews (SDRs) and streamlined the SEPA process (01:48:01.000–01:49:26.000). A priority goal is integrating core documentation (application, site map, decision) directly into the permit portal for easier public visibility beyond the Laserfiche system (01:50:45.000).
  • Fire Marshal/Building Operations: Completed 3,900 individual inspections in 2024 (01:43:44.000). Goals include launching the inspection program for short-term rentals (STRs) once regulations are updated (01:44:55.000) and increased fire safety coordination through a new hybrid-certified fire/building inspector (01:47:03.000).
  • Long-Range Planning (2025 Mandates):
    • Periodic Update: A high-priority, "all hands on deck" project to meet the 2025 legal deadline, encompassing new housing requirements based on Office of Financial Management (OFM) projections through 2045 (02:12:43.000).
    • Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO): New CAO must be completed, requiring a revision of the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) once CAO standards are set (02:14:13.000).
  • STR Regulations: The Planning Commission is holding a meeting this week to work on short-term rental regulations, an update DCD anticipates "will be using" soon to handle an estimated influx of short-term rental permit applications (01:45:09.000).
  • Pleasant Harbor Resort (NPR): DCD is working with the developer to set a schedule for the preliminary plat hearing, but final dates are jeopardized because DCD and the developer are disagreeing on the scoping and cost of review of recently submitted materials (02:20:05.000). Three different invoices are currently being challenged (02:20:37.000).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced, but the overall presentation covered the operational and planning details outlined in the DCD workplan document.
  • Grant Funding Cited: Paper to digital grant award (for Permit Center digitization) and a planning grant for the new Climate Resilience Element (02:03:00.000).

Financials

  • Missing Middle Housing Grant: A $50,000 grant was awarded to modernize urban development code and incentivize middle housing within the urban area (02:03:27.000).
  • CHIP Grant: The extension of the Port Townsend Urban Growth Area (UGA) enabled the county to qualify for a CHIP grant, which will fund the extension of sewer to the Castleville Brown Village property boundary (02:09:25.000–02:09:41.000).
  • Permit Fee Refunds: In response to SB 5290 (permit timelines), DCD adopted several measures avoiding the requirement to partially refund fees if permit timelines are not met (02:25:01.000–02:25:38.000).
  • Long-Range Planning: Director Peters clarified that long-range planning cannot reasonably be funded through permit fees alone, but must be primarily funded by the general fund and grants (02:35:21.000).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • STR Inspections: DCD expects an influx of permit applications following updated STR regulations. Director Peters noted that while DCD is trying to ramp up, a high permit volume may lead to longer processing times if additional staff (beyond typical load) are not hired, which would impact the general fund (02:27:48.000).
  • Pleasant Harbor NPR: An unusual alternative was noted by Director Peters: DCD could potentially submit the preliminary plat to the Hearing Examiner without a staff recommendation (02:21:51.000).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; item was informational.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps:
  • - DCD Staff: Continue negotiation with the Pleasant Harbor NPR developer regarding the scope and costs of the preliminary plat review process.
  • - DCD Staff: Continue Phase 2 development of the Customer Self-Service Portal (CSS) to improve public access to permit documentation.

Formation of Public Facilities District (PFD) for Aquatic Facility Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:17:28.000–04:12:27.000
  • Agenda Item: PFD Workshop
  • Categories: infrastructure, services, finance, planning

Topic Summary

The Board held a workshop on the proposed formation of a county-wide Public Facilities District (PFD) to finance and operate a new aquatic and wellness facility (Healthier Together Center). The staff presentation emphasized that the PFD creates the necessary structure to pursue funding (sales tax, grants, private donations) and is the next methodical step following recommendations from the Healthier Together Task Force (HTTF). Public commenters both strongly urged the board to move forward quickly and cautioned against the potential tax burden and the speed of the process before final survey results are known.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Brotherton emphasized that creating the PFD sets the foundation for fundraising and grants, noting the Jefferson Aquatic Coalition (JAC) has already raised $120,000 in seed money for the first year of operation (03:19:04.000, 03:24:34.000).
  • Legal Authority/Timeline (Mark McCauley): The PFD is an independent municipal corporation and taxing authority (03:22:27.000). The timeline calls for setting a Notice Hearing next Monday (Feb 24) and a Public Hearing on the Formation Ordinance on March 10, 2025 (03:25:59.000). The PFD is required to obtain a second feasibility review by the Dept. of Commerce before debt issuance (03:26:00.000).
  • Funding Strategy: The PFD would rely on voter approval for its main mechanism, anticipated to be a 0.2% sales tax. It is a public-private partnership, with private fundraising handling start-up costs (03:29:04.000).
  • Public Survey: Diane McDade noted the public survey will be completed at the end of March, with a formal report compiled and ready to present by early April. Current responses show good geographic coverage, though the West End is lagging (03:41:18.000–03:42:02.000).
  • Cost Concerns: Jean Ball and Tom Tirsch questioned the PFD budget estimate, noting the omission of substantial sunk costs (estimated by Ms. Ball at $800,000 for the city/county combined effort to date) and the zero dollar allocation for County staff support in the PFD budget (03:47:37.000–03:48:26.000).
  • PFD Financial Risk: Tom Tirsch expressed concern that if the PFD defaults on its revenue bond debt, the county could be on the hook, and questioned the "optimistic projection" of $1.8 million in sales tax revenue subject to a major recession (03:53:43.000).
    • Commissioner Brotherton refuted the recession concern, citing County Treasurer reports showing sales tax revenue went up nearly 20% between 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic (03:59:04.000).
  • Process Timing: Shelley Yarnell and Commissioner Dudley Noulette advocated slowing down the PFD formation until the survey results confirm public support (03:49:09.000). Commissioner Dudley Noulette stated she does not see how a one-month delay would slow the ultimate project if the public were fully invested (04:04:02.000).
  • Operational Deficit: Tom Tirsch noted the sales tax revenue and usage fees would not be enough to cover operational costs, referencing the city's current $400,000 subsidy that would likely be required (03:54:10.000).
  • Commissioner Dudley Noulette and Commissioner Brotherton affirmed that the project's long-term success is dependent on designing a facility that the community can afford and that generates consistent revenue to offset the operational deficit (04:06:46.000–04:08:37.000).

Public Comments

  • Janice Fisler (County Resident): Strongly supported moving forward with the PFD for the sake of community health and the therapeutic needs of seniors, having used the existing pool since 1969.
  • Craig Henry (District 2, HTTF Member): Stated the PFD is an essential, tangible step; if it is not formed, the momentum of the project will die.
  • Gloria Hacko (Chimicum): Excited that the facility will move south in the county, making it more accessible to those in the "far reaches."
  • Diane McDade (JAC President): Offered to compile and share the survey analysis in early April to inform the Board's decision on the PFD formation.
  • Jim Friedman (Quilscene): Cited the 20-year struggle of the Pasco PFD. He urged the board to find a funding mechanism that does not force a tax on the county's lower 20% who are "struggling to put food on the table."
  • Shelley Yarnell (Brennan): Reiterated that the PFD should not be formed before the survey results are back, interpreting the rush as an attempt to push the project through regardless of public appetite.
  • Tom Tirsch: Challenged the PFD budget figures, questioned the county's liability for PFD revenue bond debt, and suggested the ballot measure cost is higher than $60,000. He emphasized that sales tax revenue alone is not projected to cover operational costs.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • PFD Ordinance (JCC Chapter 3.100): Establishes JCPFD as a municipal corporation with a 7-member board and no liability passed to the County (unless specified in an ILA).
  • PFD Budget (Attachment E): Estimates Year 1 expenses at $391,000 (funded by design grants, private fundraising, and $20,000 in LTAC funds) before any tax revenue begins in Year 2.
  • Healthier Together Center Feasibility Study: Cited as confirming the PFD is the necessary funding mechanism for the aquatic facility (Base Option estimated at $37.1 million, requiring an estimated $434,091 annual subsidy/pre-City contribution).

Financials

  • Sunk Costs to Date (Estimate): Approximately $300,000 in spending (County/City/Agencies) on planning efforts, plus indeterminate in-kind staff costs (03:55:29.000).
  • Ballot Measure Cost: Estimated at $60,000 for a General Election (03:57:04.000).
  • PFD Seed Funding (Private): $121,000 raised by JAC (Year 1) (03:49:09.000).
  • Sales Tax Revenue: Commissioner Brotherton noted positive growth trends, citing 20% growth between 2020 and 2021 (03:59:04.000).
  • Operational Subsidy: Estimated near $400,000 annually (03:54:10.000).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Process Timing: Public suggestion to postpone the PFD formation vote until the full public survey results are analyzed in April (04:04:02.000).
  • Funding Structure: Jim Friedman suggested finding a funding model that taxes those who can afford it rather than the entire county (03:46:22.000).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; item was a workshop.
  • Vote: N/A
  • Next Steps:
  • - Board/Staff: The proposed formation ordinance review on the Consent Agenda is scheduled for February 24, 2025, followed by the Public Hearing on the formation on March 10, 2025.
  • - JAC/Commissioner Dudley Noulette: Work to analyze the survey results and geographic distribution of responses ahead of the final decision.

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