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02/18/25 09 AM: Bridge Fixes, Resort Support, Parks Honor, Plans Review, Pool PFD

Bridge Fixes, Resort Support, Parks Honor, Plans Review, Pool PFD

Jefferson County Commissioners fielded public comments on South Shore Road bridge repairs and Pleasant Harbor Resort advancement, issued a proclamation honoring parks volunteers, approved consent agenda, reviewed 2025 DEM and DCD workplans, and workshopped forming a Public Facilities District for an aquatic facility.

Public Comments and Board Responses: South Shore Road Bridge Issues

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:44.000–00:03:49.000; 00:16:12.000–00:19:01.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, planning

Summary

Public commenter Ed Bowen raised ongoing concerns about the South Shore Road bridge failure, advocating for Olympic National Park to install a culvert and temporary bridge by April and highlighting the county's potential rights under Revised Statute 2477 to claim the road as a county road predating the park. Commissioners responded that the county road fund lacks $1.2 million for repairs on affected roads, with efforts underway involving federal/state delegations, National Park Service, WSDOT, and a recent memo to WSDOT's regional engineer seeking FHWA emergency funds; no further engagement from the park was noted, but state-level progress continues.

Key Discussion Points

  • Ed Bowen (West Jefferson County resident): Received Public Works photos of bridge; urged parks to act on temporary bridge/culvert; referenced Revised Statute 2477 for county right-of-way claim; requested update on congressional delegation efforts.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: County road fund insufficient ($1.2M needed); coordinating with federal delegation, NPS, WSDOT, legislative delegation (thanked Adam Birnbaum); staff memo sent to WSDOT regional engineer on emergencies; awaiting FHWA funds; progress via state channels.
  • Commissioner Eisenhauer: No further park engagement noted; updates sent to park director; leveraging parks as priority important.

Public Comments

  • Ed Bowen (West Jefferson County resident): Advocated parks action on temporary bridge; county prerogative under Revised Statute 2477; requested congressional update.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced; photos from Public Works mentioned but not provided.

Financials

  • Estimated repairs for two roads: $1.2 million (county road fund insufficient).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal action; commissioners provided updates and committed to continued coordination.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Continue pursuing WSDOT/FHWA emergency funds; monitor park engagement; Eric Kuzma to provide road condition updates.

Public Comments and Board Responses: Pleasant Harbor Resort Project

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:04:16.000–00:06:25.000; 00:10:44.000–00:12:07.000; 00:19:01.000–00:22:24.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: land use, planning, permits

Summary

Multiple public commenters urged advancement of the Pleasant Harbor Resort master-planned resort for economic benefits, jobs, and addressing South County poverty, criticizing delays and lack of DCD oversight risking tax revenue and lawsuits. Commissioners affirmed support, shared DCD Director Josh Peters' response to developer Garth Mann's timeline request (public document), noted efforts to advance preliminary plat to hearings examiner with pre-review offers, and emphasized multi-stakeholder coordination challenges while committing to oversight.

Key Discussion Points

  • Shelley Arnell Brennan: Cited 2019 board decision upholding project; noted unsuccessful legal challenges; questioned DCD response to Mann's timeline/fees letter; warned of lost revenue/lawsuit risks.
  • Joe Baish (Brennan resident, 33 years): Highlighted South County poverty (90% free/reduced meals); urged project for jobs/economic growth.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: Shared Peters' response letter; noted poverty link; committed to administrative oversight.
  • Commissioner Eisenhauer: Project requires 10+ organizations; focused on advancing to hearings examiner; offered pre-review; developer reluctant on help.
  • Commissioner Dudley: New to project; appreciated resident perspectives amid legal opposition narratives.

Public Comments

  • Shelley Arnell Brennan: Supported project; criticized delays/lack of oversight.
  • Joe Baish (Brennan resident): Emphasized poverty/jobs need.

Supporting Materials Referenced

DCD Director Josh Peters' letter to Garth Mann referenced (public document, response to timeline/fees request).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal action; reaffirmed support and DCD efforts.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Advance preliminary plat to hearings examiner; explore developer barriers.

Proclamation Recognizing Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Volunteers

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:35:19.000–00:41:03.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, services

Summary

The Board approved a proclamation recognizing Parks and Recreation volunteers for 5,522 hours donated in 2024, equivalent to 2.55 full-time employees and valued at $214,370 ($40.28/hour per independentsector.org). Volunteers supported youth sports, Rec Center programming, summer camps, park maintenance, trail work, habitat restoration, and advisory roles across 22 parks on 1,100 acres. Commissioners highlighted volunteer leverage for underfunded parks, educational value of proclamations, and community impact like 240 kids in school programs.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Brotherton (Parks liaison): Read proclamation; noted 2024 volunteer stats from recent meeting; Chris Macklin manages active recreation with new half-time help.
  • All Commissioners: Approved unanimously; praised volunteer value ($214K saved), park impacts, proclamations for public education.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Proclamation text: Jefferson County operates 22 parks/1,100 acres; provides sports leagues, Rec Center, camps; volunteers donated 5,522 hours ($214,370 value).

Financials

  • Volunteer hours value: $214,370 (5,522 hours at $40.28/hour).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

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

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:41:03.000–00:44:19.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, personnel

Summary

The Board approved the short consent agenda without items pulled for discussion, including Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) by-laws revisions (quarterly meetings) and Jefferson County Transportation Benefit District (JCTBD) Material Change Policy implementation. SWAC changes facilitate Solid Waste Management Plan update starting April 2025; JCTBD policy (per RCW 36.73.160) requires public hearings for >20% cost overruns or material scope/schedule changes. Discussion noted SWAC efficiency example for other committees like LTAC.

Key Discussion Points

  • Brief review: SWAC by-laws shift to quarterly (4th Thursday Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct, 120 mins); no recording change voted; JCTBD policy absorbs TBD details.
  • Commissioner Dudley: Noted agenda request clarity on changes (meeting schedule only).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • SWAC by-laws: Quarterly schedule for plan update; staff prep time.
  • JCTBD Material Change Policy: >20% cost triggers hearing; chair consultation for scope/schedule.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Motion to approve the consent agenda."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all in favor).
  • No next steps specified.

2025 Department of Emergency Management Workplan

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:44:19.000–01:33:28.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, planning, operations

Summary

DEM Director Willie Bennett presented the 2025 workplan emphasizing training (per HSEEP: Planning, Organization, Equipment, Training, Exercise), volunteer coordination via GREEN network, and key projects like Comprehensive Evacuation Plan (wildfire/tsunami/hazmat focus), ESF #11 food/animal resilience "battle book," and business continuity planning. 2024 accomplishments included CEMP/Hazard Mitigation Plan submissions, LEPC/Hazmat plan, 1,033 outreach contacts (10K served), and EOC activations/exercises despite director medical leave. Board queried volunteer coordination (local leads), funding gaps (EOC training denied), and exercises (ShakeOut, DART).

Key Discussion Points

  • Willie Bennett: ICS structure (4 grant-funded, 2 FTEs + Elena Berry volunteer coord.); 2024 plans submitted; GREEN unifies NPREP/CERT/VECOM/MRC/DART; monthly outreach (81 at first); evac plan tabletop spring 2025; food resiliency survey; business continuity accelerated.
  • Board: DART/international ties; EOC credentialing sans funding; funding choices; volunteer pilots/food drops; business evac/schools.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

2025 workplan slides: Staff org, HSEEP focus, 2024 accomplishments, volunteer programs, exercises (ShakeOut Oct 23), evac/food/business plans.

Financials

Annual budget: $327,533; no new requests; grant-funded staff monitored amid federal flux.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational workshop; no action.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Evac plan meetings (end-Jan/end-Feb); tabletop spring; food survey/resource book; business continuity survey; Thursday outreach (commissioner attendance).

2025 Department of Community Development Workplan

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:34:17.000–02:38:27.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: permits, planning, operations, personnel

Summary

DCD Director Josh Peters presented 2024 accomplishments (e.g., 608 permit intakes, 22K calls, 3.9K inspections) and 2025 goals including permit portal enhancements (decision tree, reports), 5290 implementation, short-term rental regs/inspections, CWPP/WUI, and periodic update (comp plan/CAO/SMP). Org shifts: Mochi Lindblad supervises long-range; compliance under development review. Board praised stability (no losses post-Peters), timelines (14.5 weeks issuance), lean processes; queried 5290 mandates/resources.

Key Discussion Points

  • Chelsea Pronovost: 2024 stats (170 OTC permits, 8.9K emails); paper-to-digital grant; portal phase 2.
  • Josh Peters/Greg Ballard: Building/fire marshal (3.9K inspections); code compliance (30 actions); SDR streamlining; online templates/status.
  • Long-range: SMP/SHORE/STR/periodic update/CAO; middle housing grant; CWSP.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Workplan slides: Org chart, permit stats, 2025 goals (STR inspections, WUI, 5290, periodic update by 2025).

Financials

Permit issuance: 14.5 weeks (2024, improved from 18.3); recent 62.4 days avg; paper-digital grant funded.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational workshop; no action.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: STR PC meeting Wed; periodic update all-hands; middle housing regs.

Workshop: Formation of Public Facilities District for Aquatic Facility

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:17:06.000–04:12:27.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, budgeting, infrastructure, services

Summary

Commissioners workshopped PFD formation ordinance (Ch. 3.100) for aquatic facility per RCW 36.100, supported by 2023 feasibility study/2024 HTTF recommending PFD over MPD for sales/lodging tax access (0.2% sales est. $1.7M/Y2). Timeline: hearing Mar 10; 7-member board (5 county/2 city); Y1/Y2 budgets ($391K/$955K expenses, private/grant-funded). Public supported (therapeutics, health, south county access) but raised Pasco delays (20Y), survey timing, costs/staffing ($0 county), sunk costs (~$300K), debt risk, ops subsidy; board noted survey integration, non-GF funding, RCW limits.

Key Discussion Points

  • Mark McCauley/Ariel Speser: PFD as municipal corp; benefits (taxes, skills); timeline (hearing Mar10); ILA staff support; Chimacum site lease.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: Momentum via volunteers/JAC seed $121K; Pasco succeeded; survey informs.
  • Public: Support (health/exercise); concerns (Pasco 20Y/tax burden; survey pre-PFD; $800K sunk; $0 staff; debt/county risk; ops $400K gap).
  • Commissioners: $300K prior (ARPA/in-kind); sales tax up 20% pandemic; RCW debt limits; survey geo-analysis.

Public Comments

  • Janice Fisler (Chimacum SD): Decade+ effort; therapeutics essential.
  • Craig Henry (Dist 2): Lifeguard; health/movement needs; task force step.
  • Gloria Hacko (Chimacum): Post-surgery need; south county asset.
  • Diane McDade (JAC): Survey geo (43% PT); April results.
  • Jim Friedman (Quilcene): Pasco 20Y/tri-cities fail; tax on poor.
  • Gene Ball: Staff $0?; sunk $800K analysis.
  • Shelley Arnell Brennan: Survey pre-PFD; force on unwilling.
  • Tom Tirsch: Ordinance typos; debt risk despite limits; ballot/ops costs.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Packet: Ordinance Ch3.100; timeline; feasibility (Base $37.1M/ops $434K sub; Full $45.9M); budgets (Y1 $391K priv/grant/LTAC); HTTF/Steering findings; Musselman review.

Financials

  • Prior sunk: ~$300K (ARPA/in-kind).
  • Y1/Y2: $391K/$955K expenses (priv $121K, grant $250K, LTAC $20K, sales $1.7M Y2).
  • Base ops: $1.27M exp/$0.84M rev ($434K sub); city ~$400K current.

Alternatives & Amendments

MPD rejected (property tax, 2 votes, school conflicts).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Workshop; hearing notice next Mon (consent); Mar10 hearing.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Publish Feb26; survey results April; board apps post-formation; bylaws 60 days; ILA staff support.

Background Materials

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