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02/24/25 09 AM: Meeting Covers Permit Woes, Road Washouts, Homeless Aid, Sheriff Vote

Meeting Covers Permit Woes, Road Washouts, Homeless Aid, Sheriff Vote

Jefferson County Commissioners addressed public criticisms on development delays, urgent road repairs, hygiene services funding, infrastructure approvals, PFD delay, flood grant, works briefing, and appointed interim Sheriff Bernsteiner.

Public Comments on Pleasant Harbor Resort Pre-Plat Review Delays

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:58–00:08:07 (PART 1)
  • Categories: permits, planning, contracts

Summary

Multiple public commenters, including John Holbert (Statesman project manager) and Ryan (Statesman representative), criticized Jefferson County Department of Community Development (DCD) and contract planner Christina Hayward for delays, scope creep, and excessive costs in the pre-plat review process for the Pleasant Harbor Master Planned Resort. Commenters detailed 15 months of review exceeding the 90-day contract, $200,000+ in invoicing (including a recent $42,000 request), lack of scope clarity or checklist, redundant reports costing $123,000, and errors like extending surface water rules to groundwater ($40,000+ delay) and citing wrong county codes. Shelly Arnell listed specific errors totaling $420,627 in estimated costs. Gene urged commissioners to engage directly for oversight and process improvement. Roger Myri criticized 18+ years of delays, lack of oversight, and permitting holdups for a pre-engineered building.

Key Discussion Points

  • John Holbert: Statesman Board voted no confidence in Hayward/DCD; 12 days left in 90-day review; website shows $10,377 billed but $200,000 invoiced; no scope provided despite requests since May 2024.
  • Ryan: DCD signed $100,000 more review contract after $120,000 spent; code requires review from approved DA forward, not revisiting prior artifacts; no checklist provided.
  • Shelly Arnell: Listed errors including groundwater extension (30-day/$40k delay), rejecting hydrologist findings (7 months/$200k), wrong codes ($42k redo), new geotech report ($51k/4 months).
  • Gene: Called for commissioners to hear both sides, facilitate process, break tasks into small ones; highlighted benefits like jobs, housing, taxes, pools.
  • Roger Myri: 18+ years unreasonable; demand timely/cost-effective work; Phase 1 fabrication building permit delayed despite pre-engineering.

Public Comments

  • [John Holbert/Statesman Project Manager]: No confidence vote; excessive costs/delays.
  • [Ryan/Statesman]: Scope creep, redundant reviews, code violations.
  • [Shelly Arnell/Resident]: $420k error costs; lack of oversight.
  • [Gene/Resident]: Commissioners engage for mutual benefit.
  • [Roger Myri/Resident]: Improve processes for development/revenue.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials provided; referenced DCD contract, website billing ($10,377), Hayward's letter/questions.

Financials

  • $200,000+ direct invoicing for Hayward's time (15 months).
  • $123,000 on redundant reports (August request).
  • Recent $42,000/5 months request.
  • Errors: $420,627 total estimated.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; commissioners noted motivation to advance project (01:56:23–01:57:12).
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Continue negotiations; letters referenced but not reviewed in meeting.

Upper Hoh Road Washout and South Shore Road Issues

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:12:42–00:54:08, 01:02:36–01:03:22 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, operations, budgeting

Summary

Numerous commenters urged immediate temporary stabilization/fix for Upper Hoh Road washout due to economic harm to businesses (Peak 6, Hard Rain Cafe, Hoh Valley Cabins), tourism to Olympic National Park rainforest, and access risks; estimated $50k harm already, jobs/seasonal revenue at stake. South Shore Road erosion/closures also raised. Commissioners responded they are pursuing permanent $600k repairs via state/federal emergency declarations (bomb cyclone attachment), engaging NPS/WSDOT/FHWA despite leadership changes/layoffs delaying funds; public works opposes temp fix (washes out, $10-40k lights, risks emergency status); aim for April 15 path before tourist season.

Key Discussion Points

  • Anna/Gary Peterson (Peak 6/Hard Rain Cafe): $50k harm, 8-13 jobs jeopardized, $80k annual sales tax; need temp one-way stabilized lane now vs. $600k-$2M later; taxes paid expect road maintenance.
  • Linda Peterson (Hoh Valley Cabins): Cancellations, 5 families employed; impacts recreation/taxes.
  • Pat Neal (guide): Regional tourism impact (Port Towns, Hurricane Ridge); fix with local rocks now.
  • Lissy Andros (Forks Chamber): Huge economic hit; 1.8M potential West End visitors; "Old Faithful" rainforest closed message damaging.
  • Commissioners: Eric Kuzma/public works working funding; state/federal delays from leadership changes; engage NPS (Sula); temp lights $10-40k may torpedo emergency funds; Clallam County parallel.

Public Comments

  • [Anna/Gary/Linda Peterson]: Economic/jobs/tax losses; temp fix prevents escalation.
  • [Pat Neal/Guide]: Regional vacation impact; quick local fix.
  • [Lissy Andros/Forks Chamber]: Tourism strain, park visitor redirection.
  • [Joe Weisch]: Not directly but supports related floodplain.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No materials provided; referenced $600k repair estimate, valley $6k taxes vs. costs.

Financials

  • Temp lights/alternating: $10-40k.
  • Permanent Upper Hoh/South Shore: ~$600k each.
  • Peak 6: $80k annual sales tax; $500k inventory.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Temp fix (one-way stabilized lane) vs. permanent; public works opposes temp.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Continue pursuing permanent via declarations/funding; engage NPS/Clallam; consider temp if no timeline by April 15.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Reach out to NPS Sula; workshop with park; Rep. Birnbaum coordination; Eric Kuzma/WSDOT/FHWA updates.

Homelessness Services Funding (Showers/Laundry)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:10:12–00:12:29, 00:35:25–00:36:05 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, budgeting

Summary

Maggie highlighted infectious disease risks (45% homelessness deaths) from lack of hygiene access; cold weather shelter issues (no showers 5 months), laundry funds deplete early, park/marina showers shut seasonally; urged more funding (weekly laundry), YMCA expansion, winter showers.

Key Discussion Points

  • Maggie: CDC cites hygiene lack as transmission issue; laundry once/week needed; boilers down 5 months.

Public Comments

  • [Maggie/Resident]: Hygiene access critical; more laundry/shower funding.
  • [Julia/Resident]: Amplify; fund health dept laundry vouchers.

Supporting Materials Referenced

None.

Financials

Laundry funds run out 2 weeks/month.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Extended harm reduction funds for laundry; explore other sources/capacity.
  • Vote: None.
  • No next steps specified.

Consent Agenda Item: Olympic Discovery Trail Anderson Lake Road Intersection (4-Way Stop)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:13:20–00:14:09, 02:12:22–02:13:15 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, budgeting

Summary

Public comment questioned $34,500 cost for 4-way stop signs as excessive ($4k engineering, $30k construction, $500 misc). Staff clarified not just signs: lighted signs, street lighting, culverts, thermoplastic stop bars ($4-5k materials), traffic control; in 2025 road program Item 37.

Key Discussion Points

  • John: Dangerous intersection; $34k too high for county road crew work.

Public Comments

  • [John/Resident]: Explanation needed for costs.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Project #18021420; $34k/$34.5k total from road funds (engineering $4k, construction $30k).

Financials

$34,000–$34,500 total (100% county road funds).

Alternatives & Amendments

None.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved as part of consent agenda (pulled for discussion but approved).
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • No next steps specified.

Public Facilities District (PFD) Formation Hearing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:36:13–00:38:02, 02:10:50–02:12:04 (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances, budgeting, planning

Summary

Tom Tierce raised concerns on consent item 1: PFD powers (property/lodging taxes, $49M countermatic debt on $10B valuation); incomplete attachments; PFD independent post-ILA. Board pulled for discussion, delayed hearing from March 10 to April 7 for Jefferson Aquatic Coalition survey.

Key Discussion Points

  • Tom Tierce: Fiscal impacts beyond 0.2% sales tax; attachments missing; PFD independent.

Public Comments

  • [Tom Tierce/Resident]: Tax/debt risks; ensure attachments/hearing post-survey.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Ordinance for countywide PFD (incl. Port Townsend); hearing March 10; startup via donations.

Financials

Potential 0.2% sales tax; property/lodging taxes; $49M debt capacity.

Alternatives & Amendments

Delay hearing to April 7.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Pulled from consent; hearing rescheduled April 7.
  • Vote: Consensus.
  • Next Steps: Note to Ariel; review attachments/survey.

Dosewallips River Flood Hazard Management Plan Grant

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:04:16–01:20:34 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, infrastructure, budgeting, grants

Summary

Tammy Mingo sought approval for FCAA grant application (max $500k, likely $250k) + 25% match ($125k GF) for updating/implementing 2009 Dosewallips/Duckabush flood plan (Brinnon/Lazy C); community process w/ alternatives analysis, designs, action plan. Board approved earmarking up to $125k match (scale to award); in-kind possible but staff time grant-funded.

Key Discussion Points

  • Tammy: Leverage salmon habitat data; berm erosion control not flood-designed; outreach w/ SCJ Alliance/SCTF; 25% match required by 2/27 deadline.
  • Board: GF match if needed; explore private/in-kind; holistic funding workshop needed.

Public Comments

None during workshop.

Supporting Materials Referenced

2009 plan; salmon project; community input (comprehensive solutions, engage partners); budget: $449k consultants, $120k staff.

Financials

  • Grant request: $500k (likely $250k).
  • Match: Up to $125k GF ($62.5k likely).
  • Total: $625k max.

Alternatives & Amendments

Scale to $250k/$62.5k match (Brinnon only).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve grant application request and earmark matching contribution of up to $125,000 from general fund if necessary."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: all).
  • Next Steps: Submit by 2/27; performance 7/1/25-6/30/27.

Public Works 2025 Work Plan Briefing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:20:34–02:04:46 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, infrastructure, budgeting, personnel

Summary

Monty Reinders detailed PWD divisions ($40M+ budget, 78 FTEs): solid waste (fee-funded, capital needs), Port Hadlock Sewer ($35M, 4 staff), parks/rec (22 parks, doubled use, 4 staff), roads (shrinking 18% staff since '98, cuts ahead), fleet (270 assets, 3 mechanics), financials. Challenges: recruitment (engineer 2yrs open), aging staff (eng avg 64), lost SRS/PILT funds, diversions, inflation; projects incl. ODT ($4M), washouts, trails. House of cards w/ key single staff.

Key Discussion Points

  • Staffing/budget cuts: 5.5 road positions (engineer, planner, etc.).
  • Funding history: SRS loss $900k, diversions $720k peak.
  • Projects: Port Hadlock startup mid-25; ODT const; Hoh/South Shore funding pursuits.

Public Comments

None during briefing.

Supporting Materials Referenced

None provided; 2025-30 TIP/ACP.

Financials

$40M+ budget (mostly grants/roads $14.5M, O&M $6M); indirect $261k to GF.

Alternatives & Amendments

None.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational workshop; support TBD efficiencies.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Division workshops; address sustainability.

Appointment of Interim Sheriff (Andy Bernsteiner)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:40:51–03:50:23 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel, public safety

Summary

Public hearing on sheriff vacancy: ~25 in-person/6 online comments, majority (~20) for Art Frank (experience, vision, accreditation, growth handling); ~6 for Andy Bernsteiner (stability, deputy support, Knoll endorsement). Concerns: Frank's past lawsuit/Hatch Act; Bernsteiner's internal knowledge. Board cited stability, deputy buy-in, recent election (68% Knoll/Bernsteiner), let voters decide Nov; unanimously appointed Bernsteiner interim.

Key Discussion Points

  • Supporters Frank: Experience (44yrs, Glendale/LAJCSO), accreditation push, training/debriefs, modern policing.
  • Supporters Bernsteiner: Knoll endorsement, deputy respect, internal ops/budget knowledge.
  • Board: Stability paramount; ideas implementable under Andy; election confirms will.

Public Comments

  • [Art Frank Supporters (majority)]: Experience, leadership, change needed.
  • [Andy Bernsteiner Supporters]: Stability, team back, election mandate.

Supporting Materials Referenced

None provided; 60+ letters (29 Bernsteiner).

Financials

None discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Appoint Frank vs. Bernsteiner.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Appoint Andrew William Bernsteiner interim sheriff to Nov election.
  • Vote: Unanimous on motion/resolution/oath.
  • Next Steps: Oath administered; resolution 2025-__ approved.

Authorization to Send Email on Pleasant Harbor Pre-Plat Options

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:40:23–03:48:04 (PART 1)
  • Categories: permits, planning

Summary

Post-exec session, board authorized Greg Brotherton to email Garth Mann (Statesman) 4 options for pre-plat: 1) Continue Hayward (preferred); 2) New planner; 3) No civil review; 4) Staff report sans civil (earlier hearing). Convey support for Option 1; honor choice.

Key Discussion Points

  • Options from prosecutor; project owner chooses despite DCD preference for 1.

Public Comments

None.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft email; Hayward referenced.

Financials

None new.

Alternatives & Amendments

4 paths outlined.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Authorize Greg to send email.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Send to Mann.

Background Materials

Contents

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