MEETING: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Feb 24, 09:00 AM

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JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING SUMMARY

Meeting Date: 2025-02-24

Public Comment on Development and County Services

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:00–00:12:30
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: permits, operations, services, personnel, planning, budgeting, infrastructure

Topic Summary

The public comment session was dominated by two primary, contentious issues: the perceived failures of the Department of Community Development (DCD) and its contract planner in managing the Pleasant Harbor Master Plan Resort pre-plat review, and critical concerns regarding the lack of adequate hygiene services for the unhoused population, linking it to public health risks. Multiple speakers from the Statesman Group and Brinnon community detailed extensive delays, cost overruns, and frustration with the DCD's process and contracting oversights. Simultaneously, a public advocate highlighted the dire need for reliable access to showers, toilets, and laundry facilities for the homeless to mitigate infectious disease transmission.

Key Discussion Points

  • John Holbert (Brennan Resident, Statesman Project Manager):
  • Stated the Statesman's Board of Directors voted no confidence in the county's contract planner and the DCD's ability to manage the pre-plat contract (01:13:00).
  • Claimed they had spent 15 months and $200,000 in direct invoicing for the planner's time, noting only 12 days remain of the 90 allocated for review (01:39:00).
  • Stated the county's website showed a total cost of $10,377 for this review, contrasting with the $200,000 spent and a new request for an additional $42,000 and five months of time (01:39:00–02:01:00).

  • Has been requesting the planner's scope be defined since May 6th last year, and the county "has not done so" (02:15:00).

  • Ryan (Statesman Group):

  • Noted 12 days remain on the 90-day contract and claimed DCD signed a contract for $100,000 more of review when $120,000 was already spent (03:54:00–04:09:00).
  • Challenged $41,000 in proposed review costs, saying the code requires starting review from the Development Agreement (DA) approval, not re-reviewing prior artifacts (05:01:00).

  • Stated DCD cannot provide a checklist of remaining required work (05:43:00).

  • Shelly (Pleasant Harbor Master Plan Resort):

  • Itemized specific alleged errors by the contract planner, including:
    • Extending water baseline requirements to groundwater ($40,000 cost) (06:05:00).
    • Refusing to accept hydrologist findings (7 months, $200,000+) (06:16:00).
    • Mistakenly using Jefferson County, Colorado codes ($35,000 cost), now requiring a $42,000 redo (06:25:00–06:47:00).
    • Charging $1,700 to onboard a new consulting company (OTAC) (07:07:00).
  • Estimated the total cost of these errors at $420,627 (08:00:00).

  • Questioned if Pleasant Harbor is expected to "write checks for the time spent making mistakes" (07:44:00).

  • Gene:

  • Addressed Commissioner Greg, stating the issue is about "process, participation, sharing of information, and leadership," not politics (08:14:00).

  • Urged commissioners to engage directly to solve the problem, citing the project's potential to bring stable employment, recreational activities, hundreds of homes, and significant new taxes to the county (09:28:00–10:00:00).

  • Maggie:

  • Highlighted that infectious disease is the fifth leading cause of death nationally, but 45% of deaths among the homeless are caused by infectious disease (10:22:00–10:39:00).
  • Stated last year's cold weather shelter (run by only cap) lacked access to showers for five months (11:00:00).
  • Asserted the county is "ground zero" for infectious disease transmission due to lack of access to hygiene (11:28:00).

  • Requested more funding for laundry vouchers, noting they often run out "two weeks into the month" (11:36:00).

  • Roger Myri (Brinnon Resident):

  • Called the 18+ year resort project timeline unacceptable (23:26:00).
  • Stated commissioners have the responsibility to ensure work is done "in a timely and cost-effective manner," which is "not done" (23:37:00–23:53:00).
  • Stated Phase One (fabrication building) is approved, but the permit for the pre-engineered steel building is held up, asking "What is the holdup?" (24:37:00–24:58:00).

Public Comments

  • - John Holbert: Stated the Statesman board delivered a vote of no confidence to the county's planner/DCD management.
  • - Ryan: Criticized DCD for cost overruns and inability to provide an itemized checklist for review.
  • - Shelly: Detailed over a dozen alleged financial and procedural errors made by the contract planner, tallying costs.
  • - Gene: Urged direct commission engagement to move the project forward for economic benefit.
  • - Maggie: Advocated for increased funding for hygiene services (showers, toilets, laundry vouchers) for the unhoused population.
  • - Roger Myri: Criticized the 18-year delay and specifically questioned the holdup on the Phase One building permit.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials were explicitly referenced for the DCD/Statesman dispute, but the discussion relied on reported contract values and timelines.

Financials

  • Statesman direct invoicing (billed): $200,000 (01:39:00).
  • New planner request: $42,000 (02:01:00).
  • Estimated cost of alleged errors: $420,627 (08:00:00).
  • Engineering review cost mentioned: $23,000 (04:20:00).
  • Cost for contractor onboarding (OTAC): $1,700 (07:07:00).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • John Holbert: The Statesman board decided there is "no win with this" and are "just throwing up their hands" (02:45:00–03:19:00), implying considering alternatives outside the county process.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action taken; item was public comment. - Next Steps: Commissioners decided they would address the concerns related to the DCD/Statesman project later (05:50:00) and continue to work on funding for hygiene services (57:36:00).

Public Comment on Ho River Road Washout Emergency

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:14:23–00:35:17
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: infrastructure, services, budgeting, operations

Topic Summary

The washout on the Upper Ho Road was presented as an immediate economic and community disaster impacting the entire Olympic Peninsula, not just local residents. Multiple business owners and Forks Chamber of Commerce representatives pleaded for an immediate, temporary fix to stabilize the road and restore single-lane public access. Speakers criticized the county for inaction and delays, specifically noting the high economic harm already incurred, the jeopardized local jobs, and the damaging message that the globally recognized Ho Rainforest is closed. One commissioner acknowledged a reluctance from Public Works to pursue a temporary fix that could jeopardize major state/federal funding efforts for a permanent, $600,000 repair.

Key Discussion Points

  • Linda Peterson Shad: Stated the road condition on the Ho River needs attention, emphasizing her deep family history and current work in the valley, serving the community and college students (14:40:00–16:41:00). Suggested a "stop and go" temporary light system (16:54:00).
  • Pat Neal (Fishing/Rafting Guide, 38 years): Argued the problem is regional, affecting tourism across the entire peninsula (Port Townsend, Saltair Springs, Lake Crescent, Ocean Shores) (21:31:00–21:47:00). Claimed the cost will only get worse and believes local logging resources (rock pit with county rocks) could fix it within a week (22:07:00–22:22:00).
  • Anna Macia (Upper Ho Road Business Owner): Stated lack of action "risks real jobs and proven businesses" (26:29:00). Claimed $50,000 of economic harm has already been done at Peak 6 due to closure signage (26:52:00). Noted two café workers were removed from the March schedule due to news of "no foreseeable plan" (27:14:00). Directly asked: "What is your plan? How soon can we get a stabilized one-way road?" (27:35:00–27:48:00). Recounted a disturbing commissioner comment: "You realize your valley only contributes $6,000 of property taxes and the project costs $600,000" (28:01:00).
  • Gary Peterson (Resident, Rancher): Argued for a temporary fix now because it is not yet a disaster (one usable lane exists for park/tribal employees), and doing so stops further damage (29:58:00). Cited his $2,671 property tax payment as part of an implicit contract for the county to maintain roads (30:28:00). Stated a closure jeopardizes five Peak 6 employee salaries and $500,000 of customized inventory (30:49:00).
  • Lissy Andros (Forks Chamber of Commerce): Called the Ho Rainforest the "old faithful of Olympic National Park" that is now inaccessible, leading to a "huge economic hit" affecting potentially 1.8 million visitors to the West End (32:22:00–33:09:00).
  • Ed Bowen: Asked if the county has reports from Olympic National Park on their repair plans; suggested the photo on the county website shows a clear path for pedestrians/bicycles, contradicting Parks' stated closure to those users (34:11:00–34:28:00). Also requested an update on the South Shore Road washout (35:17:00).

Public Comments

  • - Linda Peterson Shad: Requested temporary stop-and-go access on the Ho Road.
  • - Pat Neal: Emphasized the broad economic impact and requested immediate action using local resources.
  • - Anna Macia: Detailed job losses and financial harm, demanding a clear plan for a temporary fix.
  • - Gary Peterson: Stated stabilizing the current one lane is imperative to prevent a more costly disaster and upheld the county's responsibility to taxpayers.
  • - Lissy Andros: Highlighted the massive economic impact on the entire West End tourism sector.
  • - Ed Bowen: Questioned Olympic National Park's communication on pedestrian access and asked about a Governor's emergency declaration.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The photograph posted on the county’s website regarding the washout (34:28:00).

Financials

  • Estimated cost of full road repair (Upper Ho Road): $600,000 (46:24:00).
  • Estimated cost of full road repair (South Shore Road): $600,000 (46:24:00).
  • Economic harm cited at Peak 6: $50,000 (26:52:00).
  • Gary Peterson property tax check: $2,671 (30:28:00).
  • Peak 6 annual sales tax collected for state/county: $80,000 (31:06:00).
  • Commissioner estimated cost for alternating road lights for single-lane access: $10,000–$40,000 (45:53:00).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Multiple speakers urged focusing on a temporary one-lane fix immediately, independent of state/federal funding for the long-term, $600,000 repair (26:47:00, 31:12:00, 33:27:00).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action taken; informational discussion. - Commissioner Greg Brotherton: Expressed concern that executing a temporary fix ($10,000–$40,000) might "remove the emergency element" needed to push for the $600,000 federal/state funding (45:53:00–46:18:00). - Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour: Stated the pathways for quick emergency response funds are complicated due to leadership changes at state and federal levels (48:28:00). Agreed that the value of residents' livelihoods is a "whole calculation," not just property taxes (52:00:00). Called for seriously looking at the temporary fix and advocating at the state/federal level that the temporary fix should "not be a deterrent to the permanent" (53:07:00–53:16:00). - Joint: Commissioners agreed to engage more directly with Olympic National Park Superintendent Sula to understand their intentions and capacity regarding opening the curren (54:16:00).

Public Comment on Public Facilities District (PFD) Formation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:36:13–00:38:07
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda (Item 1)
  • Categories: services, budgeting, ordinances

Topic Summary

A speaker raised concerns about the formation of the Public Facilities District (PFD) (Consent Agenda Item 1), noting that beyond the advertised 0.2% sales tax, the PFD possesses statutory powers to raise property taxes and lodging taxes. The concern focused primarily on the PFD's ability to incur $49 million in councilmatic debt based on the county's current valuation, arguing this is worrying given the limited initial revenue sources.

Key Discussion Points

  • Tom Tierce: Noted the transmittal letter only mentioned the 0.2% sales tax, but a PFD's powers include raising property taxes and lodging taxes (36:37:00–36:41:00).
  • Tom Tierce: Expressed worry over the PFD's ability to incur councilmatic debt potentially up to $49 million given the county's nearly $10 billion valuation (36:54:00).
  • Tom Tierce: Requested assurance that all attachments to the ordinance (which he implied were currently missing) would be available for review before the hearing (37:09:00).
  • Tom Tierce: Pointed out that the PFD, as an independent municipal corporation answerable only to state laws, cannot truly be controlled by the county through the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) (37:52:00).

Public Comments

  • - Tom Tierce: Drew attention to the PFD's full range of taxing and debt powers, urging caution, and requested required documents be made public before the hearing.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Consent Agenda Item 1 (PFD Formation Ordinance).
  • Attachment F (37:26:00).

Financials

  • County valuation: Nearly $10 billion (36:54:00).
  • Potential councilmatic debt capacity: $49 million (37:03:00).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The decision on Consent Agenda Item 1 was deferred. - Decision: Commissioner Brotherton indicated intent to pull Consent Agenda Item 1 to push the hearing date from March 10th to April 7th (2:10:50). - Next Steps: Staff to confirm the procedural steps for moving the PFD public hearing date.

Public Comment on Consented Road Project Costs

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:13:20–01:14:09
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda (Item 3)
  • Categories: infrastructure, budgeting, operations

Topic Summary

A public commenter challenged the cost noted in the consent agenda for the Olympic Discovery Trail/Anderson Lake Road Connection project, questioning the rationale for a $34,500 expenditure for installing standard stop signs.

Key Discussion Points

  • John: Agreed with the safety need for a four-way stop at the Olympic Discovery Trail/Anderson Lake Road Connection (13:37:00).
  • John: Questioned spending $34,500 "to put in food stop signs" when the county road crew would be performing the work (13:46:00).
  • John: Requested an explanation for $4,000 assigned for engineering "for two stop signs" and an additional $30,000 for construction (14:00:00).

Public Comments

  • - John: Questioned the transparency and high cost of the approved four-way stop project.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Consent Agenda Item 3: Olympic Discovery Trail, Anderson Lake Road Connection (13:20:00). (Later identified in packet as S. Discovery/S. Jacob Miller Intersection All Way Stop).

Financials

  • Projected cost for four-way stop conversion: $34,500 (13:46:00).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

This item (S. Discovery/S. Jacob Miller Intersection All Way Stop) was included in the approval of the Consent Agenda (2:17:22). - Public Works Director Monty Reinders clarified during the later workshop that the cost is justified because it is "not two stop signs," but a larger project involving "street lighting, culverts, lighted stop signs," electrical power, traffic control, and $4,000–$5,000 for thermoplastic stop bars alone (1:53:12:00–1:53:36:00).

Lower Dosewallips River Flood Control Grant Application

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:04:16–01:20:34
  • Agenda Item: Grant Application and Matching Contribution for Lower Dosewallips River Flood Control
  • Categories: planning, budgeting, infrastructure, services

Topic Summary

Jefferson County Public Health requested a commitment from the Board for a matching General Fund contribution of up to $125,000 to support a grant application to the Department of Ecology’s Flood Control Assistance Account Program (FCAP). The grant, which has a maximum request of $500,000, would fund a planning process to address flood risks in the Brinnon and Lazy C communities, update the 2009 Flood Hazard Management Plan, and eventually lead to conceptual design work. The Board approved the motion to commit the matching funds.

Key Discussion Points

  • Tami Pokorny (Natural Resources Program Coordinator): Stated the grant opportunity would implement the 2009 Flood Hazard Management Plan for the Dosewallips and Duckabush (01:05:14).
  • The intent is to leverage existing salmon habitat restoration baseline data to address flood needs while considering fish habitat (01:06:16).
  • The core of downtown Brinnon is protected by a berm that was "more of an erosion control facility" and may not be designed for large flood protection (01:06:45–01:07:19).
  • The funding would support a process including community outreach, alternatives analysis, visualization exercises, preferred alternative selection, conceptual design, and an action plan (01:09:19–01:11:13).
  • The grant maximum award is $500,000, but a $250,000 award is more likely, requiring a 25% match (up to $125,000) (01:11:13–01:11:43).
  • Tami Pokorny: Need assurance of the match prior to the February 27th submission deadline (01:11:43).
  • Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour: Questioned if staff time (Health and DCD) used in administration could count as in-kind match, rather than requiring General Fund cash (01:14:55–01:15:28).
  • Commissioner Greg Brotherton: Expressed concern that approving scattershot funding requests prevents a holistic view of the "universe of funding requests or funding needs" for the General Fund (01:18:03).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • 2009 Dosewallips and Duckabush Flood Hazard Management Plan (01:05:14).

Financials

  • Maximum possible grant award request: $500,000 (01:11:43).
  • Required matching contribution commitment: Up to $125,000 (01:12:56).
  • Estimated consultant costs for the initial design and planning phase: $449,000 (01:13:45).
  • Approximate annual salary/benefit cost for JCPH/DCD staff in the project: $60,000 ($120,000 total over 2 years) (01:14:55).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Discussion centered on whether to request the maximum $500,000 (requiring $125,000 match, addressing Brinnon/Lazy C) or the typical $250,000 (requiring $62,500 match, addressing Brinnon only) (01:12:00–01:12:26).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve the grant application request and earmark a matching contribution of up to $125,000 from the general fund if necessary.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3 - Not opposed, not abstaining).
  • Next Steps:
  • - Tami Pokorny (JCPH): Submit the grant application by the February 27, 2025, deadline.
  • - Tami Pokorny: Investigate if privately sourced funding or soft match can reduce the General Fund contribution (01:20:00).
  • Funding will be dispersed across all three years of the performance period (01:16:37).

Public Works Department 2025 Work Plan Briefing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:20:42–02:05:03
  • Agenda Item: Public Works Department 2025 Workplan Workshop
  • Categories: budgeting, operations, infrastructure, personnel, services

Topic Summary

Public Works Director Monte Reinders presented a work plan illustrating the severe challenges facing the department due to long-term funding shortfalls, mandated staff cuts, an aging workforce, and an inability to hire qualified personnel. The department, with a $40 million+ budget and 78 FTEs across seven divisions that handle critical infrastructure (roads, sewer, solid waste, parks), is being forced to implement five and a half staff position cuts. Reinders stressed that the massive workload for core services and grant projects is fundamentally unsustainable given current capacity, likening the situation to driving a "Geo Metro like a Ferrari."

Key Discussion Points

  • Department Structure: PWD has a budget exceeding $40 million and 78 FTEs across Solid Waste, Port Hadlock Sewer, Parks & Recreation, County Roads, and Fleet (01:22:43). Many road and sewer projects are grant-funded (e.g., $14.5 million in County Roads funding includes many grants) (01:23:47).
  • Personnel Crisis: Recruitment is difficult; they have advertised for an Engineer/Project Manager for two years with "no qualified applicants" (01:24:42). The city and county cannot compete with private sector or even local city wages (01:24:57). Median home price is $650,000 (fifth highest in WA State) (01:25:26).
  • Solid Waste: Operations are funded entirely by fees, not taxes (01:26:18). Must address failing components at the transfer station (scales, grizzly, drainage, pavement) (01:29:24). Proposed allocating $10 a ton from the tipping fee to support over $2 million in bonding for capital projects (01:29:54). Recycling is subsidized by $650,000 annually from the tipping fee (01:30:21).
  • Port Hadlock Sewer Project: Largest, most complex county project; $35 million total (01:32:07). Set to start facility operations mid-2025 (01:32:19). Staffing remains a challenge, requiring PUD to hire multiple wastewater treatment plant operators (01:32:19).
  • Parks & Recreation: 22 parks, 3 campgrounds, 1,100 acres (01:34:50). Staffing is 4 people, down from 6 in 2005, despite doubled parks usage (01:35:23). Recreation program serves 1,600 participants annually with 1.8 FTE, leveraging $240,000 worth of volunteer time (01:37:04). Dealing with a condemned caretaker house at Gibbs Lake (01:39:50).
  • County Roads Cuts: The road department is "The incredible shrinking department," down 18% since 1998 (01:40:40). PWD must cut five and a half positions this year, including an engineer, transportation planner (which previously generated $13 million in grant funding), and multiple road crew operators (01:41:03–01:43:54).
  • Financial Shortfall: Attributed to the loss of Secure Rural Schools funding (approx. $900,000 permanently lost to the road fund) retained in the General Fund (01:45:13). Road fund diversion to the Sheriff's office for traffic enforcement is still $520,000 per year (down from $720,000) (01:45:48).
  • Road Project Workload: Includes ODT construction ($4 million grant), Lord's Lake Road repair (FEMA funded), Little Wilson River Bridge replacement (funded, in design), and the two major washouts (Upper Ho and South Shore) (01:48:31–01:49:10).
  • Consented Project Explanation: The S. Discovery/S. Jacob Miller Intersection (Consent Item 3) estimate is $34,000 because it includes street lighting, culverts, lighted stop signs, traffic control, and thermoplastic stop bars, not just two signs (01:53:12).
  • Fleet Management: Added in mid-2024; maintains 270 pieces of equipment (01:57:17). The fleet fund fell due to runaway inflation (e.g., a street sweeper replacement jumped from $201,000 to $460,000) (01:58:07–01:59:39). Fleet rates must cover all overhead (insurance, fueling, shop maintenance), which is why inter-departmental rentals often seem more expensive than private options (02:00:15–02:01:04).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Public Works Department 2025 Workplan Workshop Presentation.
  • Staffing decline data (1998–present).
  • Secure Rural Schools Funding loss chart.
  • Road fund diversion data.

Financials

  • Annual PWD budget: >$40 million (01:23:07).
  • Road fund loss (Secure Rural Schools): $900,000 (01:45:13).
  • Road fund diversion to Sheriff: $520,000 annually (01:45:48).
  • Proposed Solid Waste Capital set-aside: $10/ton (01:29:54).
  • Cost of four-way stop intersection project (S. Discovery/S. Jacob Miller): $34,000 (01:53:12).
  • FEMA reimbursement owed for Oil City Road repair (2016): $650,000 (01:52:21).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • PWD is restructuring leadership positions (Fleet Manager/Road Superintendent) to consolidate roles under one Operations Manager to combat financial losses (01:43:44).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action taken; item was an informational workshop. - Monty Reinders: The current level of work is not sustainable with current staffing, and future outlook "probably looks like a lot less happening and getting done" (02:04:35–02:04:46). - Commissioners: Acknowledged the need to fix internal communication issues and coordinate to support PWD capacity (02:07:31).

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:10:45–02:17:22
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda (Items 2-8)
  • Categories: infrastructure, permits, contracts, permits, services, appointments, budgeting

Topic Summary

The Board adopted the bulk of the Consent Agenda after clarifying concerns regarding the cost of the S. Discovery/S. Jacob Miller Intersection stop sign project (Item 3) and reviewing the transfer of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) grant administration (Item 4). The resolution to create the Public Facilities District (PFD) hearing (Item 1) was pulled to move the hearing date to allow for additional public input (a survey).

Key Discussion Points

  • Item 1 (PFD Hearing): Pulled from the consent agenda to delay the public hearing until April 7th (from March 10th). This was done at Commissioner Brotherton's proposal, based on public request, to allow time to collect data from a community survey (02:10:50–02:12:04).
  • Item 3 (S. Discovery/S. Jacob Miller Intersection): Commissioner Eisenhour clarified in response to earlier public comment that the expense is justified because the $34,000 covers complex safety improvements, and noted WSDOT quoted a much higher cost ($50,000) for similar flashing installations elsewhere (02:12:22–02:12:50).
  • Item 4 (SSVF Grant - Bayside Housing): Commissioner Brotherton reported receiving positive feedback from the former administrator (Ole Cap), stating Bayside's new Housing Director, James Holthaus, previously served as the case manager for the same grant at Ole Cap, ensuring a smooth transition (02:13:33–02:14:33).
  • Item 7 (LEPC Appointments): Commissioner Eisenhour sought clarification on the role of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) versus other groups (J-Prep, JCRAT). Staff indicated LEPC is specifically focused on maintaining emergency response plans for hazardous materials incidents (02:16:19).
  • Reappointments (Items 5, 6, 8): Items 5 (Ron Rempel, CFCOC) and 6 (Pat Teal, PHA), and 8 (appointing Chris Caprio and Andy Pernsteiner to LEPC) were approved, recognizing the essential work of volunteers (02:17:06).

Public Comments

  • No public comment on the motion to approve.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Resolution to Create County Project: S. Discovery/S. Jacob Miller Intersection All Way Stop.
  • Letter of Support for Bayside Housing and Services SSVF Grant.

Financials

  • The S. Discovery/S. Jacob Miller Intersection project cost is approximately $34,000 (02:12:22).
  • WSDOT quote for comparable installations: $50,000 (02:12:50).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Amendment: Consent Agenda Item 1 was pulled for later action (delaying the public hearing).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: The remaining Consent Agenda items (Items 2–8) were approved and adopted.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3).
  • Next Steps: Staff will proceed with the approved contracts, warrant payments, and reappointments. The PFD matter will be rescheduled for a public hearing on April 7th (2:10:50).

Communication regarding Pleasant Harbor Master Plan Resort Review

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:40:23–03:48:04
  • Agenda Item: Communication regarding Pleasure Harbor Master Plan Resort Review
  • Categories: permits, planning, contracts, law

Topic Summary

Following two earlier closed executive sessions, the Board authorized Commissioner Brotherton to send an email to the Statesman Group (Pleasant Harbor Master Plan Resort proponent) outlining four distinct options for proceeding with their stalled short plat review process. The intent was to offer the proponent clear choices, derived with legal and DCD staff input, to break the months-long deadlock and address the proponent's stated vote of no confidence in the contracted planner. The options ranged from continuing the original path to pursuing a hearing without a complete civil review.

Key Discussion Points

  • The email was developed by public attorneys (Josh Peters and Philip Hunsucker) following a closed executive session (03:41:15).
  • The email outlines four options for the Statesman Group, conveying the BOCC's desire for a successful outcome (03:42:48).
  • Option 1 (Original Path): Continue with the current contract planner for full review; stated as the "best for the successful outcome" but rejected by the proponent (03:42:48).
  • Option 2 (New Planner): Terminate the current planner and hire a new one. Commissioners indicated they believe this would be the slowest path forward (03:43:23).
  • Option 3 (Straight to Hearing): Proceed to the short plat hearing without completing any further civil engineering review (03:44:19).
  • Option 4 (Staff Completion): Have county staff finish the staff report and record required by Rule 4 without any civil review of the documents, seeking a hearing earlier than May 16th (03:44:19–03:44:23).
  • Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour: Stated the reason for providing all four options is to allow the project owner to decide what they believe is in "their best interest" (03:45:34).
  • Commissioner Greg Brotherton: Expressed concern that some non-recommended options (3 and 4) risk the project being thrown back "up to a year" if it fails the hearing (03:46:09).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Proposed email to Garth Mann of the Statesman Group (Pleasant Harbor Master Plan Resort proponent) (03:42:15).

Financials

No financial information discussed, as the item was procedural regarding options.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Four different options for proceeding with the pre-plat review were presented.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion carried authorizing Commissioner Brotherton to send the email to the Statesman Group outlining the options.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3).
  • Next Steps: Commissioner Brotherton to transmit the email, and the county will await the Statesman Group's selection of the path forward.

Appointment to Fill Vacancy for Jefferson County Sheriff

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:41:36–03:50:35
  • Agenda Item: Appointment to Fill Vacancy for Sheriff
  • Categories: personnel, public safety, operations, law

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners received significant, highly passionate public comment both in-person and online regarding the appointment of a new Sheriff following Joe Knoll's retirement. The two leading candidates were Undersheriff Andy Pernsteiner and former Undersheriff Art Frank. After an extended public hearing and private executive sessions, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Andrew William Pernsteiner as Sheriff to fill the vacancy until the November election. The primary reason cited by commissioners was the need to maintain departmental stability and honor the outcome of the previous general election, where the current leadership structure (Knoll/Pernsteiner) was overwhelmingly supported.

Key Discussion Points

  • Public Comment for Art Frank: Supporters highlighted Frank's "vision," "new ideas," and extensive law enforcement career (44 years, including Glendale PD SWAT, detective, and JCSO Chief Criminal Deputy/Undersheriff) compared to Pernsteiner's limited training (03:06:13–03:07:33). Supporters stressed Frank's community involvement (Fire Commissioner, Community Build) and his commitment to achieving CALEA accreditation (02:53:03). One speaker, Dennis, claimed Frank was subject to a $2.6 million federal civil lawsuit (Lavasian v. City of Glendale) regarding unlawful arrest and malicious prosecution, with Frank personally fined $75,000 (02:48:53–02:49:43). Another speaker, Brian McKenzie, rebutted this, stating Frank was actually exonerated and found the correct suspect in the case (02:57:30–02:58:18).
  • Public Comment for Andy Pernsteiner: Supporters, including former Sheriff Joe Knoll, emphasized Pernsteiner's 26 years at JCSO, his institutional knowledge, competency, and deep understanding of the budget process and "budgetary limitations" (02:47:32–02:47:48). Knoll stated Pernsteiner believes in democratic ideals and prioritizing "mental health challenges, substance abuse, and homelessness with enforcing the law" (02:47:11). Pernsteiner was strongly backed by the current "deputies" and "subordinates who feel that he has their back" (03:11:10, 03:25:12–03:25:20).
  • Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour: Stated she wasn't ready to let the current "team go" and that the decision needed to be through the election (03:18:03–03:18:36).
  • Commissioner Greg Brotherton: Noted the decision came down to whether to "stay the course or do we make change at this point" (03:20:44), ultimately concluding he did not have a "sufficient reason to make change at this juncture" (03:23:12).
  • Commissioner Kate Dean: Stressed the difficulty of the decision due to the "will of the people" expressed in the prior election (68% support for Knoll) being a mandate for the current leadership structure (03:27:16). While acknowledging Art Frank raised "consequential, very significant culture changing, concerning comments," she chose to prioritize stability until November, trusting Pernsteiner has the internal buy-in to make required changes slowly (03:29:02–03:32:18).

Public Comments

  • - (10 speakers for Art Frank): Focused on Frank's extensive experience (44 years), vision for modernization, community involvement, and commitment to the accreditation process.
  • - (5 speakers for Andy Pernsteiner): Focused on his institutional knowledge (26 years at JCSO), budget competence, democratic values, and strong support among the ranks for a supportive team culture.
  • - (1 speaker against Art Frank): Raised the federal civil lawsuit concerning unlawful arrest/malicious prosecution.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Resume of Art Frank, documenting Medal of Valor and Medal of Heroism (03:06:40).
  • Resume of Andy Pernsteiner.

Financials

  • Previous federal civil lawsuit liability: $2.6 million awarded to plaintiff (02:49:35).
  • Personal fine imposed on Frank in the lawsuit: $75,000 (02:49:43).

Alternatives & Amendments

The choice was between: 1. Appointing Andy Pernsteiner (maintaining continuity). 2. Appointing Art Frank (facilitating immediate cultural and policy change).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to appoint Andrew William Pernsteiner as Sheriff for Jefferson County to fill the vacancy until the November election.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3).
  • Next Steps:
  • - Melissa Plantz (Clerk of the Board): Process Resolution [Number Not Stated] appointing Andrew William Pernsteiner.
  • - Andrew William Pernsteiner: Immanuel Berrinstone: Immediately took the Oath of Office (03:38:48).

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