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

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MEETING DATE: 2025-03-10 16:00:16+00:00

Public Commendation and Community Focus

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:23–00:01:00
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Opening Remarks)
  • Categories: other

Topic Summary

Commissioner Eisenhour opened the meeting by commending the community and the Production Alliance for the success of the recent Connectivity Summit held at the Timotham School, highlighting it as an "awesome display of community spirit." Other commissioners agreed, noting the privilege of participating and the desire to see more initiatives grow from the event.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Eisenhour gave a special mention to the Production Alliance and the entire community for participating in the Connectivity Summit.
  • Other commissioners echoed the positive sentiment, calling it a "fabulous" and "nice show of community engagement."

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action taken; item was informational. - Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Juror Compensation and Public Service Duty

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:02:05–00:03:00
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Public Comment)
  • Categories: other, budgeting

Topic Summary

Retired Commissioner John Austin requested the Board consider raising the per diem payment for citizens serving as jurors, noting that the current rate of $15 per day is significantly lower than substitute teaching wages and arguing that increased compensation would better honor the civic duty of jurors.

Key Discussion Points

  • John Austin, retired Commissioner, stated that he was relieved from jury duty but noted the current compensation is a "princely sum of $15 a day," which is considerably less than other forms of work.
  • Austin reported that Pierce County is planning to pay jurors $100 a day and suggested Jefferson County could at least pay half that amount.
  • Commissioner Eisenhour later noted this was an "interesting comment" and questioned if the amount had been recently increased, suggesting the Board might take the issue up at a later date, as $15 "doesn't even cover breakfast or lunch."

Public Comments

  • John Austin (Retired Commissioner): Urged the Board to consider raising the compensation for citizens serving as jurors, emphasizing that while he views it as a civic duty, the county should increase the remuneration.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The Superior Court Jury Fees Payment (February 2025) packet item confirms the current rate is $15.00 per diem for reporting jurors.

Financials

  • The current rate of payment for jurors is $15.00 per diem.
  • Pierce County is reportedly moving to a $100 per diem rate.
  • Commissioner Eisenhour implied that the recent budget had addressed paying volunteers but confirmed the juror fee remained at $15.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action taken on raising compensation. - Next Steps: Commissioner Eisenhour committed to looking into the feasibility of raising juror compensation.

Status and Funding for Upper Hoh Road Repair

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:03:00–00:46:02
  • Agenda Item: Not Stated (Public Comment/Executive Update)
  • Categories: infrastructure, contracts, planning, operations, financials

Topic Summary

This lengthy segment, primarily driven by Commissioner Eisenhour's executive update, addressed the urgent road closure on the western access to Olympic National Park (Upper Hoh Road). Commissioner Eisenhour announced that Governor Bob Ferguson had pledged over $600,000 in state funding from the Department of Commerce for the repair, contingent upon securing a private match of between $5,000 and $20,000. Despite initial confusion over the required match amount, the community's pledges exceeded the minimum $5,000 threshold, securing the public funds. Public Works is now proceeding with the contract and expects the repair, once started, to take three to four weeks.

Key Discussion Points

  • John Austin (Retired Commissioner): Noted the problem of road closures to the rainforest access (Olympic National Park) and inquired if the County continues to urge Congress to have the access road turned over to the Park Service, similar to Race Road.
  • Commissioner Eisenhour (Executive Update): Confirmed successfully securing state funding from Governor Bob Ferguson, totaling over $600,000, via the State Department of Commerce, which requires an unexpected private match of $5,000–$20,000.
    • She clarified that previous attempts to secure Federal Highway Administration Emergency Repair Funds administered through WSDOT were unequivocally rejected.
    • Eisenhour attributed confusion over the match amount ($5,000 vs. $20,000) to her decision to push for the high end to demonstrate "a good show of support for the state."
    • The private funding drive is intended to "free up the over $600,000 in public funding."
    • Pledges were reported to be approaching $15,000, confirming that the funding goal has been met.
    • The County Public Works team is ready to issue the contract "imminent[ly]," with Eric Kuzma (Eng. Svc. Manager) confirming they hope to bid out the repair contract this week (0:52:21).
    • The road repair process itself is anticipated to take three to four weeks once the contractor begins work.
  • Public Concerns (Transparency & Logistics): Several speakers, including Anna Maci (Upper Hill Road), expressed gratitude but criticized the "immense" confusion and lack of transparency due to multiple communications with different match requirements, stressing urgency and the need for clear, timely communication.
  • Pledge Status (Public Comments):
    • Anna Maci: Reported $4,000 already pledged locally (including $1,000 each from Hard Rain Cafe and Hoh Valley Cabins).
    • Lizzie Andros: Reported that pledges from Forks totaled $12,000.
  • Commissioner Johnson's Focus: While celebrating the win, Commissioner Johnson noted they are "halfway there" and must continue looking for funds for the South Shore Road access point.

Public Comments

  • John Austin: Advocacy for turning the rainforest access road over to the Park Service to relieve the County of maintenance costs and delays.
  • Lynn Shad: Spoke about the spiritual importance of the Hoh Rainforest and the unacceptability of depriving visitors of the experience; noted public confusion and anger over the sudden GoFundMe request for $20,000 due to a lack of transparency.
  • Anna Maci (Upper Hill Road): Stated they were "very grateful for the progress" but that the confusion over the $5k versus $20k goal felt like they "had been hit with a load of bricks," leading to panic. Requested more proactive communication from the County.
  • Lizzie Andros: Confirmed $12,000 in pledges from the Forks area and thanked the Commissioners for their hard work.
  • Shelley Hernandez: Stated it is "dramatic that those who are hurt the most by this problem... are the ones who are giving the most," and agreed the County needs to be more transparent.
  • Jean Bob: Expressed shock and excitement over the funding news, but anger at the lack of effective public amplification: "Holy smokes, I'm coming unglued over here. This is really, really exciting."
  • Nels Peterson (Hoh Valley Cabins): Asked for the expected work schedule so businesses can inform vacationers through October, and inquired about permits and whether the work requires competitive bidding.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No supporting materials referenced, but the update contrasts directly with the typical Federal Highway Administration Emergency Repair Funds.

Financials

  • State Funding Pledged (Governor Ferguson): Over $600,000 (from State Department of Commerce).
  • Required Private Match: Range of $5,000 to $20,000.
  • Current Pledges Reported: Close to $15,000 (0:44:12), securing the state funding.
  • GoFundMe Launched: $1,080 by the end of the public comment period, but public donations were later advised to be sent via check to the County to avoid GoFundMe fees.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Discussion on alternative funding (State Department of Commerce requiring a private match) after the Federal Highway Administration unequivocally denied emergency repair funds.
  • John Austin raised the long-standing alternative of transferring ownership of the road to the National Park Service.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The Upper Hoh Road repair funding is secured. The private match goal has been met. - Decision: No vote taken on the funding update; item was informational. - Next Steps: - - [Public Works/Eric Kuzma]: Issue the contract for repair bid this week. - - [County Staff]: Work with Public Works on the timeline, to be shared in a future workshop. - - [Public/Donors]: Send checks for private match to Jefferson County P.O. Box 1220, Port Townsend, WA 98368, noting "Hoh road repair" to avoid GoFundMe fees.

National Park Service Update on Western Roads

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:03:49–01:25:52
  • Agenda Item: Olympic National Park Issues (Workshop)
  • Categories: infrastructure, operations, planning, public safety

Topic Summary

Kevin J. Killian, Deputy Superintendent of Olympic National Park (ONP), provided an update on the status of park infrastructure following the funding news for the Upper Hoh Road. He addressed staffing uncertainty under federal budget constraints and detailed the scheduled closure of the North Shore Road due to a mandatory repair at Big Creek (MP 10.2). This federal project is non-negotiable and will close the North Shore access to Lake Quinault from July 7th to September 3rd, 2025. ONP confirmed that the visitor center staffing and road opening are separate issues, emphasizing that hikers should still be able to use the Hoh access as soon as the County repair is complete.

Key Discussion Points

  • Upper Hoh Road: ONP confirmed the Hoh access is a functionally turnkey operation and will be ready to reopen and staff the visitor portion once the county completes its repair (estimated 3–4 weeks for construction).
  • ONP Staffing and Budget: Killian noted "a lot of uncertainty" due to federal budget issues, including a hiring freeze for permanent staff. However, they anticipate hiring as many, if not more, seasonal staff as last year. Law enforcement and emergency services are largely intact.
  • North Shore/South Shore Roads: The South Shore Road remains impassable (completely gone).
  • North Shore Road Scheduled Closure: A mandatory repair at Big Creek (MP 10.2) is scheduled, requiring a hard closure from July 7th through predicted September 3rd.
    • Reason: The repair, involving an engineered log jam and road rebuilding, is funded by Federal Highways IRFA (Emergency Repair for federally owned roads). ONP has already received one delay and risks losing the funds if they delay again; the repair is mandatory to prevent a loss of the entire road section in the next high water event.
    • Impact: The closure will make the entire South Shore/North Shore Quinault area "inaccessible" for two months. Access will be difficult past the ranger station due to only 15 or so parking spots and inadequate bathroom facilities.
    • Graves Creek Bridge (North Shore): A temporary bridge is anticipated to be reinstalled in Early April, allowing access to both sides of the closure on the North Shore Road until the July 7th closure.
  • Park Communication: ONP uses the park website's alert section for real-time updates. They committed to making an effort to direct visitors to alternative routes if access to Enchanted Valley is restricted, utilizing experienced wilderness staff for safe access information.
  • Enchanted Valley & Chalet: Killian could not provide an update on the status of the Chalet, stating they are "still hoping to get some resolution on that issue over the course of the next year or two."

Public Comments

  • Teresa (Holcomb): Highlighted a "blind corner" with a big drop-off on the North Shore Road, expressing safety concerns due to anticipated increased traffic, and requested signage.
  • Ed Bowen (West Jefferson): Praised the temporary bridge idea for early April. Criticized ONP's poor communication and asked the Park Service directly: "Who do I talk to to get the latest and greatest and non-conflictatory and non-misinformation?" Specifically asked ONP to play a role in securing FLAP funding for the South Shore Road.
  • Shelley Hernandez: (Comment taken after ONP segment, but relevant to communication) Emphasized the importance of clear and timely communication.
  • Nels Peterson: Requested the timeline/schedule for the Big Creek repair.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The North Shore Road repair is funded by the Federal Highways IRFA program (Emergency Repair for federally owned roads).

Financials

  • No financial figures discussed other than the confirmation of the over $600,000 secured for the upper Hoh Road.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • South Shore Road: No current alternative funding streams for repair, consistent with the Hoh Road experience.
  • Big Creek Repair: No possibility of a bypass (shoe fly) due to land and funding constraints, meaning the hard closure is the only viable path to secure the road's future.
  • Park Access: ONP plans to rely on alternative adventure routes and enhanced communication, shifting expectations from closed roads to "different adventures."

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

ONP confirmed readiness to operationalize the Hoh area upon County completion of repairs. The North Shore Quinault closure is confirmed for July 7th–Sept 3rd. - Decision: No action taken; item was informational. - Next Steps: - - [Kevin Killian/ONP]: Confirm the mile marker for the requested safety sign on North Shore Road (requested by Teresa). - - [Kevin Killian/ONP]: Provided email address for public communication: [email protected]. - - [Commissioners/Tourism Board]: Collaborate with ONP on public messaging to point people toward alternate recreational activities during Quinault closures. - - [County Staff]: Continue advocacy for repairing the South Shore Road, looking into the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) as suggested by Ed Bowen.

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:32:04–00:35:45 (Public Comment); 01:40:41–01:44:03 (BOCC Discussion)
  • Agenda Item: Letter of Support: Naming Bridge Connecting Indian and Marrowstone Islands (Consent Agenda Item 1)
  • Categories: other

Topic Summary

The Board discussed the citizen request to support naming the bridge between Indian and Marrowstone Islands the "Passage Through Bridge," but received public comment requesting an amendment to include the native (S'Klallam Tribe) name underneath. The Board agreed to the amendment, authorizing the Chair to sign the letter subject to the inclusion of the tribal language name.

Key Discussion Points

  • Patricia Ernest (Marrowstone Island): Requested a revision to the County’s draft letter of support to include the native name for "passage through" displayed underneath the English name on the sign.
    • She noted that the Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) indicated their petition was far along, and that State Representatives Terringer, Chapman, and Birnbaum supported the full dual-language request.
    • She cited the WSDOT Traffic Manual, Section 214.11c (Tribal Language Signs), which allows both English and tribal language on a single sign under certain guidelines.
  • Commissioner Eisenhour: Agreed the inclusion of the tribal name is an "easy ask" and would get the change made to the letter, adding it was a "great name."

Public Comments

  • Patricia Ernest (Marrowstone Island): Strongly urged the Board to approve adding the tribal name below “Passage Through Bridge” on the final signage.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Letter of Support: The draft letter supported the name "Passage Through Bridge" following MICA's community effort.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Amendment: Add the S'Klallam tribal name for "passage through" beneath the English name on the letter and sign.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The item was pulled from consent but immediately reapproved subject to the amendment. - Decision: Approved inclusion of the native S'Klallam name as an amendment in the letter of support. - Vote: Approved Consent Agenda as amended (02:02:35–02:02:55). - Next Steps: - - [County Staff]: Update the letter to include the tribal name.

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:41:31–01:43:00
  • Agenda Item: Update to Official County Road Log (Mt. Wilder Way and McCartney Peak Lane) (Consent Agenda Item 3)
  • Categories: infrastructure, land use, planning

Topic Summary

Commissioner Dudley-Nollette asked for clarification on the inclusion of Mt. Wilder Way and McCartney Peak Lane in the Official County Road Log, noting that future road projects would be private. Staff clarified that adding these two dedicated roads is mandatory for County maintenance and is necessary for receiving state Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax distribution funds based on the road mileage certified by the County Road Administration Board (CRAB).

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Dudley-Nollette inquired about the ownership of the roads, noting they are part of the Olympic Terrace Long Plat Division II, Phase 1.
  • Staff clarified that these roads are the last of the Olympic Terrace Long Plat system that the County agreed to take over maintenance for, pursuant to a previous policy decision (Resolution 5-23).
  • CRAB Requirement: Adding the roads to the official log is mandatory for the County to receive Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax distribution, which is based on mileage maintained. This funding is essential for eventual chip sealing and maintenance.
  • Future Policy: The Commissioner noted that the current policy holds that future road developments will remain private.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Update to Official County Road Log: Notes that this action formalizes maintenance responsibility and that the County deemed these roads to meet adopted standards.
  • Financials (Packet Summary): The low immediate fiscal impact is noted because the roads are new, but chip sealing will be required in "approximately 15 years."

Financials

  • Adding the mileage to the Official County Road Log is necessary to receive Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax distribution funds, which directly support maintenance.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The item was included in the Consent Agenda approval. - Decision: Adopted the resolution to update the Official County Road Log. - Vote: Unanimous (as part of the final Consent Agenda vote). - Next Steps: The County Engineer is directed to make the additions to the Official County Road Log.

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:43:00–01:45:24; 01:46:39–01:48:10; 03:03:59–03:04:41
  • Agenda Item: Courthouse Clock Repair (Consent Agenda Item 5)
  • Categories: contracts, facilities, budgeting

Topic Summary

Commissioners questioned a $2,250 discrepancy in the cost documentation for the Courthouse Clock repair contract with Woodbay CO. LLC. The contract stated a cost of $9,846 (including sales tax), but the review form cited an authorization amount of $12,096. Central Services Director Shawn Frederick, after being pulled into the discussion, clarified that the difference was not an increase to the contractor's fee, but rather the inclusion of projected internal staff salary and benefits costs within the total project cost used on the contract review form.

Key Discussion Points

  • Discrepancy Identified: There was a difference of $2,250 between the contract amount ($9,846) and the authorized allocation in the contract review form ($12,096).
  • Staff Clarification (Shawn Frederick): The $9,846 is the amount paid directly to the contractor (Woodbay CO. LLC). The total of $12,096 represents the actual total project cost, including the projected internal staff salary and benefits costs.
  • The repair scope involves addressing gear wear to prevent "catastrophic failure," and includes replacing damaged brass strike wheels.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Courthouse Clock Repair: The packet states the "Total contract payment amount (including WSST @ 9.4%): $9,846.00" and the "Total cost (including labor/materials): $12,096.00."

Financials

  • Contractor Fee (Woodbay CO. LLC): $9,846.00 (inclusive of sales tax).
  • Total Project Cost Authorized: $12,096.00 (includes $2,250 for internal staff costs).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • The item was initially pulled for clarification but was subsequently approved.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The item, pulled for clarification, was approved based on the explanation of internal cost accounting. - Decision: Approved the contract with Woodbay CO. LLC for the courthouse clock repair. - Vote: Approved Item 5, Aye (Unanimous) (03:05:00). - Next Steps: Contracting and repair work to commence once the deposit is received.

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:48:38–01:51:17; 02:59:37–03:03:09
  • Agenda Item: Amendment No. 1 to On-Site Sewage Action Plan (Puget Sound Partnership) (Consent Agenda Item 13)
  • Categories: government services, contracts, public health

Topic Summary

Commissioners questioned an amendment to the On-Site Sewage (OSS) Action Plan grant agreement that struck the word "all" regarding the digitization of septic records, effectively reducing the expected output from 100% to less than 10% of total records. Environmental Health Director Pinky Feria Mingo clarified that the original language was an administrative error by JCPH and that the $90,645 grant funds were only ever intended to cover digital file prep for less than 10% of the septage records, which "meets [their] need" as every digitized record helps the growing database.

Key Discussion Points

  • Discrepancy: Commissioner Dudley-Nollette noted the amendment changed the scope dramatically—from digitizing "all the septage records" to covering "less than 10%" of the total, leading to concern that the County was being "bullied by a contractor."
  • Pinky Feria Mingo (Environmental Health Director): Clarified that the original inclusion of "all records" was an error by the County, and the amendment, which the Prosecuting Attorney's Office required, was necessary to correct the error.
  • Scope: The grant amount ($90,645) was known to cover a limited scope. The funding purpose extends beyond digitization, including the purchase of the Tyler Decision Engine module and improving the API for septic inspection report management.
  • Contractor Relations: The correction was initiated by the County to fix its own error, not by the contractor reducing their commitment.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Amendment No. 1 to On-Site Sewage Action Plan: Clarifies that the funding covers digitizing "less than 10%" of the total septic records. Budget details show total compensation is $90,645.

Financials

  • Total Maximum Compensation (PSP Grant): $90,645.
  • Amendment Fiscal Impact: $0 (no change in total cost).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • The initial motion pulled this item for clarification. The motion to approve followed the clarification.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The item, pulled and clarified, was approved. - Decision: Approved Amendment No. 1 to the On-Site Sewage Action Plan, clarifying project scope. - Vote: Approved Item 13, Aye (Unanimous) (03:03:50–03:03:59). - Next Steps: Work to proceed on the grant goals (data management, educational tools, and digitization).

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:54:39–01:56:06
  • Agenda Item: Grants of License, Temporary Road Closure/Detour (Consent Agenda Items 2, 16, 17)
  • Categories: infrastructure, land use, tribal affairs

Topic Summary

The Board discussed the related items on the Consent Agenda concerning new easements and road closures in Quilcene associated with the Big Quilcene River Bridge Replacement and Floodplain Restoration project, which is led by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe. This significant endeavor will involve replacing the Linger Longer Bridge and requires the temporary use of County property for log storage and construction staging.

Key Discussion Points

  • Project Scope: The effort involves the replacement of the Linger Longer Bridge and is being led by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, partnering with the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group.
  • Temporary Measures: The project requires the closure of Linger Longer Road and Fremont Avenue (CR No. 301709) from May 2025 until June 2026.
  • Detour: Traffic will be detoured to Rogers Street via a temporary bridge.
  • Staging Areas: The County is granting a temporary license to the Tribe for log storage, with no direct monetary fee (Item 2). Separately, a license is granted to the contractor, Cascade Bridge LLC, for construction staging at the former County shop on Rogers Street for $500/month (Item 17).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Grant of License for Log Storage (Item 2): Grants Tribe use of three vacant parcels near Quilcene for log storage until July 1, 2026.
  • Grant of License for Construction Staging (Item 17): Grants Cascade Bridge LLC use of 101 Rogers Street for construction staging at $500/month.
  • Temporary Road Closure (Item 16): Requires closure of Linger Longer Road and Fremont Avenue from May 2025 - June 2026.

Financials

  • Revenue: $7,500 total lump sum for contractor staging license (Item 17).
  • Project Funding: Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe is providing 100% funding for the bridge replacement project via a RAISE grant, including reimbursement for County staff time.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The three related items were approved under the Consent Agenda. - Decision: Approved the Grant of Licenses and the Temporary Road Closure and Detour resolution. - Vote: Unanimous (as part of the final Consent Agenda vote). - Next Steps: Construction is scheduled to occur from May 2025 through June 2026; detour plan implementation.

Fire Marshal Program Update and 2025 Workplan (Workshop)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:58:58–04:56:54
  • Agenda Item: Fire Marshal Program Updates and 2025 Workplan (Workshop)
  • Categories: public safety, operations, planning, facilities

Topic Summary

Phil Cecere, Fire Marshal and Building Official, and Deputy Fire Marshal Brian Tracer presented the 2025 Workplan, focusing on building capacity and streamlining the department's mandated inspection duties. A key initiative is the rollout of the Commercial Fire Life-Safety Inspection Program, starting in South County, which is a new fee-based program intended to be cost-recoverable. The department is increasing efficiency through better technology (Surface tablets) and implementing a combination inspection program to reduce site visits and accelerate project timelines for builders. The goal is to move toward annual (or biennial) commercial inspections, which were generally non-existent before this program's implementation.

Key Discussion Points

  • Staffing: The department is expecting a new clerk hire and is training an existing staff member to transition into a plans examiner role to alleviate the Fire Marshal's workload (which includes Building Official, Floodplain Administrator, and Plans Examiner duties).
  • Commercial Inspection Program: This program is mandated by state code (WAC) and aims to improve public safety (JCC 15.05.046). Inspectors found that prior to this program, "nothing" was happening after initial permitting, leading to unmaintained safety features (e.g., outdated smoke detectors, unstrapped water heaters).
    • Implementation: The initial rollout started in Quilcene and Brinnon (South County) because of the "lack of historical data" and to test the process. This caused some "pushback" from businesses, who noted the current slow season makes timing difficult.
    • Fees: It costs $294 (for up to two hours inspection time) per inspection, set by the approved fee schedule to be cost-recoverable.
    • Violations: A four-tier system will be used (Extreme, High, Moderate, Low Hazard) with immediate correction required for Extreme Hazards (e.g., locked exits).
    • Food Trucks: Inspections are now required under the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC). Cecere seeks input on the fee structure, suggesting a reduced fee; noted they are participating in a WA Fire Marshal pilot program for reciprocal inspections across jurisdictions, making it easier for traveling food trucks.
  • Increased Efficiency: The new combination inspection at the framing stage reduces separate site visits and speeds up the construction timeline for builders, particularly large developers like Richmond American Homes.
  • Safety Standard Updates (2025 Goals): The work plan includes establishing private road and driveway access standards, updating the E911 ordinance (bridge registry for weight limits), and updating fire flow requirements using NFPA 1142 standards for rural districts (instead of the potentially outdated coordinated water system plan).
  • Fire Marshal Vehicle: The Ford Lightning electric vehicle is in use, noted for its utility (tablet/PC functionality and cellular capability), but charging infrastructure remains an issue.
  • Fireworks: The possibility of a full ban or a hybrid model (firework sanctuaries) was discussed as a perpetual issue. The Fire Marshal noted that currently, the districts appreciate the unified messaging from the County, but law enforcement and enforcement issues remain challenging.

Public Comments

  • Teresa (via Zoom, related to North Shore Road): Requested safer signage for a dangerous, blind corner on North Shore Road due to increased traffic.
  • Commissioner Dudley-Nollette: Inquired about potential grant programs (USDA Rural Development, FEMA) to help businesses cover "corrections" costs (e.g., costly kitchen upgrades), suggesting a revolving loan fund model.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Fire Marshal Program Updates and 2025 Workplan: Acknowledges staff transition, the $294 fee, WSRB ratings, and the move to the Tyler Fire Mobile app.

Financials

  • Commercial Inspection Fee: $294 (cost-recoverable, two hours).
  • Grant Funds: Surface tablets and technology partially funded by a "Paper to Digital grant" from Commerce.
  • Fire Marshal Budget: Training budget fixed at 2% of overall budget to meet Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) requirements.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Self-Inspection: To achieve the goal of annual attention to every business, the plan will implement self-inspections during off-years.
  • Water Standards: Instead of adopting the International Fire Code appendix, staff recommends adopting NFPA 1142 (water standards for rural districts) to "right size" the program.
  • Grant Support: Looking into grant applications to potentially subsidize costly life safety upgrades for businesses.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The workshop provided direction and support for the program's continued phased implementation. - Decision: No action taken; item was informational, but the Board was supportive of the direction. - Next Steps: - - [Fire Marshal/Legal Team]: Draft a resolution to formally establish and outline the rollout of the Commercial Fire Life-Safety Inspection Program for review. - - [Fire Marshal/DCD]: Pursue grants and potential revolving loan funds to assist businesses with required fire safety upgrades. - - [Fire Marshal]: Continue work on drafting Interlocal Agreements (ILAs) with fire districts, due Q1 2025.

Housing Advocacy Day and Emergency Shelter Funding Gaps (Workshop)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:59:36–06:01:03
  • Agenda Item: Housing Advocacy and Emergency Shelter Funding (Workshop)
  • Categories: services, budgeting, policy, intergovernmental

Topic Summary

Commissioner Dudley-Nollette led a workshop discussing two critical needs: establishing a year-round, coordinated strategy for housing and homelessness advocacy in Olympia, and addressing immediate mid-cycle funding gaps for local emergency shelters created by state/federal cuts. Multiple providers confirmed significant anticipated funding losses, notably Dove House Advocates (losing $78,392 in federal victim services funds starting July 1st) and Bayside Housing & Services (unfunded operations at The Tower). The conversation coalesced around the urgent need to look for non-traditional, braided funding sources and the development of low-barrier resources like an urban rest stop to maintain system-wide scaffolding against collapse.

Key Discussion Points

  • Advocacy Strategy: Commissioners and providers agreed on the need for a sustained, organized Jefferson County Housing Advocacy Coalition to influence Olympia, rather than scrambling last minute.
    • Goal: To be effective advocates for both housing affordability (potentially convened by Housing Solutions Network) and emergency support/behavioral health (potentially convened by the Behavioral Health Consortium).
    • Resources: Organizations like the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance (WLIHA) already organize advocacy days; leveraging these existing structures for training and logistics is highly efficient.
  • Emergency Shelter Funding Gaps:
    • Caswell Brown (Peggy Webster): The current phase (Caswell Brown 2) is funded through the calendar year. Caswell Brown 3 (tiny shelters, congregate building by October/Nov 2025) has an operational gap for the last 6 months of the year, estimated at $102,000 for staffing, insurance, and utilities.
    • Dove House (Beulah King Solombert): Anticipates a $78,392 cut in state-passed federal victim services funds starting July 1st for their emergency shelter (serving women and children, 90-day stays, 24/7 crisis line). A replacement of $45,000 is needed to cover the first half of the grant year (July–Dec 31).
    • Bayside Housing & Services/The Tower (Gary Keister): Currently houses 44 guests (senior women, veterans, moms with kids) at the old alcohol plant location, but the program is not funded. Operations rely on private donations.
    • Welcoming Center (Julia): Emphasized that zero-barrier services (food, hygiene, rest) are an essential scaffolding to prevent system collapse, serving as a critical resource for those who cannot or will not use formal shelters (e.g., two people "sleep most of every moment we're open"). They heavily support the idea of an Urban Rest Stop.
  • Funding Options & Strategy:
    • CHG Funds (Viola L.): Clarified that the Consolidated Homeless Grant funds are restricted primarily to coordinated entry and rent/eviction prevention, limiting use for immediate operations unless augmented by specific federal Emergency Housing Funds (which are not guaranteed).
    • New Funding: Providers were requested to send a full accounting of all federal and state funding sources, amounts, program descriptions, and anticipated cuts to Commissioner Dudley-Nollette for analysis.
    • Braid Funding: There was discussion of leveraging Opioid Settlement Funds or utilizing Behavioral Health Consortium lead agencies to braid resources to establish and sustain a major new resource, such as the Urban Rest Stop.

Public Comments

  • Peggy Webster (Caswell Brown): Current capacity is 50 persons (6 children). Noted operating gap of $102k for Caswell Brown 3 phase in the last half of the year.
  • Beulah King Solombert (Dove House): Estimated loss of $78,392 in victim services funds; asked for $45,000 to maintain operations through the end of the calendar year. Requested flexibility from the state to negotiate down service requirements if funding is cut.
  • Gary Keister (Bayside): Stated Bayside Tower (44 guests: senior women, veterans, families) is operating completely unfunded through private donation.
  • Julia (Welcoming Center): Stated the Welcoming Center is "absolutely essential," not a formal shelter, but provides critical zero-barrier services (feeding 45 lunches/day). Urgent need for an Urban Rest Stop (showers, laundry, rest).
  • Lori (BHC): Offered to bring the advocacy discussion to the Behavioral Health Consortium table and explore regional legislative efforts.
  • Jim Novelli (DBH): Attends advocacy days for Behavioral Health; noted the importance of housing (especially transitional housing) for behavioral health outcomes; sees an opportunity to "weave in" housing discussions with behavioral health advocacy.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Housing Advocacy and Emergency Shelter Funding (Workshop): Confirms mid-cycle request from Dove House and impending need for Jefferson County Emergency Shelter funding.
  • Emergency Shelter Contract for Severe Weather: Illustrates the loss of $5,000 in state emergency shelter preparedness funds (rescinded 1/21/25), partially covered by a new, small contract.

Financials

  • Dove House Cut: $78,392 (anticipated loss, Victim Services).
  • Caswell Brown 3 Gap: $102,000 (estimated operations gap for six months).
  • Urban Rest Stop: Mentioned as a potential site for braided funding, including Opioid Settlement Funds and Public Health's harm reduction resources.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Advocacy: Instead of launching a new lobby effort, the consensus was to coordinate with established groups (WLIHA, Behavioral Health Consortium).
  • Shelter Operations: Providers must find ways to reduce redundancy or cede services (e.g., laundry vouchers being cut by Welcoming Center) to manage cuts.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No formal action taken, but a plan for information gathering was created. - Decision: No action taken; item was informational. - Next Steps: - - [Providers (Dove House, Bayside, others)]: Email Commissioner Dudley-Nollette ([email protected]) with spreadsheets detailing federal and state funding sources, amounts, and anticipated cuts/ranges. - - [Commissioner Dudley-Nollette/County Staff]: Compile the funding data for internal review and to inform the Housing Fund Board's budget discussion (March 26th). - - [Commissioner Dudley-Nollette/Lori/Jim Novelli]: Continue coordinating legislative strategy and the feasibility of building an advocacy coalition for future sessions. - - [County Staff/Housing Fund Board]: Explore the establishment and funding sources for an Urban Rest Stop leveraging Opioid Settlement and Public Health harm reduction funds.

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:00:01–02:02:35 (Motion/Vote); 03:03:26–03:05:00 (Final Votes)
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda (Items 1, 3-4, 6-12, 14-17)
  • Categories: contracts, permits, finance, land use, infrastructure, operations, facilities

Topic Summary

The Board adopted the Consent Agenda with two items (Courthouse Clock Repair and On-Site Sewage Action Plan Amendment) pulled for subsequent clarification and unanimous approval. All other items were approved as a block, including critical funding approvals, contract continuations, and organizational logistics.

Outcomes

  • Motion: Commissioner Johnson moved to pull Items 5 and 13, authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 1 (Bridge Naming) with the inclusion of the native language, and approve the remainder of the Consent Agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Dudley-Nollette.
  • Vote: Aye (Unanimous).
  • Final Action on Pulled Items: Items 5 and 13 were clarified by staff and approved unanimously.
  • Olympic Discovery Trail Connection (Item 4): Awarded a $3,782,268.93 construction contract to Seton Construction Inc. for the Anderson Lake Connection project (funded by FHWA and RCO grants).
  • MUNIS/EnerGov Consulting (Item 6): Approved a not-to-exceed $72,600 contract with Cherie Moulin for specialized project management consulting to stabilize the core IT systems.
  • Energy Audit Grant (Item 7): Approved a reimbursable grant agreement with WSAC (maximum award $56,943.96) to conduct energy audits on Tier 1 buildings (Courthouse) to comply with state clean energy standards.
  • EV Charging Site Amendment (Item 8): Approved re-allocating four DC Fast Chargers and one Level II charger (WSDOT Grant-funded at no cost to County) from Port Townsend to the Tri-Area Community Center site (Chimacum) due to installation issues at the original site.
  • PT Community Center Roof Design (Item 9): Approved a Professional Services Agreement with Studio Bracket for architectural/engineering design and documentation ($145,871.10 fee) for the eventual $1.2M roof replacement project.
  • Severe Weather Shelter Contract (Item 10): Approved a $5,000 contract with Bayside Housing & Services for emergency shelter operations during severe winter weather, following the rescinding of prior state funds. Funding came from JCPH Foundational Public Health funds.
  • JCPH Practicum MOA (Item 11): Approved a Memorandum of Agreement with Eastern Washington University for practicum student placement (No fiscal impact).
  • JCPH Artwork Licensing (Item 12): Approved $300 photo licensing agreement with Gatheringplace for artwork to be used on JCPH-branded stickers for outreach.
  • Road Log Update (Item 14): Adopted resolution to add Mt. Wilder Way and McCartney Peak Lane to the Official County Road Log, transferring maintenance responsibility to the County.
  • CRAB Levy Certification (Item 15): Certified the County Road Administration Board (CRAB) road levy documentation, a routine action required for the County to receive $5 million in Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax distribution.
  • Quilcene River Bridge Licenses (Items 2, 16, 17): Approved temporary licenses necessary for the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe's Big Quilcene River Bridge Replacement project, including the $500/month payment from the contractor for staging area use.

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