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03/24/25 09 AM: County Board Tackles Complaints, Roads, Weeds, Rentals, Infrastructure

County Board Tackles Complaints, Roads, Weeds, Rentals, Infrastructure

Jefferson County Commissioners addressed public concerns on auto wrecking, Airbnbs, roads, trash, rest stops; approved consent agenda with PFD hearing shift; workshopped visitor center paving; recognized employees; updated noxious weeds and West End roads; awarded newspaper bid; supported CDS letters; continued STR hearing; debriefed connectivity summit.

Public Comments and Board Responses

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:31.000–00:38:36.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other

Summary

Public comments addressed neighborhood concerns including Peninsula Auto Wrecking violations on Black Bear Road, illegal Airbnbs on Cougar Glen Lane/Hole River Park Drive, South Shore Road updates and public engagement, trash dumping on Anderson Lake Road, and advocacy for an ADA-accessible urban rest stop. Commissioners responded by directing complainants to submit formal complaints via the Jefferson County online form, committing to follow-up on road issues and communications, acknowledging trash cleanup support, and expressing support for the rest stop idea.

Key Discussion Points

  • Peninsula Auto Wrecking (Peggy, Cindy Kobadish): Eyesore, safety hazards (leaking fluids, glass, theft, blocked road access for emergency vehicles); requested county inspection, violation notices, 8-foot opaque fence enforcement. Commissioner Brotherton noted existing permit but need for compliance; directed to complaint form; follow-up with landowner on right-of-way issues planned.
  • Illegal Airbnbs (Kathy Hart): Unpermitted operation on Cougar Glen Lane since August 2024; safety concerns, traffic, pet violations; moratorium ignored. Commissioner Brotherton clarified moratorium on new permits only; directed to complaint form; noted email volume reduced attention.
  • South Shore Road (Ed Bowen): Questions on governor's emergency declaration scope/dates, North Shore Road closure science/funding (FLAP not source), public engagement responsibility. Commissioners committed to improved communications, potential West End roads workshop/report.
  • Trash Task Force (Jean Ball): Cleanup on Anderson Lake Road; found hazardous waste (paint thinner in wetland); praised Public Works signage, Sheriff's patrol support.
  • Urban Rest Stop (Maggie): ADA-accessible facility for homeless/low-income; cross-agency collaboration. Commissioners supportive, urged patience/flexibility.
  • Board emphasized district-specific responses, complaint processes, Open Public Meetings Act limitations on commissioner communication.

Public Comments

  • Peggy (Black Bear Road resident): Requested inspection, violations notice, monitoring; safety concerns for children/elderly.
  • Cindy Kobadish (neighbor): Echoed parking/road blockage risks for emergency access.
  • Maggie: Equity via urban rest stop; cross-agency resources.
  • Kathy Hart (West End resident): Illegal Airbnb details, safety/stress impacts; 288 emails sent.
  • Ed Bowen (West Jefferson): Road emergency declaration, North Shore closure, public engagement.
  • Jean Ball: Trash cleanup success, hazardous waste found, county support appreciated.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Commissioners directed formal complaints; committed to Peninsula Auto follow-up (fencing, landowner contact, Olympic Discovery Trail integration); road updates planned; supportive of rest stop.
  • Vote: None required.
  • Next Steps: Send complaint form links; Public Works crew to assess Oil City washout; potential West End roads workshop/report; trash task force training inquiry.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:38:36.000–00:47:40.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, planning, personnel, services

Summary

The consent agenda was approved as presented with one amendment moving the Public Facilities District hearing notice from April 7 to April 14 at 2:30 p.m. to allow time for Jefferson Aquatic Coalition data review. Items included camp-host agreements, CHIP grants, HR contracts, USDA right-of-way certificates, and various amendments/contracts for public health, noxious weeds, and infrastructure projects.

Key Discussion Points

  • PFD Hearing Notice: Moved to April 14, 2:30 p.m. for data processing/public review.
  • CHIP Grant (Caswell Brown): Confirmed spending period to June 30; reappropriation language noted.
  • HR/Braun Contract: Positive feedback on synergy; max $100k over 4 years (~$33k/year).
  • Winter Welcoming Center: Additional $5k tranches from Public Health for cold snap support.
  • Oak Bay Camp-Host: Successful program; seeking hosts for other sites.
  • Limited discussion on most items; addressed via supporting materials.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Oak Bay Campground Camp-Host Agreement (PN2025-025): $10,354 in-kind for Ronald Brake (31 weeks).
  • Gateway Visitor Center Paving (workshop later).
  • Short-Term Rental Amendments (hearing continued).
  • Noxious Weed Program Update (later presentation).
  • Various grants/contracts: CHIP ($776k Caswell Brown), USDA R/W Certificate, Consolidated Contracts Amd #2/#3 (DOH, $226k+$277k), Braun HR ($100k/4yrs), etc.
  • No major deviations from staff recommendations.

Financials

  • Multiple grants/contracts totaling millions (e.g., CHIP $776k, DOH amendments $500k+); HR $100k max; camp-host in-kind $10k; no net new General Fund impacts noted.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • PFD hearing rescheduled to April 14; other items approved as-is.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Consent agenda approved with PFD hearing change.
  • Vote: Motion by Commissioner Eisenhour, seconded; unanimous (Ayes x3).
  • Next Steps: Execute contracts; PFD hearing April 14, 2:30 p.m.

Gateway Pacific Visitor Center Paving Design Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:47:40.000–01:05:48.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, planning, services

Summary

Commissioners reviewed four paving design options for the Gateway Visitor Center to create a transit hub accommodating Clallam Transit Route 123 and JTA Routes 1,7,14. Options evaluated bus circulation, parking (37-79 stalls), building retention/removal, and separation of bus/private vehicle paths; narrowed to 1B (retain building) and 3 (remove building, separate paths) for further development. Discussion explored property transfer to JTA, integration with operational analysis, and climate plan alignment.

Key Discussion Points

  • Option 1A: 79 stalls; tight bus turns, stacking issues, shared paths.
  • Option 1B: 37 stalls; preferred retain-building option, back loading.
  • Option 2: 60 stalls, shared paths.
  • Option 3: 54 stalls, separate bus/private paths; preferred no-building.
  • Retain building variant of Option 3 for next phase.
  • JTA Route 14 ridership exploded post-fare-free; hub for transfers.
  • Potential county transfer to JTA if highest/best use as transit hub.
  • Aligns with JTA Climate Action Plan (jeffersontransit.com); EV chargers compatible.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

SCJ Alliance concepts; JTA $90k grant for design; aligns with JTA operational analysis/Climate Action Plan (Dec 2024).

Financials

$90k JTA grant for ~95% design; future grants for permits/construction.

Alternatives & Amendments

Four options reviewed; advance 1B and 3 (retain/remove building variants).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action; workshop only; advance 1B/3 for refinement.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: SCJ refine designs; align with JTA analysis; consider property transfer.

Employee Recognition Program Resolution

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:06:02.000–01:14:35.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel

Summary

Resolution established a county-funded Employee Recognition Program, authorizing support for the annual picnic and Tax Blues Breakfast, absorbing costs from PERC fundraisers. Aligns with strategic plan organizational health goal; PAO opined compliant if formal program for all employees.

Key Discussion Points

  • PERC events (picnic, Tax Blues Breakfast) funded by staff fundraisers; county funding signals appreciation.
  • Clark County precedent; ~$10k/year estimated.
  • Road crew/Tax Blues turnout noted; relieves PERC stress.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Resolution draft; PAO opinion; aligns with strategic plan.

Financials

<$10k annually (picnic/Tax Blues); from General Fund.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approve resolution creating program/funding events.
  • Vote: Motion by Commissioner Brotherton, seconded; unanimous (Ayes x3).
  • Next Steps: Implement program; execute events.

Noxious Weed Control Program Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:15:43.000–01:46:09.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, planning, services

Summary

Noxious Weed Coordinator Sophie DeGroot presented 2024 achievements (295 acres treated, up 96%) and 2025 goals (350 acres, 135 road miles). Highlights included contracts (Fort Worden, State Parks), WCC crews (11k lbs Scotch broom), weed-free pit inspections; staffing to 2.15 via Title II grant. Weed board vacancies noted.

Key Discussion Points

  • 2024 Metrics: 295 acres, 1k+ interactions, 460 letters, WCC 1,750 hours.
  • Sites: PT (hemlock), Fort Worden (22 acres hemlock), State Parks (holly/knotweed), PUD/Solid Waste/roads.
  • 2025: Title II $27.5k (Forest Service); 6 contracts; outreach events.
  • Weed board districts/vacancies (Cape George, West Jeff); training inquiry for task force.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

2024 snapshot, 2025 workplan, weed maps/contracts.

Financials

Title II $27.5k; robust reserve; reassess funding.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational update.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Hire seasonal; weed board appointments; task force training.

West End Roads Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:47:49.000–02:20:51.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, operations, public safety

Summary

Public Works Director Eric Kuzma updated on recent washouts/landslides: Oil City Road (culvert overwhelmed, residents isolated), Upper Hoe Road (multiple slides to one-lane), South Shore Quinault (FHWA ER funds pending). Crews repairing; potential written report.

Key Discussion Points

  • Oil City: Washout; residents beyond; repair with stockpiled material.
  • Upper Hoe: 3 slides; one-lane by 4am; full repair priority.
  • South Shore: Governor declaration; FHWA funds; DC review needed.
  • North Shore: Park project (FLAP?); public engagement unclear.

Public Comments

No new; prior Ed Bowen concerns addressed.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Website updates; photos.

Financials

ER funds pursued; CRAB loan option.

Alternatives & Amendments

Workshop/report considered.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Proceed repairs; written consent report.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Crews to sites; report on consent agenda.

Official Newspaper of Record Bid Award

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:02:36.000–02:02:36.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other

Summary

Board awarded bid to Port Townsend-Jefferson County Leader as official newspaper based on highest Jefferson County print circulation (19.4% population reach vs PDN 3.4%), despite lower cost/PDN electronic metrics. Contract for later agenda.

Key Discussion Points

  • Leader: Higher local print (6,599 copies); PDN cheaper but broader peninsula focus.
  • Prior PDN year had invoice issues; Leader consistent.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Bid comparison (circulation, costs, samples).

Financials

Leader higher cost/column inch but circulation prioritized.

Alternatives & Amendments

PDN lower cost/electronic; Leader selected for local reach.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Award to Leader.
  • Vote: Motion; unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Contract April 7.

Letters of Support for CDS Requests

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:02:59.000–02:24:02.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, infrastructure

Summary

Board approved letters supporting Ho tribe resiliency/water/wastewater CDS requests and Mason PUD Jorstad Substation ($6M). Bayside housing letter (preserve/add units, emergency use) approved separately.

Key Discussion Points

  • Ho tribe: Resiliency center, wastewater/highlands relocation (tsunami zone).
  • Mason PUD: Substation for Brinnon grid resilience.
  • Bayside: $23 units preserve/8 add; alcohol plant emergency base.

Public Comments

  • Shelly Arnell: Supported Mason PUD letter.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Draft letters.

Financials

No county funds; federal CDS requests.

Alternatives & Amendments

None.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approve/sign letters.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes x3).
  • Next Steps: Send to delegation by April 1.

Short-Term Rental Code Amendments Hearing Continuation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:23:16.000–04:30:10.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances, land use, planning

Summary

Continued hearing on STR amendments; reviewed PC vs DCD versions (cap 4% dwellings ex-MPR=468; 1/operator; no residency req; grace period; annual inspection/permit # ads). Enforcement proactive via platforms; continue to April 7 post-PC input.

Key Discussion Points

  • DCD: 4% cap (zip proportional); 1 STR/operator; 6mo grace; no 2yr hold/3yr term.
  • PC: Residency req (risk dormant commerce); 2yr no-rent post-purchase (6+ beds).
  • Non-conforming: Pre-2001/permits grandfathered.
  • Enforcement: Platforms/ads w/permit #; capacity concerns.

Public Comments

No new; prior summarized in materials.

Supporting Materials Referenced

PC/DCD/PC comparison; RCW 64.37; comments (HSN 2% cap; owners oppose limits).

Financials

Permit fees revenue; enforcement costs.

Alternatives & Amendments

PC vs DCD; parking (1/bedroom PC?); cap basis (zip/precinct?).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Continue to April 7; DCD to PC April 2.
  • Vote: Unanimous motion.
  • Next Steps: PC April 2; final April 7 (moratorium end).

Connectivity Summit Debrief

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:30:55.000–05:05:40.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, planning

Summary

Production Alliance debriefed March 7-9 summit: 1,500 attendees, 140 orgs, 600 youth; strong feedback (160 surveys). 2026 support confirmed; multi-year contract discussed. Picnic renamed Emergency Prep Training Party June 28 Finn River.

Key Discussion Points

  • Attendance up; Ignite talks praised; timing tweaks.
  • Cross-county: Improve outreach.
  • Ideas: Student discounts, rec center refresh.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Survey/report.

Financials

County support continued; multi-year proposed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Tabling/transition timing.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: 2026 support; multi-year contract.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Draft contract; integrate w/community meetings.

Background Materials

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