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04/14/25 09 AM: Jefferson BOCC Backs Pool Plan, Addresses Shelter, Roads, Housing

Jefferson BOCC Backs Pool Plan, Addresses Shelter, Roads, Housing

Jefferson County BOCC meeting featured strong public support for mid-county aquatic center and PFD formation post-fundraising, stakeholder group commitment. Other topics: shelter operation complaints with operator follow-up; West End road repair updates (Upper Hoh contract approved); Newt Crossing co-housing PRRD amendment request; consent agenda approval including grants/contracts; Public Safety Telecommunicators proclamation; MRC 2024 report; administrator recruitment interviews authorized; executive sessions on litigation.

Public Comment on Jefferson County Aquatic Facility and PFD Formation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:05:47–00:28:21 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, services, budgeting

Summary

Multiple public commenters expressed strong support for advancing a new aquatic center in central county (Fort Hadlock/Chimacum area) based on a recent countywide survey showing majority support, emphasizing community benefits like health, wellness, water safety, and social connections. Jeffco Aquatic Coalition (JACK) President Diane McDade requested BOCC approval to form a Jefferson County Public Facilities District (PFD) once sufficient private funds are raised (already $125,000 secured) and support a citizen-led stakeholder group with Chimacum School District, Jefferson County Library, Jefferson Transit, and neighborhood leaders to develop preliminary site plans for the 10-acre Chimacum Creek Primary School parcel. Commissioners responded positively, welcoming the revised plan as thoughtful and transparent, committing to future PFD formation vote with funding plan, rejecting bias claims on survey (18% response rate, over 60% support for sales tax), and planning further discussion; one commissioner questioned 61.5% tax support figure from opponent.

Key Discussion Points

  • Diane McDade (JACK President): Survey shows strong support for Fort Hadlock site; JACK requests PFD vote post-fundraising and immediate stakeholder engagement on site plan, egress, traffic.
  • Jane Armstrong (JACK Board): Survey reflects current sentiment (50%+ comments); pools build community, equalize access.
  • Kendra Mirasol (Lifeguard/Instructor): New resident, YMCA volunteer; emphasizes water safety for kids, senior wellness, praises survey.
  • Corey Henry (Lifeguard/Task Force): Community needs pool; task force recommended PFD to maintain momentum.
  • Mary Janelle (JACK Board/Survey Subcommittee): Pools promote fitness, safety; proud of survey process.
  • Jean Ball (Opponent): Survey biased, unweighted; PFD would fail ballot; suggest Brennan resort pools instead.
  • Commissioner Eisenhower: Relieved by delay, appreciates JACK plan; rejects bias claim.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: Committed to mid-county facility; survey well-executed; interested in stakeholder group.
  • Commissioner Randels: Survey unbiased (60%+ tax support); will explore opponent's concerns.

Public Comments

  • Diane McDade/JACK: Support PFD formation post-fundraising, immediate stakeholder group.
  • Jane Armstrong/JACK: Pools foster community; continue effort.
  • Kendra Mirasol: Prioritize safety, wellness; accountability needed.
  • Corey Henry: Need PFD now to sustain momentum.
  • Mary Janelle/JACK: Support Diane's proposal for diverse collaboration.
  • Jean Ball: Biased survey; avoid PFD; support Brennan resort.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Countywide survey shared last week referenced (strong support for Fort Hadlock aquatic center, 18% residents responded, 60%+ willing to support sales tax). No provided materials; prior task force report and Healthier Together study mentioned.

Financials

  • JACK raised $125,000 for PFD formation.
  • Design funds: $60k–$120k depending on election type.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal action; commissioners support JACK's revised plan, commit to PFD vote with funding, plan further BOCC discussion/schedule.
  • Vote: None taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • JACK to continue fundraising, return for PFD vote.
  • Form stakeholder group now (Chimacum School, Library, Transit, neighborhoods).
  • One commissioner to join work group.
  • Commissioners to review survey data with opponent.

Shelter Operations Issues at 209A Monroe Street

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:08:32–00:12:02; responses 00:35:26–00:36:34 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, personnel

Summary

Public commenter Maggie Mitchell reported men's bathroom breakdown, bullying/hostility at shelter (targeting disabled, female, LGBTQ), and ejection of head-injured consumer whose belongings were discarded with police threat. Commissioners committed to follow-up with operator Bayside (poorly rated subcontractor per commenter), emphasizing dialogue and prior positive responses.

Key Discussion Points

  • Maggie Mitchell: Subcontractor untrained, repeat offender; consumer with severe head injury criminalized, at risk outside; analogy to untrained lifeguards.
  • Commissioner Eisenhower: First ask operator's perspective; foster solutions.
  • Commissioner Randels: Send email details; meeting operators tomorrow.

Public Comments

  • Maggie Mitchell: Bullying, ejection of vulnerable consumer; need training.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Commissioners to contact operator for response.
  • Vote: None taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • Follow-up with Bayside/operator.
  • Email details to commissioners.

West End Road Updates and Repairs

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:18:27–00:21:01; 00:21:12–00:21:37; responses 00:36:34–00:37:31; 00:46:05–00:46:49; 00:50:21–00:51:45 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, operations

Summary

Public comments sought updates on South Shore Lake Quinault and Upper Hoh Road washouts post-storm; temporary bridge installed at South Shore, work starting on Upper Hoh. Commissioners noted Upper Hoh contract on consent (starts today, ~1 month), no South Shore progress (hot potato WSDOT/FHWA despite bomb cyclone extension), requested PW update next week.

Key Discussion Points

  • Ed Bowen: Temporary bridge at South Shore canal (open to Graves Creek/Enchantment Valley); sign needed at washout; emergency declaration status?
  • Jean Ball: Update on South Shore/Upper Hoh.
  • Commissioner Eisenhower: Appreciates updates; continue South Shore focus.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: Temporary bridge news; PW update next week; Upper Hoh under bomb cyclone, contracts signed.
  • Chair Randels: Upper Hoh work starts today (~1 month); South Shore no progress (WSDOT/FHWA issue); Ho Tribal outreach Oct 22.

Public Comments

  • Ed Bowen: Progress on roads; suggest joint meeting Lake Quinault.
  • Jean Ball: Updates requested.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Consent agenda includes Upper Hoh Road repair contract (MP 9.8, $650k state grant from Commerce/GOV Strategic Reserve, match $27k private; total $650k).

Financials

Upper Hoh: $650k total ($623k state grant, $27k match).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Consent approval covers Upper Hoh contract.
  • Vote: Consent unanimous.
  • Next Steps:
  • PW update next week.
  • Share West End outreach schedule (Ho Tribal Oct 22, others June+).

Newt Crossing Co-Housing Project and PRRD Rule Amendment

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:28:32–00:31:43; responses 00:37:39–00:38:07; 00:46:49–00:47:26; 00:53:21–00:53:33 (PART 1)
  • Categories: land use, planning, housing

Summary

Denise Shepard (Newt Crossing) seeks county flexibility/amendment to PRRD rules on non-conforming lots for 8-home affordable multi-generational co-housing (first in county, light on land, shared infrastructure, ages 9-95). Commissioners interested, requested email details for follow-up.

Key Discussion Points

  • Denise Shepard: Delays raise costs; amendment for non-conforming lots; ecologically beneficial, anti-sprawl.
  • Commissioner Eisenhower: Following project; study PRRD, follow-up.
  • Chair Randels: Email [email protected] with PRRD issue/revision.
  • Commissioner Brotherton: Exciting; light on land/community-focused; email details (in district).

Public Comments

  • Denise Shepard/Newt Crossing: Propose PRRD amendment; affordable, innovative.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Propose PRRD amendment on non-conforming lots.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action; commissioners to review details.
  • Vote: None taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • Shepard to email project/PRRD details.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:53:33–00:58:53 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, budgeting, infrastructure, personnel, operations

Summary

Consent agenda approved unanimously without items pulled; includes substantive items like Upper Hoh Road state grant ($650k), surplus property/hearing notice (vehicles/equipment >$2.5k), fairgrounds addendum (WSDA grant-funded stables), housing task force appointments (9 members), pathology ILA amendment (extend to 5/31/25), bridge/ped-bike supplements, IDDAB stipend bylaws, SSODA/Juvenile GPS contracts, jury fees. Brief comments noted gratitude for fairgrounds staff/grant use, housing task force, Upper Hoh/SR19 bike, surplus vehicles.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; staff praised for fairgrounds grant amendment (horse stalls by 5/31 Fair).
  • Excited for Upper Hoh repair, SR19 Rhody Dr ped-bike (Chimacum Creek).
  • Housing task force appointments; hope for actionable 5-year plan.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Packet details multiple contracts/grants: Upper Hoh ($650k state), surplus/hearing (39 vehicles/equip), fairgrounds addendum (WSDA K5055), housing task force (9 categorical), pathology amendment ($1.5k autopsy etc.), Little Quilcene bridge supp ($5.9k), SR19 ped-bike supp ($141k CCPP), IDDAB stipend ($50/meeting), SSODA ($16.4k), GPS VCheck ($1.95/day), jury fees ($6.8k).

Financials

Varied: Upper Hoh $650k state; pathology per-service ($1.5k autopsy); SSODA $16.4k max; etc. No totals discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve and adopt the consent agenda as presented."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all in favor).
  • Next Steps: Staff to notice surplus hearing (4/28); implement contracts.

Public Safety Telecommunicators Week Proclamation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:58:53–01:07:54 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety

Summary

Proclamation adopted recognizing April 13-19, 2025, as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, honoring Jeffcom 911 staff (10/12 staffed after shortages, 29-day 12-hr shifts previously) for 24/7 distress calls, lifelines, warnings (AMBER, tsunamis). Guests (Matt, Chief Black) noted mental health strides, first/last responders.

Key Discussion Points

  • Matt (Jeffcom): Staffing from 5 to 10; trauma, overtime; invite tours.
  • Chief Black (EJFR/Jeffcom): Dispatchers first/last in 911 sequence.
  • Commissioners praised, plan visits.

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

  • Decision: "Adopt this proclamation as read."
  • Vote: Unanimous (all in favor).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee (MRC) Annual Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:08:04–01:44:29 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, operations, services

Summary

MRC presented 2024 report: 19 members, $277k value ($194k NWSC grants, 2,246 volunteer hrs $78k, $5k in-kind); projects include kelp/forage fish/storm surge monitoring, eelgrass no-anchor buoys (95% compliance), Olympia oyster restoration (111k oysters), rain gardens (19 sites), education (1,823 contacts, workshops, Wooden Boat stage 1k attendees). 2025 plans: continue/expand, hire PT staff, derelict vessel subcommittee; stable funding ~$199k/yr.

Key Discussion Points

  • Betsy Carlson/Katie Kowal/Bryan DeCaterina: Structure (19 members, DEI youth), funding/volunteers, projects (kelp stable, oysters recruiting, buoys effective), education (seaweed/crabbing), future (rain gardens adoption, science alley).
  • Commissioners praised, noted derelict vessel patrols synergy.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

2024 MRC Annual Report (detailed projects, budget).

Financials

  • 2024: $277k total ($194k grants 70%, volunteers 28%, in-kind 2%).
  • Since 1999: $2.31M invested.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational presentation; no action.
  • Vote: None taken.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

County Administrator Position Recruitment

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:44:37–01:46:45 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel

Summary

Post-executive session, BOCC reported discussing 19 applicants from 5 states; authorized prosecutor/HR to interview up to 5 finalists.

Key Discussion Points

No detailed points; reporting out only.

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

  • Decision: Authorize interviews; no action taken.
  • Vote: None taken.
  • Next Steps: HR/prosecutor to conduct interviews; future action per process.

Executive Sessions on Litigation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:46:45–01:18:04 (PART 1/2, multiple extensions to 3:30pm)
  • Categories: other

Summary

Multiple executive sessions on actual/potential litigation with administrator, prosecutors, DCD Director; extended due to internet issues; no action taken.

Key Discussion Points

No discussion reported (executive).

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

  • Decision: No action taken.
  • Vote: None taken.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Background Materials

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