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05/12/25 09 AM: Commissioners Hear Public on Homeless Aid, Fees; Approve Proclamations, MS365

Commissioners Hear Public on Homeless Aid, Fees; Approve Proclamations, MS365

Jefferson County Commissioners addressed diverse public comments on homeless services, solid waste fees, roads, encampments, and projects. Approved consent agenda with edits (Grace Harbor letter, Prothman contract), proclamations for Police, Transportation, Hospital Weeks. Fireworks workshop debated bans, displays, education amid enforcement challenges. Presented CRAB road compliance certificate. Approved Microsoft Office 365 licenses ($141k/yr) with appropriation.

Public Comments

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:30.000–00:42:22.000
  • Categories: services, operations, planning, budgeting, personnel, public safety, contracts, other

Summary

Public comments addressed essential needs and homeless services under RCW 43.185C, land use and hearing examiner procedures, road repairs including Ho Road restoration, consent agenda items such as solid waste fees and police proclamation, DSHS encampment growth, transit access to housing, shelter meal shortages, Grace Harbor letter map edits and funding, Pleasant Harbor resort project delays and layoffs, and solid waste financial mismanagement. Commissioners responded by acknowledging comments, clarifying solid waste fees (tonnage increase, not minimum; minimum weight from 240 to 220 lbs), committing to review processes, planning shelter meals and funding gap solutions ($80,000 short for emergency shelter to June end), verifying Grace Harbor letter edits (bridge status, closure date July 7th, CC congressional reps), and defending solid waste management while agreeing to deeper budget review.

Key Discussion Points

  • Maggie: Cited RCW 43.185C on essential needs/housing support, Port Townsend Yacht Club as urban rest stop, Bayside subcontractor unqualified; Commissioners noted timely references, urban rest stop exploration.
  • Marilyn Showalter: Requested review of DCD/Hearing Examiner roles post-2019 ordinance, procedural errors (e.g., unreleased $1,300 refund order); Commissioners agreed to review systems, post online.
  • Jean Ball: Praised Ho Road restoration efforts by Heidi, concerns for businesses/tourism; Commissioners thanked for feedback.
  • John Hamilton: Clarified solid waste minimum weight to 220 lbs/$21 minimum load increase, supported police proclamation, noted underfunded sheriff (50th nationally); Commissioners clarified tonnage fee increase.
  • Julia Cochran: DSHS encampment tripled due to Clallam evictions, bus access to Bayside/Casual Brown lacking, shelter meals short (June 9-22 empty, baysidehousing.org/volunteer); Commissioners unaware of encampment size, noted transit study, committed to shelter meals/funding plan.
  • Ed Bowen: Grace Harbor letter map glitches (crossover bridge open, park closure July 7th), CC congressional reps, Upper Ho $460k finalizes—what of remaining funds?, Quinault joint meeting; Commissioners to confirm edits/pull letter, collect full costs first, plan Quinault trip.
  • Shelley Arnell Brennan: Pleasant Harbor resort layoffs (20+ families, mostly Jefferson), alleged disinformation by commissioner/admin/DCD; Commissioners sorry for job loss, distinguished public/private facilities, staff digging in.
  • Tom Tirsch: Solid waste fees for capital reserves amid mismanagement (2022 promises unmet, fund broke, $10M transfer station); Commissioners noted SWAC retroactive review, challenge of enterprise funds, staff analysis/solutions as good management.
  • Commissioners emphasized shelter volunteer sign-up (baysidehousing.org/volunteer), funding gap.

Public Comments

  • Listed above under Key Discussion Points.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced during comments.

Financials

  • Solid waste: Minimum weight 240→220 lbs, minimum load $21 increase (clarified as tonnage fee).
  • Shelter: $80,000 short to June end.
  • Upper Ho: $460k project, remaining funds TBD after full costs.
  • No other financials discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Grace Harbor letter: Edits to map (bridge open), closure date (July 7th?), CC congressional reps.
  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public comment closed; responses noted.
  • No Vote.
  • Next Steps: Review Marilyn's letter/hearing processes; confirm Grace Harbor letter edits/pull if needed (Grace Harbor considers tomorrow); shelter meals sign-up, funding plan; solid waste budget review/SWAC; urban rest stop RCW tool; Quinault trip/touch base.

Consent Agenda

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:41:56.000–00:47:16.000
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, planning, operations, personnel

Summary

Consent agenda approved subject to edits for Item 3 (Grace Harbor letter: CC congressional reps, map/closure date revisions) and correction of Prothman contract amount ($144,499). Items included solid waste fee schedule amendment ($15 capital surcharge, min weight 240→220 lbs), police proclamation, appointments/reappointments (Board of Equalization, Civil Service, Sheriff's Citizens Advisory), Profman executive search amendment (retroactive noted), periodic update grants update, JCTBD Fund 182 establishment. Public comments flagged solid waste fees/mismanagement, police support; commissioners clarified fees, noted retroactive approval concerns.

Key Discussion Points

  • Pulls/Edits: Item 3 letter pulled for map (crossover bridge open, park closure July?), CC congressional; Item ? Prothman $144,499 (correct, agenda error), retroactive questioned.
  • Periodic update grants: Follow-up with Josh on process/transition.
  • Appointments: Gratitude for reappointments (Pete Rob decades experience, Joni humanity); Civil Service vs. Citizens Advisory distinguished (RCW-defined vs. sheriff-community link).
  • Limited discussion; items addressed primarily through supporting materials.

Public Comments

  • John Hamilton: Solid waste min weight 240→20? (220), $1 min load increase to $21.
  • Tom Tirsch: Solid waste fees for capital reserves amid mismanagement.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Solid Waste Fee Schedule Amendment: $15 capital surcharge to pre-tax ton rate, min weight 240→220 lbs; replenishes capital reserves short $1.8M vs. benchmark, $3.1M vs. needs.
  • Upper Hoh Road Change Order #1: +$46,284.97 to $460,716.97 (quantities); funded by $623k Gov. Ferguson, $27k donations.
  • Grace Harbor/Quinault Letters: Map edits, funding remaining post-$460k.
  • Prothman Amendment #3: +$15k to $144,499 for searches (incl. Community Dev Director).
  • JCTBD Fund 182: $700k budget for sales/use tax, vehicle fees.
  • Staff noted Civil Service RCW-defined.

Financials

  • Solid waste: $15/ton capital surcharge (Aug 1); min charge ~$19-21.
  • Prothman: $144,499 total.
  • Upper Hoh: $460k+.
  • JCTBD Fund 182: $700k rev/exp.
  • No financial information discussed beyond clarifications.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Grace Harbor letter edits as above.
  • No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve and adopt the consent agenda with some edits to number three The Letter with Grace Harbor... inclusion of additional CC... revision to the dates and the map."
  • Vote: Motion by ?, seconded; unanimous (all in favor).
  • Next Steps: Finalize Grace Harbor letter (timeline, Grace Harbor considers tomorrow); periodic update follow-up with Josh.

National Police Week Proclamation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:47:16.000–00:52:31.000
  • Categories: public safety, personnel

Summary

Proclamation for National Police Week (May 11-17, 2025) and Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15, 2025) approved, honoring law enforcement sacrifices/duties; courthouse flag at half-staff May 15. Sheriff Andy Perensteiner addressed honor/responsibility, sacrifices, calling to thank officers/build trust.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; proclamation read verbatim.
  • Sheriff: "Honor and solemn responsibility... run towards danger... thank an officer... proud of the work you do."

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: "Approve the proclamation."
  • Vote: Motion, seconded; unanimous.
  • No next steps specified.

Fireworks Code Enforcement Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:52:57.000–01:45:09.000
  • Categories: public safety, ordinances, operations, planning

Summary

Workshop on fireworks enforcement amid dry season forecast discussed challenges (last ban 2 years ago: 50-250 calls, hard to distinguish legal/illegal, high fines disincentive, staffing shortages), state windows (Jun28-Jul5/Dec31-Jan1), education needs. Options: total ban (easier enforce but impossible to stop all), safe/sane only (12ft limit, still fire risk), safe zones/public displays (permits, insurance feasible, state pyrotechnic license not cost-prohibitive), drone alternatives; current policy unenforceable/half-measures ineffective. Public comments favored ban/public displays, education/escalated fines; plan education campaign (trailers, press), articulate public display pathway; decide high fire danger 10-14 days advance.

Key Discussion Points

  • Sheriff Andy: Total ban easier (no legal/illegal distinction), but 250 calls/prioritize DV/shootings; hard distinguish aerial/weight; surge staffing hard (vacations, Friday 4th, 2-4 deputies).
  • Fire Marshal Phil/Brian: Safe/sane (ground spinners <12ft, no aerial/boom); public displays (licensed pyrotechnic, insurance); education trailers/signage advance; fires/injuries yearly (none 2023 ban); TNT stocks safe/sane if designated.
  • Commissioners: Ban post-Jul6 2026 (250th exempt), lower tickets ($150/$1k), incentivize displays; safe zones liability/enforce issues; culture change 5yr plan (education/engineering first).
  • Public: Maggie (carnival alternatives/powwow); Jean (staged education, ban now/250 exempt, public displays w/insurance/cleanup); Shelley (ban like seatbelts/smoking, enforce graduated fines).

Public Comments

  • Maggie: Carnival/neon/powwow/fire-eaters vs. fireworks fires.
  • Jean Ball: Staged education, safe/sane insufficient, public displays w/insurance/cleanup; ban now/250 exempt.
  • Shelley Arnell Brennan: Ban like seatbelts/smoking; illegal bombs/garage builds, veteran PTSD; graduated fines.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced; MRSC safe zones searched (none found).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Total ban (easier enforce).
  • Safe/sane only (<12ft).
  • Safe zones (liability/enforce issues).
  • Public displays (permits/insurance feasible).
  • Drones/other celebrations.
  • Graduated fines ($100→$1k).
  • No alternatives rejected explicitly.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action; workshop informational.
  • No Vote.
  • Next Steps: Template education campaign (trailers bridge/Glen, press); articulate public display pathway (1pg PDF like Snohomish); high fire decision 10-14 days advance (Jun1 moderate auto); include fire chiefs; check Clallam ban, providers/displays; polls/community input; review data (fires/injuries).

CRAB Good Practice Certificate Presentation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:45:22.000–01:58:35.000
  • Categories: infrastructure, operations, budgeting

Summary

Public Works presented CRAB 2024 Good Practice Certificate, confirming compliance with 13 standards (maintenance mgmt, 6yr programs, pavement/bridge inspection, accidents, fish barriers, road log, etc.), ensuring gas tax eligibility (~$1.5M/yr + RAP/CAP grants). Noted small crew, retirements/training, formula-based allocation (pop/road miles/width/surface), flat gas tax amid efficiency/remote work. Ho Road praised (first behind Gov, full lot).

Key Discussion Points

  • Monte Reinders: Standards financial/forms/6yr programs/pavement mgmt/accidents/bridges (30+ inspected biennially)/fish barriers/road log updates; gas tax 25-30% revenue, formula favors (1% state despite 6 stations); challenges deferred maint/repairs.
  • Commissioners: Public Works team praised despite aggression; training for public interactions; partnership w/transit (roundabouts aid buses/routes).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

CRAB Certificate: Compliance RCW 36.78.090/WAC 136-04; all WA counties compliant.

Financials

  • Gas tax: ~$1.5M/yr + RAP/CAP grants (e.g., Paradise Bay paving).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public recognition; present certificate to Monty.
  • No Vote.
  • No next steps specified.

National Transportation Week Proclamation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:58:35.000–02:02:47.000
  • Categories: infrastructure, services, operations

Summary

Proclamation May 11-17 National Transportation Week/May 16 Defense Transportation Day approved, honoring operators. Jefferson Transit (Miranda) thanked for recognition, team effort (operators/dispatch/mechanics); noted COA draft public feedback (jeffersontransit.com), roundabouts aid buses/routing (e.g., Gateway Visitor Center), microtransit pilot Cape George, increased frequency/Brennan service.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; praised road/transit partnership, bus drivers treatment.

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: Approved as read.
  • Vote: Motion, seconded; unanimous.
  • No next steps specified.

National Hospital Week Proclamation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:11:46.000–02:13:50.000
  • Categories: services, personnel

Summary

Proclamation May 11-17 National Hospital Week approved, thanking Jefferson Healthcare staff/providers for care/services/COVID response. Noted critical access status, creative revenue, hospice/birthing praised.

Key Discussion Points

Limited discussion; personal experiences shared.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

Limited public dollars despite responsibility.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved as read.
  • Vote: Motion, seconded; unanimous.
  • No next steps specified.

Microsoft Office 365 Licensing Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:56:58.000–03:26:44.000
  • Categories: operations, budgeting, contracts

Summary

Central Services presented hybrid MS infrastructure issues (unsupported volume licenses end 2025, Zoom/Netmotion redundancies ~$62k/yr), recommending G3 licenses (380 @ $141k/yr) using $80k grant (+$62k appropriation Yr1). Benefits: Teams/OneDrive/Defender, 1.5hr/FTE/wk savings (~26.8k hrs/yr), state/county norm. Public comment (Tom Tirsch): Teams webinars poor vs. Zoom (retain for public mtgs?). Approved w/commit to appropriation; retain Zoom for hybrid mtgs/Laserfiche.

Key Discussion Points

  • Shawn Frederick: Hybrid challenges/support end; G3 (Teams/Outlook/OneDrive/Exchange); eliminate $62k redundancies; 100% WA agencies G5; timeline 2025 impl, 2026 Netmotion off, 2027 G5?; tight grant deadline Jun13.
  • Laserfiche: License maxed (web crawlers?); desktop icon bypasses public licenses.
  • Tom: Teams poor public controls vs. Zoom webinar; Avatarol integration?

Public Comments

  • Tom Tirsch: Teams webinars lack panelist/attendee controls vs. Zoom; may retain Zoom.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced; Snohomish/King/Spokane 365 users.

Financials

  • Annual: $141,975.60 (380 G3 licenses).
  • Yr1: $80k grant + $61,975.60 appropriation.
  • Savings: ~$62k/yr (MS/Zoom/Netmotion); 26.8k hrs.

Alternatives & Amendments

Retain Zoom for public mtgs/courts.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve the acquisition of Microsoft Office 365 and the board commits to approving an appropriation $61,975.60 when... brought."
  • Vote: Motion by Mark, seconded; unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Supplemental appropriation soon; evaluate Zoom/courts; Laserfiche upgrade (v10.4 end support 12-18mo).

Background Materials

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