MEETING: Commissioners Meeting at Tue, May 27, 09:00 AM

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Jefferson County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Summary (May 27, 2025)

Metadata

  • Time Range: [00:21:31–00:34:01] (Part 2)
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda
  • Categories: infrastructure, contracts, budgeting, personnel

Topic Summary

The Board adopted the Consent Agenda, approving an employment agreement for the new County Administrator, confirming multiple public spending warrants, and approving administrative actions regarding WSDOT grant funding and Board appointments. Discussion centered primarily on clarification regarding funding for a WSDOT public works project.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour asked for clarification regarding the financial tracking for the WSDOT supplement for the SR19 / Rhody Drive Pedestrian-Bicycle project (Part 2, 00:22:14).
  • Public Works Director Monty Reinders clarified that the total estimated project cost is $593,195, consisting of $571,042 in federal funds and $22,153 in local funds (Part 2, 00:23:47). He specified that the $5,000 for WSDOT State Services is a required fee for processing the grant invoice and is a common, built-in cost for federal projects (Part 2, 00:25:37).
  • The employment agreement for new County Administrator Josh Peters, effective June 1, 2025, was highlighted, setting a monthly salary of $13,737.96 and a three-year term (Part 2, 00:33:28).
  • The reappointment of Amanda Grace to the Board of Health (as Chair) and the end of service for Kim Rafferty on the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board (IDDAB) after 15 years were noted (Part 2, 00:32:19).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Employment Agreement for County Administrator: Approved an initial three-year term for Josh Peters, effective June 1, 2025.
  • Water Reclamation Plant Change Order No. 8: Authorized a $27,465.54 increase to the $10,477,011.02 contract with Interwest Construction for the Port Hadlock UGA Water Reclamation Plant, funded 100% by the Department of Commerce. This covers plumbing/electrical modifications and additional seed sludge.
  • WSDOT Supplement for SR 19 Ped-Bike Improvements: Approved Supplement No. 1 authorizing an additional $461,135 in TAP federal funds for the construction phase (total $\$$593,195 project cost).
  • Public Spending Approval (Warrants): Approved payment warrants totaling \$690,991.42.
  • Board of Health Reappointment: Confirmed Amanda Grace's three-year reappointment to the BOH.
  • Advisory Board Resignation (IDDAB): Acknowledged Kim Rafferty's conclusion of service.
  • District Court Jury Fees: Approved payment of \$1,243.10 for May 2025 jury fees (covering a single District Court trial).
  • Financial System Migration (Munis/EPL): Committed to approving an upcoming \$36,331.56 appropriation for server licenses needed for the migration, funded by a transfer from the General Fund and a Health Department payment.
  • 2025-2 Budget Appropriations Public Hearing Notice: Approved the hearing notice for June 9, 2025, concerning appropriations including \$85,500 for the Emergency Shelter and \$93,857 to Information Services for cloud upgrades and licensing.

Financials

  • WSDOT SR 19 Project: \$571,042 in federal funds, \$22,153 in local funds, for a total of \$593,195. A \$5,000 portion of the local funds covers WSDOT State Services fees (Part 2, 00:24:48).
  • Water Reclamation Plant: \$27,465.54 increase via Change Order No. 8. Current contract total: \$10,504,476.56.
  • Jury Fees: \$1,243.10 approved.
  • Warrants: Total approved warrants reported at \$690,991.42 across listed pay dates.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour accepted a friendly amendment to the motion regarding the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group letter (discussed separately).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion carried to approve and adopt the consent agenda as presented.
  • Vote: Unanimous. (Ayes recorded, no Nays or Abstentions noted).
  • Next Steps:
  • - Public Works Staff: Proceed with advertising for bids for the SR 19 Ped-Bike Improvement Project (Part 2, 00:27:00).
  • - BOCC / Staff: Prepare for the 2025-2 Budget Appropriations Public Hearing on June 9, 2025.

Emergency Shelter Funding and Management

Metadata

  • Time Range: [00:02:38–01:24:13] (Part 1)
  • Agenda Item: Discussion and potential action regarding emergency shelter management.
  • Categories: budgeting, housing, services, infrastructure, crisis response

Topic Summary

The Board discussed the urgent financial crisis facing the Jefferson County Emergency Shelter (JCES) and other local housing providers. The immediate need is an $85,500 budget appropriation from the General Fund to cover the operational shortfall for the JCES, managed by Bayside, through June 30, 2025. Discussion confirmed the willingness of the American Legion and Bayside to extend the contract through the end of 2025 at an anticipated cost of $175,500, but long-term operational funding for 2026 remains precarious, even with OlyCAP's new congregate shelter construction aiming for a January 2026 opening.

Key Discussion Points

  • Judy Shepherd, Finance Manager, presented the urgency: the $100,000 allocated by the Housing Fund Board (HFB) for JCES 2025 operations has been exhausted, creating an immediate need for $85,500 to cover the county's contract through June 30, 2025, which will be paid from the General Fund (Part 1, 00:08:02).
  • The total 2024 annual cost for JCES was approximately $185,000 (Part 1, 00:08:31).
  • The anticipated cost to operate the JCES for the latter half of 2025 (July 1 - Dec 31) is $175,500 (Part 1, 00:14:23).
  • Current Shelter Status: The JCES is currently hosting approximately 30-plus guests, an increase possibly due to clients exceeding the two-year maximum residency limit at Serenity House in Clallam County (Part 1, 00:06:23, 00:54:07).
  • Future Facilities: OlyCAP confirmed plans for a new congregate shelter at Castle Brown (CB) to begin construction in October, aiming for a January 2026 opening, dependent on schedules (Part 1, 00:16:30).
  • Other Emergency Requests: Three emergency shelter requests were presented in addition to the JCES operations funding:
    • OlyCAP: $23,500 for plan set/engineering for the CB congregate shelter (capital cost, potentially a bridge loan reimbursable by a state grant).
    • OlyCAP: $30,000 for electrical outfitting of eight single-occupancy tiny shelters/sheds for deployment if the JCES closes (Part 1, 00:21:22).
    • Dove House: $40,000 to maintain the current level of service at their domestic violence shelter (Part 1, 00:24:05).
  • Total Emergency Ask: Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour tallied the total mid-cycle request to the Housing Fund Board for the remainder of 2025 (JCES future operations + OlyCAP capital + Dove House operations) at $354,500 (Part 1, 00:32:31).
  • 2026 Funding Outlook: Commissioner Greg Brotherton noted that addressing the 2025 operations might preclude running a shelter in 2026 due to limited operational surplus in Housing Funds 148/149 (Part 1, 00:17:27). However, OlyCAP stated they intend to fund their new shelter operations in 2026 using Consolidated Homeless Grant (CHG) funds, reducing pressure on the HFB (Part 1, 01:09:06, 01:11:37).
  • Shelter Closure Impact: Bayside representative Gary noted that closing the shelter on June 30th would displace 30-plus high-needs (seniors, individuals with mental health issues) guests (Part 1, 00:39:20). He opposed the use of tiny shelters for this demographic due to access issues (Part 1, 00:40:40).
  • Alternatives Discussion: The option of closing the JCES for the summer and reopening in the fall was discussed, but the challenge of retaining and rehiring staff for Bayside was cited as a major drawback (Part 1, 00:23:05). Commissioners contemplated bridging JCES funding through Q1 2026 to avoid a mid-winter closure (Part 1, 01:08:10).

Public Comments

  • Julia (Online, likely OlyCAP/Affiliation Unstated): Thanked the Commissioners and requested room be made for OlyCAP to participate fully. Noted the shelter is desperately seeking people to feed guests, as June is likely the last month of operations (Part 2, 00:02:20).
  • Maggie (In-Person/Shelter Guest): Referenced Continuum of Care (COC) requirements for night-by-night shelters (safe housing, hygiene, case management). Cited severe safety and structural/maintenance violations at the 209A Monroe Street shelter, specifically a non-functional shower, non-functional sink, fear of non-working toilets, and a potentially leaking propane tank. Alleged unequal treatment and civil rights violations regarding women/LGBTQ+ individuals, disability rights discrimination, and men threatening to kill people without consequence (Part 1, 00:57:02).
  • Derek Forenzi (Online): Disputed the assertion that tiny shelters cannot be used for families, citing firsthand accounts from families who considered them a "godsend." Expressed concern that OlyCAP’s original emergency shelter plan appears scrapped for congregate housing. Stressed the need for a low-barrier shelter option for individuals with serious mental health issues (Part 1, 00:59:44).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Current Financial Status Report (Judy Shepherd): Showed that the $100,000 allocated by the HFB for 2025 operations has been spent, validating the need for the immediate $85,500 appropriation (Part 1, 00:08:20).
  • OlyCAP Contract Budget Change Request (Fund 148): OlyCAP intends to request a budget change for their $660,000 award (Fund 148—Affordable Housing), which currently covers a sanitation facility, 20 tiny shelters, and potential first-year operations (Part 1, 00:33:06). Peggy from OlyCAP clarified increases in construction cost (20% for the sanitation facility) and noted using private fundraising for the tiny shelters, dedicating leftover funds to complete a PUD building (kitchen prep/bathroom) (Part 1, 00:34:38).

Financials

  • Immediate Appropriation: $85,500 (required to fund JCES contract through June 30, 2025, to be sourced from the General Fund via emergency warrant) (Part 1, 01:02:13, 01:20:11).
  • JCES 6-Month Projection (Jul-Dec 2025): $175,500.
  • DCD/OlyCAP Capital Request: $23,500 for plan sets/engineering for new congregate shelter (expected reimbursement via Commerce Grant) (Part 1, 00:23:27).
  • OlyCAP Tiny Shelter Electrical: $30,000 (capital request) (Part 1, 00:24:05).
  • Dove House Operational Ask: $40,000 (to mitigate a reduction in state DSHS funding) (Part 1, 00:42:38).
  • Total Housing Fund Ask (Mid-Cycle 2025): $354,500 (including JCES 6-month operation, Dove House, and OlyCAP capital/tiny shelters).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Alternative Financial Strategy: Commissioner Greg Brotherton suggested formally dropping the county’s request for $85,500 reimbursement from the Housing Fund Board, effectively asking the General Fund to "eat" the cost as a statement of commitment (Part 1, 01:14:51). This motion was not taken, but was deemed necessary by the commissioner if it came to that (Part 1, 01:16:10).
  • Extended Funding Horizon Idea: Commissioners considered projecting the JCES funding through the first quarter of 2026 (an additional $70,000–$85,000) to avoid a mid-winter closure (Part 1, 01:08:10, 01:10:36).
  • Fundraising/Matching Grants: Commissioners discussed applying for large national grants and using the county contribution as a matching fund to secure future donations (Part 1, 01:10:14).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion carried to approve an emergency warrant of $23,500 to OlyCAP to commence plan review for the Caswell Brown Phase 3 congregate shelter.
  • Vote: Aye (Unanimous).
  • Next Steps:
  • - BOCC / Housing Fund Board: Continue deliberation on the remaining $331,000 in emergency funding requests at the Housing Fund Board meeting scheduled for tomorrow, May 28 (Part 1, 01:19:04, 01:23:09).
  • - OlyCAP: Immediately initiate the plan review process for the Caswell Brown Phase 3 congregate shelter with $23,500 emergency funding (Part 1, 01:22:13).

Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group Property Acquisition

Metadata

  • Time Range: [00:35:03–00:42:19] (Part 2)
  • Agenda Item: Action on Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group request (post-Executive Session).
  • Categories: land use, infrastructure, environment

Topic Summary

The Board took action regarding a request from the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG) to proceed with the acquisition of the Wilson-Newton property for a South Setback Levy, a component of the Big Quilcene Lower Mile Bridge and Floodplain Project. The action formalized support conditional on HCSEG providing previously requested documentation.

Key Discussion Points

  • The Board reviewed a detailed letter from Mendy Harlow, HCSEG Executive Director, responding to previous conditions set by the BOCC regarding acquiring other properties in the 100-year floodplain (Part 2, 00:36:30).
  • The Big Quilcene River Bridge Replacement Project aims to improve flood conditions and the natural flow of the river (Part 2, 00:38:28).
  • The HCSEG detailed that four residential properties within the 100-year floodplain were not acquired, but the landowners were extensively communicated with (Part 2, 00:40:00).
  • The acquisition of the Wilson-Mudson property (331 Rodgers Street, APN 991-200101) is supported to advance the South Setback Levy (Part 2, 00:37:44).

Public Comments

No public comment was made on this item during this session (Part 2, 00:41:15).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • A detailed letter from the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group's Executive Director, Mendy Harlow, addressing the Board's request from May 19, 2025.

Financials

No new or specific financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Motion Amendment: Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour requested a friendly amendment to the motion to formally require HCSEG to add a date to the letter (Part 2, 00:36:10). The amendment was accepted.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion carried to formally acknowledge that the letter received from the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group satisfies the condition set by the Board's May 19, 2025, email, with the request that a date be added to the letter for reference.
  • Vote: Unanimous. (Ayes recorded, no Nays or Abstentions noted).
  • Next Steps:
  • - Staff (Carolyn / Prosecutor's Office): Reach out to HCSEG to request a date be added to the letter (Part 2, 01:10:46).

Pleasant Harbor Master Plan Resort (MPR) Statement of Values

Metadata

  • Time Range: [00:42:26–01:10:03] (Part 2)
  • Agenda Item: Adoption of a Statement of Values regarding Pleasant Harbor Master Plan Resort (MPR).
  • Categories: land use, economic development, planning, public safety

Topic Summary

The Board adopted a statement of values affirming their "unequivocal and enthusiastic" support for the Statesman Group’s Pleasant Harbor Master Plan Resort (MPR). The resolution was intended to address public "misinformation" by clarifying the county’s position and detailing the administrative status of two stalled permit applications: the Commercial Preliminary Plat and a Building Permit for a 41,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose building. The statement placed responsibility for the construction delays squarely on the applicant (Statesman).

Key Discussion Points

  • The statement was adopted to explicitly articulate the Board’s support, counter years of "misinformation," and clarify the distinction between the Board's policy role (advocating for the project) and DCD’s administrative role (neutral permittance review) (Part 2, 00:52:09, 00:49:14).
  • Reasons for MPR Support (Values Statement): The project is supported because Jefferson County is a distressed rural community, and the resort promises family wage jobs, increased tax revenue (sales and property), enhanced tourism, and increased housing supply in South County (Part 2, 00:53:10–00:54:01).
  • Preliminary Plat Status: The preliminary plat application has been stalled since earlier this year because Statesman informed DCD they were preparing revised materials, necessitating the postponement of the May 16, 2025, Hearing Examiner public hearing (Part 2, 00:56:26). The revisions included seven major changes, such as moving the wastewater treatment plant, roads over 40 feet, the hotel/spa 45 feet, and eliminating lots (Part 2, 00:57:04).
  • Building Permit Status: The application for the 41,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose facility has stalled because Statesman has not provided missing information, specifically regarding the proposed foundation strength and a narrative on planned uses needed to determine the appropriate building code occupancy and fire code requirements (e.g., sprinkler system) (Part 2, 00:58:31).
  • Conclusion: The statement asserts that "the ball is in the applicant's court" for approval of both permits (Part 2, 00:55:08).

Public Comments

  • Shelly Yarnell Brennan (In-Person/Statesman Employee): Argued that the core issue is that DCD is not clear about what information they need from Statesman and proposed bringing in a neutral party to mediate clarity. Stated that thousands of dollars of information cannot be produced "just in moments" and urged the end of the "head-butting" (Part 2, 01:00:29).
  • Deborah Peterson (Online): Expressed appreciation for the statement, noting it provided helpful information regarding the "very complicated situation" that the public had "very little idea of" (Part 2, 01:02:01).
  • Jean Ball (Online): Appreciated the formal expression of support but argued the latter pages illustrate a lack of communication that is "inexcusable." Reiterated a request for weekly updates, asserting that this big project "should not be allowed to fail" (Part 2, 01:03:02).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The Board's official "Statement of Values of the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners regarding the Pleasant Harbor Master Plan Resort" (read aloud during the discussion).

Financials

  • The statement cites that construction will increase sales tax revenue across several county funds, especially the General Fund, and the completed resort is expected to increase property tax revenue and hotel/motel tax revenue (Part 2, 00:53:29–00:53:48).
  • Public comment noted the expectation of more information requires expenditure of "thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars" by the developer for studies (Part 2, 01:01:34).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives or amendments were proposed for the content of the statement of values itself.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion carried to adopt the statement of values of the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners regarding the Pleasant Harbor Master Plan Resort, and to publicize it on social media and send a signed copy directly to George Terry at DCD, and the press.
  • Vote: Unanimous. (Ayes recorded, no Nays or Abstentions noted).
  • Next Steps:
  • - Staff: Send the approved statement to George Terry and the media, and post it online (Part 2, 00:42:59, 01:09:09).
  • - Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour: Promised to reach out to the leadership of OPTIC/signage group to get a better understanding of their plans and expectations for county ownership and liability for the Welcome Sign project (Part 2, 02:08:22).

Hood Canal Coordinating Council (HCCC) Letter and Big Quilcene River Restoration

Metadata

  • Time Range: [00:35:03–00:42:19] (Part 2)
  • Agenda Item: Action on Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group request (post-Executive Session).
  • Categories: land use, environment, infrastructure

Topic Summary

Following an abbreviated Executive Session, the Board formally accepted documentation from the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG) regarding their efforts to acquire properties for the Big Quilcene River Bridge Replacement Project's floodplain mitigation component, specifically approving the acquisition of the Wilson-Newton property.

Key Discussion Points

  • The action validates HCSEG’s efforts to meet the prior Board condition, requiring documentation that four residential properties in the 100-year floodplain could not be acquired through "commercially reasonable efforts" (Part 2, 00:37:44).
  • The acquisition of the Wilson-Newton property is necessary for the construction of a proposed South Setback Levy, which aims to improve flood conditions (Part 2, 00:39:17).
  • Commissioner Greg Brotherton expressed high support for the project, noting extensive community outreach and the successful leadership of the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe and HCSEG (Part 2, 00:41:34).

Public Comments

No public comment was offered on this action.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Letter from Mendy Harlow, Executive Director, Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG).

Financials

  • No financial details were discussed beyond confirmation of the acquisition process.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • A friendly amendment was accepted by the maker of the motion to request that HCSEG add a date to their letter for record-keeping purposes (Part 2, 00:36:10).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion carried to confirm that the letter received from HCSEG satisfies the condition set by the Board's previous email.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Part 2, 00:42:14).
  • Next Steps:
  • - Staff: Communicate with HCSEG to have the date added to the letter.