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06/09/25 09 AM: Public Comments, Consent Agenda, Budget Hearing, LTAC Appointments

Public Comments, Consent Agenda, Budget Hearing, LTAC Appointments

Jefferson County Board meeting featured public comments on MPR, shelter, fireworks, roads, LTAC; approved consent agenda (PUD franchise, road project, short plat, contracts); passed 2025 Budget Appropriations 02 ($274K); interviewed and appointed LTAC members with Heather as chair.

Public Comment Period

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:03:35–00:35:00 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other

Summary

The Board opened the public comment period, hearing from six in-person and online speakers on topics including the Master Planned Resort (MPR), emergency shelter funding, fireworks safety, South Shore/North Shore Roads, Trust Land Transfer meetings, and Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) priorities and funding restrictions. Commissioners responded to each comment, affirming support for proper MPR infrastructure processes per a recent letter to Statesman Group, committing to shelter extension discussions, noting fire marshal's June 18 target for fireworks decisions, addressing road maintenance outreach, clarifying Trust Land Transfer as a DNR debrief, and defending LTAC priorities as aligned with RCW 67.28.1815 while urging review of construction vs. acquisition distinctions.

Key Discussion Points

  • John Hamilton (Fort Townsend) supported MPR if infrastructure (wastewater, roads, occupancy) is developer-funded and properly permitted via DCD.
  • David Baliff introduced himself as new Jefferson County Economic Development Council (EDC/Team Jefferson) Executive Director, emphasizing inclusivity and small business support.
  • Ed Bowen sought updates on joint letter to Grace Harbor, National Park/North Shore Road plans, and public access to Trust Land Transfer meetings.
  • Julia (Housing Fund Board member) urged action on shelter extension to December 31 amid June 30 expiration concerns.
  • Shelly Yarnell Brennan requested early fireworks ban notice due to dry conditions and supported MPR while criticizing county delays.
  • Tom Tirche criticized LTAC priorities (e.g., pool via PFD) as exceeding RCW allowances for acquisition/operation, not construction.

Public Comments

  • John Hamilton/Fort Townsend: Supported MPR with proper developer-funded infrastructure and DCD oversight.
  • David Baliff/EDC Executive Director: Introduced self, committed to inclusivity, small businesses, and partnerships.
  • Ed Bowen/West End: Queried Grace Harbor letter response, park plans, and Trust Land Transfer public access.
  • Julia: Pressed for shelter funding confirmation to December 31st.
  • Shelly Yarnell Brennan: Advocated fireworks ban and faster MPR approvals.
  • Tom Tirche: Opposed LTAC pool funding as non-compliant with RCW construction limits.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public comment closed; commissioners responded without formal action.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps: Shelter action affirmed for later discussion; fireworks decision targeted June 18 by fire marshal; MPR letter follow-up pending Statesman documentation; LTAC interviews scheduled for afternoon.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:43:02–00:53:51 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, infrastructure, permits, land use, budgeting, services

Summary

The Board approved the consent agenda without items pulled for discussion, including Mason County PUD No. 1 telecommunications franchise hearing notice (July 7), Paradise Bay Road overlay project creation/funding ($1.435M RAP grant), final short plat approval/signing for Casal Short Plat (3 lots on 17.35 acres), online sign language interpreters contract, payroll warrants ($2.7M), and Dosewallips River Habitat Restoration Design Amendment 4 ($19,999). The Casal Short Plat mylar was signed on-camera, marking Assistant Planner Heather's first; supporting materials confirmed compliance with zoning, utilities, and road standards.

Key Discussion Points

  • Short plat highlighted for signing ceremony; first under new preliminary plat process (issued Feb 2025, final now); road/utilities compliant with City of Port Townsend water and private shared access standards.
  • Mason PUD franchise noted for South County broadband; no immediate franchise fee, but option reserved per PAO advice.
  • Paradise Bay overlay timely with new roundabout.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Mason PUD franchise: Nonexclusive 25-year ROW use for fiber optics; public hearing July 7.
  • Paradise Bay overlay: $1.435M total ($1.292M RAP grant, 10% Road Fund match); in 2025-2030 TIP.
  • Casal Short Plat: 3 residential lots; Rural Residential 1:5 compliant; private road to standards; SEPA exempt.
  • Dosewallips Amendment 4: +$19,999 for stakeholder outreach to Dec 2025; SRFB-funded.

Financials

  • Payroll warrants: $2.7M (multiple pay periods).
  • Paradise Bay: $1.435M ($1.292M grant, $143.5K Road Fund).
  • Dosewallips: +$19,999 (SRFB funds).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Motion to approve and adopt the consent agenda" passed unanimously.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3).
  • Next Steps: Mason PUD hearing July 7; Casal plat recorded.

2025 Budget Appropriations 02 Public Hearing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:31:00–01:41:16 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, personnel, contracts, services

Summary

The Board held a public hearing on 2025 Budget Appropriations 02, approving $274K General Fund one-time expenditures offset by $80K Elections Security grant, including MS Office 365 upgrade ($155K total via grant/General Fund/IS balance), HR executive search/consulting ($44.5K), and emergency shelter extension ($85.5K through June 30 pending HFB reimbursement). No public testimony; staff explained IS transfers and grant uses.

Key Discussion Points

  • MS Office 365: $155K for security/collaboration; qualifies via Elections grant; prior workshop held.
  • HR: $44.5K professional services (Prothman search, Braun renewal); $29.5K shifted from Non-Departmental.
  • Shelter: $85.5K General Fund (salary $60K, meals/supplies/utilities/repairs/rent); HFB mid-year request planned.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Budget details: General Fund revenue +$80K grant; expenses $274K (transfers $194K to IS); IS capital $192K (Office 365 $155K, Tyler ERP $36K).

Financials

  • Total revenue: $254K; expenses: $466K.
  • General Fund net: $274K outlay ($80K offset).
  • Shelter: $85.5K (April-June); HFB reimbursement pending.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Motion approving resolution approving 2025 second budget appropriations" passed unanimously.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) Member Appointments

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:53:04–04:48:48 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, other

Summary

The Board interviewed four applicants (Diana Smeland, Amy Neal, Kevin Woolley, Dan Ventura; Tara McCauley absent) for four LTAC seats (two collectors, two utilizers), emphasizing challenges like seasonality/infrastructure, BOCC guidance (e.g., priorities memo, staffing), and prioritization (e.g., heads-in-beds, innovation). Appointed Amy Neal (Pos. 2, 2yr collector), Kevin Woolley (Pos. 3, 2yr utilizer), Dan Ventura (Pos. 4, 3yr collector), Tara McCauley (Pos. 5, 3yr utilizer); Heather Dudley-Nollett appointed as BOCC chair. Public comments supported West End representation and larger board.

Key Discussion Points

  • Applicants identified seasonality, capacity, drive-through traffic, marketing gaps; favored events/infrastructure/innovation funded via LTAC.
  • BOCC guidance/staffing: All supportive if timely/pre-RFP; staffing needs budget/tools for success.
  • Prioritization: Heads-in-beds/events (shoulder season), destination development (signage/pool), balanced legacy/new projects.
  • Commissioners appointed Heather as LTAC chair to avoid RFP conflict.

Public Comments

  • Diana Smeland: Praised selection; suggested TCC as LTAC sub-group (avoid TCC funding conflict).
  • Shelly Yarnell Brennan: Advocated Port Ludlow over West End for heads-in-beds; favored larger board.

Supporting Materials Referenced

LTAC bylaws draft: 5 members (Chair: elected official); 2 collectors=2 utilizers; initial terms 2/3yrs; annual review; BOCC final authority (45-day notice for changes).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

Larger LTAC (e.g., 3:3) via future bylaws review.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Appointed Amy Neal (Pos. 2, 2yr collector), Kevin Woolley (Pos. 3, 2yr utilizer), Dan Ventura (Pos. 4, 3yr collector), Tara McCauley (Pos. 5, 3yr utilizer); Heather Dudley-Nollett as chair.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3).
  • Next Steps: LTAC to review/recommend bylaws; 2025 RFP per BOCC priorities (destination development top).

Background Materials

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