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Mason County PUD No. 1 Telecommunications Franchise

Topic Summary

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners (BoCC) is considering an application from Mason County PUD No. 1 (Grantee) for a nonexclusive franchise to install, maintain, and operate fiber optic/telecommunications facilities within County road rights-of-way in a specific area of southeastern Jefferson County. The approval process requires the BoCC to schedule a public hearing and is governed by state law (RCW 36.55) and local code (JCC 13.56). The franchise is for 25 years and will allow the PUD to provide broadband internet service.

Key Points

  • Purpose: The franchise grants Mason County PUD No. 1 the right to install, construct, maintain, and operate Facilities (cables, lines, routers, poles, etc.) for the sole purpose of providing broadband internet service.
  • Franchise Area: The specific area is defined as County road rights-of-way located within Section 31, Township 25 North, Range 2 West, W.M., near US-101 south of Brinnon, WA (including Forest Dr, Cedar Ct, Maple Ave, and Birch Ct).
  • Duration and Status: The proposed Franchise term is nonexclusive and would last for twenty-five (25) years from the date of BoCC adoption.
  • Financial Responsibility: The Grantee (Mason County PUD 1) is responsible for all costs related to advertising the public hearing notice, as well as the installation, maintenance, and repair of utilities under the Franchise.
  • Compliance: Grantee must comply with all applicable federal, state (RCW 36.55), and County laws (JCC Title 13, Chapter 13.56 Utilities) and must participate in the One Call utilities-locating system (per RCW 19.122).
  • Conflict Resolution: If the BoCC changes the franchise terms after LTAC recommendation, the BoCC must provide 45-days' notice and an opportunity for LTAC comment (RCW 67.28.1817(2)).
  • Relocation Costs: Grantee must generally relocate or modify facilities at its own expense to accommodate Public Improvement Projects, but the County must bear the cost if subsequent relocation is required within five years of the original relocation, unless for an emergency.

Financials

  • Total project cost: None specified for infrastructure installation, but all installation/maintenance costs are the responsibility of the applicant.
  • Initial Fees: Grantee has paid the applicable application fee and must reimburse the County for expenses related to developing, approving, publishing notice for, and recording the final Franchise.
  • Usage Fees: The County reserves the right to fix a fair and reasonable compensation/fee for the use of its property, giving Grantee 60 days’ written notice prior to the effective date.

Alternatives

  • None specified.

Community Input

  • Written testimony is invited starting June 9, 2025, and ending July 7, 2025, at the end of the Public Hearing.
  • In-person and virtual public testimony will be taken during the hearing on July 7, 2025.

Timeline

  • May 30, 2025: Proposed Resolution approved as to form by Civil DPA.
  • June 9, 2025: Agenda date for BoCC to schedule the public hearing.
  • June 11, 2025 & June 18, 2025: Public hearing notice to be published in The Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader.
  • July 7, 2025, 11:00 a.m.: Public Hearing scheduled to occur.
  • Within 60 days of adoption: Grantee must file written acceptance of the Franchise, reimburse County expenses, and provide evidence of required insurance.

Next Steps

The Board is requested to: (1) Approve the hearing notice, and (2) Schedule a public hearing on the Franchise Resolution at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025.

Sources

  • Monte Reinders, P.E. - Public Works Director
  • Josh Thornton - Real Property Specialist
  • Heidi Eisenhour - Chair, Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
  • Philip C. Hunsucker - Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
  • Mason County PUD No. 1 (Grantee)

Paradise Bay Road Overlay Project Creation and Funding

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners is asked to both create a new County project titled "Paradise Bay Road Overlay M.P. 3.74 to M.P. 6.00" and execute the related Rural Arterial Program (RAP) Project Agreement. This project involves a 2R asphalt overlay on the segment of Paradise Bay Road that serves as the primary connection to the Port Ludlow community. The total estimated cost is $1,435,000, substantially funded by a RAP grant.

Key Points

  • Project Scope: The project involves an asphalt overlay (2R standard) of a segment of Paradise Bay Road (County Road No. 503608) from milepost (M.P.) 3.74 to M.P. 6.00.
  • Function: Paradise Bay Road is a Rural Minor Collector road providing the primary non-truck connection to the greater Port Ludlow community.
  • Planning Status: The project is included in the officially adopted 2025-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) as Item No. 22.
  • Funding Structure: The funding is anticipated from a Rural Arterial Program (RAP) grant from the County Road Administration Board (CRAB) at a 90% funding ratio. Matching funds (10%) are required from the Jefferson County Road Fund (Fund #180).
  • RAP Agreement: Execution of the CRAB RAP Project Agreement for Construction Proposal (Project Number: 26-16-1176) will authorize the grant and facilitate reimbursement of design and construction expenditures.
  • Construction Method: Construction is to be accomplished by contract in accordance with RCW 36.77.020 et. seq.

Financials

  • Total estimated project cost: $1,435,000.00
  • Engineering (initial appropriation): $84,000.00
  • Construction (initial appropriation): $1,351,000.00
  • RAP Grant amount: $1,291,500.00 (90% funding ratio)
  • Required Matching Funds (10%): ~$143,500
  • Matching Fund Source: Jefferson County Road Fund (Fund #180)
  • Revenue Account: 18033403.334071 (for RAP grant)
  • Expenditure Account: 18059900.650000

Alternatives

  • None specified.

Community Input

  • None specified.

Timeline

  • 2024: Jefferson County applied for the RAP grant from CRAB.
  • May 1, 2025: Date the project was approved (by CRAB).
  • 2025: Anticipated receipt of RAP funding and project authorization.

Next Steps

The Board is requested to: (1) Sign one original of the Resolution to Create County Project #18021450, and (2) Authorize the Chair to e-sign the RAP project agreement.

Sources

  • Monte Reinders, P.E. - Public Works Director/County Engineer
  • Bruce Patterson - Project Manager
  • John Wayand - Project Manager
  • Washington State County Road Administration Board (CRAB)

Final Short Plat Approval for Casal Short Plat (SUB2024-00015)

Topic Summary

Staff from the Department of Community Development (DCD) requests final approval and signing of the Casal Short Plat (SUB2024-00015), a subdivision creating three residential lots on a 17.35-acre parcel. The application meets all required criteria under JCC Chapter 18.35 and RCW 58.17.170, with compliance demonstrated through preliminary approval and adherence to multiple conditions related to utilities and access.

Key Points

  • Proposal: Creation of a three (3) lot short subdivision for residential use on approximately 17.35 acres.
  • Location: 176 Louisa St, Port Townsend, WA 98368 (Parcel # 001212008).
  • Zoning: The property is zoned Rural Residential 1:5, requiring a minimum density of 5 acres per lot. The proposal is consistent with this Comprehensive Plan density.
  • Utilities: Potable water will be supplied by the City of Port Townsend’s Water Service (ID# 69000). Sewage disposal will be provided by individual on-site septic systems, which must be approved prior to final development. Water line and meters must be installed prior to final plat approval.
  • Access: Access to all three lots will be via a private shared access road connecting off Highway 20 (SR20), which requires an Access Connection permit from WSDOT (completed as of January 3, 2025).
  • Road Construction: The private shared access road must be constructed to Jefferson County Road Standard Type #1 (Rural Access Road, appropriate for up to 4 residences). Required features include a minimum 14 feet unobstructed drivable width, specific gravel layers, and turnouts (20' wide x 50' long). Grades exceeding 12% must be paved; sections exceeding 15% are unacceptable to Public Works.
  • Conditions of Approval (Infrastructure/Legal): Requires a sixty (60) feet wide easement centered on the shared private road, establishment of a recorded maintenance agreement for private roads, and required inspection of road grades, utilities, and stormwater management facilities by DCD and Public Works.
  • Mandatory Action: The requested final approval is mandatory per RCW 57.17.170 and JCC Chapter 18.35, conditional on satisfying all preliminary requirements.
  • Land Use/Environment: The parcel is designated Rural Residential. The project is categorically exempt from SEPA (WAC 197-11-800(5)) and is not located within a flood plain, flood way, wetland, or associated critical area buffers.

Financials

  • Fiscal impact: None identifiable from the final plat approval request itself.
  • Cost Benefit: New tax parcels created will generate property tax revenue for the County.

Alternatives

  • The requested action is mandatory per RCW 57.17.170 and Chapter 18.35 JCC, suggesting no legally viable alternatives if all conditions are met.

Community Input

  • Testimony: No verbal or written testimony was received from adjacent properties or interested parties following public notice.

Timeline

  • 2024-05-09: Application submitted.
  • 2024-05-17: Short plat application (SUB2024-00015) deemed substantially complete.
  • 2024-05-22: Notice of Type II Application published and posted.
  • 2024-12-10: Updated survey received.
  • 2025-01-03: WSDOT completed Access Connection permit for SR20.
  • 2025-02-14: Preliminary Short Plat Approval issued.
  • 2025-02-14: Preliminary approval expiration date is February 14, 2028.
  • Prior to final approval: Applicant must pay all current and delinquent property taxes (Consistent with RCW 84.56.345).

Next Steps

DCD requests that the BoCC grant final short plat approval by signing the final Plat mylar.

Sources

  • Greg Ballard - UDC Administrator
  • Lila Stanfield - Assistant Planner DCD
  • Cary and Nicole Casal - Property Owners/Applicants
  • John Wayand - County Public Works Department (Provided comments dated August 1, 2024, and January 22, 2025)
  • Environmental Public Health Department (Provided comments dated December 2, 2024)
  • Jefferson County Assessor's Office (Provided comments dated December 6, 2024)
  • Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT)

Dosewallips River Habitat Restoration Design Agreement Amendment

Topic Summary

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) requests approval of Amendment 4 to the professional services agreement with Natural Systems Design (NSD) for the Dosewallips River: Rocky Brook and Powerlines Reach Habitat Restoration Design. Amendment 4 adds $19,999 to the contract total to cover costs for NSD to continue stakeholder outreach, landowner coordination, and support project communications through the end of 2025.

Key Points

  • Project Purpose: Develop preliminary designs for high-value restoration actions to support habitat for threatened salmon species (Hood Canal Summer Chum and Mid Hood Canal Chinook) in the Rocky Brook to Jupiter Bridge Reach (RM 3.4-5.8) and the Powerlines Reach (RM 1.0-1.9).
  • Scope of Amendment 4: Provides funding for NSD to support project communications, including engaging landowners, Tribes, and stakeholders via phone/email, site visits, and presentations to the Dosewallips River Collaborative (DRC).
  • Current Status: Amendment 3 previously extended the term of the agreement until December 31, 2025.
  • Contractor: Natural Systems Design (NSD).

Financials

  • Total original maximum contract amount (April 1, 2023): $444,887.00
  • Amendment 1 increase: $27,500.00 (Total $472,387.00)
  • Amendment 4 requested increase: $19,999.00
  • New Total Contract Amount: $492,386.00
  • Funding Source: Existing unspent funds through the RCO Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB).
  • Future Funding: No additional RCO or County General Fund dollars are required.

Alternatives

  • None specified.

Community Input

  • The tasks funded by this amendment specifically involve "engaging landowners, Tribes, and stakeholders" and "presentations at the Dosewallips River Collaborative (DRC)".

Timeline

  • 2023-04-01: Original agreement commencement date.
  • 2023-09-05: Amendment 1 dated.
  • 2024-12-31: Original performance end date (subsequently extended).
  • 2025-12-31: New contract termination date (per Amendment 3).

Next Steps

JCPH Management recommends BoCC signature for Amendment 4.

Sources

  • Pinky Feria Mingo - Environmental Health and Water Quality Director
  • Tami Pokorny - Natural Resources Program Coordinator
  • Leif Embertson - President, Natural Systems Design Inc. (Contractor)
  • RCO Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB)

2025 Budget Appropriation 02 (Supplemental Budget)

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners is holding a public hearing on Proposed Appropriations/Extensions 02 for various County Departments in the 2025 budget. These requests address unanticipated revenues (grants/transfers) and necessary one-time expenditures, including mandated grant spending, executive search costs, IT upgrades, and temporary emergency shelter funding.

Key Points

  • Purpose: To amend the 2025 budget to reflect unanticipated funds and expenditures in compliance with RCW 36.40.100.
  • Elections Security Grant: The Elections Department received a $79,955 grant from the WA Secretary of State for Election Security, which is being appropriated and immediately transferred to Information Services (IS) for the MS Office 365 project.
  • Human Resources (HR): The HR budget needs a one-time increase of $44,500 for Professional Services to cover the Prothman executive search and the Braun Consulting contract renewal for collective bargaining/employment consulting. This is partially offset by moving $29,500 for Prothman from Non-Departmental.
  • Emergency Shelter Funding: The Non-Departmental budget requires a one-time appropriation of $85,500 for Emergency Shelter operations for April through June 30, 2025. The previous $100,000 annual budget, jointly awarded by the BoCC and Housing Fund Board (HFB), had already been expended through March 2025. A mid-year request will be made to the HFB for reimbursement. The required funds ($85,500) cover:
    • Employee Salary & Benefits: $60,000 (3 months)
    • Meals: $5,000 (3 months)
    • Supplies: $2,500 (3 months)
    • Overhead: $1,500 (3 months)
    • County Paid Repairs: $2,000
    • Rent (American Legion): $5,250 ($1,750/mo)
    • Utilities: $3,000
    • Additional Insurance (WCRP): $79,250 (Note: This total is high; the table calculation is $69,000 + $10,250 in other categories but includes a $79,250 line item in one table for "Addl Insurance: WCRP").
  • Information Services (IS) Projects: IS (Fund 506) requires $191,645 in capital outlay for two major upgrades:
    • MS Office 365: Total cost $155,322, funded by the Elections Grant ($79,955), General Fund transfer ($62,021), and IS fund balance ($13,346).
    • Tyler ERP (Munis) & EPL Cloud Upgrade: Total cost $36,331.56, funded by General Fund transfer ($31,836) and the Health Department (paying $4,495 for the EPL portion).

Financials

  • General Fund (Fund 001) Summary:
    • Revenue increase: $79,955 (from WA Secretary of State Grant)
    • Total Expense increase: $274,312 (includes $93,857 transfer to IS)
  • Other Funds Summary:
    • Revenue increase: $173,812 (transfers from Elections and General Fund)
    • Total Expense increase: $191,645 (for IS Capital Outlay)
  • Overall Appropriations Total:
    • Total Revenue appropriated: $253,767
    • Total Expense appropriated: $465,957

Alternatives

  • None specified.

Community Input

  • The hearing is scheduled to allow public testimony regarding the proposed budget changes (RCW 36.40.140). The agenda states a hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.

Timeline

  • 2025-05-27: BoCC declared need for listed expenses.
  • 2025-05-28 and 2025-06-04: Hearing Notice published in the Port Townsend Leader.
  • 2025-06-09, 10:30 a.m.: Public Hearing scheduled.

Next Steps

The Board is requested to hear public testimony and consider approval of a resolution to adopt the 2025 Budget Appropriations 02.

Sources

  • Judy Shepherd - Finance Director
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Sarah Sullivan - Human Resources Department
  • WA Secretary of State (Grant funding source)

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) Appointments and By-Laws

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) is reviewing the proposed LTAC By-Laws for approval and will conduct interviews for the open LTAC seats. The process aims to appoint LTAC members and finalize the operational guidelines for the LTAC, which makes recommendations to the BoCC on the use of lodging tax revenue based on state law (RCW 67.28) and BoCC priorities.

Key Points

  • Vacancies: All seats on the LTAC were opened for new applicants and existing members; five valid applications were received for four available seats.
  • BoCC Priorities (2025 RFP Cycle): The BoCC provided a ranked list of priorities to the LTAC for 2025 RFP funding:
    1. Destination development: Supporting public facilities (e.g., a pool, public campground improvements, developing the Gateway VIC).
    2. Marketing and operations of special events and festivals designed to attract tourists.
    3. Destination marketing (lowest priority).
    4. The BoCC also encourages the use of digital media over printed material where practical.
  • LTAC Composition (RCW Requirements): Must have at least five members, including an elected municipal official serving as Chair. Must include at least two members representing tax-collecting businesses and at least two members involved in funded activities. These two groups must be equal in number.
  • Term Limits (Proposed By-Laws): LTAC members (Positions 2-5) shall serve three-year terms following initial transitional terms (Positions 2 and 3 serving two-year terms initially; Positions 4 and 5 serving three-year terms initially). Members may serve consecutive terms but shall not exceed two consecutive terms.
  • Voting/Quorum: A simple majority constitutes a quorum. Proxy votes are not permitted. The Chair (BoCC member) shall abstain from voting on recommendations to the BoCC, except to break a tie vote.
  • Removal: A member may be recommended for removal by the Chair and a majority of members if they accrue three consecutive, unexcused absences from regular or special meetings. The BoCC must approve removal by majority vote.
  • BoCC Authority: The LTAC is an advisory body only. The BoCC may change recommended funding amounts but must provide 45 days' notice and opportunity for comment to the LTAC (per RCW 67.28.1817(2)).

Financials

  • None specified.

Alternatives

  • The BoCC previously discussed holding a workshop on June 2, 2025, to review applicants and the process; this discussion is continuing on June 9, 2025, to include interviews.
  • Proposed LTAC By-Laws section 5, footnote 3, notes that the duration of terms (currently proposed as three years) and the allowance for consecutive terms were discussed during the June 2, 2025, workshop, and the LTAC may recommend changes to the BoCC.

Community Input

  • On June 2, 2025, four public comments were received during the LTAC Workshop.

Timeline

  • 2024-10-14: BoCC Memo outlining priorities for 2025 LTAC RFP issued.
  • 2025-06-02: Initial LTAC workshop held; Commissioners agreed to hold interviews on June 9, 2025.
  • 2025-06-09, 3:30 p.m.: Scheduled time for LTAC applicant interviews, discussion, and potential action.

Next Steps

The Board is requested to continue discussion, interview the five LTAC applicants, and make appointments. Final adoption of the LTAC By-Laws is also pending.

Sources

  • Greg Brotherton - District 3 Commissioner
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator
  • Heidi Eisenhour, Greg Brotherton, Heather Dudley-Nollette - Jefferson County Board of Commissioners (signatories on October 14, 2024, memo)
  • Washington State Attorney General's Office (informal opinion cited in By-Laws draft)
  • RCW 67.28 (Public Stadium, Convention, Arts, and Tourism Facilities)

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