MEETING: Untitled Meeting at Tue, Jun 24, 06:06 PM

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Jefferson County Board of Commissioners Community Conversation Summary

This summary synthesizes the presentations and discussions held at the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) Community Conversation event in Port Ludlow. The meeting primarily consisted of an overview presentation by the County Administrator, followed by brief "spotlight" presentations from various elected officials and department directors. No formal motions or votes were taken.

Welcome and Introduction of County Team

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:00–00:03:15
  • Agenda Item: Welcome and Introductions
  • Categories: operations, personnel

Topic Summary

Chair Heidi Eisenhower opened the Community Conversation, introducing herself and the significant number of county team members present for the event. The purpose of the gathering was stated to be an opportunity for community members to ask questions directly to county staff and elected officials. A roll call was conducted to introduce the attending staff, including Commissioners, elected officials, and department directors.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Heidi Eisenhower is the 2025 Chair, serving in her fifth year, representing the community for 45 years.
  • The other Commissioners are Heather Dudley Millenn (1st District, Fort Townsend area) and Greg Brothersen (District 3, including Port Ludlow and vast outlying areas).
  • County staff introduced included:
    • James Fanelli (Prosecuting Attorney)
    • Stacy Pero (Treasurer)
    • Brenda Huntingford (Auditor)
    • Apple Martin (Public Health Director)
    • Sean Frederick (Central Services Director)
    • Ahmed (WSU Extension Director)
    • Undersheriff (unnamed, expected to be "delivered to the community as undersheriff" soon)
    • Angie (4H Coordinator/Director)
    • Mindy Walker (District Court Judge)
    • Brett Black (East Jefferson Fire Chief)
    • Jeff Chapman (Assessor) and Sherry (Deputy Assessor)
    • Josh Peters (County Administrator)
    • Adel (Deputy Clerk of the Board)

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

No action taken; item was introductory and informational. Presentation followed by the County Administrator.

Overview of County Government and Priorities

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:03:15–00:23:20
  • Agenda Item: Presentation by County Administrator
  • Categories: operations, budgeting, planning, infrastructure

Topic Summary

Newly appointed County Administrator Josh Peters provided a high-level overview of county functions, organizational structure, budget breakdown, and major challenges. Key points included defining the county's scope of work, noting recent staff recognition, detailing the reliance on grant funding, and outlining major priorities such as housing, the Port Hadlock sewer project, and the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update.

Key Discussion Points

  • The county organization is structured with three elected County Commissioners, eight independently elected officials (many present), and the County Administrator overseeing eight departments and 367 staff members.
  • Public Works is the largest department due to road crew and solid waste duties (00:06:21).
  • Recent staff awards include County Engineer of the Year for Monte Rider and a project management award for Eric Kuzama, both from Public Works (00:07:07–00:07:15).
  • Treasurer Stacy Pero was recognized statewide on the Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP) advisory committee (00:07:47).
  • Major Challenges/Opportunities Identified: Financial uncertainty at the federal level, new technology (AI), inflation, recession, high cost of housing, climate resilience, and recruiting/retaining staff (00:09:30–00:10:13).
  • Housing Projects: The county is chipping away at the massive need, noting a 135-unit Habitat for Humanity project near the Jefferson County Library in Port Hadlock, enabled by the nearing completion of the sewer system (00:10:43–00:11:01).
  • Port Hadlock Sewer Project: This $36 million first phase is under construction and remains on schedule to finish this year. Funding expansion requires chasing money or forming a Local Improvement District (LID) (00:11:45–00:12:28).
  • Upper Hoh Road Repair: Quick repair was necessitated by a wash-out before summer season, funded by a state Strategic Emergency Reserve fund secured by the Commissioners, rather than the expected federal lands access program funds (00:13:25–00:14:13).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic during the presentation portion.

Supporting Materials Referenced

The presentation slides visually outlined budget data and organizational structure (00:05:33).

Financials

  • The overall county budget showed that Property Tax is 11% of revenue, while Grants represent 37% (00:08:37).
  • The Port Hadlock Sewer Project Phase 1 cost is $36 million (00:11:45).
  • Grant funding is high for the 2025 projected budget due to the Port Hadlock sewer project (00:09:08).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

The presentation served as a foundation for further departmental spotlights and Q&A. - Next Steps: Encourage public participation through Planning Commission vacancies, Monday BOCC meetings (9 a.m. public comment), and advisory committees (Marine Resources, Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Public Infrastructure Board).

Department of Community Development (DCD) Priorities

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:15:01–00:17:06
  • Agenda Item: DCD Update
  • Categories: planning, land use, ordinances

Topic Summary

County Administrator Josh Peters (serving his last week as DCD Director) outlined the department’s current priorities, centered on the 2025 periodic update to the Comprehensive Plan, which must be completed by the end of the year. This involves new state mandates for housing and climate resilience elements, plus the contentious periodic review of Critical Areas Ordinances.

Key Discussion Points

  • The 2025 Periodic Update happens every 10 years for a county of Jefferson’s size.
  • New requirements include a Housing Element for planning the next 20 years of projected population accommodation (00:15:24).
  • A Climate Resilience Element is required, focusing on response to frequent storms, flooding, and sea level rise, developed in partnership with the Climate Action Committee (00:15:48).
  • Review of the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) involves evaluating "best available science" to ensure sufficient protection of environmentally sensitive areas (wetlands, streams, geologically hazardous areas). This review is anticipated to generate controversy (00:16:31).
  • All DCD update work must be finished by the end of the year (00:16:54).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

The presentation slides contained information related to the 2025 Comprehensive Plan (00:15:01).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action taken; item was informational. The board expects post-proposal public hearing processes for all Comprehensive Plan documents, starting with Critical Areas.

Wildfire Protection and Forest Management

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:17:06–00:21:18
  • Agenda Item: Wildfire Update
  • Categories: public safety, operations, planning

Topic Summary

The County adopted a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) last year, a collaborative effort involving East Jefferson Fire, DOE, and DNR. The immediate focus is implementation, including seeking a large grant to fund activities, and discussing emergency response and evacuation planning. This effort ties into forest management through thinning and fuels reduction on county properties to mitigate catastrophic fire risk.

Key Discussion Points

  • The CWPP was adopted last year after a collaborative planning effort (00:17:14).
  • Implementation is the next phase, relying partly on a pending grant (00:17:37).
  • Priorities include community safety, emergency response, and safe evacuation (00:17:52).
  • Key actions for homeowners include "defensible space" creation around homes (Chief Black) (00:18:02).
  • The CWPP documents include storyboards of fire events, a project tracker, and maps showing risk levels (00:18:57–00:19:19).
  • The Fire Marshal is participating in state-level discussions regarding the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), potentially leading to new building code requirements for fire-resistant materials (00:19:28).
  • Forest management, specifically thinning and fuels reduction, is a component of wildfire protection, aiming to reduce the risk of catastrophic fire damage (00:20:10).
  • The county utilizes its forestry project, including selective harvest on county properties, as a model for other counties (00:20:20).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

The CWPP is available on the county website via the Quick Links section (00:18:14–00:18:48).

Financials

Grant funding is highly sought to enable CWPP implementation (00:17:37).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action taken; informational update. A Phase 2 reopening of the playground at H.J. Carroll Park in Port Hadlock is scheduled for June 25th (tomorrow) (00:21:05).

Assessor's Office: Property Valuation and Tax Levies

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:24:19–00:27:08
  • Agenda Item: Assessor Spotlight
  • Categories: budgeting, permits

Topic Summary

Assessor Jeff Chapman and Deputy Assessor Sherry provided an overview of the office's core duties, including handling property records, mapping, and title research. Chapman highlighted legislative activity around property taxes, noting efforts to increase senior system exemptions. Comparative data showed that while Port Ludlow's median assessed value is higher than the state median, the median tax is only slightly higher due to tax credits.

Key Discussion Points

  • The Assessor's Office handles all property records, mapping, segregating property, and title research (00:25:18).
  • Legislative efforts surrounding property taxes included efforts to raise taxes (did not pass) and a proposed bill to allow higher income levels for senior system exemptions, which will be proposed again next year (00:25:56–00:26:10).
  • A proposed homestead bill to give all property owners a reduction on assessed value was also discussed (00:26:22).
  • Comparative Data:
    • Median assessed value in Port Ludlow: $625,952
    • Median assessed value in the state: $556,751
    • Median tax in Port Ludlow: $4,620
    • Median tax in East Jefferson (county average): $4,654 (a difference of $34) (00:26:30–00:26:54).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced beyond general legislative activity.

Financials

The office’s work is centered on property valuation and tax levies. Specific figures provided (see discussion points).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action taken; informational update.

East Jefferson Fire and Rescue (EJFR) Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:27:08–00:35:15
  • Agenda Item: EJFR Spotlight (Chief Brett Black)
  • Categories: public safety, operations

Topic Summary

Chief Brett Black clarified that EJFR is a separate entity from county government, representing Fire District 1 (which merged with District 3) in a region spanning from the bridge to Port Townsend. EJFR highlighted a new program offering free home wildfire assessments in partnership with DNR, which has successfully helped some homeowners reinstate canceled insurance policies. EJFR also noted its high revival rate for CPR incidents.

Key Discussion Points

  • EJFR operates as Fire District 1, which now includes the former Fire District 3 (Port Ludlow), spanning from the bridge to Port Townsend (00:31:28–00:31:48).
  • EJFR signed a contract with DNR to conduct free home wildfire assessments for homeowners in Fire District 1 (00:27:49).
  • Success stories include homeowners completing suggested mitigation actions after an inspection to reinstate homeowner’s insurance that was canceled due to wildfire risk (00:28:30–00:28:53).
  • EJFR recently acquired its first brand-new Type 3 wildland fire engine ("brush engine") (00:29:10).
  • The fire risk level in Jefferson County is elevating to I, effective tomorrow (June 25th), which will restrict certain activities for public safety (00:30:02).
  • EJFR is collaborating with the county for the All-County Preparedness Day this Saturday, featuring a real-world disaster scenario exercise (00:30:31).
  • CPR Survival Rate: Jefferson County's CPR survival rate is 20%, double the national average of 10% (00:33:49). This is attributed to a higher rate of citizen CPR and better-trained EMS/Fire professionals who manage care longer before reaching a facility (00:34:18–00:35:01).
  • Other Fire Districts: District 2 (Quilcene, Chief Kern), District 4 (Brinnon, Chief Mannhew), and District 5 (Discovery Bay) (00:32:16–00:32:40).

Public Comments

  • An audience member noted the high quality/informative nature of EJFR's annual report (00:33:03).
  • An attendee inquired about the factors contributing to the high CPR survival rate (00:34:05).
  • An audience member asked for clarification between Commissioner districts and Fire districts (00:31:07).

Supporting Materials Referenced

EJFR is training another Fire District (Cooling) to perform home wildfire assessments using the DNR program (00:27:55).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action taken; informational update. Attending staff and residents were encouraged to attend the All-County Preparedness Day this Saturday.

Prosecuting Attorney's Office Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:35:25–00:37:54
  • Agenda Item: Prosecutor Spotlight (James Fanelli)
  • Categories: public safety, operations

Topic Summary

County Prosecutor James Fanelli provided an update on his office, noting that he is no longer the County Coroner (that role is now held by David Bradley of Bradley Co.). Fanelli highlighted a recent major success in prosecuting a burglary suspect who was sentenced to 141 months in prison and faces further charges in multiple neighboring counties. The office also serves as the county’s civil attorney and handles child support enforcement using grant funding.

Key Discussion Points

  • The Prosecutor's three core areas: crime prosecution, serving as the county's civil attorney (corporate counsel) for all departments, and child support enforcement (00:35:55–00:37:34).
  • A suspect in a rash of burglaries in Port Ludlow was sentenced to 141 months in prison (an exceptional sentence) on four total burglary convictions and faces pending charges in Clallam, Thurston, and Kitsap counties (00:36:17–00:36:43).
  • The office is working with outside counsel on the opioid litigation, which is bringing settlement dollars for opioid abatement in Jefferson County (00:37:11).
  • Child support enforcement services are provided free of charge, funded by state and federal grants (00:37:34).

Public Comments

  • An attendee asked if the Prosecutor must be a medical doctor and an attorney (00:38:02). Prosecutor Fanelli explained that the dual role (Coroner/Prosecutor) was an artifact of state law for counties under 40,000 population, and he had no medical qualifications. He had established a contract with the Kitsap County Medical Examiner’s Office to perform post-mortem examinations (00:38:15–00:38:48).

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

Child support enforcement is grant-funded by the state and federal government (00:37:34).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action taken; informational update.

District Court Judge Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:39:15–00:41:44
  • Agenda Item: District Court Spotlight (Judge Mindy Walker)
  • Categories: services

Topic Summary

District Court Judge Mindy Walker described the court's jurisdiction, which includes infractions, misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, civil cases up to $100,000, and protection orders. She highlighted the value of the Behavioral Health Court in collaboration with other county officials. The court streams almost all hearings on Zoom and handles traffic infractions, including those for the City of Port Townsend via contract.

Key Discussion Points

  • District Court handles infractions, misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, civil cases up to $100,000, small claims, name changes, and protection orders (00:39:49).
  • The Behavioral Health Court assists individuals in the criminal system who also have an undiagnosed mental health concern (00:40:00).
  • The court’s operation is highly collaborative, including participation from the Sheriff’s Office and the Prosecutor (00:40:23).
  • Most court hearings are streamed over Zoom, and the public is encouraged to log in and observe (01:04:03).
  • The District Court contracts with the City of Port Townsend for municipal traffic court cases (00:41:19).

Public Comments

  • An audience member asked if the court handles traffic court (00:41:09).

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action taken; informational update.

Sheriff's Office Operations and Jurisdiction

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:41:53–00:44:59
  • Agenda Item: Sheriff Spotlight (Sheriff Andy Kernsteiner)
  • Categories: public safety, operations, ordinances

Topic Summary

Sheriff Andy Kernsteiner outlined the office's duties: law enforcement, preserving peace, crime investigation, enforcing court orders, and administering the 56-bed Jefferson County Jail in Port Hadlock (currently housing 18-20 people). He highlighted the challenge of covering the vast 150-mile span of the county, necessitating two resident deputies on the West End. Sheriff Kernsteiner also addressed the office's policy on immigration enforcement, clarifying that state law prohibits local law enforcement collaboration with ICE.

Key Discussion Points

  • The Sheriff’s office has approximately 57 officers in the jail, courthouse, or on patrol; roughly 18 patrol officers work the streets (00:42:17–00:42:40).
  • Jurisdiction spans from the Hood Canal Bridge to the Pacific Ocean, requiring two resident deputies to live on the West End due to the distance (about 150 miles between offices) (00:42:46–00:43:07).
  • Involvement with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement): The Sheriff’s office does not work with ICE due to the Keep Washington Working Act, a state law signed in 2019 which prohibits local law enforcement from enforcing federal immigration law. Jefferson County is one of approximately 36 out of 39 counties currently on a list compiled by the federal government for non-compliance (00:43:51–00:44:50).

Public Comments

  • An attendee inquired about the Sheriff’s Office involvement with ICE (00:43:46).

Supporting Materials Referenced

The action is governed by the state’s Keep Washington Working Act (00:43:58).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action taken; informational update.

Treasurer's Office and County Financial Structure

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:45:14–00:54:58
  • Agenda Item: Treasurer Spotlight (Stacy Pero)
  • Categories: budgeting, services, finance

Topic Summary

Treasurer Stacy Pero explained her office's primary functions: collecting property taxes, processing property transfers, and acting as the county’s bank for core operations and all Special Purpose Districts. Pero detailed the county’s $220 million investment portfolio, mostly held in the state’s Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP). She also clarified how sales tax distribution works, especially regarding the destination-based principle (items delivered to P.O. boxes are taxed based on home jurisdiction, while items purchased elsewhere are taxed at the point of sale).

Key Discussion Points

  • The Treasurer collects property taxes, processes property transfers, and serves as the bank for county operations and Special Purpose Districts (including fire, schools, port, transit, etc.) (00:46:06–00:47:27).
  • The county’s investments total $220 million, largely held in the LGIP (00:47:05).
  • Public Resource: The Treasurer maintains an interactive Excel document on the webpage with data on sales tax, allowing users to choose the tax and location (00:48:04–00:48:23).
  • Sales Tax Distribution: Washington uses a destination-based sales tax. If items are ordered and delivered to a home, the tax goes to the jurisdiction of residence (unincorporated county or city) (00:48:47). If items are bought and brought home (e.g., from Silverdale Costco), the point-of-sale jurisdiction keeps the tax (00:49:37).
  • Jefferson County has two sales tax location codes: 1601 (Port Townsend City) and 1600 (Unincorporated Jefferson County) (00:49:03).
  • The county General Fund is supported by about 75% property and sales tax, primarily funding elected positions and a significant portion (65-70%) of the Sheriff’s budget (00:52:23–00:52:49).
  • "Other Revenue" in the Budget Pie Chart (31%): This likely includes Federal PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes), DNR timber revenue, and other sources (00:52:00).
  • Tax Rates: Unincorporated Jefferson County sales tax is 9.2%, while the City of Port Townsend is 9.4% due to the city’s Transportation Benefit District being higher (0.3% vs. the County TBD's 0.1%) (00:54:08–00:54:16).

Public Comments

  • An attendee asked for clarification on the large "Other Revenue" section of the budget pie chart (31%) (00:51:50).
  • An attendee asked for clarification on the difference in sales tax allocation between incorporated and unincorporated areas (00:53:06).

Supporting Materials Referenced

Handouts detailing sales and property tax allocation were available (00:48:04). Treasurer Pero showed a chart outlining property tax RCW specifications and allocation (00:49:59).

Financials

  • Investment portfolio: $220 million (00:47:05).
  • General Fund composition: ~75% property and sales tax (00:52:23).
  • County Sales Tax vs. City Sales Tax: 9.2% vs. 9.4% (00:54:08).
  • Property taxes include a 0.1% increase for county roads starting April 1, 2025 (00:50:33).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action taken; informational update.

Auditor's Office: Elections, Records, and Licensing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:55:08–01:00:41
  • Agenda Item: Auditor Spotlight (Brenda Huntingford)
  • Categories: operations, finance, services

Topic Summary

Auditor Brenda Huntingford, who has worked for the county for 40 years, detailed the broad responsibilities of her office: conducting elections, recording documents (deeds, mortgages), passport services, vehicle licensing, and central finance services (payroll, accounts payable, grant administration). Huntingford noted key upcoming changes to vehicle license renewal notices from the Department of Licensing (DOL) and a recent increase in tab fees due to a new Transportation Benefit District (TBD).

Key Discussion Points

  • The Auditor's Office conducts primary, general, and special district elections (00:56:02).
  • Key election dates: The August 5th Primary Election will only include races for Port Townsend City Council and a small part of Clallam County Fire District 3 that overlaps with Jefferson County; most attendees will not receive a ballot (00:56:42). The November 4th General Election will have numerous choices (00:57:14).
  • The office records official documents (deeds, mortgages) and offers first-time passport application services by appointment (00:57:45–00:58:07).
  • Vehicle Licensing: The DOL is changing the renewal notice system starting with September renewals, possibly replacing the current mailer with postcards, email, or text messages due to budget cuts (00:58:29–00:58:52).
  • New TBD Fee: Beginning June 13th, a new TBD fee adds $20 to vehicle licensing for the county, resulting in a total $10 tab increase from the previous cost (00:59:33–00:59:42).
  • The office is audited annually, with the state auditor visiting in July (01:00:05).
  • Finance responsibilities include payroll and accounts payable, including checks for the local Drainage District (01:00:15).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

The DOL website URL (dol.gov) was provided for registering email addresses (00:58:52).

Financials

A new Transportation Benefit District fee of $20 is applied to vehicle licensing, resulting in a $10 increase in tab fees (00:59:33).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action taken; informational update.

Public Health Update and Services

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:01:00–01:07:44
  • Agenda Item: Public Health Spotlight (Director Apple Martin)
  • Categories: services, public safety

Topic Summary

Public Health Director Apple Martin outlined the wide range of services provided by the department (JCPH) and emphasized its unique role in filling service gaps as a rural jurisdiction. With over 64 staff and 60 programs, the department is heavily grant-dependent (86% grant-seeking). Services span from niche care, like foot care for elderly mobility, to essential environmental public health (septic permits, restaurant inspections, beach/lake toxin monitoring) and disease mitigation efforts (immunizations and case investigation). Martin stressed that effective public health work is often "invisible."

Key Discussion Points

  • JCPH has over 64 staff and offers over 60 programs (01:01:36–01:03:24).
  • The department is unique for a rural jurisdiction in filling service gaps due to a limited presence of other community-based organizations (01:02:50).
  • Services include:
    • Niche community care: Foot care in community centers for the elderly (01:04:12).
    • Environmental Health: Septic permit renewals, management classes, monitoring beaches/lakes for toxins (01:04:57).
    • Disease Mitigation: Immunization clinics (routine care and pop-ups), and disease investigation/contact tracing for notifiable conditions (respiratory, foodborne, zoonotic diseases like bird flu) (01:05:16–01:06:41).
  • Martin stated that when public health is working effectively, it is "invisible" to the public (01:06:55).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Brochures on department services (community/family health to environmental public health) were available (01:07:20).

Financials

The department is heavily reliant on grants, with about 86% of its funding being grant-sought (01:03:39).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action taken; informational update.

WSU Extension Programs

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:07:44–01:14:55
  • Agenda Item: WSU Extension Spotlight (Ahmed)
  • Categories: operations, planning, services

Topic Summary

Ahmed, the WSU Extension Director, explained that the extension office is a joint collaboration between the land-grant university (WSU) and the county, tasked with bringing university resources into the community. The local office, which has a small team of about eight FTEs, runs five core programs, four of which were identified: 4-H, Master Gardeners, Water Resources (including the Marine Resources Committee), and Regional Small Farms. The Noxious Weed Coordinator further detailed their work on controlling weeds and enforcing regulations, noting that they are seeking a slight assessment raise this year.

Key Discussion Points

  • WSU Extension is the third pillar of the land-grant university system (alongside research and teaching), extending university resources into the community (01:08:41).
  • The county pays the staff salaries, making it a joint collaboration (01:09:18).
  • Five core programs: 4-H, Master Gardeners, Water Resources (which includes the Marine Resources Committee—MRC, currently having a District 3 vacancy), Regional Small Farms (joint with Kitsap and Clallam), and a fifth program not explicitly named by the director initially (01:0:33–01:10:44).
  • Noxious Weed Control: Coordinator Sophie leads the program, focusing on surveying, control, education, resource provision, and enforcement (which is rarely used) (01:10:58).
  • Scotch Broom and Poison Hemlock are common noxious weeds (01:12:38). They control Scotch Broom under power line corridors for fire prevention (01:13:29).
  • Scotch Broom-specific control: It is better to pull it out most of the year, but when in bloom, it is better to cut it at the soil level to prevent root survival (01:1:01–01:14:15).

Public Comments

  • An attendee inquired about the most common noxious weeds (01:12:38).
  • An attendee asked if the Noxious Weed program was integrated into the CWPP efforts (01:13:04). Answer: Not deeply integrated, but their work aligns with fire safety (01:13:36).
  • An attendee asked for the best way to handle Scotch Broom (pull or cut) (01:14:01).

Supporting Materials Referenced

No external supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • The Noxious Weed Control program is funded by a property assessment special fund (01:11:49).
  • The Noxious Weed program is looking to slightly raise the personal assessment fee this year (01:12:08).
  • The program recently received an unanticipated Board of Service grant (01:12:15).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action taken; informational update. The MRC currently has a District 3 opening (01:10:28).

4-H Program Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:14:59–01:16:30
  • Agenda Item: WSU Extension Spotlight (4-H) (Angie Skel)
  • Categories: services

Topic Summary

4-H Coordinator Angie Skel, a county native and former 4-H member (referred to as Angie Scalf at 00:04:56 in the CA presentation), highlighted the program's focus beyond animal projects to include training in civic engagement, public speaking, and financial management through the club system. The program also supports non-animal projects like robotics. The annual County Fair is scheduled for August 8th, 9th, and 10th.

Key Discussion Points

  • 4-H is known for animal projects showcased at the County Fair (01:15:21).
  • The program serves as a vehicle to teach civic engagement, public speaking, financial management, and bookkeeping (01:15:43).
  • Projects include robotics and governance (01:16:06).
  • A 12-year senior participant is graduating and attending WSU majoring in veterinary science (01:16:22).
  • The annual Jefferson County Fair is the first full weekend of August (8th, 9th, and 10th) (01:15:21).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

The attendees (as funders) were thanked for supporting the program financially (01:16:22).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action taken; informational update.

Central Services Department Support Roles

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:16:36–01:19:09
  • Agenda Item: Central Services Spotlight (Sean Frederick)
  • Categories: operations, infrastructure, services

Topic Summary

Central Services Director Sean Frederick described his department as the "glue" that supports all other county operations. Their core functions include managing phone and information systems, maintaining the county website and data preservation for public records, and maintaining all county facilities through capital projects and renovations. Frederick noted that Fleet Services responsibilities have recently been transferred to Public Works.

Key Discussion Points

  • Central Services supports all other departments by providing phone services, information systems, website maintenance, and data preservation for public records requests (01:17:16–01:17:38).
  • Facilities are maintained (capital construction/renovations) to ensure functionality for both community centers and internal staff offices (01:17:43–01:18:04).
  • Additional services include GIS (Geographic Information Systems), records management, and custodial services (01:18:13).
  • Fleet Services has been transferred to Public Works (01:18:33).

Public Comments

  • An attendee asked if Central Services handles fleet management (01:18:33).
  • An attendee asked where the director was transplanted from (New Orleans, by way of the Midwest; currently lives in Hansville) (01:18:50–01:19:00).

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action taken; informational update.

Commissioners' Closing Remarks and Public Engagement

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:19:09–01:34:20
  • Agenda Item: Commissioner Comments and Public Outreach
  • Categories: operations, services, planning

Topic Summary

Commissioners Greg Brothersen and Heather Dudley Millenn provided closing remarks. Brothersen highlighted the important work of Public Works (roads, fleet management, and groundskeeping), especially in Port Ludlow. Commissioner Millenn (the newest commissioner) focused on the need for increased public outreach, noting that the Monday BOCC meeting time (during the day) limits attendance. She encouraged residents to engage through the Comprehensive Plan update process and listen to the weekly KPTC radio show. Chair Eisenhower emphasized the utility of the online list of board/committee assignments for directing questions to the correct Commissioner. The low attendance rate was noted as a persistent challenge for public oversight.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Brothersen highlighted Public Works' role in managing roads, dealing with bad weather, taking over fleet services, and handling the Laborious maintenance of the Port Ludlow Village Center median plantings (01:20:01–01:21:04).
  • Commissioner Millenn (District 1) noted her background in housing and homelessness services and her interest in finding better ways to share information with the community outside of the daytime Monday BOCC meetings (01:21:39–01:22:25).
  • Public Outreach Tools: Residents can listen to the KPTC 91.9 FM County Connections weekly radio show every Friday from 12:30–12:55 PM (01:22:44–01:23:00). The Port Townsend City show is on Thursdays at the same time (01:23:13).
  • Millenn also strongly encouraged participation in the Comprehensive Plan update process as it sets policy for the next 10 years (01:24:02).
  • The new Communications Specialist, Liz Anderson, is helping to establish consistency in messaging (01:24:19).
  • Chair Eisenhower: Each Commissioner sits on 27 or more boards/committees (01:27:52). The full list is on the county website, which helps residents know who to contact with specific questions (e.g., Eisenhower covers the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and glass recycling research) (01:28:02–01:28:32).
  • Public Comment Access: Residents can address the BOCC on any topic during public comment at 9:00 AM every Monday (01:29:03).

Public Comments

  • An attendee commented on the poor attendance by residents compared to the number of county staff present, suggesting a failure in getting public engagement (01:30:58–01:31:13).
  • EJFR Chief Black agreed that low public attendance at government meetings is a chronic problem despite efforts (social media, Zoom, changing times) (01:32:10–01:32:36).
  • One resident suggested that low attendance is preferable to high attendance, as high numbers usually indicate public unhappiness with government actions (01:33:04–01:33:17).
  • Commissioner Brothersen offered to arrange for County staff (like the Assessor or Treasurer) to speak at the Port Ludlow Village Council meeting if residents want follow-up on specific topics (01:29:42–01:30:13).

Supporting Materials Referenced

The county BOCC list of boards and committees is on the county website (01:28:02).

Financials

A discussion about solid waste advisory committee activities touched on the cost and process of bringing back glass recycling (01:28:14).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed for specific policy decisions, but potential ways to improve public engagement (changing meeting times, outreach) were suggested (01:32:10).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

No action taken; meeting adjourned (01:34:20). - Next Steps: Commissioners will debrief the attendance issue and continue working on strategies to increase public engagement (01:31:51).