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07/14/25 09 AM: County Meeting: Drainage Reactivated, Budget Previewed, Aquatic Survey Reviewed

County Meeting: Drainage Reactivated, Budget Previewed, Aquatic Survey Reviewed

Jefferson County Commissioners meeting featured public comments on federal lands, taxes, aquatic facilities, and oyster restoration; consent agenda approval; public hearing reactivating Chimacum Creek Drainage District #1 for flood control; 2026 budget workshop addressing shortfalls with hiring freezes and new sales tax pursuits; CDBG housing services funding approval; aquatic recreation survey results presentation showing 76% interest amid critiques.

Public Comment Period

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:22.000–00:30:24.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other

Summary

Public comment opened at the start of the meeting and remained open until 9:30 AM. Five individuals provided testimony online and in-person: Ed Bowen opposed a federal lands resolution citing tourism dependency and road closures; Tom Tierche supported sales tax increases for law and justice (0.1%) and transportation (0.2%) but criticized the Jefferson Aquatic Coalition survey as biased and misleading; Diane McDade updated on site stakeholder progress for an aquatic facility; Gordon King reported positive Olympia oyster restoration results in Discovery Bay despite green crab presence. Commissioners responded, appreciating input and clarifying positions.

Key Discussion Points

  • Ed Bowen (West End resident): Opposed federal lands resolution as "worse" than prior version; argued tourism fails to replace family-wage jobs and locking lands harms economy (e.g., Grand Canyon, Olympic Peninsula losses).
  • Tom Tierche: Supported 0.1% law/justice tax for public defenders and 0.2% TBD tax; criticized JAC survey as biased (features listed without costs), multiple submissions undetected, and public records altered (Class C felony claim).
  • Diane McDade (JAC Chair): Focused 3 PM presentation on survey; reported site stakeholder group progress (8 partners including county, schools, transit, library, YMCA, Habitat, Peninsula College); received bids from MIG and Schemata/Parametrics for site feasibility studies (JAC to fund).
  • Gordon King (MRC member): Reported strong Olympia oyster recruitment in Discovery Bay from 2023 shell planting; noted green crabs but positive results; MRC advisory with positive outcomes from county support.
  • Commissioners noted resolution edits, survey robustness (3,000-6,000 represented), JAC progress, MRC success.

Public Comments

  • Ed Bowen/West End: Opposed federal lands resolution; tourism inadequate replacement for jobs; locking lands closes roads.
  • Tom Tierche: Supported sales taxes for law/justice and TBD; opposed JAC survey as biased/misleading; alleged survey tampering and record alteration.
  • Diane McDade/Jeffco Aquatic Coalition Chair: Updated site stakeholder meetings (8 groups); JAC funding site studies.
  • Gordon King/Port Townsend, MRC: Positive oyster restoration update; green crabs noted but ahead.

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 at 00:30:24.000; no formal action taken.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:30:34.000–00:40:58.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel, contracts, budgeting, other

Summary

The consent agenda was approved unanimously after brief discussion on select items including a letter of support for Bayside Housing (typo correction noted), employee recognition resolution revisions (county funding picnic/breakfast), infant mental health contract clarification, federal lands resolution (aspirational, ecosystem services suggested), and Headlock Sewer contract affirmation for transparency. No items pulled for separate discussion.

Key Discussion Points

  • Limited discussion; items addressed primarily through supporting materials.
  • Federal Lands Resolution: Aspirational; suggestions for ecosystem services, sustainable management emphasis.
  • Employee Recognition Resolution: County covers picnic/breakfast costs (<$10K/year); aligns with strategic plan.
  • Bayside Housing Letter: Typo "grown" to "grow" corrected.
  • Infant Mental Health: Clarified as reflective supervision training for NFP staff supporting families.
  • Headlock Sewer: Affirmed prior motion for transparency/public comment.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Supporting materials summarized key facts for consent items (e.g., resolutions, contracts, letters); board decision aligned with staff recommendations.

Financials

  • Employee recognition: <$10,000 annually.
  • No other financials discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Motion to approve and adopt the consent agenda..."; seconded.
  • Vote: Unanimous (all in favor).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Reactivation of Chimacum Creek Drainage District #1 Public Hearing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:29:59.000–02:15:50.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, land use, operations

Summary

Public hearing on reactivating inactive Chimacum Creek Drainage District #1 (formed 1919, inactive since 1974) to address flooding from reed canary grass (RCG), beavers; benefit zones proposed via elevation model. JCD offered technical/grant support ($15K/mile RCG removal). Testimony supported reactivation for coordinated maintenance benefiting agriculture/salmon; concerns on costs, admin (elections ~$45K), equity. Board approved motion to reactivate and pursue interim board appointment.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Eisenhower: Background (1919 formation, 1974 inactive); RCG/beaver issues; benefit zones (elevation <5ft/5-15ft/>15ft); JCD support; election Feb 2026.
  • Joe Holtrop (JCD): 7 miles chronic RCG; $15K/mile removal; $35K/year (1/3 annually); long-term riparian buffers reduce to $10-15K; 5-year permit secured.
  • Al Latham (JCD Chair): Supports reactivation for landowner decisions.
  • Mike Nielsen (Port Ludlow DD Chair): Offered advice; noted election/audit/insurance costs ($5-10K); community engagement challenge.
  • Jane Ball (NW Watershed Institute): Native plants out-compete RCG.
  • Crystal Taggart (Chimacum resident): Flooding halved post-2024 cleanup; supports continuation.
  • Martin Mills (Garden Club Rd): Benefits salmon/food security; county-wide issue.
  • Jilly Boggs (West Valley Rd): Historical straightening; supports maintenance.
  • Jim Pearson (former PW staff): Assessment review/hearing by Aug/Sep; no fees til 2027.
  • Jeff Chapman (Assessor): Address common areas (e.g., Chimacum Creek Estates).
  • Gordon King: Hearing purpose is reactivation yes/no.
  • Board: Interim board for admin/budget; postcard for board interest.

Public Comments

  • Al Latham/JCD Chair, 255 Kennedy Rd: Supports reactivation/letter (05-19).
  • Mike Nielsen/Port Ludlow DD Chair: Advice on budget/elections; community complacency.
  • Jane Ball/Coolseine, NW Watershed Institute: Native plants for RCG.
  • Crystal Taggart/1390 Center Rd: Strong yes; personal flooding reduced.
  • Martin Mills/Garden Club Rd: Proponent; salmon/food benefits.
  • Jilly Boggs/1311 West Valley Rd: Supports; historical context.
  • Jim Pearson/Port Townsend: Practical admin timeline.
  • Jeff Chapman/County Assessor: Equity for common areas.
  • Mariah LaCola/590 West Egani Rd: Notification concerns.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Benefit zones map (elevation model by Kevin Hitchcock); JCD analysis (RCG costs, reaches); survey (60% willing to pay, DD support); Port Ludlow DD examples.

Financials

  • RCG removal: $15K/mile; $35K/year (near-term); $10-15K/year (long-term).
  • Assessments: ~$6,779/year ($2/acre tiered).
  • Admin: Elections $45K (1-1.5K voters); insurance/bonding unknown.
  • JCD grants: Up to $80K (2 years).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Alternatives: Individual management (opposed); WID/FCD (less support).
  • No amendments discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Motion to reactivate the Chimacum Drainage District... making it a functional tool."
  • Vote: Seconded; unanimous (all in favor).
  • Next Steps: Appoint interim board; postcard for interest; develop budget/timeline/election (Feb 2026).

2026 Budget Goals and Objectives Preview Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:19:39.000–03:30:30.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting

Summary

Workshop reviewed 5-year General/Road Fund projections showing shortfalls eroding reserves; proposed goals: non-discretionary vs. discretionary split, hiring freeze, capex approval >$10K, reset operating transfers to zero. Discussed HB2015 0.1% law/justice sales tax (councilmanic, ~$500K county share) and TBD 0.2% sales tax ballot (Nov 2025, ~$1-1.2M). Direction: pursue TBD ballot; pause law/justice; prioritize roads/maintenance. Public/staff input noted cuts impacts.

Key Discussion Points

  • Judy Shepard (Finance): GF shortfall erodes 60-day reserve; goals: hiring freeze, capex>$10K approval, transfers to zero (justify via policy).
  • Josh Peters: SRS decline/PILT rise strains roads (25% capability cut); 0.1% law/justice (Q2 2026 revenue); TBD ballot by 08-05.
  • Staff: Public Health (6% GF, mandated services); PW (roads inflation 5%, equip costs double); PAO (public defense triple); facilities underfunded.
  • Commissioners: Prioritize roads/infra; pair TBD w/PILT to roads; pause law/justice (2028 deadline); baseline budgeting timely.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Slides: GF/Road projections; HB2015 uses; TBD revenue (~$500-600K/0.1%).

Financials

  • GF salaries/benefits: $17M (54.8%).
  • Law/justice 0.1%: ~$500K county (Q2 2026).
  • TBD 0.2%: $1-1.2M; ballot ~$20K.
  • Roads: 25% cut since SRS shift; equip e.g., brush cutter $300K (was $150K).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Baseline budgeting vs. incremental; PILT to roads w/TBD.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Direct staff for TBD ballot materials (08-04); pause law/justice; approve budget goals next week.
  • Vote: Motion for TBD pursuit; unanimous.
  • Next Steps: 07-21 budget goals approval; 08-04 TBD resolution; community input via outreach.

CDBG Public Services Funding Hearing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:32:16.000–04:06:09.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, services

Summary

Hearing reviewed 2024-25 CDBG expenditure ($102.5K to OlyCAP housing ops at Caswell-Brown Village/CBV); proposed 2025-26 $103K ($100K services) for housing case management. OlyCAP reported serving 91 at CBV (staffing, upgrades: mail/internet/sanitation/kitchen); no public comment. Board approved use/execution.

Key Discussion Points

  • Amanda Christofferson: $106K (2024-25); $103K (2025-26); housing services.
  • OlyCAP (Holly/Viola): 91 served; CBV upgrades (resident staffing, council, kitchen by Jul end); demographics (42% white, etc.).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

OlyCAP slides: expenditures, CBV improvements, demographics.

Financials

  • 2024-25: $102.5K expended (salaries $91K).
  • 2025-26: $103K ($3K admin, $100K services).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approve 2025-26 housing use; authorize admin execution.
  • Vote: Unanimous (two motions).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Aquatic Recreation Survey Results Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:31:54.000–05:28:10.000 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, services

Summary

JAC presented final survey (2,634 valid responses, ~19% county pop): 76% interest in facility; 52% used pools past 2yrs (31% Mountain View); top amenities: hot tub/sauna/lap/therapy pool, fitness/wellness; tax support 58% weighted; latent demand (15% non-users to frequent). QAQC removed >5/IP duplicates; age/geo weighting. Comments: 40% support, 35% oppose (tax/cost). Public: methodological critiques. No action.

Key Discussion Points

  • 76% important; shift: 400 never-to-frequent users.
  • Top: hot tubs (44%), saunas (42%); non-aq: fitness (30%).
  • Tax: 58% support (Gardiner highest).
  • Comments: multi-gen, location; oppose tax/priorities.
  • Critiques: bias/duplicates (addressed via QAQC/weighting).

Public Comments

  • Tom Tierche: Survey tampered (268 duplicates); no cost info; dishonest.
  • Jane Ball: Data not online; sales tax regressive; philanthropy first.

Supporting Materials Referenced

JAC report/slides; census; prior surveys (2014/Mountain View).

Financials

0.2% sales tax partial funding discussed (no figures).

Alternatives & Amendments

Philanthropy/private funding.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational workshop; no action.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Background Materials

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