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07/21/25 09 AM: Commissioners Advance Recycling Privatization, Budget Goals, Grants

Commissioners Advance Recycling Privatization, Budget Goals, Grants

Jefferson County Commissioners addressed public comments on planning/recycling/fireworks, reviewed $22M+ grants, approved consent agenda incl. recycling grant, directed curbside recycling privatization, approved PUD fiber franchise/support letter, funded conservation easements, and adopted 2026 balanced budget goals.

Opening Public Comment Period

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:20–00:20:34 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, public safety, operations, budgeting

Summary

The meeting opened with a general public comment period where speakers addressed the comprehensive plan update deadline, co-housing code issues, the Ecology recycling grant on the consent agenda, the Belgian fire response in Brinnon, community support for a county-wide fireworks ban and Transportation Benefit District (TBD) tax, and clarification on the comprehensive plan timeline. Commissioners responded with thanks, clarifications on the plan process (preliminary input closing July 31 but formal hearings later), and praise for community efforts.

Key Discussion Points

  • Denise (Zoom): Urged comprehensive plan comments by July 31; raised co-housing issues (common house terminology, 5/10/20-acre lot restrictions, density bonus); highlighted co-housing benefits (reduced car use, community functions).
  • Tom Tierce (Zoom): Supported Ecology recycling grant for retaining facilities until mid-2027 and avoiding mandatory curbside; noted resumption of glass recycling.
  • Jean Ball (Zoom): Thanked event attendees; praised Brinnon fire response (Halfway House, volunteers, Chief Manley, mutual aid); reported 100% community support for fireworks ban and TBD tax at yard sale poll.
  • Commissioners clarified comprehensive plan is preliminary (formal hearings August onward, completion by year-end); praised speakers' community involvement; noted recycling grant is recurring.

Public Comments

  • No formal public hearing; general opening comments as listed above.

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; no formal action.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: Commissioners to research co-housing code items; public encouraged for comp plan input; recycling grant later on agenda.

Grants Administrator Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:20:46–01:18:21 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, planning, operations

Summary

Grants Administrator Amanda Kristofferson presented 2024 grant revenue highlights ($22M+ total), ongoing administration (e.g., Early Learning Center, Glen Cove evaluation, ReCompete coordination), support for countywide compliance, and alignment with the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. Discussion emphasized leveraging grants for strategic priorities like housing, wildfire defense, and wastewater; challenges with timelines, compliance, and capacity; and future workshops for CDS prioritization. Commissioners praised her work and suggested regular updates, IGC integration, and legislative aide meetings.

Key Discussion Points

  • Amanda Kristofferson: 2024 Federal highlights (ARPA $11.7M Hadlock sewer, FHWA culverts); State (CRAB Center Rd $1.2M, NFP $702K); ongoing (CDBG Early Learning $2M+$1.4M, EDA ReCompete, CWDG wildfire); supports compliance (CIFA/SFA audits, workgroup, manual); goals (Tyler module, strategic alignment).
  • Commissioners: Align with Strategic Plan; workshop CDS priorities; regular legislative aide meetings; multi-benefit analysis (e.g., CWDG for resilience/economy); revenue-generating projects (housing, infrastructure).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced; presentation slides discussed (federal/state highlights, ongoing grants).

Financials

  • 2024 Total Grants: $22.28M (Federal $17.16M, State $5.11M).
  • Examples: ARPA Hadlock $11.7M; CRAB Center Rd $1.24M; CDBG Early Learning $2M+$1.4M.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational workshop; no formal action.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: Fall IGC workshop on grants/strategic plan; regular grant updates; Tyler module implementation.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:18:21–01:21:49 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, contracts, operations, services

Summary

The Board approved the consent agenda without items pulled for discussion, including the Ecology recycling grant (noted in public comment as retaining facilities to mid-2027), litter cleanup, Student Assistance Professional Services, noxious weed control (WCC amendment), mental health counseling for schools, and other routine items. Commissioners highlighted leveraging (e.g., noxious weeds with Conservation Corps) and noted minor errors (e.g., outdated contact on recycling grant).

Key Discussion Points

  • Items: Ecology recycling grant ($245K, covers 5 months); litter cleanup; Student Assistance; noxious weeds (WCC Amendment 1, no-cost rate increase); mental health counseling ($ small amount noted for youth); ports in Chimacum/Quilcene/Brinnon.
  • Commissioners: Recycling grant recurring, contact error; litter cleanup via compliance/public health; Student Assistance well-leveraged; noxious weeds impactful; mental health underfunded for youth; Quilcene SD relationship noted.

Public Comments

No public comment; earlier Tom Tierce praised recycling grant.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Ecology Local Solid Waste Financial Assistance Agreement: $245K for recycling operations (Task 1), total project $473K, match $81K (Fund 401).
  • WCC Amendment 1: No-cost, crew rate to $1,540/day.
  • Developmental Disabilities Agreement: $1.06M DSHS.
  • BCCHP Amendment 4: $17.8K PHSKC.
  • Other (litter, SAP Quilcene $26K, etc.).

Financials

  • Recycling grant: $245K Ecology (covers ~5 months of $473K total).
  • Noxious weeds WCC: $47K (budget neutral).
  • Mental health counseling: Small amount noted.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve and adopt the consent agenda."
  • Vote: Unanimous (motion Heidi, second Greg).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Recycling Program Privatization Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:30:21–02:16:39 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, budgeting, contracts, services

Summary

Public Works presented challenges with the current subsidized drop-off recycling model (high costs, contamination, dumping, grant shortfalls) and recommended privatization to curbside mixed-material carts via Waste Connections (Option B), sunsetting the tipping fee subsidy April 2026, with paid drop-off behind scales. Board directed staff to proceed with Option B after public comment (Tom Tierce opposed as unaffordable, unquantified costs).

Key Discussion Points

  • Al Cairns (Solid Waste Manager): Current issues (costs $600K+/yr, 30% contamination, 41T dumping, misaligned SWMP spending); Option B aligns with 90%+ counties, efficiencies, lower fees long-term (Recycling Reform Act by 2030), retains oversight via LOS ordinance/operating agreement.
  • Commissioners: Costs similar either way; efficiencies/UTC oversight; low-income options; SWAC split; IDD employment retained (county program via Cascade).
  • Tom Tierce (Public Comment): Opposed as lemming-like, $400/yr unaffordable, unquantified status quo costs, ignores reduce/reuse.

Public Comments

  • Tom Tierce: Privatization forces $400/yr curbside; status quo costs unquantified; misuses SWMP reduce/reuse priorities; favors commercial interests.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Ecology grant: $245K covers 5 months recycling ops (Fund 401).
  • SWMP: Prioritizes reduce/reuse over recycling.

Financials

  • Current subsidy: ~$14/ton (~$653K total, $323K/yr post-2026).
  • Curbside: ~$31/mo (62-gal garbage + recycling bins).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Option A (Status Quo): RFP, tipping fee hike ($20/ton est.); cuts possible ($312K savings: education, low-income discount, IDD, etc.).
  • Option B (Recommended): Privatize curbside; sunset subsidy.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Direct solid waste team to move forward with Option 1 [B] pursuant to privatization."
  • Vote: Unanimous (motion ?, second ?).
  • Next Steps: Notify Tessera non-renewal; draft operating agreement/LOS ordinance; August workshop; October LOS public hearing.

Mason County PUD #1 Telecommunications Franchise

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:16:52–02:39:58 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, contracts, permits

Summary

Public Works presented a 25-year non-exclusive franchise for Mason PUD #1 to install/operate fiber optic broadband in SE Jefferson County ROWs; no public testimony. Board approved unanimously after staff overview of terms (relocation, indemnity, insurance, dispute resolution, GIS mapping).

Key Discussion Points

  • Joshua Thornton: Franchises regulate ROW use; telecom category; 25-yr term, renewal option; relocation at PUD expense (County after 5 yrs); $2M insurance; multi-level disputes; GIS system map.
  • No public comments; no discrepancies noted.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Franchise agreement draft: Specific ROWs (Section 31 T25N R2W); 25-yr term; no fee initially.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve resolution granting franchise as presented."
  • Vote: Unanimous (motion ?, second ?).
  • Next Steps: PUD accepts/signs within 60 days; recordation.

Letter of Support: Mason PUD #1 Jorstad Substation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:40:16–02:44:10 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, budgeting

Summary

Board approved letter supporting Mason PUD #1's EDA grant for Jorstad substation upgrade (reliable power south Mt. Walker); no public comment.

Key Discussion Points

  • Improves reliability post-cold snap risks.

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

  • Decision: Approve/send letter.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

2025 Conservation Futures Fund Applications

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:02:42–04:23:57 (PART 1)
  • Categories: land use, budgeting, planning

Summary

Public hearing on three applications (Deerfoot Forest easement $98K+$12K O&M; Upper Yard Creek $26K; Tuamock Forest $76K); public supported (Penny Hubbard owner, Delia Sullivan JLT, Joanne Pontrello CFOC, Peter Bales NWI). Board approved all three unanimously.

Key Discussion Points

  • Tammy Pokorney: Summarized projects (JLT/NWI, Tarboo/Donovan watersheds).
  • Public: Gratitude for program; landowner legacy; leverages other funds.

Public Comments

  • Penny Hubbard (11500 Center Rd): Owner; habitat/education value.
  • Delia Sullivan (JLT): Program gratitude/leverage.
  • Joanne Pontrello (CFOC): Impressed with apps.
  • Peter Bales (NWI, 3407 Eddy St): Rigorous process.
  • Jean Ball (NWI Board): Community support.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Packet summaries for projects.

Financials

  • Deerfoot: $98K acquisition +$12K O&M.
  • Upper Yard: $26K.
  • Tuamock: $76K.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved three resolutions.
  • Vote: Unanimous each.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

2026 Budget Goals and Objectives

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:28:53–05:16:47 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, personnel, operations

Summary

Finance Director Judy Shepard presented 2026 goals (balanced budget, no GF discretionary increases, staffing pause, grants maximization); Board adopted resolution unanimously after public comment (Gene Ball: caution, optimistic TBD).

Key Discussion Points

  • Judy Shepard: Maintain current services; property tax <1%; staffing pause; Hadlock sewer reserve $500K; procedures/timeline.
  • Discussion: Grants alignment with strategic plan; LTAC staffing; software costs.

Public Comments

  • Gene Ball: Err on caution; optimistic TBD/lid lift.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Resolution draft.

Financials

  • Hadlock reserve: $500K ($250K 2025/2026).
  • Road GF diversion: $520K.
  • Property tax: <1%+new construction.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Adopt resolution.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Budget call Aug 1; prelim Sept 2; hearings Dec 1.

Background Materials

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