Skip to content

07/28/25 09 AM: Board Tackles Housing, Fire, Hiring, Infrastructure Projects

Board Tackles Housing, Fire, Hiring, Infrastructure Projects

Jefferson County Board meeting featured public comment on co-housing for affordable resilient communities, fire danger update maintaining 'high' rating, DCD Director hiring restart with community input August 5th, consent agenda approval with mods, workshops deferring resolutions on Dosewallips restoration and Quimper land transfers, and unanimous approval of Big Quilcene River Bridge MOA for replacement, floodplain restoration, and flood control.

Public Comment on Co-Housing and Affordable Housing

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:15–00:04:54 (PART 1)
  • Categories: planning, services

Summary

Denise provided public comment urging the Board to review a five-to-six-page document with six salient points on co-housing for the comprehensive plan, emphasizing resilient, inclusive, people-centered communities and specific code changes for affordable community housing. The Board Chair thanked her for the detailed input on the complex affordable housing issue and noted interest in multiple solutions, including community living spaces. The Board committed to reading the document and responding, while inviting Denise to stay for the DCD Director hiring update.

Key Discussion Points

  • Denise emailed the document to JeffcoBocc email and highlighted pages 4-5 with photos and code specifics for co-housing applicable to all Jefferson County residents. [Denise]
  • Board Chair praised the effort required for such input and expressed curiosity about eco-villages and nurturing community spaces. [Board Chair]

Public Comments

  • Denise: Urged review of document on co-housing for comprehensive plan, focusing on code changes for affordable, resilient communities.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Board committed to reading the document and providing further response.
  • No Vote: Public comment period.
  • Next Steps: Board to review document; DCD Director update noted as relevant.

Fire Danger Rating Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:05:32–00:22:40 (PART 1)
  • Categories: public safety, operations

Summary

Fire Marshal Phil provided an update on dry conditions (last rain May 21st, 0.10 inches cumulative June-July, 600 KBDI), explaining no increase to "very high" fire danger rating after fire chiefs' meeting, as it would only ban residential charcoal briquettes with no impact on roadside fuels. He discussed risks of roadside mowing (spark ignition), budget constraints delaying mowing, and plans for social media outreach. The Board appreciated the update, inquired about metrics for ratings, and noted the Fire Prevention Summit rescheduled to September 24th or 25th.

Key Discussion Points

  • Conditions dry (65 days no rain, high temperatures, burn window most of day); no "very high" rating needed, as difference bans residential charcoal only. [Phil Fire Marshal]
  • Roadside mowing paused due to spark risks, equipment damage, budget; regular mowing best for fire management under safe conditions. [Phil Fire Marshal]
  • Metrics somewhat subjective, informed by KBDI, fuel moisture, red flag warnings; previously at "very high" during heat dome. [Phil Fire Marshal]
  • Fire Prevention Summit rescheduled to September 24th evening at Station 6; agenda finalizing after Chiefs meeting on August 4th. [Phil Fire Marshal]

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Alternatives for mowing: herbicides (leaves dead vegetation), mitigation like following mowers with tenders (deemed impractical). [Phil Fire Marshal]

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No change to high fire danger rating; increased public outreach planned.
  • No Vote: Informational update.
  • Next Steps: Social media campaign by districts; Fire Prevention Summit September 24th/25th.

DCD Director Hiring Process Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:22:40–00:38:01 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel, planning

Summary

HR Director Heather and Public Works Director Josh updated the Board on the DCD Director hiring, noting seven applicants but only one advanced by recruiter Rothman; the hiring committee advanced three but two declined interviews, leaving one non-preferred candidate. They decided to restart with revised job description broadening qualifications beyond traditional planning to include executive leadership, addressing low applicant pool due to salary competitiveness, housing costs, and complex issues. A community meeting is set for August 5th at Castle Hill (5-6:30pm) for public input on leadership needs and barriers to affordable housing/development.

Key Discussion Points

  • Seven applicants; Rothman advanced one; committee advanced three, two declined; restarting with revised JD, interim Chelsea Pronovost. [Heather/HR Director]
  • Broaden criteria beyond planning background; challenges include salary not competitive with larger counties/cities, high COL/housing shortage. [Josh/Public Works Director]
  • August 5th repurposed for community conversation on DCD leadership, barriers, affordable housing policy. [Heather/HR Director]

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: Restart hiring process with revised job description; hold August 5th community meeting.
  • No Vote: Informational update.
  • Next Steps: HR advice on JD; August 5th, 5-6:30pm at Castle Hill Public Health room; outreach via email/Liz.

Consent Agenda Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:38:01–00:46:52 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, budgeting, infrastructure, personnel, ordinances

Summary

The Board approved the consent agenda with modifications: Item 7 (Public Health summer internship) excised PSA per Prosecuting Attorney, retaining motion to delegate signing to Veronica Shaw; Item 11 EV chargers confirmed for Castle Hill (Public Health/DCD/Fire Marshal vehicles). Discussion noted grinder pump change order (Ecology-funded, within contingency), sewer ordinance hearing notice for August 18th, and internship as no-cost via Cascade Community Connections grants for IDD work experience.

Key Discussion Points

  • Item 7 modification: Excise PSA/contract review, retain motion delegating Veronica Shaw to sign no-cost Work-Based Learning Agreement. [Board Chair]
  • Item 11: Two EV chargers at Castle Hill (Public Health, Fire Marshal/DCD); low-cost general fund use after grant fell through. [Heather]
  • Grinder pump Change Order 10: Ecology-funded, within contingency; process differs from amendments. [Carolyn/Clerk]

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Item 7: No-cost internship with Cascade Community Connections for IDD student janitorial work; paid via grants.
  • Item 10: Grinder pump change order $23,736.92 (Ecology funds).
  • Item 11: Two EV chargers ~low cost, general fund.
  • Sewer ordinance hearing August 18th for clarifications.

Financials

  • EV chargers: Low-cost, general fund (two at Castle Hill).
  • Grinder pump CO3: $23,736.92 (100% Ecology grant).
  • Internship: $0 (no-cost).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Item 7 amended to excise PSA.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve the consent agenda... with the modifications to Item 7 as discussed."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: all).
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Dosewallips Powerlines Reach Restoration Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:47:05–01:12:50 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, planning, land use

Summary

Tammy Pokorny and John from Natural Systems Design presented the Dosewallips Powerlines Reach restoration project, seeking authorization to apply for $223,450 RCO Salmon Recovery Funding for final design, permitting, and bid documents including ELJs to slow channel migration, stabilize banks, and enhance salmon habitat. Hydraulic modeling ensures no upstream flooding impact on Lazy C community; Kuhn family supports. Board deferred resolution to consent post-July 30th public meeting.

Key Discussion Points

  • $223,450 RCO grant for final design/permitting/bid docs; ELJs for erosion control/habitat (30 structures, ~$2M construction est.). [Tammy/John]
  • Modeling confirms no Lazy C flooding; designs iterative for FEMA compliance. [John]
  • Kuhn family supportive; public meeting July 30th Brennan Community Center 5:30pm. [Tammy]

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • Grant request: $223,450 (no match).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Defer resolution to consent after July 30th meeting.
  • No Vote: Workshop.
  • Next Steps: July 30th public meeting; resolution on future consent.

Quimper Trust Land Transfer Documents Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:13:02–01:25:14 (PART 1)
  • Categories: land use, contracts

Summary

Tammy Pokorny and Michael Dawson presented three documents for Quimper East/West properties (acquired 2024 via DNR Trust Land Transfer/Conservation Futures): Deed of Right (perpetual open space), Conservation Futures O&M Grant Agreement ($5,500), Stewardship Agreement (10-year JLT partnership). Properties link Quimper Wildlife Corridor; JLT to update management plan within 150 days. No action today; for future consent.

Key Discussion Points

  • Deed of Right ensures perpetual open space (DNR/RCO req.); Stewardship Agreement outlines JLT roles; CF Grant $5,500 O&M (50% match). [Tammy/Michael]
  • JLT volunteer stewardship since 2009; update management plan 150 days post-agreement. [Tammy]

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Supporting materials detail deeds, agreements for perpetual protection/public access.

Financials

  • CF O&M Grant: $5,500 (50% match).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Workshop; documents for future consent.
  • No Vote.
  • Next Steps: Consent agenda post-workshop.

Big Quilcene River Bridge and Floodplain Restoration MOA Approval

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:01:23–02:33:34 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, contracts, planning, land use, public safety

Summary

Prosecuting Attorney Philip Hunsucker presented the MOA with Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe (JST) and Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG) for $39.5M Big Quilcene project replacing Linger Longer Bridge, restoring floodplain/salmon habitat, flood control (11 floods since 1982). County transfers 53 acres to JST; JST leads construction. Board unanimously approved MOA.

Key Discussion Points

  • Three purposes: bridge replacement, salmon enhancement, flood control; JST leads with $39.1M grants. [Philip Hunsucker]
  • County transfers 53.06 acres (brown parcels) to JST; retain park/flood drain (green). [Philip Hunsucker]
  • Extensive prior outreach; modeling benefits all; south levee revision pending. [Philip/Gus/Hansi]

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Supporting materials detail MOA, property map, prior reports.

Financials

  • Grants: $39.1M (RAISE $25M, Tribal Bridge $12M, etc.); County closing costs ~$2K.

Alternatives & Amendments

18 roadway alternatives reviewed; current preferred.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve the MOA as presented."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: Brotherton, McCauley).
  • Next Steps: Property transfers, quiet titles/road vacations, public open house within 30 days, RCO/FEMA approvals.

Background Materials

Contents

AI Information