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08/11/25 09 AM: Wall Promo, Consent Agenda, Transit Hub, Ordinances, Recognition

Wall Promo, Consent Agenda, Transit Hub, Ordinances, Recognition

Commissioners promoted Vietnam Wall replica, approved consent agenda (minus EPL contract), proclaimed Employee Recognition Week, explored Transit Authority's Gateway property interest for hub, passed Clean Water exemptions, elected BNR rep.

Public Comment: Promotion of "The Wall That Heals" Event

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:59–00:12:31 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, other

Summary

Public commenters and commissioners discussed the upcoming arrival of "The Wall That Heals," a three-quarters scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, at the Port Townsend Airport from September 11-14, 2025. Speakers urged promotion, volunteer recruitment, and assistance with supplies like generators and benches, noting challenges from competing events. Commissioners committed to spreading awareness via website, emails, and personal networks, and pledged support including outreach to PUD and rental companies.

Key Discussion Points

  • Jim Kelly (committee member) described the replica, education center, 24-hour access, setup process, and volunteer needs (200 required); provided website (PTAL26.org/the-wall-that-heals) and QR code for sign-ups.
  • John Hamilton (Veterans Advisory Committee Chair) endorsed as Vietnam veteran, promoted flyers from fair, requested website posting.
  • Heather (commissioner) shared website link in chat, noted Avonite material, selection from 30,000 applicants.
  • Commissioners discussed escort plans, generator specs (24-hour capable), benches from parks/quilting kiosk, fuel needs; one of two WA stops this year.
  • Jane (public commenter) praised magnitude for veterans.

Public Comments

  • Jim Kelly: Promoted event, sought word-of-mouth, volunteers, supplies.
  • John Hamilton/Port Housen: Full support, needs more volunteers, website help.
  • Ed Bowen (hand raised multiple times, disconnected): No comment received.
  • Jane: Emphasized respect for service members, magnitude of event.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal action; commissioners agreed to promote via website, bulletin boards, emails to staff; outreach for generators/fuel/benches.
  • Next Steps:
  • Post flyer digitally on county website.
  • County email for volunteers/supplies.
  • Commissioners to talk up event personally.

Consent Agenda Approval (Minus Item 9)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:15:55–00:28:27 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, budgeting, personnel, services

Summary

The Board reviewed the consent agenda, calling out items including a septic settlement (5), shelter funding pivot (8), and pulling EPL database contract (9) due to retroactive start date and process concerns. Approved remaining items unanimously. Extended discussion on contracting/DocuSign inconsistencies, retroactive public health contracts, and training needs.

Key Discussion Points

  • Item 5 (septic settlement): Acknowledged shared responsibility (homeowner, designer, installer, county); equitable resolution praised.
  • Item 8 (shelter hours extension): $5K to Bayside/Dove House amid fires/heat; noted recording fee drop impacts shelter funds.
  • Item 9 (EPL contract, Tom Schindler): Pulled for retroactivity (July 1), state delays; staff confirmed non-urgent, to return next week with update.
  • DocuSign/contracting issues: Inconsistent processes across depts/agencies; training planned by PAO/Central Services.
  • PHUGA Fund renamed "Pahooga Fund" informally.
  • Recording fee backfill: $169K state funds for shelters as fees fell.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Consent agenda items including settlement (equitable fix for misplaced septic), shelter extensions ($5K), recording fee backfill ($169K), EPL contract (retroactive, non-urgent per staff).

Financials

  • Recording fee backfill: $169K state funds to shelters as fees declined.
  • Shelter extensions: $5K Public Health pivot for heat/smoke.
  • No other specifics discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Pull item 9 for discussion; explore non-retroactive options, PAO input.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve the consent agenda minus item number 9."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: all).
  • Next Steps:
  • Item 9 to afternoon agenda with Public Health update/EPL progress.
  • DocuSign/contract training for staff (two-part: current processes, then digital).

Jefferson County Employee Recognition Week Proclamation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:38:51–00:44:49 (PART 1)
  • Categories: personnel, other

Summary

The Board proclaimed August 11-15, 2025, as Jefferson County Employee Recognition Week, honoring public servants' integrity and service. PERC outlined events including picnic (improved sound), breakfasts, treats; service pins awarded. Commissioners praised team improvements over 5 years.

Key Discussion Points

  • Proclamation read by Heather (commissioner): Recognizes efficiency, innovation, care.
  • PERC (Chelsea): Events like bagels, cookies, picnic Wednesday; doesn't fully express gratitude.
  • DCD: Breakfast, treats, popsicles.
  • Commissioners: Cumulative acknowledgments build relationships; improved picnic sound (George Terry); optional performances.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Proclamation text: Appreciates services, encourages citizen recognition.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Adopt and approve this proclamation as written."
  • Vote: Unanimous (enthusiastic Ayes).
  • Next Steps: Events Aug 11-15; pajama day suggested for next year.

Jefferson Transit Authority Interest in Acquiring Gateway Visitor Information Center Property

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:45:14–01:28:35 (PART 1)
  • Categories: infrastructure, planning, land use, contracts

Summary

Jefferson Transit (Nicole Gauthier) presented a letter of interest to acquire the Gateway Visitor Center property for a park-and-ride/transit hub, including paving, bus loop, EV chargers, kiosk. Site plan ($1.5M est.) enables Clallam Transit #123, Dungeness Line stops, microtransit; aligns with tourism plan. Board discussed lease vs. sale, EV grant transfer, visitor services; directed staff exploration. Public supported hub but urged visitor info retention.

Key Discussion Points

  • Nicole Gauthier (JTA): 95% site plan (SCJ Alliance) for safe bus ops (30-55ft vehicles); connections for #14 Kingston Express, #123 Strait Shot; $1.5M construct; no restrooms/water due to costs.
  • History: Deeded as park-and-ride (1983); aligns with tourism impediments.
  • EV chargers: County grant; transferable if JTA site host.
  • Visitor center: 7K visitors/season; kiosk/digital alternatives discussed.
  • Lease vs. sale: Suggested for simplicity, grant tenure (e.g., 40yrs like Caswell-Brown).
  • Heather: Excited re: tourism plan connections.

Public Comments

  • Steve Shively (Olympic Peninsula Gateway VIC): Supports hub but retain staffed presence for car-free visitors (7K threshold visits).
  • Tom Cheaters: Good project; suggest $1/yr long-term lease to retain county control/grants.
  • Jane: Consider county property across street (fleet/waste), tourism capture at corridor.

Supporting Materials Referenced

JTA letter (July 31); SCJ site plan ($1.5M, paving/drainage/kiosk/EV); tourism strategic plan (top impediment: transit links).

Financials

  • Site plan: ~$1.5M (grants/partnerships; competitive multi-agency).
  • EV grant: County match revenue loss if transferred.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Lease (long-term, e.g., 40yrs) vs. sale (JTA cash reserves; can't sell below appraisal to agency).
  • Visitor info: Kiosk/digital vs. staffed building (space/cost impacts).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action; direct staff to explore.
  • Vote: None.
  • Next Steps:
  • Staff: Lease/sale pros/cons, appraisal, EV grant transfer (JTA site host?), visitor reimagining vs. transit needs; workshop in ~1 month.
  • JTA/TCC: Engage on visitor services.

Public Hearing and Approval: Clean Water District Ordinance Amendments

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:28:52–02:01:17 (PART 1)
  • Categories: ordinances, budgeting, services

Summary

Public hearing on amendments to JCC 8.65 exempting sewer-connected properties from Clean Water District fee (e.g., Port Hadlock UGA operational Sept 8). Staff (Michael Dawson) explained expansion from Port Townsend/PLMPR. Assessor/Treasurer detailed exemption process. Approved unanimously post-hearing; one commenter called district a "sham tax."

Key Discussion Points

  • Michael Dawson/Arielle: Exempt all NPDES sewer systems; workshop July 17; avoids double-fee.
  • Assessor Chapman: Tags parcels, audits seniors/sewer; form optional/appeal.
  • Treasurer Stacy: Current year refunds via Treasurer if assessor removes post-certification.
  • Tom Tirche: Not opposed but called district "sham/rip-off" (no streams/aquifer impact on his property).

Public Comments

  • Tom Tirche: Supports amendment but district is sham tax; no pollution from his septic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

JCC 8.65.090/100 amendments; RCW 90.72 (shellfish districts); PHUGA operational Sept 8.

Financials

  • Minor fund reduction (<2% if all PHUGA/PLMPR connect).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve an ordinance... amending sections 8.65.090... and 8.65.100."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: all).
  • Next Steps: Effective upon adoption; assessor/Treasurer coordinate exemptions.

Board of Natural Resources Election Ballot

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:01:17–02:04:07 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other

Summary

Board unanimously voted to submit ballot for Randy Johnson (Clallam Commissioner) as county rep to Board of Natural Resources; sole nominee. Noted his timber background, peninsula advocacy.

Key Discussion Points

  • One vote per county; can fractionalize if split.
  • Randy qualified (timber county elected); conservation caucus considered but supported.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

WSAC ballot (deadline Aug 13); RCW 43.30.205 (timber county elected rep).

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Submit our vote... to Clallam County Commissioner Randy Johnson."
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: all).
  • Next Steps: Staff submit ballot to WSAC.

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