MEETING: Commissioners Meeting at Mon, Sep 22, 09:00 AM

County Sources

Packet Contents

AI Information

MEETING SUMMARY: Jefferson County Board of Commissioners

Date: Monday, September 22, 2025

Public Comment on Homelessness and Public Safety

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:01:00–00:03:56; 01:40:02–01:46:16; 01:47:27–01:52:03
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment
  • Categories: public safety, services, budgeting, operations

Topic Summary

Public comment included concerns about the management and conditions at the Evans Vista encampment, specifically regarding the maintenance of essential services. A resident raised issues of under-advocacy by the Health Department and alleged misappropriation of document recording fees intended for essential services for the unhoused population. Commissioners later confirmed the services (porta-potties) were restored and initiated a conversation about long-term, supported encampment options versus unauthorized dispersal.

Key Discussion Points

  • Maggie stated that while porta-potties are back at the camp, the Health Department knew they needed servicing but "did not advocate" to the City for the people at the camp [00:01:10].
  • Maggie alleged that document recording fees intended for essential life services (showers, toilets, laundry vouchers) have been misused [00:01:55].
  • Maggie argued that displacing residents from the Evans Vista camp would endanger "homeless, disabled" and elderly people, referencing the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause [00:03:07].
  • Commissioner Dudley-Nollette responded that document fees are "absolutely being used" for essential life services, but she would like to talk offline to understand Maggie's specific advocacy for prioritization at the encampment [01:5:30].
  • Commissioner Dudley-Nollette reported that, following efforts, porta-potties were restored, and the Public Health Harm Reduction team provided garbage cans and signage outlining usage rules [01:42:06].
  • Dudley-Nollette stated that Harm Reduction is working with residents to identify "bathroom and garbage captains" who will receive "some compensation" for monitoring and cleaning [01:43:00].
  • Dudley-Nollette and Jim Gabelli (Discovery Behavioral Healthcare) will form a Behavioral Health Consortium subcommittee to discuss long-term steps, including considering a "supported encampment" [01:44:02–01:44:38].
  • Dudley-Nollette cited guidance from the National Association of Cities and Counties Health Organization (NACCHO) that "sweeping unsupported encampments is a bad idea" (referenced the July 2025 paper on clean sweeps) [01:49:03-01:50:03].
  • Commissioner Brotherton questioned if clearing the camp might induce non-local people who came here for the "congregate living experience" to find a different location [01:55:20].

Public Comments

  • - Maggie: Advocated for maintenance of essential services at the camp and equitable use of document fees for unhoused individuals living with disabilities (00:01:00).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The discussion focused on the current use of document recording fees, which are dedicated funds, but no formal financial documents on their specific allocation were included in the packet.

Financials

  • The discussion referenced the proper use of "document fees" (recording fees) for essential services (01:40:02).
  • Public Health/Harm Reduction used "gift cards" and their own funds to purchase garbage cans and compensate resident captains (01:42:06).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Discussion centered on the alternative of establishing a "supported encampment" model versus the repeated "sweeping" or "clearing" of the existing unauthorized camp (01:46:16).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal motion or vote was held during public comment.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioner Dudley-Nollette: Will follow up offline with Maggie regarding the prioritization of document fee spending (01:55:59).
  • - Behavioral Health Consortium: Will form a subcommittee via Jim Gabelli (Discovery Behavioral Healthcare) to discuss long-term supported encampment options (01:44:02).
  • - BOCC Staff: Discussion of document recording fee use will take place at a meeting on Wednesday, 2:30-4:30 PM (01:19:16).

Public Comment on Recycling Program Privatization

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:04:38–00:09:07; 01:05:07–01:06:53; 02:08:43-02:16:32
  • Agenda Item: Public Comment & Consent Agenda
  • Categories: services, budgeting, operations

Topic Summary

Two members of the public expressed strong opposition to the proposed privatization of recycling services and the discontinuation of the county-subsidized "free" recycling drop-off service. They presented evidence that surrounding counties offer free drop-off and argued the proposed privatization acts as a large tax on rural residents, while proposing that contamination issues be solved through enforcement rather than program overhaul. Commissioner Brotherton requested the public hearing date be moved to allow for his participation.

Key Discussion Points

  • Jim Friedman reported that, after contacting 19 facilities across six nearby counties (Klem, Mason, Kitsap, Island, King, Snohomish), 100% of the drop-off locations offer free recycling [00:04:59].
  • Friedman stated that with the proposed changes, Jefferson County will be the only county he contacted "without a free option for recycling drop-off" [00:05:13].
  • Tom Tierce argued the simplest alternative is to retain current facilities and increase the tipping fee by approximately $14 per ton to cover the $300,000 recycling program cost, distributing the cost "equitably" [00:06:14–00:06:24].
  • Tierce claimed privatization effectively imposes a "$400 tax on everybody in the county, outside the city," estimating this could generate a "$2 million profit" for Waste Connections (the projected private hauler) [00:06:42].
  • Tierce contended that the main quoted problem—contamination/illegal dumping—could and should be handled via enforcement; he cited camera installations at Port Hadlock but noted insufficient enforcement actions (only two letters sent) [00:07:37–00:08:15].
  • Commissioner Brotherton questioned if increasing the tipping fee (Tierce’s suggestion) would also lead to increased dumping, similar to what Tierce claimed happened when the minimum fee was first increased [01:17:28].
  • Commissioner Eisenhour indicated the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) is actively looking at the comparison between tipping fee increases versus the estimated "$400 a year" cost of private service [01:17:05].
  • Ariel (County Staff) countered Tierce’s financial claim, stating the $2 million figure represents revenue, not profit, and asserted contamination has been an issue at recycling centers "for a long time," predating any minimum fee increase [02:11:00–02:12:12].
  • Ariel suggested pushing drop-off recycling "behind the scales" (charging a fee) is an equitable solution because the county currently loses money on recycling while making money on garbage [02:12:42–02:13:05].

Public Comments

  • - Jim Friedman: Presented data showing surrounding counties offer free recycling drop-off, making Jefferson County an outlier. (00:04:38).
  • - Tom Tierce: Proposed increasing the tipping fee by $14/ton as an equitable alternative to privatization, which penalizes rural residents ($400/year "tax"). (00:05:30).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • The discussion focused on the agenda item regarding the proposed ordinance, which highlights the expiration of the current recycling contract (March 31, 2026) and the current operating cost of $326,709.

Financials

  • $300,000–$326,709: Estimated cost of the current county-subsidized recycling program.
  • $14 per ton: Suggested increase to the tipping fee needed to cover program cost.
  • $400: Tierce's estimated annual tax equivalent for private service outside the city.
  • $2 million: Tierce's estimated gross revenue for the private hauler on rural subscriptions.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Proposed Alternative (Tierce): Increase the garbage tipping fee by approximately $14 per ton; keep existing free drop-off facilities.
  • Amendment to Consent Agenda: The public hearing for the ordinance (Consent Item #1) was requested to be moved from October 6th to October 13th to accommodate Commissioner Brotherton's schedule.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion approved to amend the consent agenda to change the public hearing date for the Recycling Program Privatization Ordinance (Consent Agenda Item #1) to October 13th and to approve the Consent Agenda with modifications to the RFP (Consent Agenda Item #9).
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3) [00:43:49].
  • Next Steps:
  • - Staff: Will revise the hearing notice publication date accordingly [02:08:43-02:16:32].
  • - BOCC/SWAC: Will continue deliberation on the financial equity comparison between increasing tipping fees vs. implementing mandatory private service fees (01:17:05).

Amendment of Noxious Weed Control Board Assessment Rate (Ordinance)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:00:24–01:16:48
  • Agenda Item: Deliberation; Ordinance amending JCC Chapter 3.65
  • Categories: ordinances, budgeting, land use, special districts

Topic Summary

The Board adopted an ordinance to update the Noxious Weed Control Board assessment rates, increasing them to reflect rising costs and fund expanded programming. Staff, including the Weed Coordinator, Assessor, and WSU Extension representative, provided confirmation on issues raised during the public hearing, specifically regarding forestland assessments, exemptions for land within Olympic National Park, and equitable treatment of timeshare condominiums.

Key Discussion Points

  • Sophie DeGroote (Noxious Weed Coordinator) confirmed consulting with other county coordinators regarding the assessment [01:06:26].
  • Forestland Assessment: Staff re-examined the RCW for forestland (assessed at 1/10th the rate) and recommended maintaining the current approach [01:08:23].
  • Assessor Jeff Chapman noted that the 5-year exception after logging (where weeds can grow) is difficult to accurately track or enforce [01:07:31].
  • Chapman offered that Clallam County hired a consultant (FCS) who implemented a rate of $3 per forest parcel and $5 per non-forest parcel for their Conservation District, confirming that a lower, but not 1/10th, rate is used elsewhere [01:11:44].
  • Olympic National Park Exemption: Based on RCW, an exemption was added for private properties surrounded by Olympic National Park (like in Oil City and Aquinult holdouts) due to a lack of benefit from county weed control services [01:03:15].
  • Timeshare/Condo Assessment: The ordinance was modified to assess timeshare condo units a single assessment fee (as opposed to potentially 12 or 24 multi-parcels paying separately), aligning with property tax treatment. This rectifies an issue the Clean Water District experienced [01:14:08].
  • Inflation Adjustment: The adopted ordinance includes the annual CPI-W inflation adjustment limited to a maximum of five percent annually (per the packet summary).

Public Comments

  • No additional public comment was taken during the deliberation.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Proposed Ordinance Amendment (JCC 3.65): The update explicitly added an exemption for property within Olympic National Park (JCC 3.65.020(4)(j)) and standardized language on land classification.
  • Proposed Non-Forest Rate: $5.50 per parcel and $0.45 per acre.
  • Proposed Forest Rate: $0.55 per parcel and $0.045 per acre.

Financials

  • Proposed Fee Increase for Non-Forest Land: From $4.00/$0.30 to $5.50/$0.45 (Parcel/Acre).
  • The intent is to enhance staffing, education, outreach, and fund a cost-share program (per the packet summary).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Ordinance Amendment: The language defining land classification, Olympic National Park exemption, and timeshare/condo assessment treatment (one permit/one assessment) was formally adopted.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion to approve an ordinance amending Chapter 3.65 of the Jefferson County Code for the Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Board assessment rate.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3) [01:16:48].
  • Next Steps:
  • - Weed Control Board/Staff: Will implement the new fee structure starting January 1, 2026, and focus on controlling noxious weeds such as Wild Basil Savory in the near term (01:17:00).

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:54:53–02:43:06
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda
  • Categories: planning, contracts, budgeting, housing, services

Topic Summary

Commissioners reviewed and approved the consent agenda with two primary amendments: officially moving the Recycling Program privatization public hearing date (Consent Item #1) and modifying the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Legislative Representation and Lobbying Services (Consent Item #9) to clarify funding priorities and a tourism data point.

Key Discussion Points

  • Recycling Hearing Date (Item #1): Confirmed moving the public hearing date from October 6th to October 13th at 10:30 AM to ensure Commissioner Brotherton's attendance [00:43:12–00:43:24].
  • Lobbying RFP (Item #9) Amendments:
    • Commissioner Brotherton questioned why specific capital funding for projects was not explicitly mentioned as a priority, noting the success of past lobbying efforts securing funds for infrastructure like the sewer [00:36:40–00:37:01].
    • Amendment 1 (Priority): Added a fifth legislative priority: "Funding for projects" [00:37:09].
    • Amendment 2 (Tourism Data): Debated a tourism statistic in the RFP stating the county serves 120,000 people during peak season on a revenue base of 34,000 residents [00:37:35]. The number was questioned as potentially misleading, with a Google search yielding 644,000 visits in 2023 [00:39:20].
    • Decision: The sentence referencing the 120,000 figure was deleted from the RFP to maintain accuracy [00:41:16].
  • Other Consent Items Noted:
    • The contract to repair the Quilcene Water Supply (raised during public comment) [00:09:15-01:43:40].
    • Appointment of Mary Jane Ryan to the Peninsula Housing Authority Board (noted as an exciting cross-sector appointment) [00:33:34].
    • Letter of support for Bayside Housing's Vince’s Village Phase II for 34 permanent supportive/affordable units [00:34:05].
    • Trust Land Transfer (TLT) Consultation Renewal Agreement with PNPTC (Finalized by PNPTC last Thursday; applications will be re-submitted for the 2027 Capital Budget) [00:34:29-00:35:13].

Financials

  • The RFP process for lobbying services is proceeding, with the fiscal impact to be determined during negotiation with the selected firm (per the packet summary).
  • The Quilcene Water Supply renovation cost is $16,445.52.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Two amendments were made to the Lobbying RFP text (Item #9) prior to approval.
  • A public hearing date change was ratified for the Recycling Ordinance (Item #1).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion approved to adopt the consent agenda with amendments to items 1 (Hearing Date Change) and 9 (RFP text changes).
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: 3) [00:43:49].
  • Next Steps:
  • - Staff: Will proceed with issuing the amended RFP and publishing the revised hearing notice for the recycling ordinance.
  • - Staff: Will send instructions on how the RFP will be distributed (via WASAC and other interested entities) (00:36:00).

Special Series: Cultural Heritage Resources – Newspaper Collections

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:56:57–02:37:22
  • Agenda Item: Special Series (Cultural Heritage)
  • Categories: other

Topic Summary

Ellie DiPietro, Director of Collections & Research for the Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS), provided a presentation on the county's collection of historical newspapers. She detailed the value and limitations of newspapers as primary sources, citing the Port Townsend Leader's nearly continuous run since 1889 as a critical local asset, and discussed ongoing efforts and challenges in preserving paper and digital archives.

Key Discussion Points

  • Archival Value: Newspapers offer a "continuous look" and reflect events and societal conversations in real time, serving as the "best clue for further research" [02:01:35; 02:12:12].
  • Limitations: Newspapers are inherently biased, serve as secondary sources (reporting events rather than experiencing them), and may contain "harmful language" that is a "product of their time" [02:06:02–02:06:13; 02:06:49].
  • Digital Preservation Challenges: The historical society is concerned that most contemporary digital-only formats (like the Beacon) are not reliably archived, and digital file formats (like PDF) may become unreadable, making physical print and microfilm the preferred long-term preservation methods [02:04:51; 02:05:26].
  • Community Collections: JCHS has collected titles such as the Quilcene Queen and the Irondale News (slated for digitization) [02:27:19].
  • Archive Rescue: JCHS recently received five pallets of physical newspapers and photographic negatives from Sound Publishing (following acquisition by Carpenter Media) that were slated for recycling because the new owner was uninterested in maintaining the archive [02:13:16–02:14:10]. Preservation efforts prioritize newspapers covering Jefferson County content (e.g., Whidbey Island papers).
  • Case Studies (Contextual Research):
    • Port Townsend Fire (1900): JCHS used a newspaper article to debunk lore suggesting the fire was started by a sex worker or caused hundreds of Chinese deaths. The fire killed one person (Mona Herby) and cleared an entire block, largely housing immigrants [02:17:18; 02:20:34].
    • Japanese Internment (E.O. 9066): Newspapers revealed the names of several local Japanese families (Kawamoto, Kano, Shinzaki, others) interned during WWII, enabling biographical research on those who returned [02:24:58].

Public Comments

  • No public comment was taken during the presentation.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • JCHS online archives (The Call, Herald).
  • Washington Digital Newspapers program (Puget Sound Argus).

Financials

  • The presentation was covered by an existing $1,200 annual contract with JCHS to provide cultural heritage lectures.
  • Fundraising campaigns (like the Summer Supplies Fundraiser) pay for digitizing brittle volumes like the Quilcene Queen and Irondale News [02:27:19].

Alternatives & Amendments

  • None specified.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action required; informational briefing.
  • Next Steps:
  • - JCHS (Ellie DiPietro): The next cultural heritage presentation will focus on "Historic Photographs," possibly including images of the Quilcene water line infrastructure [02:34:55; 02:35:16].

Public Works: Transportation Improvement Program and Annual Road Program

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:57:45–05:03:44
  • Agenda Item: Draft 2026-2031 TIP, 2025 Bridge Condition Report, 2026 Annual Road Program
  • Categories: infrastructure, planning, budgeting, transportation

Topic Summary

Public Works Directors Monty Reinders and Eric Kuzma briefed the Commissioners on the required annual long-term and short-term transportation plans. They highlighted the TIP's realistic approach, emphasizing that 99% of its funding comes from external grants, which drive the county's project priorities. A major financial concern remains the severe reliance on grants versus the limited local road fund budget for maintenance, despite the fund being stabilized by the Transportation Benefit District (TBD).

Key Discussion Points

  • TIP Philosophy: The 6-year TIP is intended to be a realistic plan of work and funding that can be reasonably accomplished, not an exhaustive wish list [04:04:39]. The program averages $177,000 in local funds per year for improvements on a 400-mile road system [05:03:08].
  • Grant Leverage: The TIP documents show Public Works is leveraging approximately $105 million in external funds (federal, state, and partners) with about $1 million in local matching funds over six years, equating to approximately 99% grant funding [05:00:09–05:00:26].
  • Local Road Fund Status: The Public Works Director noted the road fund trajectory was "going down significantly," but the current TBD stopped the "hemorrhaging" [04:52:17]. However, the fund balance remains near the minimum reserve, and stabilization is reliant on the November TBD ballot measure [04:52:36].
  • TIP Key Projects (Summary of Grant-Driven Work):
    • Complete Streets (Quilcene): Theoretically aiming for bid next year (2026); staff is working on an interim step for speed radar signs [04:06:55].
    • Little Quilcene River Bridge: Funded 100% by grants, but construction is delayed 2-3 years due to NEPA permitting outside of county control [04:10:16]. Bridge is load-posted and overdue for replacement [04:10:36].
    • Quinault South Shore Bridge (Big Quilcene, Big Quill Project): $126 million project managed by Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe [04:19:15].
    • Fish Barrier Replacements: Multiple projects (Hell Roaring Creek, Snell Creek, Cies Mile Creek) done in partnership with Trout Unlimited and NOAA, allowing the county to replace failing inventory without using county dollars [04:31:07].
  • Bridge Definition/Inspection: Anything with a 20-foot span or greater is federally required to be inspected every two years [04:01:23]. Structures under 20 feet (like the Naylor Creek culvert) are not added to the list because inspection and reporting burdens outweigh the funding benefits [04:00:14].
  • Annual Road Program Requirements: The program, required by CRAB, includes the Annual Construction Program (Year 1 of the TIP), the Annual Maintenance Plan (a $6.6 million budget breakdown by activity), and the Equipment Purchase Plan (including a critical wheeled brush cutter replacement for $300,000) [04:53:36; 04:57:37].

Public Comments

  • No public comment taken during the briefing.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • 2026-2031 Draft TIP: Planned $46.9 million across 37 projects.
  • 2025 Bridge Condition Report: Five bridges are load-posted, including Yarr Bridge and Little Quilcene Bridge.
  • 2026 Annual Maintenance Plan: $6,648,806 budget breakdown.
  • 2026 Equipment Purchase Plan: $860,000 total projected purchases, with a $300,000 Wheeled Brush Cutter being the largest road equipment item.

Financials

  • $105 million: Total leveraged external funding over six years.
  • $177,000: Estimated annual local road fund expenditure on capital improvements.
  • $6.6 million: Total estimated Annual Road Maintenance Budget.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • None proposed during the briefing, which was informational.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational briefing; no action required on the TIP.
  • Next Steps:
  • - BOCC: Will hold a public hearing and adopt the TIP (2026-2031) on a future date [04:54:09].
  • - BOCC: Will adopt the Annual Road Program (2026) via resolution on the consent agenda in mid-October [04:58:20].
  • - Staff (Eric Kuzma): Will attend a meeting tomorrow (Sept 23rd) regarding updated grant agreements for the PS2P/Discovery Trail project [05:04:03].

Short-Term Rental (STR) Program Update

Metadata

  • Time Range: 05:04:34–05:41:06
  • Agenda Item: Informational Briefing
  • Categories: permits, ordinances, land use

Topic Summary

DCD staff provided a briefing on the early stages of the Short-Term Rental regulatory program following the repeal of the moratorium in April 2025. Staff reported that the administrative process is being built (including transitioning to a new business license module). A major challenge is the low application volume (only 19 have paid the fee) versus the perceived saturation of unpermitted units (estimated at 700 units), including new "unpermittable" structures like rented teepees and carports.

Key Discussion Points

  • System Transition: DCD leveraged a Commerce digitization grant ($50,000) to acquire a new "business and licensing module" to manage STRs; this requires current permit holders to be re-issued permits with new numbers [05:10:01].
  • Application Volume: Only 23 applications had been received since April 2025; only 19 people had paid the invoice and were going through the review process [05:12:01–05:12:07].
  • Estimated Unpermitted Units: Staff estimate the number of short-term rentals operating in the county is approximately 700, which is far higher than the 96 permits identified prior to the program [05:15:35].
  • New Code Violations: Code Compliance Coordinator Nikki Akins noted that "unpermittable structures" (e.g., rented teepees, carports with pallet beds) listed on platforms like Airbnb have "exponentially increased" since the ordinance passed [05:13:52–05:14:49].
  • Enforcement Plan (Sleuthing): Akins plans to use GIS and her prior background to identify legal owners behind Airbnb listings by zip code to mail form letters notifying them of the ordinance and the 4% cap [05:16:16].
  • Code Compliance Triage: STR compliance complaints are currently "Tier 3" (low priority), which staff is considering increasing to ensure adequate enforcement [05:21:14]. Enforcement is planned to start with education, giving operators 45 days to comply before follow-up [05:26:45].
  • Barriers to Compliance: Applications are screened initially to ensure applicants own the property for over a year (a key ordinance requirement) and that the rental is a legal residence [05:27:09].
  • Housing Impact: Staff noted that immediately following the ordinance's passage, a "very large amount" of houses (including approximately 10 of the "McMansions") were listed for sale, indicating some owners moved to divest of multiple short-term rentals [05:34:42].

Financials

  • $50,000: Cost of the business licensing module paid for by a Commerce grant.
  • 4% Cap: The ordinance limits the total number of STRs within each zip code to four percent of available housing units.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Development Regulations: DCD is proposing an amendment to development regulations to permit and standardize small accessory structures ("park models," 400 sq. ft.) by the end of the year to potentially increase rental housing stock [05:36:10].

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational briefing; no action required.
  • Next Steps:
  • - DCD Staff (Akins): Will revise the draft compliance letter to explicitly reference the 4% cap and the limited window to comply (leverage) [05:28:37].
  • - DCD Staff (Akins): Will send out the first round of compliance/education letters to identified unpermitted operators [05:26:45].
  • - DCD/BOCC: Will schedule a follow-up conversation three months after the initial compliance letters are sent to review the results [05:32:54].

Generated On: 2025-11-07 14:02:04.456479-08:00 By: google/gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025 running on https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/