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10/13/25 09 AM: BOCC Meeting: LTAC Comments, Budget Workshops, Proclamations

BOCC Meeting: LTAC Comments, Budget Workshops, Proclamations

Jefferson County Board of Commissioners meeting covered public comments on Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) tourism funding and representation issues; consent agenda approvals including grinder pump change order and YMCA ELF grant support letter; Indigenous Peoples’ Day proclamation adoption; Olele Point Road water line franchise approval; 2026 budget workshops for Central Services, County Administrator, and Juvenile Services; 4-H program overview highlighting growth and ROI.

Public Comment on Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) Hearings and Tourism Promotion

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:00:32–00:12:28 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, other

Summary

Shelly Yarnell provided public comment urging improved value from tourism dollars allocated to OPTIC, better representation for Jefferson County, and restrictions on LTAC board members presenting proposals. Commissioners responded, noting ongoing LTAC deliberations on 19 grant applications totaling $1.73 million against $900,000 available, duplication among DMO applicants, and potential future RFP or internal DMO development. Discussion highlighted past concerns with LTAC processes and excitement for coordinated efforts.

Key Discussion Points

  • Shelly Yarnell: Jefferson County does not receive fair tourism coverage from OPTIC relative to funding provided; urged review of LTAC program for bigger, better outcomes using new technology; recommended barring proposal presenters from LTAC board to reduce conflicts.
  • Unidentified Commissioner: Participated in LTAC hearings; noted 19 presentations in 6-hour session, $1.73M requests vs. $900K available; three duplicative DMO applicants plus Gateway Visitor Center; LTAC addressing overlaps despite no formal DMO designation.
  • Unidentified Commissioner: Supported RFP for DMO; preference for county-run DMO like Port Townsend but lacked capacity; agreed past systems flawed.
  • Unidentified Commissioner: LTAC conversations productive despite emotions; focused on DMO clarity, learning from other counties.

Public Comments

  • Shelly Yarnell/Brennan Washington: Urged value assessment for tourism dollars, better LTAC program execution, exclusion of presenters from LTAC board.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No supporting materials referenced.

Financials

  • LTAC funding: $900,000 available; $1.73 million requested across 19 applications.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Public comment period closed; discussion held but no formal action taken.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: LTAC to continue deliberations and make recommendations.

Consent Agenda Approval (Excluding Pulled Items)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:12:33–00:19:19 (PART 1)
  • Categories: operations, contracts, budgeting

Summary

The Board pulled two items from the consent agenda: the curbside recycling hearing notice (postponed to next week due to scrivener's errors) and the Early Learning and Family Support Center letter of support (discussed separately). The remainder, including the grinder pump change order, developmental disabilities program extension, employment training, and others, was approved as presented. Discussion highlighted the grinder pump change order for PHUGA sewer at the jail to address garbage screening.

Key Discussion Points

  • Unidentified Commissioner: Pulled recycling hearing notice due to errors and staff verification needs; highlighted Early Learning letter as support for YMCA to reapply for ELF grant after $2M gap, with $400K already expended; commended staff on sewer grinder pump change order for jail screening.
  • Limited discussion on other items; routine approvals.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Grinder Pump Change Order (PHUGA Phase 4, Stage 1): Installs bar screen and float switch at jail for $24,750.70 (9.2% sales tax included); funded 100% by WA Dept. of Ecology (Centennial grant, SRF loan/forgivable loan); contract time +4 days to 153 total.
  • Early Learning Facilities (ELF) Grant Letter: YMCA seeks to fill $2M+ gap; $400K pre-expended; good chances per Commerce discussions.

Financials

  • Grinder pump change order: +$24,750.70 (total contract $2,830,910.60); 100% Ecology-funded.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve and adopt the rest of the consent agenda as presented" (excluding pulled items).
  • Vote: Motion by unidentified commissioner, seconded; all in favor.
  • Next Steps: No next steps specified.

Letter of Support: Early Learning and Family Support Center (YMCA ELF Grant)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:14:00–00:15:43 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, services

Summary

The Board approved a letter of support on consent for the Olympic Peninsula YMCA's reapplication to the WA Dept. of Commerce ELF grant to fill a $2M+ funding gap for a childcare facility at Port Townsend High School serving 42 children amid a severe shortage (less than 15% capacity per DCYF). $400K already expended for pre-development; YMCA to seek donations/loans for interim funding.

Key Discussion Points

  • Unidentified Commissioner: Represents decision to forgo $1M ELF funds and reapply to close gap; YMCA risks repaying $400K expended unless re-granted; positive Commerce feedback on chances.
  • Represents continued process using letters of support.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Letter summarizes project: 42 childcare spots + family services; central location; addresses <15% childcare capacity; creates 10 jobs; 100% design complete, permitted; prior funding $3.375M + CARES; bids $2M over budget. No fiscal impact to county.

Financials

  • Gap: $2M+; expended: $400K (pre-development); prior grants: $50K CARES, $290K ARPA, $1.375M USDA, $2M CDBG.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved via consent agenda motion.
  • Vote: Included in overall consent approval (unanimous).
  • No next steps specified.

Grinder Pump Change Order No. 4 (PHUGA Sewer at Jail)

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:16:10–00:18:57 (PART 1)
  • Categories: contracts, infrastructure

Summary

Consent agenda approved Change Order No. 4 for PHUGA Phase 4 grinder pump at jail, adding bar screen/float switch to prevent garbage damage; +$24,750.70 and +4 days. Discussion noted education campaigns needed for "flushable wipes."

Key Discussion Points

  • Protects grinder pump from jail garbage; staff assessed other sites; "No Wipes in the Pipes" campaigns effective elsewhere.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Adds float switch (high alarm) and bar screen; 100% Ecology-funded; original contract $2,806,159.90.

Financials

  • +$24,750.70 (incl. tax); total ~$2.83M.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Approved via consent.
  • Vote: Unanimous.
  • Next Steps: Grand Flush scheduled November 6.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Proclamation

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:31:52–00:47:30 (PART 1)
  • Categories: other

Summary

The Board read and unanimously adopted a proclamation recognizing October 13, 2025, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, honoring local tribes' ancestral lands, treaty rights, and contributions while addressing colonization impacts and resource declines. Tribal representatives Lonnie (Jamestown S’Klallam) and Chris Tom (Port Gamble S’Klallam) spoke, expressing gratitude for partnerships and open doors.

Key Discussion Points

  • Proclamation Text: Recognizes Jamestown S’Klallam, Lower Elwha Klallam, Port Gamble S’Klallam, Skokomish, Hoh, Quileute, Quinault; notes ceded lands/duress; concerns salmon/shellfish declines; supports UN 1977 origins, Affiliated Tribes Resolution 11-57.
  • Heather: Appreciates partnerships like Olympia Oyster Project led by Jamestown.
  • Chris Tom: Notes progress from racism (personal story); appreciates cleanup efforts post-boat sinking.
  • Lonnie: Grateful for partnerships (Cheech Ma Han Trail, Big Quilcene Bridge); emphasizes future resilience.
  • Resources: Jamestown Library, JCHS exhibits, House of Seven Generations (migrating), MRC restoration, open tribal meetings.

Public Comments

No formal public comment; tribal guests addressed.

Supporting Materials Referenced

No additional materials; proclamation text read verbatim.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "We move that we approve this proclamation."
  • Vote: Motion, seconded by Ezra; unanimous (all in favor).
  • Next Steps: Encourage celebration, learning history, promoting Indigenous well-being; open invitation to tribes.

Public Hearing: Olele Point Road Water Line Franchise

Metadata

  • Time Range: 00:59:51–01:17:20 (PART 1)
  • Categories: permits, infrastructure

Summary

Public hearing approved a 20-year non-exclusive water franchise for Jarred Swalwell and Megan Kogut for single-family water line paralleling Olele Point Road (SW¼ Sec 28, T29N R1E). Staff explained requirements, exemptions for minor crossings, parallels necessitating full process; no public comment; unanimous approval.

Key Discussion Points

  • Josh Thornton (Public Works): Franchise regulates ROW use; parallels road 100-200 ft, ineligible for exemption; 20-yr term, insurance/indemnification, relocation costs (county pays after 1st within 5 yrs), dispute resolution, assignment possible.
  • Board noted process cost vs. well drilling/saltwater intrusion risks; existing since 1985, renewal assumed by new owners.

Public Comments

No public or written testimony.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Agreement terms: 20 yrs, insurance ($2M GL/$1M auto), mapping, One Call participation; posted courthouse/library/PO; published 2x; news flash.

Financials

No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: "Approve a resolution...for a non-exclusive grant to franchise to construct, maintain and operate a single-family water line..."
  • Vote: Motion, seconded; all in favor.
  • Next Steps: Forward to applicants for 60-day acceptance; record if approved.

2026 Central Services Budget Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 01:28:11–02:02:46 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, operations, infrastructure

Summary

Central Services presented 2026 budget: 25 FTE (1 vacant admin asst); $2.5M salaries/benefits, $5.7M total expenditures; internal cost recovery; facilities ($1.09M salaries, $652K services); IS ($1.4M salaries, $1M+ services incl. licenses); construction/renovation priorities (elevator, Hadlock shop); CIP transfers ($175K parks, $139K sewer). Zero turnover; focus on grants, redundancies, 5-yr IT cycle.

Key Discussion Points

  • Sean Frederick: Revenue internal; copier replacements $180K (6-yr cycle); IT to SSD; no community centers in 2026 CIP (seek grants); 10-yr CIP evolving to 6-yr.
  • Board praised stability; queried copiers, cost recovery impacts.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Detailed breakdowns: Facilities staffing, IS licenses (MS365, VMware), capital outlay (desktops/laptops $60K contingency); CIP: elevator modernization, Hadlock roof/shop; quality of life projects.

Financials

  • Total exp: $5.7M; salaries/benefits $2.5M; facilities $1.09M sal + $652K serv; IS $1.4M sal + $563K cap outlay; copiers $180K; transfers parks $175K, sewer $139K (REET).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

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

2026 County Administrator Budget Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 02:03:45–03:31:04 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, personnel, services

Summary

Judy Shepherd presented preliminary budgets for non-dept, grants mgmt, hotel-motel, etc.; coroner budget discussed (transition from PA office; +0.5 FTE request $37.5K + support costs; revenue $20K autopsies). BOCC budget shared (travel/dues/training); reductions in travel/supplies. Ad requests pending finance recs.

Key Discussion Points

  • Judy Shepherd: Non-dept (insurance, JEFRICOM, public defense $1M); grants mgmt (CDBG); coroner cases ~103, autopsies variable; BOCC travel shared.
  • Board: Coroner support (PA staff Lisa/Laura for admin/coverage; sheriff deputies field); confusing 2025-26 sal drops.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Coroner: 2025 exp $97K → 2026 $88K; ad for 0.5 FTE + support; revenue $20K.

Financials

  • Non-dept: Public defense ~$1M; JEFRICOM rates.
  • Coroner: 2026 request $88K total; ad $37.5K sal + PA support/benefits.
  • BOCC: $855K; travel cut $2K.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational; ad recs pending.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: Rectify prelim budget; coroner present.

4-H Program Overview

Metadata

  • Time Range: 03:33:40–04:00:22 (PART 1)
  • Categories: services, operations

Summary

Angie Scalf presented 2024-25 4-H stats: 184 youth, 51 volunteers (70% retention, 50% new), $157K volunteer value; new projects (vet sci, blacksmithing); 25% HS grads participated; $149K funding (73% county). Tufts study: $1 invest → $40 ROI. Ambassadors shared impacts.

Key Discussion Points

  • Angie Scalf: Highest enrollment since 2016; collaborations (schools, YMCA); fair service; 13 clubs.
  • Board praised growth post-COVID, scholarships.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Slides: Stats, map, photos, funding pie ($149K: 73% county), Tufts ROI.

Financials

  • $149K total; county 73% (~$109K).

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational presentation.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • No next steps specified.

2026 Juvenile Services Budget Workshop

Metadata

  • Time Range: 04:01:20–04:26:35 (PART 1)
  • Categories: budgeting, public safety, services

Summary

Shannon Burns presented: 7 FTE (1 vacant 0.5); prevention/intervention (BECCA cut 70%, backfilled BH sales tax); detention (GPS, contracts Kitsap/Clallam/KPI; Proctor House closed → +transport); diversion/probation +33% cases. Overall exp down 16% ($220K savings realloc to transport/vehicle/detention); ad $60K vehicle.

Key Discussion Points

  • Shannon Burns: Org chart; performance grants up; family therapy home visits; GPS/breathalyzer new; 82 transport hrs Q3; caseloads strain 2 POs.
  • Board: Prevention (counseling/housing); JR capacity issues.

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

Budget: Revenue down $18K; exp $1.27M → $1.06M; realloc Proctor savings.

Financials

  • Total exp down 16%; vehicle ad $60K (Explorer); transport $30K billable state.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Informational; hold vacant 0.5.
  • Vote: N/A.
  • Next Steps: Monitor caseloads for full PO.

Background Materials

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