MEETING: COMMISSIONERS MEETING at Mon, Oct 27, 09:00 AM

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JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING SUMMARY

Metadata

  • Time Range: [00:31:14.000–00:45:12.000 (Part 2)]
  • Agenda Item: Consent Agenda
  • Categories: infrastructure, contracts, planning, operations

Topic Summary

The Board discussed and unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, which included several amendments for Public Infrastructure Fund (PIF) grants and a professional services contract amendment for jail health services. Key items addressed were extending project deadlines for Sims Way Gateway, the Olympic Discovery Trail-Anderson Lake Connection, and the Jefferson County International Airport (JCIA) Eco-Industrial Park projects, primarily due to past delays and construction timelines. The approval of the HCA contract for medication therapy in jails prompted a significant discussion about the need for broader regional conversations on jail operations and crisis stabilization units.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Josh Peters clarified that extensions for PIF grants (Sims Way Gateway, JCIA Eco-Industrial Park projects) were necessary due to significant delays and projects extending into the next year (Part 2: 00:32:00.000). The deadline for the Olympic Discovery Trail-Anderson Lake Connection project was extended to December 31, 2029 (Part 2: 00:32:00.000-00:33:12.000).
  • Regarding the HCA professional services contract for MOUD/MAUD in jails, a Commissioner noted the increasing costs and services associated with jail utilization and raised the question of using jails as potential crisis stabilization units (Part 2: 00:33:12.000–00:34:09.000).
  • Commissioner Josh Peters stated that he learned at a recent Washington County Administrators Association meeting that some counties have co-located crisis stabilization units next to jails to allow for efficiency in services (Part 2: 00:37:09.000-00:37:18.000).
  • Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour suggested the issue of healthcare resources and jail services be discussed at the Salish Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (SBHASO) executive committee with local county commissioners, possibly as a publicly noticed joint meeting inviting commissioners from Clallam and Kitsap counties (Part 2: 00:34:50.000–00:36:48.000).
  • Commissioner Josh Peters noted that the current jail was built in the 1980s and would be very expensive to upgrade to modern standards, raising the concept of a potential "Justice Center" (Part 2: 00:40:07.000–00:40:34.000).
  • Discussion of the Memorial Field fence project noted the City's interest in partnering on a longer-term project, potentially securing grant dollars for a rotating public art display on or near the chain link fence (Part 2: 00:41:49.000–00:43:25.000).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Sims Way Gateway PIF Grant Amendment No. 3: Extends the grant term to December 31, 2026, for the $1,300,000 project. The amendment has no fiscal impact but is needed due to "significant delays."
  • JCIA Eco-Industrial Park Project #1 & #2 PIF Extensions: Both grants are extended to December 31, 2026, extending funding for the $486,641 and $350,000 grants, respectively, to complete work on the industrial park slated to create up to 140 jobs.
  • HCA Professional Services Contract Amendment: Increases total compensation to $483,793 (an increase of $304,720) to fund MOUD/MAUD and associated staff/services for the jail through June 30, 2026. This requires staff to screen all new inmates for withdrawal risk and offer no-cost MOUD/MAUD, aligning with a health equity focus.

Financials

  • The approved item included:
    • Sims Way Gateway PIF Grant: Total $1,300,000 (time extension only; no new funds).
    • JCIA Eco-Industrial Park PIF Grant #1: Total $350,000 (time extension only; no new funds).
    • JCIA Eco-Industrial Park PIF Grant #2: Total $486,641 (time extension only; no new funds).
    • HCA Professional Services Contract: Total maximum compensation of $483,793 (increase of $304,720) funded by an HCA grant.
    • Memorial Field Cultural Resources PSA: Not to exceed $60,332.90, funded by the JC Capital Fund (Fund #17539700) as part of the RCO grant match.
    • Olympic Discovery Trail WSDOT Supplement: Federal Funds total $1,519,332.00 toward a total estimated cost of $4,013,728.00.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • No alternatives were formally discussed for the adoption, but the discussion highlighted alternatives in responding to regional jail and behavioral health issues, such as co-locating services.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Adopted the Consent Agenda as presented.
  • Vote: Unanimous (Ayes: Unanimous).
  • Next Steps:
  • - Commissioner Eisenhour/Staff: Check with Jolene about initiating a regional conversation on jail services and crisis stabilization at SBHASO, potentially co-noticed with Clallam and Kitsap counties.
  • - Commissioner Brotherton: Seek follow-up report from Public Works regarding preventative vs. repair strategies for infrastructure (Part 2: 00:30:28.000–00:30:50.000).
  • - Commissioner Eisenhour/Staff: Continue exploration of long-term partnership with City of Port Townsend for Memorial Field rotating art projects.

Temporary Hiring Freeze and Vacant Position Hiring Review

Metadata

  • Time Range: [00:00:07.000 (Part 2)–00:32:00.000 (Part 2)]
  • Agenda Item: Resolution in the matter of a Temporary Hiring Freeze on new employment positions, and vacant employment position hiring review
  • Categories: budgeting, personnel, operations

Topic Summary

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) discussed and adopted a resolution instituting an immediate temporary hiring freeze on all new and vacant county positions. This action, recommended by the Core Financial Team (including the County Administrator, Finance Director, Treasurer, and Auditor), is deemed step one to address current budget challenges and prevent jeopardizing the general fund balance in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget process. The resolution outlines a vacancy control review process and exemptions for critical functions or grant-funded positions.

Key Discussion Points

  • The Core Financial Team, including Judy Shepard (Finance Director) and Josh Peters (County Administrator), recommended an immediate hiring freeze rather than waiting until FY 2026 to prevent a potential "hiring frenzy" followed by layoffs (Part 2: 00:04:27.000–00:09:18.000).
  • County Administrator Josh Peters noted that many other county administrators across the state are already instituting or considering a hiring freeze (Part 2: 00:10:03.000–00:10:18.000).
  • The freeze is intended to be implemented transparently with department leads (Part 2: 00:09:24.000).
  • The criteria for a "Critical function" exception include positions required by contractual obligations, exposure to liability, specific technical expertise, or statutory provisions (Part 2: 00:07:04.000–00:07:18.000).
  • The process (called "vacancy control review") requires department heads seeking an exception to submit a Hiring Freeze Exemption Form, reviewed by the Finance Director, HR Director, and County Administrator (Part 2: 00:16:09.000–00:17:23.000).
  • Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour asked if department heads could propose cutting expenses elsewhere to proceed with hiring a position they deem critical; Judy Shepard confirmed this collaborative approach is reasonable, allowing department heads to be experts in their field (Part 2: 00:24:06.000–00:24:58.000).
  • The financial team noted that labor expenses (salaries, benefits, ancillary costs) constitute one of the largest expenditure chunks of the budget (Part 2: 00:25:51.000–00:26:06.000).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Resolution for Temporary Hiring Freeze: Imposes an immediate freeze on creating new positions or filling vacant positions through FY 2026. Exceptions require BOCC review via the County Administrator.
  • Resolution 54101424R: A prior resolution (2024) outlining methods for managing severe financial distress, which includes hiring freezes and general fund operating transfer reductions (which are already being worked toward for 2026) (Part 2: 00:04:43.000–00:05:30.000).

Financials

  • The policy is intended to reduce salaries and benefits to positively impact the county's cash balance and improve the five-year fiscal trajectory.
  • The imposition of the freeze immediately reduces expenditures for FY 2025 as well, potentially resulting in more carry-forward funds into FY 2026 (Part 2: 00:27:37.000–00:28:16.000).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • A potential alternative discussed informally was permitting department heads to offset the cost of new hires by cutting other expenses within their budget (Part 2: 00:24:06.000–00:24:12.000).
  • The resolution effectively replaced more drastic measures discussed in the Core Finance Team, such as furloughs or work hour reductions (Part 2: 00:54:00.000–00:10:00.000).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: Motion approved to adopt a resolution authorizing a temporary hiring freeze on new employment positions and vacant employment position hiring review.
  • Vote: Approved. (Ayes: Unanimous) (Part 2: 00:27:08.000–00:27:14.000).
  • Next Steps:
  • - Finance Director Judy Shepard: Conduct analysis on the current impact of the freeze on the FY 2025 budget and present findings during the November 3rd budget presentation (Part 2: 00:28:16.000–00:28:27.000).
  • - Core Financial Team: Develop a formalized process and documentation (Hiring Freeze Exemption Form, updated payroll forms) for vacancy control review.

Workshop: Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group — Little Quilcene River Restoration

Metadata

  • Time Range: [01:15:02.000 (Part 2)–01:45:22.000 (Part 2)]
  • Agenda Item: Workshop regarding Planning and Design Project to Restore the Little Quilcene River Estuary
  • Categories: infrastructure, planning, operations, environment

Topic Summary

Gus Johnson from the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG) provided a workshop on the Little Quilcene River restoration project, which seeks to restore the 83-acre historic estuary by removing the remaining South Levee and accumulated "Delta cone" sediment. The group acquired a 43-acre parcel to enable the project and is now requesting permission to expand the project footprint onto two adjacent County-owned parcels (APNs 701183002 and 702133010) that were utilized in a prior 2009 restoration effort.

Key Discussion Points

  • Gus Johnson explained that the historic estuary once spanned 83 acres, but post-1939 channelization and levee systems confined the river, leading to massive sediment deposition (Delta cone) and historic habitat loss for ESA-listed salmon species (Hood Canal Summer Chum, Puget Sound Chinook, and Puget Sound Steelhead) (Part 2: 01:18:31.000–01:21:27.000).
  • The remaining South Levee traps 43 acres of floodplain (Part 2: 01:22:45.000). HCSEG recently acquired the adjacent land needed to remove this levee and conduct comprehensive restoration (Part 2: 01:29:44.000).
  • The two adjacent County-owned parcels are currently designated as undeveloped, forested areas and were part of the 2009 North Levee removal project (Part 2: 01:17:50.000, 01:32:37.000).
  • Gus Johnson clarified that removing the levee is projected to mitigate the previous project's (2009) unintended consequence of forcing the river flow into the East Quilcene Road ditch line, by moving the channel back to the center of the historic estuary (Part 2: 01:28:29.000–01:28:49.000).
  • HCSEG plans hydraulic modeling to ensure the project does not impact surrounding private property, modeling events from low flows up to 500-year flood events (Part 2: 01:37:08.000–01:38:28.000).
  • The private home located on a high-elevation area outside the planned work area will likely be protected by leaving the section of the levee immediately adjacent to it in place (Part 2: 01:35:04.000–01:35:19.000).
  • Mike Dawson (Water Quality Manager) and Tami Pokorny (Natural Resources Program Coordinator) supported the HCSEG request, noting the potential for enhanced estuary function (Part 2: 01:43:14.000–01:43:59.000).

Public Comments

  • No public comment specific to this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • HCSEG Grant Funding: $521,000 was received from state SRFB and ESRP grants for conceptual and preliminary project design.
  • Cultural Resource Survey: A cultural resource survey was performed on the County parcels in August 2025 with a county-issued License for Use, and no findings were discovered (Part 2: 01:31:20.000–01:31:32.000).

Financials

  • Design funding secured: $521,000 (state grant funding).
  • The current workshop had negligible costs.
  • Gus Johnson mentioned that the hydraulic modeling studies are a significant component of the initial design grant budget (Part 2: 01:37:08.000–01:37:19.000).

Alternatives & Amendments

  • The potential alternative of limiting the work to only HCSEG property exists, but the expansion onto County property would allow for a much more comprehensive and effective restoration action (Part 2: 01:30:07.000).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No formal decision made. The discussion indicated support for the expansion request.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Tami Pokorny/County Staff: Work with Gus Johnson to identify appropriate legal documents/agreements (e.g., license or easement) necessary to formally incorporate the two county parcels into the project footprint and bring that back to the BOCC (Part 2: 01:43:00.000–01:43:14.000).
  • - HCSEG: Continue conceptual and preliminary design phase, leading to anticipated completion in early 2027 (Part 2: 01:31:09.000–01:31:13.000).
  • - HCSEG: Initiate broad public outreach once conceptual designs are ready, utilizing the HCSEG website and direct outreach to local landowners (Part 2: 01:39:13.000–01:39:28.000).

Workshop: Update of Unauthorized Encampment Removal Policy

Metadata

  • Time Range: [01:46:08.000 (Part 2)–02:53:14.000 (Part 2)]
  • Agenda Item: Workshop and potential action regarding updating the county's unauthorized encampment removal policy
  • Categories: public safety, services, ordinances, housing

Topic Summary

The Prosecuting Attorney's Office (PAO), represented by Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ariel Speser and Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Philip Hunsucker, presented a draft revised Unauthorized Encampment Removal Policy to align with recent case law (specifically Grants Pass v. Johnson) and adopt a public health framework. The existing policy had been paused pending legal clarity. The draft continues to emphasize that "homelessness is not a crime" and mandates required steps for training, notice, property storage (60 days), and offering alternative shelter, though the policy is structured to allow removal even if shelter is unavailable, considered to be a "last resort." The PAO requested a second workshop to fully incorporate public comments received, particularly regarding the need for definitions in low/no-barrier shelters.

Key Discussion Points

  • The updated policy focuses on balancing the county's interests: treating people with dignity, ensuring safety and security for employees, and protecting public access to county property (Part 2: 01:52:40.000–01:53:04.000).
  • The revision was prompted by resolution of key US Supreme Court cases, including Grants Pass v. Johnson (2024), which upheld the constitutionality of criminal penalties for public camping even without available shelter, overturning Martin v. Boise (Part 2: 01:54:28.000–02:08:41.000).
  • The draft requires a minimum of 72 hours written notice for non-obstructing encampment removal, but allows for immediate removal in "exigent circumstances involving an eminent threat to life, safety, health, or infrastructure" (Part 2: 02:02:53.000–02:03:06.000).
  • Ariel Speser confirmed that the draft policy allows the county to remove unauthorized encampments on county property (including a single tent or encampment outside Public Health) as a last resort, even without immediate alternative shelter available (Part 2: 02:08:41.000–02:09:06.000, 02:13:06.000).
  • Commissioner Pooters clarified that the policy applies only to county properties, not city jurisdiction properties like the DSHS encampment (Part 2: 02:06:55.000–02:07:15.000).
  • Commissioner Brotherton raised concern about lack of operational definitions for "low barrier" and "no barrier" facilities, noting the challenge in defining "no barrier" due to safety issues (Part 2: 02:26:51.000–02:28:27.000).
  • Josh Peters acknowledged the complexity of defining low- or no-barrier shelter, suggesting that codifying best practices (e.g., involving behavioral health experts) may be more useful than setting rigid definitions (Part 2: 02:30:25.000–02:31:08.000).
  • Josh Peters confirmed that the hiring of Jeremy as the DCD Director and Fire Marshal was finalized and announced via press release following an in-person meeting (Part 2: 01:08:37.000–01:09:02.000).

Public Comments

  • Sondra Hunt (Well Organized of Jefferson County): Requested 5 key amendments, including adopting a "no-displacement without placement" rule, clearly defining low/no barrier shelters, limiting "emphasis areas" to prevent broad exclusion, strengthening notice requirements, and connecting the policy to the Comprehensive Plan and House Bill 1220 implementation (Part 2: 00:03:00.000–00:03:39.000). Hunt stated Washington State has higher, more humane legal standards than the federal Grants Pass decision, and that HB 1220 implementation requires planning for housing now, not just by the 2045 planning horizon (Part 2: 02:33:59.000–02:34:52.000).
  • Maggie (Resident at Evans Vista): Presented a temporary restraining order from the City of Port Townsend, arguing removal would cause irreparable harm to vulnerable, disabled, and elderly residents, risking loss of sanitation, safety, and contact with outreach workers (Part 2: 00:08:21.000–00:09:06.000). She asked the BOCC to stop cooperating with city officials she claimed were "demonizing us" (Part 2: 00:10:34.000–00:10:41.000).
  • Julia: Supported the public health framework and the statement that homelessness is not a crime (Part 2: 00:07:07.000–00:07:16.000). Requested the policy discussion be moved from November 3rd, as that is the possible date of the city sweep (Part 2: 02:36:49.000). Noted that the Winter Welcoming Center practices "no barrier" by only restricting severely disruptive individuals to serving them outside for the day, but allowing them to return tomorrow (Part 2: 02:37:35.000–02:43:07.000).
  • Jen (Public Health Office): Echoed the need for humanity and stated that the person currently camping in front of Public Health poses no health or safety hazard; disruptions are caused by general foot traffic and others (Part 2: 02:39:02.000–02:39:18.000).

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • Draft Unauthorized Encampment Removal Policy: Proposes 60-day storage for personal property and places immediate prohibition on County property at the Courthouse and Castle Hill Campus (Public Health/DCD offices).
  • U.S. Supreme Court Case Grants Pass v. Johnson (2024): Overturned Martin v. Boise, eliminating the federal requirement for municipalities to provide shelter before enforcing camping bans.
  • Washington State House Bill 1220: Requires counties to plan and accommodate emergency and transitional housing for all income levels.

Financials

  • No immediate fiscal impact mentioned, though additional internal coordination and staff training costs are anticipated.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • Alternatives for response discussed included better codification of required steps and increased involvement of behavioral health experts to ensure removal remains a last resort (Part 2: 02:11:13.000–02:11:57.000).
  • The option of delaying the next workshop (November 3rd) was raised due to the city's planned Evans Vista encampment sweep. Staff advised against delay, noting the policy can be revised later but should be updated now based on court precedent (Part 2: 02:45:29.000–02:46:21.000).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken. The item was deferred for deliberation and potential adoption.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - PAO Ariel Speser: Prepare a revised "red line" draft by Tuesday (tomorrow) incorporating public comments received today and address the State legal landscape concerning encampment policy for next week's workshop (Part 2: 02:21:43.000, 01:56:48.000).
  • - BOCC/Staff: Schedule a follow-up workshop, likely on November 3rd, to continue discussion and consider adopting the updated policy (Part 2: 02:46:14.000).
  • - Central Services/Staff: Post the updated red line draft to the Laserfiche folder as soon as it is provided by the PAO for early public access (Part 2: 02:22:02.000–02:23:20.000).

Discussion on Community Center RFPs

Metadata

  • Time Range: [00:32:31.000–00:35:35.000 (Part 2)]
  • Agenda Item: Unlisted discussion on Community Center RFPs
  • Categories: services, permits, contracts

Topic Summary

The Board discussed issues related to the Community Center Request for Proposal (RFP) evaluation process. Concerns were raised via external communication about the lack of specific evaluation criteria in the RFP documentation. Staff confirmed receipt of clarification requests from applicants and noted that the Jefferson County Library expressed concern about continued access for the bookmobile at the community site being considered for closure/transition.

Key Discussion Points

  • Commissioner Brotherton raised concerns from the Food Bank regarding a "lack of criteria for our evaluation of the RFP" (Part 2: 00:32:46.000).
  • The deadline for RFP submissions is November 11th (Part 2: 00:33:05.000 [Transcript unclear]).
  • Staff confirmed receiving at least two letters requesting clarification about the Community Center RFPs (Part 2: 00:33:21.000–00:33:30.000).
  • Josh Peters and Sean were scheduled to meet immediately after this meeting to review the clarification requests and determine next steps (Part 2: 00:33:30.000–00:33:48.000).
  • The Jefferson County Library raised concern about losing bookmobile access at the community center in question. Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour responded that access should still be allowed at no cost to the Library, suggesting this requirement be placed in the final operating contract (Part 2: 00:34:28.000–00:35:10.000).
  • The consensus was that acquiring the correct operator is more important than completing the process quickly (Part 2: 00:35:25.000–00:35:35.000).

Public Comments

No public comment specific to this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • No external supporting materials were explicitly cited besides the RFP documents and internal correspondence mentioned in the discussion.

Financials

  • No financial information discussed.

Alternatives & Amendments

  • The need to potentially slow the RFP process to address technical questions and ensure proper requirements (like library access) are in place was noted (Part 2: 00:35:21.000).

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; informational discussion.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - Josh Peters/Sean: Meet immediately post-meeting to review clarification requests and address issues regarding the RFP evaluation criteria.
  • - Staff: Ensure the requirement for continued bookmobile access (at no cost) is incorporated into the next steps of the Community Center management transfer/contract process.

Jefferson County Historical Society: Vertical Files Presentation (Lore & History)

Metadata

  • Time Range: [03:14:16.000 (Part 2)–03:57:14.000 (Part 2)]
  • Agenda Item: Cultural lesson on newspaper collections (changed to Vertical Files)
  • Categories: other

Topic Summary

Ellie DiPietro, Director of Collections & Research for the Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS), delivered a presentation on the JCHS's "Vertical Files" database and their role in understanding local "lore" versus supported history. The presentation used the largely corroborated story of Charlie Lang and his jumping trout at the Haller Fountain in Port Townsend as a key example. The ongoing partnership aligns with the county's strategic goal of celebrating diverse local stories.

Key Discussion Points

  • Ellie DiPietro defined history as findings supported by evidence in the historic record (ideally triangulated with multiple sources) and lore as oral traditions or stories passed down, often incorporating cultural tropes (Part 2: 03:24:18.000–03:27:15.000).
  • The JCHS Vertical Files are a non-digital, organized collection of photocopied newspaper articles, research notes, and ephemera categorized by subject (e.g., people, places, events), serving as an informal "proto-Wikipedia" for initial research (Part 2: 03:37:04.000–03:38:23.000).
  • The story of Charlie Lang (bar owner near Haller Fountain in the early 1900s) training trout to jump through hoops on command to advertise his "world's best Martinez" cocktail is largely supported by dozens of photographs and newspaper articles from as far as Louisiana (Part 2: 03:34:31.000–03:35:52.000).
  • A documented limitation of vertical files is when unsourced copies are interfiled ("Just because somebody said it doesn't mean it's true. Just because they wrote it down doesn't mean it's true") (Part 2: 03:49:51.000–03:50:08.000).
  • The discussion touched on local ghost lore, including the "woman in blue" at the Palace Hotel, and an 8-foot-tall ghost with a gun encountered by a Baron Fowler in 1904 (Part 2: 03:45:18.000–03:47:12.000).
  • The question was raised whether the historic record can prove ghosts/sea monsters; the presenter noted the record can confirm the human experience of phenomena if documented (Part 2: 03:44:46.000–03:45:50.000).

Public Comments

No public comment on this topic.

Supporting Materials Referenced

  • JCHS Vertical Files (containing information on businesses, people, historic buildings, events, and ghost stories).
  • Article cited for Haller Fountain found in vertical file: Port Townsend Leader, April 29th, 1992 (Part 2: 03:41:00.000).

Financials

  • The presentation is part of a series covered by an existing $1,200 agreement approved June 23, 2025.

Alternatives & Amendments

No alternatives discussed.

Outcome, Vote, and Next Steps

  • Decision: No action taken; informational workshop.
  • Vote: No vote taken.
  • Next Steps:
  • - JCHS: Continue monthly cultural heritage presentations.
  • - Commissioners: Recess the meeting to attend a 3:00 PM joint Finance Committee meeting (with the Treasurer and Auditor) and reconvene the BOCC meeting at 3:45 PM (Part 2: 03:57:14.000–03:58:35.000).