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Sims Way Gateway and Boatyard Expansion (PIF Grant Amendment No. 3)

Topic Summary

Jefferson County is reviewing Amendment No. 3 to a Public Infrastructure Fund (PIF) grant agreement originally approved in 2021 for the Sims Way Gateway Plan Implementation and Boatyard Expansion Project. The primary purpose of this amendment is to extend the project's grant term through December 31, 2026, due to "significant delays" encountered since the original agreement's approval. The project is a collaborative effort between the Port of Port Townsend, Jefferson County Public Utility District (PUD) No. 1, and the City of Port Townsend.

Key Points

  • The original PIF grant was approved by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on November 15, 2021.
  • The project addresses safety and reliability issues with the main power transmission lines to Port Townsend, implements the City's Gateway Development Plan, and expands the boatyard to support marine trades jobs.
  • The original grant agreement required project completion by December 31, 2023.
  • Amendment No. 1 previously extended the term through October 31, 2025.
  • Amendment No. 2, approved on December 18, 2023, increased the total grant amount by $300,000 to cover project cost increases, public engagement, landscaping, and streetscaping improvements.
  • The Port of Port Townsend confirmed that an extension through December 31, 2026, is necessary to complete the viable project.
  • The cooperative nature of the project involves the City of Port Townsend, Port of Port Townsend, and PUD No. 1.

Financials

  • Total PIF grant funds initially approved: $1,000,000 (November 2021).
  • Subsequent PIF increase (Amendment No. 2): $300,000 (December 2023).
  • Total Maximum Grant Amount: $1,300,000.
  • Original total project cost: $1,970,000.
  • Revised total project cost (Amendment No. 2): $2,300,000.
  • Allocation changes (Amendment No. 2): Port - $450,000 (unchanged); PUD - $350,000 (unchanged); City - $500,000 (increased by $300,000).
  • The current Amendment No. 3 requests no fiscal impact as it is only a time extension.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • November 2, 2021: PIF Board recommended $1,000,000 grant.
  • November 15, 2021: BOCC approved the original grant agreement.
  • August 28, 2023: BOCC approved Amendment No. 1, extending the term through October 31, 2025.
  • December 18, 2023: BOCC approved Amendment No. 2, increasing the grant amount to $1,300,000.
  • Original project completion deadline: December 31, 2023.
  • Previous extended deadline: October 31, 2025 (Amendment No. 1).
  • Proposed Extended Deadline: December 31, 2026 (Amendment No. 3).

Next Steps

Approve Amendment No. 3 to the grant agreement, extending the term.

Sources

  • Carolyn Gallaway - Clerk of the Board
  • Josh Peters - County Administrator
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator (previous request)
  • Port of Port Townsend (Grantee)
  • City of Port Townsend (Grantee)
  • Jefferson County Public Utility District No. 1 (Grantee)
  • Philip C. Hunsucker - Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

PIF Grant Extension: JCIA Eco-Industrial Park Project #1

Topic Summary

Jefferson County is considering Amendment No. 1 to the Public Infrastructure Fund (PIF) grant agreement for the Jefferson County International Airport Eco-Industrial Park (JCIA #1) project. The Port of Port Townsend is requesting an extension of the grant term through December 31, 2026, as the project, though still viable, has encountered "significant delays" since the original contract approval in January 2024.

Key Points

  • The project involves the design, engineering, and permitting of a master-planned Eco-Industrial Park featuring eleven (11) one-acre "pad-ready" sites with supporting infrastructure.
  • The infrastructure includes three-phase power, an internal loop road, native vegetation buffering, shared parking/driveways, an off-site stormwater detention pond, and an off-site community septic drain field.
  • The project is critical to Jefferson County's economic development by attracting new businesses and allowing existing ones to expand.
  • The original grant agreement, approved January 2, 2024, set the completion deadline for the project no later than June 30, 2025.
  • The Port of Port Townsend requires an extension to December 31, 2026, to complete the project.

Financials

  • Original Maximum Grant Amount: $350,000 (100% PIF grant).
  • Funding Source: Public Infrastructure Fund (Fund 306).
  • The amendment requests no fiscal impact, as it is solely an extension of time.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • November 28, 2023: Public Infrastructure Fund Board recommended the grant.
  • December 18, 2023: Jefferson County BOCC approved the PIF Board’s recommendation.
  • January 2, 2024: Grant Agreement executed.
  • Original project completion deadline: June 30, 2025.
  • Contract expiration (original base agreement): December 31, 2023 (This date appears to be an error in the original base contract's Section 8, listing a date before the contract was signed and approved).
  • Proposed Extended Deadline: December 31, 2026 (Amendment No. 1).

Next Steps

Approve Amendment No. 1 to extend the grant term.

Sources

  • Carolyn Gallaway - Clerk of the Board
  • Josh Peters - County Administrator
  • Eron Berg - Director, Port of Port Townsend (Grantee)
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator (previous request)
  • Philip C. Hunsucker - Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

PIF Grant Extension: JCIA Eco-Industrial Park Project #2 (Property Acquisition & Infrastructure)

Topic Summary

Jefferson County is asked to approve Amendment No. 1 to the Public Infrastructure Fund (PIF) grant agreement for the second Jefferson County International Airport Eco-Industrial Park project (JCIA #2). This project specifically funds property acquisition and related utility infrastructure development needed for access to the larger industrial park site. This extension pushes the completion deadline to December 31, 2026, due to significant project delays.

Key Points

  • The project will support the acquisition and development of road and utility infrastructure on a 3.4-acre portion of Tax Parcel 001334004 (714 Four Corners Road), which is essential for accessing the planned industrial park.
  • It includes extending a main three-phase PUD power line from the Four Corners substation through the 24-acre light industrial park, which will also improve system reliability and redundancy to Kala Point and surrounding areas.
  • The larger Light Industrial Park will provide up to eleven (11) one-acre "pad-ready" sites.
  • The project addresses County Strategic Plan Policy ED-P-3.1 by diversifying trades, manufacturing, and services at the JCIA.
  • The total project cost is estimated at $2,300,000.
  • The Port of Port Townsend executed a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the access property (Tax Parcel No. 001334004) on September 3, 2024, with closing expected before the end of 2024.
  • The Port estimates serving 6 to 15 businesses, with jobs created/retained targets of 20 (retained), 20-60 (created in 1-3 years), and an additional 60 (created in 3-5 years), totaling up to 140 jobs.
  • Local businesses (Rain Shadow Woodworks, Inc., and Pacific Northwest Timbers, Inc.) are supporters and are seeking new locations due to space constraints and expiring leases.

Financials

  • Total Grant Requested (2025 PIF): $600,000 (Grant Request Amount).
  • Total Maximum Grant Amount (approved November 2024): $486,641. (This discrepancy may be attributed to the final award being less than the request of $600k).
  • Total Project Cost: $2,300,000.
  • Other Funding Sources:
    • Jefferson PUD Funded/Directly Performed: $925,000 (Secured)
    • Port Industrial Development District (IDD) Levy Monies: $775,000 (Secured)
  • Total PIF request ($486,641) makes up approximately 26% of the project cost, with Port matching share at 33.7% and PUD direct contributions exceeding 40%.
  • The amendment requests no fiscal impact, as it is solely a time extension.

Alternatives

  • The 2011 Feasibility Study assessed several road access options and identified the road constructed on Tax Parcel 001334004 as the lowest cost, lowest impact alternative.

Community Input

  • Rain Shadow Woodworks, Inc. and Pacific Northwest Timbers, Inc. are named businesses supporting the project, seeking long-term leased locations within the park.
  • Port Commission provided public comment opportunity on the application process (Resolution No. 823-24).
  • The development is intended to provide family-wage jobs in a community with a jobs/housing imbalance, benefiting the entire population of Jefferson County.

Timeline

  • August 3, 2021: PIF Board issued RFP (original Sims Way PIF Grant, which informed the need for this separate project).
  • September 11, 2024: Port Commission adopted Resolution No. 823-24 authorizing application.
  • September 13, 2024: Application submitted to PIF Board.
  • September 3, 2024: Port executed Purchase and Sale Agreement for the access property.
  • October 29, 2024: PIF Board recommended $486,641 grant.
  • November 4, 2024: BOCC approved PIF Board’s recommendation.
  • November 12, 2024: Grant Agreement executed.
  • Property acquisition expected to close before the end of 2024.
  • Original project completion deadline: December 31, 2025.
  • Proposed Extended Deadline: December 31, 2026 (Amendment No. 1).
  • Construction timeline (acquisition, design, and utility extensions): Up to 12 months, with construction completed by the end of 2025 (Original estimate).

Next Steps

Approve Amendment No. 1 to extend the grant term.

Sources

  • Eric Toews - Deputy Director, Port of Port Townsend (Contact for application)
  • Mark McCauley - County Administrator (previous request)
  • Kate Dean - Chair, Board of Commissioners (prior signature)
  • Eron Berg - Director, Port of Port Townsend (prior signature)
  • Carolyn Gallaway - Clerk of the Board
  • Josh Peters - County Administrator
  • Peter W. Hanke - President, Port of Port Townsend Commission
  • Carol L. Hasse - Vice President, Port of Port Townsend Commission
  • Pamela A. Petranek - Secretary, Port of Port Townsend Commission
  • Philip C. Hunsucker - Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

Medication for OUD/MAUD in Jails Contract Amendment

Topic Summary

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office seeks approval for Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Contract with the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) for Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) and Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder (MAUD) in Jails program. This amendment extends the contract term, significantly increases funding, and incorporates a revised statement of work to continue and expand substance use disorder services for inmates at the Jefferson County Jail.

Key Points

  • The program provides access to medication and services for individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) among the inmate population.
  • The extended funding covers MOUD/MAUD medications, program staff and supplies, and release and reentry coordination.
  • The policy adopts a health equity focus, requiring culturally appropriate services, understanding of cultural barriers, and addressing stigma.
  • Scope of Work (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026) Requirements:
    • Screen all newly admitted individuals for acute withdrawal risk from opioids and alcohol upon intake.
    • MOUD, MAUD, and withdrawal support medications must be offered at no charge to the individual.
    • Continuation of MOUD/MAUD for individuals already on medication upon entry.
    • Jail staff must coordinate with Indian Health Care Providers (IHCP) for American Indian/Alaska Native individuals concerning treatment and discharge planning.
    • Forced opioid withdrawal is prohibited, unless the individual provides an informed refusal or elects Naltrexone treatment (which requires clinical withdrawal).
    • Upon release, the jail must provide at least two doses of Naloxone and training to individuals with OUD.
    • Staff must schedule the first community appointment and provide sufficient bridge medication (minimum 30-day supply if the appointment date is unknown) until the follow-up appointment.
    • Medicaid-eligible individuals must be assisted in establishing/re-establishing coverage.
    • Allowable expenses include program staff (Nurses, Prescribers, Correction staff, Admin staff), MOUD/MAUD/Naloxone medications, and Program Supplies (Technology, Office Needs).

Financials

  • Prior Maximum Contract Amount: $179,073.00
  • Amount of Increase: $304,720.00
  • Total Maximum Compensation (New Grant Amount): $483,793.00
  • Funding Source: Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA Grant).
  • Estimated monthly cost reimbursement for July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026, is $25,393 (Total: $304,720, the amount of the increase).

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • Original Contract Start: December 1, 2024
  • Original Contract End: June 30, 2025
  • Amended Contract Term: July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
  • HCA dated signature: October 2, 2025.

Next Steps

Approve the HCA Professional Services Contract Amendment and delegate signing authority to David Fortino, Chief of Corrections.

Sources

  • David Fortino - Chief of Corrections, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
  • Josh Peters - County Administrator
  • Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA)
  • Andria Howerton - Deputy Contracts Administrator, HCA
  • Philip C. Hunsucker - Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
  • RCW 71.24.599 - Opioid use disorder—City and county jails—Funding
  • 2020 ASAM National Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder
  • Guidelines for Managing Substance Withdrawal in Jails

Memorial Field Renovation: Cultural Resources Assessment

Topic Summary

Jefferson County Public Works proposes entering into a Professional Services Agreement with Willamette Cultural Resources Associates LTD for cultural resources assessment services required for the Memorial Field Infrastructure Replacement Project. This work is necessary because the project is partially funded by a state Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grant, triggering compliance with state cultural resources laws and protocols, and the site is known to contain significant archaeological materials.

Key Points

  • Memorial Field is located within the Port Townsend Historic District (on the National Register of Historic Places) and is classified as a "Very High Risk" area for cultural resources by the DAHP.
  • Previous work at the site led to the documentation of the "Memorial Field Site" (45JE408), which contains precontact, historic-era deposits, and human bone.
  • The site has an Archaeological Management Plan (AMP) in place (August 1, 2019).
  • The infrastructure project is replacing the stadium fence, scoreboard, and goal posts.
  • Ground disturbance activities that trigger review include installing new goal posts (76 in depth), removing old fence foundations (24 in – 48 in depth), installing new fence foundations (33 in – 40 in depth), removing gate post foundations (48 in – 60 in depth), and installing a retaining wall (6 in – 12 in depth).
  • Ground disturbance activities exceeding 18 inches require archaeological review per the AMP.
  • Ground disturbance in the northern and eastern alignments of the fence falls partially or wholly within the documented 45JE408 site boundaries/Critical Area.
  • The project is subject to Governor’s Executive Order (EO) 21-02, which requires state agencies using capital funds to consider impacts on cultural resources.
  • Work within 45JE408 boundaries requires a permit (monitoring or excavation) from the DAHP and coordination with Affected Tribes, which are assumed to be Port Gamble S’Klallam, Jamestown S’Klallam, Lower Elwha Klallam, and Suquamish Tribes.
  • The scope of work includes Tribal coordination, DAHP permit application, background review, archaeological field survey (up to 20 subsurface probes), reporting, and up to 10 days of construction monitoring.

Financials

  • Total cost of professional services agreement: Not to Exceed $60,332.90 (includes a $9,904.70 contingent task cost).
    • Labor subtotal: $45,035.00
    • Direct Costs subtotal: $5,393.20
    • Project Total (base scope): $50,428.20
  • Total Memorial Field Project Value: $493,727.
  • Funding sources for the total project:
    • RCO “Youth Athletic Facility” Grant: $345,456 (70%)
    • Jefferson County Capital Fund (Grant Matching Funds): $148,167 (30%)
  • Matching Funds Required for Cultural Resources PSA: 30% or $18,099.60, sourced from JC Capital Funds (Fund #17539700).

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

The AMP specifies that Jefferson County "should engage in annual formal consultation with both Tribes and also regular coordination, where appropriate, on projects within Memorial Park" with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe and Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe due to the location being part of the original S’Klallam village site.

Timeline

  • 2010: Capital improvements started with a donation of an irrigation system.
  • March 29, 2018: Cultural Resources Assessment for Memorial Field Lighting Project completed.
  • 2019: Reports (March 5 and December 10) and Archaeological Management Plan (August 1) completed regarding discovery of site 45JE408.
  • RCO Grant #24-1768: Funding source for current project.
  • September 4, 2025: Date of proposal from Willamette Cultural Resources Associates.
  • Fieldwork to be scheduled following receipt of DAHP permit (which can take 45 days).
  • Draft technical report due within one month of fieldwork completion.
  • Monitoring report due within 20 business days of monitoring completion.

Next Steps

Approve three copies of the agreement and return two copies to Public Works; work under the agreement shall commence upon Notice to Proceed/receipt of Purchase Order.

Sources

  • Monte Reinders, P.E. - Public Works Director/County Engineer
  • Matt Tyler - Public Works/Parks and Recreation Manager
  • Willamette Cultural Resources Associates LTD (Consultant)
  • Paula Johnson - Senior Archaeologist, WillametteCRA
  • Josh Peters - County Administrator
  • Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) Grant #24-1768
  • Governor's Executive Order (EO) 21-02
  • Archaeological Management Plan (Humphries and Bush, August 1, 2019)
  • Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (Reference to Philip C. Hunsucker approval)

Olympic Discovery Trail-Anderson Lake Connection Construction Funding Supplement

Topic Summary

The County Public Works Department is requesting the execution of Local Agency Agreement Supplement #1 with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for the Olympic Discovery Trail-Anderson Lake Connection project. This supplement updates the agreement to reflect construction costs based on the winning bid, distributes the Federal Aid funding across eligible categories (Contract, Consultant, Agency, and State Services), and extends the project end date.

Key Points

  • The trail project, Project No. 18019893, is 3.15 miles long, running from the south end of the Larry Scott Trail to the northern boundary of Anderson Lake State Park.
  • The work consists of construction of a segment of the Olympic Discovery Trail connecting the Larry Scott Trail via the Jefferson Transit Park & Ride to Anderson Lake State Park.
  • The project was allocated Federal funding through the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBGR-2016(030)).
  • Construction funds were obligated in December 2024.
  • The supplement replaces an earlier version signed September 1, 2025, which contained pre-bid engineer's cost estimates, with amounts derived from the winning bid.
  • The Project Agreement End Date is extended from December 31, 2028, to December 31, 2029 (a one-year extension).

Financials

  • Total Estimated Federal Funds (Grant Amount): $1,519,332.00
  • Total Project Cost Estimate (Construction Phase): $4,013,728.00 (Revised down from $4,621,415.00 in the original agreement due to the update from winning bid costs).
  • Federal Share of Construction (CN) Costs: 86.5%.
  • Funding Breakdown (Revised Supplement amounts):
    • Contract: $1,689,753.00 Total ($1,461,636.00 Federal)
    • Other (Consultant): $15,561.00 Total ($13,460.00 Federal)
    • Agency (County): $46,278.00 Total ($40,030.00 Federal)
    • State Services: $4,863.00 Total ($4,206.00 Federal)
    • Other (Non-Fed) Q: $2,092,516.00 Total ($0.00 Federal)
  • Grant Funding Percentage: Construction will be funded at 33.65% by this STB grant.
  • Matching Funds: The remaining construction funding is sourced from the WA State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) WA Wildlife and Recreation-Trails grant #20-1745, held in County Capital Fund #302.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • October 9, 2024 - December 25, 2024: Proposed Advertisement Date (Original Agreement).
  • December 19, 2024: WSDOT executed the original agreement.
  • December 2024: Construction funds obligated.
  • September 1, 2025: Previous Supplement #1 signed by BOCC (based on estimates).
  • Proposed Project Agreement End Date: December 31, 2029 (Supplement #1).

Next Steps

Public Works recommends the Board execute Local Agency Agreement Supplement #1. The document will be returned to Public Works for processing and execution by WSDOT, and then returned to the Board.

Sources

  • Monte Reinders, P.E. - Public Works Director/County Engineer
  • John Fleming, P.E. - Project Manager (Public Works)
  • Josh Peters - County Administrator
  • Chris Spall - Public Works
  • Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
  • RCO WWRP-T 20-1725 (Grant Funding Source)
  • Philip C. Hunsucker - Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
  • Stephanie Tax - Director, Local Programs (WSDOT)

Temporary Hiring Freeze Resolution

Topic Summary

Jefferson County proposes to adopt a Resolution placing a temporary hiring freeze on all new and vacant employment positions throughout Jefferson County Departments, effective immediately. This action is deemed necessary to maintain a balanced budget as mandated by state law (RCW 36.40) and to improve the County's fiscal trajectory by limiting expenditure growth, primarily in salaries and benefits.

Key Points

  • Salaries and benefits are cited as the largest portion of the County's expenditure budget.
  • The need to limit expenditures is urgent due to anticipated revenue shortfalls resulting from national, state, and local economic outlooks and increasing costs.
  • The County's ability to increase tax revenues to meet increasing demands is limited by state law.
  • A freeze is immediately imposed on the creation and filling of any new position or the filling of any vacant position in all departments.
  • Exceptions will be reviewed by the Board of County Commissioners through the County Administrator.
  • Positions are considered "Critical function" if they must be filled due to:
    • Contractual obligations.
    • Exposure to liability.
    • Specific technical expertise necessary for internal system operation.
    • Statutory provisions or County ordinance.
  • Positions identified as critical function or fully supported by grant or other non-County funding require an exception review.

Financials

  • Fiscal Impact: Potentially reduce salaries and benefits to positively impact the cash balance and improve the trajectory for the next five years.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • Effective Date: Immediately upon adoption, and will remain in effect through FY 2026, unless terminated or extended by separate Resolution.

Next Steps

Discuss potential action and move to adopt the Resolution.

Sources

  • Judy Shepherd - Finance Manager
  • Josh D. Peters - County Administrator
  • RCW 36.40 (State mandate for a balanced budget)
  • Philip C. Hunsucker - Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

Cultural Heritage Resources: Newspaper Collections

Topic Summary

As part of the County’s Strategic Plan Objective 6.A (celebrating culture, heritage, and diversity), the Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS) will present a special series workshop on the county’s newspaper collection. This workshop intends to inform the Board about the vast resources available and discuss the utility and limitations of information gained from these collections.

Key Points

  • The presentation will be led by Ellie DiPietro, JCHS Director of Collections & Research.
  • The presentation will cover the vast count newspaper collection.
  • Discussion will focus on what can and cannot be learned from these resources.
  • The series is a continuation of an agreement approved by the Commissioners on June 23, 2025.

Financials

  • Agreement previously approved in the amount of $1,200 for 2025.

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • June 23, 2025: Commissioners approved the agreement with JCHS.

Next Steps

Listen to the presentation and participate in discussion.

Sources

  • Josh Peters - County Administrator
  • Ellie DiPietro - JCHS Director of Collections & Research
  • County Strategic Plan Objective 6.A

Workshop on Little Quilcene River Estuary Restoration

Topic Summary

Jefferson County Public Health requests a workshop presentation by the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG) regarding its planning and design project for restoring the Little Quilcene River Estuary. HCSEG is seeking permission to potentially incorporate adjacent County-owned parcels into the project footprint to allow for a more comprehensive restoration effort.

Key Points

  • The project reach is located between river mile 0 and 0.7 of the Little Quilcene River.
  • The historic estuary was 83 acres, but extensive levees (since the early 1900s) confined it to create pastureland, resulting in the loss of estuarine habitat and floodplain function.
  • The area is important habitat for ESA listed Hood Canal Summer Chum and Puget Sound Steelhead and Chinook.
  • A 2009 project partially restored 40 acres of the estuary on County property by removing a levee system.
  • 43 acres remain trapped behind the existing levee.
  • The current project is made possible by a recent 45-acre property acquisition by HCSEG, but expanding to County-owned parcels APNs 701183002 and 702133010 would allow for a much more comprehensive restoration.
  • The desired benefits include providing critical habitat, creating high quality spawning habitat for Summer Chum, and restoring extensive estuarine habitat.
  • Cultural resource surveys have been completed on the County-owned parcels, and no noteworthy findings were discovered.

Financials

  • Design funding awarded totals $521,000 from SRFB and ESRP grants.
  • The costs for holding the workshop are negligible.

Alternatives

  • The project footprint could be limited solely to HCSEG property, but incorporating County property would allow for more comprehensive restoration.

Community Input

None specified.

Timeline

  • 2009: Previous restoration project partially restored 40 acres of the estuary.
  • August 2025: County provided HCSEG a License for Use to conduct cultural resource surveys on County-owned parcels. Surveys are now completed.
  • Currently: HCSEG is hiring an engineering team to begin design development later this year.
  • Early 2027: Preliminary design is anticipated to be completed.

Next Steps

Allow time for HCSEG (Gus Johnson, Habitat Program Director) to present a workshop and address the request for permission to incorporate County property into the project footnote.

Sources

  • Michael Dawson - Water Quality Manager, Environmental Public Health
  • Tami Pokorny - Natural Resources Program Coordinator
  • Gus Johnson - Habitat Program Director, HCSEG
  • Josh D. Peters - County Administrator
  • Washington Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB)
  • Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program (ESRP)
  • County-owned parcels APNs 701183002 and 702133010

Updating the County’s Unauthorized Encampment Removal Policy

Topic Summary

Jefferson County is reviewing a revised Unauthorized Encampment Removal Policy (replacing Policy No. 02.10.23-01) to ensure future encampment removals are well-planned and compliant with current state and federal case precedent. The urgency for this update stems from the City of Port Townsend’s announced closure of the Evans Vista encampment on November 3, 2025. The revised policy adopts a Public Health framework and details procedures for notice, property storage, and training.

Key Points

  • The policy aims to balance protecting public health/safety and maintaining public spaces with respecting the personal property and privacy rights of those camping on public property.
  • "Homelessness is not a crime"; individuals will not be prosecuted for sleeping outside, given no criminal law violations.
  • The County shall not prohibit individuals from sleeping outside without offering alternative shelter (consistent with case precedent like Martin v. City of Boise).
  • Policy Framework: Adopts a Public Health framework and requires consultation between Public Health, Central Services, and the County Administrator for prioritization of monitoring and removal.
  • Immediate Hazard/Obstruction Removal: Immediate removal without full notice is allowed only for an imminent threat of serious injury or death (e.g., in vehicle traffic areas, landslide zones, or if the encampment substantially interferes with public rights-of-way). Prior notice is given if safe, and county director approval is required for removal.
  • Non-Obstructing Encampment Removal: Requires no fewer than 72 hours written notice before physical removal commences, and removal must occur within seven (7) days of posting.
  • Alternative Shelter: Staff shall identify and offer alternatives (housing programs, emergency shelters, authorized encampment areas) before removing non-obstructing encampments. Shelters requiring religious instruction are not considered bona fide alternatives.
  • Personnel and Training: Designated County Personnel (DCPs) from Sheriff’s Office, Public Works, Public Health, Environmental Health, Central Services, and DCD must receive mandatory annual training by the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
  • Property Storage Requirements:
    • Personal property must be stored for 60 days at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (81 Elkins Road, Port Hadlock).
    • Items defined as "Personal property" (e.g., apparent utility, value over $50, personal papers, tents, usable furniture, prescription medication) must be stored.
    • Hazardous items (sharps, chemicals, human waste-soiled items, moldy/infested items) and perishable items are to be discarded immediately.
    • Property recovery procedures are detailed, including delivery for individuals with documented disabilities to a safe location within 10 miles of the encampment site if requested and approved.
  • Emphasis Areas (Immediate Prohibition/Removal):
    • The Jefferson County Courthouse and grounds (1820 Jefferson St).
    • County offices on the "Castle Hill Campus" (Sheridan Street complex).
    • All county property within close proximity to schools, playgrounds, or facilities providing services for vulnerable populations.
    • Camping in these areas is prohibited and any material found may be removed without further notice after initial signage and area clearance.

Financials

  • No immediate fiscal impact, except for additional internal coordination and staff training.
  • Additional unknown costs may be incurred in the future.
  • The county has invested in the past, including purchasing land and funding for Caswell-Brown (a permanent shelter/encampment).

Alternatives

None specified.

Community Input

  • The policy is framed around coordinating with community providers (outreach personnel) who must visit the site at least once after notice is posted and be present at the commencement of removal.

Timeline

  • November 3, 2025: Date the City of Port Townsend announced closure of the Evans Vista encampment (prompting the county policy review).
  • October 27, 2025: Workshop discussion date.
  • Upon passage: Policy takes effect immediately.

Next Steps

The Board of County Commissioners is asked to consider the revised policy, provide feedback and direction to staff, and potentially adopt the revised policy via the provided adopting resolution.

Sources

  • Philip C. Hunsucker - Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
  • Ariel Speser - Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (listed for workshop)
  • Josh Peters - County Administrator
  • Jefferson County Code (JCC) 2.01.080(2); 18.20.385; 12.25.020(3); 12.25.060; 19.25 (Referenced Authorities)
  • RCW 69.50.120 (Drug paraphernalia)
  • RCW 36.32.120(7) and Washington Constitution Article XI, Section 11 (Police Power Authority)
  • Resolution No. 60-04 (11/15/2004) (Courthouse usage after hours)
  • WAC 197-11-800(19) (SEPA Exemption)

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