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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCONSENT BOCC Minutes DRAFT MINUTES Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting — January 12, 2026, 9:00 a.m. Jefferson County Courthouse—Commissioners' Chambers 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA (Hybrid) CALL TO ORDER: Chair Greg Brotherton, Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour and Commissioner Heather Dudley-Nollette participated in the meeting. Chair Eisenhour called the meeting to order at the appointed time. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Chair Brotherton called for public comments, and six comments were received. The Commissioners addressed the comments. APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: The Commissioners reviewed a comment regarding the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) By-Laws, and ultimately concurred to approve them as proposed, and for PRAB to work on further potential amendments. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. 1. CALL FOR BIDS re: Publication of County Legal Notices; Bids accepted until Monday, March 9, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. and opened and read publicly shortly thereafter in the Commissioners' Chambers located at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 (HYBRID) 2. AGREEMENT re: E911 basic service operations; $190,800; JeffCOM 911; Washington State Military Department 3. AGREEMENT re: Appraisal services for ROW Little Quilcene Bridge; $7,500; Public Works; Integra Realty Resources Seattle—Lori Safer 4. AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 1 re: Chimacum and Port Hadlock pollution identification and correction project; Extend contract; Public Health; Washington State Department of Ecology 5. AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 11 re: Consolidated Contracts; $18,454 additional for a total of$6,138,938; Public Health; Washington State Department of Health 6. APPROVAL OF PUBLIC OFFICIAL POSITION SCHEDULE BOND re: Continuation of the Jefferson County Public Official Position Schedule Bond No. 52BSBHB6126; Issued by Hartford Fire Insurance Company for the Treasurer, Clerk, Sheriff, Auditor, Prosecuting Attorney, Engineer, Commissioners#1, #2, #3, Judge and Assessor 7. APPROVAL OF BY-LAWS UPDATE re: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board; Change in membership terms 8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting Minutes of January 5,2026 9. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL WARRANTS: Dated January 5, 2026 and totaling $2,663,802.48; and Dated January 5, 2026 and totaling $182,680.25 1 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of January 12, 2026 DRAFT WORKSHOP re: BOCC 2026 Goals: The Commissioners reviewed the draft 2026 BOCC goals created by the Chair and County Administrator. The Commissioners worked to structure their goals, add to the list, assign leads, and what topics to workshop in the 1st and 2"d quarters of 2026. WORKSHOP re: Jefferson County Legislative Priorities: The Commissioners, Assessor Jeff Chapman, Prosecutor James Kennedy, and Treasurer Stacie Prada were present for discussion. Commissioner Eisenhour noted that Representative Steve Tharinger will be out for at least five weeks, which reshuffles capital budget dynamics and affects how the County will pursue funding requests. Prosecutor Kennedy flagged opposition to several criminal/juvenile justice bills which included firearm enhancement changes, resentencing expansions, parole-eligibility reductions for serious youth offenses, and shifting juvenile placements back to counties. He noted that there are major costs and victim-impact concerns unless the state funds the workload and liability exposure. Assessor Chapman and Treasurer Prada outlined tax and finance priorities and discussed property tax exemptions versus raising the 1% cap, tracking bills on affordable-housing REET authority, renewable- energy sales tax rebates, financial literacy graduation requirements, a proposed state bank, and property/title fraud. The team reviewed WSAC tracked bills and a budget landscape which focuses heavily on the operating budget and potential diversions of capital/Climate Commitment Act funds. COMMISSIONERS' BRIEFING SESSION: The Commissioners discussed recent meetings they attended, and miscellaneous topics. The meeting was recessed at 12:04 p.m. and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. with all three Commissioners present. EXECUTIVE SESSION: An Executive Session was scheduled from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Chair Brotherton announced that the Executive Session will be held from 1:31 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. regarding Attorney-Client Privilege, Potential Litigation under exemption RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)as outlined in the Open Public Meetings Act. Staff present: County Administrator, and Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (DPA). The Board concluded the Executive Session and resumed the regular meeting at 2:01 p.m. There was no proposed action, and therefore no public comment taken on this topic. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS re: Resolution on imposition of sales tax: Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Philip Hunsucker was present to explain that the Department of Revenue, needs something confirming that the BOCC is actually going to impose the additional 2/10th of 1% sales and use tax,that was approved by the voters in November, 2025. The proposed resolution will satisfy the DOR's requirement. The Board requested using the acronym after the Jefferson County Transportation Benefit District (JCTBD), and correct where is states 3/10th of 1%. Commissioner Eisenhour moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 01-0112-26R re: In the Matter of the Jefferson County Transportation Benefit District(JCTBD) Imposing Within the District Boundaries of the District for Unincorporated Jefferson County Upon All Taxable Retail Sales and Uses In the Amount of Two-Tenths Of One Percent(0.2%), in Addition to the One-Tenth of One Percent(0.1%)Previously Imposed By Resolution No. 03-0113-25 TBD Without a Favorable Vote of the Qualified Electors on January 13, 2025, for the Purpose of 2 7- Commissioners Meeting Minutes of January 12, 2026 DR 1_, -- Financing All or a Portion of the Costs Associated with Transportation Improvements in the District for a Period of Ten(10) Years, with the scrivener errors corrected as previously discussed. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion. Chair Brotherton opened the floor to allow for public comments on the motion, and no comments were received. He called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. WORKSHOP re: Community Center Management: Central Services Director Shawn Frederick was present to explain changes and revisions since the original Community Center Management RFP was withdrawn. The Board concurred with staffs direction to reissue a substantially revised and more robust RFP on January 21, 2026 using a two-tiered evaluation process. The process includes an initial staff qualifications review, followed by Board involvement focused on community- centered considerations. After discussion, Chair Brotherton opened the floor to allow for public comments,and one comment was received. ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION ITEMS: The Commissioners and County Administrator reviewed the following: • Calendar Coordination Commissioner Eisenhour excused herself from the remainder of the meeting at 2:51 p.m. to attend another meeting. • ICG & Economic Development Framework • Miscellaneous topics PRESENTATION re: Climate Action Committee(CAC): Commissioner Dudley- Nollette provided an introduction to the presentation and introduced CAC Chair Cindy Jayne. Also present were CAC members, and workgroup participants. The presentation included the history of the CAC, 2025 activities, and 2026 goals. CAC members reported progress on updated greenhouse-gas inventories and goals, which include stronger 2030/2050 targets, and described active workgroups focused on vehicle-miles-traveled reduction, EV charging and electrification, forests/trees and carbon sequestration, outreach, and food- system resilience,and emergency planning. A key discussion point was moving from broad goals to clear implementation, and assigning responsible parties,timelines, and staff buy-in. It was noted that transportation and parking policies are major levers for emissions reduction, and that forest policies and emerging carbon markets are important opportunities. ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION ITEMS: The Commissioners and County Administrator reviewed the following: • Review of recent meetings and Calendar Coordination 3 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of January 12, 2026 DR4 NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Chair Brotherton adjourned the meeting at 3:57 p.m. until the next regular meeting or special meeting as properly noticed. JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SEAL: Greg Brotherton, Chair ATTEST: Heidi Eisenhour, Member Carolyn Gallaway, CMC Heather Dudley-Nollette, Member Clerk of the Board 4 noN �. J L D 4.1 . r !1 04 -9SE![N� MINUTES Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting — January 20, 2026, 9:00 a.m. Jefferson County Courthouse— Commissioners' Chambers 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA (Hybrid) CALL TO ORDER: Chair Greg Brotherton, Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour, and Commissioner Heather Dudley-Nollette participated in the meeting. Chair Brotherton called the meeting to order at the appointed time. He noted the technical difficulties in accessing the agenda over the weekend. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Chair Brotherton called for public comments, and seven comments were received. The Commissioners addressed the comments. APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: The Commissioners and Solid Waste Director Al Cairns reviewed Consent Agenda Item No. 6 regarding recycling services. Commissioner Eisenhour moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Dudley- Nollette seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. 1. RESOLUTION NO. 02-0120-26R re: Adopting the 2026 Cost Allocation Plan 2. RESOLUTION NO. 03-0120-26R re: Correcting the Official County Road Log: Killapie Beach Road#504909 3. APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUM re: 2026 Updated Annual Roads Equipment Purchase/Replacement Plan 4. APPROVAL OF EASEMENTS(2) re: Temporary and permanent easements for the new Courthouse Park sidewalk;No cost; Public Works; City of Port Townsend 5. LEASE AGREEMENT re: Land license for a small scale food waste composting operation;No cost; Public Works; StrongerTowns dba Return to Earth 6. AGREEMENT re: Recycling Center operations;No cost; Public Works; Waste Connections 7. AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 1 re: Engineering and planning support for Transfer Station replacement; $65,115; Public Works; Additional $65,115; Public Works; Perteet Inc. 8. AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 1 re: Case management for the Alternative Enforcement Program; Amount not to exceed $19,000; Public Health; Discovery Behavioral Healthcare 9. AGREEMENT,Change Order No. 14 re: Phase 2 Water Reclamation Plant for the PHUGA; Project No. 405-2114-0, Commerce Project No. 22-96515-026; Public Works; Interwest Construction Inc. 10. ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENT re: Noxious Weed Control Board; Bruce Zoellick 11. ADVISORY BOARD RESIGNATION re: Intellectual Development Disabilities Advisory Board; Kathy Morgan 1 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of January 20, 2026 12. APPROVAL re: Use of the Jefferson County logo in support of the Port of Port Townsend Capital Budget request for Port Townsend Bay Saltwater Estuary Restoration and Stormwater Project 13. MOTION re: APPROVAL re: Jefferson County contribution to medical benefit increase for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Uniformed Support Services(JCSOUSS) employees; Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)/JCSOUSS Bargaining Unit 14. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WARRANTS: Dated December 26, 2025 (13th month) and totaling $971,221.80 REVIEW re: Letter of Support for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR)2025 Dabob Bay Trust Land Transfers: Commissioner Eisenhour explained that this is similar to one that was approved in the fall. After review, Commissioner Eisenhour moved to send the Letter of Support, as drafted by the MRC,to DNR in support of the Dabob Bay Trust Land Transfers. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS re: Letter of Support for Emergency/Expedited Appointment request: County Administrator Josh Peters reported that WSU Jefferson County Extension Director Amit Sharma is experiencing visa-related issues affecting his reentry into the United States. Mr. Sharma has requested a letter of support to the U.S. Consulate after being informed during his annual travel back from India that his routine visa renewal appointment was unexpectedly canceled and that a new appointment would not be available until May 2026. Chair Brotherton provided additional context regarding the circumstances and noted the significant impact on Mr. Sharma's ability to resume his professional duties. Staff proposed coordinating with local legislative representatives to pursue options for an emergency or expedited appointment. After discussion, Commissioner Eisenhour moved to approved the letter in support of Director Sharma's role at WSU. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion and requested adding cc's that include congressional delegates, which was an agreeable amendment to Commissioner Eisenhour. Chair Brotherton opened the floor to allow for public comments on the motion, and no comments were received. He called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. WORKSHOP re: 2026 Goals and Workshop topics: Chair Brotherton and County Administrator Peters reviewed the draft 2026 Goals and Workshop topics with the Board,and incorporated edits. The Board noted that the goals list would be a working list, which will be subject to future updates. After discussion, Commissioner Eisenhour moved to approve the 2026 Goals and Workshop topics as updated and discussed today. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion. Chair Brotherton opened the floor to allow for public comments, and one comment was received. After a brief discussion and an agreeable addition to the"living list," Chair Brotherton called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. COMMISSIONERS' BRIEFING SESSION: The Commissioners discussed recent meetings they attended, and miscellaneous topics. DISCUSSION and AWARDS re: 2026 Thriving Communities Small Grants Program applications: Commissioner Eisenhour and Grants Administrator Amanda Christofferson reviewed the proposed funding and future viability of the Thriving Communities Small Grants Program 2 DRAFT Commissioners Meeting Minutes of January 20, 2026 that was created to proactively manage ad hoc County funding requests by setting aside $10,000 for a formal RFP process. Commissioner Eisenhour and Administrator Christofferson reviewed 15 applications totaling over $26,000, and they scored them against set criteria, and developed funding recommendations. Chair Brotherton voiced concern that this program will most likely not reduce spontaneous funding requests. The Board discussed reassessing the program next year,to see if it still aligns with County goals and funding. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette moved to fund the Thriving Communities Small Grant applications as recommended by Commissioner Eisenhour on the Thriving Communities Grants scoresheets, as presented here. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Below is the funding that the Commissioners approved. Amount Amount Name Requested Awarded Community Opportunity Fair 2026 $2,000 $500 Dove House Recovery Café $2,000 $500 Rhododendron Festival $2,000 $500 OWL360 $1,600 $500 Northwind Art - $250 Salish Rescue $2,000 $500 The Production Alliance $2,000 $750 Swan School $2,000 $500 Benji Project $2,000 $500 The Port Townsend Summer Band $1,000 $500 The Community Boat Project $2,000 $500 BIPOC Family Program Expansion-YMCA $2,000 $500 Chimacum Band Boosters $2,000 $1,500 Port Ludlow Performing Arts $1,725 $500 Songwriting Works Educational Foundation $2,000 $1,250 TOTALS: $26,325 $10,000 COMMISSIONERS' BRIEFING SESSION-Continued: The Commissioners and County Administrator continued discussing recent meetings they attended, and miscellaneous topics. The meeting was recessed at 11:56 a.m. and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. with all three Commissioners present. EXECUTIVE SESSION: An Executive Session was scheduled from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Chair Brotherton announced that the Executive Session will be held from 1:31 p.m. to 2:03 p.m. regarding Attorney-Client Privilege, Potential Litigation under exemption RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)as outlined in the Open Public Meetings Act. Staff present: County Administrator, and Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney(DPA). The Board concluded the Executive Session and resumed the regular meeting at 2:04 p.m. There was no proposed action, and therefore no public comment taken on this topic. 3 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of January 20, 2026 D R A F T ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION ITEMS: The Commissioners and County Administrator reviewed the following: • Calendar coordination • Legislative update WORKSHOP re: AI Policy and products: Chair Brotherton and Central Services Director Shawn Frederick were present to review the draft AI policy. They recapped the County's roughly two-year effort to develop an AI governance approach, including a cross-department AI workgroup, a draft AI policy, and the need for an interim policy, while legal review is pending. Director Frederick explained that AI is already embedded in everyday tools and is being used across departments,making staff training and clear guidance urgent, and noted the County contracted with Darwin AI to provide visibility, governance, and auditability. The tracking features of Darwin AI will track employee AI tool use, and retain prompts and activity data. Commissioners discussed core policy principles which include: human oversight,privacy and security, transparency, accountability, and heightened scrutiny for high-risk systems, and options for oversight and public engagement. The Board supports implementing a policy soon and refining it over time, once legal review is complete. UPDATE re: Jefferson County Fairgrounds Association: Jefferson Fairgrounds Association Executive Director Karly Mishko was present to provide the Board with an update on activities. She highlighted the Fairgrounds' history, its evolution under the 2000 operating agreement with the County, and her vision to transform the 32-acre site into a year-round community hub through partnerships and more consistent agreements. Director Mishko is proposing expanded collaborations and events, ongoing efforts to strengthen the County fair and community programs like Solstice, and a financial picture that includes County support, increased venue rentals, grants and donations. The Commissioners asked about staffing capacity, the kitchen project,volunteer engagement,and fair planning,and agreed the need for sustainable growth and operational support. ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION ITEMS - Continued: The Commissioners and County Administrator reviewed the following: • EPL permitting • NODC/ICG economic framework topics 4 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of January 20, 2026 fl p A r-�- NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Chair Brotherton adjourned the meeting at 3:59 p.m. until the next regular meeting or special meeting as properly noticed. JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SEAL: Greg Brotherton, Chair ATTEST: Heidi Eisenhour, Member Carolyn Gallaway, CMC Heather Dudley-Nollette, Member Clerk of the Board 5