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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCONSENT BOCC Minutes (ONue, DRAFT 14il N6C- MINUTE S Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting — March 16, 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, and shared an art collaboration. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Chair Brotherton called for public comments, and five comments were received. The Commissioners addressed the comments. PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming March 15-21 as National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week: After all three Commissioners read aloud the proclamation, Commissioner Dudley- Nollette moved to approve the proclamation. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Community Health Director Denise Banker and Empowered Teens Coalition members were present and thanked the Commissioners for approving the proclamation. Director Banker discussed the importance of positive social norming in schools. PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming the week of March 15,2026 as Sunshine Week: After all three Commissioners read aloud the proclamation, Commissioner Dudley-Nollette moved to approve the proclamation. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Chair Brotherton invited comments from the public, and two comments were received. DISCUSSION re: Bid Award for Official County Newspaper- Publication of County legal notices: The Commissioners reviewed the bid comparisons provided by Clerk of the Board Carolyn Gallaway. After discussion, Commissioner Dudley-Nollette moved to award the bid for Official County Newspaper to the Leader. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Staff will prepare a contract for Board approval at a later date. APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Eisenhour moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. 1. APPROVAL re: Authorizing the Chair to digitally approve the Digital Submittal Certification from the County Road Administration Board(CRAB) for the following reports: 1) Traffic law enforcement expenditure certification; 2)Fish passage barrier removal certification; 3)Annual Certification; 4) Annual Construction Report; 5) County Arterial Preservation Report; and 6) Maintenance Management Certification 1 Commissioners MeetingMinutes of March 16, 2026 tYAIF"7" 2. ADVISORY COMMITTEE REAPPOINTMENTS (2)re: Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee (MRC): 1) Environmental/Conservation Representative—Betsy Carlson; and 2)Recreation Representative—Troy McKelvey 3. ADVISORY COMMISSION REAPPOINTMENTS (2)re: Planning Commission; 1)District No. 3 Representative—Christine Llewellyn; and 2) District No. 2 Representative—Michael Shultz 4. ADVISORY COMMITTEE REAPPOINTMENT (1)re: Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC); Citizen-at-Large Representative—Phil Sonne 5. ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT(1)re: Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC); Port of Port Townsend Representative—Kimberlie Webber 6. LETTERS OF APPRECIATION to members who served on the Solid Waste Facility Task Force (SWTF) 7. LETTER OF SUPPORT re: Jefferson County Fairgrounds Pump Track Project 8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting Minutes of March 2 and 9, 2026 9. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL WARRANTS: Dated March 5,2026 and totaling $180,647.84 10. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WARRANTS: Dated March 9, 2026 and totaling $2,312,028.64 The meeting was recessed at 9:57 a.m. and reconvened at 10:02 a.m. with all three Commissioners present. UPDATE re: Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 4th Quarter 2025 County Income Report: DNR Assistant Region Manager Drew Rosanbalm, DNR Olympic Region Manager Bill Wells,Assessor Jeff Chapman, Treasurer Stacie Prada, and Junior Taxing District members were present for the quarterly report discussion. Manager Rosanbalm reviewed the 4th Quarter 2025 report, and the 1st Quarter 2026 report. The discussion focused on how timber revenue and timber excise tax are distributed to Junior Taxing Districts. County staff explained that distributions depend on the tax code area where a sale occurs and on levy rates in effect at the time the money is received, so the share for each district can vary over time. They also clarified the difference between direct timber sale revenue from County-managed trust lands and broader timber excise tax distributions, which apply more widely and follow a separate priority system favoring school-related levies before regular districts. The Board and participants discussed broader land-management issues, including Trust Land Transfer proposals, possible alternative harvest pilot projects in the Beaver Valley/Anderson Lake area,concerns about rare plant communities and trail planning, and the need for better communication between DNR and the County. DNR noted that recent budget cuts may affect recreation services and could lead to closures at some facilities because of staffing and maintenance challenges. WORKSHOP re: Fireworks regulations: Department of Community Development (DCD)Director/Fire Marshal Jeremy Williammee, Deputy Fire Marshal Brian Tracer, Sheriff Andy Pernsteiner and local fire Chiefs and personnel were present for discussion. 2 DRAFT Commissioners Meeting Minutes of March 16, 2026 Staff explained the current legal framework for fireworks in Jefferson County and what, if anything, could change. It was noted that County code currently mirrors state law on the dates when consumer fireworks may be sold and discharged, but adds a local restriction tied to fire danger. Stricter local changes would not affect this year's Independence Day because state law requires a one-year delay for rules that are more restrictive than state law. Less restrictive changes, such as lowering the first-offense fine,could take effect immediately. Staff also reviewed existing enforcement tools, including cleanup requirements, seizure authority,public display permits, and fines that currently start at$1,000 for a first offense. Commissioners and staff discussed challenges with fireworks enforcement, noting that possession is not clearly a violation, which limits officers' ability to act before use, while fire officials emphasized their growing concerns about wildfire risk, injuries, and community impacts. There was general agreement that clearer laws, stronger public education, and a review of fines are needed. The Board expressed interest in a countywide ban on consumer fireworks, while still allowing public displays. The Commissioners requested further analysis on enforcement, penalties, and alternative approaches before making a final decision. The meeting was recessed at 11:55 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 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. regarding Attorney-Client Privilege, Potential/Actual Litigation under exemption RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)as outlined in the Open Public Meetings Act. Staff present: County Administrator, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (DPA), Sheriff, Undersheriff, Central Services Director, DCD Director and DCD Planning Services Manager. The Board resumed the regular meeting at 2:16 p.m. Chair Brotherton announced that the Board will be extending the Executive Session from 2:17 p.m. to 2:29 p.m. The Board concluded the Executive Session and resumed the regular meeting at 2:30 p.m. There was no proposed action, and therefore no public comment taken on this topic. WORKSHOP re: Proposal of use of County-owned lots for a Therapeutic Center: The Commissioners heard a proposal from Bayside Housing & Services and Discovery Behavioral Health for a collaborative therapeutic health center and recovery/transitional housing project that would provide voluntary mental health and substance use treatment support through an initial shared housing component and subsequent transitional apartments. As part of their request, they requested six County- owned parcels. The project is estimated to cost approximately $11 million and they would need control of the County-owned property to be able to provide the equity needed to pursue a time-sensitive grant of up to $5 million. The Commissioners expressed strong support for the community need and the concept itself, especially given gaps in recovery housing and behavioral health services, but raised significant concerns about using the six requested parcels because those properties have long been viewed as the County's best remaining option for a future Law and Justice Center. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed to continue supporting exploration of the proposed Therapeutic Health Center, but they did not commit to the donation of six parcels at this time. Staff will 3 Commissioners MeetingMinutes of March 16 2026 D R T work with the applicants to promptly evaluate alternative County and City-owned sites, and assess transportation and site compatibility issues. Staff will report back to the Board at a later date. UPDATE re: 10,000 Years Institute's Pulling Together in Restoration (PTIR) Program: 10,000 Years Institute Executive Director Jill Silver was present to update the Board on habitat restoration and invasive-species control in the Hoh watershed, highlighting strong results in reducing several species, but noting scotch broom remains the most persistent and costly threat due to its spread, ecological impacts, and wildfire risk. She outlined ongoing efforts including crew training, mapping, herbicide use, and partnerships, and requested a County support letter for an approximately $1.7 million grant. The Commissioners were supportive and discussed potential funding and permitting questions. Director Silver stated that she will submit a draft letter for Board approval at a later date. CONTINUED WORKSHOP re: Space planning options for relocating the Auditor's Annex staff upon termination of the Port of Port Townsend Lease: The Commissioners revisited office space planning for relocating the Auditor Office annex staff from the Port of Port Townsend property, and narrowed the discussion to two leading options. After discussion, it was noted that there will probably be a need to extend the lease with the Port, and staff will need to further review the proposed plan for feasibility. ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION ITEMS: The Commissioners and County Administrator reviewed the following: • Secure Rural Schools (SRS)funding; back payment for General Fund • Template for departments to identify mandated vs. discretionary services • Car lease • Calendar Coordination • Miscellaneous topics NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Chair Brotherton adjourned the meeting at 4:32 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 )40., DRAFT cON HI NO MINUTE S Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting — March 23, 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. APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: As the Chambers and the hallways were full from those awaiting to provide public comment regarding the Parks and Recreation budget cuts, Chair Brotherton requested that the Commissioners approve the hearing notice, so that it could be advertised before the deadline. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette moved to approve the Item No. 1 on the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. 1. HEARING NOTICE re: First Quarter 2026 Budget Appropriations; Various Departments; Hearing to be held on April 6, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. in the Commissioners Chambers located at 1820 Jefferson St, Port Townsend, WA 98368 (HYBRID) PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Chair Brotherton played a tune on an Atamaton, and then called for public comments, and 51 comments were received. The Commissioners addressed the comments. PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming March 25,2026 as a day of recognition and honor for Medal of Honor recipient Marvin Glenn Shields: After all three Commissioners read aloud the proclamation, Commissioner Dudley-Nollette moved to approve the proclamation. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the proclamation which carried by a unanimous vote. Joanne Bennett, who is the widow of Marvin Shields, commented on his high school life and his ties to the Port Townsend Community Center. A Veteran in the audience also commented. PROCLAMATION re: Keep Washington Working: After all three Commissioners read aloud the proclamation, Commissioner Dudley-Nollette moved to approve the proclamation. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. An Indivisible member and Jefferson County Immigrant Rights Advocates(JCIRA)member thanked the Commissioners for approving the proclamation. 1 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of March 23, 2026 DRAFT PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming the month of April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month: After all three Commissioners read aloud the proclamation, Commissioner Eisenhour moved to approve the proclamation. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Children's Advocacy Center Director Jessica Lowe, and YMCA Vice President of Social Impact Anne Dean were present to thank the Commissioners for the proclamation they outlined their programs and goals. UPDATE re: Federal Lands in Jefferson County: United States Forest Service (USFS) Olympic National Forest Supervisor Kelly Lawrence, Olympic National Park Superintendent Sula Jacobs, and Olympic Interagency Fire Management Officer Jeff Bortner were present for discussion. Supervisor Lawrence highlighted current priorities including active forest management, expanding recreation access, and strengthening partnerships. She also noted upcoming efforts such as reopening recreation sites,hiring seasonal staff, developing long-term organizational plans, and exploring innovative funding strategies for infrastructure like forest roads. Officer Bortner stated the 2025 fire season on the Olympic Peninsula was shaped by major fires including the human-caused Bear Gulch Fire and the lightning-caused Tunnel Creek Fire, while smaller fires were kept in check through strong interagency coordination and shared resources. He noted that the steep, rocky wilderness terrain limited conventional forest management options and highlighted concerns about late-season fire activity,post-fire hydrology risks, and wildfire vulnerability on the east side of the peninsula. Moving forward,partner agencies are focused on readiness, hiring,prevention, and community protection. Superintendent Jacobs updated the Board on Olympic National Park projects, including road and infrastructure work at Graves Creek, Mora/Rialto,the Hoh, and Hurricane Ridge, while also noting the park's major economic impact through nearly 3.6 million visitors in 2025 and expectations for even heavier visitation in 2026. WORKSHOP re: Parks and Recreation services and funding: Public Works Director Eric Kuzma and Parks and Recreation Manager Matt Tyler were present for discussion which focused on Jefferson County Parks and Recreation's budget crisis after being directed to cut 25%, which was effectively closer to 35%due to rising costs. Staff explained that because most expenses are tied to personnel and facilities, meaningful cuts would require reducing services or operations, with the Port Townsend Recreation Center identified as the most feasible target. Three options were outlined: Option A(recommended) would vacate the PT Rec Center while preserving most programs through volunteers; Option B would eliminate recreation entirely; and Option C would pursue longer-term divestment of parks and facilities,though riskier and more permanent. Staff and board members emphasized that all options are undesirable and that the department already operates leanly, urging that short-term decisions avoid permanent losses where possible. Discussion also explored potential solutions like fundraising, general fund support,partnerships, and a future ballot measure. The Commissioners expressed a desire for more public input. After discussion, Chair Brotherton opened the floor to allow for public comments, and eight comments were received. 2 DRAFT Commissioners Meeting Minutes of March 23, 2026 APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Eisenhour moved to approve the Consent Agenda, minus Consent Agenda Item No. 1 —which was already approved in the morning, and without Consent Agenda Item No. 4—to be discussed separately. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion. After a brief discussion, Chair Brotherton called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. 2. RESOLUTION NO. 14-0323-26R re: In the matter of providing an interfund loan to Community Development Fund 143 from the General Fund 3. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 3 re: Salish Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization(SBHASO);No fiscal impact; County Administrator; Kitsap County; Clallam County, and Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe 4. AGREEMENT re: Community Center Management; Multi-year contract—first year$184,000; Central Services; OlyCAP (Removed and approved later in the meeting) 5. AGREEMENT re: C-PACER energy audits;No fiscal impact; Department of Community Development; Pacific ECS LLC 6. AGREEMENT re: Emergency Repair to the Quinault South Shore Road milepost 1.3; $377,373; Public Works; Washington State Department of Transportation 7. AGREEMENT re: Tarboo Creek culvert replacements; $20,000; Public Works;Northwest Watershed Institute 8. AGREEMENT re: Gibbs Lake maintenance shop improvements; $11,466; Public Works; RJC Painting and Handyman Service 9. AGREEMENT, Change Order No. 15 re: Phase 2—Water Reclamation Plant for the PHUGA, Project No. 405-2114-0, Commerce Project No. 22-96515-026; Contract increase from $10,693,241.66 to $10,712,377.70; Public Works; Interwest Construction 10. ADVISORY COMMITTEE REAPPOINTMENT re: Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC); City of Port Townsend Representative— Steve King 11. ADVISORY COMMITTEE REAPPOINTMENT re: Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC); Waste Connections Representative—Joey Deese 12. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL WARRANTS: Dated March 20, 2026 and totaling $81,274.70 13. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WARRANTS: Dated March 16, 2026 and totaling $3,784,045.80 14. LETTER OF INTENT re: Transferring Real Property from Jefferson County to Jefferson Transit Authority DISCUSSION re: Community Center Management(Consent Agenda Item No. 4): Commissioner Eisenhour moved to authorize Chair Brotherton and County Administrator Josh Peters to finalize the changes to the Community Center Management multi-year contract, and to authorize Chair Brotherton to sign that contract on behalf of the Commissioners. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION ITEMS -Continued: The Commissioners and County Administrator reviewed the following: • Commissioners' Briefing Session and miscellaneous topics • Calendar Coordination 3 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of March 23, 2026 ''A = NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Chair Brotherton adjourned the meeting at 4:27 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 ,„0N coG DRAFT �9SHf yo MINUTES Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners Special Meeting — March 13, 2026, 11:45 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. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Chair Brotherton called for public comments, and no comments were received. The Commissioners addressed the comments. WORKSHOP re: Letter re: 2026 Connectivity Summit: Commissioner Dudley- Nollette explained the request. Commissioner Eisenhour moved to approve sending this letter to the Production Alliance to use in their materials for the upcoming Connectivity Summit. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Chair Brotherton adjourned the meeting at 11:50 a.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 1