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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCONSENT BOCC Minutes ex eo DRAFT �SHING� MINUTES Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting — April 6, 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 played a tune on a harmonica. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Chair Brotherton called for public comments, and six comments were received. The Commissioners addressed the comments. PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming April 6-12,2026 as National Public Health 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. Public Health Director Apple Martine thanked the Commissioners for honoring Public Health Awareness Week, and noted that the Board of Health will recognize public health heroes during their April 16, 2026 meeting. PUBLIC HEALTH and EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT UPDATE: Public Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry provided information regarding public health in Jefferson County and in the United States, and highlighted that flu and RSV are declining and COVID-19 activity remains low, though outbreaks can still occur in high-risk settings like long-term care facilities. She emphasized vaccination as the primary protection against COVID-19, measles, and polio, recommending boosters mainly for older or high-risk individuals. Dr. Berry also commented on the reduced access to free COVID tests and the closure of a local Planned Parenthood clinic, with telehealth and local providers helping maintain access to care. Emergency Management Director Willie Bence reported low snowpack and a warmer, drier spring outlook, raising concerns for wildfire season and water supply,while also reminding residents about tsunami siren testing. Director Bence also honored the passing of longtime Emergency Management volunteer John Ebner, and noted his significant contributions to public safety. PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming April 16,2026 as the 10th Anniversary of Bayside Housing and Services: 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 noted a scrivener error to be corrected before they sign. Bayside Housing and Services Director Gary Keister was present and thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation and provided comments on their goals and programs. 1 DRAFTCommissioners Meeting Minutes of April 6, 2026 The meeting was recessed at 10:27 a.m. and reconvened at 10:32 a.m. with all three Commissioners present. HEARING re: 2026 First Quarter Budget Appropriations/Extensions; Various County Departments: County Administrator Josh Peters and Finance Director Judy Shepherd were present to review the various budget appropriations from County departments, and answer questions posed by the Board. After review of the requests, Chair Brotherton opened the floor to allow for public testimony, and the following individual provided testimony: Tom Thiersch—Jefferson County. Hearing no further testimony, Chair Brotherton closed the public hearing. During deliberations, County Administrator Peters noted that the SRS funding was not accurately reflected on the Resolution summary. Director Shepherd stated that she will work with the Clerk of the Board to make that correction. Treasurer Stacie Prada, Public Health Finance Manager Jenn Mitchell, Auditor Brenda Huntingford, and Sheriffs Office Manager Jamie Aumock were invited to provide comments about the budget. They emphasized the difficulty of predicting costs and revenues,the need for stricter prioritization and coordination across departments, and a growing focus on long-term sustainability, including reducing expenses where possible and identifying new revenue sources. The discussion centered on managing a structurally constrained budget,where many appropriations reflect corrections, delayed expenses, or shifting revenues rather than new spending. After deliberations, Commissioner Eisenhour moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 16-0406-26R re: 2026 First Quarter Budget Appropriations/Extensions; Various County Departments, including the one amendment to the revenue for the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) amount. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. DISCUSSION re: Mini survey design and results: Central Services Director Shawn Fredrick and Communications Specialist Liz Anderson were present to review results from a community survey with nearly 500 responses, highlighting preferences for email communication over social media and majority support for a fireworks ban, while also identifying limitations such as lack of clear objectives, potential duplicate responses, and survey design issues. Staff will continue using surveys as a community engagement tool, with next steps focused on developing a clear communication strategy about their purpose and use, establishing more consistent survey design and best practices, and improving tools to reduce issues like duplicate responses. The Commissioners discussed creating a regular cadence for surveys, identifying priority questions and intended outcomes at the board level, and refining the overall process to make surveys more reliable. The meeting was recessed at 11:30 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 2:10 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), DCD Director, Deputy Fire Marshal, Prosecuting Attorney 2 DRAFT Commissioners Meeting Minutes of April 6, 2026 and Central Services Director. The Board resumed the regular meeting at 2:12 p.m. Chair Brotherton announced that the Board will be extending the Executive Session from 2:13 p.m. to 2:28 p.m. The Board concluded the Executive Session and resumed the regular meeting at 2:31 p.m. There was no proposed action, and therefore no public comment taken on this topic. UPDATE re: 2025 Marine Resources Committee (MRC)Annual Report: MRC Chair Emily Buckner and MRC Vice-Chair Neil Harrington were present to provide the 2025 MRC Annual Report which outlined their structure, funding, activities, and future priorities. The MRC is part of the Northwest Straits Initiative and serves as an advisory body composed of volunteers, government representatives, and youth members. The MRC's focus is on marine stewardship through community science, restoration, and education. REVIEW re: 2026 Washington State Legislative Session: Propolis Communications Lobbyist Kelsey Hulse was present to give a debrief of a fast-paced 60-day legislative session, highlighting that Jefferson County was highly engaged and effective in advocating for its priorities. Despite a challenging budget environment driven by a state shortfall,Jefferson County made meaningful progress by building relationships,testifying on multiple issues, and laying groundwork for future funding efforts. A request for$5.7 million for Port Hadlock sewer connections was not granted,but the County is continuing to pursue state and federal funding. Lobbyist Hulse explained that the session was heavily shaped by budget constraints and major policy debates, including the passage of a new"millionaire's tax,"ongoing concerns about funding shortfalls, and tensions between state and local governments over resources. Although some priorities were not achieved,the County secured success in targeted areas such as funding for the Cape George Trust Land Transfer project.Numerous housing-related bills advanced, offering new tools and flexibility for local governments,particularly around middle housing and rural development. Several issues are expected to carry forward into future sessions, including trust land policy, infrastructure financing, public health funding, and programs like derelict vessel removal. Moving forward, Lobbyist Hulse stated that she will continue to engage and improve communication with legislators. APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Chair Brotherton noted that Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Philip Hunsucker had made changes to Consent Agenda Item No. 14 (after publication of the packet), so it will need to be pulled and reviewed further. After review of the other items, Commissioner Dudley-Nollette moved to approve the Consent Agenda, minus Consent Agenda Item No. 14. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. 1. RESOLUTION NO. 17-0406-26R re: Declare certain personal property as surplus, authorize disposal, and remove from the annual inventory of the Capitalized Fixed Assets 2. RESOLUTION NO. 18-0406-26R re: Declare certain personal property as surplus, authorize disposal,and remove from the annual inventory of the Capitalized Fixed Assets- Central Services 3. RESOLUTION NO. 19-0406-26R re: A Resolution Adopting Solid Waste Advisory Committee By-Laws Revisions 3 DRAF Commissioners Meeting Minutes of April 6, 2026 4. BID AWARD re: Official County Newspaper; Advertising costs; County Administrator; Port Townsend-Jefferson County Leader 5. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT re: Health Officer coverage;No cost; Public Health; Clallam County, Thurston County, and Kitsap Health District 6. AGREEMENT re: Phase 4 Stages 3 and 4 On-site Grinder Pump Installation for the PHUGA Project No. 405-2128-0; Total of project $169,118; Public Works; Tetra Tech 7. AGREEMENT,Amendment No.2 re: Legal research software; Updated fee of$1,251/month; Prosecutor's Office; LexisNexis—Authorization for the Prosecuting Attorney to sign 8. AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 1 (A) re: Document recording fee backfill; Additional amount of$301,346; Auditor's Office; Washington State Department of Commerce 9. AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 1 re: Grant Agreement No. 690567240004; Phase 2 -Two Trout Creek culvert replacement on Upper Hoh Road; Addition amount of$65,000; Public Works; U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration 10. AGREEMENT, Change Order No. 5 re: Phase 4 Stage 2 On-site Grinder Pump installation for the PHUGA, Project No. 405-2127-0; Additional amount of$55,653.82; Public Works; Earthwork Solutions LLC 11. AGREEMENT,Change Order No 6 re: Phase 3 Low Pressure Sewer Collection System for the Port Hadlock UGA, Project No. 405-2127-0; Additional amount of$28.557.67; Public Works; Seton Construction 12. AGREEMENT, Change Order No 7 re: Membrane Bioreactor(MBR)for Port Hadlock Wastewater Project; Additional amount of$12,694; Public Works; Ovivo USA,LLC 13. ADVISORY COMMITTEE RESIGNATION re: Conservation Futures Citizen Oversight Committee (CFCOC); District No. 2 Representative—Tom Ehrlichman 14. APPROVAL OF MOTION re: Allow the use of grant funds from National Environmental Health Association(NEHA)—Food and Drug Administration(FDA) Retail Flexible Funding Model Grant Program for food safety projects; April 1, 2026-March 31, 2027; Grant total $5,000 (Removed and approved later in the meeting, with edits) 15. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting Minutes of March 16 and 23, 2026 and Special Meeting Minutes of March 13, 2026 (Connectivity Summit letter) 16. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WARRANTS: Dated March 23,2026 and totaling $497,830 17. AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 1 re: Coroner services; Increase of$20,000; Human Resources; David Bradley DISCUSSION re: Approval of Motion re: Retail Flexible Funding Model Grant Program award (Consent Agenda Item No. 14): Commissioner Eisenhour moved to approve a motion to authorize the acceptance of the use of funds from the grant from National Environmental Health Association(NEHA)—Food and Drug Administration(FDA)Retail Flexible Funding Model Grant Program for food safety projects; April 1, 2026- March 31, 202; total of$5,000. She noted that the motion directs staff to comply with all the conditions and requirements of the April 1, 2026 award letter. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION ITEMS: The Commissioners and County Administrator reviewed the following: • Calendar Coordination • Connectivity Summit; debrief 4 RAFTCommissioners Meeting Minutes of April 6, 2026 NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Chair Brotherton adjourned the meeting at 4:34 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 i,. DRAF 'r sy �9S 1NG O MINUTES Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting — April 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. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Chair Brotherton called for public comments,and five comments were received. The Commissioners addressed the comments and concurred forwarding a recently approved letter about Quinault South Shore road to additional contacts in government. APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Dudley-Nollette moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. 1. HEARING NOTICE re: Surplus various County property; Hearing to be held on May 4, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. in the Jefferson County Courthouse; Commissioners Chambers located at 1820 Jefferson St, Port Townsend, WA 98368 (HYBRID) 2. RESOLUTION NO.20-0420-26R re: Adopting the Hearing Examiner report and recommendations, and expressing Board's intent to vacate a portion of Mumby Road Right of Way 3. RESOLUTION NO. 21-0420-26R re: Resolution Adopting a Low-Income Discount for Curbside Recycling and Garbage Collection 4. OPIOID SETTLEMENTS re: Joining six remnant defendants; $8,034.16; Associated Pharmacies, Inc. (and American Associated Pharmacies); J M Smith Corp.; Louisiana Wholesale Drug Co., Inc.; Morris and Dickson Co.: North Carolina Mutual Wholesale Drug Co., Inc.; and United Natural Foods, Inc. (including its subsidiaries Super Valu and Advantage Logistics) 5. AUTHORIZATION re: County Administrator to execute updated USDOT Standard Title VUNon-Discrimination Assurances;No fiscal impact; Public Works; United States Department of Transportation 6. MOTION TO APPROVE re: Housing Fund Board recommendation to change the scope of the 2026 East Jefferson Habitat for Humanity contract 7. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT re: Dosewallips Estuary Assessment; $18,886; Public Health; Washington State Parks 8. LEASEHOLD DEED OF TRUST re: Caswell-Brown Village; County Administrator; Olympic Community Action Projects 1 DRAFTCommissioners Meeting Minutes of April 20, 2026 9. AGREEMENT re: To develop and implement tobacco,vapor and marijuana product intervention strategies; $3,000; Public Health; OWL360 10. AGREEMENT re: To develop and implement tobacco, vapor and marijuana product intervention strategies; $3,000; Public Health; Jefferson County Land Trust 11. AGREEMENT re: To develop and implement tobacco, vapor and marijuana product intervention strategies; $3,000; Public Health; Jefferson County Soccer Club 12. AGREEMENT re: Residential substance abuse treatment program in jail; $148,221; Sheriff's Office; Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) 13. AGREEMENT re: WinCams Maintenance and System Services Agreement; $125,000 over five years; Public Works; Cascade Software, LLC 14. AGREEMENT re: Potential Curation of Cultural Artifacts for Memorial Field project; In the amount, up to $1,650; Public Works; Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe 15. AGREEMENT, Supplement No. 2 re: SR 19 Rhody Drive Ped-Bike Improvements—South Segment(18029050); $141,300; Public Works; Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) 16. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING,Amendment No. 1 re: Referred Becca Petition Project; Additional $10,000 ($15,000 in 2025 and $25,000 in 2026); Public Health; Juvenile Court 17. AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 1 re: Quilcene Complete Streets; Time extension; County Administrator's Office; Jefferson County Public Works 18. AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 1 re: Glen Cove Infrastructure; Time extension; County Administrator's Office 19. AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 1 re: Intellectual and developmental disabilities services; Reduced amount of$78,000 for a total of$986,066; Public Health; Washington State Department of Social and Health Services 20. AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 1 re: Pollution prevention assistance services; Reduced amount of$14,687.88 for a total of$198,615.34; Public Health; Washington State Department of Ecology 21. AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 1 re: Youth cannabis and commercial tobacco prevention; $77,000; Public Health; Kitsap Public Health District 22. AGREEMENT,Amendment No.3 re: Strategic planning services;No additional cost— Change in services and contract end period; Human Resources; BerryDunn 23. AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 10 re: Dosewallips R Powerlines acquisition and design; $18,886; Public Health; Washington State Parks 24. ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENT (1) re: Solid Waste Advisory Committee(SWAC); Industry Representative; Keith Dixon 25. ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENT (1) re: Public Infrastructure Fund Board; Citizen— District 2; Scott Rogers 26. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL WARRANTS: Dated April 3, 2026 and totaling $188,032.52 (SHWT), and Dated April 3,2026 and totaling $2,534,579.86, and Dated April 20, 2026 and totaling $80,198.20 27. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WARRANTS: Dated April 6, 2026 and totaling $1,020,993.20,and Dated April 20, 2026 and totaling $1,322,507.04 PROCLAMATION re: Declaring the week of April 2026 as International Earth Day: All three Commissioners read aloud the proclamation. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette moved to 2 DRAFT Commissioners Meeting Minutes of April 20, 2026 approve the proclamation as read. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. The Commissioners discussed climate concerns and some strategies to address those concerns. UPDATE re: Chimacum Drainage District No. 1 (DD1) and APPROVAL of Interim Board Members: Commissioner Eisenhour explained that after an extensive community outreach over about a year and a half, a majority of Chimacum Valley residents expressed support for reactivating the Chimacum Drainage District to address local drainage issues. The District, originally established in 1919 and dormant since 1974, is now being reactivated with an interim board of three appointed Commissioners to guide its initial work. This board will focus on establishing a future election process, developing funding assessments, coordinating mitigation efforts, and ensuring compliance with public meeting requirements. Commissioner Eisenhour moved to appoint the Interim Drainage District Board. Commissioner Dudley- Nollette seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Auditor Brenda Huntingford administered the Oath of Office for Chuck Boggs, Crystal Taggart, and Kristofer Sims. • COMMISSIONERS' BRIEFING SESSION: The Commissioners and County Administrator discussed recent meetings they attended,miscellaneous topics, and reviewed their meeting schedules. Commissioner Eisenhour shared a letter that she will send to Congresswoman Emily Randall expressing concern for the loss of revenue in lieu of taxes regarding Protection Island transfer and fiscal mitigation for Jefferson County. EXECUTIVE SESSION: An Executive Session was scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Chair Brotherton announced that the Executive Session will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 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, Prosecuting Attorney, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (DPA), Civil DPA, Sheriff, Central Services Director, and Public Health Director. The Board resumed the regular meeting at 12:00 p.m. Chair Brotherton announced that the Board will be extending the Executive Session from 12:02 p.m. to 12:17 p.m. The Board resumed the regular meeting at 12:18 p.m. Chair Brotherton announced that the Board will be extending the Executive Session from 12:20 p.m. to 12:26 p.m. The Board concluded the Executive Session and resumed the regular meeting at 12:27 p.m. There was no proposed action, and therefore no public comment taken on this topic. The meeting was recessed at 12:27 p.m. and reconvened at I:30 p.m. with all three Commissioners present. DISCUSSION re: Direction on Parks and Recreation ballot measure: County Administrator Josh Peters explained that staff is working on an opportunity to define key parameters for a potential August ballot measure proposing a levy lid lift, which will primarily be for Parks and Recreation and will include decisions on funding uses, duration,tax structure, exemptions, and inflation. Public Works Director Eric Kuzma, Parks and Recreation Manager Matt Tyler,and Assessor Jeff Chapman participated in discussion which included: financial projections for a potential parks and recreation levy lid lift and the need to create a dedicated funding source that would fully support parks, 3 DRAFT Commissioners Meeting Minutes of April 20, 2026 account for historically subsidized costs, and allow modest growth beyond the status quo. Staff presented data suggesting that a rate near twenty cents would be needed to sustain operations over six years while keeping pace with inflation, and the Board generally aligned around using a simple structure with standard annual growth rather than more complex escalation methods. There was also discussion of including community centers and ensuring the levy would equitably support services across the County. The Board considered whether to include additional programs such as fairgrounds and 4H, noting strong community value and likely pushback if those programs were not funded. While there was no final agreement on exact scope,there was clear direction to draft ballot language that prioritizes parks, recreation, and community centers, with flexibility to incorporate fairgrounds and potentially support 4H either directly or through General Fund relief. The Board also expressed interest in ensuring any levy language clearly communicates purpose and builds public trust, including consideration of senior exemptions and straightforward tax impact messaging. The Board noted the importance of acknowledging potential future partnerships with a Municipal Parks District(MPD)or similar entities, with direction to include flexible language that allows collaboration without double taxation. The Board generally favored a six-year term to demonstrate success before considering a longer duration,though some interest in a longer term remained for further discussion. Overall direction was to proceed with drafting a resolution based on a levy rate around twenty cents, a six-year timeframe, simple growth assumptions, and clear language on use of funds and potential interlocal agreements, with refinements to be considered at the next meeting. DISCUSSION re: Fireworks in Jefferson County: The Commissioners met with the following individuals to discuss fireworks regulations in Jefferson County: Sheriff Andy Pernsteiner, Prosecutor James Kennedy, DCD Director Jeremy Williamee, EJFR Chief Bret Black, Brinnon Fire Chief Tim Manly, Quilcene Fire Chief Tim McKern and Deputy Fire Marshall Brian Tracer. The Commissioners discussed several paths forward for regulating fireworks, starting with maintaining the current risk-based system,which ties restrictions to fire danger levels and has the advantage of flexibility,but can be difficult to communicate and enforce in real time. The Commissioners discussed the possibility of a full countywide ban on the sale and discharge of consumer fireworks, which would provide clarity and be easier to message,while still allowing professionally permitted public displays. A hybrid approach was also considered, such as limiting use to a single day or narrowing allowed timeframes,though ideas like designated"safe zones"for consumer use were found to be impractical due to safety, legal,and liability concerns. After discussion, Commissioner Eisenhour moved to do the homework and prepare an ordinance for a graduated fine schedule for fireworks infractions starting at$250 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense, and$1,000 for the third offense. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion. Chair Brotherton noted that since there will be two motions, he requested the second motion be brought forward before he opens the floor for public comments on both motions. Commissioner Eisenhour moved to direct staff to prepare an ordinance to restrict fireworks except for on Independence Day -4th of July, in the entirety of unincorporated Jefferson County, except to allow from 9:00 a.m. to midnight, and Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion. 4 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of April 20 2026 RAFT Chair Brotherton opened the floor to allow for public comments on the two motions, and four comments were received. After further deliberations, Chair Brotherton called for votes on both motions. Clerk Carolyn Gallaway restated the following motion on the table: Commissioner Eisenhour moved to do the homework and prepare an ordinance for a graduated fine schedule for fireworks infractions starting at $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense, and $1,000 for the third offense. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion. After reading of the motion, Chair Brotherton called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. Clerk Carolyn Gallaway restated the following motion on the table: Commissioner Eisenhour moved to direct staff to prepare an ordinance to restrict fireworks except for on Independence Day -4th of July, in the entirety of unincorporated Jefferson County, except to allow from 9:00 a.m. to midnight, and Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion. After the restating of the motion, and a brief discussion, Commissioner Eisenhour recalled her motion. Commissioner Eisenhour moved to direct staff to create an ordinance to ban fireworks for 365 days a year, except for licensed public displays under the special event permit process. Commissioner Dudley- Nollette seconded the motion. Chair Brotherton called for public comments on the motion, and three comments were received. He then called for a vote on the motion. Commissioner Eisenhour and Commissioner Dudley-Nollette voted in favor of the motion. Chair Brotherton voted against the motion. The motion carried. ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION ITEMS: The Commissioners and County Administrator reviewed the following: • Miscellaneous topics • Opioid funding; possible upcoming agenda item • Docusign requests • Calendar coordination • Boards and Committees NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Chair Brotherton adjourned the meeting at 4:20 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 DRAB �gS1iIN0� MINUTES Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners Joint Special Meeting with Parks and Recreation Advisory Board April 10, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Port Townsend Community Center 620 Tyler St. Port Townsend, WA 98368 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. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the 2026 Jefferson County Budget and Parks and Recreation funding with the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board(JCPRAB). As a quorum could not be reached by JCPRAB, their meeting was not called to order, but members in attendance participated in the meeting. WORKSHOP re: 2026 Jefferson County Budget and Parks and Recreation Funding: The following individuals were present for discussion: County Administrator Josh Peters, Assessor Jeff Chapman, Parks and Recreation Manager Matt Tyler,Jefferson County Farmer's Market Director Amanda Milholland, PRAB members, and an individual in favor of saving Parks and Recreation programs. Staff reported that the County's General Fund has experienced ongoing deficits due to rising costs, including public defense and liability insurance. Parks& Recreation, a non-mandated service, was reduced by approximately 25% in the current budget cycle. While community fundraising has temporarily sustained the rec center, structural funding gaps remain. A levy lid lift was presented as a near-term funding solution. A proposal of approximately $0.15 per $1,000 assessed value could generate about$1.5 million annually, at an estimated cost of$5—$7 per month for a typical household. Funds would be dedicated to parks,recreation programs,and facilities, and could be structured as a six-year renewable measure. Community members also presented a Metropolitan Park District(MPD)concept, which would create a voter-approved, independent taxing district with its own governing board, offering long-term flexibility and community control, but requiring additional time and voter approval. Due to budget reductions, Parks& Recreation faces immediate operational changes including staff reductions, decreased maintenance capacity, and potential closure or limited operation of facilities. Memorial Field may close as early as May 20, 2026, with a caretaker model proposed to maintain minimal use; however, interscholastic sports may not be supported under that model. Additional impacts include reduced maintenance at several parks,removal of portable restrooms,and increased reliance on volunteer-supported programs. 1 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of April 10, 2026 R " Commissioners expressed general support for pursuing a levy lid lift as the most immediate and viable funding option, while acknowledging that an MPD could complement future efforts. Discussion focused on balancing urgent service needs with long-term sustainability and ensuring equitable service across the County. Chair Brotherton opened the floor to allow for public comments, and 18 comments were received. The Commissioners continued deliberations on the funding decisions. After discussion, Commissioner Eisenhour moved to direct staff to prepare materials for a levy lid lift for the August ballot. County Administrator Peters noted that the Resolution he will bring forward by April 27th, will have more specificity. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette asked about building into an MPD into the resolution, but ultimately seconded the motion as proposed. Chair Brotherton opened the floor to allow public comments on the motion,and two comments were received. He called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. The Commissioners recapped Parks and Recreation cuts to services. After a brief discussion, Commissioner Dudley-Nollette moved to fund keeping the [Parks and Recreation] services open to the end of this year, and that the County could deficit spend to cover our costs for this year. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion. Chair Brotherton called for public comments on the motion, and 7 comments were received. He called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. Next steps include development of a draft resolution for Board consideration and continued evaluation of both short-term operational decisions and long-term funding strategies, with additional public engagement anticipated. APPROVAL OF JOINT LETTER re: Urgent request to restore emergency repair authorization for the Quinault South Shore Road: Chair Brotherton outlined the request made by the Quinault Indian Nation. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette moved to approve sending a letter from Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners and Quinault Indian Nation to State and Federal Agencies regarding Quinault South Shore Road MP 1.3 Emergency repair. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Chair Brotherton adjourned the meeting at 7:11 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 2