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Home My WebLink AboutCONSENT BOCC Minutes DRAFT � 1. ISIII2X C, MINUTES Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting — April 27, 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 Low D whistle. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Chair Brotherton called for public comments, and seven comments were received. The Commissioners addressed the comments. PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming May 3-9,2026 as National Correctional Officers Week: 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. Sheriff Andy Pernsteiner and Jail Superintendent David Fortino were present and thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation. PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming May 2026 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)Awareness Month: Clerk Gallaway noted that a member with ALS lived experience Debra Bretey requested the proclamation but was not in attendance today. 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. 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. HEARING NOTICE re: Proposed additional Budget Appropriations/Extensions; Various County Departments; Hearing to be held at 10:30 a.m. on May 11, 2026 in the Commissioners Chambers located at 1820 Jefferson St. Port Townsend, WA 98368 (HYBRID) 2. RESOLUTION NO. 22-0427-26R re: Declare certain personal property as surplus, authorize disposal and remove from the Annual inventory of the Capitalized Fixed Assets—Public Works 3. AGREEMENT re: Thriving Communities Small Grants Program; Make Music Day 2026 Event; $1,250; Auditor's Office; Songwriting Works Educational Foundation 4. AGREEMENT re: Thriving Communities Small Grants Program; Providing opportunities to experience the arts; $250; Port Townsend School of the Arts DBA Northwind Art 5. AGREEMENT re: Thriving Communities Small Grants Program; BIPOC Family Program Expansion Project 2026; $1,250; Olympic Peninsula Young Men's Christian Association 1 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of April 27, 2026 Dr) r-r 6. AGREEMENT re: Thriving Communities Small Grants Program; Replacing playground equipment; $500; Swan School 7. AGREEMENT re: Thriving Communities Small Grants Program; After school program; $500; Salish Rescue 8. AGREEMENT re: Thriving Communities Small Grants Program; Youth concert series; $750; The Production Alliance (TPA) 9. AGREEMENT re: Thriving Communities Small Grants Program; After school program; $500; The Benji Project 10. AGREEMENT re: Thriving Communities Small Grants Program; Free indoor/outdoor concerts in Port Townsend; $500; Port Townsend Summer Band 11. AGREEMENT re: Thriving Communities Small Grants Program; Concert for youth to be held at Chimacum High School; $500; Port Ludlow Performing Arts 12. AGREEMENT re: Thriving Communities Small Grants Program; Meet me at the Café event; $500; Dove House Advocacy Services 13. AGREEMENT re: Thriving Communities Small Grants Program; Purchasing awards for Grand Parade; $500; Rhododendron Festival Association 14. AGREEMENT re: Thriving Communities Small Grants Program; Maritime skills programs for youth; $500; Puget Sound Voyaging Company DBA Community Boat Project 15. AGREEMENT re: Thriving Communities Small Grants Program; Food youth attending the 2026 Earn to Learn in Port Townsend and Chimacum; $500; OWL360 16. AGREEMENT re: Restorative Justice Program; $6,800; Therapeutic Courts; Peninsula Dispute Resolution Center 17. AGREEMENT re: Scholarships and Awards program; $2,000; Public Health; Jefferson County 4-H 18. AGREEMENT re: On-call building services consultant; Update to fee schedule and services only; Department of Community Development; BHC Consultants LLC 19. ADVISORY BOARD RESIGNATION re: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board(PRAB); District 2 Representative Marianne Walters 20. ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT re: Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC); Jefferson Transit Authority Representative—Amy Hall 21. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting Minutes of April 6 and 20,2026,and Special Meeting Minutes of April 10, 2026 (Joint Parks and Recreation) 22. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WARRANTS: Dated April 27, 2026 and totaling $734,322.57 DISCUSSION re: Proposed Resolution to add Measure to August Primary Ballot for County Parks and Recreation Levy Lid Lift 2027-2032: County Administrator Josh Peters, Assessor Jeff Chapman, Public Works Director Eric Kuzma, Parks and Recreation Manager Matt Tyler and Finance Director Judy Shepherd were present for discussion. Staff presented a draft resolution to place a Parks& Recreation levy lid lift on the August 4, 2026 ballot, following prior Board direction. The proposal would fund parks,recreation programs, fairgrounds, 4-H, and community centers, with clearly defined allowable uses. The Commissioners reviewed financial scenarios comparing 6-year and 10-year options, noting that a 6-year levy is financially feasible at approximately 20-21 cents,while a 10-year levy would require a higher rate to remain sustainable. At 20 cents, revenues fall short by roughly $400,000 over six years,whereas 21 cents more fully aligns revenues with projected costs. 2 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of April 27,2026 IJ F /A -- Staff explained that senior and disabled exemptions were discussed and determined to have minimal overall impact on revenue projections. The Board discussed key policy considerations, with general consensus leaning toward a 6-year levy at 21 cents to ensure financial stability and avoid deficits, while acknowledging the potential tradeoff with voter support. Commissioners emphasized the importance of transparency and maintaining public trust by restricting funds to clearly defined purposes in the resolution. The majority of funding would support Parks& Recreation operations, including community centers, fairgrounds, and 4-H programs, while also helping offset pressure on the General Fund. The proposal is expected to stabilize current services and allow for modest improvements, including maintenance and limited staffing increases. After discussion, Commissioner Eisenhour moved to direct staff to bring back updated language in the afternoon in the matter of a resolution to approve a levy lift, and to include updated language to 21 cents per thousand, and a Whereas adding in Coyle to the Purpose Section in Section 2. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion. Chair Brotherton called for public comments on the motion, and two comments were received. After a brief discussion, he called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. DISCUSSION re: HB2442—Revenue tools for local government and potential applications for Jefferson County: Commissioner Eisenhour explained that HB2442 has many different financial tools, and that the purpose of this discussion is to inform staff of all the tools available. Assessor Jeff Chapman, Treasurer Stacie Prada, Finance Director Judy Shepherd, and Public Health Director Apple Martine were present for discussion. Key provisions in HB2442 include expanded use of The Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) funds for property abatement, a small new sales tax option to support children and family services, and expanded flexibility for existing housing-related funds. Commissioners noted that while some tools provide only modest revenue,they are targeted toward identified community needs. The Board also reviewed more complex property tax-related provisions, including changes to levy limits, multi-year lid lifts, and mechanisms that allow certain districts to avoid the 1% annual growth limit or the $5.90 aggregate levy cap. Discussion highlighted how these changes could affect long-term financial planning, particularly for fire districts and potential parks and recreation funding. Additional tools include the ability to create a new levy (up to $0.05 per$1,000 assessed value)to support public health clinics. Concerns were raised about understanding the cumulative impact of multiple new funding options on taxpayers and the overall County budget. The Board discussed provisions related to Veteran services and mental health/developmental disability funding,which could significantly increase available revenue if separated from the general levy. While acknowledging unmet needs in these areas, Commissioners noted the importance of further analysis before pursuing such changes. Other elements of the bill, including flood control districts and fire protection district provisions, were reviewed but deemed less immediately applicable. Staff will continue evaluating options, and future discussions will focus on prioritizing tools, assessing financial impacts, and determining alignment with broader budget strategies. The meeting was recessed at 11:47 a.m. and reconvened at 12:02 p.m. with Chair Brotherton and Commissioner Dudley-Nollette present. Commissioner Eisenhour joined the meeting at 12:08 p.m. 3 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of April 27, 2026 DR ELECTED AND DIRECTORS MEETING: The Commissioners met with Elected Officials, Department Directors and staff to discuss the following items: • Legislative recap—Staff shared recent bills that either passed or failed, and how it affects their office. • Roundtable • Department highlights: o Finance Department • Finalizing annual report and review • Accounts payable is doing well with new staff • Adjusting budget timeline; mandated services discussion coming, and tackling the County's deficit o Auditor's Office • Accounts payable team is up and running and efficient • Upcoming: Annual reports, grants, elections, new ballot boxes • Auditor Brenda Huntingford is retiring this year • Filing day is May 4, 2026 o Treasurer's Office • The County is starting to receive funds for the law and justice sales tax distribution • Property tax is due by April 30, 2026 • Port Townsend School District bond • Treasurer Stacie Prada is seeking re-election o Assessor's Office • Construction is underway to create new office space • Not fully staffed, and upcoming West End assessments • Assessor Jeff Chapman will not be running for office o Department of Community Development • Updating projections through 2045 • Planning Commission public hearing 5/13/26 o Prosecutor's Office • Chief Civil DPA's workload • New attorney will be joining next week,to assist with public records o Sheriff's Office • Working on 2027 budget and addressing vacant positions • Sheriff Andy Pernsteiner will be seeking re-election o Juvenile Services • Appreciates the Sheriff's Office collaboration for transporting juveniles • Lower risk programming and referrals of concern o District Court • Public comment period open regarding bail and bond for incarcerated individuals • Implementing a new Tyler product, so some services and court dates may be limited • Online jury selection will soon be available o Superior Court • Law library; ending subscription for new books 4 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of April 27, 2026 D R 6 fl • Successful Color of Law event • Upcoming Law Day o Social Media • ADA Compliance deadline extended to April 2028 o Public Health Update • Experiencing upcoming retirements in the department • Audit staff have been making site visits • Working with budget cuts and reduced training • Foundational services; $21 million cuts which will affect the department • Review of other funding sources • All-County Preparedness Day; showcasing their prevention work o Commissioner Eisenhour • Seated 3 interim Chimacum Drainage District Board members; first meeting on May 12, 2026 at the Port Hadlock Library [at 5:00 p.m.] o Future Agenda Items • Celebrations for retirements The meeting was recessed at 1:05 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 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 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, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (DPA), Central Services Director, DCD Director, and DCD Administrator. The Board resumed the regular meeting at 2:00 p.m. Chair Brotherton announced that the Board will be extending the Executive Session from 2:01 p.m. to 2:11 p.m. The Board concluded the Executive Session and resumed the regular meeting at 2:12 p.m. ACTION: Commissioner Dudley-Nollette moved that the Board of County Commissioners approve the settlement of case#26-2-00052-16 filed in Jefferson County Superior Court by Mark Daniels in order to avoid the costs and risks of further litigation with no admission of liability by Jefferson County, for the sum of$6,500. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion. Chair Brotherton called for public comments on the motion,and no comments were received. He then called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. DISCUSSION re: Environmental Health Fund 160; Siting of sani-can in the vicinity of Mill Road and Larry Scott Trail: Public Health Director Apple Martine discussed Fund 160, a water pollution control fund created in 2001 to provide low-interest septic system loans. With most loans repaid, a remaining balance could potentially be repurposed to support sanitation facilities- such as restrooms and waste services -near Mill Road and the Larry Scott Trail, where public health concerns exist due to limited infrastructure and the presence of unhoused individuals. Staff clarified that the fund is legally restricted to its original purpose under existing resolutions. Repurposing it would require a new resolution and legal review, and closing the fund would require repayment of about $95,000 to the General Fund. Commissioners questioned whether this is the best use 5 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of April 27, 2026 DR A of limited resources and noted the need to determine whether the fund should continue supporting septic loans. Staff was directed to research legal constraints, funding options, and broader sanitation policy considerations before returning with recommendations. The meeting was recessed at 2:52 p.m. so that the Commissioners could attend the Special Meeting of the BOCC/Finance Committee, and reconvened at 3:52 p.m. with all three Commissioners present. The meeting was recessed at 3:54 p.m. to review legal documents and reconvened at 4:01 p.m. with all three Commissioners present. CONTINUED DISCUSSION re: Proposed Resolution to add Measure to August Primary Ballot for County Parks and Recreation Levy Lid Lift 2027-2032: Commissioner Eisenhour shared her screen to review the revisions to the proposed resolution. After review, Commissioner Dudley-Nollette moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 23-0427-26R re: In the matter of adoption of a Resolution to approve a levy lid lift, as amended. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion. Chair Brotherton opened the floor to allow for public.comments, and two comments were received. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette amended her motion to replace the word"is"with"may be"on page 2 of 6. Commissioner Eisenhour was agreeable to the friendly amendment. Chair Brotherton called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION ITEMS: The Commissioners and County Administrator reviewed the following: • Review current Board vacancies; tabled for future meeting • Review and potential action re: Boards & Committee assignments; tabled for future meeting • Miscellaneous items NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Chair Brotherton adjourned the meeting at 4:22 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 6 DRAFT MINUTE S Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners Special Meeting — April 8, 2026, 5:00 p.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. The purpose of the meeting was for the Commissioners to participate in discussion with the Public Infrastructure Fund (PIF)Board. All action was taken by PIF members, and Chairing duties were handed over to PIF Chair Heidi Eisenhour PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Chair Brotherton called for public comments, and no comments were received. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: PIF members took-action to approve their meeting minutes of October 3, 2025 and November 13, 2025 as presented. DISCUSSION re: Jefferson County Partner Support for APEX Accelerator Program: EDC Team Jefferson Director David Ballif spoke about the program. PIF members took-action to approve the $10,000 request to the EDC for the Apex Accelerator Program. DISCUSSION re: Scope, Schedule & Budget Updates for Current PIF Projects: Staff reviewed the current PIF funding spreadsheet and discussed challenges in addressing emergent projects that do not align with existing RFP timelines. Project updates included: the Simms Gateway project is delayed until approximately 2027 due to Tribal consultation related to cultural resource impacts; the Quilcene Complete Streets project remains active but continues to face challenges, with approval given to purchase speed radar signs; and the JCIA Park project has expended roughly 75%of its funds, with additional road work anticipated and coordination with the PUD ongoing,though timelines remain uncertain. The Glen Cove project is still in development, with ongoing coordination needed to determine project leadership and use of allocated funds, while the Quilcene water kiosk project was withdrawn, returning funds to the PIF balance. The Lawrence Street project has been fully expended and successfully leveraged additional external funding. DISCUSSION re: PIF Availability Projection and Process for Project Selection and Fund Distribution: The group discussed PIF fund availability projections and potential changes to the project selection and distribution process. Staff will work to update the current fund balance. A proposal was made by Commissioner Brotherton which introduced moving from a reactive RFP-based model toward a more strategic and collaborative approach, such as developing a rolling six-year project list with defined criteria to guide funding decisions and support long-term infrastructure,public-private 1 DRAFT Commissioners Meeting Minutes of April 8, 2026 partnerships, and workforce housing. PIF members generally supported adding a more strategic framework, while emphasizing the need to maintain flexibility to act on emergent,job-creating opportunities. Discussion highlighted the importance of balancing long-term planning with nimbleness, aligning efforts with existing plans such as SEDS, and potentially incorporating dedicated time for strategic planning within regular PIF meetings. The idea will be further developed for future consideration. DISCUSSION re: Emergent Projects and Opportunities - Process for Consideration of Current and Future Proposals: The group discussed an emergent funding opportunity to support infrastructure improvements at the Jefferson County International Airport tied to a timber cooperative project, which would leverage grant funding, expand operations, and create local jobs. After discussion, PIF members took-action to approving funding to the Port of Port Townsend for$285,000 to support the Jefferson Timber Cooperative Project. Scott Freeman of Leopold Freeman Forest LLC and Jefferson Timber Cooperative Board member thanked the PIF members for supporting their project. Discussion continued around the need for a more flexible process to address future emergent opportunities, including maintaining reserve funds and potentially convening special meetings to respond to time-sensitive projects while aligning decisions with broader economic development goals. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Follow-up topics for future PIF meetings included: Review PIF balance, strategic framework discussion, aligning broader plans, project selection process, revenue timing clarification, meeting cadence and process. CLOSING REMARKS: PIF Chair Eisenhour noted that she was happy that the Timber Cooperative project was moving forward. NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Chair Brotherton adjourned the meeting at 5:56 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 � J DRAFT MINUTES Special Meeting — April 27, 2026, 3:00 p.m. Jefferson County Board of Commissioners and Jefferson County Finance Committee Courthouse,Commissioners' Chambers 1820 Jefferson Street,Port Townsend, WA(HYBRID) CALL TO ORDER: Chair Brotherton called the Special Board of County Commissioners(BOCC) meeting to order in the presence of Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour and Commissioner Heather Dudley- Nollette. The purpose of the Special Meeting was to allow the Commissioners to meet with the Finance Committee, and provide comments when necessary. All action taken at the meeting was done by Finance Committee (FC) members. Finance Committee Chair Stacie Prada called the Finance Committee meeting to order at the appointed time. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: FC Chair Prada opened the floor for public comments, and no comments were received. FC members then approved their agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: FC members moved to approve the February 2, 2026 minutes as presented. DISCUSSION re: Treasurer's Report 1st Quarter 2026 covering county and district debt& investments: FC Chair Prada reviewed the Treasurer's report with the Board which provided an overview of County investments,noting that most funds are invested in the State investment pool with a current rate of about 3.71%, and that nearly all available cash is invested except what is needed for daily operations. The County currently holds about $183 million in investments, with$178 million in the state pool, and is evaluating future strategies such as longer-term investments or separately managed funds. DISCUSSION re: County debt,capital planning and JeffCom expansion funding options: FC Chair Prada reviewed the report with the Board and discussed potential financing options for expanding the JeffCom communications facility. Since Jeffcom cannot independently issue bonds,the County could sponsor debt backed by its property tax authority. Preliminary estimates suggest a smaller expansion could cost $1.5-2 million, with the state's local government bond program identified as a cost-effective financing option, while larger facility plans may require broader coordination and inclusion in the County's capital improvement plan. The discussion also explored aligning JeffCom needs with a potential future law and justice facility to maximize funding opportunities,though no decisions were made and further planning and analysis are needed. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Not discussed. 1 Joint BOCC Special Meeting/Finance Committee Meeting: April 27, 2026 NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Chair Brotherton adjourned the Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners at 3:54 p.m. until the next regular meeting or special meeting as properly noticed. JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SEAL: Greg Brotherton, Chair ATTEST: Heather Dudley-Nollette, Member Carolyn Gallaway, CMC Heidi Eisenhour, Member Clerk of the Board 2 ti0N (. DRAFT MINUTES Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners Special Meeting — May 1, 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 no comments were received. DISCUSSION re: Appointment of"For" and "Against" Committee Members for August 4,2026 Parks Levy Measure: Commissioner Dudley-Nollette noted that in addition to the current individuals that expressed interest to serve on the "For" Committee the "Against" Committee,Nat Jacobs would like to be added to the "For"committee. Auditor Brenda Huntingford was present to review the rules and deadlines under state law, the role of the Auditor, and how committee members will appear in the voter's guide. The Board noted that community members can still participate in campaign efforts even if not formally named on the committees. After discussion, Commissioner Eisenhour moved to appoint Devin Buckham and Nat Jacobs to a"For" Committee, and Shellie Yarnell to the"Against" Committee for the August 4, 2026 Parks Levy Measure. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion. Chair Brotherton opened the floor to allow for public comments, and one comment was received. He called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Chair Brotherton adjourned the meeting at 9:16 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