HomeMy WebLinkAbout060926MS JOINT PORT PT '5IfJ\(`\\
MINUTES
Joint Special Meeting — June 9, 2026, 11:00 a.m.
Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
and Port of Port Townsend Business Meeting
Point Hudson Pavilion Building, 355 Hudson St. Port Townsend, WA 98368
CALL TO ORDER: Board of County Commissioners Chair Greg Brotherton called the Special Board
of County Commissioner meeting to order at the appointed time in the presence of Commissioner Heidi
Eisenhour and Commissioner Heather Dudley-Nollette. The Port of Port Townsend called their meeting
to order at handled chairing duties.
DISCUSSION re: Economic development objectives and projects: The Jefferson County
Commissioners reviewed topics of importance for each of their districts which included defining roles
and working together on a collaborative framework to meet objectives and build a strong economy.
The Port Commission shared its desires for light industrial development, support and affordability for
start-up businesses, climate mitigation, and energy independence as well as potential partnerships with
nonprofits. Staff shared drawings of the Industrial Development at and around Jefferson County
Industrial Airport and reviewed the challenges surrounding processing of permits which involve
approval of a binding site plan, and requirements for height, impervious surfaces, and a 50-foot buffer.
The County Commissioners expressed excitement about the JCIA industrial park and inquired about
possibilities of a Port investment in Glen Cove, Port Hadlock or Chimacum. It was noted that in
Chimacum, there are other business development opportunities due to the completed sewer project.
Discussion also included the potential creation of an urban scale industrial development, including a
sewer extension at Glen Cove. Options included expanding the UGA or arranging a UGA swap or bulb
out. Some concern was expressed about any perception of special treatment of prioritizing government
permitting over individuals and businesses. A question arose: If there is an economic benefit, how might
it also apply to individual businesses?
County Administrator Josh Peters spoke about the work toward a Settlement Agreement on the Port's
appeal of the Hearing Examiner decision regarding the Airport Binding Site Plan(BSP). Following this
reexamination of the issues or misperceptions of the intentions to date,he recommended working
together to overlay the County's Comprehensive Plan with the Port projects and perhaps Airport Master
Plan. The County also asked for any Port-suggested amendments to the economic development sections
of the Comprehensive Plan and/or the development regulations in the County Code related to light
industrial development to solidify the partnership.
The group discussed building resilience into industrial development for disaster recovery, shelter, and
food storage due to the Port's location at the airport and transit center. County Administrator Peters
asked the Port to consider where it sees itself in the emergency management structure.
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BOCC Special Meeting June 9, 2026
Port Executive Director Eron Berg explained that as soon as 2027,the Port intends to pursue its third
and last industrial development levy (IDD-3). IDD-2, which will expire next year, generated $16.9
million and they are leveraging $60 million for projects. He encouraged more thought in what other
locations aside from the airport might be great for a targeted investment or opportunity.
The County requested an abbreviated list of issues from the Port so the Commission and Planning
Commission can have them at hand for timely Comprehensive Plan and associated development code
amendment discussions. County Department of Community Development(DCD) Director Jeremy
Williammee mentioned the Planning Commission is meeting tomorrow about their Comprehensive Plan
recommendations.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The floor was opened to allow for public comments, and two
comments were received.
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Chair Brotherton adjourned the meeting at 12:50 p.m. until the next
regular meeting or special meeting as properly noticed.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
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8. eg Brotherton, Chair
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Heidit enhour, Member
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ATTEST/ flea tiro dley-Nollette, Member
C. olyn llaway, CMC
Clerk oft e Board
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