The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About071326M \( ' MINUTES Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting — July 13, 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 17 comments were received, with most of the comments pertaining to the proposed Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe land transfer of Protection Island and Dungeness Spit. The Commissioners addressed the comments. DISCUSSION re: Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe correspondence dated June 24,2026: The Commissioners reviewed the responses they have been receiving from the public on the proposal of transferring Protection Island (Jefferson County), and Dungeness Spit(Clallam County) to the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe. It was noted by the Commissioners that a majority of comments heard were against the land transfer, but that they have been receiving comments from the community in favor of the transfer. Commissioner Eisenhour stated that she will rework the draft letters to State representatives that incorporate comments from the public, and bring forward to the Board 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. HEARING NOTICE re: Conservation Futures Fund program project applications in 2026; Hearing to be held Monday,July 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Commissioners' Chambers located at 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 (HYBRID) 2. RESOLUTION NO. 35-0713-26R re: In the matter of finding and determination to declare certain personal property as surplus, authorize disposal, and remove from the annual inventory of the capitalized fixed assets 3. AGREEMENT re: Remote registered dietitian through WIC; $31,200; Public Health; Adrienne Maxwell, RDN 4. AGREEMENT re: Infant mental health mentor; $2,800; Public Health; Gina Veloni 5. AGREEMENT re: School-based mental health services—Quilcene School District; $22,200; Public Health; Jessica Garcia 1 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of July 13, 2026 6. AGREEMENT re: School-based mental health services—Port Townsend School District; $22,200; Public Health; Sun Path Healing LLC; Andrea Knutson 7. AGREEMENT re: Capacity Building subaward; $15,000; Public Health; North Olympic Salmon Coalition 8. AGREEMENT, Amendment No. 2 re: On-Site Sewage Action Plan; $90,645; Public Health; Puget Sound Partnership 9. INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT,Amendment No. 3 re: Student assistance professional services; Extension of time and additional funds; Public Health; Quilcene School District No. 40 10. LETTER(S) OF SUPPORT re: Quimper Wildlife Corridor and West Valley Farm conservation projects 11. ADVISORY BOARD REAPPOINTMENTS (2)re: Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB); Karin Nyrop—District 3; and Susie Marshall—District 3 12. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WARRANTS: Dated July 6, 2026 for $1,225,985.01 WORKSHOP re: Potential Department of Emergency Management organizational changes: Emergency Management Director Willie Bence was present to explain the proposed organizational changes to the Emergency Management Department. He outlined the four potential pathways as: 1) Keeping the status quo, 2) Creating an Emergency Management Advisory Council, 3) Create an Emergency Management Board with independent governance structure, or 4) Merger with JeffCOM 911. During discussion,the Commissioners agreed that they would like to pursue the merger outlined in Option 4. JeffCOM 911 Executive Director Matt Stewart joined the meeting to answer additional questions posed by the Board and the public. After discussion, Commissioner Dudley-Nollette moved to authorize the Department of Emergency Management to explore the concept of combining with JeffCOM 911. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion.Chair Brotherton opened the floor to allow for public comment, and one comment was received. After further discussion, Chair Brotherton called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. WORKSHOP with the Deputy Director of Intergovernmental and External Affairs, US. Department of the Interior(DOI): This item was tentative tabled to July 20, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. DISCUSSION re: County response to Mill Road encampment: County Administrator Josh Peters, Sheriff Andy Pernsteiner and Public Health Director Apple Martine were present to discuss the planned closure of an encampment near the Port Townsend Paper Mill, following multiple fires, including a June 24, 2026 wildfire that may have originated from a campfire. The meeting was recessed and reconvened to continue discussion on this topic. The meeting was recessed at 11:21 a.m. and reconvened at 11:30 a.m. with all three Commissioners present. 2 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of July 13, 2026 DISCUSSION re: County response to Mill Road encampment- Continued: The group continued discussion after the recess and acknowledged the unsanctioned encampment has significant public safety risks, difficult emergency access, and a threat to Port Townsend's primary power lines. There have been weeks of coordinated outreach, offering shelter beds, transportation assistance, storage for belongings, and other resources while providing notice that the encampment must be vacated. Staff emphasized that the objective is to relocate individuals safely, rather than make arrests. Following the closure, Jefferson County anticipates a substantial cleanup effort to remove hazardous debris,trash, and abandoned property to restore the area. Commissioner Eisenhour excused herself from the meeting at 12:10 p.m. and rejoined the meeting during the afternoon session. The meeting was recessed at 12:15 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/Actual 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 2:00 p.m. and took the following action: Commissioner Dudley-Nollette moved that the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners approve the Settlement Agreement between the County, Monte Reinders, Vikek Environmental Engineers LLC, and Dr. Victor Okereke for$150,000 to be paid by the Washington County Risk Pool and with no admission of liability by the County or by Mr. Reinders. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion. Chair Brotherton called 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: North Hood Canal Recreation Project/Public Survey re: Letter of Support re: RCO Planning for Recreation Access (PRA)Application 26-1939: Assessor Jeff Chapman, Olympic Peninsula Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (OPORC) Director Laurie Thorpe, and North Hood Canal Chamber Director Andrew Schwartz were present to discuss the OPORC North Hood Canal recreation planning project, which aims to develop a community-driven outdoor recreation plan through extensive public engagement and a 90-day survey. The discussion focused on gathering public input about recreation priorities, the future of the Dosewallips Road corridor, parking, trail access, and economic impacts. Commissioners expressed support for the OPORC's work, emphasizing the potential benefits for South County tourism and sustainable recreation management. After discussion, Commissioner Eisenhour moved to send a letter in support of the RCO planning for recreation application 26-1939. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette seconded the motion. Chair Brotherton opened the floor to allow for public comments, and two comments were received. He called for a vote on the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote. 3 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of July 13, 2026 ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION ITEMS: The Commissioners and County Administrator reviewed the following: • Calendar coordination • Miscellaneous topics, homeless encampment CONTINUED DELIBERATIONS re: Adoption of the 2025-2045 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update and associated UDC amendments: DCD Director Jeremy Williammee briefly reviewed the revised documents reflecting the Board's previous direction, including removing the proposed zoning map changes and updating the land capacity analysis while noting that future zoning amendments could be considered through annual amendment cycles. The Commissioners expressed satisfaction that their revisions have been incorporated into the final draft version of the ordinance. After discussion, Commissioner Dudley-Nollette moved to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 03-0713-26 re: In the matter of an ordinance adopting the 2025 Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan, repealing and replacing Ordinance No. 14-1210-18, which adopted the 2018 Comprehensive Plan and amending Ordinance Nos. 01-0426-21, 11-1218-23, 09-1209-24, solely to the extent these ordinances amended the 2018 Comprehensive Plan and amending the Unified Development Code (Title 18 JCC), as necessary to revise development regulations necessary to implement the 2025 Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. The meeting was recessed at 3:12 p.m. and reconvened at 3:19 p.m. with all three Commissioners present. ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION ITEMS: The Commissioners and County Administrator reviewed the following: • Acknowledgement to all who worked on the Comprehensive Plan update • Commissioners' Briefing Session WORKSHOP re: 2027 Budget: County Administrator Josh Peters and Finance Director Judy Shepherd were present to review the 2027 General Fund budget outlook, reviewing current revenue trends, key financial uncertainties, and preliminary budget scenarios. The sales tax revenues are trending below projections, and there is uncertainty regarding the levy lid lift, future sales tax performance, and upcoming collective bargaining negotiations. Passage of the levy lid lift would largely stabilize the budget, but if it fails, the County will likely need to reduce the General Fund expenditures by approximately $1 Million. Director Shepherd outlined the upcoming "Budget Day"where each department will have 10 minutes to explain their priorities. 4 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of July 13, 2026 NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: After some closing remarks from the Commissioners, Chair Brotherton adjourned the meeting at 4:29 p.m. until the next regular meeting or special meeting as properly noticed. JEFFERSO COUNTY ,,,,,,n� BOARD O COMMISSIONERS SEAL: :s0%•►., SS 'y •• (jctY S eon, Chair in% -< i .,..•• V '�ATTEST: '•�40,� ,,,...�.�. H idi is our, ember i _Ic_o_at Carol y allaway, CMC dley-Nollette, Member Clerk he Board 5