HomeMy WebLinkAboutM022414ON CIO
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District No. 1 Commissioner: Phil Johnson
District No. 2 Commissioner: David W. Sullivan
District No. 3 Commissioner: John Austin
County Administrator: Philip Morley
Clerk of the Board: Erin Lundgren
MINUTES
Week of February 24, 2014
Chairman Austin called the meeting to order at the appointed time in the presence of
Commissioner Phil Johnson and Commissioner David Sullivan.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The following is a summary of comments made by
citizens in attendance at the meeting and reflect their personal opinions:
• A citizen stated that local Students For Sustainability (SFS) are still needing funding assistance for
their upcoming trip to Washington D.C. Checks can be made out to SFS;
• A citizen stated: 1) The rent on Water Street in Port Townsend is three times higher than what it
should be; 2) Sequim receives a portion of Costco's profits each quarter; and 3) Jefferson County
needs a better Comprehensive Plan for the next 10 years;
• A citizen stated that the Port Townsend Television Station is updating their electronic equipment and
will be switching to high definition digital. He suggested that the Board update their meeting
recording system to incorporate video to increase communication with all citizens;
• A citizen: 1) Agreed that the Board should video record their meetings; 2) Thanked the County for
taking the correct position on pot regulation; and 3) Reported that the Treasurer's Office now has
statements available online.
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner
Sullivan moved to approve all the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Johnson
seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
AGREEMENT re: Maintenance for Audio Recording System Located in Superior Court; In the
Amount of $2,300; Jefferson County Superior Court; Jefferson Audio Video Systems (JAYS),
Inc.
AGREEMENT re: Maintenance for Video Recording System Located at the Jail; In the Amount
of $750 plus tax; Jefferson County Sheriff, Jefferson Audio Video Systems (JAYS), Inc.
AGREEMENT re: Grant Application for Community Litter Cleanup Program Funds; In the
Amount of $44,388; Jefferson County Sheriff; Washington State Department of Ecology
AGREEMENT re: Grant funded study for the Fort Townsend Shoreline Restoration; In the
Amount of $15,500; Washington State University (WSU) Jefferson County Extension; North
West Straits Foundation
AGREEMENT re: In -Lieu Fee Grant; Extension of Time Period; Jefferson County Community
Development; Hood Canal Coordinating Council
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Commissioners Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2014
6. BID AWARD re: 2014 -2015 Pavement Marking on County Roadways; Jefferson County Public
Works; Stripe Rite, Inc.
7. Final Short Plat Approval re: Mauney /Rogerson Trust Short Plat #MLA12- 00141 / #SUB12-
00011; To Subdivide a 34.54 Acre Parcel into 3 Residential Lots; Located at 91 Baldwin Road,
Nordland; Marc Mauney and Lynne Rogerson, Applicants
8. Advisory Board Reappointment re: Peninsula Housing Authority Advisory Board; Samuel R.
Shusterman; Five (5) Year Term to Expire February 24, 2019
9. Payment of Jefferson County Vouchers/Warrants Dated February 18, 2014 Totaling
$628,620.67
10. Payment of Jefferson County Payroll Warrants Dated February 20, 2014 Totaling $69,642.07
and A/P Warrants Done by Payroll Dated February 6, 2014 Totaling $124,144.14
COMMISSIONERS BRIEFING SESSION. • The Commissioners each provided
updates on the following items:
Chairman Austin
- Reported that the Public Development Authority (PDA) is working on branding Fort Worden and Port
Townsend.
- Attended the Students For Sustainability (SFS) fundraiser last week.
- Attended a Hood Canal Coordinating Council (HCCC) meeting last week.
Commissioner Johnson
- Will be attending a Nearshore Workshop this week.
- Will be attending a Kiwanis Team Leader meeting and presenting an award this week.
- Attended a HCCC meeting last week.
The meeting was recessed at 9:35 a.m. and reconvened at 10:01 a.m. with all three
Commissioners present.
BID OPENING re: Snow Creek Road Culvert Replacement, Snow Creek Road
MP 3.78, County Project No. CR1899: Public Works Engineering Services Manager Jon Watson
and Public Works Engineer Mark Thurston were present at the bid opening. Mr. Watson stated the
engineer's estimate is $398,867.00. Mr. Thurston opened and read the following bids aloud:
BIDDER
Kuchan Construction
Cl Luvell, Inc.
RV Associates, Inc.
Nova Contracting Inc.
Zephyr's, Inc.
Five Rivers Construction, Inc.
Quigg Brothers, Inc.
Seton Construction
C Level Bulkhead Builders, Inc.
BID AMOUNT
$346,127.00
$334,256.00
$320,190.00
$284,101.00
$257,694.00
$360,965.00
$409,569.00
$219,178.38
$242,360.93
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Commissioners Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2014
Nordland Construction Northwest $295,609.00
Kamin Excavation, LLC $258,888.00
Primo Construction, Inc. $283,293.54
Staff will review the bids and submit a recommendation for bid award to the Board at a future date.
DISCUSSIONANDPOSSIBLEAPPROVAL re: AGREEMENTNO. 13 -2200,
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Interlocal re: North Pacific Coast Marine Resources Committee (NPC MRC) Administration and
Projects: Environmental Health Specialist Tami Pokorny gave a presentation on a proposed Interlocal
Agreement with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (DEW) regarding North Pacific
Coast Marine Resources Committee Administration and Projects. The following information was
included in the materials presented to the Board:
The DEW supports four Marine Resources Committees along the Pacific Coast of Washington State as
authorized by Chapter 36.125 RCW. The NPC MRC conducts activities in western Clallam and
Jefferson Counties to benefit the natural resources of the coast and local communities.
A portion of the DFW funds, $38,500 will be used by Jefferson County to administer the program and
grant, provide facilitation, develop a work plan, support participation in the NPC MRC by Clallam
County staff and the development of a two - county Interlocal agreement and as needed, provide mileage
for attendance at the Washington Coast Marine Advisory Council meetings. The remaining funds,
$28,785 are available to support the projects selected by the NPC MRC through its request for proposals
and ranking process that culminated at its regular meeting on October 15, 2013.
Ms. Pokorny reported that the NPC MRC approved the following projects for 2013 -2014: Ocean
Science, Washington Coast Cleanup 2014 ($16,160), Student Opportunities in Field Research, Financial
Assistance for Student Opportunities in Field Research ($1,650) and West End Natural Resources News
($4,500). She added that a portion of unspent funds would go toward Rainfest which will be held in
Forks the week of April 12-19,2014.
Chairman Austin asked where the newsletter is distributed? Ms. Pokorny replied that an electronic PDF
of the West End Natural Resources News is emailed out and approximately 400 print editions are
distributed to residents in Forks, members and the groups they represent.
Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the Interlocal Agreement with Washington State Department
of Fish and Wildlife for North Pacific Coast Marine Resources Committee (NPC MRC) Administration
and Projects #13 -2200 for the period of July 1, 2013 — June 20, 2014 in the amount of $67,285.
Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
The meeting was recessed at 10:30 a.m. and reconvened at 11:03 a.m. with all three
Commissioners present.
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Commissioners Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2014
Presentation of the Governor's 2013 Smart Communities Award: Department of
Community Development (DCD) Planning Manager Stacie Hoskins thanked all of those present for
attending the award presentation. She stated that the project exemplifies the best of planning.
Commissioner Sullivan noted that the last time he was on Marrowstone Island, there were other
governmental agencies and tribes from around the area present and citizens there applauded them for
working together and being responsive to what they were asking. He believes they found solutions that
worked for everyone. He mentioned that at a state association meeting, Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark used the award given to Jefferson
County as an example. Commissioner Sullivan stated it was a good example of what we can do together.
He added that it is great that the Marrowstone area has an extremely harvestable shellfish operation in an
urban growth area. He stated that if we all continue to manage land and water use well, we can keep
that.
When other tidelands are closed to shellfish harvesting, Marrowstone Island is one of the few areas that
can often remain open due to its location. Commissioner Sullivan handed out certificates to those that
were present for the awards presentation.
The meeting was recessed at 11:22 a.m. and reconvened at 1:36 p.m. with all three
Commissioners present.
Planning Commission Calendar and Work Plan Briefing: Department of Community
Development (DCD) Director Carl Smith, Planning Manager Stacie Hoskins and Chair of the Planning
Commission Kevin Coker were present to review the Planning Commission Calendar and Work Plan.
They referenced the Planning Commission Calendar included in the materials and handed out a
document titled "Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan & Development Regulation Updates."
Ms. Hoskins stated that DCD and the Jefferson County Planning Commission drafted a calendar
outlining tentative meeting topics for the 2014 Planning Commission meetings in order to complete the
periodic assessment in preparation of the Growth Management Act mandatory periodic update due by
mid -year 2016. To meet state requirements, they need to conduct an amendment cycle in 2015. The
Washington State Department of Commerce distributes a checklist that addresses all of the legislative
changes. Ms. Hoskins stated she reviews these changes to see if any amendments need to be made.
Consistency updates also need to be made to make sure that DCD's actions and the County's
development regulations are consistent with Jefferson County's Comprehensive Plan.
Commissioner Sullivan asked if it would be helpful to amend the ordinance to allow for more time to
work on this? Director Smith stated that would help.
Mr. Coker suggested that rather than conducting numerous smaller meetings, the Planning Commission
could conduct longer meetings less frequently. Director Smith and Ms. Hoskins spoke in favor of Mr.
Coker's suggestion. Director Smith stated he would welcome once a month evening meetings if the
Planning Commission approves.
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Commissioners Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2014
Discussion re: Proposal for Amending the Clean Water District Ordinance:
Environmental Health Director Jared Keefer discussed a proposed amendment to the Clean Water
District (CWD) Ordinance which would primarily change the fee schedule. Environmental Health
Specialist II Lead Mike Dawson handed out a packet of documents for the presentation which included a
document titled "Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan & Development Regulation Updates."
Director Keefer stated the proposed changes are a result of the CWD Advisory Council's
recommendations made last year to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). The
recommendations were in regard to the CWD activities and a request to come up with sustainable
funding. He noted that those recommendations were presented to the Board in January, 2013.
Director Keefer briefly explained the documents presented in the packet which include the Clean Water
District Plan, goals, achievements and priority for funding. He gave percentage breakdown of the Water
Quality Division funding. The percentages listed on the graph presented in the packet show: 70.29%
from the State of Washington, 14.30% from CWD and other funds, 10.48% from the Jefferson County
General Fund, 3.98% from Conservation Futures and 0.95% from federal grants. He said these amounts
can fluctuate. The proportion of federal money to state money shifts throughout the years due to what
type of grants there are.
A list of counties and Shellfish Protection District funding sources in Washington State was included in
the packet and depicts what types of funding sources are being used and if a county enacted a parcel fee.
Some counties included a breakdown of parcel fees charged for the Clean Water and Shellfish
Protection District areas. Director Keefer noted that a majority of the counties charge per - parcel fees,
but they tend to have different break -downs of the fees depending on zoning, acreage, etc. He added that
Jefferson County has one flat parcel fee which is currently at $5 per - parcel. Pierce County has the next
lowest rate at $19 per parcel for vacant land and Snohomish County's fee is $22.45 for a single family
residential parcel.
Chairman Austin commented that counties with a smaller geographical area that have a greater
population can afford to have relatively inexpensive parcel fees. In Jefferson County, we have a few
people and a lot of land. He added that federal and state properties would most likely be exempt from
being assessed the per - parcel fee.
Commissioner Johnson asked what the proposed $20 per - parcel fee would cover? Director Keefer
replied that the activity recommendations include establishing a Comprehensive Water Quality
Monitoring Program for East Jefferson County, pollution identification and control activities to
remediate and address sources of pollution found and focusing on abating problems when they are found
and having the funds to address areas of concern.
Director Keefer stated that a portion of the proposed funds would go toward the monitoring of toxic
algae in lakes. Testing at lakes was done in the past to notify the public of the toxic algae levels, but
currently there is not enough resources to do this more frequently. Mr. Dawson added that algae
monitoring program has never been as comprehensive as they would like it to be and it has been a
constant challenge to maintain a consistent program where they can compare statistics over a number of
years.
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Commissioners Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2014
Director Keefer mentioned that projects will be prioritized based on need. Certain projects have been left
unfinished due to grant funding ending. He noted that a Mats Mats Bay project was completed and they
met their deliverables, but not all of the issues could be addressed. There were fecal hits in Mats Mats
Bay that they could not remedy. Approval of the proposed fee increase would enable them to take some
targeted action.
Commissioner Johnson asked if a fee of $20 per - parcel is enough? County Administrator Philip Morley
pointed out that on page 5 and 6 in the packet that was handed out, there is a list of what activities would
be implemented if the $20 per - parcel fee was approved.
Chairman Austin noted that Anderson Lake is a state park and asked if throughout the state, counties
within where state parks reside are responsible for ensuring water quality on those state properties?
Director Keefer replied that he did not know who was responsible for it, but that the County partners
with the park service on coordinating testing and ensuring the public is notified. Washington State
Department of Ecology (DOE) does provide funding for algae lake monitoring. Chairman Austin asked
if Jefferson County is assuming the costs of testing at state properties when this is something the state
should be doing? Director Keefer stated the County receives funding from the DOE Blue /Green Algae
Lake Monitoring Program. The state, in a general sense, supports testing programs, but not directly from
the agency responsible for maintaining the parks. Mr. Dawson added that Anderson Lake is not the only
lake in Jefferson County that requires toxic algae monitoring. County lakes such as Leland Lake, Gibbs
Lake and other lakes have had toxic blooms in the past and data from all lakes would be beneficial.
Director Keefer stated that staff has been coordinating with the City of Port Townsend on the
approximate number of City parcels that would be included in the C WD. Currently, the number of City
parcels that are not served by sewer is 2,112 and the approximate number of County parcels that are not
served by sewer is 509 (later noted: these parcels are located in the Port Ludlow area). Commissioner
Sullivan asked how many parcels are in the City? Mr. Dawson guessed the number to be around 6,000
and Director Keefer believed there were around 8,000 parcels in the City. City staff is currently
geo- coding parcels.
Chairman Austin asked if the "Approximate # of Parcels 17,559" listed on page six of the packet include
the 2,112 City parcels? Director Keefer stated that it does not. He explained that the $22.93 per - parcel
fee for 17,559 parcels is the assessment fee currently being collected. He noted that with the inclusion of
the City and County parcels not served by sewer, the fee per - parcel would be reduced to $19.76.
Chairman Austin asked if the per - parcel fee would be assessed for parcels where there is no
construction? Director Keefer replied yes as long as they are vacant parcels that were not designated as
timber lands, forest lands and have not qualified for the senior citizen low- income discount. Chairman
Austin asked about parcels that are adjacent to sewer, but not hooked up? Director Keefer replied that
staff is currently working with Port Ludlow and the City of Port Townsend in order to find out which
properties are already connected and which properties they anticipate will be connected to sewer.
Commissioner Johnson asked if the per - parcel fee includes agriculture land? Director Keefer replied that
it does.
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Commissioners Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2014
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Director Keefer mentioned there are citizens who have a number of adjacent -to -sewer parcels. He stated
that he researched the process on how to consolidate parcels outright for development purposes or for
taxing purposes. A citizen could consolidate parcels if they were concerned about the higher
per - parcel fee. As noted on page four of the handout there are two methods a citizen can use for lot
consolidation; Formal Lot Consolidation or Restrictive Covenant to Property Title. To file a Restrictive
Covenant to Property Title at the Auditor's Office, it would cost $72 for the first page and $1 for
additional pages. When asking for a Formal Lot Consolidation, a citizen would need to contact the
Department of Community Development (DCD). As noted in the handout, the current cost for this
process is $664.
County Administrator Morley noted that the estimates of the number of parcels in the City of Port
Townsend and Port Ludlow to be included in the CWD are subject to confirmation and update. He asked
Director Keefer when those figures are solidified, will he be recalculating the proposed per - parcel fee?
Director Keefer replied that he would be recalculating, the proposed per - parcel fee once he gets the final
numbers from the City he will be able to see how close the estimates were. If the final numbers that
come in for the City are close to what is anticipated, he will request a $20 flat fee per - parcel.
County Administrator Morley suggested that if the City's parcel numbers come back similar to what is
estimated, Environmental Health could come back before the Board with a more public proposal at the
$20 rate. If after reviewing the figures, it is substantially different in terms of parcels, Environmental
Health would come back before the Board with a revised recommendation during an afternoon session
with the Board. He asked the Commissioners on the presumption that the numbers are fairly close, are
they comfortable with a $20 per - parcel fee proposal? Chairman Austin thanked Director Keefer and Mr.
Dawson for their work on the presentation. If the figures are accurate, he stated he is okay with the
proposed fee. Commissioner Johnson stated that he feels the same way. He added that he is not okay
with this type of tax, but that there is not anything he can do about it at this time. Commissioner Sullivan
agreed with the proposed $20 fee.
Director Keefer stated that staff will solidify numbers with the City of Port Townsend and will follow up
with Port Ludlow and move forward on presenting a possible ordinance amendment to the Board at a
future date. County Administrator Morley noted that amending the ordinance will require a formal
public hearing. A morning briefing could possibly be held during a Commissioner meeting in April 2014
and a public hearing could be set for two weeks after that. The Board agreed to the timeline.
Commissioner Sullivan asked if there there is an appeal process in the event an error is made? Director
Keefer stated there is and it would be through the Assessor's Office.
County Administrator Morley noted that the $20 per - parcel fee proposal includes an automatic
Consumer Price Index (CPI) indexing. Director Keefer added that he used CPI -W in the draft ordinance
and he limited it so that it will note increase more than 5% per year and if it is negative, it will not
change at all. The Commissioners agreed with the CPI indexing.
The meeting was recessed at 3:16 p.m. and reconvened at 3:31 p.m. with all three
Commissioners present.
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Commissioners Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2014
Discussion re: Commissioner Salaries: Clerk of the Board Erin Lundgren updated the
Board on her research into Commissioner salaries and the possible formation of a Salary Commission.
She handed out the following documents: 1) RCW 36.40.205 governing the salary adjustment for county
legislative authority office, RCW 36.17.024 governing county commissioner and council member salary
commissions, RCW 36.17.020 governing schedule of salaries and RCW 36.16.020 governing term of
county and precinct officers; 2) Spreadsheet showing comparable salaries; and 3) Proposed draft
resolution to establish new salaries for the elected position of Jefferson County Commissioner.
The spreadsheet includes data showing the past and present salaries of Jefferson County elected officials
for the offices of Assessor, Auditor, Clerk, Commissioner Sheriff and Treasurer. It also includes
information showing the 2014 salaries for those same elected positions in the seven counties used by
Jefferson County for salary comparison purposes (Chelan, Clallam, Douglas, Island, Lewis, Mason and
Pacific).
Ms. Lundgren explained that she used the data from the seven comparable counties to calculate the
average annual salary for the position of Commissioner. In the calculation, she removed the highest
salary (Mason) and the lowest salary (Pacific) and computed the average salary using only the
Commissioner salaries from the other five counties (Chelan, Clallam, Douglas, Island and Lewis). The
five - county average is $74,939.20.
The current salary for the Jefferson County elected positions of Assessor, Auditor, Clerk and Treasurer
is $71,980. The Jefferson County Commissioners salary has not changed since 2008 and is currently
$63,926.
County Administrator Philip Morley stated that it would make sense for the Commissioner salaries to be
comparable with their peers, whether that be Jefferson County peers or their Commissioner peers among
the five comparable counties. If the Board agrees to the proposed resolution, the amount that would be
set now would be different next year. He added that the combined average of the five- county average
and the Jefferson County Elected Official salary is $73,460.10.
Chairman Austin asked if it would be appropriate and legal to propose a resolution that would make the
Commissioner salaries the same as other Elected Official salaries? County Administrator Morley replied
that Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney David Alvarez will need to look at that question. Ms.
Lundgren added that she believes the salary needs to be set at a certain dollar amount that would not be
adjusted during the Commissioner term. County Administrator Morley believes that there are two ways
to set the Commissioner salaries: 1) Legislatively set by the Board for a four year term; or 2) Set by a
Salary Commission.
If approved, the proposed draft resolution would increase the salary for the Commissioner representing
District No. 3 to $73,460.10 effective January 1, 2015, after the election for the Commissioner District
No. 3 position; and would increase the salaries of the Commissioners representing Commissioner
Districts No. 1 and 2 to $73,460.10 effective January 1, 2017, after the election for the Commissioner
Districts No. 1 and 2 positions.
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Commissioners Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2014
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Chairman Austin stated that there will never be a good time to address the issue of raising the
Commissioner salaries. County Administrator Morley suggested discussing the topic during a morning
session and noted that a Salary Commission has costs involved and would require the appointment of a
10 panel Board. He discussed and reviewed the pro's and con's of a Salary Commission.
County Administrator Morley pointed out that two elections have passed since 2008 and the
Commissioners did not vote to raise their salaries. Ms. Lundgren was asked to look into whether or not a
Salary Commission can be disbanded once one has been established. The topic of Commissioner salaries
will be scheduled for further discussion during the regular Commissioner meeting on March 10, 2014.
County Administrator Morley asked the Board for feedback on the proposed draft resolution. The Board
concurred they liked how if was worded. Chairman Austin noted that he has no interest in a Salary
Commission. Commissioner Sullivan stated he would like feedback from other Counties that have
established Salary Commissions and how it has worked out for them. A Salary Commission would
"catch up" all the Commissioner salaries and he likes that. Chairman Austin stated he felt that a Salary
Commission would be passing off the Board's duties onto citizens. Commissioner Johnson added that if
it was a volunteer position, it would not be considered a burden, but more like a civic engagement.
COUNTYADMINISTRA TOR BRIEFING SESSION: County Administrator Philip
Morley reviewed the following with the Board.
Miscellaneous Issues:
• Review of Climate Action Committee (CAC) letter to Washington State Department of Ecology
(DOE) and Washington State Department of Commerce regarding Resource Conservation and
Development (RC &D) Climate Adaptation grant application.
Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) public hearing on Gibbs Lake inter -grant
exchange of Gibbs Lake property from Forest Board for conversion School Trust, for subsequent
Trust Land Transfer funded by State Legislation, that would allow the State to give the property
to Jefferson County. Chairman Austin will attend and testify in favor.
• DNR meeting in Coyle on March 13, 2014: Chairman Austin will be speaking in favor of active
management of commercial forests by DNR on the Coyle peninsula so as to keep State
ownership and DNR's management.
• Commissioner Sullivan reported on Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC)
presentation by DNR Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark regarding concern that in
California, the United States Forest Service (USFS) is pursuing damage recovery from private
property owners for damage to USFS from a forest fire that started on private property, and the
inconsistency of this compared to the federal immunity for damage to private property from a
fire started on federal lands.
• Status of historic preservation Window Grant.
• Hood Canal Coordinating Council (HCCC) priority list.
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Commissioners Meeting Minutes of February 24, 2014
X,
NOTICE OFADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Sullivan moved to adjourn the meeting
at 4:33 p.m. until the next regular meeting or special meeting as properly noticed. Commissioner
Johnson segonded the,motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
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Deputy Clerk of the Board
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