Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutM120301District No. 1 Commissioner: Dan Titterness District No. 2 Commissioner: Glen Huntingford District No. 3 Commissioner: Richard Wojt Count/Administrator: Charles Saddler Depu~/ Count/ Administrator: David Goldsmith Depuh/Counh/Administrator: Gary Rowe Clerk of the Board: Lorna Delaney MINUTES Week of December 3, 2001 The meeting was called to order by Chairman Glen Huntingford. Commissioner Dan Titterness and Commissioner Richard Wojt were both present. Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Wojt moved to approve the minutes of November 13, 2001. Commissioner Titterness submitted a friendly amendment to the motion to revise the last bullet on page 2 from Rip rap has been piled along some of the rivers to Materials' have been stockpiled by Public Works' to be used in case of JTooding. Commissioner Wojt seconded the amended motion. The Chair called for a vote on the amended motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. CO UNTY ADMINISTRATOR BRIEFING SESSION: County Administrator Charles Saddler reported on the following: · CDBG Grant Grievance: Mark Rose has filed Grievances #13 and #14 regarding the process for the CDBG Grant for the Brinnon Sub-Area Plan. The hearing will be scheduled on the Board's agenda in early January. · Closing County Facilities for Christmas Eve: Charles Saddler advised that declaring Christmas Eve as a holiday and closing County offices would cost $38,000 in payroll. A few years ago, a Clallam County court decision determined that closing county facilities on a day other than a declared federal holiday is a "gifting a public funds." The Commissioners have 2 options: to have the County offices remain open as scheduled or to close at noon and have employees use vacation or comp time or take the time off without pay. Health Department Employees: Gift of a Day of Vacation to a Co-Worker: The Clerk of the Board explained that several Health Department employees have asked to donate a day of their accrued vacation to a co-worker who needs additional time off to deal with a death in the family. Commissioner Wojt moved to approve this donation of vacation hours by Health Department employees. Commissioner Titterness seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Page 1 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 3,2001 PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The following comments were made: how much staff time will be charged to the Conservation Futures Fund?; a lot of money is spent on planning and visioning, especially for the Public Works Department, and there is no money to fund the resulting plan; how much staff time has been taken to address the Brinnon Sub-Area Plan grievances?; has the proponent of the Brinnon Sub-Area Plan grievances spent time lobbying County staff7.; support for redistricting Option 1; who developed the redistricting options and why wasn't a committee of citizens appointed to look at options? (Commissioner Wojt explained the criteria for redistricting and advised that the options were chosen at the Board's discretion following that criteria); and Commissioner districts only require minor boundary changes to accommodate population changes. APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Titterness moved to delete Item 5 and to approve and adopt the balance of the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. 1. RESOLUTION NO. 90-01 re: HEARING NOTICE; Proposed Budget Appropriations/Extensions; Various County Funds; Hearing Scheduled for Monday, December 17, 2001 at 2:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Chambers 2. AGREEMENT re: Professional Services for Employment Analysis for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities; Jefferson County Health and Human Services; Washington Initiative for Supported Employment (WISE) 3. AGREEMENT re: Professional Services for Prevocational/Specialized Industries Services to Individuals with Developmental Disabilities; Jefferson County Health and Human Services; Skookum Corporation 4. AGREEMENT Supplemental #1 re: Extend Completion Date for Non-motorized Transportation Plan and Parks Plan; Jefferson County Public Works; Beckwith Consulting Group 5. DELETED Agreement Amendment #5 re: Lease Additional Office Space; Jefferson County Central Services; United States Postal Service 6. AGREEMENT re: Phase I, Enhanced 911 Service; Jefferson County Sheriff's Office; VoiceStream Wireless Corporation 7. Reappoint Person to Serve a Six (6) Year Term on the Jefferson County Civil Service Commission; Terms Expire 11/1/07; Wes DePew Conservation Futures Advisory Board Report: Deputy County Administrator Gary Rowe reported that after this Advisory Board was formed, the County contracted with Cedar River Associates to help them develop a plan. He introduced John Howell and Galiss Linville, of Cedar River Associates and Sara Spaeth, Chair of the Conservation Futures Advisory Board. Twelve counties in Washington State have implemented this tax. There are 9 members on this Board who worked for 5 months to develop program guidelines for the use of this tax. Cedar River Associates provided background information on the process in other counties. They also looked at the revenue stream, open space programs, and the open space needs of Jefferson County. Page 2 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 3,2001 The documents that the Advisory Board developed include broad principles (overall principles, acquisition principles and process principles), evaluation criteria, a project rating form, and an application. The revenue estimates from the tax are approximately $155,000 per year. The Advisory Board made the following recommendations: · The best way to use these funds is for leveraging other funding rather than for bonding purposes. · The overall process needs to be reviewed annually. · The Board needs to be expanded to13 members with the current members serving another term. · The Board needs to meet on a quarterly basis to review applications. · Applications should be accepted on an annual basis. · County staff support will be needed to: 1) distribute and receive applications; 2) provide administrative assistance; and 3) help with property acquisition negotiations. The Conservation Futures Advisory Board has designed a program which supports current trends in Jefferson County and complements Comprehensive Plan goals. The program continues to build on partnerships and the leveraging possibilities and it also supports stewardship of these lands. The Advisory Board's goal is to protect the special features of Jefferson County for future generations. Commissioner Wojt asked for an estimate of how much staff involvement will be required? Sara Spaeth answered that the amount of staff involvement will be sporadic and has not been determined. Gary Rowe noted that Natural Resource Manager, Dave Christensen will handle staffing. According to the statute, this funding must be used for property acquisitions, but some of it can be used for administrative needs. Dave Christensen advised that he hasn't budgeted for any staffing needs yet, but a budget adjustment can be made at a later time. Sara Spaeth added that land acquisition costs are considered part of the acquisition funds. Gary Rowe recommended that the Board direct staff to prepare an implementation ordinance to put this process in place. Once the public hearing is held and the ordinance is passed, the Board can reconstitute the Advisory Board. Chairman Huntingford asked that a fiscal note be attached to the ordinance. Commissioner Wojt moved to accept the report from the Conservation Futures Advisory Board and directed the staff to develop the necessary ordinance to bring forward for hearing. Commissioner Titterness seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Transmittal of the Planning Commission Recommendation Regarding Suggested Policy Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan: Associate Planner Randy Kline reported that there are 4 suggested policy amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. The Board has received all the information that was generated by the Planning Commission plus staff reports and recommendations. DCD agreed with the Planning Commission on 2 of the 4 amendments; but staff proposed further refinement on the remaining amendments. He reviewed each amendment as follows: MLAO1-21$ would allow multi-family housing in all rural commercial districts. Staff recommends that the Board adopt the Planning Commission's recommendation. This would Page 3 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 3,2001 allow multi-family housing and mobile home parks as defined in neighborhood visitor crossroads and general crossroads. MLA 01-217 regarding the siting of Master Planned Resorts. Staff has received very positive comments on the language of this amendment. The Planning Commission's vote was unanimous, in favor of the amendment. MLAO1-221 regarding bulk and dimension standards in rural industrial districts. Initially, the focus of this amendment was only on the Glen Cove area, but after further review, it was applied to all rural industrial districts. Staff has concerns about the Planning Commission's recommendation because the scope has gone beyond what was initially proposed and represented to the public. Staff recommends that the amendment be restricted to rural industrial districts only. MLAO1-225 regarding clarification relating to initial and future designation of rural commercial areas (LAMP, ID boundaries.) The intent of this amendment is to use GMA criteria related to industrial and commercial designations in rural areas for future and final designations of LAMRIDs. There are 2 alternatives: a minority report by the Planning Commission and an alternative proposed by staff. Randy Kline advised that a workshop has been scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday for the Board to review the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments before the public hearing. Tri Area~Glen Cove Special Study Transmittal of Tasks 5 & 6 For Purposes of Study Completion: Chairman Huntingford thanked the people on the Tri Area Planning Group for taking the time to attend this meeting. Director of Community Development A1 Scalf reviewed the chronology of the special study. He explained that the County originally designated an interim UGA in the Tri Area and Port Ludlow which was appealed to the Growth Management Hearings Board. Their decision in August 1994 ordered Jefferson County to conduct a special study of urban growth area characterization. The City of Port Townsend also requested that Glen Cove be designated as a study area. At that time, the County was using all its resources to complete and adopt the Comprehensive Plan. In 1997 and 1998 the scope of work for the Special Study was developed and Tasks 1 through 4 were completed. Then the top priority became the Untied Development Code. After the adoption of the UDC, Tasks 5 and 6 of the Special Study became the top priority. Now Tasks 5 and 6 are completed. DCD recommends that the Board make a motion acknowledging that Tasks 1 through 6 of the Special Study are complete. This will allow the Tri Area Planning Group to proceed. Randy Kline introduced the Tri Area Planning Group members: Chuck Russell, Loraleen Astrid, Robert Morgan, Jim Lindsey, Irma Brasheers, Guy Rudolph and Don Brickey. Page 4 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 3,2001 Mark Horton, Economic and Engineering Services, Olympia, explained that they completed Task 5 of the Special Study regarding the capital facilities assessment. This task had already been started and they had to determine what was required to complete it. Shortly after they began their review, the decision was made to focus on the Tri Area. There were several documents of detailed capital facilities information which needed to be reviewed. They discovered that the capital facilities numbers in those documents were higher than necessary for the 6 and 20 year horizon because they were based on full build out of the area. These numbers were based on providing services for a population of 10,000 to12,000 people and currently the Tri Area has a population of less than 4,000. As a result of this discrepancy, the assessment of capital costs has been refined and reduced. Mark Horton noted that a UGA represents an opportunity to plan for growth and development in an orderly fashion. The projected growth in the Tri Area can be accommodated without designating a UGA. However, the one thing a UGA can provide that other options do not is the opportunity to construct a sewer system. Through all the assumptions and all the analysis there are comparable numbers on water and sewer systems. These numbers fit and are adequate. There were concerns about the cost of these systems putting people out of business or out of their homes. The process needs to be discussed. To install a sewer system, the County would have to undertake a sewer planning process. A mechanism to pay for the system would be created through that process. The next steps in the process are to refine the population targets and the actual demands in the area; and move ahead concurrent with land use discussions to create sewage system alternatives and refine the costs. The 2 factors that need to be addressed are the size of a core sewage treatment facility and what impacts density and development will have on that facility. Mark Personius, Earth Tech, explained Task 6. They developed land use alternatives that were internal to the boundary alternatives. The Tri Area Planning Group was implemented and a series of meetings held in October and November. The recommendations from these meetings were compiled by the consultants and staff. They also had to come up with a preliminary amount of commercial/industrial lands to be reserved in the Tri Area if the County amends LAMIRDs. They also did an analysis of Glen Cove and a report showing alternative strategies in terms of a UGA or LAMIRD designation. Their recommendation is to expand the LAMIRD designation process in that area. Randy Kline pointed out that all of the members of the Tri Area Planning Group have been meeting on a weekly basis since September and he thanked them for their commitment. Commissioner Titterness asked if all of the members of the Tri Area Planning Group have seen these reports? Randy Kline advised that they received all the information last week. Page 5 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 3,2001 Commissioner Titterness moved: That the Board of County Commissioners, after their receipt and review of the reports generated by Personius, and Horton and upon the recommendation of the Department of Community Development, find and conclude that Tasks 5 and 6 of the Special Study have been completed, meaning the Special Study is complete. Further that the County Commissioners find and conclude, in accordance with the Personius recommendation given to the Board of Commissioners in September 2001, that rather than create an Urban Growth Area in Glen Cove, Glen Cove should have expanded LAMIRD boundaries and the Board hereby directs County staff to undertake the steps necessary to prepare plan amendments to expand the boundaries of the LAMIRD. Further that the County Commissioners restate and reaffirm their preferred alterative, specifically that Irondale and Port Hadlock should become an Urban Growth Area and that in furtherance of that goal the reports of Mr. Horton and Mr. Personius be provided to the Sub Area Planning Group for the Tri Area to determine the final Urban Growth Area boundaries through further public participation and discussion, and that staff be directed to have ready for the 2002 plan amendment cycle, the plan amendments that will implement creation of this UGA in Port Hadlock and Irondale. Further that the Commissioners direct the Department of Community Development to publicize and disseminate the Horton and Personius reports for further discussion, review, and comment by all of the citizens of Jefferson County. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. The Board met in Executive Session from Noon to 12:30 p.m. regarding collective bargaining with the County Administrator, Deputy County Administrator and the County's Personnel Consultant. HEARING, FINAL 2002 BUDGET: Community Services Fund, Hotel/Motel Fund, Cooperative Extension, Substance Abuse, Developmental Disabilities, Veterans Relief, Health & Human Services and the Weed Control Board Fund: County Administrator Charles Saddler read the public hearing notice. He advised that the 2002 budget proposal is in the amount of $38,445,574.15 and was submitted to the public on November 21, 2001. The Current Expense Fund is $12,257,139.58 and is based on a 101% tax levy; 101.89% for the Road Fund, and static funding for Conservation Futures Fund. Page 6 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 3,2001 Chairman Huntingford opened the public testimony portion of the hearing for the proposed budgets for the following funds: Community Services Fund Hotel/Motel Fund Cooperative Extension Substance Abuse Developmental Disabilities Veterans Relief County Fair Weed Control Board Fund Health & Human Services Katherine Baril, Cooperative Extension Agent, stated that Cooperative Extension receives approximatelyl lA to 2% of the County budget and they return approximately $3.00 for every $1.00 invested. They have had a working partnership with Washington State University for 81 years. Their County programs are geared toward 4-H youth development, natural resource stewardship, community leadership and life-long learning. In addition, the County and the State share the funding for the Water Quality Agent position. They plan to begin charging a rental fee for the meeting rooms at the Learning Center in January, 2002. Barbara Hanford, Chair of the WSU Community Advisory Council introduced Bill Wolfe, Brook Sandford, Tina Anderson, Laurie Hampton and Lisa Richardson. These Council members feel that they have developed a budget for 2002 that works within the County's guidelines. They have met the financial guidelines and made every effort to match the programs and topics listed in the County's Strategic Plan. They are concerned about charging room rental fees for the facilities. They want the County to continue to support the Water Quality Agent position. She thanked the Board for making the 4-H Coordinator position full time. They are willing to write grants. They appreciate the support the Board has given Cooperative Extension in the past and realize the constraints the County is working under. If funding becomes available they would like to have the Board consider their requests. Commissioner Wojt asked Katharine Baril if she has an estimate of how much revenue they will receive from the room rental? Katherine Baril stated that they hope to make up the difference between WSU and County support. Commissioner Wojt asked how much the County uses the facility? Katherine Baril replied that it would cost the County about $20,000 per year at $15 per hour. They hope that when they start charging a rental fee the use of the rooms won't decrease. Currently they are not planning to charge room rental for WSU volunteer groups. Commissioner Wojt asked if this amount was figured into the Department budgets for 2002? Charles Saddler answered that it was not figured into next year's budget and it would have to come from the current budgeted amounts. Ann Avary, Executive Director of Economic Development Council of Jefferson County, thanked the Board for their support in 2001. They have accomplished a lot this year and have laid important groundwork. In order to build on what they've done this year, they plan to do a targeted industry survey for recruitment purposes. They need to identify which companies and industries would be appropriate recruitment targets. They are working with WSU to develop a business incubator plan. They plan to continue with the business retention and expansion survey. Page 7 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 3,2001 Glen Richardson., President of the Jefferson County Fair Board, asked if the Board is taking comments on the County Fair budget? Auditor Donna Eldridge noted that the County provides $4,500 in Operating Transfers Out and the Fair Board determines their budget. Glen Richardson advised that the Fair Board is asking for additional funding in 2002 to repair the roof on the largest building at the Fairgrounds. The Fair Board received a $10,000 State Grant and is asking the Board for $13,000 to be used as a match for the grant. Chairman Huntingford asked if there is money in the budget to grant this request? Charles Saddler advised there is money if the Board wants to do this. He asked if the Fair Board's request is for $13,000 plus the $4,500? Glen Richardson replied yes. David Goldsmith., Deputy County Administrator, reported that the Community Services Fund was held to last year's base amount except for transfer of the cost of the cleaning responsibilities for the Gardiner Community Center, the Port Townsend Community Center and the Brinnon Community Center. The rent received from the community centers needs to pay for the maintenance of the buildings. The Health Care Access Program for low income people that OlyCAP administers is also being cut. This will mean more low income people using the emergency room at the hospital and the Health Department. Alan Frank, encouraged the Board to support the request from the Economic Development Council. The City of Port Townsend has proposed a funding increase for the EDC in their 2002 budget. The inventory the EDC did of commercial and industrial lands was necessary and they need to follow through on this project. Dr. Nikki Clark, Director of the Historical Society, thanked the Board for their support and asked them to support the recommendation from the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee for 2002. The hearing and the Commissioners meeting was recessed at the conclusion of the public testimony on the funds listed on Monday afternoon's schedule. They reconvened at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday. All 3 Board members were present for the continuation of the public hearing on the 2002 budget. record. Animal Services Assessor Auditor Auditor's O & M Board of Equalization Brinnon and Quilcene Flood Control Civil Service Commission Clerk Commissioners HEARING, FINAL 2002 BUDGET: Charles Saddler read This hearing is for the following funds and departments: Community Development Construction and Renovation and Capital Improvement Coroner County Administrator County Building County Parks Improvement County Roads/Construction & Administration County Roads/Maintenance the hearing notice into the Crime Victims Services District Court Drug Fund Elections Equipment Rental Facilities Management Flood/Stormwater H.J. Carroll Park IDMS Information Services Page 8 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 3,2001 Juvenile Detention Juvenile & Family Court Services Law Library Non-Departmental Operating Transfers Planning Commission Prosecuting Attorney Public Works Parks & Recreation Solid Waste Sheriff Superior Court Treasurer Chairman Huntingford opened the public hearing. James Frit~, noted that for several years he has written letters to the Elected Officials encouraging them to increase the tax base and job base in the County. With the downturn in the economy and the passage ofi- 747, the County needs to concentrate on existing programs and watch carefully how funds are spent. There are some County departments that haven't hired new employees for the last 10 years even though their workload has increased by as much as 50%. The number of employees in a department should not get cut below where it was 5 or 10 years ago. The Health and Law and Justice Departments will see their workload increase as the economy gets weaker and the legal mandates for these 2 departments will require top funding priority. Donna Eldridge, Auditor, explained that the County acts as fiscal agent for the Community Network Fund. This program has its own Board, they are not County employees, and there is no County funding involved. For this reason the Community Network Fund should be a fiduciary fund. Last year the County Fair Fund became a fiduciary fund for the same reason. Regarding employees' salaries, the mid-managers have been given a step increase in the 2002 budget, but they haven't been given a COLA. The Elected Officials receive an annual COLA per resolution and the mid-managers deserve the same consideration. David Goldsmith., Deputy County Administrator, explained that the Superior Court and District Court budgets share the Public Defender's costs. The preliminary budget did not reflect the increase in the Public Defender's contracts for 2002. In 2001, the attorneys in the Prosecutor's Office received salary increases and the costs for the Public Defenders need to mirror this amount. Alan Frank, Port Townsend, stated that when the City of Port Townsend hired their City Manager, all the "plans" that had been developed over the years were inventoried. They found stacks of plans by consultants and staff that had never been implemented. The County has probably done the same thing. Before any more funds are spent on planning, a viable means for executing any plan needs to be in place. The taxpayers want less talk and more product. Marianne Walters, Court Clerk, asked for clarification that the Public Defenders are not seeking an additional attorney in their office. David Goldsmith replied that they are not. Frank Gifford, Public Works Director, reviewed several options for reducing the Parks and Recreation Page 9 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 3,2001 budget. The base budget for Parks and Recreation for 2002 is $395,418. During the 2001 budget process, the County was negotiating with the City of Port Townsend to develop an agreement for the operation of the Port Townsend Community Center. $10,000 in staffing costs were deducted from the 2001 budget. The agreement with the City was never ratified and a third quarter budget extension was required for the extra $10,000. That $10,000 was not included in the 2002 base budget. In order to meet the Parks and Recreation budget goals for 2002, their proposal is to reduce the hours of operation at the Port Townsend Community Center. Currently it is open 4 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their proposal is to close the Center on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Another cost-saving option concerns the Bob Bates Little League Field. This is the only Little League field where the County pays the water bill which is $3,300 per year. They are proposing that the County pay $1,500 and the East Jefferson Little League pay the remainder. The last proposal to reduce the budget concerns the two County operated parks on Indian Island. The first park is the Lyon's Club Park and the second park is leased from DNR. This lease has expired and the DNR wants the County to pay to have the park surveyed. If this park is closed, the County will save $2,700 and the survey costs. The park would still be accessible by foot path from the Lyon's Club Park. In addition, they plan to approach the Lyon's Club and Chamber of Commerce about taking over the operation of the Lyon's Club Park again. The focus of the Parks and Recreation Plan that is currently being developed is on parks in the County and away from parks in the City of Port Townsend. Jack Westerman, Assessor, stated that in their 2002 budgets, the County, the City, the Port, the PUD and the Library have chosen not to tax, through property tax, over $1,050,000 that they could be charging without a vote of the people. The County is choosing not to levy the largest amount which is almost $700,000. Alan Frank, noted that during times of recession, the worst thing a government can do is raise property taxes. The tax rate needs to be an amount that the working class can afford. Jefferson County is an economically depressed county, in part because of the restrictive land use policies of GMA. Things that need to be looked at closely are: personnel and benefits, mandated programs, and levels of service. Sometimes government tries to do too much. On going consultants may need to be cut. Derek Stacy Thompson, 2600 Center Road, Chimacum, advised that he has distributed a blank computer spreadsheet showing a breakdown of the General Fund in the 2002 preliminary budget and asked people to "make their own County budget." He agrees with Cooperative Extension's proposal to charge room rental fees that will increase revenues by $20,000. He feels that the County is over-regulated and these regulations cost money to enforce. The position of Deputy Director of Community Development is currently vacant and it would save almost $60,000 if that position isn't filled. In Health and Human Services, the position of Director has not been filled. The Board needs to look at reorganization so that there are fewer managers and more workers. He would like to see the Indian Island parks kept open. Page 10 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 3,2001 Donna Eldridge, replied that she feels the Health and Human Services Department needs a person in the Director's position because of all the mandates coming down from the State. Regarding the current spreadsheet format for the budget process, the County Accountant is already looking into changing it for the 2003 budget. Chairman Huntingford stated that the County needs to educate the taxpayers and voters about where their money is going. Voters need to be able to make decisions about programs and capital facilities. The County needs to find an easy to understand format to get support from the voters. Commissioner Titterness added that Jefferson County has one of the highest taxes per capita in the State of Washington. He feels that is why the use of the banked capacity has not been discussed. Warren Steurer., Manager of the Parks and Recreation Department, stated that the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Department is very diverse and, per FTE, the employees cover as much territory in terms of facilities and people as any other program in the County. In 2002, the Parks and Recreation Plan will be completed and this information will help to prioritize the programs and facilities. The Recreation Center needs to be available to people of all ages. In the future, there will have to be changes to County facilities in the City of Port Townsend. Any changes need to be proactive, and not reactive. Hearing no further comments on the budget, the Chair closed the public testimony portion of the hearing. Chairman Huntingford asked Charles Saddler about Community Health Director Jean Baldwin's memo concerning cutting a position for the Maternal Child Health Program. Charles Saddler replied that there have been discussions about cutting positions in both support and nursing functions in Community Health. There would be cut backs on immunization shots and family planning activities. Delivery of certain services would change and service hours would be reduced. This could amount to a reduction of $60,000. Commissioner Titterness asked how much the Public Defenders contracts are increasing? Charles Saddler answered that it is increasing by approximately $23,000. Charles Saddler stated that he feels that with several other reductions the 0% increase can still be met. He noted that because of the hearing for the fee ordinance, the Board will have to adopt the budget on December 24. In order to adopt a balanced budget, the fee increases must be adopted. Chairman Huntingford stated his concerns about the timing of that hearing. Gary Rowe distributed a revenue expenditure forecast for the General Fund for the next 5 years and reviewed this information. Page 11 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 3,2001 Charles Saddler read the proposed resolution setting the County Road Levy in the amount of $2,656,511.44 which is an increase of 1.89% from the previous year. Commissioner Wojt moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 91-01 setting the County Road Levy for 2002 taxes. Commissioner Titterness seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Charles Saddler read the proposed resolution setting the County Regular Levy in the amount of $4,740,446.58 which is an increase of 1% from the previous year. Commissioner Wojt moved to approve the resolution as presented. The motion died for lack of a second. Commissioner Titterness moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 92-01 setting the County Regular Levy at a 0% increase. Chairman Huntingford seconded the motion. Chairman Huntingford and Commissioner Titterness voted for the motion. Commissioner Wojt voted against. The motion carried. The Board also signed 2 letters to Assessor Jack Westerman regarding the 2002 County Levy exceeding the $1.80 levy limitation and the 2002 real and personal property levy amounts. The Board met for a budget workshop from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The meeting was recessed at the conclusion of the business on Wednesday and reconvened on Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. with all three Board members present. HEARING re: Redistricting County Commissioner District Boundaries: Chairman Huntingford noted that this hearing is required as part of the 2000 census process to balance the population in the County Commissioner districts. Deputy County Administrator Gary Rowe explained that State law lists the criteria to be followed and the process. · Each district shall be as equal in population as possible. · Each district shall be as compact as possible. · Each district shall consist of geographically contiguous areas when possible. · The population data may not be used for the purpose of favoring or disfavoring any racial group or political party. · An effort should be made to coincide with existing recognized natural boundaries. · An effort should be made to preserve existing communities of related and mutual interests. Gary Rowe went on to explain that once the Board adopts a redistricting plan, it can be appealed to the Superior Court within 45 days by any registered voter effected by the redistricting. The Board will adopt the plan within the next few weeks and a notice of adoption will be published in the newspaper. Based on information from the Board, staff reviewed the data and developed 3 options for the Board to consider. · Option 1 enlarges District 1 to include a portion of District 3 to the west of the City of Port Townsend. A substantial portion of District 3 is combined with a portion of District 2 to create a district more in the center of the County. The remainder of the County is included in District 3. The West End of Jefferson County is included in District 3. Page 12 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 3,2001 Option 2 is the same configuration for District 1 and an expansion of District 2 by adding 1 precinct to the south and west of the existing boundary. The West End of Jefferson County is included in District 3. Option 3 is the same configuration for District 1, and is very similar to Option 1 except District 2 is renumbered to become District 3 and District 3 is renumbered to become District 2 with a minor revision in the south boundary. The West End of Jefferson County would be included in District 2. Gary Rowe added that the Board has received written testimony and it is available for public review anytime. Chairman Huntingford opened the public testimony portion of the hearing. Linda Owen, Quilcene, stated that she supports Option 1 because these boundaries are the same as the boundaries for the PUD and the Port. It makes sense that they should all be the same. Tom McNerney, Brinnon, supports Option 1 because it is the best option for the South County, and it wouldn't be a gerrymandered district like we currently have. It would be the most concise and best fits the criteria. Derek Stacy Thompson, Chimacum, agreed that he also supports Option 1 because it does a better job of putting the rural communities into one district. It helps to keep similar communities together. Guy Rudolph, Port Hadlock, stated that he thinks that Option 3 is close to the PUD boundaries and he favors Option 3. Joy Baisch, Brinnon, submitted a letter signed by 38 Brinnon residents who support Option 1. She also submitted written testimony supporting Option 1 from the Brinnon School District and Kate Marsh. She thinks that Option 1 represents the truer distribution of the voters in the districts and aligns the PUD, Port, and County Commissioners' district boundaries. The more rural areas of the County are in the same district and this has not been the case in the past. Hearing no further comment, the Chair closed the hearing. Chairman Huntingford stated that the decision on the final redistricting plan will be on the Commissioners agenda on December 17. Gary Rowe explained that the voting precincts would not be affected until March, 2002. Page 13 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of December 3, 2001 Commissioner Wojt moved to accept written testimony on the redistricting options until Wednesday, December 12 at 5 p.m. Commissioner Titterness seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. MEET1NG ADJOURNED JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SEAL: I ~'' x~,' , t '~ 5 /1 /:/f ~'- ! ' ~ ~ : ~,~',~ ~'*~ ' ~Tittemes~ember Loma Delaney, CMC Clerk of the Bored Page 14 December 5, 2001 Derek Stacey Thompson 2600 Center Road Chimacum, Washington 98325 Phone (360) 732 4421 E-mail staceyt~olympus.net Board of County Commissioners Port Townsend, WA 98368 Re: 2002 Preliminary Budget Dear Commissioners: Commissioner Huntingford has indicated the wisdom of preparing for revenue shortfalls by increasing the amount of money placed in reserve. The budget changes suggested in the attached General Fund Model would consutute a small move in that direction. The $20,000 increase in the Cooperative Extension revenues and expenditures quantifies and recognizes the room rents reluctantly suggested by Ms. Baril as a means of increasing funding for the program. It is my view that Jefferson County is over regulated. Over regulation reduces personal freedoms. It is also costly for both citizens and the county government. Two departments that over regulate are the Department of Community Development and the Department of Health and Human Services. It is my fond hope that they will reduce their costs by reducing the number of unnecessary and onerous regulations. A second rationale for making reductions in these two departments is that they both have unfilled mid management positions. Improvements m communications technology have enabled managers to increase the number of people they supervise. Perhaps the positions of Deputy Director of Community Development and Director of Health and Human Services could remain unfilled. Since the Department of Health and Human Services is in the Health and Human Services Fund, it is proposed that transfers from the General Fund be reduced by $100,000. The $157.448 shown as an expenditure increase for the Treasurer is for the purpose of increasing reserves. Sincerely,. Derek Stacey Thompson Do-lt-yourselfGenerai Fund Budget Kit For Jefl crson County Created I)y i)crek Staccy Thompson IGeneral Fund Revenues Account N umber Source Preliminary Budget Proposed Changes Budget Real and Personal Property Taxes Retail Sales Tax Intergovernmental Revenue Diverted County Road Property Taxes Private Harvest Tax Local Criminal Justice Tax Penalties on Property Taxes Sheriff Prosecuting Attorney Community Development Juvenile and Family Court Services Animal Services District Court Clerk Elections Auditor Other Revenue Sources T oral Revenues 4.782,290 1.828,250 903.294 262.,650 181.000 212,180 270.300 224.888 110.636 806,662 259.770 128,120 582.754 139,765 52,942 246,275 1.265.364 12,257,140~ 2OOO0 20,0001 4,782.290 1.828,250 903.294 262,650 181.000 212,180 270,300 224,888 110,636 806,662 259,770 128,120 582,754 139,765 52,942 246,275 1,285,364 12.277.140~ IGeneral Fund Expenditures Account N umber Department Preliminary Budget Proposed My Changes Budget 001-010-000 Assessor 555,706 001-020-000 Auditor 359.341 001-021-000 Elections 163,941 001-050-000 Clerk 329,828 801-059-000 County Administrator 280,282 001-0GO-000 Commissioners 352,185 001-061-000 Board of Equalization 7,152 001-062-000 Civil Service Commission 4.208 001-063-000 Planning Commission 10,123 001-067-800 Public Sal:ety 143,987 001-070-000 Cooperative Extension 188.270 001-080-000 District Court 639.261 001-100-00O Animal Control 223.390 001-110-000 Juvenile & Family Court Services 784.560 001-125-000 Parks and Recreation 392,534 001-130-000 Community Development 996.155 001-150-000 Prosecuting Attorney 622,878 001-151-000 Coroner 23,450 001-180-000 Sheriff 2.593.949 001-240-000 Superior Court 399,474 001-250-000 Treasurer 256,332 001-261-000 Operating Transl~ers Out 1,620,054 001-270-000 , Non Departmental 1,310,079 I Total G enerat Fund Expenditures 12,257.140 12/05/01 555.706 359.341 163.941 329.828 280,282 352,185 7,152 4.208 10,123 143.987 20000 208,270 639.261 223,390 784,560 392,534 -57448 938.707 622.878 23.450 2,593,949 399.474 15'7448 413,780 -100000 1,528,054 1,310,079 2o.oooI 12.277.1401 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING RE-DISTRICTING THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER BOUNDARIES Pursuant to RCW 29.70.100, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners on Thursday, December 6, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. in the Superior Court Room located on the 2na floor of the County Courthouse in Port Townsend, Washington, for the purpose of taking testimony concerning three options for redistricting (re-aligning) the County Commissioner boundaries as shown on the following maps. Additional information is available on the County web site; http://www.co.jefferson.wa, us/com m issioners/districts/districts.shtml Hearing Notice Signed this ~ day of November, 2001. JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Glen Huntingfo~, ~air TEXT GOES HERE District 3 Includes West End OPTION 2 3 District 3 Includes West End :r"d -'~ OPTION 1] OPTION 3 3 District 3 Includes West End CURRENT DISTRICTS 3 District 3 Includes End OPTION 1 3 District 3 Includes West End OPTION 2 OPTION 3 Board of County Commissioners and Port Redistricting Options District 1 District 2 District 3 JEFFERSON COUNTY ~ GUEST LIST HEARING: Re-Districting County Commissioner District Boundaries DATE: Thursday, December 6, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. PLACE: Superior Court NAME (Please Print) STREET ADDRESS CITY Testimony? YES NO MAYBE (]'" To: Board of Cotmty Commissioners ~/~ From: Kate Marsh P.O. Box 47, Brinnon, WA 98320 Redistricting Options December 6, 2001 Subject: Date: I urge you to adopt Option 1 as the new commissioner district map. In Option 1 the districts are contiguous and it melds with other district designations, such as the port district. The current district and Option 2 are unsatisfactory for lack of proper comiguous alignment. Option 3 is unsatisfactory for at least these reasons: A) It is inappropriate that district designation should be changed (... and for what reason? Strictly speaking, what has that to do with redistricting?); B) It is unconscionable that South County should have to be heir to a District 2 commissioner. We are entitled to elect a new- commissioner for our own District 3 when the opportunity arises. Joe & Joy Baisch 3485 Dosewallips Road Brinnon, WA 98320 (360) 796-4886 December 6, 2001 Board of County Commissioners Jefferson County P.O. Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 Re: Redistricting Preference Dear Commissioners, We have reviewed the options proposed for the redistricting based on the 2000 census. We support the OPTION 1 for the following reasons: · It represents a truer distribution of voters in equal districts · All representative districts (PUD, Port of Port Townsend and BOCC) would all be uniform · It meets the criteria of contigtmus mapping to accomplish the the boundary adjustments · We will be represented by a fellow "rural" resident who most likely understand the challenges of rural Jefferson County It is apparent to us that Option 2 and the current districts do not meet the statutes of Washington State and Option 3 has serious flaws. The most glaring is the other representative districts would again not be consistent. Secondly, it smacks of gerrymandering by the shear nature of the reversed districts 2 and 3 as well as a manipulation of key boundary lines. Rural Jefferson County would be ill-served by any of these alternatives. Respectfully submitted, /Joe & Joy Baisch'~ Brinnon School District 46 SCHOOLHOUSE ROAD BRINNON. WA 98320 PHONE ¢360) 796-4646 No. 46 December 4, 2001 Board of County Commissioners Jefferson County 1820 Jefferson Street P.O. Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 Dear Board of Commissioners: I am writing on behalf of the Brinnon School District as it relates to re-districting options currently under consideration. We feel that option ~ l best represents the needs of the Brinnon School District. Thank you for your support in this important matter. Raymond P. Reid, Ed.D. Superintendent Brinnon School District # 46 Jefferson County Redistricting Options December 6, 2001 % We, the undersigned, support the redistricting Option Number One as presemed. This option best serves the county as a whole. It will alighn the elected commission districts for the PUD, Port of Port Townsend as well as the Board of County Commissioners. It also best serves the communties each district represents. It is the only option meeting all the criteria set forth in Washington State statute. We ask that the Board of County Commissioners implement Option Number One for redistricting. NAME ADDRESS PHONE ?cig. ¥"/2 ! .y ? :_.' :': 6 Jefferson County Redistricting Options December 6, 2001 We, the undersigned, support the redistricting Option Number One as presented. This option best serves the county as a whole. It will alighn the elected commission districts for the PUD, Port of Port Townsend as well as the Board of County Commissioners. It also best serves the communties each district represents. It is the only option meeting all the criteria set forth in Washington State statute. We ask that the Board of County Commissioners implement Option Number One for redistricting. NAME ADDRESS PHONE 77z - 372_ q'7~ -$' S=~ 7 ? 3.