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HomeMy WebLinkAboutM073117S�4 COMIS�S' District No. 1 Commissioner: Kate Dean SON CO�f�� District No. 2 Commissioner: David W. Sullivan District No. 3 Commissioner: Kathleen Kler County Administrator: Philip Morley Clerk of the Board: Erin Lundgren �SfIING�O SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES of July 31, 2017 Madam Chair Kathleen Kler called the meeting to order at the appointed time in the presence of Commissioner David Sullivan and Commissioner Kate Dean. DELIBERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION re: Resolution Declaring an Emergency with Respect to the Availability of Housing that is Affordable to Low -Income and Very Low -Income Households, and Calling for an Election on a Property Levy to Establish a Home Opportunity Fund: Madam Chair Kler explained the role of the Commissioners as they deliberate on the decision to place this issue on the November ballot. County Administrator Philip Morley stated that the information they have received from the public has been very informative and regardless of the outcome of the Commissioners' decision, he believes the input received by citizens is valuable to help tackle this problem through a variety of different ways. Madam Chair Kler noted that of the comments received, the role of government regulations was a common complaint. People voiced frustration at the County for past regulatory history and the choice to be subject to the Growth Management Act, and its' restrictive effect on rural counties. She stated that she has heard complaints that the County's building code and environmental health standards create obstacles to growth. She added that we experience the unexpected results of the pendulum swings of regulation and protection, usually after the fact. She noted that the Department of Community Development (DCD) is working on the perceived blocks to building throughout the County and that they are aware that the building permits and codes need to be reviewed. Even so, that alone will not solve the entire challenge. The task today is not to vote on the levy, but to make the determination that there is enough of a housing emergency to place the proposal, which would raise the property tax on the November ballot, to decide whether or not this proposal fits the criteria to be on the ballot. The vote, the real "yes" or "no," will be up to the citizens. She stated the job of citizens is to get the answers to the many questions raised about the proposal in good faith, and to make sure that this tool of taxation is appropriate and of proportional benefit and to engage in dialogue and exploration of what other solutions need to be tried. She added that in the meantime, the community can continue to work together, across politics, ideologies and assumptions to build some housing capacity for the county. Commissioner Sullivan stated that he has read all the testimony submitted and noted that it is evident that a lot more information needs to get out to the public before people can vote on this issue. He added that no one has really argued against the fact that the County has a problem with affordable housing. He noted the Port Hadlock sewer was mentioned, and delegations are continuing to work with the County to help with funding. There is new leadership in Environmental Health and DCD who are fielding comments received as well and the Comprehensive Plan process is set to be completed in June 2018. He noted that the Housing Action Plan was adopted in 2006 and people have asked why isn't it working? Page 1 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of July 31, 2017 Why isn't the housing situation getting better? The reason things are not getting better is there is a lack of funding. Some people have suggested changing the zoning to light industrial in some area, and the County has done that, but things have not changed. He added that they also do not make zoning changes without the request to do so. The County has a strong budget process and financial management, and has managed to keep services basically the same, and with the addition of some light improvement, through a collaborative budget process. The County does well with audits and has improved our bond rating to AA-, which does not happen without good, strong, financial management. The County is in a good position to develop plans when it comes to affordable housing. There are a lot of people who need a hand -up, who are not starting at the same place as those who already own a home. He added that the County still needs to work on the Comprehensive Plan and sewer, but in the meantime, we will still need housing for people, including the homeless and he makes no apologies for being the one to help create this proposed ballot measure. Commissioner Dean stated that it is quite overwhelming to absorb hearing testimony and comments she read on social media regarding the proposed ballot measure. She noted that as a single mom, she will also be paying extra if this measure is approved by voters. She also noted that as a home owner, her personal wealth has increased too, which others are also experiencing. She stated that 18 months ago, she herself would have qualified as a low-income household as her two -income household went down to one and she had to take on renters. She stated that she can see and feel both sides of the issue fully. She was saddened to hear local individuals with such distrust in local government. She noted that even if the ballot measure is not the perfect tool, it is the tool that we have right now. The Commissioners discussed amending the resolution. After further discussion, Commissioner Sullivan moved to approve the following amendments to the proposed resolution: Adding the following WHEREAS': WHEREAS, the Center for Housing Policy has summarized research that shows the critical link between stable, decent and affordable housing and positive health outcomes; and WHEREAS, the children in our community facing insecure housing and homelessness experience Adverse Childhood Experiences, which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found negatively affect future health, opportunity, violence victimization and perpetration — effects that are lifelong; and WHEREAS, in 2016 Jefferson County, the City of Port Townsend, Jefferson Healthcare and Discovery Behavioral Health jointly adopted a Community Health Improvement Plan, which found that the lack of affordable housing is a social determinant of health and an ongoing root cause of poor health, and further found that improvements in the social determinants of health would have a significant positive impact on chronic disease prevention and the quality of life of County residents; and WHEREAS, in support of affordable housing and consistent with state law found in RCW 36.01.290, the County's exploration of development regulations includes researching regulations to permit temporary transitory accommodations on properties hosted by churches, non-profit organizations and others, as a path to more stable and permanent housing. Page 2 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of July 31, 2017 Commissioner Dean seconded the motion, agreeing to the aforementioned additional WHEREAS,' which carried by a unanimous vote. Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor Philip Hunsucker was in attendance and represented Prosecutor Michael Haas, who has approved the ballot language in the resolution. Commissioner Sullivan moved to approve amended RESOLUTION NO. 35-17 Declaring an Emergency in the Availability of Affordable Housing for Low and Very Low -Income Households; Requesting Submittal to the Qualified Electors of the County of a Ballot Proposition to Create A Home Opportunity Fund by Lifting the Limit on Regular Property Taxes Under Chapter 84.55 RCW Dedicated for Low -Income Housing and Levying a Regular Property Tax Under RCW 84.55.105 Dedicated for Very Low -Income Housing; Providing for the Expiration of Both Additional Levies at the End of Seven Years; And Providing for Implementation of Programs with Funds Derived From the Taxes Authorized. Commissioner Dean seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT. Commissioner Dean moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:24 a.m. until the next regular meeting or special meeting as properly noticed. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. JEFFERSON COUNTY 4,1 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SEAQ,. A-< ATTEST: vv(. c, U arolytY Avery, C Deputy Clerk of the Board 4<� � 1<�� Kathleen Kl r, Chair Davi ullivan, Mem er Kate Dean, Member Page 3