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HomeMy WebLinkAboutM012098JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS District No. I Commissioner: Daniel Harpole, Member District No. 2 Commissioner: Glen Huntingford, Chairman District No. 3 Commissioner: Richard Wojt, Member Lorna L. Delaney Gary A. Rowe David Goldsmith Clerk of the Board: Director of Public Services: Deputy Director of Public Services: MINUTES Week of January 20, 1998 The meeting was called to order by Chairman Glen Huntingford. Commissioners Daniel Harpole and Richard Wojt were both present. COMMISSIONERS BRIEFING SESSION David Goldsmith, Deputy Director of Public Services re: Claim for Damages; Reimbursement of Litigation Expenses; Madrona Planning and Development Services: David Goldsmith explained that Madrona Planning and Development Services was hired to do staff work on the Niichel Short Plat. Their contract for this work required that they have errors and omissions insurance. However, Madrona was not in a position to make any determination on this project and should not have needed this type of insurance for the work that was involved. The lawsuit filed by Niichel inCluded Madrona, and they incurred over $4,000 in attorney fees before it was settled. Madrona submitted a claim to the County for their attorney fees which the Risk Management Committee denied. However, the Committee recognizes that the insurance requirement was not necessary and recommends that the County pay a portion of the attorney fees incurred. Commissioner Harpole moved to have David Goldsmith work with Madrona to offer relief of up to 50% of the legal expenses they incurred in this lawsuit. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Later in the Day: Commissioner Harpole moved to reject the claim submitted by Madrona Planning and Development as recommended by the Risk Management Committee. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Page 1 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of January 20, 1998 Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Harpole moved to approve the Minutes of January 5, as corrected (Page 1, Public Services Briefing Session, Item 1: Wednesday changed to Thursday), and January 12, 1998 as submitted. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. PUBLIC SERVICES BRIEFING SESSION: Public Services Director Gary Rowe reported: He has discussed the permit processing requirement for habitat restoration work with members of a State Committee in an effort to give the State input on how these projects can be implemented more efficiently. Another request has been submitted to the Land Use Study Commission to schedule a meeting in Jefferson County on SB6094. The Board asked that this meeting be arranged as soon as possible. The Long Range Planning Department needs to provide updated financial figures for the Capital Facilities Element of the Comprehensive Plan. Gary Rowe will follow up with both the Planning and Public Works Departments regarding this information. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The following comments were made: The Board is not being briefed adequately on the on-going efforts of Driscoll and Hunter in drafting ordinances regarding planning processes because 1) these draft ordinances will defeat the Comprehensive Plan, and 2) the Administrator is given too much discretion under the ordinances; Commissioner Wojt and Commissioner Harpole made a mistake by appointing Commissioner Huntingford Chairman; of the top 5 employers in the County, 4 are government; government no longer listens to people who are experts in their field, the Government Officials just keep to their agenda and do what they want to do; a lot of the Comprehensive Plan doesn't make sense; and there is no reason for putting a moratorium on commercial and industrial development in the County. APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Harpole moved to delete Item 8 and approve and adopt the balance of the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. 1. PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming January as School Board Recognition Month; for Queets/Clearwater, Brinnon, Quilcene, Chimacum, and Port Townsend. 2. RESOLUTION NO. 8-98 re: Cancellation of Unclaimed Warrants 3. RESOLUTION NO. 9-98 re: Intent to Privatize All or a Portion of Community Based Drug and Alcohol Services 4. AGREEMENT, Amendment re: Amend Collective Bargaining Agreement; Reclassification of Senior Chemical Dependency Counselors; UFCW Local 1001 5. AGREEMENT re: Contract Service Provider; Clerical Services; Jefferson County Planning Department; Cheryl Halvorson 6. Request for Grant Funding, $3,333.00; Parks Improvement Fund; Field Improvements and Equipment; Port Townsend Little League Page 2 ¥o,_ 411 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of January 20, 1998 THE CONSENT A GENDA - Continued: 7. 1998 Organizational Chart; Jefferson County Public Works 8. I}ELETE 1998 Fee Schedule; Per Ordinance 12-1209-96; Public Services Departments 9. Accept Recommendation to Reject Four (4) Claims: - C-13-97, C-14-97, & C-15-97, $8,297.51; Damage to Private Road; Kevin & Susan Miller, Don & Teri Cilk, & Ken & LouAnn Gordhamer - C-29-97, $800.00; Loss of Money; Morgan Snyder 10. Two (2) Food and Beverage Purchase Requests: - WSU Community Leaming Center Programs, Classes and Workshops (Fees will include an amount to cover cost of food); Cooperative Extension - Hepatitis B Immunization Education and Out Reach, $70.07; Jefferson County Health and Human Services 11. Accept Resignation from Jefferson County Planning Commission Member; Heidi Love Hall 11. Letter to Jack Westerman, Assessor re: 1998 County Levy - Exceeding the $1.80 Levy Limitation COUNTY DEPARTMENT BRIEFINGS/BUSINESS: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Director's Update: Director of Community Development A1 Scalf reported on the process to be followed after the Board voted to continue the subdivision moratorium for up to 6 months and adopt the findings of fact previously presemed. A public hearing will be held within 60 days. Barry Berezowsky explained that the findings of fact are being updated and will include a new finding explaining the current conditions which require the continuance of the moratorium. The Prosecuting Attorney will be asked to give a legal opinion on the Tillman letter. There is an all day meeting with the consultants for the special study of the Glen Cove/Tri Area scheduled for this Friday. A recommendation may be made to the Board prior to the Associate Planner Harriet Beale reported that the Coumy's imernal Water Team met to discuss the two grams for WP, IA planning. This team recommends that Grays Harbor and Clallam Counties be contacted to develop an interlocal agreement to address funding, lead agency, and other issues. The Board concurred that these counties be comacted. Commissioner Harpole reported that the For Sake of the Salmon group has been advised that the funding for their coordinators will be continued for another year. The schedule for the Comprehensive Plan review was discussed. Commissioner Harpole directed that the legal review be done on the draft Comprehensive Plan before the Board has any public workshops or hearings on the document. Senior Planner John Holgate stated that he will be checking with the Page 3 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of January 20, 1998 Prosecuting Attorney on a regular basis to discuss any issues he has with the chapters that he is reviewing. The Board reiterated that they want to see a much more detailed schedule, with a realistic time frame, before the Comprehensive Plan is ready for review and adoption. A1 Scalf stated that there are 3 areas that need attention before the Comprehensive Plan is adopted: 1) an update of the Subdivision Ordinance, 2) renewal of the IGSO, and 3) interim controls for the tight line commercial areas. Chairman Huntingford asked about the process to be used for the Board's review of the Comprehensive Plan and how the schedule will be set? Commissioner Harpole added that a more detailed schedule is necessary for Public Works and Planning staff also. John Holgate asked if the Board wants the Planning Department to develop a lot certification process? The Board concurred that they want the Planning Department staff to develop this process for their review and consideration. Discussion re: Jefferson County Planning Commission Vacancy: A1 Scalf reported that Heidi Hall has resigned from the Planning Commission. The Board concurred that an advertisement be placed for persons interested in filling this position. Discussion re: Draft Resolution Allowing for Certain Properties to be Subdivided below the Mapped base Density Contained in the Interim Growth Strategies Ordinance (IGSO): Associate Planner Barry Berezowsky reported that when this draft resolution was sent to the Prosecuting Attorney for legal review, the Prosecuting Attorney sent a memo to the Board stating that A1 Scalf needed to sign off on it before he would, and that a public hearing be held on the resolution. The Clerk of the Board advised that public hearings are not usually required for the Board to pass a resolution. Barry Berezowsky added that the Board has discussed this issue many times over the past year and has had a great deal of public input on the subject. Commissioner Wojt moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 10-98 as presented. Commissioner Harpole seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. PUBLIC WORKS Director's Update: Public Works Director Klara Fabry reported: The Administrative Support Coordinator job description has been finalized and she asked the Board to approve posting the vacancy "in house" this week. The wages for this position are included in the 1998 budget. Commissioner Wojt moved to allow the Public Works Department to advertise this position in house. Commissioner Harpole seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. The study of management salaries contains incorrect information regarding the positions in the Public Works Department. Page 4 Corn missioners Meeting Minutes: Week of January 20, 1998 The Upper Hoh Road is stabilized enough to allow it to be opened to one way traffic tomorrow. A Flagger will control the traffic during working hours and signs will be posted to alert people after work hours. The guardrail is not in place yet to allow the road to be open for two way traffic. Workshops will be scheduled to discuss the level of services for GMA elements and the management of the Glen Cove/Tri Area study. On January 21, 1998 the State Department of Labor and Industries will review the Moderate Risk Waste Facility operations. A meeting will be held with the City of Port Angeles to discuss a regional approach to long hauling solid waste. Klara Fabry will follow up with the State Department of Transportation regarding the Board's letter about tolls on the Hood Canal Bridge. Two (2) Applications for Veterans Relief Funds: Commissioner Wojt moved to approve the following applications for Veterans Relief Funds: From the Jefferson County Service Officers Association in the amount of $75.00 From VFW Pos #7014 in the amount of $240.00 Commissioner Harpole seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Re-appointment to Solid Waste Advisory Committee: Commissioner Harpole moved to reappoint Jim Worthington to another 2 year term on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. His new term will expire on February 20, 2000. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Briefing re: Task Force Meeting #2 and Interdepartmental Meeting #1; Land Use Permit System Reform: Ted Hunter presented an agenda, a two page Task Force report and a page with the Mission of the Task Force. He reminded the Board that the mission of the Task Force is "to reform Jefferson County's land use permit system by developing clear and concise procedures for land use permit applicants and appeals." He noted that the Task Force is focused on procedural reform of the present ordinances to address areas of possible liability, to streamline and simplify the processes involved, and to provide consistency and accountability in the decision making process. The Task Force's assignment does not include dealing with personnel matters, defining the types of permits the County issues, or the type of criteria or submission requirements for applications. When the Citizen Task Force has finished this portion of the project, the Board will receive four draft documents for their review. The transmittal of all four documents is scheduled for February 24 on the Board's Agenda. Susan Gulick reported that the first draft of the four documents was sent to the Task Force members prior to their second meeting. The Task Force will make suggestions about changes they feel are needed. The Public Works and Environmental Health staff have reviewed the documents, as well as the Prosecuting Attorney. More meetings will be required with the Prosecuting Attorney to address his Page 5 VOL Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of January 20, 1998 concerns. She reiterated that the process will allow for more drafts according to the input received. She then reviewed some of the provisions in the draft documents. A critical issue that remains to be addressed is striking a balance between requiring public input on complex or controversial proj ects/issues versus simplification of the process. Commissioner Harpole asked that, when the final recommendation is brought forward, the minority opinion on any issue be included. The discussion turned to the public process for these draft ordinances and the role of the Task Force in drafting these documents. Several members of the Planning staff expressed concern about staff's limited input. The Board agreed that this is only a portion of the process and these ordinances will go through the same process as ordinances created by Planning staff before they are adopted. Fire District No. $ Commissioners re: Request to Re-Annex Adjacent Properties into Fire District: Dick Howe, Commissioner from Fire District No. 5, stated that these properties on the west side of the Fire District were originally in the District when it was established, but were taken out at a later date. They are asking to re-annex the properties that were removed. He noted that the RCW allows Fire Districts to re-annex areas of the District that have been withdrawn previously. Assessor Jack Westerman quoted from County Ordinance No. 01-0121-97 establishing interim land use controls, designating and conserving forest lands of long term significance. He reported that a portion of the property that may be re-annexed is classified as timber lands and up to half is forest resource based. The Assessor and Prosecuting Attorney have reviewed this request and advise that all properties within the proposed re-annexation area would be subject to the Fire District levy except classified designated timber land and open space timber (forested properties under some sort of forest designation) and open space/open space properties within 200 feet of abutting saltwater that are backed by classified or open space timber. He added that the properties that are exceptions from the Fire District levy are still subject to the EMS levy. He feels the Board has to determine how this fits within the County's own policies. They need to decide whether the imposition of the EMS Levy benefits forest management activities in these areas. Commissioner Wojt asked who is called when there is an aid call or a fire on these properties? Earl Gibson, Fire Commissioner, reported that the Fire District is called for fires and first aid calls in this area. They do the service, but there is no remuneration. He added that all of the Fire District's have agreements with the DNR regarding fire service in those areas. The DNR will start paying the District for any fire that takes over two hours. Dick Broders, a property owner in the area, stated that loggers generally have their own first aid equipment and no one is called. These lands are logged every 80 years. If an ambulance is requested, a bill for services is sent by the Fire District to the person requiring these services. Page 6 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of January 20, 1998 Commissioner Harpole asked who would answer a fire call in that area? Jack Westerman reported that the first responder to the fire would be the Fire District, even though these properties only pay a Fire Patrol assessment. If the Fire District is involved with a fire for more than 2 hours, DNR can be called for help. DNR has one pumper in this County. Chairman Huntingford asked what the difference is between DNR's charge and the Fire District's charge? Jack Westerman explained that, for the Fire District levy, a 20 acre parcel would add approximately $2.00 per year. DNR's charge is $15.40 up to 50 acres and $.31 per acre over 50 acres. Earl Gibson stated that the Fire District provides both EMS and Fire service to this area and even if this re-annexation is not approved the District will continue to service the area. Regarding the ambulance charge, if a paramedic is called in, that fee goes to the paramedic and not to the District. Commissioner Harpole stated that a Commissioners' primary responsibility is to health, safety and welfare, and because of that he feels that this re-annexation is appropriate and he moved to go forward with the re-annexation as proposed. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion for discussion. Dick Broders stated that he doesn't feel it is appropriate to put either a Fire District levy or an EMS levy on the timber land when it won't be built on in the future. The Forest lands ordinance locks up the land and insures against any sort of development. He added that Skywater Estates, which is a residential development in the area, should be the only part of the request for re-annexation to be approved because there are houses in that area that should be paying for these services. Chairman Huntingford questioned if this current County policy needs to be changed. What benefits do properties have being designated timber? Commissioner Harpole stated that he feels that to have greater accessibility to quality health response is a benefit to the timber management activities and he doesn't feel this would contradict the policy. The discussion continued regarding the County's policy and how it will be applied in the future when other requests of this type are received. Jack Westerman reported that the vast majority of the timber lands in this County are within a Fire District and currently pay EMS levy. The Chairman called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. Review and Discussion of Health Department Organization Chart: Chairman Huntingford explained that the Board asked for this meeting to discuss the management structure of the Health Department. He noted that the Board doesn't expect to see many changes in the management structure because it has worked very well for several years. Each of the managers in the Department summarized their areas of responsibility. Page 7 vo,. Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of January 20, 1998 Environmental Health Director Larry Fay reported that in reviewing how the Department works, there are two areas, administration and policy setting. Health Department Administrator David Specter added that along with the organization chart is a listing including information on the lines of authority. Commissioner Harpole asked about the relationship between the Department Director and the Advisory Boards other than the Board of Health? David Specter explained that a dotted line should be added from his position to the other Advisory Boards. The discussion continued regarding the Policy Team and if it should be expanded to include other Department positions. The meeting was recessed at the conclusion of the scheduled business and reconvened on Wednesday morning. All three Board members were present for the following meetings. 8:00-9:00 a.m. Budget Committee Meeting, 11:00-Noon Planning Director's and 1:30-3:30 p.m. Transit Meeting. Meeting Adjou~ ~ ~'~ uorna Delsey, CMC Clerk of the Board JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Page 8