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HomeMy WebLinkAbout042720_ca05CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL JOINT BUSINESS MEETING WITH JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MARCH 19, 2020 CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Port Townsend City Council and Jefferson County Board of Commissioners met in special session this 19th day of March 2020, at 5:00 p.m. in the Port Townsend City Council Chambers of City Hall. ROLL CALL Council members present were David Faber, Amy Howard, Monica MickHager, Owen Rowe, Michelle Sandoval, and Ariel Speser. Pamela Adams was excused. Commissioners present were Kate Dean, David Sullivan and Greg Brotherton. City Staff present: City Manager John Mauro, City Clerk Joanna Sanders County Staff present: Jefferson County Administrator Philip Morley and Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Tom Locke. INTRODUCTIONS/SPECIAL GUESTS (JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH, JEFFERSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER, JEFFERSON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, MAIN STREET, LOCAL INVESTING OPPORTUNITIES NETWORK (LION), ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, PORT OF PORT TOWNSEND, AND OTHER SPECIAL GUESTS) - Willie Bence (Director, Jefferson County Dept. of Emergency Management) - Arlene Alen (Director, Chamber of Commerce) - Brian Kuh (Director, Economic Development Council) - Siobhan Canty (Chief Executive Officer, Jefferson County Community Foundation) - Mari Mullen (Director, PT Main Street) - Deborah Stinson (Local Investing Opportunities Network - LION) - Pete Hanke, Jr., Bill Putney of the Port Commission and Eron Berg (Port of Port Townsend Executive Director) - Allison Hero (Silverwater) - Heather Dudley - Kris Nelson - Kevin Street (Jefferson County Public Utility District) - Eric Jorgensen and Crystie Kisler (Finn River) NEW BUSINESS Coronavirus Economic Impacts: Coordinating response, aid and information to impacted businesses and employees City Council Special Business Meeting with Jefferson County BOCC March 19, 2020 Page 1 of 4 DRAF Dr. Tom Locke gave a case briefing on the Covid-19 outbreak and need for an all- out effort to prevent the exponential spread of the virus, noting that community mitigation is essential to reduce transmission. Willie Bence gave overview of Jefferson County Dept. of Emergency Management office as the central coordinator of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Allison Hero, Kris Nelson, Eric Jorgensen and Crystie Kisler, representing city and county business interests, posed questions to Dr. Locke as did Shelley Leavens, Director of the Jefferson County Historical Society concerning the effects and impacts of job loss. Dr. Locke responded to various questions from the businesses community regarding local public health recommendations on closures and noted there is excellent supporting business guidance documents at DOH.Wa.Gov and King County Public Health. Once the data transmission shows signs of slowing and the curve flattens, the County will be able to provide predictions and guidance on the timing for reopening businesses. Dr. Locke encouraged businesses to continue distribution of food through carry out and supported the suggestion that a closure of non-essential services for two to three weeks would help flatten the curve. Brian Kuh reported on Small Business Administration disaster loans, micro grants for businesses from the State Department of Commerce, expansion of unemployment benefits (including independent contractors), Small Business Development counselor seminars, B&O tax relief from the Department of Revenue, and IRS tax payment deferral. The Chamber and the North Olympic Peninsula Resource Development Council will also conduct an impact survey of businesses and the EDC would assist with a creation of task force to address next steps and future vision. Mari Mullen of Main Street announced available online resources through MainStreet, the Chamber, and Governor's website and distributed a list of business resources, including MainStreet micro loans. Most downtown businesses are in need of monetary support, website development, and social media connections. Arlene Allen of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce announced available links, audio/visual web platform resources, restaurant database/links, and support of the Governers site. She explained the Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) program designed to help businesses prepare for disasters and switching to weekly virtual Chamber Cafes. They would be planning for an expected tourism resurgence later in the year. Deborah Stinson of LION explained the membership network and flexible loans available for businesses through L2020.org. Siobhan Canty of the Jefferson Community Foundation listed services available to employees who have lost their jobs, including food, rental assistance, child care, homeless services. Noting impacts to the Northwest Maritime Center, Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building, Port Townsend Marine Science Center, and City Council Special Business Meeting with Jefferson County BOCC March 19, 2020 Page 2 of 4 Jefferson Land Trust, a COVID emergency response general fund has been developed to accept donations. Kevin Street of the Jefferson County Public Utility District spoke about their efforts to cease shutoff and allow payment arrangements. Eron Berg at the Port of Port Townsend reported on their modification of business operation practices in compliance with public health guidance to keep the boatyard open, providing rent relief, and future modifications of tenant lease policies. Additional discussion and concerns were raised by participants about whether there would be relief from County property taxes, urging landlord flexibility on rents, and coordinating temporary reemployment. There was also interest in providing businesses more public health direction and recommendations on temporarily closing non-essential businesses. It was noted that currently there is no mandate for business closure. Commissioner Sullivan spoke about the need for further County conversation about the use of the revenue stabilization fund. Commissioner Dean summarized needs for technical assistance for businesses on reopening, opportunities for the public to engage in response efforts, need for business navigators, as well as shopping at and supporting local businesses. Mayor Sandoval spoke about the need for positive response to the crisis and support for individuals in the community. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Public comment Steven Mullensky urged postponement and/or relief from the increase in property taxes. Hana Meyer urged monitoring highway traffic in and out of Jefferson and Clallam Counties to reduce transmission. Kris Nelson made several suggestions including utility bill, property tax, and business and occupation tax relief, additional patrols of commercial areas, more fall/winter marketing funding, and improvements to the state's unemployment benefits program. Bonnie White urged waiving DM Disposal fees. Mark Grant urged tightening quarantine and lock down measures. Mark Cooper of Local 2020 urged designating a Covid communications manager. Paulette Lack urged allowing local farmers to set up next to Better Living Through Coffee other empty spaces downtown. Charlie Kanieski urged that banks forego payments, no payments of LION loans, hospital covering 100% of healthcare costs for those without insurance, and creating a community fund to cover those not covered by unemployment. City Council Special Business Meeting with Jefferson County BOCC March 19, 2020 Page 3 of 4 Kevin Camfield spoke about vulnerable populations to the virus and urged aggressive actions to prevent the spread. City staff response County Administrator Phillip Morley recognized the summary of resources and concerns as well as the desire for a case by case business guidance from Dr. Locke on recommended closures. City Manager John Mauro commented the meeting was an important beginning of the conversation and review of current efforts. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Attest: Joanna Sanders, MMC City Clerk City Council Special Business Meeting with Jefferson County BOCC March 19, 2020 Page 4 of 4 � G2 �S1thrC�S MINUTES Jefferson County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting — Monday, April 20, 2020, 9:00 a.m. Jefferson County Courthouse — Commissioners' Chambers 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA CALL TO ORDER: Chair Greg Brotherton called the meeting to order at the appointed time in the presence of Commissioner Kate Dean and Commissioner David Sullivan. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The following is a summary of comments submitted by individuals via email which reflect their personal opinions and which were read aloud by the County Administrator: • Comment regarding the protests in Michigan and the Stay at Home Order. The Commissioners and County Administrator addressed the comment received. APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Dean noted a correction to the Winter Welcoming Center Agreement (Consent Agenda Item No. 10). The agreement funding amount is listed as $4,000 and $4,438. The correct amount is $4,438. With that correction, she moved to approve the items on the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. 1. AGREEMENT, Amendment No. 1 re: Cultural Resource Assessment; In the Amount of $11,306.68; Jefferson County Environmental Public Health; Harris Environmental Group, Inc. 2. AGREEMENT, Amendment No. 1 re: Confidential Office Space Property Use; Time Extension Only, No Dollar Amount; Jefferson County Public Health; Kitsap Public Health 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. District AGREEMENT re: Foundational Monitoring and Pollution Identification and Correction Project; In the Amount of $499,077; Jefferson County Environmental Public Health; Washington State Department of Health AGREEMENT re: Affordable Housing/Homelessness Grant Funding; In the Amount of $31,980; Jefferson County Administrator; Bayside Housing & Services AGREEMENT re: Affordable Housing/Homelessness Grant Funding; In the Amount of $67,572.10; Jefferson County Administrator; Dove House Advocacy Services AGREEMENT re: Affordable Housing/Homelessness Grant Funding; In the Amount of $20,000; Jefferson County Administrator; Habitat for Humanity AGREEMEMT re: Affordable Housing/Homelessness Grant Funding; In the Amount of $31,667; Jefferson County Administrator; OlyCAP - Haines Street Cottages AGREEMENT re: Affordable Housing/Homelessness Grant Funding; In the Amount of $15,000; Jefferson County Administrator; OlyCAP - Homeless Assistance Commissioners Meeting Minutes of April 20, 2020 9. AGREEMENT re: Affordable Housing/Homelessness Grant Funding; In the Amount of $94,600; Jefferson County Administrator; OlyCAP - Jefferson County Emergency Adult Homeless Shelter 10. AGREEMENT re: Affordable Housing/Homelessness Grant Funding; In the Amount of $4,438; Jefferson County Administrator; Jefferson Interfaith Action Coalition -Winter Welcoming Center 11. AGREEMENT, Amendment No. 1 re: Engaging the Community in Strait Ecosystem Recovery; No Dollar Amount; Washington State University, Jefferson County Extension; Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife 12. AGREEMENT re: Homeland Security Grant Program; In the Amount of $57,538; Jefferson County Emergency Management; Washington State Military Department 13. AGREEMENT re: Emergency Management Performance Grant No. E20-179; In the Amount of $18,000; Jefferson County Emergency Management; Washington State Military Department 14. AGREEMENT re: Final Design, Specifications, and Cost Estimates for the Sewer Treatment Facility and Pressurized Sewer Collection of Port Hadlock Sewer System; In the Amount of $1,472,665; Jefferson County Public Works; Tetra Tech, Inc. 15. REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT re: Expenditures from December 2019 Windstorm Expenses to include Storm Response and Debris Cleanup; In the Amount of $67,500; Jefferson County Public Works; Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 16. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING re: Jefferson County Juvenile Court CASA Program to perform non -criminal justice functions for licensing and employment purposes; No Dollar Amount; Jefferson County Juvenile Services; Washington State Patrol 17. ADVISORY BOARD REAPPOINTMENTS (2) re: Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee; Four (4) Year Term to Expire April 9, 2024; 1) Gordon King, Commercial Representative; 2) Emily Bishop, District No. 1 Representative 18. ADVISORY BOARD REAPPOINTMENT re: Jefferson County Rural Library District Board of Trustees; Five (5) Year Term to Expire March 2025; Ellen Hargis 19. MINUTES re: Regular Meeting Minutes of April 13, 2020 20. Payment of Jefferson County Vouchers/Warrants Dated April 13, 2020 Totaling $984,113.20 (Records of all claims submitted for payment along with vouchers approved and signed by the Board of Jefferson County Commissioners are retained by the Jefferson County Auditor and Public Works Department.) 21. Payment of Jefferson County Payroll A/P Warrants Done by Payroll Dated April 17, 2020 Totaling $140,282.33 (Records of all claims submitted for payment along with A/P Warrants approved by the Payroll Services Manager are retained in the Jefferson County Auditor's Office) PROCLAMATION re: International Earth Day 2020: Commissioner Dean explained the importance of Earth Day. After all three Commissioners read the proclamation aloud, Commissioner Dean moved to approve the proclamation. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. COMMISSIONERS' BRIEFING SESSION: The Commissioners reviewed County services available during the Stay At Home Order and reviewed their meeting schedules. WEEKLY UPDATE re: COVID-19: Public Health Officer Dr. Thomas Locke provided information on the COVID-19 virus in Jefferson County and Emergency Management Director Willie Bence provided a situation report. 2 11 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of April 20, 2020 D `F - DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION re: AGREEMENT, Second Addendum re: Amended and Restated Service Agreement Between the Hoh Indian Tribe and Jefferson County For Law Enforcement; May 1 through July 31, 2020; In the Amount of $30,000; Jefferson County Sheriff; Hoh Indian Tribe: Sheriff Joe Nole stated for the past 10 years Jefferson County has provided law enforcement to the Hoh Tribe on the West End. The Tribe is working towards creating their own police force and has asked for Jefferson County to still provide law enforcement service for three months at a reduced rate while they train their new police officers. Sheriff Nole is in support of the Commissioners approving the agreement. County Administrator Philip Morley stated that the agreement proposes that for a three month period, Jefferson County West End Sheriff Deputies would jointly respond to calls for the Hoh Tribe and that the new rate would be $30,000 for three months, compared to the historical $50,000 rate for three months. After discussion, Commissioner Dean moved to approve the agreement between Jefferson County and the Hoh Tribe. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION re: AGREEMENT re: Acting Department of Community Development (DCD) Director for COVID-19 Services; In the Amount of $108,106, May 1, 2020 thru October 31, 2020; Demarche Consulting Group, Dr. Linda Paralez: County Administrator Philip Morley explained the need for the Interim DCD Director agreement is due to DCD Director Patty Charms' interim role as Chief of the County's COVID Pandemic Response and Relief Finance Section. After discussion, Commissioner Dean moved to approve the Agreement with Demarche Consulting Group. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS: DISCUSSION re: Financial Impacts of COVID-19 on Jefferson County: County Administrator Philip Morley discussed the General Fund and its lack of revenue and increased expenditures due to COVID-19. He reviewed anticipated revenue loss figures for 2020 and 2021. The Board continued discussion on COVID-19 related costs and issues. COMMISSIONERS' BRIEFING SESSION - Continued: The Commissioners reviewed their meeting schedules, and topics to discuss during the afternoon session. The meeting was recessed at 11:45 a.m. and reconvened at 1:33 p.m. with all three Commissioners present. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR BRIEFING SESSION: County Administrator Philip Morley reviewed the following with the Board. • Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC); COVID-19: WSAC requested Counties to address the impacts of Governor Inslee's vetoes and other impacts Legislators may not have previously considered. • Discussion re: COVID-19: The Board discussed a potential letter to the Governor regarding essential businesses, but did not take action. • Policy Management; fairgrounds facility • Miscellaneous: Economy, weather, visitors, and short term rentals 3 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of April 20, 2020 AFT • Jefferson Transit Meeting; cancelled • Peninsula Daily News; correction • Budget; upcoming discussion NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Dean moved to adjourn the meeting at 2:42 p.m. until the next regular meeting or special meeting as properly noticed. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. SEAL: ATTEST: JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Greg Brotherton, Chair David Sullivan, Member Carolyn Gallaway, CMC Kate Dean, Member Deputy Clerk of the Board 4