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District No. 1 Commissioner: Dan Titterness
District No.2 Commissioner: Glen Huntingford
District No.3 Commissioner: Judi Mackey
County Administrator: David Goldsmith
Clerk of the Board: Lorna Delaney
MINUTES
Week of August 18, 2003
Chairman Dan Titterness called the meeting to order at the appointed time. Commissioner
Glen Huntingford and Commissioner Judi Mackey were both present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Huntingford moved to approve the minutes of
the August 11, 2003 meeting as presented. Commissioner Mackey seconded the motion which carried by a
unanimous vote.
Discussion: "On the Road" Meeting in Port Ludlow: Commissioner Huntingford
explained that this informal meeting with the Port Ludlow community is scheduled for Thursday,
September 11 at 7 p.m. at the Beach Club. He suggested that other Elected Officials and
Department Heads may want to join them and asked that they be invited.
Budget Extension Request/rom Superior Court: (Also see minutes of August 4,
2003.) County Administrator David Goldsmith explained that a budget extension/appropriation
request by the Superior Court was advertised and a public hearing was held on August 4. This
request would have transferred the administration of State Drug Court funding from the Health
Department to Superior Court. One of the conditions of the grant is that the funding be
administered through the Health Department. The extension request was tabled until representatives
from the Courts, the Health Department, and the Drug and Alcohol Division of the Department of
Social and Health Services could meet. At the meeting, the Health Department agreed to administer
the grant and defer the administrative costs. The extension is no longer required.
Commissioner Huntingford moved to take the budget extension request from Superior Court off the
table and deny the request. Commissioner Mackey seconded the motion which carried by a
unanimous vote.
Page 1
Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of August 18, 2003
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UPDATE ON THE GATEWAY VISITOR CENTER PROJECT: Public Works Engineer
Bob Turpin and Project Coordinator Debbie Berreth updated the Board on the estimated costs ofthe
Gateway Visitor Center project. There are 6 phases to the project:
· Acquisition/Preliminary Engineering
· Conceptual Master Plan Design/Engineering
· Architectural Design/Transportation Engineering/Construction
· Survey, Pavement, Restrooms, Utilities
· Visitor Center, Water Tower, Exhibits/Furnishings
· Trails, Signage, Landscaping
The total project cost estimate is $6,500,000 with a projected completion date of2008. Phase 1, acquisition
of the property and preliminary engineering is completed, and Phase II, the conceptual master plan design
and engineering, is scheduled to begin this fall. To date, they have received a Transportation Enhancement
grant and a Scenic Byway Grant and are applying for another Scenic Byway Grant in 2004. County lodging
tax funds have been used as the local match for grants. The goal is to rely on grant funding for 80% of the
total cost of the project.
Several other agencies have expressed an interest in supporting this project including Jefferson Transit and
the Port Townsend Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Debbie Berreth added that Clallam Transit and the
Clallam County L T AC may also want to be involved. Commissioner Huntingford asked that a list of
interested agencies be compiled and staff contact them to ask for a commitment. He mentioned going out
for a bond, but Public Works does not recommend this option for funding in the near future because they
want to use as much grant money as possible for the project.
Bob Turpin stated that he has contacted the State Department of Transportation about the possibility of
doing the design work for the access off the highway and the circulation within the site. It was suggested
that the intersection at SRI04 and SR19 could be addressed at the same time, but currently the
improvements at this intersection are not listed on any of the DOT's plans.
Chairman Titterness expressed concerns for the high cost of the estimate. Bob Turpin replied that there is a
15% contingency on the overall costs and $1 million set aside for offsite mitigation on the highway. The
project will be done in phases and the funding will be acquired for each phase. Commissioner Huntingford
pointed out that other agencies who would contribute to the proj ect funding may be concerned about the
high cost estimate. Debbie Berreth will get project costs from other tourists centers that have been
constructed in rural areas in the past few years to compare with the estimate.
Commissioner Mackey suggested that staff may want to put a note on the information documents about the
costs for the project to let people know that these are projected estimates and refining them is an ongoing
process.
Page 2
Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of August 18,2003
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PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The following comments were made: a suggestion that
the County ask Fred Hill Materials for a copy of the transportation study on the Highway 104 corridor that
was required for their mining application; the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board
remand on technical issues is common and in the document they complimented the Jefferson County
Planning Staff on their professionalism and this speaks highly of the County Commissioners' support; the
Hearings Board findings stated that some aspects of the Fred Hill Materials' future"Pit to Pier" project are
appropriate for environmental review at this time including the need to transport the extracted material under
the new mineral resource overlay designation because a conveyor project of some kind will be involved;
both the Hood Canal Coalition and Fred Hill Materials were pleased with the Hearings Board's findings;
and a cartoon was submitted from the North Kitsap Herald regarding the "Pit to Pier" project.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR BRIEFING SESSION: David Goldsmith submitted several
documents to the Board for their review.
The final order from the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board on the Fred Hill
Materials mineral land overlay designation has been received. After staff reviews the document, they
will schedule a time to meet with the Board.
· He gave the Board a draft staff proposal on the future role of the Gateway Visitor Center
Corporation. The Corporation is a non-profit organization that evolved over the last few years from
the original Tourism Coordinating Council. The TCC was originally formed to develop a tourism
marketing strategy for the unincorporated areas of the County.
The Sheriff will be asking the Board to reconsider the current freeze on out-of-state travel for
employees. He feels that the people in his Office will need to go out of state to get the kind of
professional training they need.
· He will respond to The Leader regarding information that they sent to him on the NED
(Neighborhood Electric Vehicle) proposal in the County. The proponent still hasn't applied for a
permit.
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner
Huntingford moved to approve all of the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Mackey
seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
I. RESOLUTION NO. 48-03 re: Updating the Official County Road Log; Adding Timber Heights
Drive
2. AGREEMENT re: Northwest Straits Project; Jefferson County Marine Resource Committee Year 4
Action Grant #G0300137; Task 2, Olympia Oyster Restoration; Jefferson County Cooperative
Extension - WSU; Puget Sound Restoration Fund
3. AGREEMENT re: Technical Assistance and Consulting Services for the Jefferson Civic
Engagement Project; Jefferson County Health and Human Services; Jefferson General Hospital
Page 3
Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of August 18, 2003
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4. AGREEMENT #0363-28816 re: Foster Care Passport Program; Jefferson County Health and
Human Services; Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
At 10:05 a.m. the Board interviewed Dan Cable who expressed an interest in serving on the
Jefferson County Substance Abuse Advisory Board.
Advisory Board Appointment; Substance Abuse Advisory Board: Commissioner
Huntingford moved to appoint Dan Cable to a vacant position on the Substance Abuse Advisory Board.
Commissioner Mackey seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. His term will expire on
August 19,2006.
The Board met in EXECUTIVE SESSION from 10:30 to 11 :00 p.m. with the County
Administrator and Clerk of the Board/Human Resources Manager regarding labor/management matters.
The Board recessed at the close of business and reconvened on Monday evening at 7 p.m. at
the Port Ludlow Beach Club for a hearing on the Port Ludlow Drainage District assessment methodology.
All 3 Board members were present.
HEARING re: Port Ludlow Drainage District Assessment Methodology: Chairman
Titterness opened the public hearing. Consultant Barry Baker, Gray & Osborne, gave a brief history of the
drainage district process. His firm was originally hired by Jefferson County and they are now working for
the Port Ludlow Drainage District. In 1999, a petition was submitted to the County Commissioners
regarding the formation of a drainage district in Port Ludlow. In 2000, property owners voted and approved
the district's formation. The County Commissioners held a public hearing in July, 2001 on the assessment
method. The current assessment method addresses 3 zones. Zone 0 is the area permanently held in reserve
or greenbelt areas that can't be developed. Zone I comprises the majority of the district and can be
developed. Zone 2 is an area of 5 acre residential parcels west of Osprey Ridge Drive. In the current
assessment method, 90% is based on impervious surface and 10% on parcel size. Zone 1 pays the full gross
acreage charge and Zone 0 and Zone 2 pay 25% ofthe gross acreage charge.
The Drainage District Commissioners have requested that the County Commissioners reconsider the
adopted assessment method as the result of new information in the Comprehensive Stormwater Management
Plan. It appears that the majority of the 5 acre tracts west of Osprey Ridge Drive actually drain into the
district and the standard Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) is 3,000 square feet and the 5 acre tracts have
10,000 to 15,000 square feet of impervious surface, but are only assessed at 1 ERU. The majority ofthe
capital facility improvements required are based on inadequate or improperly maintained drainage
improvements rather than specific problems within the district.
Page 4
Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of August 18, 2003
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The assessment is the District's only source of direct funding. The Drainage District Commissioners are
asking the County Commissioners to consider a change to the current assessment to 65% for impervious
area and 35% for gross area.
A question was asked about how impervious surface is determined. Barry Baker replied that they review
aerial photographs and draw a line around houses, buildings, and all driveways, which are all impervious
surfaces. Is the consulting firm aware that there are streams running through the 5 acre parcels into the
district? Barry Baker stated that these are drainage ways and not streams.
The Chair opened the public testimony portion ofthe hearing.
Bruce Halvorson, Zone 2, Lot 2, stated that this is the same discussion that took place at the last hearing.
Changing the methodology on the 5 acre parcels will not substantially increase the district's funding. There
are drainage problems that need to be addressed and it is right that the 5 acre parcels share in the assessment,
but it is not appropriate for them to bear an increased assessment because they will never receive the benefits
of the Drainage District that the property owners below them will receive. The law stipulates that those that
receive the greatest benefit need to pay the most.
Kathleen Hilbert, Osprey Ridge Drive, Lot 5, has lived there for fourteen years and has only seen the
drainage ditch full once and it was not overflowing. One of the photos shown by the consultant in his
presentation was a neighbor's property that was very recently excavated and planted. This is not a fair
representation of the stormwater runoff from a rainstorm.
Ozzie Basora. commented on the assessed value of his home and property.
Ron Gregory, 22 McCurdy Lane, submitted and read his statement. (See permanent record.)
Horst FrycheL Lot 3, Port Ludlow #6, stated that during the rainy season, water flows through a natural
creek on his property into Ludlow Creek and then into Ludlow Bay. The water follows a natural path.
He is not in favor of the proposed assessment.
Ingeborg Bartlett, Walden Way, owns lots 4 and 7 in Port Ludlow #6. She does not feel that increasing the
assessment for the 5 acre parcels is fair, especially on undeveloped property that doesn't have impervious
surface. Her property doesn't contribute to the runoff problem and it will not benefit from the assessment.
Bert Loomis, 9500 Oak Bay Road, explained that in 1994 when he developed a 5 acre piece of property at
the corner on Oak Bay Road, he installed 2 on-site systems that keep the stormwater on the property.
Anyone who has invested in this type of improvement should be excluded from the assessment or given a
significant reduction to their contribution.
Page 5
Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of August 18,2003
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Commissioner Huntingford asked if anyone has made an analysis of "grandfathered" systems that were
built to contain water on a property or retention ponds? Barry Baker answered that the 2001Stormwater
Manual that the district operates by has stricter regulations and Bert Loomis' systems would not meet those
requirements. Retention ponds are considered temporary. There was a discussion relating to systems that
were constructed per code at the time they were built.
Bob Phinizy, Lot 10, a 5 acre parcel, stated that 99% of his property is the same as when he built his house
11 years ago because the runoff follows the natural topography into drainage streams and into the Port
Ludlow storm drains.
Bruce Halvorson, reiterated that his property is located so far away from the stormwater problem areas that it
will not benefit from any improvements to the drainage system. According to the statute, the properties that
don't benefit, shouldn't be assessed.
Ingeborg Bartlett, stated that she pays property taxes on acreage and she shouldn't have to pay more than
anyone else on the drainage district assessment.
Bruce Bartlett, pointed out that many of the cities and counties in Washington use impervious surface only
as the base for their stormwater drainage water assessment.
Hearing no further comments, Chairman Titterness closed the public hearing. The Board will be accepting
written comments until 5 p.m. on Friday, August 22.
MEETING ADJOURNED
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Dan Titterness, Chair
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ATTÉŠT~ ,..,
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.' Lorna Del~ey, CMC/ if
Clerk of the Board
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. Mackey, Member
Page 6
10/23/2003 08:57
3603859234
JEFF 00 PUBLIC WORKS
PAGE 03/133
JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONER
NOTICE OF PUBLIC BEARING
ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 04-0815-01
ESTABLISHING AN ASSESSMENT SYSTEM
FOR THE PORT LUDLOW DRAINAGE DISTRICT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners wilJ hold a
Public hearing to take testimony form. all affected persons in favor of or agaínst an ordinan.ce
amending ordinance No. 04-0815-01 establishing an assessment System for the Port Ludlow
Drainage Dis1rict, pursuant to 'the requirements of Chapter 85.38 Revised Code of Washington.
The hearing will be held on Monday, August 18,2003 at 7:00 p.rn, at the Port Ludlow Beach
Club, 121 Marina View Drive in Port Ludlow, Washington.
The following is a summary of the amendment to Appendix 1 of the ordinance:
Appendix }, Assessment System:
The proposed change would revise the fonnula to have an acreage assessment that is 35 percent
of the total assessment and the impervious area assessment that is 65 percent of the total
assessment and Zone 2 would pay 50% of the gross acreage assessment rate.
Copies of the Ordinance can be obtained from the Jefferson COWlty Public Works Department,
Second Floor U.S. Post Office Building, 1322 Washington Street, P. O. Box 2070, Port
Townsend, W A 98368.
Written comments will be accepted unti14:30 p.m. on Monday, August 18,2003 at the Jefferson
County Board of Commissioners Office. Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson Street,
P.O. Box 1220, Port Townsend, W A 98368. Written comments may also be submitted. at the
public hearing. .
10/23/2003 08:57
3603859234
JEFF CO PUBLIC WORKS
PAGE 01/03
1820 Jefferson Street
P.O_ Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Dan T;tte",ess, District 1 Glen Hunt:in.tê;I~, nJstrict :01 Judi Mackey, DÛltri<:t 3
August 4, 2003
RE: Notice of Jefferson County Board of Commissioners Public Hearing;
An Ordinance Revising tbe Port LudJow Drainage District Asse&mtent System
Dear Port Ludlow Drainage Disbict Property Owner:
The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners will hold a
public hearing to take testimony regarding an oniinanoe revising the Assessment System for the Port
Ludlow Drainage District. The hearing will be on Monday, August 18,2003 at 7:00 PM at the Port
Ludlow Beach Club, 121 Marina View Drive in Port Ludlow, Washington.
Included with this letter are a description of the revised Assessment System and a list of the parcels
owned by you within the Pan Ludlow Drainage Dislrict. The Hst shows the amount that would be
assessed on each parcel if the total assessment collected by the Drainage District were $1,000. The actual
assessment levied on your property will be determined by the District budget adopted by the Drainage
District Commissioners. If, as an example. the District budget were $70,000, the actual assessment on
your parcels would be the assessment shown on the Hst multiplied by 70.
The following;8 a SU1mnat)' of the Amendment to Appendix 1 ofOrdmance No. Q4..081S..Ql;
ADgmdix.J. Assessment SyS1em
The: proposed change would revise the fannula to bave an acreage assessment that is 35 percent of the
total assessment and the impemous area assessment that is 65 percent of the total assessment and Zone 2
would pay 50% of the gross acreage assessment rate.
Effeçtive Date:
If adopted, the new Assessment System would be effective with tax payments for 2004.
A eopy of the complete amendment to the Ordinance can be obtained 1ìom. the Jefferson County PubHc
Works Department, Second Floor U.S. Post Office Building, 1322 Washington Street, P.O. Box 2070, Port
Townsend, WA 98368. Telephone (360) 385-9160.
Written. comments will be accepted unn14:30 PM on Monday, August 18,2003 at the Jefferson County
Board ofConunissioners Office, Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 1220,
Port Townsend, W A 98368. Written comments may also be submitted at the publio hearing.
[fyou have questions regarding this matter, please contact the Public Works Department.
Dan Tittemess, Chair
Jefferson Cowty Board of Commissioners
Phone (360)385-9100 Fax 1360)385-9382 jeftb~r:(tV,co.jefferson.W8..us
10/23/2003 08:57
3603859234
JEFF CO PUBLIC WORKS
PAGE 02/03
RE: Notice of JeftenoD County Board of Commissioners Public Rearing;
Port Ludlow Drainage District Assessment-System Ordinance
Appendix 1: Assessment System Calcn.lation Method
A:s provided for in Chapter 85.38 Revised Code of Washington, the Port. Ludlow Drainage Dis1rîct
Assessment System is de.signed to generate $1,000 in revenue for the District. The Assessment System
determines the amount that each parcel within the District wHl 'Qe assessed per $1,000 of Djstrict revenue.
The District Commissioners win detennine the total annual District asse$S1.'nent and the total amount
assessed on each individual p8rccl through tbe adoption of the annual District budget. If, as an example,
the District budgct were set at 570,000, the actual assessment on any parcel would be the amount assigned
in the Assessment System multiplied by 70.
The Assessment System is based on a combination of two assessments. The :first is an assessment on the
parcel's acreage in proportion to the total acreage within the District. The second is an assessment on the
parcel's impervious surface area in proportion to the total impervious surface area within the District. The
proposed assesSment would bave 3S percent of the total assessment based on gross area acreage and 65
percent of the totaI assessment based on imperv:ìous area. 35% of the .assessment, or $350.00 of the
$1,000, is assigned to the land area witþi,n the District.
The gross area acreage system of assessments for the District shatt consist of a three zone classification
system (Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2). Zone 0 are the areas pennanently held in reserve or greenbelt areas
that cannot be developed. Zone 1 81"C areas that can be developed and comprise the majority of the
District. Zone 2 are parcels in Port Ludlow No.6 five-acre residential lots. Zone 0 will pay 25 percent of
the standard gross acreage assessment. Zone I will pay 100 percent of tbe standard. WQSS acreage
assessment. Zone 2 will pay 50 percent of the gross acreage assessment.
Based upon areas in Zone 0 of 120.6 acres, Zone 1 of 434.7 acres and Zone 2 of68.0 acres the associated
~t1ar value ofbenef1ts for a $1000 hypothetical assessment is:
Zone ° ... $0.17540 1 per acre
Zone 1 ... $0.701642 per acre
Zone 2 "'" $0.350821 per acre
In addition, parcels in each zone will be assessed for impervious area based on Equivalent Residential
Units (ERU). An Equivalent Residential Unit is defined as a single-family residenoe or 3,000 square feet
ofjmpervious surface. Multi-family residences are assigned 0.75 ERU.
65% of the assessment, or $650.00 of the $1,000, is assigned to the impervious surface lI1"ea of the
District There are approximately 70 acres of impervious sUrface in the District. Based on a random
sample of residences, a residence is assumed to have 3,000 square feet of impervious surface. 3,000
sqU8!e feet of impemous surface is an Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) of impervious sutface. A multi
family residence is assigned 0.75 ERUs. Based upon a totaI of 986.1 ERUs within the District, the
associated dollsr value of benefits for a $1000 hypothetical assessment js:
Improvement assessment .... $0.659190 per ERU
The rateS shown in this appendix bave been rounded. The assessment database uses tbe actual data
entered. into the database, not the rounded rates shown in this example.
Parcel Assessment Formula per $1,000 of Distriet Revenue
A parcel's assessttlent per $1,000 of District revenue is based on the parcel's area and the area of
impervious swface measmed in Equivalent Residential Units.
Parcel Assessment = (area rate x parcel area) + (ERU rate x ERUs on the parcel)
JEFFERSON COUNTY
GUEST LIST
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Attendance Sign In Sheet
Port Ludlow Drainage District Public Hearing 18 August 2003
Those not wishing to speak print Sign your name below and
your name below: adj nt to your printed name:
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STATE OF WASHINGTON
County of Jefferson
In the Matter of Amending Ordinance
No. 04-0815-01 to Revise the
Assessment System for the Port Ludlow
Drainage District
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ORAJ:]"
ORDINANCE NO.
WHEREAS, the Port Ludlow Drainage District was established by the voters of the proposed
drainage district in the year 2000 and the assessment method for the District was established by adoption of
Ordinance No. 04-0815-01 in August of2001; and,
WHEREAS, the Commissioners ofthe Port Ludlow Drainage District submitted a letter to the
Board of County Commissioners dated June 28, 2003 asking that the County Commissioners review and revise
the assessment methodology for the Drainage District which requires that a public hearing be held; and,
WHEREAS, the public hearing was properly advertised, the District property owners were
individually notified by mail and the hearing held on August 18,2003 at 7:00 p.m. at the Port Ludlow Beach
Club, 121 Marina View Drive in Port Ludlow, Washington; and,
WHEREAS, through the development of the Comprehensive Management Plan for the Drainage
District it was found by the Drainage District Commissioners that the amount of reduction for the gross area
assessment for the five acre parcels is unjustified and capital improvements required are general in nature and
do not provide a greater benefit to developed lots than to undeveloped lots.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Board of County Commissioners of Jefferson
County, Washington, that Appendix 1. Assessment System of Ordinance No. 04-0815-01 is hereby amended as
indicated in the attached Appendix 1.
day of
,2003.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SEAL:
Dan Titterness, Chair
Glen Huntingford, Member
ATTEST:
Judi 11ackey, Mernber
Lorna Delaney, CMC
Clerk of the Board
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
David Alvarez,
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Port Ludlow Drainage District Assessment System Ordinance
Appendix 1: Assessment System Calculation Method
As provided for in Chapter 85.38 Revised Code of Washington, the Port Ludlow Drainage District
Assessment System is designed to generate $1,000 in revenue for the District. The Assessment System
determines the amount that each parcel within the District will be assessed per $1,000 of District revenue.
The District Commissioners will determine the total annual District assessment and the total amount
assessed on each individual parcel through the adoption of the annual District budget. If, as an example,
the District budget were set at $70,000, the actual assessment on any parcel would be the amount assigned
in the Assessment System multiplied by 70.
The Assessment System is based on a combination of two assessments. The first is an assessment on the
parcel's acreage in proportion to the total acreage within the District. The second is an assessment on the
parcel's impervious surface area in proportion to the total impervious surface area within the District. The
proposed assessment would have 35 percent of the total assessment based on gross area acreage and 65
percent of the total assessment based on impervious area. 35% of the assessment, or $350.00 of the
$1,000, is assigned to the land area within the District.
The gross area acreage system of assessments for the District shall consist of a three zone classification
system (Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2). Zone 0 are the areas permanently held in reserve or greenbelt areas
that cannot be developed. Zone 1 are areas that can be developed and comprise the majority of the
District. Zone 2 are parcels in Port Ludlow No.6 five-acre residential lots. Zone 0 will pay 25 percent of
the standard gross acreage assessment. Zone 1 will pay 100 percent of the standard gross acreage
assessment. Zone 2 will pay 50 percent of the gross acreage assessment.
Based upon areas in Zone 0 of 120.6 acres, Zone 1 of 434.7 acres and Zone 2 of 68.0 acres the associated
dollar value of benefits for a $1000 hypothetical assessment is:
Zone 0 = $0.175401 per acre
Zone 1 = $0.701642 per acre
Zone 2 = $0.350821 per acre
In addition, parcels in each zone will be assessed for impervious area based on Equivalent Residential
Units (ERU). An Equivalent Residential Unit is defined as a single-family residence or 3,000 square feet
of impervious surface. Multi-family residences are assigned 0,75 ERU.
65% of the assessment, or $650.00 of the $1,000, is assigned to the impervious surface area of the
District. There are approximately 70 acres of impervious surface in the District. Based on a random
sample of residences, a single family residence is assumed to have 3,000 square feet of impervious
surface. 3,000 square feet of impervious surface is an Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) of impervious
surface. A multi family residence is assigned 0.75 ERUs. Based upon a total of 986.1 ERUs within the
District, the associated dollar value of benefits for a $1000 hypothetical assessment is:
Improvement assessment = $0.659190 per ERU
The rates shown in this appendix have been rounded. The assessment database uses the actual
data entered into the database, not the rounded rates shown in this example.
Parcel Assessment Formula per $1,000 of District Revenue
A parcel's assessment per $1,000 of District revenue is based on the parcel's area and the area of
impervious surface measured in Equivalent Residential Units.
Parcel Assessment = (area rate x parcel area) + (ERU rate x ERUs on the parcel)
JEFFERSON COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
p.o. Box 2070
1322 Washington 81.
Port Townsend, WA 98368
(360) 385-9160
Frank Gifford, Public Works Director
Robert G. Turpin, PE., County Engineer
MEMORANDUM
To: Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
Thru: Frank Gifford, Public Works Director :dÓ."ß,
From: Robert G. Turpin, P.E., County Engineer µ;?
Date: August 12,2003
Re: County Engineer's Report, Port Ludlow Drainage District
Proposed Revision for System of Assessments
Introduction
The County's role in this process is to establish the system or systems of assessment,
authorize issuance of special assessment bonds or notes, if any, and collect the special
assessment. The Drainage District has control over budget and activities. The Board of
County Commissioners (BOCC) is not required to review and approve the District's
budget.
Under provisions ofRCW 85.38.160 (2) a report on the assessment system is to be
submitted to the BOCC, and the BOCC must conduct a public hearing and adopt an
ordinance "finalizing" the system of assessment.
The attached ordinance sets forth a system of assessments to be levied on properties
within the Port Ludlow Drainage District. RCW 85.28.160 directs the Council to adopt a
system of assessments for the District following notification of property owners and a
public hearing. The BOCC may make any changes they deem necessary, and the
decision of the BOCC is final unless appealed.
The proposed action is time sensitive. Approval of an ordinance establishing a system of
assessment by August 25,2003 will allow the ordinance to be effective prior to
September 1,2003, and would thus assure the District is able to receive the necessary
assessment revenues during 2004.
100% Recycled Paper
Port Ludlow Drainage District
August 12, 2003
Proposed Revisions to Assessment Method
Page 2 of6
Legal Authority and Responsibility
Jefferson County's role in establishing a special assessment system is defined in RCW
85.38. The statutory procedure for the alternative financing method for special districts,
codified as Chapter 85.38, was adopted in 1985.
Under RCW 85.38, the County Engineer has the responsibility for proposing a
preliminary system or systems of assessment for a special district. The BOCC then holds
a public hearing on the preliminary system or systems of assessments proposed by the
County Engineer and adopts an ordinance finalizing the system or systems of assessment,
including any changes deemed necessary by the BOCC. The system or systems of
assessment must be finally adopted by the BOCC on or before September 1 st of the year
that the assessment is finalized for use in preparation of the district's budget for the
succeeding calendar year. Thereafter the County Engineer shall develop a system of
assessment that shall be approved by the BOCC, and the assessment method must
reviewed every four years. The County may review the assessment method more
frequently than the four-year cycle.
On or before December 1 st the governing body of the special district must adopt a budget
for the succeeding year and impose special assessments, pursuant to the system
established by the County, in an amount sufficient to finance the budget. The district
must immediately forward a copy of the resolution and budget to the BOCC and the
County Treasurer. Although the BOCC receives an informational copy of the district's
budget, the BOCC is not required to review and approve the district's budget.
The County Treasurer collects the special assessment, which must be due at the same
time the property taxes are due. The County Treasurer can, but is not required to, mail
the notice of the special assessment on the property tax statement or in the same envelope
with the notice of property taxes.
The costs to the County in establishing the system or systems of assessment, which
includes the costs to the County in reviewing and approving any system proposed by the
district, may be charged to the special district. The County Treasurer may also impose a
fee for collecting the special assessment, however the treasurer's fee may not exceed one
(1) percent of the dollar value ofthe special assessments collected.
Although the BOCC does not approve the district's budget, only the BOCC can authorize
the issuance of special assessment bonds or notes to finance costs related to providing,
improving, expanding, or enlarging improvements and facilities of the special district.
District Background
The Port Ludlow Drainage District, located in Jefferson County, was formed by a vote of
property owners in year 2000. In July 2001, the Port Ludlow Drainage District
Commissioners submitted an assessment method to Jefferson County. As required by
RCW 85.38, the Jefferson County BOCC held a public hearing on the assessment method
on July 24, 2001.
Port Ludlow Drainage District
August 12, 2003
Proposed Revisions to Assessment Method
Page 3 of6
Expenditures and Assessment Levels
Each year the Port Ludlow Drainage District has adopted an annual budget for the
coming year and advised the County Treasurer of the amount to be charged to each
property within the district. The District budget for 2003 was $188,200 requiring an
assessment of$133,200. Additional funds in the form of loans for the Comprehensive
Stormwater Management Plan and carryover from the previous year provided the balance
of revenues ($55,000).
Present Assessment Method
In July 2001, the Port Ludlow Drainage District submitted to Jefferson County a
proposed assessment method. The proposed assessment system was based on a
combination of two assessments. The first was an area assessment based on the parcel's
acreage in proportion to the total acreage within the District. The second was an
impervious surface assessment based on the parcel's impervious surface area in
proportion to the total impervious surface area within the District. The District proposed
two zones. Zone 0 comprised areas that cannot be developed and include greenbelt tracts
and permanent open space. This zone paid 25 percent of the acreage assessment rate.
Zone 1 would be the remainder of the District. The District recommended the acreage
area assessment be 35 percent of the total assessment and the impervious area assessment
be 65 percent of the total assessment.
In August of2001, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) adopted an assessment
method. An additional zone (Zone 2) was created to provide a reduced area assessment
for parcel owners in Port Ludlow No.6 five-acre residential lots. The acreage assessment
is 10 percent of the total assessment and the impervious area assessment is 90 percent of
the total assessment. Three zones are in place. Zone 0 parcels are the areas permanently
held in reserve or greenbelt areas that cannot be developed. Zone 1 are areas that can be
developed and comprise the majority of the District. Zone 2 parcels are five acre
residential parcels west of Osprey Ridge Drive. Zone 1 paid the full gross acreage
charge, Zone 0 and Zone 2 paid 25 percent of the gross area acreage charge.
Need for Change in Assessment Method
The Port Ludlow Drainage District Commissioners requested Jefferson County
reconsider the assessment method adopted in 2001. The Drainage District has completed
a public review draft of the Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan. The
Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan shows the following:
I. Public testimony submitted in August 2001 stated that the Port Ludlow No.6
five-acre tracts west of Osprey Ridge Drive did not drain into the District and
would receive no benefit from the District. Aerial topographic survey and
LIDAR topographic mapping completed since the original assessment method
was adopted show that all but a very small part of the area west of Osprey Ridge
Drive does drain into the District. These parcels have been cleared and private
Port Ludlow Drainage District
August 12, 2003
Proposed Revisions to Assessment Method
Page 4 016
drainage facilities installed to direct flow to the District. See the attached map of
the district showing drainage basin boundaries and flow direction.
2. The developed lots in Port Ludlow No.6 five-acre tracts have between 10,000
and 15,000 square feet impervious area based on 2002 aerial mapping. The
impervious area assessments for these parcels are based on one Equivalent
Residential Unit (ERU) although the impervious areas on these parcels are three
to five times the standard ERU of 3,000 square feet.
3. The majority of capital facility improvements required are based on inadequate or
improperly maintained drainage improvements for the entire platted area rather
than specific problems within the District. Just as all lots in a plat should share
the cost of developing the entire plat, so all parcels within the District should
share the cost of maintaining a system to serve all the parcels. The existing
90%/10% split unfairly places the majority of the cost for improvements to the
overall system on the existing homeowners.
Proposed Assessment Method
Under RCW 85.38.150 (2), special assessments imposed upon real property, other than
improvements, shall be a function of the dollar value of benefit or use per acre and the
assessment zone in which the real property is located. Special assessments imposed upon
an improvement shall be a function ofthe dollar value of benefit or use assigned to the
type or class of improvements and the assessment zone in which the improvement is
located.
Under RCW 85.38.160 (2) the engineer of the county shall prepare a preliminary system
or systems of assessment for each special district. Each system of assessment that is
prepared for a special district shall be designed to generate a total of one thousand dollars
in revenue for the special district. The proposed three-zone classification assessment and
the impervious area assessment are detailed below.
The system of assessments for the District shall consist of a three zone classification
system (Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2). Zone 0 are the areas permanently held in reserve
or greenbelt areas that cannot be developed. Zone 1 are areas that can be developed and
comprise the majority of the District. Zone 2 are parcels in Port Ludlow No.6 five-acre
residential lots. Zone 0 will pay 25 percent of the standard gross acreage assessment.
Zone 1 will pay 100 percent of the standard gross acreage assessment. Zone 2 will pay
50 percent ofthe gross acreage assessment.
In addition, parcels in each zone will be assessed for impervious area based on
Equivalent Residential Units (ERU). An Equivalent Residential Unit is defined as a
single-family residence or 3,000 square feet of impervious surface. Multi-family
residences are assigned 0.75 ERU.
Port Ludlow Drainage District
August J 2, 2003
Proposed Revisions to Assessment Method
Page 5 of6
The total assessment is proportioned between gross area acreage assessment and
impervious area assessment. The proposed assessment would have 35 percent ofthe total
assessment based on acreage and 65 percent of the total assessment based on impervious
area.
Based upon areas in Zone 0 of 120.6 acres, Zone I of 434.7 acres and Zone 2 of 68.0
acres the associated dollar value of benefits for a $1000 hypothetical assessment is:
Zone 0 = $0.175401 per acre
Zone 1 = $0.701642 per acre
Zone 2 = $0.350821 per acre
Based upon a total of 986.1 ERU s within the District, the associated dollar value of
benefits for a $1000 hypothetical assessment is:
Improvement assessment = $0.659190 per ERU
Proposed Expenditures and Assessment Levels
Property owners are to be provided an indication of the amount of assessment on each lot
or property that combined with all other properties or improvements would raise a
hypothetical assessment of$I,OOO.
Prior to December 1,2003, the District will submit to the BOCC and County Treasurer
the budget for the coming year. The acreage assessment will be the total budget for the
year divided by the total assessment acreage. The rate for each zone will be applied to
the parcel.
The total assessment then is two parts: a rate per acre based on zone and a rate per ERU
based on impervious area. Based on the 2003 budget, the rates are shown below
Total 2003 District Assessment Budget $133,200
Acreage Assessment (35%) $46,620
Impervious Area Assessment (65%) $86,580
Total Zone 0 Acres 120.6
Total Zone 1 Acres 434.7
Total Zone 2 Acres 68.0
2003 Zone 0 rate per acre $23.3647
2003 Zone 1 rate per acre $93.4588
2003 Zone 2 rate per acre $46.7294
2003 Total District ERUs 986.1
2003 Impervious Area Assessment / ERU $87.80
Assessment Roll
The Port Ludlow Drainage District has prepared an assessment roll of all properties in the
District. The roll lists hypothetical assessments, based on revenues that would be need
Port Ludlow Drainage District
August 12, 2003
Proposed Revisions to Assessment Method
Page 60f6
for a $1,000 budget for each assessment system. Under each proposed method, for each
$1,000 that the District raises through assessments, the property owner would pay the
amount listed.
Recommendation
The Public Works staff review has found the assessment method is acceptable under the
statutory requirements, and that the assessment roll is equitable. It is recommended that
the BOCC adopt the attached ordinance finalizing a system of assessments for Port
Ludlow Drainage District pursuant to RCW 85.38.
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LEGEND:
PORT WDI.Ø'W DIWIfAØ. DBBCT
2003 ASSESS WENT WETHODREVlSION
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Lorna Delaney
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
David Alvarez
Wednesday, July 09, 200312:32 PM
Lorna Delaney
RE: Request from Port Ludlow Drainage District for revision of their assessment methodology
This is in response to a letter from the Port Ludlow Drainage District dated June 28, 2003.
See my answers below.
Many of your questions are expressly answered by the language of RCW 85.38.160, a portion of which is repeated below:
The PLDD cannot force the County Commissioners to reexamine the assessment system, meaning that they
BoCC can put off this task if Public Works cannot handle it right now, BUT
The assessment system has to be reexamined within four years of its initial adoption, for us that would be on or
before August 15, 2005. (Subsection 4 of the RCW)
If a reexamination of the system does occur it all has to be done by September 1 of any given year. (subsection 4)
If a reexamination of the system does occur the County Engineer has to review the work before sending it on to
the elected County Commission for the Commissioners' consideration. (subsection 4)
But is another public hearing required?
This particular state law is silent on whether a revised assessment system would need a public hearing.
Yet logic suggests a hearing is required.
Since the first assessment system must go through a public hearing, presumably because the assessment system
will have an impact on the "pocketbooks" of the landowners and thus the landowners are entitfed to attend a hearing, it is
most logical to presume that any new assessment system, which also will have financial impacts on the landowners, must
also be subject to a public hearing. (refer, generally to subsection 2)
Here is a the statute, in part.
(2) The engineer of the county shall prepare a preliminary system or systems of assessment for each special
district. Each system of assessment that is prepared for a special district shall be designed to generate a total of
one thousand dollars in revenue for the special district.
The preliminary system or systems of assessment shall be filed with the county lesdslative authority. A
public hearine: on the preliminary system or systems of assessment shall be held by the county lee:islative
authority.
Notice ofthe public hearing shall be published in a newspaper, in general circulation in the special district, for
two consecutive weeks with the final notice being published not less than fourteen. nor more than twenty-one
jays, before the public hearing. Notice shall also be mailed to each owner or reputed owner, as shown on thè'"
assessor's tax rolls, of each lot or parcel subject to such assessments. The mailed notice shall indicate the
amount of assessment on the lot or parcel that, together with all other assessments in the system of assessment,
would raise one thousand dollars. The mailed notice shall indicate that this assessment amount is not being
imposed, but is a hypothetical assessment that, if combined with all other hypothetical assessments in tht? system
of assessment, would generate one thousand dollars, and that this hypothetical assessment is proposed to be
used to establish a system or systems of assessment for the special district. Where a special district currently is
imposing special assessments and a property owner's property is subject to these special assessments, the mailed
notice to this property owner also shall use the hypothetical special assessment-in conjunction with the total
special assessments imposed by the special district in that year to provide a comparison special assessment value
to the property owner. This notice shall indicate that the comparison special assessment value is not being
imposed, and should be considered for comparative purposes only. Where a special district is not currently
imposing special assessments, the mailed notice may include, if deemed appropriate by the county enginéer and
if such figures are available, an estimated special assessment value for the property owner's property using this
hypothetical special assessment in conjunction with special district-wide level of special assessments that
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possibly would be imposed in the following year. Where a county is imposing rates and charges for storm water
or surface water control facilities pursuant to chapters 36.89 or 36.94 RCW, the county shall credit such rates
and charges with assessments imposed under this section by a special district to fund drainage facilities and the
maintenance of drainage facilities.
(3) The county legislative authority shall hold a public hearing on the preliminary system or systems of
assessment on the day specified in the notices. Persons objecting to the preliminary system or systems of
assessment may present their objections at this public hearing, which may be continued if necessary. The county
legislative authority shall adopt an ordinance finalizing the system or systems of assessment after making any
changes that in its discretion are necessary. The county legislative authority shall have broad discretion in
establishing systems of assessment. The decision of the county legislative authority shall be final, except for
appeals. Any person objecting to the system or systems of assessment must appeal such decision to the superior
court of the county within which all, or the largest portion, of the special district is located within twenty days of
the adoption of the ordinance.
(4) The system or systems of assessment of each soecial district shall be reviewed by the county ene:ineer
and finalized by the county lee:islative authority at least once every four years. A system or systems of
assessment shall be Îmalized on or before the first of Seotember in the year that it is finalized.
This e-mail is not confidential. David Alvarez
-----Original Message-n--
From: Lorna Delaney
Sent: Monday, July 07, 2003 9:53 AM
To: David Alvarez
Subject: Request from Port Ludlow Drainage District for revision of their assessment methodology
Importance: High
Hi David --
I know you are very busy and I wouldn't bother you right now except that I'm not sure exactly what the process is in
RCW 85.38.160 for a request to the County Commissioner for a revision of the assessment methodology, It says the
Board needs to review it at least once every 4 years, but there's not much more than that.
My questions are:
If the County BOC wants to do this do they have to go back through the process (County Engineer's prelimary system;
public notice & notice mailed to each property owner, etc) ?
If the County BOC does this does it have to all be done by Septem ber 1?
OR have I missed something and the PL Drainage District Board of Commissioners can do this for themselves?
Thanks for the help.
Lorna
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June 28, 2003
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JUN 3 0 2003
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Commissioners
Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
P.O. Box 1220
Port Townsend, W A 98368
SUBJECT: ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
PORT LUDLOW DRAINAGE DISTRICT, JEFFERSON COUNTY,
WASHINGTON
Dear Honorable Commissioners:
,tit
The Port Ludlow Drainage District submitted a request for approval of an assessment
methodology for the newly formed district under RCW 85.38 in August 2001. This
request included the Drainage District Commissioners recommendation that 65% of the
assessment be based on impervious area and 35% based on gross area. This
recommendation included two zones addressing land use differences. One zone (Zone 0)
was for greenbelt and open space areas that were held in reserve to not be developed, and
the other zone (Zone 1) was for all other land that could be developed. The
greenbelt/open space zone was recommended to receive a 75 percent reduction on the
gross area assessment.
;/
The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners took public testimony and revised the
assessment to have three zones and a split of90% ofthe assessment based on impervious
area and 10% based on gross area. A third zone (Zone 3) was added for the five-acre
tracts west of Osprey Ridge Drive. This zone also received a 75 percent reduction in the
gross area assessment This methodology was adopted under Jefferson County Ordinance
No. 04-0815-01.
The Port Ludlow Drainage District Commissioners now request reconsideration ofthe
assessment methodology based on information gained in the preparation ofthe
Comprehensive Storm water Management Plan. A complete engineering report will be
developed and presented for County review by 10 July 2003. We present the following
summary information for consideration:
1.
Public testimony that was submitted in August 2001 stated that the five-acre tracts
west of Osprey Ridge Drive did not drain into the District and would receive no
benefit fÌ'om the District. Aerial topographic survey and LIDAR topographic
mapping show that the claim made in August 2001 is unfounded. All but a very
small part of the area west of Osprey Ridge Drive does drain into the District.
~
Subsequent to the forming of the District, Three of these parcels have been
cleared and private drainage facilities are in place or in the planning stage, that
directs flow to the District.
2. The majority of capital facility improvements required are based on inadequate or
improperly maintained drainage improvements for the entire platted areas rather
than specific problems within the District. Just as all lots in a plat should share
the cost of developing the entire plat, so all parcels with in the District should
share the cost of maintaining a system to serve all parcels. The existing 90%/10%
split unfairly places the majority ofthe cost for improvements to the overall
system on the existing homeowners.
The District requests reconsideration of the initial proposed methodology as presented in
August 2001. We have examined the information gathered in the development of the
Comprehensive Management Plan and find the following:
. A separate zone for the five-acre parcels is unjustified.
. Capital improvements required are general in nature and do not provide a greater
benefit to developed lots than undeveloped lots.
RCW 38.38.160 outlines the requirement for review and revision of the assessment
methodology. Part of the process includes public notice and a public hearing. Because
the RCW requires modifications ofthe methodology be completed by September 1, the
notice and hearing will need to be scheduled in mid-July to mid August. We respectfully
request your timely consideration on this matter.
..
Very truly yours,
Port Ludlow Drainage District Commissioners
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Subsequent to the forming of the District, Three of these parcels have been
cleared and private drainage facilities are in place or in the planning stage, that
directs flow to the District.
2. The majority of capital facility improvements required are based on inadequate or
improperly maintained drainage improvements for the entire platted areas rather
than specific problems within the District. Just as all lots in a plat should share
the cost of developing the entire plat, so all parcels with in the District should
share the cost of maintaining a system to serve all parcels. The existing 90%/10%
split unfairly places the majority of the cost for improvements to the overall
system on the existing homeowners.
The District requests reconsideration ofthe initial proposed methodology as presented in
August 2001. We have examined the information gathered in the development of the
Comprehensive Management Plan and find the following:
. A separate zone for the five-acre parcels is unjustified.
. Capital improvements required are general in nature and do not provide a greater
benefit to developed lots than undeveloped lots.
RCW 38.38.160 outlines the requirement for review and revision of the assessment
methodology. Part of the process includes public notice and a public hearing. Because
the RCW requires modifications of the methodology be completed by September 1, the
notice and hearing will need to be scheduled in mid-July to mid August. We respectfully
request your timely consideration on this matter.
.-
Very truly yours,
Port Ludlow Drainage District Commissioners
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June 28, 2003
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JUN 3 0 2003
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Commissioners
Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
P.O. Box 1220
Port Townsend, W A 98368
SUBJECT: ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
PORT LUDLOW DRAINAGE DISTRICT, JEFFERSON COUNTY,
WASHINGTON
Dear Honorable Commissioners:
The Port Ludlow Drainage District submitted a request for approval of an assessment
methodology for the newly formed district under RCW 85.38 in August 2001. This
request included the Drainage District Commissioners recommendation that 65% of the
assessment be based on impervious area and 35% based on gross area. This
recommendation included two zones addressing land use differences. One zone (Zone 0)
was for greenbelt and open space areas that were held in reserve to not be developed, and
the other zone (Zone 1) was for all other land that could be developed. The
greenbelt/open space zone was recommended to receive a 75 percent reduction on the
gross area assessment.
The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners took public testimony and revised the
assessment to have three zones and a split of90% of the assessment based on impervious
area and 10% based on gross area. A third zone (Zone 3) was added for the five-acre
tracts west of Osprey Ridge Drive. This zone also received a 75 percent reduction in the
gross area assessment This methodology was adopted under Jefferson County Ordinance
No. 04-0815-01.
The Port Ludlow Drainage District Commissioners now request reconsideration ofthe
assessment methodology based on information gained in the preparation of the
Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan. A complete engineering report will be
developed and presented for County review by 10 July 2003. We present the following
summary information for consideration:
1. Public testimony that was submitted in August 2001 stated that the five-acre tracts
west of Osprey Ridge Drive did not drain into the District and would receive no
benefit &om the District. Aerial topographic survey and LIDAR topographic
mapping show that the claim made in August 200 1 is unfounded. All but a very
small part of the area west of Osprey Ridge Drive does drain into the District.
Chapter 85.38.160 RCW·- The Washington State Legislature
Page lof2
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RCW TITLES» TITLE 85 » CHAPTER 85.38 » SECTION 85.38.160
Print Version
85.38.150 «85.38.160 » 85.38.170
RCW 85.38.160
Systems of assessment -- Hearing -- Notice -- Adoption of ordinance -- Appeals -- Review __
Emergency assessment.
(1) The coynty within which each special district is located shall establish a system or systems of
assessment for the special district as provided in this section. A differing system of assessment shall
be established for different classes of facilities that a special district provides or will provide,
including a separate system of assessment for diking and drainage facilities if both classes of
facilities are provided. Whenever a special district is located in more than one county, the county
within which the largest portion of the special district is located shall establish the system or systems
of assessment for the entire special district. A system of assessment shall include assessment
zones, the acreage included in each assessment zone, a dollar value of benefit or use per acre, and
various classes or types of improvements together with a dollar value of benefit or use for an
improvement included in each of the classes or types of improvements. The county shall establish
which improvements shall be subject to special assessments and shall establish one or more types
or classes of such improvements.
(2) The engineer of the county shall prepare a preliminary system or systems of assessment for
each special district. Each system of assessment that is prepared for a special district shall be
designed to generate a total of one thousand dollars in revenue for the special district.
The preliminary system or systems of assessment shall be filed with the county legislative
authority. A public hearing on the preliminary system or systems of assessment shall be held by the
county legislative authority. Notice of the public hearing shall be published in a newspaper, in
general circulation in the special district, for two consecutive weeks with the final notice beine
ublished not less than fourteen, nor more than twenty-one days, before the public hearin . Notice
shall also e mal e 0 each owner or reputed owner, as s own on e assessor s ax rolls, of each
lot or parcel subject to such assessments. The mailed notice shall indicate the amount of
assessment on the lot or parcel that, together with all other assessments in the system of
assessment, would raise one thousand dollars. The mailed notice ~h~IL inrlir.::Ite th~t tbls assessment
amount is not being imposed, but is a hypothetical assessment that, if combined with all other
hypothetical assessments in the system of assessment, would generate one thousand dollars, and
that this hypothetical assessment is proposed to be used to establish a system or systems of
assessment for the special district. Where a special district currently is imposing special
assessments and a property owner's property is subject to these special assessments, the mailed
notice to this property owner also shall use the hypothetical special assessment in conjunction with
the total special assessments imposed by the special district in that year to provide a comparison
special assessment value to the property owner. This notice shall indicate that the comparison
special assessment value is not being imposed, and should be considered for comparative purposes
only. Where a special district is not currently imposing special assessments, the mailed notice may
include, if deemed appropriate by the county engineer and if such figures are available, an estimated
special assessment value for the property owner's property using this hypothetical special
assessment in conjunction with special district-wide level of special assessments that possibly would
be imposed in the following year. Where a county is imposing rates and charges for storm water or
surface water control facilities pursuant to chapters 36.89 or 36.94 RCW, the county shall credit such
rates and charges with assessments imposed under this section by a special district to fund
drainage facilities and the maintenance of drainage facilities.
http://www .leg. wa. gov /RCW /index.cfm ?fuseaction=section§ion=85.3 8 .160
7/7/2003
Chapter 85.38.1hO RCW - The Washington State Legislature
(3) The county legislative authority shall hold a public hearing on the preliminary system or
systems of assessment on the day specified in the notices. Persons objecting to the preliminary
system or systems of assessment may present their objections at this public hearing, which may be
continued if necessary. The county legislative authority shall adopt an ordinance finalizing the
system or systems of assessment after making any changes that in its discretion are necessary, The
county legislative authority shall have broad discretion in establishing systems of assessment. The
decision of the county legislative authority shall be final, except for appeals. Any person objecting to
the system or systems of assessment must appeal such decision to the superior court of the county
within which all, or the largest portion, of the special district is located within twenty days of the
adoption of the ordinance.
(4) The system or systems of assessment of each special district shall be reviewed by the county
en ineer and finalized b the count Ie islative authorit at least once eve four ears. A system or
systems of assessment shall be finalized on or before the first 0 September in the year that it is
finalized. The legislative authority of a county that is responsible for establishing a system or
systems of assessment for more than one special district may, at its option, stagger the initial
finalization of such systems of assessment for different special districts over a period of up to four
years. Assessments shall be collected in special districts pursuant to the district's previous system of
assessment until the system or systems of assessment under this chapter is finalized under this
section.
(5) New improvements shall be noted by the special district as they are made and shall be
subject to special assessments in the year after the improvement is made.
(6) The county legislative authority, upon request by a special district, may authorize the special
district to im ose and collect emer ency assessments pursuant to the special district's system or
systems of assessment whenever t e emergen pro ection of life or property is necessary.
[1985 c 396 § 17.]
http://www .leg. wa.gov /RCW /index.cfrn ?fuseaction=section§ion=85.3 8 .160
Page 2 of2
7/7/2003
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Board of Commissioners
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P.O. box 1220
Port Townsend.. W A 98368
AUG 1 8 2003
JEFFEHSON COU
BOARD OF COMM
Subject: Port Ludlow Drainage District Assessment System
Board Members.
I don't understand the reasoning behind the Assessment System as proposed and the procedure to
arrive at an actuaJ total dollar taxation amount. .
What areas of the community are really impacted by the drainage problems?
Once the areas that are in need of improvement are established, what will be done to correct the
problems? In other words, how is this money that the District will coHect be spent? And how
much money will be needed to correct the problems?
These questions should be addressed before the Drainage District tries to collect money. No
homeowner, lot owner or conunercial property owner should be expected to pay a tax levy for an
unknown purpose.
It appears that 142 acres of community owned Greenbelt area have been exempted from the
assessment equation, why? If this area is considered of ' 'NO IMPACT" to the drainage problem,
why are the other open (UNDEVELOPED) lands different?
Most open land> that which does not have any surface covering, be that a home, driveway or
other impervious development, does not prevent the absorption of water and does not create "run
off' unless climate conditions are VERY unusual.
It is very unfair to have a taxation rate that is punitive to the owners of acreage. That land, which
is open and undeveloped, as is the exempted 142 acres, by the tenDS of the Drainage District
Assessment System proposal, does not affect the drainage problem.
I suggest the following straightforward method, First establish what work must be done. Second
establish an actual total annual donar amount for the work. Then divide this amount by the
number of properties to establish everyone>s equal share.
ih,; you.,
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Robert D. Stephens
Diane V. Stephens
Lot #11. Bluebird Lane
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The Board of Commissioners
Jefferson County
1829 Jefferson Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
July 9, 2001 '0)
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AUG 1 8 2003
JEFFEF<SON cnu
BOARD OF COMrv¡ISSI0NER:Y "
RE: Notice of Jefferson County Board of Commissi09ners Public Hearing
regarding the Port Ludlow Drainage District Assessment System
Dear Sirs,
, We recendy received the Notice of Public Hearing regarding the Port
Ludlow District Drainage System. We believe that developing this drainage
system will be good for the community. However, we ~ee with the
formula for assessment. Specifically, we object to the use of surface area as a
major factor in the calculation. What has changed in the past few years in
Port Ludlow is the amount of impervious surface and the rapid runoff it
causes. The runoff of the non-impervious surfaces is about the same as it has
been for ages. Additionally, large lots are required by Jefferson County to
have engineered solutions to eliminate the impact of storm water runoff for
the entire property. Small lots are not required to mitigate the impact of
runoff from the impervious surfaces. A five acre lot divided into 20
residential lots will generate far more than 20 times the storm water runoff
than if the lot were used for a single residence.
We have looked at your assessment calculations carefully. For the 5.3
acre lot in the example, the assessment would be $4.58 per $1000. of
operating cost. The assessment for a quarter acre lot would be $.82. The 5.3
acre lot would pay 5.5 times the amount of the quarter acre lot, while being
required to mitigate all storm water runoff. Does this make sense?
As citizens, we recognize our responsibility to pay our fair share. It
seems that current proposal requires us to pay excessively more than our
neighbors on the small lots and meet Jefferson County's stringent
requirements for storm water management. It seems that basing the
assessment on impervious area alone would be appropriate. The impact to
other properties would be about $.02.
We are looking forward to the public hearing on this issue. We are
also looking for your consideration of our concerns.
Sincerely,
Richard E. Smith
37816 170th Ave. S.E.
Auburn, WA 98092
Judith A Smith
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July 24, 2001
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Board of Commissioners
1820 Jefferson Street
P. O. Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
I.M.S. & B.H. Bartlett
P. O. Box 10918
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
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JEFFŒSON COU
F CO~'UI"C:1
BOARD 0 . ¡\¡Ìlvl ,'\,'
Subject: Port Ludlow Drainage District Assessment System
Board Members,
On August 24th, 2000, we received a mailing fróm the LMC urging
its members to vote for a Special Drainage District. We were told
that "REAL PROPERTY WILL BE ASSESSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW.
PROPERTY WILL BE ASSESSED, UNDER THESE REGULATIONS, ON A BENEFIT
BASIS." As to the cost, we were told "Basic costs in other districts
around the state, for basic maintenance & operations, range in the
$65 a year level - or about $5 a month."
On June 8th, 2001, during an LOA board meeting, Jim Pearson and
Gary Rowe of the Jefferson County Public Works Department told the
audience that the estimated cost to lot owners would be $65 a year.
On June 25th, 2001, the Board of Commissioners mailed a letter ad-
vising us of today's hearing and with this letter we received the
proposed assessment figures. These figures state that the assess-
ment on our 10.84 acres would come to $871.24 a year based on a
$100,000 budget. This represents a 670% increase over the estimate
per lot on our 2 lots.
When we voted for the Drainage District, we voted yes on the assump-
tion that the costs would be close to the estimate and that they
would be fair and equitable. However, when our neighbours in Port
Ludlow Division No.4, right across from the 5+acre lots of P.L.
Div. No.6, are being assessed $91.90/$100,000 and we are being
assessed $418.25 and $452.99/$100,000, a difference of 459% & 493%,
there is nothing fair and equitable about this.
As a group, our 5+acre lots represent 13.19% of the total acreage
ln the district. Under the proposed assessment methodology, 12 of
us pay 13.19% or roughly 1.10% each versus the rest of the 1,088
community members paying roughly 0.079% each of the total assessed
acreage. We alone would actually pay 2.31%. IS THAT FAIR AND EQUAL?
RCW 85.35.150 specifies amongst other requirements that "Assessment
zones shall be established in which each zone reflects a different
relative ratio of benefit or use that the real property within such
zone receives or will receive, from the special district's oper-
ations and facilities." The 5+acre lots would, because of their
topographical difference from the rest of the district's acreage
and because of the unique size, never receive any benefit from the
"
2/
Page 2 1 Bartlett - Board of Commissionersl July 24, 2001
district's operation and should therefore be designated "NON-
BENEFIT." The RCW further states that "If all real property in
the special district is found to have the same relative ratio
of benefit or use, a single assessment zone may be established."
This is what the present proposal seems to have done. However,
does this comply with the law as expressed in RCW 85.35.150?
We have more than once stated our willingness to participate in
the district's M&O budget because of our communlty-minded atti-
tude even if there is no benefit to us and we will remain willing
to do so but only if the 5+acre lots are charged no more than any
of the smaller parcels in the district under the M&O budget assess-
ment. The present assessment of gross acreage should be abandoned
on the grounds of unfairness against the holders of unusual large
parcels as compared to the rest of the district's smaller parcels.
The two arguments we have heard as to the inclusion of gross
acreage are: (a) It made it easier or fairer to deal with the
commercial properties, and (b) The undeveloped lots within the
district would receive added value through the drainage system.
Neither argument, when applied to the S+acre lots, can stand its
ground, . Each 5 acre lot would have to have the potential of de-
veloping about 20 homes to be comparable to the other lots. And
as far as commercial properties are concerned, other districts have
had no problems to accommodate them.
During our interviews with public works personnel in other cities
and counties, we have found that the charge for surface water manage-
ment is overwhelmingly based on impervious surface area only. A
brief review of the "Water, Sewer & Stormwater Fee" brochure, pub-
lished by the Association of Washington Cities seems to confirm
that the 30 cities listed use impervious surface area or a flat fee
in the assessment process. A survey of 8 counties confirms the ISU
approach. The square footage used for ERUs varies but the proposed
3000 sq.ft./ERU seems a good average, even though our neighbours in
unincorporated Kitsap County allow for 4,200 sq. ft. Port Townsend,
in their city storm water rates, allow for 3,000 sq.ft. and so does
Poulsbo. Let us quote you an excerpt of poulsbo's ordinance 13.16.030
to show that it is quite"simple to accommodate both commercial and
residential properties in a fair manner based on impervious surface.
" 1. Establishment of ERUs. All single-family residential accounts
shall be considered equal to one equivalent residential unit
(ERU) for purposes of the monthly storm drainage utility fee.
For all other customers of the utility, each account holder
shall pay monthly service fees on the basis of billable ERUs.
Billable ERUs shall be determined and established for each
non-single family account on the basis of property size and
impervious area. The following method shall be used to estab-
lish billable ERUs for each non-single-family account:
Billable ERUs = Impervious area: 3,000 square feet
The minimum for billing purposes on any account shall be one ERU.
3/,"
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Page 3 / Bartlett - Board of Commissioners/ July 24, 2001
As of January I, 2001, the monthly storm drainage fee shall be as
follows:
Single-family residential: $6.50/billable ERU/month
All other accounts:
First 9 billable ERUs $6.50/billable ERU/month
Each additional billable ERU over 9 $4.50/billable ERU/month."
It makes the most sense to use impervious surface only as the
assessment criterea since it is the impervious surface that
creates the drainage problem, not the undeveloped land. Naturally,
when you have a great number of small parce~'~evelopment around
an undeveloped small parcel, then the undeveloped parcel's
natural absorption is going to be challenged to the point of
failure. But is it fair to charge that parcel with an assessment
because of the development around it? Again, the 5+acre lots do
not fall into the same category as the smaller parcels since \Jith
only 1 residence on it, the remaining undeveloped acreage can and
will absorb the water better than the smaller undeveloped parcel
amongst the densely developed areas.
The 1996 storm, which has also been referred to as the 200-year
storm, did not wash away any of the 5 acre parcels' acreage and
did not flood any of the then existing residences. And even with
present development going on on some of the acreage, the engineering
requirements these owners had to go through and pay for are such
that the run-off is controlled so that the ground is returned to
its original absorption rate. None of the smaller lots seem to have
to comply with such stringent engineering require.~cnts imposed by
the county, as can be noticed when driving around and seeing homes
under construction where the total lot has been turned into an im-
pervious surface through the actual foot print of the building, the
movement of heavy equipment, and the constant foot traffic while
the home is under construction. '
Our research has confirmed that other agencies 1n our neighborhood
do not assess undeveloped land until such time as it is improved,
~nd then the charges are based on ERUs no matter how big the parcel
1S.
In conclusion, it seems to us that the proposed assessment needs
to be rejected by the County Board of Commissioners on the grounds
of UNFAIR and UNEQUAL treatment of the parcels in P.L. Div. No.6.
And furthermore, all undeveloped land should be excluded not just
the 142 acres of green belt.
We cannot emphasize enough the peril the Board of Commissioners
is subjecting themselves to if this problem is not addressed and
satisfactorily solved on behalf of the 5 acres lot owners. Fair-
ness and equality must be applied in rate setting as has been
exemplified by the court's ruling in Covell v. Seattle (127 Wn.
2d874-1995.)
/4
· ~~ ~
Page 4/ Bartlett - Board of Commissioners/ July 24, 2001
In case the County Commissioners cannot accommodate the unique
circumstances of the 5+acre lots, one option could be to request
the District Commissioners to readjust the boundaries and eliminate
P.L. Div. #6 from the district.
We are also aware that P.L.Div.No.6 holds enough votes and also
more than 10% of the acreage required to file for "Suspension of
operations" under RCW 85.38.220.
Finally, let us point out one more time that we will support the
special district and the community at large but only if we are
treated as one of them and not separated out in an unfair and un-
equitable assessment process.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ingeborg and Bruce Bartlett
;
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~lY 27, 2001
Board of Commissioners
1820 Jefferson Street
Port Tmvnsend, WA 98368
Fax: (360)385-9382
reetivt.J ~t HfJ.
I.M.S.&B.H. Bartlett
P.O. BOx 10918
~ainbridge Isl.,WA 98110
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AUG 1 8 2003
Re:
JEFFEf?SON COU
BOARD OF COMI\¡1IS~!i-!1 it: G '-,
Port Ludlow Drainage District Assessment System "";\',~,,,.':
Board Members,
In your final decision-making process, please question the con-
sultants:
a) Why no consideration was given to the fact that 44 cities and
8 counties in our neighbourhood, incl. Bainbridge, Poulsbo,
Port Townsend, & unincorp. Kitsap County, use impervious sur-
face only as the base for their storm drainage water assessment¡
b) Why NO ONE uses undeveloped land in their assessment ln our
immediate neighbourhood¡
c) Why they had to come up with a methodology from a community
(Lake Stephens) which is not homogeneous to Us¡
d) Why even in their latest proposal which includes zones 0 and
changes the 5 acre lots to zone 2, theystill do not meet the
requirements of RCW 85.38.150 where any zone outside zone 1
should be charged less than 100% in TOTAL assessment but accor-
ding tdthe spreadsheet the 5acre lots still pay twice the amount
of zone 1. In our case, we would still pay 4 times the amount on
our total 10.84 acres of undeveloped forest land with only a
2100 sq.ft. building on it.
Please urge the consultants to provide you with the facts for an
impervious surface only assessment with means to provide credits
to those who have with their own funds installed extensive water
management facilities.
Thank
--
Ingeborg &
.
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JEF~RSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONER
POB 1220
PORT TOWNSEND, W A 98368
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FROM: Bob and Barbara Phinizy
POB 65351/20 BLUEBIRD LANE
PORT LUDLOW, W A 98365
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AUG 1 8 2003
JEFFEJ?SON cnu
BOARD OF COrJì~{1iSS S
July 16,2001
First, our apologies in the late delivery of this letter addressing the proposed DRAINAGE DISTRICT
for sections of Port Ludlow. We have been traveling for a substantial portion of this year and have just
become fully aware of this issue and the means of establishing the assessments.
We own lot 10 of the 5-acre plots. We built and have lived on that lot for 11 years. We have
experienced very WET years ofrain. In experiencing this heavy/heavyratn-fall, the only water
observed on our property ran either directly into the stream bed alongside our home (about 100 feet to
the WEST) or some water that ran down the EAST side of our property from run-off sourced as best
we can determine to the NORTH of us. All water that we have observed headed to the West and the
stream that drains this area.
The water that ran down the EAST SIDE of our property ran along THE SIDE OF OUR CIRCULAR
DRIVE directly into a drainage ditch on the NORTH side of BLUEBIRD LANE and thence directly
into the same stream bed running along our home.
WATER HAS BEEN OBSERVED ON THE NORTHWEST corner of our property, flowing to the
northern start of the aforementioned stream along our home. NO WATER has been seen around our
home, its yards or the WESTERN side of our circular drive. ALL WATER FLOWED TO THE
NATURAL DRAINAGE STREAM BED TO THE WEST OF OUR HOME.
OUR OBSERVATION IS THAT MINIMUM WATER CAN OR WILL FLOW FROM ANY/ALL 5-
ACRE PARCELS TO ANY PART OF THE PORT LUDLOW STORM DRAINS. THE WATER
RUNS DIRECTLY or INDIRECTLY TO THE TWO NATURAL STREAM BEDS ON THE LOTS
AT THE SOUTH END OF THE 5-ACRE LOTS. The stream culverts go under OAK BAY ROAD
directly to the creek that runs along that road. We have observed running water in our streambed for
up to 7 months out of the year. THE NATURAL topography is inclined downward NORTH TO
SOUTH and EAST to WEST.
My wife and I do not mind paying a reasonable (equal) fee to aid the drainage district but not what
appears to be 500% over other residences when the 5 acre plots DO NOT CONTRIBUTE to the
drainage that must be handled by this district. As a part of my observation, the acreage aids by
absorbing water.
Bob and Barbara Phinizy
POB 65351-lot number 10
PORT LUDLOW 98365
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JEFFEf~smJ N
BOARD OF COMMISS
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, W A
DATE: August 10,2001
FROM: BOB AND BARBARA PHINIZY, 20 BLUEBIRD LANE, PORT LUDLOW, W A 98365
(LOT NUMBER 10)
SUBJECT: DRAINAGE DISTRICT FOR PORT LUDLOW RE: 5 ACRE PARCELS
Under what we understand to be the "district", the drainage from the 5 acre parcels are not a
contributor and therefore not able to gain any benefit from being included in such a district. We
believe state law would deny inclusion in such a district if no benefit can possibly be derived for these
parcels.
I believe the yet to be completed survey of this proposed new district will substantially support our
belief on this subject. However, should the fairness issue prevail, we stand ready to support the district
on an equal allocation basis EVEN IF NO BENEFIT IS DERIVED from such inclusion.
(ASSUMING ST ATE LAW WOULD ALLOW SUCH INCLUSION).
Inga Bartlett will attend a hearing, understood by us to be on August 15, and present this letter in our
behalf.
Thank you for a fair and even-handed treatment of this decision and should such a district is created,
we again re s llocating costs for the expenses to be on an absolute equal basis.
CC: Pw 7 r/l'l 10'
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Glen Huntingford, Chair
Jefferson county Board of Commissioners
Cc: Jim Pearson
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AUG 1 8 200~
Re: Proposed Assessment for Port Ludlow Drainage District JEFFERSON COUNr~. ,(~
BOARD OF COMMISSIONH..,
We are sending thìs to voice our opposition to the proposed assessment methodology. We
feel the proposal for assessment currently being considered is unfair to the 5-acre lot
owners. We would be required to pay approximately 5 times the amount the remainder of
the residential community would pay.
According to RCW (Revised Code of Washington) 85.38.150 assessment zones within
the District are to be established according to relative ratio of benefit. These zones would
require the properties receiving the greatest benefit be assessed the most and properties
receiving the next greatest benefit be assessed a lesser amount and so on. Those
properties receiving no benefit be designated "non-benefit". Although the code does not
explain what assessment non-benefit properties would pay, one can only assume there
would be no assessment or an assessment of substantial reduction.
Simply viewing a topography map or seeing the terrain of the 5-acre lots relative to the
remainder of the drainage district would show the following.
-We do not contribute to the existing drainage problems in the community.
- We will not benefit from any future changes in the drainage system.
Under the proposed assessment for our 5-acre lots to pay any more than other lot owners
is simply unfair and unwarranted. Weare not asking to be exempt from assessment. We
are in total agreement a drainage problem exists for our neighbors and the community.
We are committed to supporting our community, but on an equal basis with other lot
owners.
We would recommend a flat assessment for an unimproved lot and a flat assessment for
an improved lot. Other communities have adopted this method of assessment; Bainbridge
Island, King County and Kitsap County to name a few.
Bruce Halvorson
Judy Halvorson
Owners Lot 2
5 Acre Lot
.
.
Chuck Wright, President
Ludlow Maintenance Commission
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AUG 1 8 2003
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Re: Proposed Assessment for Port Ludlow Drainage District
JEHEHSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSHiNFRS
"
,
Our purpose for this letter is to enlist the support of the community through the LMC. We
feel the proposal for assessment currently being considered is unfair to the 5-acre lot
owners. We would be required to pay approximately 5 times the amount the remainder of
the residential community would pay.
According to RCW (Revised Code of Washington) 85.38.150 assessment zones within
the District are to be established according to relative ratio of benefit. These zones would
require the properties receiving the greatest benefit be assessed the most and properties
receiving the next greatest benefit be assessed a lesser amount. Those properties
receiving no benefit be designated "non-benefit". Although the code does not explain
what assessment non-benefit properties would pay, one can only assume there would be
no assessment or an assessment of substantial reduction.
-We do not contribute to the existing drainage problems in the community.
- We will not benefit from any future changes in the drainage system.
-Under the proposed assessment we would pay approximately 5 times other lot owners.
Weare not asking to be exempt from assessment. Weare in total agreement a drainage
problem exists for our neighbors and the community. We are committed to supporting
our community, but on an equal basis with other lot owners.
We would recommend a flat assessment for an unimproved lot and a flat assessment for
an improved lot. Other communities have adopted this method of assessment; Bainbridge
Island, King County and Kitsap County to name a few.
We are asking the LMC board to support our position via letter to Jefferson County
Commissioner Glen Huntingford prior to the July 24 public hearing.
Bruce Halvorson
Judy Halvorson
Owners Lot 2
5 Acre Lot
.
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AUG 1 8 200~
BOCC
Jefferson County Courthouse
Port Townsend, W A
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONEHS
Subject: Port Ludlow Drainage District Comprehensive Plan
I have several questions that relate to the statutory authority of the PLDD. The
Drainage District is authorized under RCW 85.38.180, this RCW provides for drainage
control and other related activities. What specifically are these other related items?
The Ludlow Maintenance Commission (LMC) has entered into an interlocal
agreement, see PLDD resolution 8, whereby the PLDD participates in the LMC's review
and approval of any development plans with the LMC. What underlying statutory
authority allows the PLDD to contract with the LMC for drainage review on
individual tax parcels. Moreover, what authority allows the PLDD in concert with
the LMC to engineer drainage on individual lots?
Currently The Department of Community Development requires a storm water
management program to be submitted with the application for a building permit on a
building lot within the boundaries of the PLDD. The current plan went into effect in July
of 2003. Who has the right of review for the issuance of a building permit, the DCD
or the PLDD?
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Gary and Kathleen Hilbert
501 Osprey Ridge Drive
Port Ludlow, W A 98365
July 9,2001
Board of County Commissioners
1820 Jefferson Street
P.O. Box 1220
Port Townsend, W A 98368
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AUG 1 8 2003
Re: Port Ludlow Drainage District Assessment
JEFFEHSGN
BOARD OF COMM
Board Members:
We are the owners of Lot 5, Port Ludlow #6 and commercial property located at the comer of Oak
Bay and Paradise Bay Roads in Port Ludlow.
Your recent notification of a proposed assessment for the Port Ludlow Drainage District stated that the
proposed assessment for our residence on Osprey Ridge Drive is $4.5820 per $1,000.00 of assessed
value while the commercial property is $4.5082.
Our neighbors across the street on Osprey Ridge Drive received the same letter stating their proposed
assessment is $0.9190 per $1,000.00 of assessed value.
There appears to us to be a HUGE discrepancy in the equitability of our assessments versus theirs.
We believe there is no logical reason to assess our properties at a higher rate than others in our same
neighborhood. We have more pervious property, our drainage does not run to an area in Port Ludlow
where there have been any problems in the past or will be in the foreseeable future. Only once in the
eleven years since we have owned our property have we ever witnessed runoff water in the drainage
ditch along Osprey Ridge Drive.
There can be no reasonable explanation as to why our proposed assessments are approximately five
(5) times higher than our neighbors. Percentage wise we have far more ground that will absorb water
than the vast majority of owners in the community. There is no way you can justify any difference in
the drainage assessment for our properties versus theirs.
We are vehemently opposed to any assessment levied against our properties that is at a higher rate per
thousand dollars of assessed valuation than that of other property owners in Port Ludlow, be it resi-
dential or commercial. We are willing to pay our fair share, but a rate that is five times higher is cer-
tainly neither fair nor reasonable.
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Gary A. Hilbert
Kathleen A. Hilbert
-.-...."- ~-
LOG OF PROCEEDINGS ELECTRONICALLY RECORDED
Page 1 of2
LOG OF PROCEEDINGS ELECTRONICALLY RECORDED
Description All 3 Board Members were present & Co Eng Bob Turpin
Date 8/18/2003 /I Location /I Commissioners
Time Speaker Note
7:13:45 PM Chair opened hearing advised record will be open for comment til 5
p.m. on Friday (this week)
Barry Baker,
7:14:14 PM Eng w/Gray & Reviewed the history of the district and the new assessment
Osbourne, methodology.
Inc of Seattle
opened for
7:29:21 PM questions of
engineer
7:29:{lE_M
how determine impervious areas? He explained. 2nd question
7:29:57 PM Question - was the engineering group aware that there are drainage
areas that run through the district? yes - not streams they are
drainage ways.
Driveways
7:31 :53 PM are yes all driveways whether gravel or concrete are impervious.
impervious
Bruce Halvorson, PO Box - not sure why here a year later
discussing the same thing we discussed last year. When you
add all that they 5 acre parcels can pay with the new
assessment is trivial to the budget. The 5 ac parcels are part
Public of the community and want to be part of the district and share
]:32:25 PM Comment part of the responsibility. They.. He and his neighbors will
never receive the benefit that the people in north bay will
receive. They do not contibute to their problems and they
won't benefit from their solutions. The law says that those with
the greatest benefit pay the most and those that get the least,
pay the least. Looked at . . Lot 2
Kathleen Lot 5 - first lot purchased. The picture was of a lot that was
7:36:51 PM Hilbert 501
Osprey Drive just developed.
7:38:16 PM ?? Basora Lot 66 - talked about value of home that has increased.
Ron Gregory the actual legal status of the PLDD and their ability to assess,
1:40:24 PM 22 McCurdy
Lane,PL review and regulate. (read and handed in statement)
file:/ /D:\2003-08-18 _1 c365bcc862al bO.htm
8/20/2003
.- -'. ,LOG OF PROCEEDINGS ELECTRONICALLY RECORDED
Page 2 of2
I:43:~M Horst B? lot during rainy season drainage flows in a natural creek and
3, PL #6 there's never been a penny spent on the drainage from his lot.
?? Bartlett,
7:45:34 PM Walden Way lot 4 and 7 drain into the district and part goes into basin A.
lot 4 & 7
delveled the 5 ac piece at the corner of Oak Bay Road and
Bert Loomis, Osprey?? Drive Properties with on-site drainage systems
7:49:37 PM 9500 Oak should be excluded from the dd or given an significant
Bay Road, PL reduction because they don't contribute to the problems. He
would be happy to have his Engineer and designs available
for the Board for their meeting with the DD commissioners.
7:53:57 eM Hearing no further public comments the public comment
portion was closed.
7:54:33 PM Glen heard some of the same comments about people with
stormwater systems put in to take care of drainage
7:55:09 PM Barry engineered systems by the 1992 manual - the 2001 manual is
different and it doesn't meet that requirement.
7:57:20 PM Glen is his system doing what it was to do? Barry all can use is the
model. Glen - what about other systems
8:00:05 PM Burt Loomis 4 or5 other systems put in at the direction of the County. All
built homes to County regulations
ß:00:56 PM Additional Bob Phinnizy Lot 2
comments
8:02:Q.1EM Halvorson again - 5 ac not complaining - quoted from law
8:03:55 PM Mrs Bartlett
8:04:34 PM Mr Bartlett question on pervious surfaces -
8:05:57 'pM Chair closed the public comment - written comments will be taken
until
8:06:24 PM
Produced by FTR Log Notes
www.FTRGold.com
file:/ /D:\2003-08-18 1 c365bcc862al bO.htm
8/20/2003