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HomeMy WebLinkAboutM100603 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 October 6, 2003 Chainnan Dan Tittemess called the meeting to order in the presence of Commissioner Glen Huntingford and Commissioner Judi Mackey. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Mackey moved to approve the minutes of the September 8, 15, and 22, 2003 as presented. Commissioner Huntingford seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Long Distance Calls by Constituents: Commissioner Huntingford noted that the Board received a letter asking the County to reinstate the 800 number which was discontinued due to budget cuts. The Board concurred that any constituent from the West End or Gardiner who needs to call long distance for County business can call "collect" and the County departments will accept the long distance charges. At 8:45 a.m. the Board interviewed Thomas Murray who expressed an interest in serving on the Jefferson County Planning Commission representing Commissioner District #3. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR BRIEFING SESSION: County Administrator David Goldsmith reported on the following: · The Courthouse elevator project is on schedule. He thanked the Courthouse employees for their extra efforts serving people who aren't able to use the stairs. · Last December, as part of the County's sesquicentennial celebration, temporary lighting was placed outside of the Courthouse. There has never been a landscape plan for the grounds and this year a landscape architect was hired to develop a master plan which includes additional parking, ADA access, drainage, lighting, and landscaping. A workshop with the Board will be scheduled to discuss 2 proposals and the final plan will be presented at an open house in December. This is a long tenn project to be done in phases. · Another sesquicentennial project was the setting of 3 bronze medallions with the County's logo on trails leading into the Olympic Mountains. Fonner Commissioner Richard Wojt volunteered for the task and has pennanently set medallions at the Dosewallips and Mt. Townsend trail heads. Approval Page I Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of October 6, 2003 ~:~'s) ~~@~/ from the Olympic National Park Service is required to place the 3rd medallion at a trail head on the West End. · This is the final year the Brinnon Seniors will receive a Community Services grant and he met with them recently about their budget concerns. They have to sell their van because they are unable to pay for insurance. The Board suggested that they work with Jefferson Transit, the Brinnon School District, or the After School Program to provide transportation for the Seniors. · The Health and Human Services Department needs 8 to 10 new computers in 2004 according to the retention schedule. Commissioner Huntingford asked if these computers were purchased with grant funds and the County is expected to replace them? The Board agreed that when new positions are filled, it is important for departments to review the cost allocation plan to make sure that the cost of equipment is included in the decision. · He met with Skookum representatives and Public Works Staff about the recycling contract. The County leases equipment using a retention schedule and replacement is done according to the schedule. Skookum is concerned about the cost of equipment replacement over the tenn of the contract. The County has agreed to review the retention schedule and adjust it if no health or safety issue is involved. Another concern is that green glass is not mentioned in the contract and Skookum agreed to take it in order to get the contract. Skookum is currently looking at options for utilizing green glass locally instead of hauling it to another location. Taking other grades of plastic is also an issue. However, they are getting a new bailer for plastics that creates a larger cube and 10% of the cube can be other plastics. · The Community Investment Fund Committee met last week to review the proposals that were submitted. They reviewed the Quilcene well proposal and the proposal to upgrade utilities adjacent to Point Hudson. They also began review of the fiber optics project, and at the next meeting, they will continue the presentation on its economic impact. The Sims Way stop light project will also be reviewed. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The following comments were made: the County should do a white paper addressing these issues: 1) the County pennitting authority for stonnwater management in Port Ludlow; 2) the County's agreements to subordinate authority in the building pennit process to the Port Ludlow Drainage District, and; 3) the County's approval of the taxing assessment for the Port Ludlow Drainage District. APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Huntingford moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Mackey seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. I. RESOLUTION NO. 58-03 re: Creating a County Project Designated as CR1651; Improvements to Dabob Road Page 2 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of October 6,2003 rfif'P\" >ìJii. I~) I~', 'ΕΎ,:,~::i '~...::;..:..;.. 2. Recommendation to Approve An Open Right of Way Pennit; A Portion of Holman Boulevard; Jefferson County Public Works; Steve St. Clair, Applicant 3. AGREEMENT re: Supervision of Inmate/Offender Work Crews from the Olympic Correction Center While Perfonning Labor Intensive Projects; Jefferson County Public Works; Washington State Department of Natural Resources 4. AGREEMENT No. G0400080 re: Coastal Zone Management (CZM306) Grant Funding for Shoreline Inventory and Analysis; Jefferson County Department of Community Development; Washington State Department of Ecology 5. AGREEMENT No. G0400082 re: Grant Funding for Stream Flow Gauging and Monitoring; Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 17; Jefferson County Health and Human Services; Washington State Department of Ecology 6. AGREEMENT, Amendment No.1 re: Provision of Specialty Health Care Service; Amendment to Comply with New State and Federal Program HIPPA Requirements; Jefferson County Health and Human Services; Community Health Network of Washington 7. AGREEMENT No. 0163-81217, Amendment No.2 re: Evaluation of Children with Special Needs, Amending Statement of Work and Period ofPerfonnance; Jefferson County Health and Human Services; Washington State Department of Social and Health Services 8. AGREEMENT, Amendment No.1 re: Assessment of Potential Water Storage and Water Conservation Option to be Included in the Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 17 Watershed Plan; Amending Scope of Work and Period ofPerfonnance; Jefferson County Health and Human Services; Economic and Engineering Services, Inc. 9. AGREEMENT re: 2003 Community Services Grant Funding; Port Townsend Senior Association 10. Accept Resignation from Jefferson County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board Member; Marie Smith The Board met in EXECUTIVE SESSION with the County Administrator and the Sheriff regarding actual litigation. ACLU Lawsuit Settlement: David Goldsmith presented the Board with a settlement agreement negotiated between Jefferson County and the ACLU regarding the Omdorffv. Jefferson County Case in Federal District Court. The charges will be dismissed and the lawsuit eliminated if Jefferson County meets the jail standards outlined in the conditions of the agreement. Most of the conditions deal with documenting existing conditions at the jail and assuring that proper care and custody is taking place. There is funding for an additional jailer in the 2004 budget. There is also a change to the health care delivery system and the County has contracted with local professionals to provide additional medical care. An outside organization will monitor the jail every 6 months for up to 5 years to make sure that the terms of the settlement agreement are being met. No more audits Page 3 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of October 6, 2003 ff~ç:'N) (0'(1 1-\ \{~~t~1b J will be necessary if there are 2 clean audits. Changes in the physical plant have already been made including heat delivery which is being monitored at the Courthouse. He recommended that the Board approve the settlement agreement. Sheriff Brassfield reiterated that this case is being dismissed by way of the settlement agreement and there is no finding of fault against the County. The time required to reach the settlement was in the best interest of the County. The current Jail Superintendent has revised procedures and implemented the necessary changes and the audits should go smoothly. Commissioner Huntingford moved to have the Chair sign the settlement agreement regarding the ACLU lawsuit. Commissioner Mackey seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Exception to Out of State Travel Policy: Sheriff Brassfield noted that it is important for the Jail Superintendent to attend 3 training workshops presented by the American Jail Association that are not being offered in Washington State. David Goldsmith explained that the County's policy on out of state travel changed in 2002 in an effort to decrease travel expenses. Sheriff Brassfield asked the Board to permit out of state travel in this case. Commissioner Huntingford moved to have the County Administrator approve the out of state travel requests for the Jail Superintendent. Commissioner Mackey seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Marine Resource Committee Update; 2002-2003 Priority Habitat Stewardship Report: Judy D' Amore, MRC Member, explained that they began this project by gathering infonnation regarding the County's marine resources. Public meetings were held around the County, literature that was pertinent to the resources was reviewed, and a series of focus group meetings were held which included property owners, users groups such as commercial and sports fishennan, shell fish growers, and non-governmental organizations. From this input, the MRC chose several locations, and held technical meetings with scientists regarding these specific areas. She reviewed the resources in each area, the issues raised in the meetings, and any recommendations. These locations include: · Protection Island - 75% ofthe seabirds nesting in Puget Sound nest on the island. There are eelgrass beds and there was a sizeable kelp bed off the northwest bank ofthe island several years ago The island is a protected sanctuary. Discovery Bay - The bay is closed at one end, fairly deep in places, and is nursery habitat for many species and forage fish. There are crab and shrimp in the bay. There is debris that ends up in the south part of the bay and they have discussed having it removed by divers. There is a dike and an old . Page 4 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of October 6, 2003 rfi~:~> ì~ r) ~~:~@'i railroad trestle that doesn't allow estuary fonnation at the mouth of the river. The MRC is working on native oyster restoration in the area. Stakeholders are Discovery Baywatchers, Olympic Peninsula Water Watchers, Puget Sound Action Team, and landowners who are very interested in creating a stewardship program in the area. . Port Townsend Bay, Oak Bay, and Killsut Harbor - Eelgrass rims the entire area and there are salmon, forage fish, bottom fish, and shellfish. Herring has declined, but there is an overabundance of Dungeness Crab. Areas of concern are fecal colifonn, creosote pilings, protecting salmon habitat, eelgrass beds, and drainage from Oak Bay. Fish migrate through the rock jetty to spawn in the lagoon in Oak Bay and the Corp of Engineers is looking at a project to improve this area. Stakeholders include the City of Port Townsend, DNR, Northwest Maritime Center, the Port of Port Townsend, Port Townsend Marine Science Center, Jefferson Land Trust, and the North Olympic Salmon Coalition. . Dabob/Tarboo Bay - Tarboo Bay has some excellent partners and a pristine habitat. Resources in the area are salmon, rare salt marsh vegetation, forage fish, and eagle nests. Concerns are unstable bluffs, creosote pilings, marine debris, stonnwater, and protection of fish habitat. Stakeholders are: DNR, Northwest Watershed Institute, the Nature Conservancy, Boy Scouts, Jefferson Land Trust, Tribes, shellfish growers and landowners. The MRC is contributing to the monitoring of salmonics in the area. · Quilcene Bay - The resources are shellfish, forage fish, salmon, waterfowl, eelgrass, and eagles. The main concern is the loss of habitat at the rivers. The MRC sees it's role as helping to educate landowners in the area. Judy D' Amore explained that the Northwest Straits Commission has asked the MRC to focus on projects that are more short tenn, more visible, and more goal oriented this year because there may be only a few more years of funding available. Advisory Board Appointment; Planning Commission Representative for District #3: Commissioner Mackey moved to appoint Thomas Murray to an unexpired tenn on the Planning Commission representing Commissioner District #3. Commissioner Huntingford seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. His tenn will expire on March 17,2005. HEARINGS re: 2004 Budget: Chainnan Titterness opened the public hearing. David Goldsmith reviewed the proposed budgets for the following funds: Community Services; Conservation Futures; Cooperative Extension; Developmental Disabilities; Hotel/Motel; Marine Resource Committee; Substance Abuse; Veterans Relief; Weed Board; and YIPPEE. Judy Stewart. Weed Board Member, thanked the Board for their support of the Weed Board and allowing them to proceed in 2004. They are working on an assessment for next year. Chainnan Titterness noted that the Board also received an e-mail from Lee Ann Hightower in support of the Weed Board. Page 5 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of October 6, 2003 tA~. ;5;,=\" ,-' i:) I ,--' \t;\;~:,:-<;;/ <!¿..:::;..: Jean Baldwin, Health & Human Services Director, explained that they are not asking for more funds to administer the DASA grant. She added that there will be a lot of internal reorganization at the Health Department in order to adjust to the proposed 2004 budget. Katherine Baril, WSU/Cooperative Extension Agent, pointed out that the 4-H Board is not present because the Commissioners agreed to meet with them later this year regarding the move of 4-H and water quality from the General Fund to grant funded programs. David Goldsmith stated that the Brinnon Seniors are struggling. OlyCAP is trying to stabilize their program and has suggested that they partner with the Sequim Senior Organization on some fundraisers. Katherine Baril added that WSU has 4 computers at the Brinnon Senior Center and is offering classes. Hearing no further comments for or against the 2004 Budget, the Chair closed the public hearing. The meeting was recessed at the close of business on Monday and reconvened on Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. for final budget hearings. All 3 Commissioners were present. HEARINGS re: 2004 Budget: Chainnan Titterness opened the public hearing. David Goldsmith reviewed the proposed budgets for the following funds: Public Works Department: Brinnon and Qui1cene Flood Control; County Parks Improvement; County Roads/Construction & Administration; County Roads/Maintenance; Flood/Stonnwater; H.J. Carroll Park; Parks & Recreation; Public Works; and Solid Waste. Kees Kolff., Fort Worden Advisory Board, submitted and read a letter from the Parking Fee Subcommittee. (See pennanent record.) Commissioner Huntingford pointed out that when the County contributed $5,000 for parking fees at Fort Worden last year, the Board made it clear that it was a one time contribution. He doesn't feel that it is right to subsidize Fort Worden's parking fees without helping the other State parks in the County. David Goldsmith noted that Becky Anderson of Quilcene sent a letter to the Board about the Quilcene Museum L T AC allocation request. They plan to build a $40,000 addition on to the Museum and they've proposed that a portion ofthe space be used as a traveler infonnation center. The LTAC Board agreed to give them $10,000 for the project. The Quilcene Museum Board is requesting that the County Commissioners reconsider the full request for $40,000. It has been the County's policy to fund museum operations but not to fund museum capital projects with L T AC funds. Warren Steurer, Parks and Recreation Manager, stated that the equipment rental costs for Parks and Recreation have been paid from the General Fund in the past, but the fund was set up differently this year Page 6 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of October 6, 2003 ~~q ~~:~@:;/ and they will have to pay $8,000 for long distance and computers that is not in their budget. He asked to have the $8,000 put back in the Parks and Recreation Fund. David Goldsmith reviewed the proposed budgets for the Public Services Departments which includes: Animal Services; Community Development; Construction and Renovation and Capital Improvement; Equipment Rental; Facilities Management; Health & Human Services; Infonnation Services; Natural Resources; and Planning Commission. Health and Human Services Office Manager Veronica Morris-Nakano explained that the space rental for the Health Department has increased this year and was not taken into consideration in the 2004 budget. In addition, their computer rental rate has increased. Auditor Donna Eldridge pointed out that fund balances, such as in the case of the Health and Human Services Department, are being used to balance the budget. Commissioner Huntingford replied that the County shouldn't use reserves for ongoing expenses. David Goldsmith added that it gives the Department more flexibility, but it also makes them more vulnerable. His recommendation is to allot the Health and Human Services Department a fixed percentage of the General Fund such as 10%. Larry Fay, Environmental Health Director, stated that Animal Services has the same problem with increases in the space rental and IS services that the other departments are experiencing. He stated that an untapped source of funding for Animal Services is donations from the public but he is not sure if it is proper for the County to actively solicit donations. Central Services Director Allen Sartin explained that the IS Department needs to be able to meet service requests. Most of the increases are in the data processing area. The County has expanded the operation considerably. In 1999, IS supported 191 computers and in 2004 they will be supporting 309 computers. This includes software maintenance fee and licenses. Commissioner Huntingford again stated his concern about departments reviewing the cost allocation plan before they request hiring new staff or adding more space. David Goldsmith reviewed the proposed budgets for the Law and Justice Departments which includes: Clerk; Coroner; Crime Victims Services; District Court; Drug Fund; Juvenile Detention; Juvenile & Family Court Services; Law Library; Prosecuting Attorney; Sheriff; and Superior Court. Sheriff Mike Brassfield explained that they did not get the level of funding they had requested for training and equipment but they will still be able to make improvements. Two positions that were not funded were a new deputy position for the Quilcene Annex and the Code Compliance Officer. He feels that the Code Compliance Officer position would probably generate enough revenue to pay for itself. He also asked for a video system in the jail booking area and funding for a recording system in the interview room. He has rearranged his priorities and these things may be resolved using other options. Page 7 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of October 6, 2003 ~\è) \z~~:s3~b/ Prosecuting Attorney Juelie Dalzell stated that she originally asked for another Deputy Prosecutor, but has since decided that some of the Legal Assistants can do the necessary work if they work 40 hours a week instead of35. She is very concerned about the cut in the Crime Victims fund because it is an integral part of the process and the 2 positions that are funded are necessary. District Court Clerk Tracie Wilburn explained that there aren't any changes to the District Court budget except for laptop computers for the Probation Officers because they hope to go to a paperless system. Bill Wolfe. stated that he is interested in seeing the impact of the ACLU lawsuit settlement on the Sheriffs budget for 2004. He is concerned that such an important issue can disappear after the allegations are made and the process is not known to the public until the settlement agreement is signed. David Goldsmith replied that the conditions of the settlement have been included in the budget. Sheriff Brassfield added that the allegations and the settlement agreement are both public record. David Goldsmith reviewed the proposed budgets for the General Government Departments which includes: Assessor; Auditor; Auditors 0 & M; Board of Equalization; Civil Service Commission; Commissioners; Community Investment; County Administrator; Elections; Non Departmental; Operating Transfers; and Treasurer. Assessor Jack Westennan stated that he has asked for another appraiser to be hired July I next year. They are 2 months behind on new construction. They are trying to catch up now when they should be starting on the new revaluation area. They also have asked for a new map copier which will be paid rrom the Auditor's o & M fund. Treasurer Judi Morris added that the 4 parcels of County property that the Board directed be surplused and sold earlier this year have appraised at approximately $260,000. If they are sold for their appraisal value, it would mean an increase in revenues. Hearing no other comm~nts, ~or or against the 2004 budget, Chainnan Titterness closed the public hearing. . , '6 '~ .... I. , . ,. - MEETING ADJí\T WJ\.T£D.' . I, .. '-')'-' ~ -- , ") .- I " r t_.. ;' , SEAL: \ , . .' ~ ... \. . \ ATTEST: ~1~'~ Lorna Delaney, CM~ Clerk of the Board ~: væ- }cMD3 Page 1 of 1 Leslie Locke From: Dan Titterness Sent: Monday, October 06, 2003 1 :52 PM To: Leslie Locke Subject: FW: Today's Meeting ---------- From: Lee Ann Hightower[SMTP:HIGHTOWERS@CABLESPEED.COM] Sent: Monday, October 06, 20031:51:13 PM To: Glen Huntingford Cc: Dan Titterness; wwrinkle@co.jefferson.wa.us Subject: Today's Meeting Auto forwarded by a Rule Hello Commissioner Huntingford, My name is Lee Ann Hightower and I wanted to come to today's meeting, Oct. 6th at 2:00, for the Final Budget Review. I am sick today and I won't be able to make the meeting, but I have a testimony that I want to make for the Obnoxious Weed Control Board. I will either have my son bring my written testimony down today or tomorrow. I just wanted to make sure that my testimony could be read before a final decision will be made. My testimony is pretty specific about Poison Hemlock, which I am sure you are well aware of the problem that Jefferson County has with this plant. Although I do support the Obnoxious Weed Control Board's efforts on all obnoxious weeds. I think their Board has done a great job in trying to educate the landowners of Jefferson County and controlling these weeds. I urge the Commissioners Board to give the Obnoxious Weed Control Board your full support with the minimal funding that they need to do a huge job. Educating the public and making landowners aware of their responsibility for controlling obnoxious weeds on their land is the most cost effective way for Jefferson County to handle the state's mandate to controll these weeds. I thank you for you time and appologise for not being able to make my testimony in person today. I look forward to seeing you when I feel better. Sincerely and respectfully, Lee Ann Hightower ------------------------------- It is only the Heart that can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye. Antoine de St.Exupery, "The Little Prince" 10/6/2003 ¡--'., i \ ~ ¡~~ October 9, 2003 r l[ t in OCT 0 9 2003 Board of County Commissioners COp " JEFfE_R~ON. Jefferson County r BOARD m LOMM Dear BOCC, Last year the County and the City collaborated with The Chamber of Commerce, several citizens groups and individuals in order to prevent the imposition of day-use parking fees at Fort Worden for 2003. Our efforts were successful. Fort Worden was the first, and remains one of only two State Parks where community access for everyone has not been hampered by fees. Our County residents have benefited tremendously as have all of the important local non-profit partners like Centrum, the Marine Science Center and others. Thank you for your support this year. The State Parks' budget is still in critical condition and the Park Commissioners have concluded that the only way to keep our State Park system intact is to generate revenue from day users. They are even contemplating raising fees to $7 per day. At the same time, they understand that some parks are different and both the Commissioners and the State Parks Director Rex Derr are allowing communities to come up with creative solutions in lieu of parking fees. The net proceeds State Parks expected from parking fees at Fort Worden was anticipated to be over $72,000 per year in the next biennium. We think the net should be more like $60-65,000 and are currently in negotiation concerning that figure. (The net revenue total statewide was projected to be $6 million). We believe that it is reasonable for our community to help support the state parks financially. We also believe that doing so with parking fees at Fort Worden would hurt our local communities in many ways: * Less access for those who can least afford the fees. * Increased use of local county and city parks resulting in more damage and costs to local tax payers. * Decreased use of Fort Worden State Park with less revenue for Centrum and others~ thus threatening some of the 120+ jobs at the park. * Less tourism to both the City and the County. '\ The Fort Worden Advisory Corpmittee has worked diligently during the past year to seek a variety of revenue sources representing day-use fees. We believe we have succeeded and once again need your support. Last year your $5,000 contribution was one fifth of the total cost. This time we are asking you for about one sixth (or less) of the total goal, or $10,000 each year for 2 years. We have asked the City to make a $25,000 contribution each year and that request has been referred to committee and is currently under consideration. The remainder of the revenue would come from a number of other sources including: * Sale at Fort Worden of annual park passes for ALL state parks. * Reservation fees for day-use of meeting rooms, etc. * Additional $1 charge on all tickets sold in park venues. In summary, we greatly appreciate the support and cooperation of all parties who recognize the unique economic-development and job-retention issues associated with Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center. Working together to solve problems creatively can benefit us all and we hope you will support our request. Nora Porter Kees Kolff Sincerely, N·P. Parking Fee subcommittee for the Fort Worden Advisory Committee