Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutM031395 MINUTES WEEK OF MARCH 13,1995 The meeting was called to order by Chairman Glen Huntingford. Commissioners Richard W ojt and Robert Hinton were both present. COMMISSIONERS' BRIEFING SESSION APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Commissioner Wojt moved to approve the Minutes of the March 6, 1995 meeting as submitted. Commissioner Hinton seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Letter of Thanks: Help During Snow Storm: Commissioner Wojt moved to sign a letter of thanks to Larry, Juanita, and Jerry Lammers for their help to people in need during the recent snow storm. Commissioner Hinton seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Application for Assistance from the Veterans Relief Fund: Commissioner W ojt moved to approve the application for Veterans Relief Funds submitted by the American Legion Post #26 in the amount of $75.00. Commissioner Hinton seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Appointment to the Shoreline Commission (Representing Commissioner District #1 ): Commissioner Hinton moved to appoint Bernie Arthur to the position representing Commissioner District # 1 on the Shoreline Commission. Chairman Huntingford seconded the motion and explained that this was not an easy choice. He feels Jennifer Stankus has done a good job on the Commission, however, since she is also a member of the City's Shoreline Commission she will still be involved with shoreline planning. The Chairman called for a vote on the motion. Commissioner Hinton and Chairman Huntingford voted for the motion. Commissioner W ojt voted against the motion. The motion carried. Reappointment to the Library District Board of Trustees: The Clerk of the Board reported that Patience Rogge's tenn on the Library District Board of Trustees expires on .. VûL, 21 r~,r.··374 ······,':1··....· ..::::~¡ttti:~~~~¡~tr ..................... ...................... ...................... ....................... ........................ ........................ ........................ ......................... Commissioners' Meeting Minutes: Week of March 13, 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 31, 1995. She was appointed to filled an unexpired term and has only served one year. She would like to be reappointed to a full five year telm. Commissioner Wojt moved to reappoint Patience Rogge to a five year term (term will expire on March 31, 2000) on the Jefferson County Library District Board of Trustees. Commissioner Hinton seconded the motion which canied by a unanimous vote. GMA Update: Public Service Director Gary Rowe reported on the meetings and work being done by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission, in their work on the Forest Resource Lands Ordinance, has expressed concern about the findings made by the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board being met. In order to meet the time frames, Gary Rowe suggested that the draft ordinance be published for hearing by the Board, who can then deal with changes necessaty to meet the Hearings Board findings. Gary Rowe asked the Boat'd for direction on the request from the Planning Commission to do an informational mailing to all County propeliy owners. The estimate is that there are approximately 20,000 property owners. After discussion of what would be included and the costs for mailing, the Board concurred that a draft be developed for their review. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The following items were discussed: The need for more time to review the aquifer rechat'ge area protection; the need for information on the incorporation study for the proposed incorporation of lrondale; the Permit Center and what it was designed to do and how much work there is backlogged at the Center; and the status of hiring for the vacant Associate Planner position at the Permit Center. APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Hinton moved to delete items 9 ànd 16 and to adopt the balance of the items on the consent agenda as submitted. Commissioner W ojt seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. 1. Request for Full Reconveyance; US/HUD Loan; Eleanor Rich Ballard 2. AGREEMENT re: 1995 Community Services Grant Funding; Jefferson County Conservation District 3. AGREEMENT, Amendment No.4 re: Septic System Repair Program Loan, #SRF 90001; State Department of Ecology 4. AGREEMENT re: 1995 Community Services Grant Funding; Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program 5. Request for Payment of 1995 First Quarter Allocation, $3,275.00; Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Program 6. Findings, Conclusions and Order Amending the Final Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance, IZA94-0046; Relocation of the Port Ludlow Store and Gas Station; Located at the Intersection of Paradise Bay Road and Oak Bay Road; Pope Resources 7. Application for Assistance from the Veteran's Assistance Fund; Service Officer's Association for $500.00 8. Hearing Examiner's Findings, Conclusions and Recommendation; Special Use Permit, ZON94-0009; To Construct and Operate an Unmanned Tower With Antennas; Peninsula Telephone Company 9. DELETE AGREEMENT, lnterlocal re: To Provide ADA Certified Public Transportation Service Between Forks and Amanda Park; Jefferson Transit VOL 21 rAG~ 375 ......·1··..·· ......... ...... .......... ....... ..::;=;=;=;:;=;=;=::::....}:;:::;:;:; ..................... ...................... ...................... ....................... ....................... ........................ ...................... ..n......................... Commissioners' Meeting Minutes: Week of March 13, 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THE CONSENT AGENDA - Continued: 10. AGREEMENT, Supplemental re: To Modify Scope of Work, Completion Date and Payment; Henderson, Young & Company 11. AGREEMENT re: Installation of a Temporary Traffic Signal at Mill Road and S.R. 20; Port Townsend Paper Mill and the City of Port Townsend 12. AGREEMENT re: Temporary Help for Bookkeeper Position; February 27, 1995 - May 27, 1995; Kathy Hawley 13. RESOLUTION NO. 19-95 re: In the Matter of Vacating a Portion of Sixth Avenue in the Plat of Irondale 14. RESOLUTION NO. 20-95 re: Hearing Notice; Intent to Establish a County Road named Tahlequah Lane (Richard Short Access Road); Located in Rain Crow Industrial Center; Hearing Set for Monday, March 27, 1995 at 11 :25 a.m. 15. RESOLUTION NO. 21-95 re: In the Matter of Creating a County Project Designated as CR1209; Improvements to Otto Street; Located in the Glen Cove Industrial Area 16. DELETE Hearing Examiner's Findings, Conclusions and Recommendation; Petition to Vacate a Portion of Holman Boulevard; Located in Chalmers No.2, Hadlock; Patricia O'Meara 17. Hearing Notice re: Changing the Name of a County Road; Located off of Highway 101, Quilcene; Mount Walker Road to Spencer Creek Road; Hearing Set for Monday, March 27, 1995 at 11: 15 a.m. AGREEMENT. Interlocal re: To Provide ADA Certified Public Transporta- tion Service Between Forks and Amanda Park: Jefferson Transit: Commissioner Hinton moved to approve the agreement with Jefferson Transit contingent on review by the current Prosecuting Attorney. Commissioner Wojt seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. AGREEMENT. Supplement #2 re: Property Appraisals on the Bi2 Ouilcene River Flood Plain: John Soder2ren. MAl: Gmy Rowe suggested that there is a need to determine exactly what the expectations are for this project and the exact scope of the potential properties affected and what properties may be purchased, before this agreement is extended. The Board concurred that this be done. BUSINESS FROM COUNTY DEPARTMENTS PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Discussion re: Ne20tiations to Partnership Financially with the Development of the H.J. Carroll Park Athletic Fields: Chima cum School District: ISTEA Project Manager Mium Ruben-Crump repOlied that the Chimacum School District has submitted a request to form a partnership with the County for the development of the athletic facilities at the H.J. Carroll Park. There may be other groups that would like to join such a partnership for the development of this park. Commissioner W ojt pointed out that the Parks Advisory Committee expressed concern over the School District's request because they felt the school may take over the fields for school functions. Mium Ruben-Clllmp answered that all of the concerns would have to be negotiated with each pminer. Commissioner W ojt reiterated that the concerns of the VOL 21 rAG~376 .. .... ..,,:t::::::::::::::::::I!:!!!,!:!::: Commissioners' Meeting Minutes: Week of March 13, 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parks Board need to be addressed in the negotiations. Chairman Huntingford noted that different size fields would be needed for Little League programs than what are used for the high school programs. Commissioner Hinton stated that he doesn't feel any school district should be given a priority status on the use of these fields, and a new track on the site would use up a significant portion of it. Mium Ruben-Crump asked if the Board agrees that the alternatives and possibilities for partnerships should be reviewed? Chairman Huntingford noted other concerns: 1) Do the terms of the acquisition agreement for the property allow such partnerships? and 2) Is the School District aware that the use of the gravel pit on the site will be phased out over the next 10 years? Mium Ruben-Crump advised that she has talked with a representative for H.J. Carroll and they are agreeable to the partnership idea. The n0l1h portion of the pit has been exhausted of gravel and the development can take place in phases. Commissioner W ojt moved that staff and the AdvisOlY Committee have permission to investigate the partnership idea with the Chima cum School District provided that the issues discussed are addressed. Commissioner Hinton seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Use of Memorial Field by Funtasics Carnival During Rhody Festival: Commissioner Hinton asked Facilities Manager WalT en Steurer if any investigation has been done regarding the request made last year that the carnival be allowed to locate inside Memorial Field during the Rhododendron Festival? WalTen Steurer rep0l1ed that he has not looked into this any further. After discussion of the pros and cons of this proposal, Warren Steurer reported that he will meet with representatives of the Rhododendron Festival Committee and the carnival to review the request and see what can be done. AGREEMENT re: Road Repair: Puget Sound Power and Light: Commissioner W ojt moved to approve the agreement with Puget Sound Power and Light for repairs to Lake Tarboo Road. Commissioner Hinton seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Hearing Examiner's Findings. Conclusions and Recommendation: Petition to Vacate a Portion of Holman Boulevard: Located in Chalmers No.2. Hadlock: Patricia O'Meara: Public Works Administrative Assistant Eileen Simon reported that this petition to vacate a portion of Holman Boulevard in Chalmers No.2 plat has been reviewed by the Hearing Examiner who recommends approval provided the required compensation is paid. Commissioner Hinton moved to approve the petition to vacate with the conditions as recommended by the Hearing Examiner. Commissioner W ojt seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Jim Donaldson. North Canal Shellfish Coalition re: Shoreline Tax Revisions: Jim Donaldson, President ofN0l1h Canal Shellfish Coalition and Regional Manager of Coast Seafoods Company, Quilcene, stated that Coast Seafood Company located in this area because of water quality. He then read a letter, dated March 1, 1995, supporting the productivity of commercial and recreational shellfish habitat through revisions to shoreline property taxing (see microfilm record.) The primary thmst of the letter is 1) to supp0l1 timber tax designation for VOL 21 r,~.G~ 377 ·······1....·· ........ ...... ........ ....... ........ ...... ........ ...... ......... ...... ......... ....... ..::::~~ttt~tI\(rrr - Commissioners' Meeting Minutes: Week of March 13, 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . policy and allow this designation, and 2) revise the open space rating system (Public Benefit Rating System) to allow undeveloped buffers along the marine shoreline to qualify automatically for a PBR of 11 (instead of the current rating of 3.) They are also requesting that the Board require the Assessor's Office to prepare a written assessment detailing the potential effects of such a change on the County's tax structure. Merle Winjum, member of the North Canal Shellfish Coalition and the Jefferson County Conservation District, stated that these proposals have been discussed in the Conservation District meetings and the District Supervisors have expressed their support in a letter to the Board signed by Roger Short. He noted that one of the objections expressed by the Assessor is the extra tax burden this would place on the citizens of the County. The people of the County has expressed a desire to take measures to protect habitat for shellfish and fin fish, but the burden always seems to fall on the owners of shoreline properties. If people want these protections they must be willing to share some of the burden. Assessor Jack Westerman asked for clarification of the proposal: »)+ With regard to the buffers, what does 200 feet wide mean? If there is a parcel of property with 1,000 feet of waterfront, does this mean that only 200 feet of it would qualify for this program? Jim Donaldson stated that 200 feet is just a minimum amount to qualify for this program. »)+ Is this program only for properties backed by classified or designated timber parcels? If every parcel with more than 200 feet of waterfront is to be considered for this program it will take a couple of months work to determine how many properties are eligible. If just the parcels backed by designated or classified timber are used, that can be done easily. Jim Donaldson indicated that they were planning on just the parcels backed by classified or designated timber. Commissioner Huntingford added that the Open Space, Open Space parcels would then be addressed through the Public Benefit Rating system. He reported that the Open Space, Open Space parcels need to be re-rated under the Public Benefit Rating system. The few parcels that were regraded were given a public benefit rating of less than 50%. He has made the recommendation before and still recommends that the public benefit rating system be amended to allow a buffer backed by classified, designated or Open Space timber to automatically qualify for a 90% rating. This would make the administration of the program easy, and help keep the propeliy in its cuuent, natural condition. He then presented information from a survey of counties in the State with salt water frontage done last year. Of those 14 counties, 11 do not allow forestland designation of property within 200 feet of abutting salt water. Clallam County does allow this and two other counties allow it if strict criteria are met. Jack Westerman reiterated that he feels the Public Benefit Rating system needs to be amended to allow the property owner enough of a tax incentive to keep that property in its natural state. If the Assessor changed his mind to allow the front 200 feet in the designated timber program, any property owner in the Open Space, Open Space program now, would have to take their property out of that program, pay the compensating tax and then enter into the timber designation program. Open Space, Open Space parcels cannot be transferred to classi- fied, designated or Open Space timber programs. Merle Winjum stated that the Conservation District, in their discussion of these requests, was focusing on large timber parcels. Peter Bahls, Habitat Biologist for the P011 Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, stated that the Tribe is part of the North Canal Shellfish Coalition and they supp011 this proposal because it would provide a tax incentive to protect one of the more imp011ant habitats in east Jefferson County. The Shellfish Coalition never specifically discussed whether only properties that are backed by .......... VOL 21 r~r,>378 .......... ."",{:::::::::::::::::Î:::::':::::: Commissioners' Meeting Minutes: Week of March 13, 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shellfish Coalition never specifically discussed whether only properties that are backed by timber were to be included in the proposal. The Tribes are in a controversy with the State and private shellfish owners over shellfish. 40% of recreational shellfish beaches in Puget Sound are closed to shellfish harvest and they don't want that to happen here. Cedric Lindsay, said that he owns property near Point Whitney and on Dabob Bay. He stated that they have 10 acres on Dabob Bay which is in the Open Space program and is not backed by timberland. When they entered into the Open Space contract in 1976 they understood there would be no development or logging on the property. When their property was reevaluated for the new public benefit rating system it went from 50% to 20% credit on their taxes. They decided not to stay in or reenter the program. He feels that if a property owner enters into a contract it should be for a certain number of years. The judges decision granting 50% of the shellfish rights to the tribes puts evelY single commercial shellfish grower in jeopardy. Furthermore the Tribes are asking for co-management of private property. If this decision is upheld there will be a number of oyster growers who will go out of business. Mari Phillips stated an overall concern about the taxing level on property owners in the Coùnty. If this is done for this special interest group, and then other tax breaks are allowed for other groups, what will that do to the overall taxation level for everyone living here? This needs to be considered. Dick Broders, DiscovelY Bay, stated that the timber tax issue on the waterfront is almost a moot point today. He doesn't think that anyone today would put their land in classified timberland because of the GMA regulations that are coming on forestlands. The important thing to focus on is the Open Space issue. His family has quite a few parcels in Open Space, but none of them have been reevaluated under the Public Benefit Rating system. If they had been done, he doesn't feel that any of them would be granted more than a 20% to 30% tax break. If that was the case they would have to look at each parcel to decide if it was worth it to keep it in the Open Space designation or take it out and sell it. In order to make the Open Space program work it needs to be changed. Commissioner W ojt asked who would be responsible to draw up amendments to the Public Benefit Rating System if that is to be changed as suggested by the Assessor? Jack Westerman answered that the Public Benefit Rating System is under the authority of the Board. He suggested that David Goldsmith be involved with writing up revisions to the ordinance because of his past experience with this program. Chainnan Huntingford asked if Jim Donaldson would be willing to work with the County staff to draft the proposed revisions to this ordinance? Mr. Donaldson answered that he would be willing to work on this with the County. Peter Bahls noted that the parcels that are being left out are the shoreline properties that aren't backed by designated or classified timberlands. He suggested that these properties be given a minimum tax break. Reed Gunstone reported on how other counties handle tax incentives for shoreline properties and he said that he feels Jefferson County isn't equitable with other counties in the State in what is provided here. Policy Direction re: Skookum Contract Request: The Board concurred that this matter be referred to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. .. VOL 21 rM)~379 ..:.:.:.:.:6).....:...:.:.:.:.:.: ....... .. ..... ........ ....... ........ '...... .......... ....... .................... ............. ..{~ifit~itt~tttff Commissioners' Meeting Minutes: Week of March 13, 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Discussion re: 35th Street Property Memorandum of Understanding: Gary Rowe reported that there was no "Hold Hmmless" clause in the MOD and the reversion clause needs to be made very clear that if the propeliy reverts back to the County, the County is under no obligation to support a park on the propeliy in the future. Commissioner Hinton stated that he felt that the intent was to sell the property to the City. Gary Rowe reviewed the history of the negotiations on the property. Commissioner Hinton noted that a volunteer group is willing to do the work as identified in a plan which was proposed. The City was going to do the infrastmcture work. The volunteer group has backed out of the project because the City has cut back on the proposed plan. Robert Greenway stated that the neighbors met on Saturday and there is support for the park as presented in Plan B. They are willing to work out the cost of the improvements that the volunteer group was willing to do. He rep0l1ed that the neighbors would be willing to take the lead in working to get the improvements that the County wants done. Gary Rowe reported that the MOU was submitted and he has been working with Doug Mason to make the changes he has suggested. It will still have to be reviewed by the Prosecuting Attorney before it is submitted to the Board for approval. After discussion of the best way to proceed on this agreement, Gary Rowe rep0l1ed that a reversion clause could be placed on any deed or if this were on a lease agreement the County could still require the performance by a certain time, but there would be no deed to the City. The discussion continued regm"ding whether a lease agreement should be negotiated and that the development of this property be done in a partnership with the City. Robert Greenway asked if the option for the City to purchase the propeliy is still available? Commissioner W ojt stated that he feels that is addressed in the MOD with the transfer of the property to the City if the park is developed in five years. Gary Rowe stated that he will discuss the options with the City. His primary objective is that the County not end up with another park in the City in five years. The County will provide a boundmy survey and will do the Forest Practice Permit. The City will do SEP A and the necessary infrastructure improvements. Application for Assistance from the Veterans Relief Funds: Commissioner W ojt moved to approve the application for assistance from the Veterans Relief Fund in the amount of $75.00 from the American Legion Post #26. Commissioner Hinton seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. The meeting was recessed at the conclusion of the scheduled business on Monday and reconvened with all three Board members present at 4:00 p.m. for the workshop regarding policy direction on GMA issues. PROCLAMA TION re: Retired Teachers Appreciation Week: Commissioner Wojt moved to proclaim the week of March 19 through 25, 1995 as RETIRED TEACHERS APPRECIATION WEEK. Commissioner Hinton seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Resolution Opposing the Establishment of the Proposed National Marine Sanctuary for the Northwest Straits in the Strait of Juan de Fuca: Chairman Huntingford reported that Clallam County passed a resolution similm" to this proposed resolution opposing the ~OL 21 rAG~380 .. ..................... ,,::::::;:;:;:;:::::::::: ........¡...... ......... ....... .......... ....... ..:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:..':.:.:.:.:.:.:.: ..::::~{f¡¡¡j¡¡¡¡Jt~¡¡¡¡¡rrf Commissioners' Meeting Minutes: Week of March 13, 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . establishment of a marine sanctualY for the Strait of Juan de Fuca. He explained that he feels that this proposed sanctualY would impose another layer of regulation on an area that is already protected. Commissioner W ojt noted that the Board previously passed a resolution asking that the County be involved in the discussions before a sanctualY is established and there is a meeting on Thursday regarding it. He added that he would like to wait until Monday to consider this Resolution. Commissioner Hinton moved to approve the Resolution. Chairman Huntingford seconded the motion. After further discussion of the proposed sanctuaIY and if the Board has enough information about it, Commissioner Hinton withdrew his motion. SEAL: . :f" . ". , .. .,.11; . .«!, ~.. -.,.., l ATTEST: ~~~eY,~~ Clerk of the Board JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS VOL 21 w;;381 ...... ....···8·..·.. ......... ....... ......... ...... ..:::::::. .:::::: ..::::tttttt~~~~~~IIt¡