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MINUTES
Week of February 16, 1993
Chairman Richard Wojt called the meeting to order at the appointed time.
Commissioner Robert Hinton and Commissioner Glen Huntingford were both present.
Lee Wilburn. President. Vanta2e Properties, Inc. re: Dedication of Ri2ht-of-
Way from County Property for an Access to a new Business Park Development: Lee
Wilburn, President, Vantage Properties, requested that the Commissioners dedicate a portion
of County owned property to the public for road purposes to complete the extension of
AlderlLasalle Street in Port Townsend. He explained that the County owns a little over 2
acres of property located between Howard and Alder Streets, behind the Honda Shop and
Jackpot Grocery Store on Sims Way. At the time this area was platted, the streets did not
cross the County property. Howard Street runs from Sims Way north for about 500 feet and
then terminates at the County property. The street is platted at half width on the other side
of the County property. The north boundary of the County property is contiguous with
Vantage Properties parcel (35 acres) which they are developing into a business park.
Two pieces of the County property are needed for dedication as right-of-way to allow the
completion of a road to serve the business park: a 12,710 square foot parcel north of Howard
Street, and a 7,750 square foot parcel north of Lasalle/Alder Street. North Sound Bank, an
adjacent property owner, has agreed to dedicate a portion of the right-of-way also. The right-
of-way dedicated by the business park, the bank and the County will make the Howard and
Lasalle Street connections so that the Port Townsend Business Park will have adequate access.
Vantage Properties will pay all of the costs of developing these roads. He then reviewed a
packet of information on the business park which included a transportation and financial
analysis.
Chairman Wojt asked what procedure the County must follow to accommodate this request?
Prosecuting Attorney Mark Huth reported that the Board must find that the dedication of this
property as right-of-way is in the best interest of the public, and enter an order of dedication.
A legal description and map will need to accompany the order to be recorded with the
Auditor.
Lee Wilburn explained that the Business Park is currently in the City's permitting process and
the environmental review should be issued in two to three weeks. Public Works Director
Gary Rowe reported that the City's permitting process may affect the dedication of County
property. He suggested this request be reviewed further, because there have been requests for
dedication of right-of-way in this same area in the past, and issues brought up that may need
to be addressed. He suggested that two things be checked: 1) that the roads can be built as
proposed, and 2) whether there are any problems with wetlands, or other property
characteristics. Lee Wilburn stated that he can provide a wetland assessment of the property
which indicates that the low area on the County property is not a wetland. Gary Rowe
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suggested that the Public Works Department develop a report for the Board on this request.
The Board directed the Public Works Department prepare a report.
Discussion of Contract for Prosecutin2 Attorney Services with the City of Port
Townsend: Prosecuting Attorney Mark Huth reported that the District Court has submitted
a memo to the Board about the impact on their office if the County Prosecuting Attorney
doesn't continue to perform the misdemeanor prosecutorial services for the City. He then
explained the public safety aspects of having the County provide these services (i.e. persons
being arrested for DWI in the County and in the City), as well as the efficiencies for the
attorneys and the District Court office staff. Currently there are 300 open criminal files, with
99 of those being City cases and 201 County cases. Overall in 1992 there were 800 City
cases and 4,900 State, County and other law enforcement agency cases, handled by the
Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
Mark Huth asked the Board for authorization to go to the City and negotiate the maximum
number of cases to be handled for the contract amount. Handling cases above that limit
would have to be negotiated. He would also like to negotiate wording on how appeals will
be handled.
Commissioner Hinton stated that since this contract is advantageous to the City and the
County he sees no problem with the Prosecuting Attorney negotiating with the City as
requested. Commissioner Huntingford suggested that consideration be given in the contract
for the establishment of a money limit for the City cases to be handled, instead of just a
maximum number of cases.
Wally Pedersen re: Drillin2 Wells in Platted Areas: Wally Pedersen explained
that he and Ray Buchmann own the old ferry landing property at South Point. They
purchased property on the hill above the site, hired an engineering firm to do a soil analysis,
and determined that it was an ideal place for a drainfield for four septic systems on the ferry
landing property. ADA Engineers was hired to design the drainfield, but before the work was
finished, the owners of the adjacent property (McNair's) started to drill a well 10 feet from
the property line between their property and his. The McNair's already have a well on their
property that they are using. Mr. Pedersen reported that he advised the well driller that he
had an approved septic system permit for his property which would be to close to the well
being drilled. He also discussed this with Linda Atkins of the Health Department and she
indicated to him that in Jefferson County whoever gets done first wins.
Mr. Pedersen continued by noting that he has tried to set up a meeting with the McNairs, but
has had no response from them. Commissioner Hinton asked the date the well was drilled?
The well was being drilled on July 14 and 15, 1992, Mr. Pedersen answered. That was three
to four months after the drainfield permit was approved, Commissioner Hinton noted.
Prosecuting Attorney Mark Huth explained that since a well is in, the County is unable to
permit Mr. Pedersen to go forward with his septic system. The McNair's well driller did not
notify the State Department of Ecology of the location of the well. The Department of
Ecology checks to assure that there are no potential sources of contamination within a
specified number of feet of the well. A property owner can drill a well wherever they want
to on their property, but when that is done the neighboring property owner is restricted from
putting a septic system or anything else that could potentially contaminate the well on a
portion of his property.
Mr. Pedersen added that the McNair's property is hooked up to a water system and they do
not have to get their water from this new well.
Mark Huth reported that although the County is the agency that issues septic system permits,
it has nothing to do with permits for well drilling. He explained that he has met with Mr.
Pedersen, the Buchmann's and their attorney. The McNairs were invited to the meeting but
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did not attend. The dispute is between Mr. Pedersen and the McNair's and does not involve
the County. Mr. Pedersen reported that he just wants his septic permit issued by the County
because he has done everything required to install this septic system.
In response to discussion of the Subdivision Ordinance, Mark Huth reported that the
Subdivision Ordinance only controls the subdivision of land, and is prospective in its
application which means that if you're going to divide your property now, you would have
to comply with these regulations concerning where wells are going to be drilled. This plat
(where Mr. Pedersen's property is located) is forty years old and the new Subdivision
Ordinance regulations cannot be applied retroactively. The septic system regulations are
separate from this ordinance.
Commissioner Huntingford asked where the County draws the line? The County approved the
franchise for the septic line up the hill, and the septic permit was approved. Mark Huth
stated that the County cannot allow the septic drainage system to go in with a well that close
to it. The State Department of Ecology regulates well drilling, and Mr. Pedersen's problem
is with either the State DOE or the McNair's. Mter more discussion of this issue, Mark Huth
proposed that all of the concerned parties sit down and try to resolve the problem.
Commissioner Hinton stated that something needs to be done for property owners like Mr.
Pedersen. Mr. Buchmann said that he went to see Mr. McNair who is aware there is a pipe
for the water system about 800 feet from his property. Mr. Pedersen and Mr. Buchmann
offered to pay the well driller to move the well rig to the opposite side of the McNair
property where a well would not encumber their property.
Mr. Pedersen reported that he went to the Health Department in good faith, had all of the
necessary permits issued, but before the septic system could be installed a well was drilled.
Mter further discussion of the issue, Mr. Pedersen stated that he would be willing to meet
with the McNair's again. Mark Huth will set up a meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The only public comment was a "Thank you"
for the seating re-arrangement in the Commissioners Chambers.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Commissioner Hinton moved to approve the
minutes of February 1, and 8, 1993 as submitted. Commissioner Huntingford seconded the
motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner
Huntingford moved to delete items 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10 and approve the balance of the items
on the consent agenda as presented. Commissioner Hinton seconded the motion which carried
by a unanimous vote.
1. AGREEMENT re: Consultant Services for the Chimacum Road Improvement Project
CR0953; AES Consultants
2. Denial of Claim #C-02-93 as Recommended; Damage to Pedestal; U.S. West
Communications $101.36
3. DELETE RESOLUTION NO. _ re: Dividing Voting Precincts 705, 706 and 707 (port Townsend) into Six Precincts:
705, 706, 707, nq, 711, and 712
4. DELETE RES~LUTION NO. _ re: Dividing Voting Precincts 102, 103, 301, 302 and 304 into Nine Precincts: 102,
103, 108, 109, 301, 302, 304, 305 and 306
5. DELETE RESOLUTION NO. _ re: Dividing Voting Precincts 501, 502 and 503 into Five Precincts: 501, 502, 503,
504, and 505
6. DELETE LOAN AGREEMENT NO. 93-001-19; Water Quality Improvement Fund; Exhibit "A" Rehabilitation Measures;
Exhibit "R~~Premises; Exhibit "C" Promissory Note; Jennifer L Turney
7. DELETE Reappointments to the Shoreline Management Advisory Committee; Phil Andrus (District 2) and Harvey "Mike"
Fleming (District 2); Each to serve a Three Year Term which will expire March 1, 1996
8. Reappointment of Member to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee; Neil Vanderven; To
a Two Year Term which will Expire February 20, 1995
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9. Approval of Plat Amendment; Relocation of a Drainage Easement on Lot 32 and 33 and
Combination of Lots 32 and 33 into a Revised Lot 32; Marshall Addition
10. DELETE Approval of Reduced Amount for Claim #C-0l-93; Damage from Accident with a County Vehicle; Russell
Warfield; $200.00
11. Approval Purchase of One (1) Double Drum Vibratory Roller; Ingersoll-Rand Equipment
Sales for $24,075.00; for Public Works
BUSINESS FROM COUNTY DEPARTMENTS
PUBLIC WORKS
Hearin2 Examiner Findio2s. Conclusions and Recommendation re: Vacation of
a Portion of Old Hadlock Road; At Intersection with Chimacum Road about 600 feet
South of Lopeman Road and west of Elkins Road; Jefferson County. Applicant: Public
Works Administrative Assistant Eileen Simon reported that this vacation is being considered
at the request of the County to vacate a portion of Old Hadlock Road at its intersection with
Chimacum Road, south of Lopeman Road and West of Elkins Road. The Hearing Examiner
held a hearing on the, request and recommends that the vacation be approved subject to the
following conditions:
1) An easement within the right-of-way shall be reserved for trail purposes.
2) p'rior to the road being vacated, Hayden Development Company shall dedicate by
statutory warranty deed land needed for the construction of a right-of-way for a new
intersection connecting Chimacum Road to Old Hadlock Road.
Chairman Wojt asked when the intersection improvements would be made if this vacation is
approved? County Engineer Bob Nesbitt explained the plans for the intersection
improvements.
Commissioner Huntingford moved to approve the vacation as recommended by the Hearing
Examiner. Commissioner Hinton seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
Decision on Adoption of the Proposed Solid Waste Fee Ordinance: Public
Works Director Gary Rowe reported that findings of fact and conclusions have been drafted
to support the proposed increase in solid waste fees as directed by the Board after the public
hearing.
Commissioner Hinton asked the weight of the trailers as they are being loaded currently? Bob
Nesbitt explained that the trailers are being loaded with between 17 and 18 tons of waste.
The new long haul transport contract charge is based on two trailers at a time loaded with 34
tons of solid waste. Commissioner Hinton stated that the long haul contractor will be paid
by the load, and he feels that it was an error to award the contract written that way. If the
trailers haul less than the maximum tonnage, the County will be subsidizing the cost.
Gary Rowe reported that the bid for hauling was based on the optimum amount of garbage
being hauled per trip, to provide the most competitive bid for this service. If the bid was
based on a per ton rate without the County having control over loading, then the hauler
wouldn't give a reasonable bid. It is in the County's best interest to load the maximum
amount of garbage on the trailers, so that the most garbage is transported in the least number
of trips. He explained that not every ton of garbage taken in at the County landfill is sent
to the regional landfill. Things like large appliances, tires, and yard wastes (when the
composing facility is operating) are disposed of by an alternate method. County Engineer Bob
Nesbitt added that the trailers are loaded, tarped and sealed and then the transport company
is called to pick them up. Gary Rowe added that the trucks are also weighed before they are
turned over to the trucking firm.
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Commissioner Hinton asked if there has been a reduction in the operating expenses at the
landfill this year over previous years? Gary Rowe answered that a portion of the previous
tipping fee was placed in a fund for closure of the existing landfill. Once the landfill is
closed that money can then be used to pay the debt service on the bonds used to finance the
closure. There is some equipment that will not be used any longer, but those costs will be
replaced by the transfer operations costs.
Commissioner Hinton asked how the costs for the drop box sites in the County are tracked?
Gary Rowe explained that the costs for each individual site (utilities, personnel, hauling, etc)
are tracked through the County's accounting system. The fees paid at those sites do not cover
the entire cost of their operation. The rates at the landfill subsidize the drop box site and
recycling center operations.
Commissioner Hinton asked what the recycling program includes? Gary Rowe reported that
there is curbside recycling in the City of Port Townsend and the recyclable materials are
brought to the landfill by the City's contractor. There are recycling boxes at all of the County
drop box sites, as well as at some grocery stores around the County, which are picked up by
the County.
Mter further discussion of the operations of the landfill and the drop box sites, the moderate
risk waste facility, and what the proposed tipping fees will be used for, Commissioner Hinton
indicated that he feels the County needs to be concerned about continuing to subsidize the
deficit from the recycling program. Something needs to be done to reduce these costs and
he feels it is not fair to include this in the tipping fee. In light of all of these questions and
concerns, Commissioner Hinton stated that he is not comfortable with raising the tipping fees
at this time. The City of Port Townsend has not been involved in this and they will have to
raise their rates in accordance with the County's. He feels that a workshop with the City
should be scheduled to take a closer look at the figures and alternatives to reduce some of
the costs before a fee increase is adopted.
Chairman Wojt cautioned that the expenses for the solid waste division are on-going and if
the fees are not raised it will have a negative budget impact.
Commissioner Huntingford asked if it would be possible to have the Solid Waste Advisory
Committee meet with City and County officials to review these questions? He asked how
much waste is taken out of the waste stream by recycling? Gary Rowe reported that about
10% of the waste at the landfill is recycled.
Doug Simpson stated that in lieu of the need for new findings of fact, he hopes the County
will have another public hearing on this proposal and he feels that Public Works Department
should provide more detailed information for that hearing.
Bernie Petersen stated that he has been at several meetings and was at the public hearing on
this issue and he has never been given the same figures twice.
AI Boucher stated that he was unable to attend the hearing, but he did talk with Jeff
Frettingham who provided him with a lot of information. He feels it is important that the
County Commissioners try and get the County Departments to be more forthcoming during
public hearings as to how they arrived at their conclusions.
Commissioner Hinton moved to defer action on this proposed fee ordinance until a meeting
can be scheduled with the City and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Commissioner
Huntingford seconded the motion. The Chairman called for a vote on the motion.
Commissioner Huntingford and Commissioner Hinton voted for the motion, while Chairman
Wojt voted against the motion. The motion carried.
DOU2 Simpson and Bart Phillips re: Discussion of Economic Development for
the County: Doug Simpson reported that he is Chairman of the Business Recruitment
Committee for the Economic Development Council and he and Bart Phillips are trying to
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make the EDC more visible in the County. A packet is being put together to attract
businesses to the County. He asked if the Board would provide a letter for this packet to let
interested businesses know that the County Commissioners are pro business, pro growth, and
in support of business willing to locate here. He also suggested that a Planning Department
staff member be assigned as an "Ombudsman" for businesses who are locating here to help
them through the permitting process. He also suggested that a workshop with the Planning
and Building Department be planñed to provide information on the requirements for businesses
locating here.
The discussion continued regarding the types of industries being encouraged to move to the
County. Bart Phillips reported that a "White paper" was presented to the Board in April of
1992 which established an overall vision for economic development in the County.
Bart Phillips also gave a status report on the activities of the West End Committee working
on a community plan. He reported that the process is going well and the committee will
probably be able to meet their June 15 deadline.
PLANNING AND BUILDING
HEARING re: Appeal. Variance Denial IZ-55-92; Maximum Buildin2 Size for
a Home Business; 6121 Beaver Valley Road. Port Ludlow; Robert Schladetzky: Jerry
Smith reported that the Hearing Examiner denied a variance for Mr. Schladetzky's project to
allow it to be over the 2,500 square foot requirement for a home business. Mr. Schladetzky
is appealing the Hearing Examiner's decision
Chairman Wojt then opened the public hearing.
Mr. Schladetzky stated that he is appealing this size restriction because it is an arbitrary
figure. This size limit doesn't allow for the unique characteristics of a particular home
business. The inflexibility of the 2,500 square foot limitation does not address the various
types of home businesses that are currently operating in the County. His home business is
unique and he doesn't know of any other home business in the County that rents meeting
space.
He added that a 40 x 40 foot meeting space is all that would be left after the pipe organ is
in place. When aisles, the restrooms and kitchen area are taken from that space the remaining
space will only accommodate 25 people.
Mr. Schladetzky reported that there has been no negative input from his neighbors on his
proposed home business. He has talked with the two adjacent neighbors and they are in favor
of it. The State Department of Transportation has allowed him to upgrade the highway access
to his property. He advised that the building is on a concrete slab and if he has to install
restrooms inside the building it means he will have to dig up the concrete floor.
Chairman Wojt asked about parking? Mr. Schladetzky reported that he has adequate parking
for this meeting space. Mr. Schladetzky reiterated that he feels it is a shortcoming in the
ordinance regulating home businesses that each application is not evaluated on its own merit.
This home business will have no detrimental impact on the environment.
Hearing no further public testimony, the Chairman closed the public hearing.
Prosecuting Attorney Mark Huth stated that the purpose of the 2,500 square foot size for home
businesses was to limit them from becoming larger commercial enterprises. Variances from
this size standard have been allowed in the past when the type of business had a need to
operate in a larger building. The criteria for granting a variance from the Interim Zoning
Ordinance are:
1. A literal enforcement of the standard in question would result in an undue hardship
not experienced by neighboring properties or the general public. In this case,
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requiring Mr. Schlad~tzky to keep his building at 2,500 square feet would somehow
have to result in a hardship to him that isn't experienced by neighboring properties
or the general public.
2. It is necessary that the hardship relates to the application of the standard to the land,
rather than the personal circumstances of the applicant. Mr. Schladetzky has to
show that the 2,500 square feet limitation affects his property rather than his
circumstances.
3. The variance, so granted, constitutes the minimum relief necessary to allow
reasonable use of the property. This is a judgment call, but based on Mr.
Schladetzky's testimony about the amount of space the pipe organ takes, using the
building for a meeting hall, and if the variance isn't granted, there would only be
enough room for a meeting of 25 people, this criteria has been met.
4. The variance does not authorize deviation from the specific zone restrictions
contained in this ordinance. This home business does not do that.
Chairman Wojt stated that he feels that because of the nature of Mr. Schladetzky's business
the size limitation would prevent him from operating his home business.
Commissioner Huntingford asked Mr. Schladetzky where the restrooms and kitchen would be
located, if the variance is granted? Mr. Schladetzky answered that the kitchen would be
located on the south side of the building and the restrooms would be on the north side.
Commissioner Hinton stated that he agrees that the 2,500 square foot limit is arbitrary. The
unique character of having a pipe organ with this meeting space necessitates the additional
space for kitchen and restroom facilities. Commissioner Hinton moved to grant the variance
based on the findings of fact. Commissioner Huntingford seconded the motion which carried
by a unanimous vote.
Mark Huth reported that the Planning Department staff will prepare findings and conclusions
for the Board to approve at a future meeting.
James Holland. Senior Planner re: Discussion of Comprehensive Plan Review
and Amendment Process: Senior Planner James Holland reported that he and Penny Herrick,
Chairman of the Planning Commission, are here to discuss requests being received from
various groups representing -communities in the County interested in doing a community plan.
He stated that he is concerned that the plans developed by these groups, if they are not given
some guidance, may not meet the requirements of the County and the Growth Management
Act. He has discussed this with the Planning Commission. He then reviewed a memo
requesting that the Board allow the Planning Commission and Planning staff to do the
following:
1. Develop a comprehensive plan and community plan production and revision process that
fully accommodates citizen participation within identified time, staffing, and budget
constraints.
2. Review the existing Com prehensive Plan for weaknesses and identify revisions needed to
conform with GMA requirements.
3. Schedule a joint workshop between the Board and Planning Commission to discuss needed
revisions to the Comprehensive Plan and formally consider the recommended planning
process.
These suggestions are being made by the Planning Department staff and the Planning
Commission because they don't want to see the high level of enthusiasm and effort of these
community groups go to waste in developing products that don't work. Penny Herrick
suggested that the groups that have indicated that they want to begin writing community plans
be invited to be involved in developing this production process. Commissioner Huntingford
suggested that the communities that have already done a community plan also be included in
this process.
Commissioner Hinton asked if there is any information available to give to community groups
that are interested and ready to work on a community plan? James Holland answered that
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there are some guidelines which outline what the community can do to begin the process.
A citizens survey of the community is one of the usual first steps. He has copies of surveys
that have been used in the past.
Penny Herrick reported on the way the Planning Commission has re-organized to be more
effective in addressing all of the issues involved in Growth Management.
James Holland concluded by explaining that the Planning Commission and the Planning
Department staff want to allow communities to develop effective plans and to give the Board
good information to allow them to move ahead.
The meeting was recessed at the conclusion of business on Monday and reconvened on
Tuesday morning with all Board members present.
Patricia Warren and Members of the Board of Directors. Jefferson County
Historical Society re: Fundin2 for 1993: Patricia Warren, Director of the Historical Society
Museum introduced several members of the County Historical Society. She thanked the Board
for their approval of the first quarter allocation from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund and reported
that the Historical Society members have expressed concern about why the Commissioners
have not yet approved the total contract for 1993 funding. She then reviewed the history of
the Historical Society museum funding by the County.
Commissioner Hinton explained that due to funding constraints and the Tourism Coordinating
Council (TCC) funding recommendation, the Commissioners are further reviewing all of the
requests for these funds. Chairman Wojt then explained for the new Board members, the
reasons the TCC was formed.
Commissioner Huntingford noted that the Board has received letters expressing concern about
the makeup of the membership of the TCC; the possibility of having the County and City
determine how their respective funds will be spent; and why the City and the County held out
certain projects, like the museum, for special funding consideration. Chairman Wojt pointed
out that the TCC recommendation for funding provided more funding for County projects than
City projects.
Lynn Anderson reported that 24,000 visitors came through the museum last year with 90%
of that number being tourists. Patricia Warren explained that the City provides the building
where the museum is housed at no fee to the Historical Society. She added that the Historical
Society raises funds through various sources and the funding from the Hotel/Motel Fund is
becoming a lesser percent of their budget. The total budget of the museum is $65,000. There
are approximately 3,000 hours of volunteer services provided to the museum each year.
Chairman Wojt asked about the historical research services of the museum? Patricia Warren
explained that the library gets over 400 official requests for research. This number does not
include people who personally come in to do family research, or the Historical Society
members that do research for the museum.
Lynn Anderson reiterated that although the museum IS located in Port Townsend, it is a
County Historical Society.
Commissioner Huntingford moved to approve the agreement with the Jefferson County
Historical Society for 1993 funding as presented. Commissioner Hinton seconded the motion
which carried by a unanimous vote.
David Goldsmith and Shirley Van Hoover re: Water Quality Improvement
Fund Loans and LOAN AGREEMENT NO. 93-001-19; Water Quality Improvement
Fund; Exhibit "A" Rehabilitation Measures; Exhibit "B" Premises; Exhibit "C"
Promissory Note; Jennifer L. Turney: Commissioner Hinton expressed concern about the
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way these loan agreements are written regarding the interest due. Some of the agreements
say there will be no interest charged during the first five years. David Goldsmith explained
the background on how and why this loan program was established to provide money for
repair of failing septic systems. The program was established with money from a federal
revolving loan program for individual families to repair their septic systems. Part of the
regulation of this funding stipulates that low income participants be given the same low
interest rate the County pays. The County took that one step further and doesn't require
payment on the loan until the residence is sold. This arrangement doesn't cover the County's
administrative costs. The interest rate for each loan is determined by the income level of the
applicant.
Commissioner Hinton stated that there is no incentive for participants in the program to pay
the loan off. David Goldsmith suggested that the whole program be reviewed. Shirley Van
Hoover reported that there have been 19 loans for septic repairs since the middle of 1990.
There are currently three loans on which payments are being made and two loans have been
paid in full. She reported that she is planning to set up a loan amortization program to keep
track of the amount of interest accumulating on these loans.
Commissioner Huntingford moved to approve the loan agreement (No. 93-001-19), Exhibit "A"
Rehabilitation Measures, Exhibit "B" Premises, and Exhibit "C" Promissory Note as submitted
for Jennifer L. Turney. Commissioner Hinton seconded the motion which carried by a
unanimous vote.
Letter of Support for Water Quality Grant Application for the Hood Canal
Coordinatin2 Council: Commissioner Huntingford moved to have the Chairman sign a letter
of support for the Hood Canal Coordinating Council grant application, to the State Department
of Ecology, for funding to provide education, public involvement, and development of action
plans in the Hood Canal basin. Chairman Wojt seconded the motion in the temporary absence
of Commissioner Hinton. The motion carried.
Auditor Mary Gaboury re: Dividin2 V otin2 Precincts (See Items 3. 4 and 5
Deleted from Consent A2enda): Commissioner Hinton expressed concern about the cost of
adding the number of precincts as proposed. Auditor Mary Gaboury explained that the costs
are almost a wash. Splitting precincts is mandated because of the number of voters in these
precincts. The Auditor has the authority to combine precincts during a small election. She
explained that another reason for splitting precincts when there are over 900 voters, is the
impact on the poll workers and the polling places during large elections. One of the things
found in working with the party representatives, is that it is a convenience for people living
in some of these areas to have a polling place closer to where they live. This will also help
eliminate having to have several ballot styles at one polling place because of the precincts
crossing school district boundaries.
Commissioner Hinton asked how many voters there are in Port Townsend? Janet Morello
reported that there are about 5,000. He suggested that seven precincts might serve the City
better than the 12 proposed. Mary Gaboury reported that the smallest precinct contains over
300 voters. This action has taken growth areas in the city, the facilities available as polling
places and the fact that this process will not have to be done again for at least five years, into
consideration.
Commissioner Hinton expressed another concern about the ballots being printed here in Port
Townsend at a greater expense than if they were printed elsewhere. Mary Gaboury reported
that the cost is approximately the same and by having the ballots printed here the Auditor has
greater control over the ballots. If there is a problem with a ballot, they have to be re-
printed immediately so that an election is not held up.
Commissioner Hinton added that he feels that 10 precincts with 500 voters each would be
adequate in Port Townsend. Mary Gaboury reported that the impact of 500 voters on the poll
workers is a major consideration. Procedures, facilities, training of poll workers, and
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Commissioners' Meeting Minutes: Week of February 16, 1993
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minimizing errors are all part of the consideration in the number of voters per precinct.
Jefferson County has one of the highest voter turnouts in the State.
MEETING ADJOURNED
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Lorna L. Delaney, C
Clerk of the Board
SEAL:
ATTEST:
: VOL
19 ft.Cf 189