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HomeMy WebLinkAboutM061305 District No. 1 Commissioner: Phil Johnson District No.2 Commissioner: David W. Sullivan District No.3 Commissioner: Patrick M. Rodgers County Administrator: John F, Fischbach Clerk of the Board: Lorna Delaney MINUTES Week of June 13,2005 Chairman Phil Johnson called the meeting to order in the presence of Commissioner Patrick M. Rodgers. Commissioner David W. Sullivan was present by conference telephone. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Rodgers moved to approve the minutes of June 6, 2005 as presented. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming June 20-26,2005 as Amateur Radio Week: Chairman Johnson read the proclamation designating June 20 through 26, 2005 as "Amateur Radio Week." Commissioner Rodgers moved to approve the proclamation. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. John Ebner, Emergency Management, presented a short video on the important role of amateur radio operators during emergencies. He invited the Board and the public to the Ham Radio Operator Field Day on June 25-26 at Old Fort Townsend State Park. The field day is a chance to exercise emergency preparedness for the amateur radio community in the County and the goal is to see how many contacts they make worldwide in a 24 hour period. Report on Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) Meeting: Central Services Director Allen Sartin reported that several administrative issues and the Fort Worden parking fee subsidy request were discussed at the LTAC meeting. The Committee did not feel that HotellMotel funds generated in unincorporated areas of the County should be used in the City of Port Townsend. Priority projects are already identified for this funding and they don't think that parking at Fort Worden is a proper use of the fund. Commissioner Rodgers pointed out that the 2005 HotellMotel revenues are down approximately 21 %. He reiterated that the LTAC has set aside funds for certain projects and there will not be enough funding for those projects if $20,000 goes for Fort Worden parking fees. He noted that this issue was brought before the LTAC last fall and, at that time, they voted against it. Page 1 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of June 13,2005 "t'''' 'r¡ ....... "t Allen Sartin added that the County Commissioner's made a commitment earlier this year to fund several necessary improvements at the Gateway Visitors Center from the L T AC fund. Commissioner Rodgers added that the cost of operations to provide basic services at the Visitors Center has also increased. He reiterated that the LTAC voted unanimously not to use HotellMotel funds to supplement Fort Worden parking fees except for one committee member who abstained because they also serve on the Fort Worden Advisory Board. Discussion re: City of Port Townsend Ordinance Regarding "Formula Stores": Allen Sartin reported that the Port Townsend City Council will be discussing the "formula store" issue at their meeting tonight. He asked the if the Board wants to send any official message? Commissioner Rodgers noted that some ofthe County property in the City will be directly affected by the ordinance. He pointed out that the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board (WWGMHB) findings on the Irondale/Port Hadlock UGA has made Port Townsend the only UGA in the County. A UGA is required to accept growth and economic development according to GMA. He feels that, as a common practice, the City should have a dialogue with the County and the Port on any issues that affect economic development in the County. The Board concurred that they do not feel there is an emergency situation that requires immediate action from the City on this ordinance. Commissioner Rodgers moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 36-05 requesting that the Port Townsend City Council delay the vote on the proposed ordinance regarding formula stores. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Quilcene Well Project: Commissioner Sullivan explained that the US Forest Service in Qui1cene hasn't used their full water right for a significant period oftime and the State Department of Ecology has a theory that ifthe water right isn't used, it is relinquished. The water right that the Forest Service is willing to transfer for the PUD's Qui1cene Well project is not enough to get State Department of Health project approval for the water system design. The PUD has asked for the Board's support. This can be done by assuring them that the Public Infrastructure Funds set aside for the project will be available in the future, supporting them through the WRIA 17 groundwater reservation process, and writing a letter to the DOE at some point. Commissioner Rodgers moved to have the County Administrator draft a contract with the PUD acknowledging that Public Infrastructure funds will be set aside and be available for the Qui1cene Water System project. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Page 2 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of June 13,2005 Complaints about Weapons Training Site: Commissioner Sullivan reported that he has received several complaints from residents near Discovery Bay regarding the weapon fire from a training facility at Gardiner. The shooting goes until 10:30 or 11:00 p.m. In addition, formal complaints have been made to Community Development and the Sheriff and they are working on the issue. Commissioner Rodgers explained that he recently visited Security Services NW where they are training a small U.S. special forces military squad. The facility's owner understands the concerns of the residents and wants to find a way to create less of an impact on the community. County Administrator John Fischbach pointed out that if the training is for the Federal government, local regulations may be preempted. Harry Dudley, Security Services NW, explained that the facility has been in operation since 1987, has outstanding trainers, and is considered one ofthe best private facilities in the United States for this type of training. Many of the people they train are U.S. military elite units. The particular unit they are working with right now has requested night training; and because it is summer, it doesn't get dark until later. The shooting has been going on since 1987 and they don't understand why there has been an increase in complaints recently. It is difficult to analyze and track sound because it depends on the atmosphere and the wind direction. He asked the Board if they could get basic information on the complaints that the County has received? In order to solve the problem, they need the date and time of the actual shooting at a level residents found annoying and the geographic location within 1/10 of a mile of their residence. They have consulted an acoustic engineer and are looking into installing sound baffles and other buffers. They want to be good neighbors and mitigate concerns. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The following comments were made: Many citizens spoke about their concerns regarding the Growth Management Hearings Board findings on the Irondale/Port Hadlock UGA appeal and the County's initial reaction; the process that allows any citizen to appeal ten years of work on the UGA is unreasonable, especially when the person doesn't even live in the community; several people mentioned their frustration about the commercial zoning in the UGA that was overturned, the instant devaluation of their property, and how, in many cases, this has happened more than once over the past several years; why wasn't anyone notified about the deadline to submit development plans to DCD before the zoning was reversed?; other counties have adopted UGAs without having sewer systems in place; who would want to put a residence on five acres on a busy highway like Rhody Drive?; and a petition was submitted and complaints made about the military exercises that are being held during the day and at night at a facility near Gardiner. Page 3 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of June 13,2005 (J-: ,. APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Rodgers moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. 1. RESOLUTION NO. 37-05 re: Certifications of Compliance for CDBG Funding Application to Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development for South 7 Senior Village Project; Olympic Community Action Program 2. AGREEMENT No. C13035, Amendment No.3 re: Consolidated Contract 2005-2006; Jefferson County Health and Human Services; Washington State Department of Health 3. AGREEMENT, Interagency Amendment No.2 re: Management Services for Castle Hill Property Improvements; Central Services; Washington State Department of General Administration HEARING re: Proposed Budget Extension/Appropriation for the County HotellMotel Fund: Chairman Johnson opened the hearing on the proposed budget extension. John Fischbach explained that he is concerned that the LTAC funds are already set aside for projects which will leave only $6,000 in the fund. Depending on the Board's decision on the budget extension and the Fort Worden parking fee request, the fund may be $14,000 in the red. He reiterated that the Board had committed the reserves in the fund for necessary sewer, water, and parking lot projects at the Gateway Visitor Center. Commissioner Sullivan added that it would just take longer to pay for the improvements, Allen Sartin noted that the hearing notice was advertised on June 1, and June 8, 2005. The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee met on the issue and their recommendation was not to fund the Fort Worden parking fees using Hotel/Motel monies. The Chair opened the public comment portion of the hearing. Jeanne Dunbar, Chairman of Fort Worden State Park Advisory Board, stated that a draft business plan for the park and the conference center has been developed and the Park Director will be presenting it at the next Advisory Board meeting. A special meeting will be set up later this month to discuss and finalize the plan; and the State Parks Commission will consider it at their August meeting. The parking fees are addressed in the plan. Nora Porter, stated that Fort Worden is unique to other parks in the area because of the 200 jobs there that are tourism dependent. The Advisory Board wants to protect the tourism, the venues, and the jobs at the park. Tourism and attendance is decreasing at all the other State parks and not charging the $5.00 parking fee at Fort Worden has helped to maintain the number of visitors at Centrum, the Marine Science Center, the Commanding Officer's Museum, the Coast Artillery Museum, and the Commons Conference Center. They are working with State Parks on a business plan that would exclude the $5.00 parking fee. The venues at the Fort, the City of Port Townsend, and individuals in the community have contributed to keep the free parking. She asked that the County also step up and invest to keep the Fort Worden parking free until the Page 4 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of June 13,2005 - " end of 2005. If State Parks doesn't accept the business plan excluding parking fees, their last hope is with the State Legislature in 2006. They have offered to work with other State Parks in the County to eliminate parking fees, but a task force hasn't been established. Jim Hagan, Cape George, stated that he remains opposed to the County using these funds to subsidize parking at Fort Worden State Park. He hasn't seen any figures about the threat to jobs. He's heard comparisons about attendance being up at two State Parks who don't have day use fees, but they are also the two best parks. Ifparking fees are instituted at Fort Worden, people will still continue to go there because it is a fantastic place. Currently the County is facing some big projects with limited resources and it may be prudent to focus on those big picture items. It is important to consider the recommendation of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. He has served on similar committees and their recommendations are based on detailed study and should carry a lot of weight. There is no indication that a lack of County funding is going to impact attendance or jobs at Fort Worden. Nora Porter, stated that Deception Pass State Park and Fort Worden are the only two parks that have shown an increase in attendance and Deception Pass does charge parking fees. There are a number of communities that are subsidizing the parking fees at their State Parks after seeing the success at Fort Worden. People have to come to Fort Worden by design because it is at the end of the road. They have to go through the County to get there unless they take the ferry. Chairman Johnson closed the public testimony portion of the hearing. Commissioner Sullivan stated that he is interested in the business plan for Fort Worden. Ifit is accepted, it can be used as a model for other State Parks. His main concern about the $5.00 parking fee is that it will impact low income users, Fort Worden is a local park where locals can go to the beach. There are a lot of shorelines in the State but there is very limited water access for the public. Commissioner Rodgers pointed out that the reason for the L T AC legislation is to put "heads in beds" and increase tourism. It isn't about local people. He understands the concern about economics and the park. He doesn't think any of the State Parks should have parking fees. He doesn't think that people will come all the way to Port Townsend to go to Fort Worden and not go in because of a $5.00 parking fee. All the venues in the Park charge for parking in their ticketing. The City of Port Townsend's LTAC receives $60,000 in revenue from people staying at Fort Worden. The LTAC funds need to be used for a specific purpose and he doesn't feel that subsidizing parking fees at Fort Worden is an appropriate use according to the law. The County L T AC is made up of people who contribute to the funding and people who receive money from the fund and they agree that the fundamental purpose ofLTAC money is tourism. He supports their recommendation not to fund the parking fees at Fort Worden. Page 5 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of June 13,2005 e~··:'·,'··'·'>f ~.. .. .....~'~~ .. <1:,..-...;'...,- ·\/1,...,\ . Commissioner Rodgers added that the money would be better spent on improvements at the Gateway Visitor Center including running water, restrooms, and resurfacing the parking lot. He strongly opposes the funding going to Fort Worden to pay for parking. Commissioner Sullivan noted that when this request was first made, he asked the Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney ifLTAC funds could legally be used to subsidize Fort Worden parking fees and the answer was yes. It has hurt State Parks to put in the parking fees. It hurts low income people and it impacts rural economic development statewide. Fort Worden is a special case and the economic interests there need to be protected. If they institute the fees this summer and install the iron bandits, it will be harder to get rid of them. Chairman Johnson stated that it is important for the County to support a facility that draws 1.3 million visitors per year. It does have a positive impact on the economy. The whole County gets business from people traveling to Fort Worden. Commissioner Sullivan moved to approve the appropriation of $20,000 from the Hotel/Motel Fund to supplement the operations of Fort Worden State Park as a show of support for the efforts ofthe Fort Worden Advisory Board and Parking Fee Coalition in their negotiations with the Governor's Office, the Legislature, the State Park Commission, and the Director of State Parks to develop a business plan for the direction of Fort Worden's economic growth that promotes the non-profit corporations and small businesses that are on site at Fort Worden, protects Jefferson County's economic interest, and does not impose day use or parking fees which discourage use by low income families and that the plan can be used as a model for the elimination of fees at all State Parks. Chairman Johnson seconded the motion. John Fischbach suggested that the Board may want to make a reference in the motion if this is to be considered a one-time payment. Commissioner Sullivan stated that he feels that is implied in the motion, but it is open. The Chair called for the vote on the motion. Chairman Johnson and Commissioner Sullivan voted for the motion. Commissioner Rodgers voted against the motion. The motion carried. Allen Sartin asked the Board to act on the resolution amending the budget. Commissioner Sullivan moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 38-05 approving the budget appropriation/extension for the Hotel/Motel Fund. Chairman Johnson seconded the motion. Chairman Johnson and Commissioner Sullivan voted for the motion. Commissioner Rodgers voted against the motion. The motion carried. Page 6 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of June 13,2005 ~,."'" " ......' ;,....'~ ~f,III;~~"(..~.. Charlie Courtelyou and Al Vaughn, Washington State Department of Natural Resources re: County Income Report and Presentation on Forest Funds: Charlie Courtelyou reported that the revenue to Jefferson County from State Forest Board Lands for the first quarter of2005 was $472,000. The projections for the remainder of the year are: · Between $725,000 and $1 million in timber removed in the 2nd quarter · Between $550,000 and $1.5 million in timber removed from July through December Approximately $2.9 million is projected to come into the County in 2005. The average revenue per year is $1.5 million. Commissioner Sullivan asked what percentage the County receives from the sales? Al Vaughn replied that of every dollar, 22 cents goes to DNR to manage the forest, and 78 cents is split 50-50 between the State General Fund and the County. Charlie Courtelyou clarified that the numbers in his presentation represented actual revenue coming into the County. Mark Johnson explained that his job is forest practices and fire protection. Jefferson County Community Development Staff is doing a good job working with their forester on forest practice applications and related SEP A issues. Legislation was passed recently that gives counties the authority to take over administrative approval of Class IV forest practice applications by the end of2005 which the City of Port Townsend has already implemented. He is also responsible for dealing with wildfires. Chairman Johnson asked about the fire danger this year? Mark Johnson answered that last winter was very dry and they were concerned, but the experts are saying that the rainfall in June has reduced the high risk. Al Scalf, Director of Community Development and Frank Gifford, Public Works Director: Staff Report on the Hood Canal Coordinating Council Summer Chum Salmon Recovery Plan: Allen Sartin noted that the Board received a staff report on this plan last week and staff is present to answer any questions. Al Scalf, Director of Community Development, explained that questions were sent to the appropriate department for a response; and representatives from the Hood Canal Coordinating Council are present to answer questions. Commissioner Rodgers appreciated staffs quick response. He stated that it is his understanding that this plan was done to ensure on-going opportunities for funding. He feels that the Dosewallips, the Duckabush, and the Big Qui1cene Rivers are already protected by current regulations and the salmon runs are coming back because of the current work being done. He asked if this plan will make a big difference? Al Scalf replied that the County is not at the position regarding regulations where all aspects of Best Available Science (BAS) have been implemented or lead agency status on Forest Practice Applications has been assumed. The entire County is in the early stages of Summer Chum recovery and there are many success stories. The County will need to cooperate as this plan goes through the State and Page 7 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of June 13,2005 ;",~,,"l" 'r¿ ~ .tf ,-,. \ I ....' ~ Federal aspects of recovery. This plan positions the County to acquire grant funding for acquisition, project motivation, recovery, repair, and rechanneling creeks. Commissioner Sullivan pointed out that water quality monitoring and stream gauges in Chimcum Creek are mentioned in the plan, and the Department of Ecology has cut all the funding to the County on this project. If the project is noted in the plan, the funding may be made available from another agency. Jim Pearson, Public Works, explained that the Stormwater Management Plan for the IrondalelPort Hadlock UGA is an important part of the plan because the area is in close proximity to Chimacum Creek and salmon runs. The analysis shows that with the proper stormwater facilities and, given the existing characteristics of the area, it is reasonable to believe that the UGA can exist close to the creek. The activities that Commissioner Sullivan mentioned from the plan are important, along with regular inspection of stormwater management facilities and public education to make sure conditions aren't degraded. Commissioner Sullivan moved to approve Jefferson County's programmatic contributions to Summer Chum recovery as they fit with the County's current work plans and direction. Commissioner Rodgers seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Letter of Support; 2-1-1 Call System: The United Good Neighbors asked that the Board provide a letter of support for the establishment of a 211 call system to enable citizens to access health and human services on the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas. This support does not commit the County to any funding. Commissioner Rodgers moved to have the Board sign the letter of support. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. The Board then met in Executive Session from 11 :30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. with the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, County Administrator, and Community Development Director regarding potential litigation. Direction to Staff: Findings of the WWGMHB: The Board came out of Executive Session and took the following action: Commissioner Rodgers moved to direct staff to go ahead with the response to the petitioner's Motion for Reconsideration and to add a motion for clarification as to what has been declared invalid in the Final Decision and Order from the WWGMHB dated May 31,2005. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Page 8 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of June 13, 2005 ;~~ ~ ~III N(,i WORKSHOP re: HCCC Summer Chum Salmon Recovery Plan: The Board concurred that there was no need to have this workshop as they had already taken action on the plan earlier. (See earlier in the minutes.) Discussion and Possible Appointment re: Urban Growth Area Representative on the Growth Management Steering Committee: The Board concurred that this item be tabled until the June 20, 2005 meeting. Cancellation of the Joint Growth Management Steering Committee Meeting: Commissioner Rodgers moved to cancel the Joint Growth Management Steering Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 14,2005 at 10 a.m. at the Courthouse, Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. MEETING ~D" " ,,.¿<> ,~. . _ ~ (J- -'II... SEAL: / ~.r'~' ~;\ ~, \ .' 'J'~ ):1 \\ .., J. ¡ ~ · ~ þ " ~'.~. .-., ATTEST: ", -- ,.:.~:.~~../., JEFFERSON COUNTY BO OF COMMISSIONERS !lILt )r¡(JJ}f.LV, ú/y! C Julie Matthes, CMC Deputy Clerk of the Board V1 Ú-l//~ Datcfw. Sullivan, Member ~~- Patrick M. Rodgers, Member Page 9