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HomeMy WebLinkAboutM072108 ~~ COMAhA. ~/~~, S7/.~~ v \ &!f:; '\ ~\ (.... ~l'1 ><) , ' , \ ' / \ ~ i::-/ '~SI{ 6~ "-~ District No.1 Commissioner: Phil Johnson District No.2 Commissioner: David W. Sullivan District No.3 Commissioner: John Austin Interim County Administrator: Dennis Richards Clerk of the Board: Lorna Delaney MINUTE S Week of July 21, 2008 Chairman Johnson called the meeting to order in the presence of Commissioner David Sullivan and Commissioner John Austin. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The following comments were made by citizens: several people voiced their opinions about the political climate in the County; a citizen stated that the County needs to be more self-sufficient; a person said that Conservation Futures funding helps encourage sustainable local farming; two people mentioned the need to eradicate Reed Canary Grass in the creeks in the County; two people voiced their concerns about equal and responsive government; and when is the Board going to discuss the petition to put a proposition on the ballot to give the PUD the authority for local power acquisition and distribution? APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Austin moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. 1. RESOLUTION NO. 50-08 reo Authorizing Application for Funding Assistance for a Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) Project to the Recreation and Conservation Funding Office (RCO), as Provided in Chapter 79A, 15 RCW, Acquisition of Habitat Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Lands; Finnriver Farm Project 2. RESOLUTION NO. 51-08 reo Authorizing Application for Funding Assistance for a Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) Project to the Recreation and Conservation Funding Office (RCO), as Provided in Chapter 79A, 15 RCW, Acquisition of Habitat Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Lands; Brown Dairy Project 3. HEARING NOTICE reo Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Application Close Out; Regional Microenterprise Development Grant; Olympic Microloan Fund Administered by Shorebank Enterprise Cascadia; Hearing Scheduled for Monday, August 4, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioners' Chambers, Jefferson County Courthouse Page 1 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of July 21, 2008 4. HEARING NOTICE re: Interim Ordinance No. 6-0616-08 Rescinding Chapter 18.18 ofthe Jefferson County Code (JCC), Applies Rural Designations and Standards to the Irondale/Port Hadlock UGA Planning Area, Prohibits Mini-storage in Rural Commercial Areas Within the UGA Planning Area (With Some Exceptions) and Requires a No Protest Agreement That Mandates Future Connection to an Established Wastewater Treatment System; Hearing Scheduled for Monday. August 4, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. in the Commissioners' Chambers, Jefferson County Courthouse 5. AGREEMENT NO. E08-329 re: Emergency Management Grant Assistance Funds to Assist in Developing the Local Program for Emergency Management; Jefferson County Emergency Management; Washington State Military Department 6. AGREEMENT, Amendment No. 10 re: 2007-2011 Consolidated Contract; Jefferson County Public Health; Washington State Department of Health 7. AGREEMENT NO. G0800611 re: Lake Assessment and Toxic Cyanobacteria Monitoring; Jefferson County Public Health; Washington State Department of Ecology 8. AGREEMENT re: MS Office 2007 Training for County Employees; Peninsula College 9. Payment of Jefferson County Vouchers/Warrants Dated July 14, 2008 Totaling $1,179,446.58 10. Payment of Jefferson County Payroll AlP Warrants Done by Payroll Dated July 16, 2008 11. Letter in Support of Washington State Parks' Application to the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program Riparian Protection Category; Washington State Parks COMMISSIONERS BRIEFING SESSION: The following items were discussed. . The Hood Canal Coordinating Council has asked that their member organizations participate in the process to select a new Director. Chairman Johnson volunteered to represent Jefferson County. . Commissioner Austin reported that the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council has scheduled a meeting on July 31 in Bremerton to discuss Transportation Commission strategies on the State ferry impact on the economy. The Commissioners agreed that one ofthem should attend and asked Interim County Administrator Dennis Richards to inform the Ferry Advisory Committee of the meeting. . Commissioner Austin and Commissioner Sullivan praised the WIC program at Public Health. . Commissioner Sullivan attended the SR19/20 Corridor Plan meeting. There will be an open house from 4 - 7 p.m. at WSU on August 28 for the public to view the vision statement for the corridor. The plan is an essential step to get funding. . Commissioner Sullivan met with the proponents of the Equestrian Park which will be located on County property near the Solid Waste Facility. He feels that it will be quite an economic development project and it has been submitted to the Peninsula Development Association (PDA) for potential funding. The park will be connected to the Olympic Discovery Trail. Commissioner Austin noted that the facility will also be open to the public. . Commissioner Sullivan asked the Interim County Administrator when the Board will be discussing the petition to put a proposition on the ballot to give the PUD the authority for local power acquisition and distribution? Dennis Richards replied that it is currently in the Auditor's Office and he will see where it is in the process. Page 2 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of July 21,2008 . Chairman Johnson reported that he attended a National Marine Sanctuary meeting at Neah Bay where they were working on a new management plan. They also went out on the rescue tug that is under contract for one year with the State to deal with oil spills in the Straits. The goal is to get the oil companies to pay for the tug's services. The tug has also assisted disabled vessels in the ocean. . Chairman Johnson attended a Puget Sound Partnership Action Area Profile meeting. A subsection in the profile was landuse, population and economy. Two citizens from Jefferson County spoke in support of farming. Several County staff also attended. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Sullivan moved to approve the minutes ofthe July 14,2008 meeting. Commissioner Austin abstained from the vote due to an excused absence from that meeting. Chairman Johnson seconded the motion which carried. PROCLAMATION re: Welcoming the 2008 Northwest Intertribal Canoe Journey Participants: The Chair read the proclamation into the record. Commissioner Sullivan moved to approve the proclamation. Commissioner Austin seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Commissioner Sullivan reported that the canoes may be arriving at Point Hudson in Port Townsend by II :30 a.m. which is earlier than expected The Commissioners agreed that one of them would give the proclamation to the Tribal Elders so that they can present it at the ceremonies at Memorial Field. HEARING re: Supplemental Budget Appropriations/Extensions for Various County Funds: Chairman Johnson opened the public hearing. Central Services Director Allen Sartin explained that there was $1.9 million in the General Fund at the beginning of the year that was unrestricted and unreserved. Including the prior supplemental, this supplemental and the cash transfer that was done, that amount will be reduced to $1.4 million. Chairman Johnson opened the public comment portion of the public hearing. Donna Eldridge. Auditor, reported that Public Health had asked for an operating transfer of $260,000 in their first quarter supplemental appropriation request and she asked Temporary Interim County Administrator Frank Gifford to pull the request. When Public Health requested the operating transfer for the second quarter supplemental appropriation call, the Auditor asked for a meeting with the Public Health Director, the Public Health Deputy Director, the Public Health Chief Operations Director, the Central Services Director, and Interim County Administrator Dennis Richards. She does not think that enough information has been included in the explanation for the request In 2007 there was a substantial reduction in the medical costs for employees and this offset the increase in the union contract In a meeting last December when the County Commissioners took several actions on the 2008 Budget, they directed Public Health to cut $94,000 from the 2008 budget but not layoff any personnel or cut programs. In her opinion, it is unfortunate that the Board has no other option at this time and must allow the transfer from the General Fund. However, with the substantial decrease in medical costs and the offsetting increase in union wages, Page 3 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of July 2],2008 the County has given Public Health $468,000 and they are asking for another $260,000, In 2009, the Public Health staffing schedule of salaries and benefits will increase by over $200,000. She added that staffing increases countywide in 2009 for UFCW employees, mid-managers, and Elected Officials are over $800,000. Veronica Shaw. Public Health Chief Operations Director, stated that there was a savings in medical benefits but it wasn't as much as they first anticipated and the rates have already begun to increase. The revenue from Environmental Health fees is down 50% this year. Costs are rising. They are doing their best to get grant funding. Jean Baldwin, Public Health Director, stated that the union contracts affected their department more because there were so many people below market rate. The increase for the nurses was $140,000 this year and will probably be $180,000 next year. This supplemental appropriation request is to build enough carryover to face a planned outlook for next year. It won't be easy next year. Public Health did not receive clear direction on where to reduce their 2008 budget Joe D' Amico, Jefferson County, stated that he thinks this is a failed policy on the County, Instead of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on land use issues, the County should make the health, safety, and welfare ofthe people in the County a top priority, Hearing no further comments for or against the budget appropriations, Chairman Johnson closed the public hearing. Commissioner Sullivan stated that this is something that the Board has been anticipating since the beginning of the year. Commissioner Sullivan moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 52-08, ordering the budget appropriations/extensions for various County funds, Commissioner Austin seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote, Commissioner Austin commented that the reason there wasn't clear direction on which programs should be cut is that none of the Commissioners want to cut back on any of the programs, He added that there has been the additional burden of the algae in the lakes. There was a brief discussion about how Environmental Health is dealing with this problem. HEARING and Possible Adoption re: 2009-2014 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program: Chairman Johnson opened the public hearing. Transportation Planner Josh Peters reported that there are twenty-two capital projects in the 2009-2014 TIP in order of priority. The document includes: . Maps showing the location of each project . A narrative summary for each project . Proj ect data sheets . A Washington State Department of Transportation form and the instructions that have a description of the codes used in the form . A glossary Page 4 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of July 21, 2008 '!:J"""" ~ .. -." -< 4_ N......., ~,,,,,"'<'" County Engineer Monte Reinders, explained that he manages the roads budget which includes the capital component, maintenance, and unplanned emergency projects, Any project that Public Works is doing or is proposing needs to be listed in the TIP. He reviewed the budgetary section of the document The capital portion of the roads program relies on outside funding sources. Approximately $1 oflocal funding leverages about $3 from federal and state funding sources, The Secure Rural Schools Act is not being reauthorized this year, and approximately half of that $1.3 million has been used for the local match for capital projects over the past several years, Approximately one-fourth ofthe plan is devoted to non-motorized projects on the Larry Scott Trail and the Rick Tollefson Memorial TraiL Some programmatic sidewalk improvements are also included, They are currently applying for an RCO grant for around $350,000 to complete the Larry Scott Trail to Four Corners, There is still some right-of-way that needs to be acquired, Construction of one-half mile of the trail is scheduled for this falL There is a chart included in the plan that shows the budgetary problems that the road fund will have within the next 3-5 years, Without the Secure Rural Schools funding, they will go below their reserve goals, The reason this annual planning is done is to anticipate problems and make changes before it is too late, In order to apply for funding, a project must be in the TIP. In general, Public Work's ability to do capital projects and emergency projects is decreasing because of the loss oflocal matching funds, This means that most of the Public Works budget will be used for maintenance and this is an issue because several culverts are rusted out and it is very expensive to replace them. The Department will have to make adjustments to the program to maintain cash reserves. Currently the Department is focusing federal funds for transportation improvements on eligible routes in the Irondale/Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area. They are working with the State DOT to determine the top priorities for intersection improvements. There was a discussion about emergency repairs and rebuilding the Hoh River Road into the Olympic National Park and how much this costs the County. A solution may be to have the road become a state highway or part of the park. Monte Reinders encouraged the Board to lobby the State Legislators because the Hoh River Road is the second most visited entrance to the Olympic National Park and benefits the entire State. ' Central Services Director Allen Sartin added that costs are increasing for petroleum products for road maintenance and gasoline and this will also affect the Roads budget The contractors that work for the County will also be passing on the rising costs. The Board agreed that they appreciate the department's efforts on the non-motorized trails. Monte Reinders stated that they will be starting work on the Rick Tollefson Memorial Trail in Chimacum beginning in the falL Chairman Johnson opened the public testimony portion of the hearing. Page 5 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of July 21, 2008 !J'"'' {":,':',\ .. ...."...;.. '"",~"o:,' Joe D' Amico, Jefferson County, stated that he has listened to representatives from Public Health and Public Works who have come before the Board today and said that they don't have any money. Are the other departments going to be in the same situation? A portion of the gas tax is being used for some non- motorized trail projects, Some Legislators are talking about reducing the gas tax and not funding some of the programs. When the culvert on Old Gardiner Road failed in the 1997, it cost the County $200,000 in an out-of-court settlement- Culverts and road maintenance have to do with safety and trails are nice, but culverts are more important- He has been working on a 4-mile trail at Fort Discovery through the old railroad corridor. He has been looking at the possibility of a toll traiL The County may want to work with private landowners to see if they might be interested in some type of similar trail that doesn't cost the County money. Hearing no further comments for or against the Transportation Improvement Program, Chairman Johnson closed the public hearing, Commissioner Sullivan moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 53-08 adopting the Six- Year Transportation Improvement Program for 2009-2014, Commissioner Austin seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. HEARING re: Sale of Surplus County Equipment: Chairman Johnson opened the public hearing. Treasurer Judi Morris stated that this is the second and last surplus equipment sale for this year. The sale consists of vehicles, solid waste equipment and E-911 tower equipment Chairman Johnson opened the public testimony portion ofthe hearing, Hearing no comments for or against the sale of surplus County equipment, he closed the hearing. Commissioner Austin moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 54-08 the notice of intention to sell surplus County property, Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. Judi Morris also reported on the sealed bid surplus sale that took place earlier this month. There was one bidder for all 7 lots of equipment and the bid was $27 totaL The cost to publish the sale was over $200. Plus a minimum of $80 per month is spent to store the equipment while it is being collected for sale. She wants to meet with representatives from Central Services to come up with a plan with parameters to dispose of overly used, worthless items that no one wants. The Board met in EXECUTIVE SESSION from 11: 15 a.m. to 11 :50 a.m. with the Interim County Administrator and Central Services Director regarding personnel; an exemption as outlined in the Open Public Meetings Act RCW 42.30.110 (g) Hiring/Discipline/Performance. Page 6 Commissioners Meeting Minutes: Week of July 21, 2008 COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR BRIEFING: The following items were discussed: . Development of a draft Noise Ordinance . Motion to Direct Interim Countv Administrator and Civil Devuty Prosecuting Attornev to Draft a Letter to Fred Hill Materials Concerning Contract: Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney David Alvarez explained that the Board is discussing a proposed letter to Fred Hill Materials. Commissioner Sullivan moved to direct the Interim County Administrator, in consultation with Legal Counsel, to draft 60-day termination letters to Fred Hill Materials and GeoEngineers due to default of contract and repeated lack of payment by FHM and to direct the Department of Community Development and GeoEngineers to stop work immediately. Commissioner Austin seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. The Board recessed the meeting while the letter was drafted and reconvened at 4 p.m. to review it. . Motion to Direct Interim Countv Administrator to Sign a Letter to Fred Hill Materials Concerning Contract: The Chair reconvened the meeting. The Board reviewed the draft letter and discussed adding language about re-negotiating the contract. After a discussion about the wording, and the Commissioners input, the Interim County Administrator suggested the following language, "Feel free to contact us about negotiating a new contract after you have satisfied your financial obligations to the County." Commissioner Austin moved to direct Interim County Administrator Dennis Richards to sign and submit the letter as amended to Mr. Hill and GeoEngineers. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. The Interim County Administrator noted that the letter would be sent certified mail the next day. NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Austin moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:24 p.m. Commissioner Sullivan seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. MEETING ADJ.O~~ t, SEAL: ~;:;z7~.;\ r, .~.t '.... I, "-<-l , ~ \ ATTEST;,".. \..;' ;.:"";. I'; " '~!.l~,!I.', " , 41" ... ~ '''''... ~ J' ~ \ JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS " , \, t ( '~" Phil Johnson, Chair ~ ~.~/L~' David w.Scl"~~iMember ~a~~~j O~( Deputy Clerk of the Board ..,..~.,..,.". ~. ~ John ustin, Member Page 7