HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/02/13 - Briefing BOARD OF MASON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS'BRIEFING MINUTES
Mason County Commission Chambers,411 North 5th Street,Shelton,WA
Week of February 13,2017
Monday,February 13,2017
9:00 A.M. Support Services—Frank Pinter
Commissioners Shutty,Neatherlin and Jeffreys,via telephone were in attendance.
• Diane is gathering information for the Oath of Inventory for equipment and will place on
the February 28 Action Agenda. This will tie into the Capital Asset Inventory.
• Community Block Grant prioritized activities. Mason County partners with Lewis
County in coordination with the Lewis,Mason,Thurston Community Action Council
(CAC)to provide services through a Public Services-Community/Block Grant. Staff is
seeking input from the Commissioners on what allowable activities to include in this
year's application. Funding available is$99,289. The Commissioners are good with
continuing with what has been done unless Lewis County identifies other services. Staff
will be meeting with representatives to discuss the scope of the 2017 activities.
• Staff is recommending the County enter into a contract for Capital Asset Inventory with
AssetWorks. Jenifer stated the State Auditor has recommended the Commissioners move
forward with adopting the Oath of Inventory for equipment by the March 1 deadline and
after the asset inventory is complete,make any necessary amendments. Cmmr.
Neatherlin requested the SAO email that states this.
• Review of the Scope of Work for Economic Development Council contract.A draft
contract will be brought forward.
• Frank provided an update on Johns Prairie Shop/Manke Property.There is a pit that has a
variety of stuff(stumps,old guard rails,etc.)in it that has been in existence for some
time. Manke will still allow access to the salt/sand storage. Frank will bring back
additional information.
• Cost analysis of Little League World Series event @ MCRA. The estimated cost,if field
fees are waived,is$38,012. Staff needs to research if the field fees can be waived. Deb
recommended that if this moves forward,the contractor be responsible for porta potty
rental and septic pumping. Frank stated the City of Shelton does not intend to provide
any funding. Staff will bring this back with additional information.
• Jail contract with City of Shelton. The City has signed the contract although Deb is
recommending some minor language changes. After discussion,it was agreed to move
forward the contract as signed by the City;Chief Hanson will have Sheriff Salisbury sign
and return the original contract to Commissioners' office. The contract will be placed on
the February 21 agenda for Commissioner approval.
• Discussion of the status of Public Defenders Administration&Staff. The
Commissioners are good with filling the Administrator position and requested the job
description. Superior Court Judge Sheldon supports hiring an Administrator and
recommended the County continue with the existing contract attorneys for the Superior
Court. Staff did draft a request for qualifications for contract attorneys. The existing
contracts expire the end of March 2017. Deb Dunithan suggested the contracts be
rewritten or at least amend the existing contracts. The Board asked staff to review the
contracts with Tim Whitehead and brief this item again.
• MCRA/Sandhill Concession Request for Proposals will be placed on the agenda.
• HMPG grant funded mitigation plan update—contract with Bridgeview Consulting will
be placed on the agenda.
• Jenifer explained the County is out of compliance with many State&federal
requirements,assurances and obligations. She will bring this to the Audit Committee and
will come back with recommendations.
• Topics for the Commissioner Retreat scheduled on February 22: Cmmr.Jeffreys
priorities are to complete the Comp Plan update;streamline the Development Regulations
so it lists uses not allowed;use the Capital Facilities Plan in the budget process;jail
population and uses of jail.
Board of Mason County Commissioners'Briefing Meeting Minutes
February 13,2017
Cmmr. Shutty's topics from Congressmen Kilmer and Heck are to identify funding
sources,potential infrastructure packages;opioid addiction funding;perspectives on what
the new administration's stance will be n recreational marijuana.
Cmmr.Neatherlin would like to hear about any utility loan refinancing opportunities and
any economic development opportunities.
10:30 A.M. Hood Canal Communications—Mike Oblizalo
Commissioners Shutty,Neatherlin and Jeffreys,via telephone were in attendance.
• Mike Oblizalo,Hood Canal Communications,requested a letter of support for a USDA
grant to expand broad band service at Lake Cushman area. They have several letters of
support from the Lake Cushman residents.
10:45 A.M. BREAK
11:00 A.M. Community Services—Dave Windom
Commissioners Shutty,Neatherlin and Jeffreys,via telephone were in attendance.
• Dave will be holding interviews on Friday,Feb 24,Planning Manager and Cmmr.
Neatherlin will participate.
• Dave is watching HB 1918 and 1885 regarding the Hirst decision.
• Permitting of storage containers. Dave will run this topic through the Planning Advisory
Commission,with the possibility of not having a permit requirement. No occupancy
allowed,for dry storage only. Concern with the number allowed and Dave will draft a
regulation.
• Next staff retreat is scheduled on April 20.
Commissioner Discussion—no discussion.
The Commissioners recessed at 11:10 a.m.
BREAK—NOON
2:00 P.M. Public Works—Jerry Hauth/Melissa McFadden
Utilities&Waste Management
Commissioners Neatherlin and Shutty were in attendance. Commissioner Jeffreys was
absent.
• Eels Hill Transfer Station will be closed Monday,February 27 to allow the installation of
a new grizzly crane.
• Jerry brought up having a Public Works Facebook page. Diane noted that staff is
bringing forward the concept of having one FB page that all departments can post to.
2:30 P.M. Public Works—Belfair Stormwater—Loretta Swanson
Commissioners Neatherlin and Shutty were in attendance. Commissioner Jeffreys was
absent.
• Joy Michaud,project manager for Herrera,reviewed project goals,analysis and results
for stormwater management options for the Belfair vicinity. Staff will obtain comment
from the public and bring forward a draft plan for Commissioners' consideration.
Commissioner Discussion
Cmmr.Neatherlin brought up a property in the north end that could be used for a skate
park.
The briefing adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday,February 14,2017
10:30 A.M. Planning Advisory Commission Interviews
Board of Mason County Commissioners'Briefing Meeting Minutes
February 13,2017
Commissioners Shutty,Neatherlin and Jeffreys interviewed the following four candidates
for the Planning Advisory Commission: Sylvia Florez-Milsom,Allan Borden,Joe Nolze
and Bill Kysor.
Commissioner Discussion—as needed
Wednesday,February 15,2017
9:00 A.M. 2018 Budget&Revenue Proposals Workshop—Frank Pinter/Jenifer Sliva
Commissioners Shutty,Jeffreys and Neatherlin were in attendance.
• Frank Pinter provided budget information in preparation for the 2018 budget process.
The ability to increase property taxes is limited by the 101%state mandated levy
limitation and there is not enough funding to maintain county government as it exists
today. The solution is to increase revenues,decrease expenditures,and/or reduce
services. Revenue options were reviewed including various property tax levy increase
options,and sales tax increase options including the Public Safety Sales Tax(RCW
82.14.450). Departmental fees need to also be reviewed.Frank then reviewed options to
reduce costs.
Cmmr.Neatherlin would like to look at the Public Safety Sales Tax,the false alarm
policy and look at eligibility for medical benefits for part-time employees.
Cmmr.Jeffreys stated if we are going to look at increasing revenues,we need to also look
at reducing costs. She pointed out it is important to know the detail on the cost of doing
business which increases at least 2%a year.
Cmmr.Neatherlin brought up an option to charge separate tax rates only when real
property is sold. Lisa Frazier commented that the state constitution protects equal
taxation so that would need to be changed by legislature or an initiative of the people.
Cmmr.Neatherlin brought up the tax on open space/timber property;Cmmr.Jeffreys
noted a Public Benefit Rating System could be implemented. Melody Peterson,
Assessor,stated her office is reviewing Open Space properties to make sure they qualify,
especially farm&agriculture.
There was a brief discussion of false alarm calls and the impact to Sheriff s staff.
Frank was directed to contact City of Shelton regarding the Public Safety Sales Tax
The Commissioners took a 5 minute break.
Frank presented final 2016 financial statements. Actual revenues for Current Expense
Departments,excluding Treasurer,were$1 M less than budgeted. Cmmr.Jeffreys
requested detail on recorded documents.
Frank then reviewed current status of 2017 budget. Staff will work on a cash flow to see
if Current Expense will need an interfund loan(from Road Fund). Discussion of$1.2M
payback from Belfair Sewer. Commissioners need to also consider increasing the
Current Expense reserve due to cash flow problems. Need to review 2017 budget
compared to 2016 budget and determine what new programs were funded.
Adjourn at 11:22 a.m.
2:00 P.M. WA Association of Counties(WSAC)/National Association of Counties(NACO)
Commissioners Shutty,Jeffreys and Neatherlin were in attendance.
Eric Johnson,WSAC and Skagit County Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt shared
information regarding the services provided by NACO and encouraged Mason County to
join the association. Many counties pay the NACO annual dues($1100)from the Road
Fund because the SRS funding goes to the Road Fund. There was a discussion of the
Timber dues,which are$3,000.
The Commissioners took a 5 minute recess.
Board of Mason County Commissioners' Briefing Meeting Minutes
February 13,2017
3:00 P.M. Planning Advisory Commission Interview
Commissioners Shutty,Jeffreys and Neatherlin interviewed an applicant for the Planning
Advisory Commission.
The Commissioners asked that an agenda item be placed on the February 21 Commission
Agenda to select a PAC member.
Commissioner Discussion
Commissioners Shutty,Jeffreys and Neatherlin were in attendance.
• Brief discussion of building permit process,regulations and Belfair UGA.
• NACO and WSAC Timber Dues. Commissioners are in favor of paying the NACO dues
from the Road Fund however Cmmr.Neatherlin would Like to hold off for now.
• Discussion of Road Fund cash balance.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Zoren,Administrative Services Manager
BOARD OF MASON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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Kevin Shutty , Terri Je R dy Neathe
Chair Commissioner ommissioner