HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026/06/09 - Regular r Board of Mason County Commissioners
Proceedings
Commission Chambers
411 N 5t' St, Shelton, WA 98584
June 9, 2026
1. Call to Order—The Chairperson called the regular meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance—Eric Onisko led the flag salute.
3. Roll Call—Present: Commissioner District 1 —Randy Neatherlin; Commissioner District 2—
Pat Tarzwell;Absent: Commissioner District 3—Sharon Trask.
4. Correspondence and Organizational Business
4.1 Correspondence
4.1.1 Letters regarding the Timberland Regional Library(TRL)Board of Trustees were received
from Barbara Byron,Victoria Loveland,Elizabeth Carp,Valerie Gerrits,a TRL patron,
Kylie McQuarrie,and Kyle Kimball.
4.1.2 Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board sent in a temporary discontinue extension
for Hazy Daze,Inc.
4.1.3 Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board sent in notice of special occasion license
application for Allyn Community Association and Kiwanis Club of Kristmas Town.
4.1.4 Steven Jonas submitted a Planning Advisory Commission(PAC)application.
4.1.5 Allison Smith sent in a follow-up request regarding Cedar Street Road Maintenance and
Hood Canal Terrace Responsibilities.
4.1.6 Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust sent in an Employer-Union Pension
Certificate.
4.1.7 Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board sent in local authority renewal notice.
4.2 McKenzie Smith read the Wake Board Advisory Committee Member Applications news
release.
5. Open Forum for Citizen Input
Mike Catz,pastor at Hood Canal Church,read Psalm 40 from the Bible and led the Commission
in prayer.
Jeff Carey commented that agencies asking for.09 funds need to verify that their request is part of
their comprehensive plan and should share what their contribution to the project is.Jeff added that
last year the County spent roughly$2 million more in expenses than it received in revenue and is
continuing to spend more than it is taking in.
Steven"Scott"Jonas,Victor Improvement Club(VIC)treasurer,provided a brief synopsis of the
VIC and addressed the sewer lift station operated by the County and is located on VIC property.
The VIC does not receive compensation for this.Scott asked for more time to negotiate the lease
renewal with the County.
6. Adoption of Agenda
Cmmr.Neatherlin/Tarzwell moved and seconded to adopt the agenda as published.Motion
carried.Neatherlin-aye;Tarzwell-aye;Trask-absent.
7. Approval of Minutes
Cmmr.Neatherlin/Tarzwell moved and seconded to adopt the June 1,2026,Briefing Minutes
with the fix of clerical errors.Motion carried.Neatherlin-aye;Tarzwell-aye;Trask-absent.
8. Approval of Action Agenda
8.1 Approval of Warrants and Treasurer Electronic Remittances
Claims Clearing Fund Warrant#8121279-8121517 $1,288,082.67
Direct Deposit Fund Warrant# 126306-126711 $ 984,923.65
Salary Clearing Fund Warrant#70089704-7009733 $ 631,481.88
8.2 Approval to set a Public Hearing for July 7,2026,at 9:15 a.m.to consider the rezone of 2.26
acres of parcel no.32030-14-90030 from Mixed Use(MU)to General Commercial(GC).
8.3 Approval to terminate the Consolidated Homeless Grant(CHG)contract with The Youth
Connection.(Contract No.25-032)
8.4 Approval for the Chair to execute the County Road Administration Board(CRAB)Rural
Arterial Program(RAP)contract amendment for Cloquallum Road Improvement Project from
milepost 6.60 to milepost 7.80.
8.5 Approval of the lease extension agreement with the Victor Improvement Club(VIC)through
December 8,2026,for the purpose of allowing additional time to negotiate either the purchase
of the property or revised lease terms for the sewer pump station site serving the North Bay
Water Reclamation Facility collection system. (Contract No.00-004)
8.6 Approval to set a Public Hearing for July 7,2026,at 9:15 a.m.to consider the eight(8)2025
Open Space applications as recommended by the Assessor's Office and Community
Development.
8.7 Approval of the letter of support Historic Preservation Grant for the Mason County Courthouse
and approval to authorize Facilities to work with Helix Design Group to research qualified
historic preservation contractors for exterior Courthouse restoration and assistance in
developing project information necessary to pursue Historic Preservation Grant funding.
8.8 Approval of the Homeland Security Region 3 Mutual Aid Omnibus agreement. (Contract No.
26-023)
8.9 Approval of the Resolution moving the Chief Public Defender from the Non-Represented
Salary Scale to the Elected Official Appointed Flat Rate Scale that will allow the approved
annual salary of$187,500. (Resolution No.2026-020)
8.10 Approval of the Resolution updating the Mason County Personnel Policy to include Chapter 2 Section
2.4—Minor in the Workplace. (Resolution No.2026-019)
8.11 Approval of the following Mason County Officers,Employee's and former Employee's,pursuant to
Mason County Ordinance 06-18, request for Defense&Indemnification coverage assigned by the
County as named additional defendants in the case of Brandon Rubio v Mason County, et al., case no.
C25-5716-TSZ-SKV, amended complaint served upon the county on May 26, 2026, via Prosecuting
Attorney's Office:Robert Decker,Dylan Helser, and Clayton Parson.
8.12 Approval of the Resolution establishing a temporary Wake Boat Advisory Committee.
(Resolution No.2026-021)
Cmmr.Neatherlin/Tarzwell moved and seconded to approve action items 8.1 through 8.12 with
the removal of 8.3 for separate discussion and vote.Motion carried.Neatherlin-aye;Tarzwell-
aye;Trask-absent.
Item 8.3
Melissa Casey requested to terminate the Consolidated Homeless Grant(CHG)contract with The
Youth Connection for fiscal year 2027 due to concerns around being unable to verify that the funds
are being spent according to the intent of the contract.
Susan Kirchoff,Executive Director of The Youth Connection(TYC),asked the Commissioners to
fully review the circumstances surrounding the recommendation to cancel its contract and stated that
June 9,2026 1 Page 2 of 6
clear explanation of the specific reasons for termination have not been received. TYC maintains that
the issues involve disagreements regarding contract interpretation,documentation requirements,cost
allocation methodology,and reimbursement eligibility—not fraud,misuse of funds,personal gain,or
intentional misconduct.Susan noted that TYC has partnered with the County since 2019 and has never
previously received a formal corrective action plan,contract default notice,or adverse audit findings.
Throughout the current contract period TYC worked to address County concerns by revising budgets,
invoices,policies,and procedures,participating in meetings,responding to monitoring reviews,and
requesting technical assistance. Susan emphasized that TYC continued serving clients using its own
operating funds while reimbursement issues remained unresolved and reports exceeding performance
goals in its housing and homelessness programs.Susan requested assistance in resolving outstanding
invoices and asked for consideration of a mutually agreed separation that would not negatively impact
its ability to continue serving youth and families in Mason County.
Mary Robillard,Board of Directors Chair for TYC,shared it is the Board's responsibility to govern
oversight,accountability,and ensure TYC fulfills its mission while responsibly managing resources.
Mary asked,on behalf of the Board,how TYC went from years of successful service delivery and
positive housing outcomes with no formal written corrective action plan to recommendation for
cancellation.The Board acknowledges the concerns identified through monitoring.TYC accepted the
findings,implemented corrective actions,revised policies and procedures,provided the requested
documentation,and repeatedly sought assistance to ensure compliance.TYC also requested assistance
from the Dept.of Commerce to resolve ongoing disputes regarding billing,reimbursement eligibility,
and cost allocation.Mary also asked for fairness,consistency,transparency,and a complete review of
the process before a decision is made.
Cmmr.Neatherlin asked if there was formal notification that the contract was being canceled and if
there are any concerns regarding timelines.Melissa answered they wanted Commissioner permission
and contract termination would need to be finalized before the end of the state fiscal year.
Cmmr.Tarzwell added that there have been ongoing issues with getting proper documentation on
expenses and the response was that it was not going to happen.
Cmmr.Neatherlin/Tarzwell moved and seconded to table the termination of the Consolidated
Homeless Grant(CHG)contract with The Youth Connection until Tuesday,June 23,2026.
Motion carried.Neatherlin-aye;Tarzwell-aye;Trask-absent.
9. Other Business(Department Heads and Elected Officials)
Steve Duenkel,Auditor,entered into record page two from the Finance Committee Meeting and
discussed compliance around the County's Reserve Policy.
10. 9:15 a.m.Public Hearings and Items Set for a Certain Time
Please see above options to provide public testimony. These options are available only while COVID-19 OPMA
meeting restrictions are in place.
10.1 Public Hearing to consider amendments to Mason County Code Section 17.05.034—Granting
of Variances Authorized(continued). Staff:Kell Rowen
Kell requested to cancel the hearing after further review between staff and the Chief Deputy
Prosecutor.There will not be a requirement of surveys for administrative variances.
Following discussion,no motion was made.The item died for lack of a motion and no
action was taken by the Board.
June 9,2026 1 Page 3 of 6
10.2 Public Hearing to consider adopting a Resolution confirming the Final Assessment Roll for
Shetland Road Improvement District(RID)No.2024-01 and certifying the assessment roll to
the Mason County Treasurer for collection,a Resolution accepting the improved portion of
Shetland Road into the Mason County road system,and an Ordinance establishing a 25 mile-
per-hour(MPH) speed limit on the Shetland Road segment within RID No.2024-01.Staff:
Mike Collins(Resolution No.2026-022 through 2026-025)
Mike shared construction of the improvements has been completed by County forces,and the
Treasurer secured a short-term external loan on behalf of the Road Improvement District. The
loan will be repaid using proceeds from property assessments within the district total project
cost is$184,860.92 financed through a loan with estimated interest,loan and service charge
fees,totaling$42,984.08 resulting in a total loan amount of$227,845.00.There are 92 parcels
within the district.Of these,41 parcels are exempt or excluded from the assessment.The
remaining 51 parcels will be assessed for improvements.The estimated cost per assessed
parcel is:$3,624.72 if paid in full within the 30-day grace period(no interest),or$4,467.55 if
paid over 5 years(including estimated 4%interest rate).
QUESTIONS
Terry Lauber asked when the thirty-day grace period would start.Brittany Pearson,Treasurer,
answered that notice must be published in the Shelton-Mason County Journal,the grace period
would begin after formal notification.
Jose Marquina asked if,after the initial payment,this will be assessed yearly?Commissioners
answered yes.
COMMENTS
Loretta Swanson,Public Works and Utilities and Waste Management Director,noted that this
process was completed in accordance with the proper RID statutes.The hearing today is to
take testimony from those who take exception to the assessment.
Alana Hess shared her written objections that were entered into record.Objections were based
on lack of benefit and lack of assessment proportionality.Alana asked that their property be
removed or exempted from the Shetland Road Final Assessment Roll.
Cmmr.Neatherlin asked where Alana Hess's parcel is located.Tina"Lovejoy"Schaefer
provided the location.
Cmmr.Neatherlin/Tarzwell moved and seconded to adopt the Resolution confirming the
Final Assessment Roll for Shetland Road Improvement District(RID)No.2024-01 and
certifying the assessment roll to the Mason County Treasurer for collection,the
Resolution accepting the improved portion of Shetland Road into the Mason County
road system,and the Ordinance establishing a 25 mile-per-hour(MPH)speed limit on
the Shetland Road segment within RID No.2024-01.Motion carried.Neatherlin-aye;
Tarzwell-aye;Trask-absent.
Cmmr.Neatherlin reiterated the cost of$3,624.72 if paid in full within the 30-day grace period
(no interest),or$4,467.55 if paid over 5 years.There is a true value to this improvement and
having a County-maintained road.
10.3 Public Hearing to consider amendments to Mason County Code Section 14.22.200—Special
Flood Risk Zone—Floodplain of the Skokomish River. Staff:Kell Rowen(Resolution No.
June 9,2026 1 Page 4 of 6
2026-026)
Kell shared this is for the removal of County-imposed floodway for the Skokomish River,
Vance Creek,and tributaries.In 2019 County adopted new floodway maps as amended by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA).At that time,it was considered to remove
the County-imposed floodway,but due to strict timelines to adopt new floodplain Ordinance
and maps there was not enough time to consider the impact.
Dave Craig shared the difficulties developing in this area and appreciated the amendments.
Tana Morehead,Public Affairs Specialist with the United States Small Business
Administration(SBA),shared that SBA works with FEMA on natural disasters and provided
information on disaster loans.
Cmmr.Neatherlin/Tarzwell moved and seconded to adopt the Ordinance amending
Mason County Code Chapter 14.22.200—Special flood risk zone—Floodplain of the
Skokomish River.Motion carried.Neatherlin-aye;Tarzwell-aye;Trask-absent.
10.4 Public Hearing to consider amendments to Mason County Code Title 17 related to densities in
the Allyn and Belfair Urban Growth Areas(UGAs). Staff:Kell Rowen(Resolution No.2026-
027)
Kell shared each zoning district currently requires a minimum density of 10 dwelling units per
acre,while also allowing detached residential development.Landowners in both UGAs have
expressed difficulty in reaching a 10 unit per acre minimum for detached units,and difficulty
for multi-family units due to the lack of market demand.Staff proposes reducing the minimum
density requirement to five(5)dwelling units to establish a more achievable baseline density
while still supporting a range of housing types responsive to market demand.PAC and staff
recommend approval.
QUESTION
Ken VanBuskirk asked if any written comments were received from landowners.Kell
answered no.
TESTIMONY
Jeff Carey,Planning Advisory Commission(PAC)Chair,shared the 10-foot setback was
originally created due to the potential of apartments being developed.If apartments are built,
the 10' setback should be allowed.In Allyn,individuals tend to use their driveway for parking.
This should be considered for Belfair as well.
Ken VanBuskirk supports the reduction in zoning intensity and shared a brief history.Ken
suggested the purpose statement for the Belfair UGA be written since the nodes no longer
apply.
Cmmr.Neatherlin asked how the County would go back to the 10-unit density.Kell answered
that Marissa Watson is working on the Resource Ordinance and Development Regulations
updates and will be addressing those issues.
Cmmr.Neatherlin/Tarzwell moved and seconded to adopt the Ordinance amending
Mason County Code Chapter 17.22—Residential zoning districts in the Allyn and Belfair
Urban Growth Areas(UGAs).Motion carried.Neatherlin-aye;Tarzwell-aye;Trask-
June 9,2026 1 Page 5 of 6
absent.
11. Board's Calendar and Reports—The Commissioners reported on meetings attended the past
week and announced their upcoming weekly meetings.
12. Adjournment—The meeting adjourned at 11:10 a.m.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ATTEST: MASON COUNTY,WASHINGTON
McKenzie Sm 'h,C rk of the Board Pat Tarzwell, Chair
1
Ran Nea er ,Vice-Chair
Sharon Trask, Commissioner
June 9,2026 1 Page 6 of 6