EYE ON JEFFERSON: Commissioners to discuss fund for affordable housing

Jefferson County commissioners will consider setting a public hearing on a proposal to establish a Home Opportunity Fund funded by a property tax levy when they meet at 9 a.m. Monday.

The meeting will be in commissioners’ chambers at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson St., Port Townsend.

The public hearing would be at 6 p.m. July 24 in the Superior Court courtroom to take public testimony on establishing a fund to create or preserve affordable housing for low-and very low-income households.

The Home Opportunity Fund would be funded by a property tax of about 36 cents per $1,000 assessed property value imposed for seven years beginning in 2018,if approved by voters in November. A home valued at $250,000 would pay $90 more in taxes.

It would generate between $13 million and $13.9 million during those sever years

Commissioners also will conduct a public hearing at 10:30 a.m. on a renewal of Mason County’s non-exclusive franchise for an electric power system in southern Jefferson County.

During the 1:30 p.m. briefing, commissioners will consider accepting a donation of a playground accessible to children with disabilities to HJ Carroll Park. The donation, valued at $200,000, is from Jefferson Universal Movement Playground which also will provide $10,000 for maintenance.

Also during the briefing, commissioners will hear an update on the Climate Action Committee and a briefing on 5210 Jefferson.

Items on the consent agenda include:

• Sale of a tax title property.

• Agreement to use state Evidence Based Expansion funding, $77,208, for juvenile court.

• A $19,300 contract for a Washington State Aggression Replacement Training consultant.

• A $51,046 professional services agreement with Discovery Behavioral Health of inmate services.

• Extended time on site hazard assessment contract with state Department of Ecology.

• A memorandum of understanding with Chimacum School District to provide $4,000 for school nursing services as it transitions into hiring its own nurse for the 2017-18 school year.

• Professional services agreement with Aspect Consulting LLC for groundwater quality reports on the closed landfill and septage lagoon.

• Host for Oak Bay Campground.

Parks and Recreation

The Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will host a special meeting at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

The meeting will be held in the first-floor conference room of the county courthouse.

On the docket will be a proposal for smoke-/vape-free parks, capital improvement planning, Chimacum Park planning, dogs-on-leash compliance and several reviews and reports.

Port Townsend City Council

The Port Townsend City Council will consider interim land use regulations in the area of Sixth and 10th streets and Howard Street and Discovery Bay when it meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday.

The special meeting will be in council chambers at historic City Hall, 540 Water St.

The council also will consider amending a contract with SAFEBuilt Washington LLC for plan review and inspection services, and adopting a policy for administration of federal grants.

Other city committee meetings, which are in conference rooms at City Hall, 250 Madison St., unless otherwise noted are:

• Historic Preservation Committee — 3 p.m. Tuesday, first-floor conference room.

• Lodging Tax Advisory Committee — 3 p.m. Tuesday, third-floor conference room.

• Port Townsend Planning Commission — 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, council chambers, 540 Water St. Discussion of Howard Street-Sims Way corridor plan.

Port of Port Townsend

Port of Port Townsend commissioners will conduct a public workshop on a mid-year update and consider a draft operating and capital budget development schedule when they meet Wednesday.

The workshop will be at 9:30 a.m., while the regular meeting will be at 1 p.m.. Commissioners will meet in chambers, 333 Benedict St.

During the morning workshop, they will discuss the status of capital projects, business initiatives and organizational goals.

In the afternoon, they also will consider a professional services agreement for Point Hudson, a contract award for workyard resurfacing and hear a stormwater update.

Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee

The Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee will meet with Clallam and Island MRCs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

The joint meeting will be in the Marine Room on Hudson Street (next to the Shanghai Restaurant) at Point Hudson.

An agenda was not available by Saturday.

Jefferson County Solid Waste Advisory Committee

The Jefferson County Solid Waste Advisory Committee will discuss identification and discussion of solid waste managements issues or projects of common interest and potential collaboration at 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

The special meeting will be at the Gardiner Community Center, 980 Old Gardiner Road, Sequim.

This meeting is in place of the July 27 gathering, which has been canceled.

More in News

Dan Willis of Port Townsend, a docent at the Point Wilson Lighthouse at Fort Worden State Park, conducts a tour for interested visitors on Thursday. The lighthouse was built in 1878 when Congress approved $8,000 for the light and foghorns. Although the facility is still an active U.S. Coast Guard station, the equipment is monitored and operated remotely and no keepers are present. Regular tours on Saturdays and Sundays will resume in May. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Lighthouse tour

Dan Willis of Port Townsend, a docent at the Point Wilson Lighthouse… Continue reading

EMT Teresa DeRousie, center, was recognized for her long service to Clallam County Fire District 2. Presenting the award were Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Denton, left, and Chief Jake Patterson. (Clallam County Fire District 2)
Clallam 2 Fire Rescue hosts awards banquet

Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue recognized career and volunteer members during… Continue reading

Construction set to begin on new marine life center in Port Angeles

Groundbreaking event scheduled for April 8 at Pebble Beach Park

A seal pops its head out of the water as a dory rower propels his craft in the calm waters of the Salish Sea. Whidbey Island is in the distance. Today’s high temperature is forecast to be in the low 50s with partly cloudy skies. Rain is set to return this weekend. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Rowing on the Strait

A seal pops its head out of the water as a dory… Continue reading

Fire protection may impact insurance rates

New protection class considers nuanced data

The view looking south from Hurricane Ridge, where variable winter weather has limited snow coverage and contributed to pauses in snow sports operations in recent weeks. (Washington’s National Park Fund)
Lack of snow has impact at Hurricane Ridge

Water equivalent well below average for February

Port Angeles secures grant to aid in salmon recovery

State Department of Commerce to provide city with $109,000

Tickets still available for United Way of Clallam County fundraiser

Pajamas are encouraged, teddy bears are optional and comfort… Continue reading

Interviews set for hospital board

At least seven candidates up for commissioner seat

Port Angeles asks for fee to cover lodging tax contracts

Resolution sent to committee for administrative costs

Climate action group is guiding reduction goals

Reduced emmissions require reduced transportation footprint