PORT TOWNSEND — Even those who have at times been in adversarial roles with Al Scalf when it comes to Jefferson County planning and land-use issues came forward to sing his praises Monday.

Scalf, 62, Jefferson County Department of Community Development director, retires Wednesday after 26 years with the county, the past 16 as its top planning officer.

Before a party in his honor planned at the Chimacum Grange hall Monday afternoon, county commissioners Monday morning read for the record a glowing certificate of appreciation after hearing the likes of Jim Tracy, Fred Hill Materials land-use attorney for the proposed Thorndyke pit-to-pier project, laud Scalf’s efforts.

“Honestly, he and I fight all the time about policy issues,” said Tracy, who has represented the proposed Thorndyke project to mine and run gravel on conveyor belts to a barge-loading pier on Hood Canal.

It is a highly contentious issue, with some Shine-area neighbors, including the Hood Canal Coalition, opposing it.

But Tracy quickly added that he never questioned Scalf’s dedication to public service.

Also speaking out for Scalf were others who routinely comment before the county commissioners, Port Towndsend-area residents James Fritz and George Yount.

“I really appreciate the efforts of Al Scalf over the years,” Yount said.

Landmark plans

“Although we disagreed at times . . . you can’t ask for a more dedicated public servant than Al Scalf.”

Joe D’Amico, who for years has fought the county in court over establishing a Fort Discovery shooting range for military and police training at Security Services Northwest’s headquarters on the shores of west Discovery Bay, acknowledged that Scalf listened, and said he was always fair with him.

County Commission Chairman John Austin read the certificate of appreciation that commended Scalf for “your skill, dedication and heart in serving the citizens of Chimacum” and all of Jefferson County.

They complimented him for shepherding the county’s landmark 1998 comprehensive plan, as well as the first state Growth Management Act comprehensive plan and subsequent updates, which set a 20-year vision for the county.

“As a lifelong resident, you have exemplified deep care and respect for the community and people we serve,” the certification of appreciation states.

“As a facilitator, you have brought people together to voice their varied aspirations and helped them bridge their divide to a common ground.”

Scalf was praised for helping property owners “accomplish their dreams while protecting public safety, the environment and the commons we all share.”

County Administrator Phillip Morley told the commissioners he wished Scalf could stay longer.

County Commissioner Phil Johnson said he would miss Scalf’s institutional memory, saying Scalf had vast recall of specific dates and county history.

Thirty applicants

Morley said more than 30 applications for Scalf’s position, from both in and out of state, were received prior to the Nov. 21 deadline.

“We are just starting the process of reviewing them,” Morley said after the presentation.

The best candidates would be interviewed later, he said.

“This is an important position for the community, so we want to make it a good and thorough process,” he said.

Beth Hill — who succeeds another longtime county employee, board of county commissioners Clerk Lorna Delaney, as clerk of the board and county human resources director — has been put in charge of handling that process, Morley said.

No deadline has been set to fill the position, which offers a pay range between $67,564 and $90,801.

Scalf now earns the maximum amount.

“I remain idealistic that this county will continue the participatory democracy that has fashioned our experiences over these past years and for years to come,” Scalf said in a letter submitted in September to Morley, giving two months’ notice of his retirement.

Scalf was born and raised in Chimacum and began working for the Jefferson County Department of Public Works in 1985.

He began as DCD director in 1995 and received orientation from Michelle Farfan, now an associate planner.

Longest-serving in state

Scalf said he was the longest serving land-use chief in the state.

He attributed his longevity to the fact he was local and understood the issues specific to Jefferson County.

Scalf, a Chimacum native, said his retirement plans are not yet certain, but he plans to remain in the area.

As DCD director, Scalf has been placed in the middle of contentious issues, between state laws and unfunded mandates on one side and property rights advocates on the other.

He said he feels he has succeeded because he listens to all parties and attempts to compromise, whether they are contractors seeking to build large structures or “grandmas and grandpas looking to get the most out of their property.”

Scalf said he began working for Jefferson County during “the golden years” when the region’s livelihood came from logging, fishing and farming, and people had a good rapport with local government.

That has changed with an increase in population and a change in economic circumstances.

Times have been especially tough since 2008 when the recession started, Scalf said.

County budget cuts in the past two year forced his department to reduce staff and cut hours of service as revenue from building permits and other fees dwindled during the recession.

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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-681-2391 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.