2019-06-18 PA updatePA’s Update
June 18, 2019
2:03 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Stamper (by phone), Commissioner Fund, County
Manager Erik Martin, Becky Butler, Janelle Kambich, Bill Teitzel, Lee Napier, Eric Eisenberg, Amber
Caulfield, Wayne Whiton, Sara Wibowo
Guests: Various members of the public and press
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Commissioner Jackson introduced himself and told the audience that the meeting would not include a
public comment period and welcomed the group to return Monday, June 24, if they’d like to give public
comment.
Erik Martin read a letter he had received from Page Beykpour of Crystal Geyser.
Eric Eisenberg discussed a lawsuit regarding Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT). He said the class-action
lawsuit is nearly complete.
Amber Caulfield said she is working on a proposed change to county code regarding the sale of surplus
property.
Amber said opioid litigation is moving forward. She said negotiations will require supermajority work.
Eric said Riverside Fire Authority (RFA) used to access private property to respond to illegal fires during
burn bans. He said RFA has now indicated it will respond but will not access the property unless the
owner grants them permission – through he said RFA indicated it will access the property in emergency
situations.
Bill Teitzel and Lee Napier discussed their concerns with the change. Lee said other fire districts are
following RFA’s lead. Lee said 911 Interim Manager is working with the fire chiefs on standardized
approach.
Erik Martin suggested inviting RFA to come in to discuss its stance.
Bill clarified that the fire departments respond to the fires while law enforcement and code
enforcement handle the legal side of it.
Commissioner Jackson said the commissioners have fielded several calls about possible fireworks ban
for county code. He, Commissioner Fund and Commissioner Stamper said the commissioners want to
look at what other counties have in place. Eric said his department will look into it.
Amber said she and Josh Metcalf attended the most recent meeting of Water-Sewer District 5. She said
they are reviewing the documents.
Bill Teitzel discussed nuisance violations for which multiple civil infractions are given. He said he’d like to
review possible changes. He noted that oftentimes those individuals ignore the citations, skip the court
dates and fail to pay the fines. Eric said he’d have Cullen attend the code enforcement updates.
At 2:36 p.m., Commissioner Jackson announced that the Board was going into Executive Session under
RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for 10 minutes to discuss pending or potential Cortland / Hupy / Green litigation.
Executive Session ended at 2:46 p.m. Commissioner Jackson announced that no decisions had been
made.
Commissioner Fund made a motion to pay $174.66 to Joseph Thomas for the transcripts case.
Commissioner Stamper seconded.
Motion passed 3-0.
Eric discussed staffing.
Meeting adjourned at 2:54 p.m.