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2019-07-15 Update with County ManagerUpdate with County Manager July 15, 2019 11:06 a.m. Present: Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Stamper, County Manager Erik Martin, Becky Butler, Lara McRea Guest: Alex Brown, Dr. Lindsey Pollock Recorder: Rieva Lester Budget Erik Martin said the budget amendment hearing is scheduled for July 29. He said the board will meet to discuss the budget July 16. Central Services/CFP update Packwood State Parks Land: Erik said he’ll ask the PA’s Office whether it has reviewed the draft agreement. Commissioner Stamper said involving the community in the process is an option. The group discussed looking into working on MOUs with the various groups interested in the property. Project update: Erik gave the following updates: • Central Services is looking for audio-video solutions for the hearing room. • The Star Complex revamp is nearly complete. • Juvenile is looking to offload its former mobile unit. • The Judging Pavilion at the fair was repaved over the weekend. • Work to replace the Toledo Senior Center’s flooring may top $19,000. Boistfort cemetery: Erik said there is a cemetery that dates to the 1870s that is located on a blueberry farm’s hill. He said Steve Walton is working with the property owner about how to proceed regarding the cemetery. Community Development update Skookumchuck Wind Farm: Erik said he spoke to Sean Bell and the RES Americas CEO the previous week. He said the county has issued grading permits. He said the county has more than 100 building plans to review before issuing permits. He said RES still needs signed agreements with fire services. Erik said RES has specific building deadlines in August it must meet. Erik said John Kliem will work with RES to move forward on the agreements. Public Works update Fleet vehicles: Erik said the Sheriff’s Office asked for an additional $80,000 transport vehicle. Erik said the Sheriff will bring the request to the commissioners instead of having Fleet include the request in Fleet rates. Erik said the Sheriff’s Office also will request five new patrol units. He noted that the Sheriff’s Office may switch back to Explorers instead of Chargers. Airports: Erik said the airport manager vacancy will be posted soon. He said he will reach out to the state about possibly considering Toledo as an option for the proposed regional airport. Vader tank: Erik said the new tank is complete and in operation. Water utilities: Erik said DPA Amber Caulfield is reviewing District 5’s records. Commissioner Stamper said he feels it is time to ask Water-Sewer District 5 whether it wants to move forward with handing the water-sewer district’s reins to the county. Becky Butler left at 11:32 a.m. Erik said the county is still awaiting financial data from Water-Sewer District 5. The commissioners directed Erik to work with Water-Sewer District 5 to determine whether the district will hand the reins to the county. If the county were to take over Water-Sewer District 5, Erik said, the county would then reach out to Water-Sewer District 2 to get an MOU in place so the moratorium could be lifted. Erik said Betsy Dillin and Josh Metcalf have toured Thurston County’s Lewis County-based utilities. He said he will meet with Thurston County to further discuss the possibility of Lewis County taking over ownership. NLCIA: Erik said NLCIA plans to submit a .09 application. He discussed state funding available. Construction projects: Erik gave the following updates: • North Fork is 50 percent complete. • County is asking the contractor to speed up the Borst Avenue project. • Safety project will be complete soon. • Logan Hill work will start soon. IT update: Erik said the upcoming budget amendment includes a server purchase. Personnel: Erik said he would like to hire a casual employee to help fill in as Rachel Hunt prepares to leave. He said he also is considering using lodging tax funds to cover a portion of Rachel’s replacement and have that person take over Becky’s lodging tax duties. Erik said the position likely will be separate from the part-time position in Risk. Calendars / vacation schedule: Erik discussed his vacation and conference plans. The commissioners discussed Wayne Whiton’s contributions to Lewis County. The commissioners discussed their thoughts about Crystal Geyser’s plans to build a plant in Lewis County. Commissioner Stamper said that as a private citizen, he is sending his concerns regarding Crystal Geyser to the Department of Ecology. Meeting adjourned at 12:01 p.m.