Loading...
2019-07-22 County Manager UpdateCounty Manager Update July 22, 2019 11:27 a.m. Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, County Manager Erik Martin, Lara McRea, Becky Butler Guest: Dr. Lindsey Pollock Recorder: Rieva Lester Budget Erik said a budget meeting is planned for later in the day. Public Works update Water utilities: Erik said he will meet with Thurston PUD on July 25 to discuss the proposed acquisition of the Thurston County systems. He said Thurston County has grant funding it would accept for a system in Morton. Erik said he feels the county should move forward regarding the proposed takeover of Water-Sewer District 5. He said Amber Caulfield is drafting a summary of what the county has found. He noted the district has no business license, no attorney, no lawyer and has not paid its taxes. He said the district also has numerous outstanding debts. Erik said there may be mechanisms to allow the district to pay its pre-existing debts. Commissioner Fund said a Kirkland Road resident has concerns about tansy on county property near the Napavine McDonald’s. Erik suggested reaching out to Bill Wamsley for a recap of what the county is doing. Community Development update Erik said he needs to discuss contribution levels for casual employees related to PEBB coverage. He said the bulk of the casual employees are in Roads. Erik said the county may need to renegotiate with PEBB regarding language related to casuals who are eligible to receive benefits. Risk update Erik said he and Commissioner Stamper attended the recent Risk Pool and that rates are likely to increase roughly 12 percent. IT update Commissioner Stamper voiced concerns regarding the audio / video recordings in the hearing room. Erik said Facilities is trying to solve the problem. Commissioner Stamper said he also would like the seating reconfigured so county officials’ backs are not toward the public. Community Development update Erik discussed a constituent’s suggestion that the county create a special burn permit for entities that meet certain requirements. He noted that it would require additional staffing. Erik noted that the particular requester’s burn is regulated by the DNR, not the county. Commissioner Stamper said a group opposing Crystal Geyser plans to attend the following day’s Planning Commission meeting. Erik said Lee Napier will introduce the group’s proposal to the Planning Commission on July 23 and that the Planning Commission could then add it to a future agenda. Erik noted that the Planning Commission is working on the UGA, so it likely wouldn’t have resources available to devote to the group’s request for a couple of months. Erik outlined the process by which Crystal Geyser could apply for a permit. Erik said Lee is looking into the timeline of Ordinance 1392. Personnel LTAC funding for administrative support: The commissioners said they support the idea of possibly using lodging tax funding for administrative support. 911 / DEM Erik said he met with TCOMM earlier in the day. Erik noted he has a soft agreement between the county, RFA, Chehalis and Centralia regarding the cost of a feasibility study. Erik said he will solicit for letters of support. Erik said the study likely would outline whether the various Lewis County user groups entities could sustain payment coverage. Meeting ended at 12:23 p.m.