2019-07-29 Meeting with Eric EisenbergMeeting with Eric Eisenberg
July 29, 2019
4:09 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, DPA Eric Eisenberg
Guests: Various members of the public and press
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Eric Eisenberg said Craig Jasmer approached him during the Planning Commission regarding who he
could reach out to regarding moratorium related to stand-alone food and beverage facilities.
Eric said individuals have expressed concerns with:
• The lack of size limitations in the updated code
• The lack of an agritourism tie in the updated code
• Increased traffic
Eric said a moratorium could give the county an opportunity to research the implications that were not
considered when the county updated the code.
Eric said the Planning Commission could hold hearings at which the opposition group and Crystal Geyser
could testify.
Eric said the county could place a moratorium on the mineral extraction, too.
Eric said the county must keep its focus broad to that it is drawing a fair line for everybody. He
suggested the county encourage Crystal Geyer and its opponents to express their opinions on the
matter.
Commissioner Stamper discussed the need to protect resources.
Commissioner Fund discussed using a moratorium to further explore the changes created in Ordinance
1292.
Eric said the county would need:
• A draft ordinance
• A notice of hearing
• A draft legal notice
Eric said he drafted an ordinance in case the commissioners wanted to move forward with the
moratorium.
Commissioner Fund and Commissioner Stamper said they support the idea of placing a moratorium on
the Aug. 5 agenda then holding the hearing in subsequent weeks.
Commissioner Stamper made a motion to add the proposed moratorium to the Wednesday, July 31,
Directors’ Update agenda.
Commissioner Fund seconded.
Commissioner Jackson said he has concerns about the proposed moratorium. He said he is concerned
about the message the moratorium would send regarding economic development. He said he’s also
concerned about potential litigation and other unintended consequences. Commissioner Jackson asked
if the county can reach out to Crystal Geyser.
Eric said it’s likely Crystal Geyser will contact Lewis County once the news about the proposed
moratorium is made public.
Commissioner Fund said the broad-spectrum approach eased her mind.
Eric said it’s possible some businesses would see the moratorium in a negative light. However, he said,
the moratorium would give the county an opportunity to further explore the process.
Commissioner Stamper noted that Lewis County just committed $1.2 million in .09 funds for the
Benaroya project in Winlock and that the county is taking the lead on the Mickelsen Parkway project. He
said he feels that legitimate businesses will not be influenced by one irresponsible business interested in
locating in Lewis County.
Motion passed 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 4:54 p.m.