2019-08-26 Update with County ManagerUpdate with County Manager
August 26, 2019
11:07 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Fund, County Manager Erik Martin, Lara McRea, Josh
Metcalf, Commissioner Stamper (11:10 a.m.)
Guest: Dr. Lindsey Pollock
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Announcements
Josh Metcalf discussed proposed Initiative 976, which would limit motor vehicle license fees to $30 a
year, repeal or replace vehicle weight fees, etc., and could create $2.3 billion in lost revenue for county
governments across the state.
Budget
Erik Martin said Becky Butler’s Budget workshops – and the new Munis program – are going well.
Public Works
North Lewis County Industrial Access: Erik and Josh said the county is looking at a draft scope of work
and is working on an RFP for consultant services. Josh said the county has applied for a Build grant
application and a .09 grant application.
Vader Water Reservoir: Erik said the reservoir is up and running and near completion. The group
discussed holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Packwood Floodplain study: Erik said the Department of Commerce is still working on funding.
Maintenance – chip seal program for 2019: Josh said there have been issues getting the rock from the
contractor, Black Lake Resources. He said the county is withholding money on liquidated damages.
Calendars
Commissioner Fund said the Centralia City Council would discuss the proposed Stihl plant Aug. 27. Josh
noted that the county is required to uphold city standards in the UGA. Erik said the county can review
the existing interlocal with any possible resulting resolution.
Community Development
Skookumchuck Wind Energy: Erik noted that the crossing agreement approved earlier in the day likely
will clear the way for the final permits. He noted there may be some outstanding questions regarding
fire response. Erik said he plans to tour the site.
Planning Commission: Erik said the Planning Commission will discuss the UGA amendments and Title 17
during the Aug. 27 Planning Commission meeting.
Public Health and Social Services / Code Enforcement
Communicable disease: Erik said there is an active TB case.
PHSS Advisory Board: Erik said the group will be reviewing:
New members.
Possibly moving 1406 to local control.
A possible November hearing for the five-year plan.
Josh Metcalf left at 11:41 a.m.
Department of Commerce findings: Erik said the Department of Commerce has determined that the
Housing Resource Center was not a low-enough-barrier shelter.
Budget update: Erik said JP Anderson has been working on budgets. He said he would like to move JP
from his interim role to a permanent role as the Public Health and Social Services director.
911 / DEM
Budget progress:
911 Budget subcommittee: Erik said he and Steve Mansfield met with the group and discussed
the inclusion of ER&R costs, which pushed rates up roughly 10 percent. He said the CUC is
looking at changing the group’s rate structure.
DEM: Erik discussed the need for succession planning.
Strategic Planning
Erik asked for recommendations for the Strategic Planning citizen participants.
The group watched a King 5 video on the dam proposal.
The group discussed changing the day / time for the weekly County Manager update.
Meeting ended at 12:06 p.m.