2019-09-17 PA UpdatePA Update
September 17, 2019
2:01 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, County Manager Erik
Martin, Eric Eisenberg, Cullen Gatten, Jonathan Meyer, Janelle Kambich, Sara Wibowo, Josh Metcalf
(around 2:02 p.m.), Amber Caulfield (2:10 p.m.), Becky Butler (2:20 p.m.)
Guest: Dr. Lindsey Pollock
Recorder: Rieva Lester
At 2:01 p.m., Commissioner Jackson announced that the Board was going into Executive Session under
RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for 7 minutes to discuss pending and/or potential litigation.
Executive Session ended at 2:08 p.m. Commissioner Jackson noted that no decisions had been made.
Josh Metcalf joined during executive session (around 2:02 p.m.).
Amber Caulfield joined at 2:10 p.m.
Commissioner Jackson asked what the county can do to mediate its joint-employer contract regarding
the WSU Extension employees, especially if the county moves to a full-time WSU director.
Cullen Gatten said he would further review the topic with Commissioner Jackson.
Jonathan Meyer said the PA’s office is nearing full staffing. He said he has three new employees joining
on Oct. 1.
Jonathan said Lewis County’s salaries are in the bottom five of 17 recent job postings.
Jonathan expressed frustration with the budget process, noting that the PA’s office has $120,000 in
“discretionary” funding out of its $3.2 million budget.
Becky Butler joined at 2:20 p.m.
Jonathan said he spoke to the Auditor’s Office about a possible rewards credit card and that the
Auditor’s Office didn’t support the idea. Becky said she would further explore the proposal.
Amber Caulfield said Water-Sewer District 5 is asking if the county would consider a loan to the district.
She said she is drafting a transfer agreement for a possible county takeover. Amber said the district is
obtaining counsel so it can engage in negotiations regarding a possible transfer to the county. She noted
that the properties that on which the water-sewer district’s buildings sit are owned by Virgil Fox’s
daughter, not the district itself.
Dr. Lindsey Pollock left at 2:32 p.m.
Commissioner Jackson discussed his concerns regarding increased calls about noise complaints.
The group discussed code compliance fees / fines / infractions. Cullen said there could be an expansion
of permitting requirements.
Commissioner Jackson, Eric Eisenberg, Josh Metcalf and Erik Martin left at 2:35 p.m.
Eric Eisenberg returned at 2:36 p.m.
The group discussed possibilities regarding infractions.
Eric Eisenberg discussed the county’s policy of allowing landowners who are in arrears to obtain building
permits. He said state law prevents counties from taxing development, so that could limit what
parameters or conditions counties require. He said Community Development’s policy has been that it
would not hold up Permit A if the applicant had not yet met the requirements of Permit B.
Commissioner Stamper said residents of North and South Prairie Road were not happy with a letter the
county sent regarding the right of way along those roads. Jonathan noted that the letter had been
drafted at the commissioners’ request and included language that indicated that the county has no
immediate plans or need to perform work on the road.
Meeting adjourned at 2:51 p.m.