2018-01-17 ESC MeetingESC Meeting
January 17, 2018
8:15 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Glenn Carter, David Fine, Susie Parker, Hazel
Dibble, Lara McRae, Doug Carey, Paulette Young (by phone), Megan Sibbert, Casey Mauermann, Tawni
Shepherd, Larry Grove, Archie Smith, Steve Wohld, Sheila Gray, Bill Wamsley, Becky Butler, Suzette
Smith Steve Walton, Scott Tinney, Danette York, Wes Rethwill, Shad Hail, Graham Gowing, Marni Larson,
Eric Eisenberg, Lee Napier, Jonathan Meyer (8:33 a.m.)
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Commissioner Fund said a link regarding a recent Open Government session will be sent out.
Eric Eisenberg arrived at 8:16 a.m.
Lee Napier arrived at 8:17 a.m.
Glenn Carter said it appears One Lewis County’s efforts to put a charter on the ballot will succeed. He
said the Prosecutor’s Office will be divided to meet the needs of various entities:
• Eric will be the commissioners’ contact person
• David Fine will be the freeholders’ contact person
• Jonathan Meyer and Ross Petersen will be the contacts for electeds (excluding the
commissioners)
Glenn said the PA’s office will conduct public outreach in different parts of the county to help educate
the public.
David Fine said there are two issues to be mindful of: the first being the process for the selection of
freeholders, a process the commissioners must establish. The second issue, David said, is that once the
freeholders are selected, the freeholders could change the form of county government.
Eric said he would look into whether there would be a filing fee for the freeholder positions. He said the
constitution provides that the BOCC sets the nominating procedure. Eric said the Auditor would meet
with the BOCC later in the day to discuss the charter process.
Eric said he also will look into whether an elected can run for a freeholder position.
Eric and Glenn said prohibitions on campaigning, Open Public Meetings Act, Public Records Act all would
apply to the freeholder positions.
David said the petition sets 15 freeholder positions. David said it’s unlikely the freeholders would receive
retirement or benefits but that the county would be liable for Open Public Meetings Act violations, etc.
The group discussed the number of other counties in the state that use the charter form of government.
Larry Grove discussed the signature-gathering requirements for the petition. He said it is highly probable
it will have the needed number of signatures.
Jonathan Meyer joined at 8:33 a.m.
Eric said the commissioners could initiate the charter process if they so choose.
Larry said a petition signature is valid for six months.
Jonathan said he would meet with the electeds.
Eric, Glenn, David and Jonathan left at 8:36 a.m.
Commissioner Fund invited the group to listen in to WSAC conference calls every other Friday beginning
Jan. 26.
Megan Sibbert gave an update on Munis. She said phase I – accounts payable and accounts receivable –
goes live April 1 and that she’ll soon send an email requesting information regarding approvals, who
needs permissions, etc. She said end-user training will take place in mid-March.
Suzette Smith said payroll would go live in October.
Doug Carey discussed the Capital Facilities Committee, which reviews capital projects to be included in
the Comp Plan. He said the committee has prioritized the projects and views the youth services center
as the highest priority. He said the current building was built in the mid-1970s and hasn’t been updated
and is too small. Doug said the committee has been discussing the purchase of software needed
throughout the county. He said there are some fairly significant software needs, including Ascend/Sigma
for the Assessor’s Office and Treasurer’s Office. Doug said the committee wants to create a list of
software different offices and departments. Steve Wohld asked the group to let the committee know
about any software needs on the horizon. He asked that anyone looking to replace software to make
sure IT is included in the conversations so compatibility, etc. can be addressed.
Commissioner Jackson left at 8:50 a.m.
Paulette Young discussed the need to track volunteer hours and to have volunteers fill out the necessary
forms. She said each department must track the information. Suzette Smith said she’d like to see the
information turned in monthly with payroll.
Suzette and Paulette said they would look into whether people who sit on boards and committees are
considered volunteers if they are unpaid.
Doug Carey left at 8:55 a.m.
Paulette said a new Public Disclosure policy has been drafted and a hearing will be held Jan. 29. She said
electeds can chose to use the policy or would need to create their own similar policy. She said the
county is tying itself to the state fee schedule.
Becky Butler said a 2017 amendment is planned for Jan. 22. She reminded the group to amortize
payouts for retirements, etc.
Commissioner Fund invited the group to attend a 9:30 a.m. March 22 grants discussion with Melanie See
of Sen. Cantwell’s office.
Danette York said Homeless Connect is planned for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 25. She said donations can be
taken to HRC or HRN.
Steve Wohld reminded the group to be extra cautious about cyberattacks.
Archie Smith reminded the group that the new sick leave law has taken effect.
Suzette Smith thanked the group for getting their insurance forms turned in.
Commissioner Fund said the commissioners have decided to hire a county manager.
Meeting ended at 9:13 a.m.