2018-05-14 Meeting with Gary Fredricks - WSUMeeting with Gary Fredricks, WSU
May 14, 2018
11:02 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Stamper, Gary Fredricks, Becky
Butler, Doug Carey, Steve Walton
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Gary Fredricks said he is awaiting the announcement from WSU indicating he is going to split duties
between Lewis County and Cowlitz County. He said Sheila Gray’s resignation is effective June 6.
Gary said he has been with WSU for 33 years, the last 10 with Cowlitz County, where he oversees the
Master Gardener program. He said he has served two counties at once before.
Gary said WSU has asked him to serve the two counties – Lewis and Cowlitz County – for one year.
Gary said he wants to know the BOCC’s expectations.
Commissioner Fund said she has heard there’s a “menu” of sorts of things WSU can address, such as
STEM, etc.
Gary said he would return May 23 with a list of things that can be incorporated in addition to the Master
Gardener and 4-H programs, which he noted are strong programs in Lewis County. Gary said he also can
reach out to the Farm Bureau.
Steve Walton said the plan is to move WSU Extension to the James Building. Doug Carey said items
currently being stored on county premises may need to be removed due to space constraints.
Commissioner Fund discussed the upcoming plant sale at the fairgrounds. She and Doug discussed
moving some of the 4-H stuff to the fairgrounds. Doug said WSU would be in charge of packing up the
office. The group clarified that IT would move the computers. Doug said he’ll start collecting boxes. Gary
said he would ask staff to begin purging.
Gary said his plan is to spend two days a week in Lewis County, two days a week in Cowlitz County and
then float the fifth day.
Commissioner Jackson suggested Gary coordinate with Tamara Hayes and Matt Matayoshi.
Commissioner Stamper suggested he also reach out to Melanie Case.
Becky Butler asked if the county would need a revised Memorandum of Understanding since Lewis
County would be paying for a part-time director instead of a full-time director. Gary said he would ask
WSU Extension and report back the following week.
Gary said he likely would be in Lewis County on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Gary said he will retrieve keys and key cards on May 15. He said he planned to meet with Sheila Gray on
May 15.
Gary discussed Cowlitz County’s Fair, which he said doesn’t charge admission.
Meeting ended at 11:28 a.m.