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2018-10-01 Update with County ManagerUpdate with County Manager October 1, 2018 11:32 a.m. Present: Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Stamper, County Manager Erik Martin, Wayne Whiton, Jonathan Meyer, Lara McRea, Paulette (Young) Strozyk (by phone) Guest: Dr. Lindsey Pollock Recorder: Rieva Lester Wayne Whiton said the Risk Pool has suffered a mass exodus and that the claims manager is on an indefinite leave. Paulette Strozyk outlined Washington Counties Risk Pool Executive Director Derek Bryan’s proposed business model, which includes doing away with claims staff and then outsourcing claims to independent adjusters. She said it appears that is the crux of upheaval at the Risk Pool. Jonathan Meyer said it appears that the Risk Pool is trying to eliminate the involvement of county Prosecuting Attorney’s Offices. He said past practice has been that the PA’s Office reviews each Lewis County claim to determine who should handle it: the PA’s Office or the Risk Pool. Jonathan said Douglas County has filed a notice of intent to withdraw from the Risk Pool. Wayne Whiton said there was a 13-11 vote during a July Risk Conference in favor of changing the process to a streamlined process. Jonathan said his office has to have first refusal regarding claims. Jonathan said Risk Pool currently is operating without a claims adjuster. Jonathan said he would discuss the Risk Pool with the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (WAPA) on Oct. 3. Paulette Strozyk left at 12:13 p.m. Wayne discussed a small independent risk pool created by Ferry, Stevens, Lincoln, Grant and Whitman counties, among others. Jonathan said he would review with the BOCC what takes place at WAPA. Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Stamper, Jonathan Meyer and Wayne Whiton left at 12:18 p.m. Commissioner Jackson and Commissioner Stamper returned at 12:22 p.m. TO-DO LIST / RECAP Commissioner Stamper: Discuss Risk Pool upheaval with Derek Bryan and Vickie Raines Commissioner Fund said Oct. 1 is the final day to file for the Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) representatives for the board of directors. Commissioner Fund said she’d like to run again. Commissioner Jackson said he also filed. Commissioner Jackson said he applied for the National Association of Counties (NACo) and WSAC’s Legislative Steering Committee (LSC). Commissioner Fund said she also expressed an interest in the LSC when approached. Commissioner Fund said she thought Commissioner Stamper might be interested in serving on WSAC’s federal issues committee. Commissioner Stamper said he would apply for the federal committee. Commissioner Jackson said Commissioner Fund can represent Lewis County on WSAC’s LSC and he’ll serve as the alternate. Commissioner Jackson left at 12:34 p.m. and returned at 12:35 p.m. The commissioners reviewed their boards and committees. Erik gave an update on code enforcement activities, including an upcoming meeting regarding Pleasant Valley Road. Erik said comments have been sent to RES Americas regarding the Skookumchuck Wind Energy project. He said RES plans to submit a revised draft. He said the county likely will be able to publish a draft EIS in mid-October. Erik discussed a meeting held the previous week regarding 911. He said one suggestion was to allow supervisor-to-supervisor communication. Erik said the job description for the 911 manager is being reviewed. The group discussed using Prothman’s services to recruit for the position. Commissioner Jackson left at 12:55 p.m. Meeting adjourned at 12:57 p.m.