2017-04-05 Chehalis Basin DiscussionMeeting with Kirk Holmes from Perteet Engineering
(Chehalis Basin Discussion)
April 5, 2017
Attendees:
Commissioner Edna Fund, Commissioner Gary Stamper, Erik Martin, Lee Napier, Kirk Holmes from
Perteet, Dave Mueller and Lara Seiler
Recorder: Lara Seiler
Meeting Time: 10:45 am
Introductions were made and Kirk Holmes gave a history of his background. He has been with Perteet
Engineering for 2 years in Ellensburg and was previously with Kittitas County for 8 1/2 years as the Public
Works Director. Kirk has been involved in 16 presidential disaster declarations and has helped with
debris cleanup and witnessed the impact to Lewis County in 2008.
Kirk reviewed the Flood Control Zone Districts (FCZD’s) in Washington State with budgets. Chelan is the
most recent addition.
Kirks discussed RCW 86.15 and Erik noted that the FCZD is administered by the county engineer
including the budget and annual program.
Kirk said Lewis County has had 13 presidential disaster declarations (16 statewide) with a total public
assistance of $42,668,000 and a total local responsibility of $5,333,500. Also an annual flood loss of
$2,113,400.
Discussion was held regarding a Programmatic Work Program.
Lee discussed the Community Rating System (CRS) and outreach to citizens with a flood bulletin. She
went on to explain how the county can get credit for certain things like storm water work or taking
something out of the floodway. In return, some citizens would get a reduction in flood insurance
premiums. Communities are rated on a scale from 1-10 and Lewis County is currently rated a 6. The
lower the number the better. Most of CRS work is paid for from the general fund but certain things like
the flood bulletin was paid for by Emergency Mgmt.
Erik wanted to know how the county could tie this into more work that we already do.
Edna noted that Senator Braun asked what we are doing on the county level. Edna said that a report
had been put together for this.
Kirk asked how Lewis County identifies capital facilities projects. Erik said some projects are on the
books but not the CFP. Public Works also has an annual construction program. Lee said this touches on
a broader plan with regard to the strategic plan because projects would be identified there.
Erik said we need a CIP in place and be ready to go to identify projects.
Erik stressed that Lewis County needs to get organized with a plan in place. He is concerned there is
work going on and Lewis County is not at the table. Lee mentioned that Lewis County shouldn’t forget
about the smaller projects that people can make contributions too as well. There are opportunities to
help people get engaged in the larger project of the water retention facility.
Discussion was held regarding a programmatic work program to include flood preparedness and post-
flood recovery. Also managing a budget of a flood control zone district.
Lee discussed options for mitigation and it was noted that flood reduction and habitat are equally
important.
Edna asked how this will be structured and what the timelines are as we have a mandate to meet.
Kirk discussed a project he was involved with in Kittitas County where there were issues with a levy and
the question of ownership came up. The levy was not maintained, had vegetation and a large hole with
no ownership of it. The county was getting many phone calls so they secured surf board money to do a
habitat assessment. They picked out key elements and made a project.
The project team will put together the vision and purpose of the two flood control zone districts, and
strategies to move the district forward.
The team will include staff from Perteet, members from Public Works, Community Development and
Glenn Carter.
Kirk said he will do a mockup for the 7 year plan.
Discussion was held regarding the ability to use money out of the capital budget to start permitting the
water retention facility.
Dave built the Cowlitz dam in 10 years and construction started in 1994. He noted he would be happy to
help as he has experience with permitting and licensing.
Lee said it was important that Lewis County be prepared to take the project on. We need to look at
countywide programs but be prepared for the water retention facility project.
Erik noted that the FCZD is in the county’s best interest to get established and be a solid organization. If
you have a structure in place you will be in better position to say yes we are ready to utilize the state
funding and ready to take action. Both Edna and Gary said the FCZD is the mechanism they would like
to consider using.
Discussion was held regarding who the owner would be. The FCZD and the Chehalis Basin could be the
organization.
Dave said if the funding is approved the county needs to get going with the permitting. The owner
needs to follow permitting and environmental work and coordinate with Community Development and
Public Works. It needs to start with one person and include his/her role as project coordinator for the
FCZD for all activities. He also noted we need to move fairly quickly to start job description. Kirk noted
that it could be a person already on staff.
Kirk discussed creating a flow chart of the project and also a preliminary budget for the $400k.
Gary noted he would like the team to put together a timeline to try and meet July 1 deadline.
The state would like to know that the county has a plan by June 1st.
The board would like Perteet, Public Works and Community Development to meet again with the board
in a couple of weeks for further discussions.
The team will look at a project manager job description and also figure out the organization structure.
Meeting adjourned at 11:49 am