2021-09-20 County Manager UpdateCounty Manager Update
September 20, 2021
11 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Erik Martin, Becky Butler, Austin
Majors, Eric Eisenberg, Chris Panush, Chief Chris Sweet, Steve Wohld, Grace Jimenez, Graham Gowing,
Larry Grove, Tammy Martin, Tom Stanton
Guests: Nic Scott, The Chronicle, Bill Serrahn
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Budget
Becky Butler
Jail American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) request
Chief Chris Sweet discussed how jail cell microchips in the Jail’s ARPA application work. Chris said the
company’s website has demos the commissioners can watch online.
The commissioners said they would review the entire application packet Sept. 29.
Board of Equalization member salaries
Erik Martin said it’s been nearly 25 years since the BOE members received a stipend increase. He said he
is requesting a $25 increase to the members’ stipends. The commissioners provided verbal approval to
move forward with a resolution.
Blake contract and process
Eric Eisenberg said the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) and the Washington Association of
Prosecuting Attorneys (WAPA) have drafted a contract regarding Blake funding. He said there is
$500,000 available to offset fine reimbursements and that there will be additional funding for
administrative and other costs. He said he will draft a resolution to accept the grant funding.
Eric suggested the county created a separate fund for the money related to the Blake cases.
Eric briefly discussed two lawsuits that have been filed regarding the Blake decision.
The group indicated the grant will be approved via resolution and that the resolution will list the County
Manager as the approved signer.
Internal services
Parks and Facilities: Steve Wohld discussed testing models for the fairgrounds and parks plan. He noted
that the Fairgrounds is now considered a park. He said camping rates, RV rates, building rentals, etc., are
being reviewed. He said the group likely will present its findings to the board in October.
Capital projects: Steve Wohld discussed moving IT to the old McDaniel building. He said Health needs
IT’s current location and that the move to the McDaniel building would allow for the needed server
update. He said construction on the new building can begin in a few weeks. Steve said the county has
secured $800,000 in grants to help pay for improvements and will continue to pursue additional grant
funding. Steve said he plans to use $1.5 million from already-approved capital project funding to build
the new IT site. He discussed other projects in the proposal, noting that Central Shop and other projects
are being removed from consideration.
Steve said the plan for the campus is as follows:
• Provide a “one-stop-shop” for county operations
• Demo worn or no-value buildings
• Acquire needed property
• Paint the Law and Justice Center
• Create a new Community Development site
• Create a new Public Works site
• Create a new IT site
• Expand Health to all floors
• Update Juvenile
• Improve parking
• Create a mural on the old Star Tavern site
Steve reviewed plans to improve and expand the Juvenile Detention center.
Erik Martin discussed the need to address naming conventions.
Steve Wohld suggested naming the buildings after mountains and the rooms after trees. The
commissioners approved.
Steve noted that the building “soft-scapes” will include seating and improved lighting. He said painting
crews will use colors that complement each other across the campus.
Community Development
Permits: Erik said Community Development has processed 1,255 permits year-to-date, a large increase
over the 1,030 approved year-to-date in 2020.
Personnel
Erik said he will submit memos regarding requests for additional staffing at motor pool.
Commissioner Swope said he plans to attend WSAC’s County Leaders meeting in Spokane in November,
and Commissioner Pollock said she plans to attend virtually if possible.
Meeting adjourned at 12:02 p.m.