2022-01-26 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update
January 26, 2022
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Grose, County Manager Erik
Martin, Matt Jaeger, Lee Napier, JP Anderson, Josh Metcalf, Austin Majors, Connie Riker, Becky Butler,
Doug Carey, Alison Puckett, Graham Gowing, Katie Conradi, Lara McRea, Lindsey Shankle, Mindy Brooks,
Patrick Shults, Semere Huckleberry, Mindy Brooks, Sherri Dokken, Heidi Palmer
Guests: Eric Rosane, Nic Scott
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Rieva Lester discussed a call for bids for the official newspaper to publish all of Lewis County’s legal and
other official notices for one year beginning July 1, 2022.
Connie Riker discussed a resolution to approve an MOU between Lewis County and Washington State
Parks. She noted that it would be delayed another week.
Becky Butler discussed a resolution to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) funding
agreement between Great Rivers Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization, LLC (Great
Rivers) and Lewis County Superior Court for civil commitment cases.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to approve a Local Agency Agreement and Federal Aid Project
Prospectus between Lewis County and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for
the 2021 County Safety Program – County Road Project (CRP) 2196.
JP Anderson discussed a resolution to appoint Jon R. Sargeant to the Dangerous Animal Designation
(DAD) Board.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to move one notice item, two consent items and three
deliberation items to the Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Grose seconded. Motion
passed 3-0.
Rieva Lester noted that Public Health and Social Services would have two late adds: One for a Bird’s Eye
contract and the other for a Reliable Enterprises. JP Anderson briefly discussed the two late resolutions.
COVID-19
JP Anderson noted that the state has changed its reporting process, changing the structure of the
reporting weeks. He provided the following data for the latest reporting week, Jan. 14-20, 2022:
• 757 new cases.
• 27 new hospitalizations.
• 7 new deaths.
JP said the state distributed its collection of free COVID-19 tests.
Announcements / roundtable
Matt Jaeger discussed beginning stages of the Office 360 replacement.
JP Anderson said work is being done to develop RFPs for housing.
Commissioner Swope discussed his hope to replace the county’s current health officers.
Josh Metcalf said he is working on an RFP for a Boistfort feasibility assessment. He said he also is
working on plans for industrial drainage in the Chehalis area.
Doug Carey said the contractor for the Community Development project will start work on the exterior
of the building soon. He said parking lot projects will go out to bid soon.
Connie Riker said the county has reviewed sites for the planned park host positions. She said the fair
thank you dinner is set for Jan. 27. Connie said an online site for camp reservations will launch soon.
Patrick Shults discussed upcoming Master Gardener events.
New business
Commissioner Pollock discussed a management letter the county had received for its .09 process.
Wednesday Workshop
Water / sewer infrastructure project: Josh Metcalf discussed the area cities’ identified priorities for
water / sewer infrastructure projects. Josh said the final list will include Centralia and other stragglers.
Legislative update: The commissioners discussed bills regarding stream-buffering setbacks, hydrogen
and fire districts.
Courts’ use of fairgrounds: Erik Martin said the PA’s Office recommended the BOCC prepare a contract
with the Fairgrounds for use of the Fairgrounds for the courts.
Tucker Road: Josh Metcalf discussed concerns regarding Tucker Road. He said there is a process by
which a weight restriction could be requested. He said traffic studies also have shown that a reduction
of the speed limit is not warranted. Josh said the county has looked at widening the road, but he noted
it would be costly due to water run-off needs as well as the amount of right of way that would have to
be acquired from adjacent property owners. Josh said a temporary weight restriction was placed on
Tucker Road when it suffered damage. Josh said he would reach out to the Sheriff’s Office regarding
speeding vehicles on Tucker Road.
Meeting ended at 10:12 a.m.