Loading...
2022-04-11 BOCC Wrap-UpBOCC Wrap-Up April 11, 2022 9 a.m. Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Grose, County Manager Erik Martin, Steve Wohld, Todd Chaput, Lee Napier, Austin Majors, Lara McRea, Josh Metcalf, Chris Panush, Connie Riker, Doug Carey, Jonathan Meyer, Mindy Brooks, Casey Mauermann, Mindy Brooks, Tammy Martin, Tiffanie Morgan, Lindsey Senter, Brittani Bonahoom, Sara Beigh Guests: Isabel Vander Stoep, Nic Scott Recorder: Rieva Lester American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding / planning: Commissioner Swope said he is working with the city of Centralia regarding funding for the county’s 911 infrastructure project and Centralia’s Fox Theatre project. He said Centralia would like to pledge $1 million toward the 911 infrastructure and have the county pledge $500,000 toward the theater project. The group discussed the steps necessary to transfer funds to other governmental entities. Commissioner Grose said he’d like to help the Fire Mountain Arts Council. Becky Butler noted that providing funds for nonprofits would require an RFP process. She noted that the commissioners have not yet created an RFP process for one-offs for non-governmental entities. Commissioner Pollock suggested creating a separate pool of ARPA funding for city-specific projects. The commissioners said they would hold a future meeting to address the topic. Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS): Erik Martin said not all of the county’s projects fit the requirements for the federal lawmakers’ CDS plans. Budget amendment review: Becky reviewed the upcoming budget amendment. Body cameras: Commissioner Pollock said the PA’s Office has provided a fee schedule for redactions. The group agreed to circle back to the topic. Bishop Road: Todd Chaput discussed a potential dig-once partnership to bring water and sewer services to Bishop Road. He said Napavine has ample water supply but needs sewer capacity and that Chehalis and the port are in need of water capacity. He said the proposed project could lead to incorporating the UGA into the city of Chehalis. Commissioner Swope said the county is being asked to earmark $750,000 in ARPA funds to help move the project forward. Commissioner Pollock requested a meeting with Todd to further discuss the project. Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC): Commissioner Swope said he is concerned about communication regarding WSAC’s projects and efforts. The group further discussed communication disconnects. Calendars: The commissioners noted that the ARPA Stakeholders’ meeting had been moved to 9 a.m. May 6. Correspondence: Commissioner Swope said he has concerns regarding the messaging being given to constituents who reach out. He said he wants to ensure that the commissioners respond to constituents regardless of what district the individuals live. Commissioner Grose left at 9:36 a.m. At 9:37 a.m., Commissioner Pollock recessed the meeting until 10:07 a.m. The meeting reconvened at 10:07 a.m. with all three commissioners present. At 10:07 a.m., Commissioner Pollock announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for 10 minutes to discuss opioid litigation and under RCW 42.30.110(1)(iii) regarding indigent defense contracts. (Amber Smith clarified that indigent defense had been listed on the agenda as 42.30.110[1][i] but that it should have been listed as 42.30.110[1][iii]). Executive Session started at 10:08 a.m. • At 10:18 a.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 5 minutes. • At 10:23 a.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 5 minutes. • At 10:28 a.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 3 minutes. • At 10:31 a.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 3 minutes. • At 10:34 a.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 2 minutes. • At 10:36 a.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 2 minutes. Executive Session ended at 10:38 a.m. Commissioner Pollock noted that no decisions had been made. Commissioner Grose made a motion to authorize the county’s counsel, serving as multi-district counsel, to proceed with settlement negotiations regarding the opioid litigation. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Investments, including those for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding: Treasurer Arny Davis suggested the county sit on its investments because the Fed is expected to hike interest rates, which likely would drive the LGIP up. He said he would submit a written proposal during his April 20 update. Body cameras: Commissioner Pollock said further discussions may be needed before bringing the topic before the board. Meeting ended at 10:45 a.m.