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2022-05-04 Update with SheriffUpdate with Sheriff’s Office May 4, 2022 10:39 a.m. Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Grose, County Manager Erik Martin, Sheriff Snaza, Undersheriff Rethwill, Chief Kevin Engelbretson, Chief Dusty Breen, Chief Chris Tawes, Captain Rick VanWyck, Becky Butler, John Clark, Doug Carey, Steve Wohld Guest(s): Nic Scott Recorder: Rieva Lester Undersheriff Wes Rethwill discussed upcoming festivals and events the Sheriff’s Office will participate in and / or observe: • May 3-7: National Correctional Officers Week • May 6: Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Ceremony • May 7: Vader May Day • May 11-17: National Police Week • May 27-30: Packwood Flea Market • May 30: Memorial Day observance Services Bureau Chief Kevin Engelbertson gave the following updates: • Lewis County will serve as the Region III lead investigator through the end of 2022 • A longtime Support Tech has retired • Services Bureau has one opening Operations Bureau Chief Dusty Breen gave the following updates: • Lewis County has five deputies attending Academy training • Another deputy will start training in June • The Operations Bureau has one vacancy • Some legislative fixes have eased some of the unintended restrictions lawmakers had created with the passage of recent laws Captain Chris Tawes gave the following Corrections Bureau updates: • Corrections has four vacancies • County has issued an RFP to replace jail control panels replacement that were installed around 2004 • The number of incarcerated individuals has been hovering around 150-170 • Jail continues to rely on CDC’s COVID-19 guidelines, with masks and social distancing required Sheriff Snaza provided the following updates: • Jail project is coming to fruition • SO continues to monitor the jail population • Jail population levels remain lower than what the judges may want • Department of Corrections finally agreed to test DOC transfers • The Sheriff’s Office appreciated the $4.5 million the county has earmarked for 911 communications • Body cameras have proved to be a useful tool • Sheriff’s Office would like to have a substation created on the east end of the county • Working with Pe Ell to address the town’s law enforcement coverage needs Steve Wohld, Doug Carey and John Clark joined around 11:08 a.m. The group discussed a recent increase in thefts, including catalytic converter thefts. Undersheriff Rethwill clarified that the jail is rated for up to 350 inmates, but that staffing allows for a jail population of up to 250. He said the level has been kept around 150 to protect staff and inmates during COVID-19. Commissioner Pollock made a motion to amend the meeting agenda to include emergency action regarding a jail boiler. Commissioner Grose seconded. Motion passed 2-0. Doug Carey discussed an emergency regarding a failing jail boiler. Doug noted that one-tenth of 1 percent funding could be used for the repair. He said the repair cost is estimated at $139,000. Becky Butler said the costs could be addressed during a future budget amendment. Commissioner Grose made a motion to declare an emergency regarding the jail boiler to allow for repairs. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion passed 2-0. Meeting adjourned at 11:18 a.m.