2022-05-16 BOCC Wrap-UpBOCC Wrap-Up
May 16, 2022
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Grose, County Manager Erik
Martin, Meja Handlen, Lindsey Shankle, JP Anderson, Austin Majors, Lara McRea, Connie Riker, Doug
Carey, Mindy Brooks, Undersheriff Wes Rethwill, Chris Panush, Lara McRea, Tammy Martin, Tiffanie
Morgan, Cory Moses
Guests: Bill Serrahn, Nic Scott
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Resolution: Commissioner Swope made a motion to add to the May 17, 2022, Business Meeting the
Resolution 22-150: Approve an addendum to Long-Range Strategic Planning Contract between Lewis
County and Tanner LLC to correct a scrivener’s error. Commissioner Grose seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Youth Mental Health Initiative proposal / funding: Becky Butler said the commissioners would need to
move an additional $55,000 to the amount being allocated for Public Health if the commissioners wish
to fund the Youth Mental Health Initiative. She suggested adding additional funds to serve as a buffer to
cover any unforeseen costs. She said the commissioners could reallocate the $100,000 that had been
earmarked for the Public Health Community Fund to pay for the program.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to approve the Youth Mental Health mentor program and to
reallocate $100,000 from the Public Health Community Fund to cover the costs. Commissioner Grose
seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Mental Health Tax funding: Becky said the electeds and directors that rely on Mental Health Tax
funding will meet with the BOCC on May 31. She noted that there may be a request to use funding to
help offset losses Cascade Mental Health is facing.
Honoring Commissioner Stamper: The group discussed ways in which the county will celebrate
Commissioner Stamper the week of his birthday.
County Manager Update meetings: The commissioners approved moving the County Manager updates
to 10 a.m. Mondays.
Public Facilities District vacancy – District 1: The commissioners directed Rieva Lester to advertise the
District 1 vacancy.
County Road Administration Board (CRAB) Certificate of Good Practice: Rieva noted that the CRAB
Certificate of Good Practice is on the agenda to be presented May 17.
Public comment requirement: Rieva noted that effective June 9, the commissioners will be required to
allow for public comment regarding all final-action items during all regular meetings.
Calendars: The commissioners discussed their plans for Community Development workshops, which will
be scheduled as part of the Wednesday Workshops during future Directors’ Updates.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to amend the BOCC Wrap-Up agenda to include the following
topics:
• CGI videos
• Community Development
o BOCC land use process workshop discussion
o Planned Growth
o Permit updates
• Tacoma Power
• Internal Services update
o PAF progress report
• 911 update
• Strategic Planning
Commissioner Grose seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
The commissioners discussed their calendars.
Austin Majors announced that he is stepping down as the county’s Public Information Specialist
effective May 20.
CGI videos: Austin discussed a possible agreement for CGI videos. The commissioners said they are in
support of contracting with the company. The board directed him to reach out about whether videos
can be replaced in emergency situations before they decide whether to move forward.
Community Development permit updates: Erik reviewed permit totals, noting that Community
Development has processed 462 permits to date, compared to 517 over the same time period in 2021.
BOCC land use process workshop discussion: Mindy Brooks said land-use workshops regarding quasi-
judicial matters will take place in late October, November and December.
Planned Growth Committee: Mindy said the BOCC Chair and representatives from the city serve on the
Planned Growth Committee, which makes recommendations to the BOCC. She said the next meeting
will be June 1 and that it includes a public comment period. She said citizens also can provide public
comment during the upcoming Hearings Examiner meeting.
Tacoma Power: Erik said Tacoma Power has released its 2021 report regarding its recreational
requirements related to its FERC permit. The commissioners said they’d like to submit comment:
• Get the work done
• If Tacoma Power is going to remain at its low level, imminent domain property should revert to
the original owners
Internal Services update: Becky Butler and Chris Panush discussed the progress being made regarding
the personnel authorization form (PAF) process.
911 update: Erik said he will schedule a panel interview for a candidate for the 911 director position. He
also discussed a recent update with the Combined User Committee, during which the group discussed
updates to a strategic plan and how to pay for a new form of governance.
Strategic Planning: The group reviewed a questionnaire that will be sent out as the county embarks on a
long-range strategic plan.
Erik announced that JP Anderson has submitted his resignation as Public Health and Social Services
Director effective mid-June.
Announcements / new business: Commissioner Swope invited the group to an after-hours event
beginning at 5 p.m. May 12 at the Fox Theatre.
Meeting adjourned at 10:37 a.m.