2022-08-24 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update
August 24, 2022
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Grose, County Manager Erik
Martin, Meja Handlen, Lee Napier, Mindy Brooks, Josh Metcalf, Becky Butler, Gary Fredricks, John
Abplanalp, Brian Warren, Daleyn Coleman, Kevin McDowell, Grace Jimenez, Nic Scott, John Clark, Doug
Carey, Casey Mauermann, Eric Eisenberg, Graham Gowing, Jennifer Libby-Jones, Lara McRea, Matt
Thuston, Sue Kennedy, Sarah Hensley, Tammy Martin, Kate Chatterton, Connie Riker
Guest(s): Anthony Chavez, Kristen Wecker
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Mindy Brooks discussed a notice of a public hearing for Ordinance 1336, which would amend Chapter
17.30, Resource Lands, of the Lewis County Code.
Josh Metcalf discussed a notice of hearing regarding a franchise to Northwest Pipeline LLC to construct,
operate, and maintain pipelines for purposes of transmission of natural gas products in Lewis County
rights-of-way.
Lee Napier discussed a resolution to approve an interlocal agreement with City of Chehalis for fire
investigation services for the unincorporated areas excluding the service boundary of Riverside Fire
Authority.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to move the Public Works notice item, two consent items and
one deliberation item to the Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Grose seconded.
Motion passed 3-0.
Commissioner Grose made a motion to move the notice item for Ordinance 1336 to the Tuesday, Aug.
30, 2022, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Grose seconded. Motion passed 2-1, with Commissioners
Swope and Grose voting in favor and Commissioner Pollock opposed.
Roundtable
Josh Metcalf discussed ongoing road projects.
Becky Butler reminded the group about budget timelines and deadlines.
Wednesday Workshop
Housing and infrastructure / Reynolds Road middle-income workforce housing project funding and
Mayors’ Meeting: Eric Eisenberg discussed changes to the agenda for and format of the monthly
Mayors’ Meeting.
Environmental Health - succession planning for water program specialist position and temporary help
with code compliance backlog: Meja Handlen said the county is preparing for Sue Kennedy’s departure.
She said she’d like to hire a job shadow to allow six months of overlap before Sue leaves. She said the
position is fully funded through Foundational Public Health Services funding. The commissioners said
they support the request.
Meja said she also is requesting a six-month project position for a code compliance specialist to help
with a backlog of cases. Brian Warren said the position would help with the more than 300 backlogged
cases. The group discussed the need to move the proposal forward via resolution.
Commissioner Grose made a motion to move forward with the environmental health succession plan
as presented. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Clean Buildings Act letter: Doug Carey discussed a proposed letter to state lawmakers regarding
increased energy. The commissioners agreed to sign the letter and send it to the governor, the state
lawmakers and WSAC.
Selection of lobbying consultant: The commissioners discussed the two applicants. They said they
would further discuss the matter Aug. 29.
Potential employee claim regarding deferred compensation: At 9:44 a.m., Commissioner Pollock
announced that the Board would be going into executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for 5
minutes to discuss a potential employee claim regarding deferred compensation.
Executive session started at 9:45 a.m.
• At 9:50 a.m., the Board extended executive session for 5 minutes.
• At 9:55 a.m., the Board extended executive session for 3 minutes.
• At 9:58 a.m., the Board extended executive session for 3 minutes.
• At 10:01 a.m., the Board extended executive session for 1 minute.
• At 10:02 a.m., the Board extended executive session for 2 minutes.
Executive session ended at 10:04 a.m. Commissioner Pollock noted that no decisions had been made.
Meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m.