2022-09-21 ESC Directors UpdateESC / Directors’ Update
September 21, 2022
9:01 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Grose, County Manager Erik
Martin, Steve Wohld, Lee Napier, Mindy Brooks, Josh Metcalf, Becky Butler, Todd Chaput, Nic Scott, Eric
Eisenberg, Matt Jaeger, Amanda Price, Kevin McDowell, Amber Smith, Meja Handlen, Doug Carey, John
Clark, Gary Fredricks, Scott Tinney, Jenn Libby-Jones, Daleyn Coleman, Arny Davis, Brittni Rogers, Casey
Mauermann, Dianne Dorey, Grace Jimenez, Graham Gowing, Lara McRea, Larry Grove, Charles
Edmonson, Shelly Stewart, Marni Larson, Sarah Hensley, Tom Stanton, Undersheriff Wes Rethwill, Kate
Chatterton, Richard DeBolt
Guest(s): MC McAleer and others
Recorder: Rieva Lester
ESC
Public comment: None.
2023 budget planning: Becky Butler said offices and departments requesting budget increases will
present during all-day budget meetings Oct. 12 and 17.
Cybersecurity awareness training: Amanda Price discussed upcoming cybersecurity training.
Office 365 / Microsoft Teams migration plans: Matt Jaeger said the county is working on the software
migration and will kick start training in the weeks to come.
Roundtable
The group thanked the electeds, directors, administrators and volunteers for their work on the county
picnic.
Rieva Lester listed off upcoming events:
• SAO exit conference: 11 a.m. Sept. 27
• 2022 Legislative Roundtable: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 14
• Halloween costume / decorating contest: Oct. 31
• Informational budget meeting: 5:30 p.m. Nov. 22
• Tour of Lights Christmas spirit contest: Dec. 16
DIRECTORS’ UPDATE
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution regarding the proposed vacation of a portion of Meyers Road No.
1096.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution regarding the proposed vacation of 1st Street lying north of Olive
Street in Dryad.
Steve Wohld discussed a resolution to select Economic Alliance of Lewis County for tourism promotion
and destination marketing services for Lewis County.
Lee Napier discussed a resolution to authorize the Chair to sign the Community Rating System Annual
Recertification Document. She noted that Lewis County is a Class 5 and that it must certify annually that
it continues to provide services. She also noted that the Program for Public Information committee met
and is providing its report for the commissioners’ review.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution regarding the proposed acquisition of additional right of way for
Pigeon Springs Road Milepost 2.295.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to approve Master Interlocal Agreements between Lewis County and
Lewis County Flood District No. 1, and authorizing signatures thereon.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution regarding the proposed acquisition of additional right of way for
Little Hanaford Road Milepost 4.10.
Becky Butler discussed a resolution to approve a grant award between the County and the City of
Napavine for improvements to Mayme Shaddock Park.
Erik Martin and Eric Eisenberg discussed a resolution to approve a grant agreement with the
Washington State Broadband Office awarding Lewis County $23.5 million to install broadband
infrastructure in and around Winlock.
Erik Martin discussed a resolution to ratify an employment contract with Meja Handlen for the Public
Health & Social Services Director position.
Eric Eisenberg and Becky Butler discussed a resolution to approve an Amended Telecommunications
Agreement with ToledoTel to Install Fiber Optic Infrastructure in Winlock and the Surrounding Rural
Areas to Implement a $23.5 million Washington State Broadband Office Grant.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to move two notice items, two consent items and nine
deliberation items to the Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Grose seconded. Motion
passed 3-0.
Announcements
Becky Butler reminded the directors of the need to include verbiage about registering with the System
for Award Management (SAM) for ARPA funding. Becky said a budget amendment hearing is scheduled
for Oct. 18.
Erik Martin said he will be working with directors to help identify legislative needs.
Eric Eisenberg said grant funding may be available to help fix the Main Street crossing, which is an at-
grade crossing.
John Clark discussed improvements to the jail HVAC unit.
Charles Edmonson discussed a recent volunteer park-cleaning event.
Becky Butler reminded the group about the breast cancer awareness event planned in honor of Lori
Pulver.
Wednesday Workshop
Homeless services and proposed unauthorized encampment ordinance: Commissioner Swope said he
is working to meet with Commerce to have Commerce review requirements for contracts related to
homeless services. He and Meja Handlen discussed a proposed letter to the Washington State
Department of Transportation regarding a homeless encampment on WSDOT-owned land at Blakeslee
Junction. Commissioner Swope and Kevin McDowell discussed work on a proposed ordinance regarding
unauthorized camping on county land. They noted that the proposed ordinance mirrors Pierce County’s
ALCU-approved plan. The commissioners said
Ordinance 1336 (Resource Lands): Mindy Brooks said the hearing is planned for Oct. 4.
Potential removal of a committee member: At 10:21 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 the
potential removal of a committee member.
Executive session started at 10:22 a.m.
At 10:27 a.m., the Board extended executive session for 5 minutes.
At 10:32 a.m., the Board extended executive session for 5 minutes.
Executive session ended at 10:37 a.m. Commissioner Pollock noted that no decisions had been made.
The commissioners directed Amber Smith to move forward with option 2 and then option 3 – as
discussed during executive session – regarding the potential removal of a committee member.
Erik Martin reminded the group that Wrap-Up and County Manager meetings are merging effective
Sept. 26.
Meeting ended at 10:40 a.m.