2022-09-28 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update
September 28, 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, Doug Carey, John Clark, Tim
Fife, Jenn Libby-Jones, John Abplanalp, Meja Handlen, Erika Katt, Ross McDowell, Nic Scott, Matt Jaeger,
Daphne Lughes, Graham Gowing, Lara McRea, Matt Thuston, Tailor Arrington, Linda Mastin, Eric
Eisenberg
Guest(s): Elizabeth Rohr, Debbie Aust, Sean Bell, MC McAleer, Isabel Vander Stoep and others
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment:
Toledo resident Elizabeth Rohr urged the commissioners not to change Chapter 17.30 Resource Lands of
county code.
Chehalis resident Debbie Aust echoed Elizabeth’s remarks and also urged the commissioners to delay a
vote on the proposed changes linked to proposed Ordinance 1336 until after the upcoming election.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to remove the proposed hearing from the agenda and to "kill" the
hearing. Commissioner Grose seconded.
Commissioner Swope noted the commissioners have heard from many constituents and is basing his
motion on that.
Commissioner Grose noted a concern regarding restrictions on privately owned land.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to amend his motion to include instruction to staff to do no
further work on the proposed ordinance. Commissioner Grose seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
The motion to strike proposed Ordinance 1336 from the Oct. 4, 2022, Business Meeting – and to direct
staff and the Planning Commission to do no further work on the proposed ordinance – passed 3-0.
Commissioner Swope discussed a notice of hearing regarding Ordinance 1338, which would prohibit
unauthorized camping on county property.
Becky Butler discussed a resolution to approve a grant award between the County and Fire Mountain
Arts Council for the construction of a backstage/multi-purpose addition to the Roxy Theater in Morton.
John Abplanalp discussed a resolution to approve consolidated contract #CLH31017 Amendment 8
between Lewis County and Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve Amendment B to contract #21-4619C-116 between
Lewis County and Washington State Department of Commerce. Meja said the contract provides funding
for internet service. Commissioner Swope discussed the need to help individuals help themselves.
Meja said that the assistance is for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) individuals. She
discussed the need to move from triage to ways to help individuals get the education and skills needed
to thrive.
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve Amendment B to Contract E03-0149-21 between Equity
Institute and Lewis County Public Health and Social Services.
Commissioner Grose made a motion to move one notice item, two consent items and four
deliberation items to the Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Swope seconded.
Motion passed 3-0.
Roundtable
Becky Butler said budget amendments for 2022 are due Oct. 3.
Erik Martin noted that Sept. 29 marks the anniversary of Commissioner Stamper’s passing.
Doug Carey said the county appears on track to receive a state Historic Preservation grant.
Erika Katt and Ross McDowell discussed the Goat Rocks Fire, noting that the blaze has grown to 4,029
but that the Red Flag warning has ended.
Ross McDowell said the fire now measures 4,029 acres.
Wednesday Workshop
Lodging tax allocations for 2023 funding: Total amount commissioners would like to earmark for 2023:
Commissioner Grose made a motion to allocate up to $850,000 for 2023 Lodging Tax grants.
Annual Road Program presentation (WAC 136-16-010): Tim Fife provided a presentation on the
Annual Road Program for 2023, reviewing the various upcoming projects as outlined on the attached
documents.
Commissioner Pollock noted that the Oct. 12 Directors' Update has been moved to 11 a.m. Tuesday,
Oct. 11, to accommodate all-day Budget meetings.
Meeting adjourned at 10:19 a.m.