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2022-10-10 BOCC Wrap-Up CMBOCC Wrap-Up / Directors’ Update / County Manager Update October 10, 2022 9 a.m. Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Grose, County Manager Erik Martin, Sheriff Snaza, Undersheriff Rethwill, Steve Wohld, Josh Metcalf, Meja Handlen, Becky Butler, Nic Scott, Lee Napier, Mindy Brooks, Ross McDowell, Erika Katt, Eric Eisenberg, Daleyn Coleman, Lara McRea, Robert Bradley, Mackey Smith, Katie Conradi, Matt Jaeger, Tailor Arrington, Grace Jimenez, Tailor Arrington Guest(s): Winlock Mayor Brandon Svenson, several unnamed online guests Recorder: Rieva Lester Public comment: Winlock Mayor Brandon Svenson spoke in favor of proposed Ordinance 1338, noting that money should be directed toward cleanup not free needles. Proposed Ordinance 1338 / homeless services: Sheriff Snaza voiced support for the proposed ordinance. Commissioner Pollock noted that money also needs to be used to support privately-owned land. Broadband fabric license: Eric Eisenberg asked for permission to sign up for the SEC’s broadband data. The commissioners authorized Eric to precede. Long-range strategic planning: Mackey Smith reviewed the draft plan. The commissioners invited him to return Oct. 17. Preliminary approval of Lodging Tax Advisory Committee’s recommendations for 2023 funding: Rieva Lester said the Lewis County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee held an all-day presentation with applicants Sept. 30 and then the members met Oct. 4 to deliberate. She presented the group’s Commissioner Swope asked why the Centralia-Chehalis was earmarked to receive full funding while the East Lewis County Chamber of Commerce was earmarked to receive no funding. Commissioner Grose and LTAC member Harry Bhagwandin said the East Lewis County Chamber was looking to rent a building, costs the group did not support, and that the ELC Chamber would be duplicating services already available in the area. Harry said the Centralia Downtown Festival Association gave a lackluster presentation. Commissioner Grose noted that he serves as a non-voting member of the committee. Commissioner made a motion to proceed with the lodging tax allocations as presented by the LTAC members. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Goat Rocks Fire update (DEM): Ross McDowell and Erika Katt gave an update on the Goat Rocks Fire. Ross said the blaze is growing by roughly 150 acres per day. He said 202 fire personnel are battling the blaze and that the fire camp has moved to the Randle/Packwood border. Lewis County representative for WSU Extension hiring committee: Commissioner Pollock said she would serve on the committee. Comment to DNR regarding carbon sequestration (open session and executive session under RCW 42.30.110[1][i]): The commissioners approved signing the letter. County Manager items 2022 Budget Amendment: Becky Butler said the amendment reflects increased fuel costs, COLAs, voter guides and other changes. HR/Risk department: Steve Wohld proposed a reorganization of the HR / Risk Department. He said he would like to add two new positions to the HR / Risk Department (Deputy Director of HR and Public Defense Coordinator under Public Defense) as part of the process. The commissioners discussed concerns regarding long-term impacts. Erik Martin noted that the Public Defense Coordinator is required due to changes at the state Supreme Court. Commissioner Swope asked why the proposal was not being presented as part of the budget process. Erik asked what the budget impact would be. Steve said one position would be downgraded three grades to offset costs. Erik noted that the changes would need to be made earlier than Dec. 2 due to the Public Defense requirements. Commissioner Swope made a motion to approve the organization chart as presented. Commissioner Grose seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Parks and Recreation: Steve said he would like to increase the pay from a 129 to a 133. He said he also is requesting adding four new positions to the department. Commissioner Grose discussed a need to make the parks department self-sufficient. Commissioner Swope said future requests need to identify the associated costs. Commissioner Swope made a motion to approve reclassifying the Parks and Rec Director position from a 129 to a 133. Commissioner Grose seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Steve noted that the day’s Capital Budget Discussion had been canceled. Meeting adjourned at 10:29 a.m.