2022-10-19 ESC DirectorsESC / Directors’ Update
October 19, 2022
9:05 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Grose, Steve Wohld, Lee Napier,
Doug Carey, Becky Butler, John Clark, Nic Scott, Matt Jaeger, Lara McRea, Ross McDowell, Eric
Eisenberg, Barbara Russell, Scott Tinney, Amber Smith, Arny Davis, Casey Mauermann, Daleyn Coleman,
Erik Martin, Graham Gowing, Jenn Libby-Jones, Larry Grove, Josh Metcalf, Meja Handlen, Michelle
Sauter, Mindy Brooks, Shelly Stewart, Marni Larson, Stephanie Miller, Susie Palmateer, Tom Stanton,
Undersheriff Wes Rethwill, Kevin McDowell, Dianne Dorey, Katie Conradi
Guest(s): Brandon Svenson, Harry Bhagwandin, unnamed guests
Recorder: Rieva Lester
ESC
Emergency preparation / response: Ross McDowell reviewed the county’s “all-call” system and
procedures as well as upcoming testing. Ross also reviewed a downtown campus evacuation plan.
Roundtable
Steve Wohld introduced Amber Smith as the new HR / Risk Director.
Undersheriff Wes Rethwill said the Sheriff’s Office:
• Will attend an academy graduation Oct. 20.
• Is starting its planning process for the annual Shop with a Cop event, which will take place in
December.
• Appreciates the coordinated efforts of those battling the Goat Rocks fire.
• Appreciates the work to replace jail HVAC unit.
Becky said 2023 budget increase requests will be addressed Nov. 9.
Commissioner Pollock reminded the group of the following dates:
• Halloween costume / decorating contest: Monday, Oct. 31
• Informational budget meeting: The annual public presentation on the 2023 budget will take
place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22
• 2022 Legislative Roundtable: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14
• Tour of Lights Christmas spirit contest: Friday, Dec. 16
DIRECTORS’ UPDATE
Josh Metcalf discussed a notice of hearing regarding a franchise to Mountain Meadows Water System to
construct, operate, and maintain water facilities in Lewis County Rights of Way.
Josh Metcalf discussed a notice of hearing regarding a franchise to Harmony Park Lot Owners
Association to construct, operate, and maintain water facilities in Lewis County Rights of Way.
Becky Butler discussed a notice of hearing for the Lewis County preliminary budget for 2023.
Eric Eisenberg discussed a resolution to approve a Purchase and Sale Agreement for 1258 SE
Washington Ave. in Chehalis.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to approve an agreement with WSP USA for professional services for
the Reynolds Avenue / Harrison Avenue project. Josh said he would provide an update to area
lawmakers.
John Clark discussed a resolution to award a contract for a fire and security system at 57 W Main
project.
Lee Napier discussed a resolution to approve Amendment 17 between Washington State Recreation and
Conservation Office and Lewis County, acting as Fiscal Agent for the Chehalis River Basin Flood
Authority.
Lee Napier discussed a resolution to approve the Twenty-fourth Supplement Agreement between West
Consultants Inc. and Lewis County, acting as Fiscal Agent for the Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority,
and authorize the Director of Community Development to sign on behalf of Lewis County.
Becky Butler discussed a resolution to establish the rate of pay for a Broadband Project Manager.
Daleyn Coleman discussed a resolution to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to amend
Resolution 22-254, the CBA between Lewis County and AFSCME represented employees, to increase the
employer contribution toward health and welfare contributions for plan year 2023, to correct Section
8.5 and to clarify financial matters.
Daleyn Coleman discussed a resolution to amend Resolution #22-251 to increase the 2023 medical rates
to be paid by Lewis County for non-union employees covered under the Public Employers Benefits Board
(PEBB).
The commissioners said they support increasing the 2023 medical rates paid by Lewis County for non-
union employees covered under the Public Employers Benefits Board (PEBB).
Daleyn Coleman discussed a resolution to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to amend
Resolution 22-252, the CBA between Lewis County and the Sheriff’s Support Services Guild (SSS Guild)
represented employees, to increase the employer contribution toward health and welfare contributions
for plan year 2023 and clarify financial matters.
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to approve a $1,175,000 .09 (“Distressed Counties”) grant to the City
of Napavine for its “Jefferson Sewer Station” project.
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to approve a $75,000 .09 (“Distressed Counties”) grant to Economic
Alliance of Lewis County for its “Water Retention Project Public Information” project.
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to approve a $1,091,000 .09 (“Distressed Counties”) grant to the City
of Chehalis for its “Bishop Road Water Loop” project.
Rieva Lester and Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to approve $200,000 .09 (“Distressed Counties”)
grant to Lewis County Public Works for its “South Lewis County Airport-Fuel System Renovation” project.
Commissioner Swope discussed a resolution to adopt Lewis County Encampment Removal and Cleanup
Policy.
Lara McRea discussed a resolution to approve a personal services agreement between Lewis County and
Robert K. Weidner.
Becky Butler discussed a hearing for Lewis County 2022 budget, emergency and supplemental
appropriations to and transfers within current expense and other funds.
Kevin McDowell discussed a hearing for Ordinance 1338, which would prohibit unauthorized camping on
county property.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to move three notice items, two consent items, 15 deliberation
items and two hearings to the Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Grose seconded.
Motion passed 3-0.
Announcements
Josh Metcalf and Doug Carey noted they will be out of office the following week.
Becky reminded the group to turn in any budget amendments by Oct. 21. She reminded the group’s
rate-setters to turn in rates.
Eric Eisenberg said he is working with fire districts to address their struggles with increased EMS calls
linked to their areas’ growth. Eric said he also is working on an information session regarding the
upcoming night-by-night shelter in advance of the county issuing a request for proposals for the shelter.
Ross McDowell said the county’s annual flood meeting will be at 1 p.m. Nov. 3.
Josh said he recently learned that the county will no longer have to provide matching funds for bridge
projects the commissioners approved in September.
Meja Handlen announced new hires in her department as well as work being done to address opioid
use.
Wednesday Workshop
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA): Becky Butler discussed a change in scope for the Fox Theatre project.
Meeting ended at 10:09 a.m.