2022-11-23 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update
November 23, 2022
9:02 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Grose, Steve Wohld, John Abplanalp, Meja Handlen,
Becky Butler, Doug Carey, Rocky Lyon, John Clark, Graham Gowing, Amber Smith, Kevin McDowell, Nic
Scott, Casey Mauermann, Grace Jimenez, Matt Thuston, Preston Pinkston, Sarah Hensley, Susie
Palmateer, Kate Chatterton
Guest(s): Commissioner-elect Scott Brummer, Bill Serrahn, John Christian, Jennifer Cervantes
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: Bill Serrahn said he does not agree with erecting the sheriff’s substation in Glenoma.
He said the White Pass area would be a better location.
Doug Carey discussed a call for Bids for the East County Sheriff's Substation. Doug discussed the use of
the Small Works Roster versus putting the project out to formal bid. Grace Jimenez said either option
would work. The commissioners opted to go with the Small Works Roster, which would eliminate the
need for a resolution.
Becky Butler discussed a notice of hearing for amendments to the 2022 Lewis County budget.
Amber Smith discussed a notice of hearing for Ordinance 1341, which would amend Chapter 2.40,
Standards for Public Defense Services, of the Lewis County Code.
Rocky Lyon discussed a notice of intent to lease the East Lewis County Transfer Station to the Lewis
County Solid Waste Disposal District #1.
Rocky Lyon discussed a notice of intent to Lease the Central Transfer Station to the Lewis County Solid
Waste Disposal District #1.
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to approve 2023 “Lodging Tax” contracts with various organizations
for funding from Tourism Promotion Fund No. 1980 for tourism-related activities.
Susie Palmateer discussed a resolution to ratify a professional services agreement between PPC
Solutions and Lewis County for 2022-2023 Law and Justice Center Security Services.
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to approve and authorize the Public Works Director to sign an
interlocal agreement with Lewis County Fire District No. 8 for use of the Small Works Roster.
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to approve and authorize the Public Works Director to sign an
interlocal agreement with the Office of the Chehalis Basin for use of the Small Works Roster.
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to approve Josh Metcalf, Public Works Director, as Applicant Agent
and Robin Saline, Public Works Contract Administrator, as the Alternate Applicant Agent/Contact for
open, federally declared disasters and any future disasters that may occur between December 1, 2022,
and December 31, 2023.
Graham Gowing, Meja Handlen and John Abplanalp discussed a resolution to adopt a Categorized
Schedule of Fees Effective January 1, 2023. Meja noted that Health Services fees had last been updated
three years ago. Meja said a 42 percent increase would be needed to cover current costs. She said her
department has instead proposed a 20 percent increase. Commissioner Swope recommended a 5
percent increase for 2023 and a tiered plan for subsequent years.
Rocky Lyon discussed a hearing for Ordinance 1339, which expands the Recycling Service Area 1 (RSA-1)
for Curbside Recycling and amends Ordinances 1136, 1136A, 1157, and 1196. Rocky said the county will
maintain a collection box in Packwood.
Rieva Lester discussed a hearing to adopt the 2023-2028 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program
(TIP) and 2023 Annual Construction Program (ACP).
Commissioner Grose made a motion to move four notice items, two consent items, six deliberation
items and two hearings to the Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Swope seconded.
Motion passed 2-0.
Roundtable
Staff shared their appreciation for Commissioner Grose’s service.
Becky Butler said the OpenGov portal is now live. She discussed an informational budget meeting that
took place the night before.
Commissioner Swope noted that Timberland Regional Library Executive Director Cheryl Heywood will
give TRL’s annual State-of-the-Library presentation Nov. 29.
At 10:04 a.m., Commissioner Swope announced that the Board would be going into executive session
under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for 5 minutes to discuss Mosses Colley et al v. Lewis County et al.
Executive session started at 10:05 a.m.
• At 10:10 a.m., the Board extended executive session for 5 minutes.
• At 10:15 a.m., the Board extended executive session for 3 minutes.
Executive session ended at 10:18 a.m. Commissioner Swope noted that no decisions had been made.
Commissioner Grose made a motion to authorize the PA’s Office and the Risk Office to notify the Risk
Pool that Lewis County approves of having John Justice represent in the Mosses Colley v. Lewis County
et al litigation. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
Meeting adjourned at 10:22 a.m.