2023-04-19 ESC Directors UpdateESC / Directors’ Update
April 19, 2023
9:01 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Interim County
Manager Steve Wohld, Lee Napier, Josh Metcalf, Becky Butler, Casey Mauermann, Doug Carey, Matt
Jaeger, Nic Scott, Rudy Rodriguez, Daleyn Coleman, Eric Eisenberg, Meja Handlen, Alex Murray, Scott
Tinney, Graham Gowing, Violet Barboza, Arny Davis, Gary Fredricks, Grace Jimenez, Undersheriff Wes
Rethwill, Mindy Brooks, Sarah Hensley, Shelly Stewart, Tom Stanton, Tammy Martin, Kate Chatterton
Guest(s): Patty Howard
Recorder: Rieva Lester
ESC
Certification: Undersheriff Wes Rethwill discussed the steps the Sheriff’s Office follows to review and
update its policies and procedures. He said the Sheriff’s Office sought and secured Washington
Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) accreditation but had not sought re-accreditation.
Electeds' announcements / roundtable: Eric Eisenberg discussed work to review proposals for the
enhanced night-by-night shelter. He said there are two types of proposals being sought: one for a
provider and the other for an architect. Eric said The Salvation Army, Housing Resource Center, Cascade
Community Healthcare and HopeSource have submitted provider proposals. Eric said four architects
have submitted proposals for architectural work. He noted that the most experienced applicant has
indicated it may not be available to work on the construction. He said it’s possible the construction work
could be handled in house. The commissioners discussed the need to be financially conservative and the
need to ensure other county projects aren’t delayed. Eric discussed anticipated timelines.
Meja Handlen said the existing shelter costs roughly $30,000 per month, which is a high price tag but is
less than individuals taking an ambulance to the emergency room to find somewhere to sleep.
Treasurer Arny Davis said the county refinanced a bond. He reminded citizens that property taxes are
due soon. He said the Treasurer’s Office and Assessor’s Office are working on procuring new tax
software.
DIRECTORS’ UPDATE
Doug Carey discussed a resolution regarding the declaration of surplus real property.
Matt Jaeger discussed a resolution regarding the declaration of surplus personal property.
Casey Mauermann discussed a resolution to rescind Resolution 18-055, Lewis County Policy Regarding
Public Records Request and establish an Updated Public Records Act Compliance Policy.
Daleyn Coleman discussed a resolution to amend Sections 9-19 of the Lewis County Employee
Handbook.
Becky Butler discussed a hearing for the Lewis County 2023 budget, emergency and supplemental
appropriations to and transfers within current expense and other funds.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to move two consent items, four deliberation items and one
hearing to the Tuesday, April 25, 2023, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion
passed 3-0.
Rieva Lester said she would have a late add to appoint an individual to the Lodging Tax Advisory
Committee.
Announcements
Steve Wohld discussed the creation of new rodeo sponsorship packages for advertisers.
Lee Napier said the Boundary Review Board met the previous day. She said the group will hold its
hearing on the Winlock annexation at 6 p.m. June 20. Lee said the state is updating building codes
effective July 1.
Josh Metcalf provided an update on the Reynolds Avenue / Harrison Avenue Corridor Improvements
project. He invited the public to an open house planned for April 20.
Becky Butler said discussions about how opioid funds can be used will continue April 20. She said the
commissioners will receive a broadband update April 25.
Doug Carey said the courthouse pressure-washing and repairs will be complete by May.
Matt Jaeger said Grays Harbor County is blocked due to a cybersecurity breach. Matt discussed training
his department is attending. Matt reminded the group that 10-digit dialing will be required.
Alex Murray said Public Works will be able to move into its new location in 17 days.
New business
Commissioner Brummer said he would like to have an in-depth meeting with the county’s stakeholders
to understand how to best address the public’s code enforcement concerns. He directed staff to
schedule the meeting.
Calendars: Commissioner Swope and Commissioner Brummer said they would be out of the office April
20-21.
Correspondence: The commissioners agreed to sign a letter regarding Timberline Village.
Meeting ended at 10:30 a.m.