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2023-04-26 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update April 26, 2023 9:01 a.m. Present: Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Interim County Manager Steve Wohld, Lee Napier, Eric Eisenberg, Daleyn Coleman, Amber Smith, Meja Handlen, Gary Fredricks, Jesse Lloyd, Chip Duncan, Kate McDougall, Doug Carey, Violet Barboza, Josh Metcalf, BJ Kuykendall, Matt Jaeger, Alex Murray, Barbara Russell, Ross McDowell, Justia Madrigal, Heidi Palmer, Rudy Rodriguez, Sarah Hensley, Casey Mauermann, Graham Gowing, Mindy Brooks, Tammy Martin, Kate Chatterton Guest(s): Laurie Lebowsky-Young, Logan Cullums, Martha, Nick Roach, Richard Warren, George Dodd, Gin Peck, Steven Peck, Scott Langer, Elizabeth Rohr, Napavine Mayor Shawn O’Neill, Teresa Ekdahl Johnson and others Recorder: Rieva Lester Public comment: None. Daleyn Coleman discussed a resolution to amend Section 6 of the Lewis County Employee Handbook. Eric Eisenberg discussed a resolution to select HopeSource and The Salvation Army to engage in a collaborative program design for and operations of a night-by-night or equivalent shelter and springboard into the housing pipeline. Eric said the shelter Selection Committee recommends contracting with HopeSource as the coordinated entry provider and contracting with another entity to operate the enhanced shelter. Eric said the committee was split about which entity to contract with as the shelter operator but that the majority identified The Salvation Army for the role. The commissioners said they want to ensure Cascade also helps with the program. Ross McDowell discussed a resolution to accept the amended contract between Lewis County and Washington State Military Department for FEMA Emergency Management Performance Grant and authorize signatures thereon. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to move two consent items and three deliberation items to the Tuesday, May 2, 2023, BOCC Business Meeting agenda. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Veterans Journey Forward: The group discussed the Veterans Journey Forward’s request for additional funding through the end of the year. George Dodd shared the Veterans Advisory Committee’s recommendations regarding the funding request. Jesse Lloyd said Veterans Journey Forward has contracted with a grant writer at a cost of $5,000. George said the committee is recommending the BOCC cover the costs of hiring of an additional Veterans Service Officer (VSO). Commissioner Pollock noted that the county provided funding for peer-to-peer counseling. She expressed concern about duplication of services when it comes to burial, benefits and other services. Heidi Palmer noted that the VA provides funding for county-based VSOs. Chip Duncan said he is requesting funding through Dec. 31, 2023. The commissioners agreed to revisit the request May 8. They asked for: • Work to ensure there is no duplication of services • Information about services Cascade is providing • Information about funding Cascade is using • Collaboration with Budget Administrator Becky Butler Commissioner Swope left at 10:45 a.m. At 10:45 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the board would take a 5-minute recess. The meeting resumed at 10:50 a.m. Announcements / roundtable Lee Napier thanked Eric Eisenberg and the team reviewing the shelter proposals. Lee said her team is launching an online option for those scheduling inspections. Meja Handlen said the recent drug take-back events were successful. She said Public Health is launching an online option for permits. Doug Carey discussed updates to the historic courthouse and the new IT site. Matt Jaeger said a courtroom open house took place April 25. He discussed software updates taking place countywide. Josh Metcalf said the legislative session was unfavorable to Public Works: • Previously approved $50 million funding for North Lewis County Interchange was reduced to $500,000 • Reynolds project will have to be stopped at 30 percent completion • No funding for Rush Road • No funding for the I-5 Chamber Way project BJ Kuykendall said the Spring Youth Fair is May 5-7. Nic Scott discussed a Traffic Safety Week. Ross McDowell said the county has ordered and distributed 55-gallon emergency supply kits. Meeting adjourned at 11:25 a.m.