2023-05-17 ESC Directors UpdateESC / Directors’ Update
May 17, 2023
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Interim County Manager Steve Wohld, Lee
Napier, Mindy Brooks, Becky Butler, Josh Metcalf, Doug Carey, Nic Scott, Eric Eisenberg, Alex Murray,
Gary Fredricks, BJ Kuykendall, Amber Smith, Scott Tinney, Graham Gowing, Brittni Rogers, Rudy
Rodriguez, Tom Stanton, Undersheriff Wes Rethwill, Meja Handlen, Sarah Hensley
Guest(s): Unnamed online guest
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
ESC
Countywide notification system: Steve Wohld said IT is working on a countywide notification system for
use in cases of emergency. He said he will bring the topic back the following week.
Roundtable: No updates.
DIRECTORS’ UPDATE
Mindy Brooks discussed a notice of public hearing to consider Ordinance 1346 to adopt the 2045
Population and Housing Allocations.
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve Consolidated Contract #CLH31017 Amendment #12
between the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Lewis County. Meja said she will hold
the resolution for now and may have it as a late add for the Business Meeting.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to list the bids received and contractor selected for the Ferrier Road
Bridge Damage Repair Project, 15-2301. Josh said the Ferrier Road project is a FEMA project.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to list the bids received and contractor selected for the Little
Hanaford Road MP 4.1 Slide Repair Project, 90-22F171510410. Josh noted that several bids were lower
than the engineer’s estimate. Josh said the Hanaford project is a FEMA project.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to ratify a contract supplemental agreement with TranTech
Engineering LLC for On-Call Annual Construction Engineering Services (STRUCT2021).
Steve Wohld discussed a resolution to ratify the addendum to the original Plus 1 Productions contract
(the “Rodeo Producer”) for the 2023 Southwest Washington Fair Rodeo.
Alex Murray discussed a resolution to list the bids received and contractor selected for roof replacement
at 2015 NE Kresky Ave. (WSECU building).
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to approve a $340,000 .09 (“Distressed Counties”) grant to Port of
Chehalis for its “Rail Infrastructure Improvements” project. Rieva and Becky Butler discussed language in
the agreements as well as funding.
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to approve a $1,600,093.85 .09 (“Distressed Counties”) grant to the
City of Centralia for its “Alder Street Improvements” project. Rieva and Becky Butler discussed language
in the agreements as well as funding. The commissioners said they would review the Distressed
Counties funding May 22.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to move one notice item, two consent items and five
deliberation items (holding the PHSS and Distressed Counties resolutions) to the Tuesday, May 23,
2023, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
Announcements / new business
Undersheriff Wes Rethwill discussed the Blake fix the Legislature passed in Special Session the previous
day.
Becky Butler gave the following updates:
• Teams are working on Gary Grams and an ice cream social in honor of Commissioner Stamper’s
birthday.
• Rates memo will be sent soon, and rates will be due a month later.
• Procurement kickoff will be May 18.
• Attended Munis training in Texas.
Josh Metcalf said Public Works has moved to its new site.
Josh said preservation and maintenance budget took a major hit in the County Road Administration
Board’s recent session. Josh said the funding dropped from $9.3 million to $4.8 million. He said he will
meet with Undersheriff Rethwill and Becky Butler to discuss potential local funding impacts.
Doug Carey provided updates on capital improvements.
BJ Kuykendall said the fair will host Monster Trucks on Aug. 19. He said the Barn Bash will take place in
June.
Meja Handlen said a 23-unit family housing unit is moving forward.
Wednesday Workshop
Water banking: The commissioners said they have not yet had success with their outreach efforts.
Veterans Journey Forward: Meja Handlen said the Veterans Journey Forward has secured American
Legion funding to help cover some costs for a Veterans Service Officer (VSO).
Night-by-night shelter: Eric Eisenberg said he will meet with its contractors to do a walk-through soon.
Meja noted that work on the interim shelter will be minimal as the temporary shelter’s future use is an
animal shelter. The commissioners said they envision The Salvation Army using the experience and
expertise of Hope Source and to continue spearheading the coordinated entry piece. The commissioners
agreed that the county is focusing its efforts and money on the permanent location.
Lee Napier requested leadership provide an update to the Community Development staff regarding
plans for the property and how it will impact staff.
Becky Butler urged attendees to volunteer for Juvenile’s mentorship program.
Meeting ended at 10:24 a.m.