2023-05-22 BOCC Wrap-UpBOCC Wrap-Up
May 22, 2023
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Interim County
Manager Steve Wohld, Lee Napier, Mindy Brooks, Jenn Libby-Jones, Becky Butler, Meja Handlen, Doug
Carey, BJ Kuykendall, Chip Duncan, Nic Scott, Daleyn Coleman, Eric Eisenberg, Robert Bradley, Barbara
Russell, Violet Barboza, Kate Chatterton, Tammy Martin, Josh Metcalf, Matt Jaeger, Rudy Rodriguez,
Tom Stanton
Guest(s): Patty Howard
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Fair Advisory Board: Commissioner Brummer made a motion to add to the day’s Wrap-Up agenda a
discussion about Fair Advisory Board vacancies. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
BJ Kuykendall said the Southwest Washington Fair Advisory Board has two vacancies and that two
individuals had submitted applications. He asked the commissioners to move forward with the two
applicants: Lee Coumbs and Jerry Elliott.
Agenda changes: Commissioner Pollock made a motion to add to the May 23, 2023, Business Meeting
the following:
• Resolution 23-170: Select Environmental Works as the Winner of a Request for Qualifications
regarding Architectural Consulting Services Related to an Emergency Shelter.
• Resolution 23-171: Approve $340,000 .09 (“Distressed Counties”) grant to Port of Chehalis for
its “Rail Infrastructure Improvements” project.
• Resolution 23-172: Resolution to appoint two individuals to the Southwest Washington Fair
Advisory Board.
Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Consolidated contract: Meja Handlen discussed Consolidated Contract #CLH31017 Amendment #12
between the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Lewis County, through which the
county will return unused funding back to the state. The commissioners discussed looking into whether
the funding could be used for other projects rather than return the funding to the state.
Distressed Counties (.09) funding, grants: Flood Control District No. 1 grant (Resolution 20-163): Tammy
Martin said the Flood Control District No. 1 will not use the $156,000 Distressed Counties grant the
county approved via Resolution 20-163. Tammy said the district will roll back the unused money
because it was unable to secure the other funding it needed. Becky noted that the two new 2023
projects will eliminate the county’s ability to fund further .09 projects in 2023.
Code enforcement update: Meja Handlen discussed work taking place to address recent complaints and
violations. She said a further update will be provided during a meeting later in the day.
Veterans Journey Forward: Meja Handlen said the county is being asked to provide $66,880 to cover a
service provider, media outreach and mileage. Chip Duncan discussed the request. The commissioners
supported the request, which Meja said would be presented as a resolution.
911 update: Jenn Libby-Jones discussed the recent Fire Commissioners’ meeting, during which the fire
commissioners indicated they would conduct an email vote to determine the group’s stance on the
Combined User Committee’s (CUC) request to put a 911 sales tax on the upcoming ballot. Jenn said the
deadline to add the sales tax to the ballot is Aug. 1. She said the funding can be used for infrastructure.
She said she will find out if it would require an ordinance or just a resolution. The commissioners said
the CUC needs to submit a request that outlines exactly what it is asking for and clearly documents the
funding and tax totals.
Planning Commission weekly update: Mindy Brooks said the Planning Commission will meet May 23
and will discuss the area around the airport.
Timberland Regional Library Board of Trustees vacancy: The commissioners directed staff to advertise
the upcoming vacancy.
Constitution and Declaration of Independence: Commissioner Swope said he’d like the county to order
copies of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence to display in the foyer.
Meeting ended at 9:53 a.m.