2023-05-22 County Manager UpdateCounty Manager Update
May 22, 2023
10:16 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Interim County
Manager Steve Wohld, Lee Napier, Mindy Brooks, Barbara Russell, Becky Butler, Meja Handlen, Doug
Carey, Nic Scott, Josh Metcalf, Daleyn Coleman, Violet Barboza, David Bailey
Guest(s): None
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Vehicle stipends: All three commissioners requested the $400 per month mileage stipend outlined in
the employee handbook. The commissioners said they would like the stipends to be effective in May
2023.
Mountain View Cemetery: Steve Wohld said the county has received additional records from the
previous owner. Steve said he has reached out to area cemeteries about potentially taking over the
cemetery. He noted there are more than 3,000 unclaimed plots. He asked if the commissioners would
like to establish pre-requisites for potential buyers. Steve requested authorization to sign documents
allowing burials, interments and exhumations at the cemetery.
Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney David Bailey noted that the county cannot sign something that
requires a signature from a cemetery authority. The commissioners directed Steve to review with the
PA’s Office any cemetery documents he is asked to sign. Steve noted that counsel has advised against
signing for exhumations. David said the county could sign a letter attesting the county has no objections
to an exhumation but that it would not be able to sign something that requires a signature from a
cemetery authority. Steve said he will draft a form that outlines that the county is not opposing a
potential action while protecting the county from potential liability.
Steve noted that the county must collect the $36,000 in back property taxes for the Mountain View
property but that it’s possible the associated late fees and penalties can be waived.
Becky said the equipment would be eligible for ARPA lost revenue funds.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to authorize the Parks Department to purchase equipment,
supplies and labor for the cemetery using ARPA lost revenue funds. Commissioner Brummer
seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Kresky construction updates / outreach: Steve asked the commissioners to review a letter he has
drafted regarding construction impacts to staff.
Videography: David Bailey said the commissioners can decline to be recorded during one-on-one
meetings. The group discussed updating the employee handbook to discuss videography and to post
signs outlining the county’s policies.
Executive session: At 10:51 a.m., Commissioner Swope announced that the board would be going into
Executive Session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for 10 minutes to discuss two litigation cases: YMCA and
Wolfelt.
Executive session started at 10:52 a.m.
Executive session ended at 11:02 a.m. Commissioner Swope noted that no decisions were made.
Meeting ended at 11:03 a.m.