2023-05-31 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update
May 31, 2023
9:03 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Interim County Manager Steve Wohld, Lee
Napier, Amber Smith, Becky Butler, Josh Metcalf, Meja Handlen, Doug Carey, BJ Kuykendall, Jenn Libby-
Jones, Nic Scott, Alex Murray, Rocky Lyon, Ross McDowell, Violet Barboza, Casey Mauermann, Gary
Fredricks, Matt Thuston, Mindy Brooks, Tom Stanton, Kate Chatterton, Tammy Martin
Guest(s): Patty Howard, unidentified guest
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Directors’ Update items
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to add a discussion about animal shelter adoption fees to the
Directors’ Update agenda.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution for the proposed vacation of undeveloped right of way between
Haynes Avenue North and Cowlitz Avenue N in Packwood.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution for the proposed vacation of undeveloped Washington Street lying
north of Horsley Avenue.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to accept a bid on tax title property off Craig Road, Packwood.
Becky Butler discussed a resolution to approve a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Great
Rivers Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization LLC and Lewis County Superior Court for
civil commitment cases.
Lee Napier discussed a resolution to approve an interlocal agreement among Chehalis River Basin
communities for study, analysis and implementation of flood hazard reduction solutions.
Amber Smith discussed a resolution to amend Sections 19-29 of the Lewis County Employee Handbook.
Alex Murray discussed a resolution to award a contract for Royal Bakery South Side Siding Project.
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve Contract #R01-0165-22 Amendment A between
Reliable Enterprises and Lewis County.
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve Contract #TSA-ESG-CV Amendment E between The
Salvation Army and Lewis County.
Rocky Lyon discussed a resolution to reappoint four members to the Lewis County Solid Waste Advisory
Committee.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to list the bids received and contractor selected for the Pigeon
Springs Road MP 2.3 Slide Repair Project, 90-21F640220230.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to list the bids received and contractor selected for the Kruger Road
MP 1.20 Culvert Replacement Project, 15-1904.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to list the bids received and contractor selected for the 2021 County
Safety Program, F.A. Project No. HSIP 000S(610), 10-2196.
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to approve $1,600,093.85 .09 (“Distressed Counties”) grant to the
City of Centralia for its Alder Street Improvements project.
HELD: A resolution to update procedures for Distressed Counties Fund / Rural Economic Development
Public Facilities Advisory Committee.
Becky Butler discussed a resolution to approve a contract with Washington State University to accept
funds for Broadband Action and Digital Equity Planning work done by the Lewis County Broadband
Action Team (LCBAT), as fiscal sponsor for the LCBAT.
The commissioners said they would hold the .09 policy resolutions to give them time to review with the
Economic Alliance the process for selecting .09 members.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to move three notice items, two consent items and 12
deliberation items to the Tuesday, June 6, 2023, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Brummer seconded.
Motion passed 2-0.
Announcements / roundtable / new business
Directors provided department updates.
At 9:58 a.m., Commissioner Brummer noted that the group was taking a 3-minute break.
The meeting resumed at 10:03 a.m.
Wednesday Workshop
911 governance attorney: Jenn Libby-Jones said she quotes have been in the $20,000 range. Jenn said
the PA’s Office does not want to give approval to use outside counsel. The group discussed the
The commissioners said they would discuss the topic during the next PA Update.
Animal shelter adoption fees: Meja Handlen said the animal shelter has an overabundance of 2- to 5-
year-old dogs. She said she would like to request an adoption fee reduction – from $200 to $100 – from
June 10 to June 17.
The commissioners said they support the request.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to add to the June 6 Business Meeting a resolution to approve a
temporary reduction of adoption fees. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
Correspondence: Commissioner Pollock discussed an email from Paul Jewell of the Washington State
Association of Counties (WSAC) regarding Timber Counties meeting with the Department of Natural
Resources (DNR).
Lee Napier discussed correspondence from neighbors complaining about activity at the Good mining
quarry. The commissioners asked for further outreach to the neighbors.
Meeting ended at 10:24 a.m.