2023-07-10 BOCC Wrap-UpBOCC Wrap-Up
July 10, 2023
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Interim County Manager
Steve Wohld , Lee Napier, Mindy Brooks, Josh Metcalf, Becky Butler, Meja Handlen, Brian Warren, Amber
Smith, Daleyn Coleman, Nic Scot, Doug Carey, Eric Eisenberg, Violet Barboza, Kate Chaterton, Graham
Gowing, Rudy Rodriguez, Barbara Russell (9:08 a.m.), Rachel Lester, Sherri Dokken
Guest(s): Paty Howard, Angela Strauss, Isabel Vander Stoep
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
.09 Distressed Coun�es policy: Rieva Lester said the topic will be on the agenda for the July 11 Directors’
Update.
Criminal Jus�ce Treatment Account (CJTA) funding: The commissioners said they would like to retain
control. Commissioner Pollock made a mo�on to authorize Lewis County to retain local control of the
CJTA funding, rather than have it go through the HCA. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Mo�on
passed 3-0.
Budget amendment, including Capital and Coroner: Becky Butler discussed the upcoming budget
amendment.
Barbara Russell joined at 9:08 a.m.
Safety Officer posi�on and HR/Risk reorganiza�on: Amber Smith said she is reques�ng the board
unfreeze a safety officer posi�on and a risk posi�on effec�ve Jan. 1, 2024.
Commissioner Brummer made a mo�on to add one FTE for the safety officer for 2024 with the
increase in funding – if eligible – coming from the OPD. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Mo�on
passed 3-0.
Forest Service FY 2023 es�mated payment form and elec�on form: The commissioners said they will
consider keeping the distribu�on unchanged and will further discuss the mater July 11.
RV occupancy: Mindy Brooks discussed the illegal use of RVs as residences. She said illegal RV occupancy
creates risks involving fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and improper storage and disposal of sewage
and solid waste. She discussed possible ways the county could address the issue. The commissioners said
they would like to further discuss it before working on any proposed code updates.
Night-by-night shelter: At 9:54 a.m., Commissioner Swope announced that the Board would be going
into execu�ve session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) un�l 10:04 a.m. to discuss the night-by-night shelter.
• At 10:04 a.m., Commissioner Swope extended execu�ve session un�l 10:10 a.m.
• At 10:10 a.m., Commissioner Swope extended execu�ve session un�l 10:15 a.m.
• At 10:15 a.m., Commissioner Swope extended execu�ve session un�l 10:18 a.m.
• At 10:18 a.m., Commissioner Swope extended execu�ve session un�l 10:20 a.m.
• At 10:20 a.m., Commissioner Swope extended execu�ve session un�l 10:25 a.m.
• At 10:25 a.m., Commissioner Swope extended execu�ve session un�l 10:30 a.m.
• At 10:30 a.m., Commissioner Swope extended execu�ve session un�l 10:33 a.m.
Execu�ve session ended at 10:33 a.m. Commissioner Swope noted that no decisions had been made.
Commissioner Pollock made a mo�on to authorize county staff to seek a code interpreta�on as to
whether Chehalis municipal code requires a condi�onal use permit for a night-by-night shelter on
Kresky Avenue and to move forward with a condi�onal use permit process under protest. Brummer
seconded. Mo�on passed 3-0.
Mee�ng ended at 10:37 a.m.