2023-07-17 BOCC Wrap-UpBOCC Wrap-Up
July 17, 2023
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Lee Napier, Amber
Smith, Jenn Libby-Jones, Becky Butler, Doug Carey, Mat Dillin, Nic Scot, Centralia Community
Development Director Emil Pierson, Barb Russell, Violet Barboza, Casey Mauermann, Daleyn Coleman,
Mat Jaeger, Rudy Rodriguez, Sherri Guenther, Kirsten Wecker, Undersheriff Wes Rethwill, Clerk Scot
Tinney, David Bailey
Guest(s): Isabel Vander Stoep, Mark Dynan, Dan Rich and several unnamed guests
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Rich Masters Subdivision located within the Centralia Urban Growth Area (UGA): Centralia Community
Development Director Emil Pierson and Lewis County Community Development Director Lee Napier
discussed the proposed Rich Masters subdivision. They said the proposed subdivision is located in the
UGA and therefore requires city approval. Emil, Lee and Kirsten Wecker noted that because the
developer wants to use on-site sewage disposal (sep�c systems) instead of hooking the future homes up
to the city sewer system, the development requires county approval in addi�on to city approval.
Lee noted that the developers had not yet submited soil samples, a step required for county approval.
She noted that the developers have indicated they will change the property configura�on if needed
based on the results of the soil tes�ng. He noted that the developers already reconfigured the
subdivision to 22 lots instead of 63 lots.
Barb Russell discussed poten�al concerns regarding future densi�es in the area.
Developer Dan Rich said documents for the property were submited in February. He expressed concern
with delays. Dan reiterated that the developers are commited to changing the lot configura�on if the
results of the soil tests do not support the current configura�on.
Barb noted that the city and county have differing requirements. She noted that the county requires perc
holes for preliminary plat approvals, and Lee noted that the developers had not yet submited the
required samples.
The group discussed the project’s �melines. Lee noted that the county received the applica�on packet
on May 19.
Commissioner Pollock noted that the county wouldn’t have ques�ons had the soils tes�ng already taken
place as normally required for preliminary plat approval. The group agreed to update the language in the
dra� resolu�on to specify that the soils tes�ng would need to be completed prior to the county
providing final plat approval.
911 sales tax: Jenn Libby-Jones said four ci�es and 12 fire districts -- as well as the Fire Commissioners
group – have provided leters of support regarding the Combined User Commitee’s request for the
commissioners to forward to the November ballot a 911 sales tax ini�a�ve. The commissioners said they
would like to have the city of Chehalis provide its support.
Commissioner Brummer made a mo�on to amend the agenda for the July 18, 2023, Business Mee�ng
to include a resolu�on to provide preliminary approval of the Rich Masters Subdivision located within
the Centralia Urban Growth Area (UGA). Commissioner Pollock seconded. Mo�on passed 3-0.
Chehalis River Basin FCZD Update: Mat Dillin provided updates on Flood Control Zone District mee�ng
�melines.
Clerk budget increase request: Clerk Scot Tinney said he is reques�ng a budget amendment in response
to recently enacted legisla�on that requires Superior Court to accept electronically submited
documents related to the filing of civil protec�on orders, which include an�-harassment, domes�c
violence, extreme risk, sexual assault, stalking and vulnerable adult. Scot said the county has been using
Legal Atoms for the electronic submissions. Scot said the $14,400 he is reques�ng would be an annual
contract.
Becky noted that the funds would come from the general fund.
Budget amendment – Coroner’s office: Becky said Warren McLeod is reques�ng an addi�onal $130,000
to cover professional services to cover increased autopsy, decedent removal and pathologist costs. Becky
said the request is included in the hearing for July 25.
Minute folders: Commissioner Pollock made a mo�on to approve minute folders for the weeks of June
19 and 26, 2023. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Mo�on passed 3-0.
RV ordinance: David Bailey said the PA’s Office is working on an ordinance that addresses camping and
parking on county property.
Execu�ve session: At 10:21 a.m., Commissioner Swope announced that the Board would be going into
execu�ve session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) un�l 10:27 a.m. to discuss Evers v. Lewis County.
At 10:27 a.m., Commissioner Swope extended execu�ve session un�l 10:32 a.m.
Execu�ve session ended at 10:32 a.m. Commissioner Swope noted that no decisions had been made.
At 10:33 a.m., Commissioner Swope announced that the Board would be going into execu�ve session
under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) un�l 10:38 a.m. to discuss YMCA li�ga�on.
Execu�ve session ended at 10:38 a.m. Commissioner Swope noted that no decisions had been made.
Mee�ng ended at 10:39 a.m.