2023-07-26 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update
July 26, 2023
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Interim County
Manager Steve Wohld, Chris Lanegon, Ross Nielson, Matt Jaeger, Samantha Mitchell, Katrina Wulff, Lee
Napier, John Abplanalp, Meja Handlen, Justia Madrigal, Doug Carey, Daleyn Coleman, David Bailey,
Jimmy Goodman, BJ Kuykendall, Becky Butler, Jenn Libby-Jones, Josh Metcalf, Violet Barboza, Ross
McDowell, Erika Katt, Eric Eisenberg, Gary Fredricks, Rudy Rodriguez, Sarah Hensley, Tom Stanton, Kate
Chatterton, Tammy Martin
Guest(s): Patty Howard, several unnamed guests
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Youth Advocacy Center (YAC) presentation: Youth Advocacy Center (YAC) Clinic Coordinator Samantha
Mitchell and Care Coordinator Katrina Wulff provided updates on YAC.
Samantha discussed ways the program could expand, including mandatory Darkness to Light training,
therapy dog, on-site mental health care, on-site investigators, etc.
Assessor's Office reorganization: Assessor Ross Nielson outlined changes he is requesting as part of a
reorganization. Ross said the changes would save more than $3,000 annually.
Commissioner Brummer made a motion to approve the Assessor’s Office reorganization, effective
Aug. 1, including the following:
• Freeze the Customer Service position and change it to Property Control Specialist I position
• Freeze the Office Manager position and change it to an Administrative Assistant II position
• Increase the salary for the Chief Deputy position from a grade 125 to a grade 127
• Rename the Personal Property and Exemption positions to Property Control Specialist I
positions
• Rename the Mapping Specialist positions to Property Control Specialist II.
Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
The commissioners and David Bailey discussed a notice of hearing regarding RV / camping ordinance.
The commissioners opted to hold the resolution one week.
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve Contract #E03-0199-23 between Equity Institute and
Lewis County.
Meja discussed a resolution to approve Contract #H02-0198-23 between Housing Resource Center and
Lewis County.
Meja discussed a resolution to approve Contract #H02-0197-23 between Housing Resource Center and
Lewis County.
Meja discussed a resolution to approve Contract #R01-0200-23 between Reliable Enterprises and Lewis
County.
Meja discussed a resolution to approve Contract #H04-0201-23 between Hope Alliance and Lewis
County.
Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS) position and Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) contract
discussions: Meja said she further discuss the requests July 31.
Commissioner Swope left at 10:36 a.m.
Held: Eric Eisenberg discussed a resolution to approve a Rapid Capital Housing Acquisition Grant to
reimburse the purchase of 1258 SE Washington Ave., Chehalis. The group opted to hold the item and
further discuss it July 31.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to approve an interlocal agreement between Lewis County and the
City of Centralia regarding work by county crews and authorizing signatures thereon.
Josh discussed a resolution to approve a Grant Agreement between the State of Washington Recreation
and Conservation Office (RCO) on behalf of the Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board (FBRB) and
Lewis County for the MF Newaukum Tributary-Kruger Fish Passage Construction project in the amount
of $1,067,870.00.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to move two consent items and seven deliberation items
(excluding the Rapid Capital Housing resolution) to the Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, BOCC agenda.
Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
Wednesday Workshop
Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) contract with Housing Resource Center (HRC): Meja discussed the
county’s HEN contract with Housing Resource Center. Meja said the year-long contract ends soon. She
asked if the county is interested in extending the contract and / or issuing a request for proposals. She
said she will discuss the request July 31.
Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS) position discussion: John Abplanalp said Public Health and
Social Services is requesting permission to use grant funds to add the following grant-specific positions:
• Health Promotion coordinator – Substance use
• Health Promotion coordinator – Preparedness
• Health Educator - Communications
John and Meja said the three positions have existing job descriptions that place them at Grade 121.
Meja stressed that the positions would dissolve if funding went away.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to approve, effective Aug. 1, the grant-funded positions of
• Health Promotion coordinator – Substance use
• Health Promotion coordinator – Preparedness
• Health Educator - Communications
Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
Meeting ended at 11:24 a.m.