2023-11-27 County Manager UpdateCounty Manager Update
November 27, 2023
10:17 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Meja Handlen, Becky Butler, Josh Metcalf, Lee Napier
Guest(s): Todd Chaput
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
East Lewis County Public Development Authority (ELCPDA) .09 loan: The commissioners discussed the
ELCPDA’s request to forgive its .09 Distressed Counties loan. Becky Butler noted she is working with the
PA’s Office and the Auditor’s Office to ensure it can be done. The commissioners expressed support
about forgiving the loan. They also expressed a desire to expand the number of appointees on the
ELCPDA as allowed per county code.
Vader water: Ryan Barrett said he and Josh Metcalf are working with the PA’s Office on an extension to
the receivership agreement related to Vader water.
Lewis County Seniors payment approval: Becky said the Lewis County Seniors group has provided the
documentation needed and is requesting an additional $50,000 for 2023 funding.
Commissioner Brummer made a motion to approve $50,000 to the Lewis County Seniors for the
nutrition program for 2023. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
The commissioners said they would like the group’s updated bylaws before reviewing the 2024
agreement with the Lewis County Seniors group.
Final Budget review: Becky said she and Rudy Rodriguez are continuing to work on 2023 and 2024
budgets.
Robert Weidner contract: The commissioners directed staff to prepare a resolution to approve the
county’s annual lobbying contract with Robert Weidner.
Energy recruitment: Commissioner Pollock said representatives from eastern counties have expressed
concerns about a lack of local control regarding energy firms. She said she’d like to work with other
counties to address potential legislative changes to the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC).
The commissioners supported her request.
Calendars: The commissioners discussed upcoming vacation calendars as well as attendance at Juvenile
Court’s “Celebrating Community Partners” event planned for 3-5 p.m. Dec. 7 at Centralia College.
Correspondence: Commissioner Pollock said a Skamania County commissioner indicated he’d like to
know results of soil sampling at the Cascade Conservancy site. The commissioners directed staff to write
a letter to the Cascade Conservancy group indicating that they will not be writing a letter of support for
the group’s work at this time.
Meeting adjourned at 11:10 a.m.