2023-09-06 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update
September 6, 2023
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Ross McDowell,
Erika Katt, Preston Pinkston, Mindy Brooks, Becky Butler, Josh Metcalf, Doug Carey, Nic Scott, Matt
Jaeger, Jenn Libby-Jones, Eric Eisenberg, Amber Smith, Shawn Kyes, Meja Handlen, Kate Chatterton,
Tammy Martin, Alex Murray, Casey Mauermann, Coleman Rogers, Graham Gowing, Matt Thuston, Rudy
Rodriguez, Sherri Dokken, Barb Russell (10:12 a.m.), Commissioner Swope (by phone during executive
session sometime after 10:13 a.m.), Sheriff Snaza (10:26 a.m.), Undersheriff Wes Rethwill (10:26 a.m.),
Chief Dusty Breen (10:26 a.m.), Chief Chris Sweet (10:26 a.m.), Chief Kevin Engelbertson (10:26 a.m.)
Guest(s): Kate McDougall
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None
Preston Pinkston discussed a notice of a public hearing for Ordinance 1348, which would amend the
Lewis County Code related to RV parks and campgrounds.
Becky Butler discussed a resolution to approve a contract amendment with Berry Dunn McNeil & Parker
LLC for Grant Management Compliance and Consulting Services.
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve Contract #H02-0203-23 between Housing Resource
Center and Lewis County.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to approve a Local Agency Agreement and Federal Aid Project
Prospectus between Lewis County and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for
the Berwick Creek at Logan Hill Fish Passage Project (MP 0.103) Project, CMP-1805, and the Scammon
Creek at Graf Fish Passage Project (MP 1.34), CMP-1902.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution regarding the proposed acquisition of additional right of way for
Jackson Highway South MP 0.639.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution regarding the proposed acquisition of additional right of way for
Bishop Road MP 2.839.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution regarding the proposed acquisition of temporary easements for
Bunker Creek Road at MP 2.681.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution regarding the proposed acquisition of additional right of way for
Lucas Creek Road at MP 4.24 and 4.39.
Josh Metcalf and Shawn Kyes discussed a hearing to approve a license to Mox Networks, LLC for the
installation, construction, operation, and maintenance of telecommunication facilities within the rights-
of-way of unincorporated Lewis County.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to move one notice item, two consent items, seven deliberation
items and one hearing to the Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Brummer
seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
Announcements
Mindy Brooks said the Planning Commission will meet Sept. 13 in Packwood.
Becky Butler reminded offices and departments that budgets are due soon.
Meja Handlen said leftover grant funds will be used to purchase lock boxes for senior citizens.
Erika Katt provided updates on local wildfires.
New business and Wednesday Workshop
Lodging Tax allocations for 2024: The commissioners said they would like to stay in the $700,000 range
for 2024 allocations.
Night-by-night shelter: Eric Eisenberg discussed the interim shelter floorplan, which would address
capacity and safety.
Barb Russell joined at 10:12 a.m.
At 10:13 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going into executive session
under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 10:23 a.m. to discuss the night-by-night shelter. Commissioner Swope
joined by phone during executive session.
Sheriff Snaza, Undersheriff Wes Rethwill, Chief Dusty Breen, Chief Chris Sweet, and Chief Kevin
Engelbertson joined at 10:26 a.m.
At 10:23 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 10:30 a.m. Executive session
ended at 10:30 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made. Commissioner
Swope left at 10:30 a.m.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to direct county staff to proceed with the demo permit and
other permits as allowed and to continue working on the process with the city of Chehalis.
Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
Additional topics - Sheriff’s Office
Services: Services Chief Kevin Engelbertson discussed vacancies. He noted that the detective division is
now fully staffed.
Corrections: Corrections Chief Chris Sweet said the rooftop jail HVAC unit has been replaced. He
discussed staffing and noted that Corrections has seven vacancies, with two more individuals leaving. He
said Corrections is working on mandatory overtime, with staff burnout a true concern.
Sheriff Snaza said the jail has administered life-saving efforts 12 times recently for overdoses. Sheriff
Snaza said he is working with the Civil Service to reduce the minimum age for Corrections.
Operations Chief: Chief Dusty Breen discussed staffing for Operations. He said the Operations side has
responded to 10,871 calls year to date.
Sheriff Snaza discussed service the Sheriff’s Office provided for the Southwest Washington Fair and the
Packwood Flea Market. He also discussed the recent use of a drone to help search for an elderly woman
who had gone missing.
Sheriff Snaza said the Morton Police Department is no longer patrolling Pe Ell, forcing the Sheriff’s Office
to provide coverage. Sheriff Snaza said the county also is still providing patrol coverage for Toledo and
Vader, too. He discussed ways in which he is trying to work with the area cities to help address staffing
needs and help the cities become self-sufficient.
Undersheriff Wes Rethwill invited the commissioners to join a noon luncheon in honor of Target Zero
Manager Dianne Swanson, who is retiring.
Meeting adjourned at 11:20 a.m.