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2024-02-05 Wrap-up - County Manager UpdateWrap-Up / County Manager Update February 5, 2024 9:00 a.m. Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Ross Nielson, Chris Lanegan, Lynn Richard, Doug Carey, Grace Jimenez, Graham Gowing, Meja Handlen, David Bailey, Becky Butler, Amber Smith, Sarah Hensley, Eric Eisenberg, Coleman Rogers, Michelle Sauter, Sherri Dokken, Kelly Smith-Johnston, Robert Bradley, Tom Stanton Guest(s): Patty Howard, members from the public Recorder: Tammy Martin Public comment: None The Board announced at 9:01 a.m. Commissioner Brummer announced the Board would be going into executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for potential litigation until 9:06 a.m. At 9:06 a.m., the Board returned from executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) Commissioner Brummer noted no decisions had been made. Point of Order: Amber Smith announced to the public the agenda needed to state this was for an employment-related issue. Assessor Ross Nielson discussed a letter that his office sent out to industrial farms. The Assessor’s Office is asking for income information. Ross said this is standard appraisal practice. There are three approaches to values: cost approach, sales approach, and income approach. Ross said this information will help value parcels more accurately. RCW 84.40.030 says each parcel needs to be valued at 100% highest and best use. He encouraged the public to reach out to him and discuss any concerns. Ross said after the letter was sent out, the Assessor’s Office discovered that so far that six farms are no longer in business. If no data is submitted, there will be other information used to value parcels that may not be accurate. Eric Eisenberg said the work at the shelter is on-going. There is a lot of wall patching and sheetrock work. The shelter is still waiting for the permits related to construction. Eric said there have been many discussions about steps needed to obtain the required permits. Eric said planning the steps from partial occupancy to full occupancy is important. Grace Jimenez provided an update regarding the SAO accountability audit. The audit report will be published Feb. 5. There was one finding issued by the SAO and it was an internal control issue related to the fraud at the Jail/Prisoner accounts. Grace said fixing any findings or management letters is of utmost importance to eliminate future issues. The costs associated with the SAO audit are billed to the County by the hour and this audit cost Lewis County close to $160,000. Becky Butler informed the Commissioners that Superior Court is bringing back the Court Facilitator program. The Board created the program by RCW. This is for people that would like to represent themselves. The contract and resolution will be brought before the Commissioners at a future update. Doug Carey discussed the change order overview. Doug said the change orders are reviewed and then brought before the Board during the County Manager update. Doug said the Water Doctor of Washington has five smaller change orders due to water pressure, trap issues, some other repairs that were not needed, but total costs associated with the changes are in addition to the previous total by $8,291. Josh Weiss and Troy Nichols provided the weekly legislative update. They said Feb. 6 marks the half-way point of session. Some bills have dropped off the session. Josh said all the budget requests have been submitted. The state revenue forecast will be presented Feb. 14. The fair and County legislation passed and is now to the rules committee. It’s now on the floor for Feb. 13. Troy said as soon as the revenue forecast is announced, they will present the findings. Commissioner Swope asked about HB 1650. Josh said it was scheduled for executive action, there may be hope for it. It was added back to the list for today. Commissioner Swope discussed the loitering for drug-related purposes. This identifies a high drug traffic area and allows for law enforcement officers to enforce the law regarding drug use. Commissioner Swope would like to work with the PA’s office to identify ordinances with similar practices. Commissioner Pollock had questions about determining intent. Commissioner Brummer said all options to prevent drug use should be utilized. The tools and resources for law enforcement are necessary. Commissioner Swope had questions about the marijuana moratorium. Lewis County currently has a prohibition in place. Commissioner Swope also mentioned the possibility of. Commissioner Swope raised concerns about today’s event about the Hydrogen forum at the TransAlta Commons. Commissioner Pollock is on the panel and Commissioner Brummer is making opening announcements. Commissioner Brummer noted he would yield to Commissioner Pollock because she is a panelist at the event. Meeting ended at 10:03 a.m.