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2024-02-21 ESC DirectorsESC / Directors’ Update February 21, 2024 9:06 a.m. Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Alex Murray, Casey Mauermann, Coleman Rogers, Gary Fredricks, Scott Tinney, Arny Davis, Grace Jimenez, Larry Grove, Shelly Stewart, Tom Stanton, Rudy Rodriguez, Mindy Brooks, Amber Smith, Becky Butler, Goeff Soderquist, Doug Carey, Meja Handlen, Robert Bradley, Graham Gowing, Matt Jaeger, Charles Edmonson, Stacey Werner, Susie Palmateer Guest(s): Mitchell Roland, Debbie Aust, Patty Howard, Cole Meckle, Ruth Gutierrez, Brandon Svenson, several unnamed guests Recorder: Rieva Lester Public comment: None. ESC County Clerk Scott Tinney said the Clerk’s Office will soon be able to process court filings electronically. Rieva Lester introduced the county’s new Formstack process for BOCC Facebook posts and press releases. Treasurer Arny Davis said the Treasurer’s Office has mailed out 2024 tax statements. Graham Gowing discussed security for the recent special election and upcoming elections. He said the county has a new reimbursement form available on the Intranet, and he reminded the group that 2023 financials are due Feb. 29. DIRECTORS’ UPDATE Robert Bradley discussed a notice of hearing regarding Ordinance 1354, which would add Chapter 8.80 Lewis County Code to regulate sterile needle and syringe exchanges operating in Lewis County and make violations of the chapter a civil infraction or a misdemeanor. Commissioner Pollock voiced concern about the ordinance applying to pharmacies, health offices and feed stores. Robert said verbiage can be added to ensure those are exempt. Meja Handlen said she has shared the information with the Public Health and Social Services Advisory Committee and that any concerns will be shared with the Board of Health during its upcoming meeting. Rieva Lester said the hearing for the proposed ordinance is scheduled for March 19. Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to appoint members to the Distressed Counties (.09) Fund / Rural Economic Development Public Facilities Advisory Committee. Commissioner Brummer said Economic Alliance has suggested Tom Nicholas for the at-large position. Susie Palmateer discussed a resolution to ratify a professional services agreement between PPC Solutions and Lewis County for the 2024 Law and Justice Center Security Services. Susie said outside funding may be available to help cover the costs. Geoff Soderquist discussed a resolution to accept a bid on tax title property off of Elkhorn Drive, Packwood. Doug Carey discussed a resolution to ratify a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Sale of 123 W. Main St. Chehalis. Doug said the interested party has withdrawn its proposal so the resolution will not move forward. Commissioner Swope made a motion to move one notice item, two consent items and three deliberation items – excluding the 123 W. Main Street sale – to the Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, BOCC Business Meeting agenda. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Announcements / roundtable Attendees provided office and department updates. Wednesday Workshop Legislative update (placeholder): No discussion. Water District 1 (Randle) vacancy: Rieva Lester said the county didn’t receive any applications for the vacant position. The commissioners said they would delay action. Flood Control District 2 (Centralia) vacancy: Rieva Lester said the county received two applications for the position. Commissioner Swope made a motion to appoint Marc Hamilton to Flood Control District 2. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Broadband contract extension request: Becky Butler said ToledoTel has recommended approval of a 60-day extension as requested. Commissioner Swope made a motion to give the County Manager signatory authority for the broadband RFP extension. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion passed 3-0. North Lewis County Highway Interchange & Associated Improvements Funding letter: The commissioners agreed to sign the letter of support. Noxious Weed and WSU updates: Charles Edmonson and Gary Fredricks provided updates about WSU and Weed activities and programs. Chehalis / Centralia Chamber of Commerce approval to move lodging tax funds from marketing to operations: Rudy Rodriguez said the Chamber has requested permission to move $4,900 from its marketing “bucket” to its operations “bucket.” Commissioner Swope made a motion to allow the Chamber to move lodging tax funds from marketing to operations. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Calendars Commissioner Brummer noted that Joe Clark will provide a Lewis County Transit update and The Salvation Army will provide a presentation on coordinated entry on Feb. 27. The commissioners said they’d like to limit the presentations to 15 minutes apiece. Commissioner Pollock discussed an email received regarding property taxes. She said she will reach out to the property owner. Meeting adjourned at 10:06 a.m.