2024-03-20 ESC Directors UpdateESC / Directors’ Update
March 20, 2024
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Ross Nielson, Meja Handlen, Arny Davis, Becky Butler, Rachel Lester, Daleyn Coleman, BJ
Kuykendall, Matt Jaeger, Doug Carey, Lee Napier, Josh Metcalf, Alex Murray, Larry Grove, Tammy
Martin, Casey Mauermann, Jenn Libby-Jones, Justia Madrigal, Mindy Brooks, Tom Stanton, Coleman
Rogers, Natalie Dunlap, Rudy Rodriguez, Sarah Hensley
Guest(s): Pastor Cole Meckle, Patty Howard, Rochelle Wagner, unnamed guests
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: Cole Meckle discussed proposed Ordinance 1354. He said areas with needle exchange
programs see decreased needle litter and decreased transfer of bloodborne diseases.
Patty Howard discussed guidelines established in Gather Church’s 2023 handbook.
>> ESC
Roundtable / announcements
Department heads and other attendees provided updates, including:
• Josh Metcalf said consultants are working on the West Connector project.
• Alex Murray said half of Rainier parking lot is now available for use.
• Daleyn Coleman and Rachel Lester provided updates on HR and Wellness Committee.
• Doug Carey discussed upcoming change orders.
• Robert Bradley discussed Ordinance 1354. He asked that the commissioners share with him any
proposed amendments by the morning of March 25.
• The group discussed the Veterans Standdown event in Randle.
>> DIRECTORS’ UPDATE
Josh Metcalf discussed publication of 2023 County Forces road construction projects and costs.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to approve a Task Assignment pursuant to Interlocal Agreement No.
05-200 between Lewis County and Tacoma Power regarding work by county crews and authorize
signatures thereon.
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve Contract #T01-0196-23 between The Salvation Army
and Lewis County.
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve Contract #E03-0199-23 Amendment A between Equity
Institute and Lewis County.
Ordinance 1354 - Add Chapter 8.80 to 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 (continuation of March 19 hearing).
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to one notice item, two consent items, three deliberation items
and one hearing to the Tuesday, March 26, 2024, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion
passed 3-0.
Wednesday Workshop
The commissioners directed staff to work to fill the following vacancies:
• Salary Commission.
• East Lewis County Public Development Authority (ELCPDA).
• Pac Mountain Workforce Development Council.
• Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging.
Correspondence
The commissioners discussed a letter from Thurston County requesting a letter of support regarding a
meat-processing facility.
Meeting adjourned at 10:06 a.m.