2016-1-26 FINAL CD Minutes
CD Update with BOCC
MINUTES – 1/26/2016
Start Time: 9:00 am
Present: Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Schulte, Lee
Napier, and Donna Olson.
Recorder: Donna Olson
Community Development Updates and Hot Topics:
a) Permit Center
Donna reported that overall the permit center had a good year. The
number of permits issued is greater than 2014 and the season was
extended from the norm. There are some bigger projects on the horizon
for 2016 as well. Work has been discussed for Chehalis and Adna
schools and for projects for the Port of Chehalis. Lee and Doyle will make
sure they keep the fire chiefs in the loop on some of those projects since
their expertise will be valuable for safety issues. Public buildings will
need sprinklers for fire suppression.
b) Building Division
i) Fee – Elwyn Armstrong
A second letter was received from Mr. Armstrong regarding his
permitting fees and the request for a waiver of those fees.
Everything is on hold right now and the County’s response letter
has not been sent because Eric Eisenberg of the Lewis County
Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is working with Dr. Wood of the
Health Department to see if they can find another solution for
Mr. Armstrong.
Lee reported on a meeting yesterday with PSE looking at requirements &
restrictions on their pipeline. PSE is looking to the County for assistance
in communicating with the public, especially regarding the building of
commercial or public buildings near the pipeline. Community
Development will begin sending them the weekly building permits
issued report that the permit center distributes. There was also a
thought that maybe a comp plan amendment would be helpful in this
situation. Lee and staff will share info and invite PSE representatives to
pre-submission meetings if applicable. Lee is also planning to check into
having GIS creating a new layer that shows their pipeline.
c) Planning Division
i) Urban Growth Area
Commissioner Schulte reported that the letter from Lewis County
to the City of Chehalis regarding the transition of UGA permitting is
in major revision. He does not have a definite time for that letter
to be sent. Commissioner Schulte wants to make sure the letter is
clear that there are two different issues to be addressed. There is
the issue of how to transition from City permitting to County
permitting for the UGA and there is the issue of Lewis County’s
responsibilities and authority when co-managing the UGA.
Customers calling Community Development have reported that
City staff is telling them that they need to talk to the county and
has hung up on customers calling for advice. Commissioner Schulte
asked that County staff do whatever they can to ease the transition
for our customers. Community Development will send SEPA
determinations to the City and Public Works will hold the
Development Review Committee (DRC) meetings. Chehalis staff
will be invited to participate. Lewis County will interpret the City
code and work through that for zoning, etc. Negotiations could still
take place with Chehalis if and when the City desires. Lewis County
has a good working relationship with the City of Chehalis outside of
this one area of regulations required in the UGA. The Port appears
to still have some concerns. The Port Director has spoken with Lee
and was invited to call and come in for a pre-sub meeting to discuss
projects and concerns. Lewis County will be responsive and
receptive to everyone.
ii) Planning Commission Membership
Lee reported that a workshop regarding dog kennels in Lewis
County would be held tonight at the Planning Commission (PC)
meeting. Staff and Planning Commission members are working
with the Health Department on this issue and developing a
schedule of work so everyone can coordinate what needs to be
done and when.
Lee also reported that Stephen Hueffed has agreed to serve on
the Planning Commission. Mr. Hueffed has an agricultural
perspective that will be valuable on the Commission. Lee will
submit a resolution for the Board to appoint Mr. Hueffed.
iii) Community Outreach
Planning is requesting Board support in putting information out to
a larger list generating conversation and getting comments and
input for the Comprehensive Plan update. This is all about the
comp plan and needed updates to include the vision for the
future of the county by its citizens. There is a basic survey to
complete and submit and a lot of personal contacts to be made by
the Planning staff. The Board expressed support of this approach.
The Olympia Master Builders (OMB) are looking for future agenda
topics. Fred Evander and Lee will speak on the Shoreline Master
Plan next month. Lee would also like to invite the Commissioners
to attend. The group is now meeting at Legends. Doyle Sanford,
Lewis County Building Official is also attending OMB Building
Official meetings, which has been a good networking tool.
iv) Voluntary Stewardship Plan (VSP)
The VSP is an alternative path to critical areas management on
agricultural lands. Lee has sent comments in to the State but
doesn’t have a revised contract back from them yet. Lee is staying
in touch with those from the Farm Bureau that expressed interest
in being involved in this process. Creative Community Solutions
will be hired to assist in the plan and will work on an agreement
with the Conservation District and Lewis County to co-manage the
plan.
2) Other points of discussion from the Board of County Commissioners
Discussion was held on an email from a concerned citizen to the
Commissioners asking for help regarding Vader sewer issues. This isn’t
the only citizen that has expressed concerns.
The discussion continued in expressing how tough it is on some of Lewis
County’s small cities to address land use and planning issues. Many have
no funds, no staff, and not enough knowledge. Lack of overall resources
increases the difficulty for those jurisdictions. Questions remain over
how the County should help those with these needs? The conversation
will be re-visited at a later date.
Meeting recessed at 11: 10 am. until 11:30 am.
No BOCC action was taken