2019-04-16 PA UpdatePA Update
April 16, 2019
2 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, County Manager Erik
Martin, Wayne Whiton, Bill Teitzel, Becky Butler, Cullen Gatten, David Fine, Dr. Lindsey Pollock (by
phone), Danette York, Amber Caulfield
Guest: Alex Brown
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Dr. Lindsey Pollock discussed the RCWs governing animal abuse penalties. She said there are concerns
about abusive owners being able to once again own animals after a two-year period.
She asked how abuse allegations are quantified, what kind of educational outreach takes place, etc.
Commissioner Stamper said there are concerns that a known abuser in his district is taking steps to
again own horses.
Bill Teitzel said the first step is educational outreach, followed by a criminal investigation. Once the case
goes to trial, he said, it’s a judge’s call as to what takes place.
Bill said if the person later collects more animals and those animals’ health also degrades, another
criminal case can be developed.
David Fine said the county cannot supersede state law as far as enforcement.
Amber Caulfield discussed sentencing ranges and previous sentences for individuals who are repeat
offenders.
Dr. Pollock said the time it takes for the county to intervene appears to be the public’s main concern.
David urged concerned citizens to contact animal control as soon as neglect is suspected.
Bill said there were more seizures in 2018 and 2019 than likely in other years.
The group discussed the addition of an animal control officer.
Dr. Pollock left the meeting at 2:21 p.m.
Bill, Danette York and Erik left at 2:22 p.m.
Cullen Gatten discussed the 2019 MOA with WSU. He said WSU has approved of the changes.
Cullen said there appears to be an agreement in place regarding retirement payments.
Erik returned at 2:24 p.m.
Becky Butler reviewed the question surrounding Toledo Senior Center’s overpayment. She noted that
other senior centers had underpaid.
Erik recommended developing and adopting formal policies and procedures for the BOCC.
David Fine said the PA’s Office would be happy to help.
Erik said he spoke to a representative from Tacoma Power the previous week and indicated Tacoma
Power would draft a letter by the end of the week proposing a replacement CPI.
David said CPI A would be the most advantageous for Lewis County.
Erik said Tacoma Power indicated it would pay retroactively for 2018, too.
At 2:34 p.m., Commissioner Jackson announced that the Board was going into Executive Session under
RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for 5 minutes to discuss Cortland and Green litigation.
Executive Session ended at 2:39 p.m. Commissioner Jackson announced that no decisions were made.
Meeting adjourned at 2:39 p.m.