2019-08-21 Update with EDCUpdate with EDC
August 21, 2019
10:12 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Fund, County Manager Erik Martin, Becky Butler,
Commissioner Stamper (10:20 a.m.), Rodney Reynolds (10:28 a.m.)
Guests: Linda Williams, Kelli Roemer
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Matt Matayoshi gave the following economic development updates:
The EDC is working with Winlock on an MOU and a DOT letter.
Matt said Centralia College has begun construction on its training building.
PUD is working on a system analysis and a fiber program.
UNFI is already transporting products
Port of Chehalis will be erecting a “condominium-izable” kit building
Commissioner Jackson said he and Candy Hallom are coordinating a meeting with Sen. Braun, the DOT
regarding the Napavine interchange.
Matt said the EDC is hearing interest from distribution companies.
Commissioner Stamper joined at 10:20 a.m.
Erik Martin asked Matt to remind WSDOT of its emphasis on practical design.
Matt said the next Smart Tank event is set for Sept. 19 and will focus on intellectual products and
patents.
Grad student Kelli Roemer said she is working on a project related to the transition process related to
the closure of the coal mine.
Matt said Mayor Dawes has raised a question about standardizing the .09 interest rates. Matt said he
feels the committee and the commissioners should the say about loan rates.
Becky Butler said the Treasurer generally sets the rates. She suggested setting a standard using the Local
Government Investment Pool (LGIP) and then allowing the commissioners to have final say.
Rodney Reynolds joined at 10:28 a.m.
Matt discussed the possible need to update the policy regarding project caps, which the county has
exceeded many times. Becky suggested adding language defining “extraordinary circumstance” and then
reflecting that language in the resolution itself.
Meeting ended at 10:32 a.m.