2019-12-17 PA UpdatePA Update
December 17, 2019
2:02 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, County Manager Erik
Martin, Kevin McDowell, Amber Smith, Eric Eisenberg, Cullen Gatten, Jonathan Meyer, Janelle Kambich,
Becky Butler, Daleyn Coleman, Natalie Dunlap
Guest: Ralph Mancini
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Jonathan Meyer discussed staffing concerns, including the need for additional staffing on the civil side.
Jonathan discussed recent Washington Association of Counties (WSAC)’s discussions regarding
timberland funds.
Amber Smith said she attended Water-Sewer District 5’s recent meeting. She said the district is
reviewing transfer agreements and may be looking to hire legal representation. Sworn in two members
effective Jan. 1, 2020.
Daleyn Coleman left at 2:09 p.m.
Amber said no one filed for the vacant Dikage / Drainage District 1. She noted that if no appointments
are made by June 1, 2020, the dissolution process would begin again.
The commissioners directed Rieva Lester to post for the vacancy on Dikage / Drainage District 1.
The commissioners directed Eric Eisenberg to send a response letter to the Department of Revenue
regarding the county’s levy certification process.
Eric said the county received several responses regarding its request for someone to develop a property
ownership packet to help individuals protect their identities during property acquisitions, especially in
the case of domestic abuse, etc.
Eric noted that a change in the law sets the stage for possible fees associated with franchises in county
rights of way.
Jonathan proposed creating a committee to review the county’s salary grid.
Cullen Gatten discussed language options for the proposed noise ordinance:
• Add language that indicates that the ordinance doesn’t relate to fireworks (could be amended
later)
• Add a definition regarding noises from fireworks not permitted by a special-use permit
Commissioner Fund and Commissioner Stamper asked that the noise ordinance include language
indicating that it doesn’t relate to fireworks.
Kevin McDowell said East Lewis County Public Development Authority (ELCPDA) received $600,000 (a
$300,000 grant and a $300,000 loan) from Lewis County in 2009.
Kevin said the group has indicated it doesn’t have the money to make its annual payment. He said the
group has asked for permission to suspend its principal and interest payments for 2019.
Ralph Mancini left at 2:37 p.m.
The commissioners directed Kevin to proceed with an agreement that modifies the terms of the
ELCPDA’s .09 agreement.
Amber left at 2:43 p.m.
At 2:45 p.m., Commissioner Jackson announced that the Board was going into Executive Session under
RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for 15 minutes to discuss pending and / or potential litigation related to:
• I-976
• WSAC unfunded mandate lawsuit and potential litigation
• O’Connor V. Lewis County
• Vendor dispute with McClure & Sons
At 3 p.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 7 minutes.
At 3:07 p.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 2 minutes.
Executive Session ended at 3:09 p.m. Commissioner Jackson noted that no decisions had been made.
Meeting ended at 3:11 p.m.