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2021-07-14 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update July 14, 2021 9 a.m. Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Pollock, Matt Jaeger, Chris Panush, JP Anderson, Josh Metcalf, Doug Carey, Lee Napier, Matt Patana, Connie Riker, Jonathan Meyer, Becky Butler, Arny Davis, Dianne Dorey, Scott Tinney, Scott Smitherman, Alison Puckett, Grace Jimenez, Graham Gowing, Larry Grove, Lara McRea, Meja Handlen, Patrick Shults, Tammy Martin, Commissioner Swope (9:12 a.m.), Steve Wohld Guests: Bill Marshall, Jan Marshall, Frank Corbin, Susan DeLaire, The Chronicle, Nic Scott Recorder: Rieva Lester Josh Metcalf discussed a call for bids for the Cowlitz River Public Access Point Project, CMP 15-1606. Scott Smitherman discussed a resolution for the SECO County Coordinator Professional Development contract SFY2022. Lee Napier said she was postponing the resolution for preliminary approval of the East Roanoke PUD located within the Centralia Urban Growth Area. Matt Jaeger discussed a resolution to approve a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) between Lewis County and Office of Washington State Auditor (SAO) in response to Senate Bill 5432, which requires data sharing agreements for all state and local governments sharing data. Connie Riker discussed a resolution to transfer funds to Southwest the Washington Fair Office Revolving Working Account. JP Anderson discussed a resolution to approve CPWI Prevention Amendment 3 between Washington Health Care Authority, Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) and Lewis County. JP Anderson discussed a resolution to approve a Program Agreement between Department of Social and Health Services and Lewis County for the WorkFirst Program. JP Anderson discussed a resolution to reappoint Frank Corbin, Ricardo Barrientes and George Dodd and appoint Ken Norwood as regular members to the Veterans’ Advisory Board (VAB) through June 30, 2023. JP Anderson discussed a resolution to approve an agreement between Washington State Department of Commerce Community Services and Housing Division and Lewis County to provide funds for homeless housing services. JP Anderson discussed a resolution to approve a contract between Lewis County and Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to oversee administration of funds. Commissioner Pollock made a motion to move one notice item, two consent items and eight deliberation items to the Tuesday, July 20, 2021, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Swope seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0. Rieva Lester noted there likely would be five late adds for the July 20 Business Meeting: • Data-sharing agreement for the Flood Authority. • Bid award for Public Works’s Lincoln Creek project • Bid award for Public Works’s Newaukum Valley project • .09 grant to EDC for Vader project • .09 grant to ELCPDA for building upgrades COVID-19 JP said Lewis County reported 35 new COVID-19 cases and seven new hospitalizations for the period of July 4-10. He said the county’s case rate has decreased. Assessor’s Office PAF Dianne Dorey said the Assessor’s Office handles nearly 70,000 parcels. She said that when she started in 1998, she had 26 positions. She said she now has 17 full-time employees. Dianne said she is seeking an additional position. She said the Salary Survey consultant indicated that elsewhere, one employee serves under the Chief Deputy and is responsible for training and keeping training manuals updated. Dianne said the Thurston County Assessor’s Office has poached 13 Lewis County employees. Coroner’s Office PAF Commissioner Swope directed Chris Panush to provide comps for the coroner positions. Salary Commission Commissioner Swope noted that the electeds indicated they support tying electeds’ salaries to those of the Superior Court judges. He noted that 12 other counties have adopted that option. Commissioner Pollock said using the Salary Commission or putting the elected positions on the salary grid are other options. Prosecuting Attorney Jonathan Meyer said the commissioners could tie the salaries to those of Superior Court judges. He said the BOCC would maintain local control because the commissioners could rescind the resolution before the state’s increases take effect. He noted that the commissioners can increase the salaries but not decrease them. Treasurer Arny Davis said tying it to the judges would take the politics out of the process. Assessor Dianne Dorey agreed. Tailor Arrington left and Tammy Martin joined at 9:45 a.m. Clerk Scott Tinney said he would like to see the elected positions placed where recommended by the salary consultant. Commissioner Stamper said he’d like to have the commissioners meet with County Manager Erik Martin the following week to further discuss electeds’ salaries. Roundtable Matt Jaeger said he toured Maple Lane to determine needs for the Juvenile’s upcoming temporary move. Chris Panush said Megan Eastman will present long-term care options the following week. JP Anderson discussed complaints levied the previous day regarding Farmers Market permitting. He said he met with the concerned citizens July 13 after they voiced their concerns. Commissioner Swope said he would work with JP to address permitting for Farmers Markets. Josh Metcalf said the Newaukum and Lincoln Creek bids will be opened later in the week. He said chipseal work is taking place. Josh said the paint shortage is affecting area governments. Josh said work on Skate Creek Road will take place later in the summer. Doug Carey said the city is completing its sidewalk and curb work. Doug said a call for bids will be issued soon for the juvenile project. Lee Napier discussed staffing. Doug said the county is adding conduit while the city has the streets torn apart. Matt Patana said Facilities is prepping for the fair. Connie Riker said online ticket sales have started. She said in-person sales will start July 30. Connie said entertainment is set. Connie said fair entries are pouring in. Connie said the fair recently discovered massive water leaks. Commissioner Pollock said she has asked Steve Wohld to look at the Fairgrounds during the water infrastructure review. Connie said the new PA unit has been installed. She said paint orders have been delayed. Becky Butler said budget amendments are due July 16. Becky said she has drafted a memo to the Lewis County Seniors alerting the group that the county’s MOU for the non-congregate meals will lapse. Commissioner Pollock said she’d like to see the county include the fairgrounds in the list of infrastructure needs. Patrick Shults said WSU’s Extension office will open to the public July 15. Meeting ended at 10:25 a.m.