Loading...
2022-09-14 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update September 14, 2022 9 a.m. Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Grose, County Manager Erik Martin, Matt Jaeger, Lee Napier, Mindy Brooks, Josh Metcalf, Meja Handlen, Doug Carey, Nic Scott, Shawn Kyes, Jenn Libby-Jones, Becky Butler, Daleyn Coleman, Casey Mauermann, Graham Gowing, John Clark, Lara McRea, Matt Thuston, Kate Chatterton, Amber Smith Guests: Harry Bhagwandin, Sean Bell, Daphne Lughes, several unnamed online guests Recorder: Rieva Lester Rieva Lester discussed a notice of hearing regarding the de-annexation of a portion of Cemetery District 2. She said the hearing will take place at or after 10 a.m. Oct. 11. Erik Martin discussed a resolution to select Economic Alliance of Lewis County for tourism promotion and destination marketing services for Lewis County. He said the county would provide funding for the remainder of 2022 and then EA would need to apply for lodging tax funding for subsequent years. The commissioners said they would like to hold the resolution another week. Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to approve Local Agency Agreements and Federal Aid Prospectuses between Lewis County and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for federally funded bridge projects. Josh said 90 percent of the funding will come from a federal grant and that the county will cover the remaining 10 percent of the costs. Lee Napier discussed a resolution to approve an interlocal agreement with City of Chehalis for fire investigation services for the unincorporated areas excluding the service boundary of Riverside Fire Authority. Mindy Brooks discussed a hearing to amend Chapter 17.30, Resource Lands, of the Lewis County Code. The group discussed the permitting processes for researching and siting windmills. The group discussed whether an applicant could chose to forgo the county and go straight to FSEC regardless of the county’s code. Commissioner Swope said he wants additional information about the fully permitted but unused Coyote Crest project. Commissioner Grose made a motion to move the hearing for the Resource Lands to Oct. 5. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Josh Metcalf discussed a hearing to approve a franchise renewal to Northwest Pipeline, LLC for the installation, construction, operation, and maintenance of a pipeline for purposes of transmission of natural gas products in, upon, under, along and across the rights of way of unincorporated Lewis County. Commissioner Grose made a motion to move one notice item, two consent items, two deliberation items to the Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Grose seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Commissioner Swope made a motion to correct the Business Meeting agenda to include one notice item, two consent items, two deliberation items – the agreement with WSDOT and the interlocal with Chehalis – and one hearing – the Northwest Pipeline franchise – to the Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Grose seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Commissioner Grose made a motion to move the hearing for the Resource Lands to Oct. 4 instead of Oct. 5. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Announcements The group discussed the Dec. 16 Tour of Lights Christmas spirit contest and the Oct. 31 Halloween costume contest. Josh Metcalf said county job sites have been vandalized and that tools and equipment are being stolen. Meja Handlen reminded county staff members that the Public Health and Social Services lot is for customers. Erik Martin reminded the group that the Employee Picnic is Sept. 15. Shawn Keys said Onalaska will celebrate Oktoberfest on Oct. 1. Becky Butler said preliminary budgets should be wrapped up by Sept. 16. Daleyn Coleman said Aflac will be on site Sept. 16. Daleyn said PEBB’s rate sheets reflect substantial rate increases for 2023. She encouraged employees to review their plans before open enrollment. Wednesday Workshop Goat Rocks fire: Josh said the Forest Service will hold a public meeting in Packwood later in the day. He said visibility continues to be an issue for fire crews but that the weather continues to be favorable. Long-range strategic planning: The commissioners said they’d like a follow-up discussion with Mackey Smith of Tanner LLC to review the draft plan. Public Works reorganization positions: Josh Metcalf reviewed new positions the commissioners approved Sept. 6 for an effective date of Jan. 1, 2023: • Utility Operator II • Engineering Tech V • Right of Way Specialist I, II and III Josh clarified that employees working in those positions will be paid out of class for the remainder of 2022 and will then be a part of the 2023 budget process. Josh noted that the Utility Operator position will have a budget impact in 2023. Homeless services: Commissioner Swope said he has reached out to Commerce and will further discuss the topic the following week. He said he has reached out to other cities using the Pallet Housing rapid shelter solution that was presented to the board Sept. 13. Letter to Department of Natural Resources regarding state trust lands: The commissioners said they would sign the letter. Meeting adjourned at 10:23 a.m.