2022-10-04 PA UpdatePA Update
October 4, 2022
2:03 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Grose, Steve Wohld, Becky Butler,
Arny Davis, Nic Scott, Amber Smith, Robert Bradley, Tammy Martin
Guest(s):
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Railroad crossing grant application: Housing & Infrastructure Specialist Eric Eisenberg discussed the city
of Chehalis’s plan to apply for a planning grant to develop alternatives to the city’s existing railroad
crossings. He discussed the benefits of moving away from the road-level crossings. Eric requested the
commissioners sign a letter supporting the city’s efforts to secure grant funding for the project.
Commissioner Grose made a motion to approve signing the letter of support. Commissioner Swope
seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
At 2:09 p.m., Commissioner Pollock announced that the Board would be going into executive session
under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for 15 minutes to discuss the following:
• Snaza, et al., v. State of Washington
• Central Shop Insurance Claim
• McPeak v. Lewis County
• Forested State trust lands/carbon credits
Executive session started at 2:10 p.m.
• At 2:25 p.m., the Board extended executive session for 5 minutes.
• At 2:30 p.m., the Board extended executive session for 5 minutes.
• At 2:35 p.m., the Board extended executive session for 5 minutes.
Executive session ended at 2:40 p.m. Commissioner Pollock noted that no decisions had been made.
The commissioners directed staff to move forward with cross appeal in the Snaza case, if necessary.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to authorize Erik Martin to sign the settlement and lease
agreement with Great American Insurance Company as discussed during executive session.
Commissioner Grose seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Commissioner Pollock said the DNR is looking for 10,000 acres to set aside for 40 years as carbon offset.
She discussed the additional costs – transport, millage – for 80-year-old timber vs. 40-year-old timber.
She said trucking companies and mills would lose out on local sales. Commissioner Grose also noted that
80-year-old trees wouldn’t provide the carbon sequestration that younger trees would. Commissioner
Grose noted that Lewis County already has 10,000 acres set aside for various reasons.
Commissioner Swope noted that the comment period is down to eight days. He suggested the county
help with a letter-writing campaign to alert the state to the county’s concerns.
Commissioner Pollock and Commissioner Grose expressed fire suppression concerns.
Eric Eisenberg said the SEPA also would look at financial impacts under its environmental impact
categories.
Eric Eisenberg said he would help spearhead the commissioners’ letter, and Commissioner Pollock said
she would help draft responses other entities and interests could use.
Meeting adjourned at 3:01 p.m.