2023-08-30 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update
August 30, 2023
Time
Present: Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Steve Wohld, Amber Smith, Becky Butler, Lee Napier, Josh Metcalf, Mindy Brooks, Jenn Libby-
Jones, Nic Scott, BJ Kuykendall, Doug Carey, Meja Handlen, Kenneth Norwood, Ross Nielson, Alex
Murray, Casey Mauermann, Heidi Palmer, Rudy Rodriguez, Sara Sons, Sheriff Snaza (9:09 a.m.), David
Bailey (9:09 a.m.), Robert Bradley (9:09 a.m.), Sherri Dokken, Coleman Rogers
Guest(s): Todd Chaput, Frank Corbin, Patty Howard, unnamed guests
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Mindy Brooks discussed a resolution to reissue a request for proposals (RFP) for the periodic update of
the Lewis County Comprehensive Plan.
Josh Metcalf discussed a call for bids for two new truck chassis.
Josh Metcalf discussed a call for bids for two new folding Gooseneck (non-detachable lowboy) trailers.
Josh Metcalf discussed a notice of hearing regarding a franchise renewal to McDaniel Telephone
Company to construct, operate, and maintain telecommunications infrastructure in Lewis County road
rights-of-way.
Jenn Libby-Jones discussed a resolution to approve Interlocal Agreements between Lewis County and
the City of Chehalis Fire, City of Chehalis Police, Riverside Fire Authority and Lewis County Fire Districts
1, 2, 5, 6, 11 and 14 for support of radio communications equipment and systems.
Becky Butler discussed a resolution to approve a contract amendment with Berry Dunn McNeil & Parker
LLC for Grant Management Compliance and Consulting Services.
Sheriff Snaza, David Bailey and Robert Bradley joined at 9:09 a.m.
Executive session: At 9:10 a.m., Commissioner Swope announced that the Board would be going into
executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 9:25 a.m. to discuss Isaac West / Swigert Road and
possible new multi-jurisdictional litigation.
At 9:25 a.m., the Commissioner Swope extended executive session until 9:35 a.m.
Executive session regarding Isaac West / Swigert Road ended at 9:35 a.m. At 9:35 a.m., Commissioner
Swope announced that the Board would be going into executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until
9:38 a.m. to discuss possible new multi-jurisdictional litigation.
Executive session ended at 9:38 a.m. Commissioner Swope announced that no decisions had been
made.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to accept a bid on tax title property off Morris Road, White Pass.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to list the bids received and contractor selected for the Lewis County
2023 Snow Sand Proposal.
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to appoint Edward Smith and William Cavinder as regular members
of the Veterans’ Advisory Board (VAB).
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Contract #20-4613C-
116 Amendment D between the Washington State Department of Commerce Housing Division,
Homelessness Assistance Unit (HAU) and Lewis County.
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve Contract #T01-0205-23 between The Salvation Army
and Lewis County.
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve Contract #H02-0203-23 between Housing Resource
Center and Lewis County.
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve Contract #C07-0186-23 between Compass Career
Solutions and Lewis County.
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve Contract #SWMLSWFA-2023-LCPHSS-00161 between
The State of Washington, Department of Ecology and Lewis County.
Josh Metcalf discussed a hearing for the establishment of a new County Road (Ghosn Lane) off Baker
Drive.
Commissioner Brummer made a motion to move four notice items, two consent items, 10 deliberation
items and one hearing to the Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Pollock seconded.
Motion passed 3-0.
Announcements
Department directors provided updates, including:
Amber Smith invited the group to the Oct. 3 breast cancer awareness walk.
Becky Butler said budgets are due Sept. 11 and that help is available. Becky said training for ARPA grant
recipients is scheduled.
Josh Metcalf said chip seal work and striping are coming to a close. Josh said the airport fueling system
upgrade and the Vader Water project are moving forward.
Kenneth Norwood invited the group to the Veterans Stand Down planned for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 23.
At 10:35 a.m., Commissioner Swope announced that the board would take a 5-minute recess, resuming
at 10:40 a.m. The meeting resumed at 10:40 a.m.
Wednesday Workshop
Coordinated Entry / HopeSource update: Meja Handlen discussed HopeSource’s costs for providing
Coordinated Entry services. The commissioners directed Meja to pause a move to HopeSource and to
continue working with The Salvation Army for now.
Veterans Advisory Board (VAB) position: Veterans Advisory Board Chair Kenneth Norwood said the VAB
recommends the commissioners remove Roger Morningstar from the VAB.
Meja noted that the VAB members had discussed Morningstar’s removal during their July meeting.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to remove Roger Morningstar from the Veterans Advisory
Board effective immediately. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Meeting ended at 11:05 a.m.