2024-01-10 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update
January 10, 2024
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Meja Handlen, Lee Napier, Josh Metcalf, Doug Carey, BJ Kuykendall, Jenn Libby-Jones, Becky
Butler, Eric Eisenberg, Alex Murray, Grace Jimenez, Graham Gowing, Matt Jaeger, Ross Nielson, Lynn
Richard, Kate Chatterton, Casey Mauermann, Coleman Rogers, Sherri Dokken, Tom Stanton, Sarah
Hensley
Guest(s): Ruth Gutierrez, Bill Serrahn and three unnamed guests
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Josh Metcalf discussed a notice for the establishment of 2024 county road construction projects by
County Forces.
Grace Jimenez discussed a notice to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Full Cost Allocation Plan.
Assessor Ross Nielson and Lynn Richard discussed a resolution to correct the valuation of parcel No.
023745006000 for tax years 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to accept an additional loan offer and authorize the Public Works
Director to execute an amended agreement with the Washington State Community Revitalization Board
to finance replacement of a fuel system at the South Lewis County Airport.
Grace Jimenez discussed a resolution to dissolve the petty cash fund established for Public Works - GIS
division.
Jenn Libby-Jones discussed a resolution to approve an Interlocal Agreement between Lewis County and
public safety partner entities for the operation, maintenance and participation in Lewis County 911
Communications.
Lee Napier discussed a resolution to accept the Climate Planning Grant from the Washington
Department of Commerce in the amount of $135,000 and Authorize the Community Development
Director to sign the grant agreement. Lee noted that the resolution may need to hold.
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve Agreement #2363-48919 Amendment #1 between the
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Developmental Disabilities
Administration (DDA) and Lewis County.
Doug Carey discussed a resolution to approve three change orders with Midway Underground for the
Rainier block site improvement project, 31-2309.
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to change the filing deadline for Lewis County Board of Equalization
(BOE) petitions.
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to approve three additional 2024 “Lodging Tax” grants.
Lee Napier discussed a hearing to adopt Ordinance 1353 to amend the Lewis County Zoning
designations map and associated Comprehensive Plan map to apply a Master Planned Resort overlay to
properties north of Mineral Lake.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to move two notice items, two consent items, nine deliberation
items and one hearing to the Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Swope seconded.
Motion passed 3-0.
Roundtable
Participants provided office and department updates, including:
Josh Metcalf said the county has completed its temporary repairs along Coal Creek, the airport fuel
project will soon go out to bid and crews are clearing roads in response to recent snow and wind storms.
Meja Handlen invited the public to participate in a Jan. 27 polar plunge at Mayfield Lake to benefit
Special Olympics.
Eric Eisenberg discussed a potential interlocal agreement regarding the South Chehalis/UGA Design
(SCUD) group, which includes Twin Transit, the city of Chehalis, the Port of Chehalis and Lewis County.
Alex Murray said Facilities crews are ready to respond to wind and snow storms.
Wednesday Workshop
Indigenous Pact: Commissioner Brummer said Indigenous Pact will give a presentation Jan. 16.
Legislative updates: Commissioner Swope discussed HB 1994.
TRL reappointments: The commissioners agreed to sign letters of support regarding Thurston County as
well as Grays Harbor County.
Correspondence: The commissioners discussed correspondence received regarding decedent storage,
legislative priorities, the animal shelter and an upcoming WSAC event.
Meeting adjourned at 10:16 a.m.