2024-01-17 ESC Directors' UpdateESC / Directors’ Update
January 17, 2024
10:16 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Jimmy Goodman, David Bailey, Amber Smith, Matt Jaeger, Jenn Libby-Jones, Geoff Soderquist,
Josh Metcalf, Doug Carey, Dr. Joseph Wiley, Becky Butler, Meja Handlen, Laura Rider, Alex Murray, Erika
Lewis, Ross McDowell, Kate Chatterton, Tammy Martin, Coleman Rogers, Caroline Garibay, John
Abplanalp, Lee Napier, Robert Bradley, Sarah Hensley, Shelly Stewart, Sherri Dokken, Tom Stanton
Guest(s): Patty Howard, Ruth Gutierrez, several unnamed guests
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
At 10:17 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going into executive session
until 10:42 a.m. to discuss the following topics:
• Under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i):
o Lewis County v. DNR appeal
o Construction documentation
• Under RCW 42.30.110(1)(c):
o Real estate discussion
Executive session started at 10:17 a.m.
• At 10:37 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 10:42 a.m.
• At 10:42 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 10:44 a.m.
• At 10:44 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 10:46 a.m.
Executive session ended at 10:46 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to authorize county staff to continue negotiation process
regarding the sale of property located at 123 W. Main Street in Chehalis as discussed in executive
session. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
DIRECTORS’ UPDATE
Josh Metcalf discussed a notice of hearing regarding a franchise to Lewis County to install, construct,
operate, and maintain telecommunication facilities in Lewis County road rights-of-way.
Josh Metcalf discussed a notice to Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to provide annual geotechnical
engineering services for projects including Rural Arterial Program (RAP) funded projects, Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funded projects, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) funded projects, and Lewis County Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
projects.
Dr. Joseph Wiley, the commissioners, Meja Handlen and Robert Bradley discussed a notice of hearing
regarding Ordinance 1354, which would add Chapter 8.80 Lewis County Code to regulate sterile needle
and syringe exchanges operating in Lewis County and make violations of the chapter a civil infraction or
a misdemeanor.
Dr. Joseph Wiley discussed concerns regarding the proposed ordinance, including the following:
• 1 to 1 exchange limit
• Required age documentation
• Limiting access to preventive health
The commissioners opted to delay the notice.
Laura Rider discussed a resolution to cancellation delinquent personal property and mineral rights taxes
from the tax collection system.
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 the resolution would hold if the county did not receive
the agreement in time.
Matt Jaeger discussed a resolution to approve an interlocal agreement between Lewis County and
Winlock Police Department regarding technology services.
Matt Jaeger discussed a resolution regarding the declaration of surplus personal property.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to accept a bid on tax title property off Hobbs Drive in Morton.
Erika Katt discussed a resolution to accept an agreement with the Washington Military Department
FEMA Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) and authorize signatures thereon.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to move two notice items, two consent items and six
deliberation items to the Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, BOCC Business Meeting agenda. Commissioner
Pollock seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Wednesday Workshop
Fairgrounds rental policy: Commissioner Brummer said he is working with Ryan Barrett and BJ
Kuykendall to draft a policy regarding Fairgrounds rentals.
Legislative update: Not discussed.
Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC): Discussion delayed.
East Lewis County Public Development Authority (ELCPDA) Distressed Counties loan: Commissioner
Brummer said the ELCPDA is working on a business plan.
Climate Planning Grant from the Washington Department of Commerce: Lee noted the item already
had been discussed.
BOCC subscriptions: The commissioners agreed to delay their discussion about subscriptions.
Water District 1 (Randle) vacancy / vacancies: Rieva Lester said Water District 1 has requested the
commissioners appoint an individual to their board following the unexpected death of one of their
commissioners.
Employee Recognition: Commissioner Brummer said Employee Recognition is planned for the Jan. 23
Business Meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 11:47 a.m.