2024-08-21 ESC - DirectorsESC / Directors’ Update
August 21, 2024
9:01 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Meja Handlen, Mindy Brooks, Josh Metcalf, Alex Murray, Daleyn Coleman, Jenn Libby-Jones,
Doug Carey, Michelle Steepy, Gary Hurley, Matt Hyatt, Terry Wentworth, Scott Tinney, Grace Jimenez,
Matt Thuston, Grace Jimenez, Marni Larson, BJ Kuykendall, Matt Jaeger
Guest(s):
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
>> ESC
2025 Legislative Priorities: Rieva Lester reviewed proposed legislative priorities for 2025.
2024 Employee Picnic: Rieva Lester reminded the group about the upcoming Employee Picnic.
Roundtable: No topics.
>> DIRECTORS’ UPDATE
Mindy Brooks discussed a hearing to adopt Ordinance 1357 to amend Chapters, 12.60.280, Driveways
and Private Road Standards, Chapter 16.12.500, Simple Segregations, and Chapter 16.02.100,
subdivision development standards, of the Lewis County Code. Mindy outlined the changes proposed.
Josh Metcalf discussed a hearing to approve a non-exclusive franchise renewal to Puget Sound Energy to
install, construct, operate and maintain water mains and cathodic protection cables in county road
rights-of-way.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to move two consent items and two deliberation items to the
agenda for the Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, BOCC Business Meeting. Commissioner Swope seconded.
Motion passed 3-0.
Wednesday Workshop
Thurston County Timberland Regional Library (TRL) appointment: The commissioners said they will
review the proposed appointment at a future meeting.
East Lewis County Public Development Authority (ELCPDA) appointment: The commissioners said they
will review the proposed appointment at a future meeting.
Employee recognition - SW Washington Fair: Rieva Lester said employees and volunteers will be
honored during the Aug. 27 Business Meeting.
Lodging tax update: Becky Butler reviewed the lodging tax fund balance, noting that the commissioners
agreed to award up to $1 million for the previous year’s award cycle. She said current lodging tax
revenues show a roughly 9 percent increase over the previous year’s amount. The commissioners said
they will earmark up to $1 million for the 2025 awards.
Roundtable
Department heads shared various updates, including the following:
• Mindy Brooks invited the public to Community Development’s ribbon-cutting ceremony later in
the day.
• Meja Handlen discussed capacity issues at the animal shelter.
• Matt Jaeger said the jail intercom project is nearing completion.
• Becky Butler said preliminary budgets due Aug. 26.
Executive session: At 9:39 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going into
executive session until 9:49 a.m. to discuss three topics:
• Under RCW 42.30.110(1)(b): Site visit.
• Under RCW 42.30.110(1)(c): Claquato and 508 shop.
At 9:49 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 9:54 a.m.
Executive session ended at 9:54 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to authorize county staff to move forward with property
negotiations as discussed in executive session. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Meeting ended at 9:56 a.m.