2024-10-28 County Manager UpdateCounty Manager Update
October 28, 2024
9:50 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Geoff Soderquist, Mindy Brooks, Chis Sweet, Kevin Engelbertson
Guest(s): Stacey Denham, Jason Alves, Joe Clark
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Public comment: None
Undersheriff Kevin Engelbertson and Chief Chris Sweet spoke about Naphcare. Undersheriff
Engelbertson said the contract expires Dec. 31, 2024. Chief Sweet said contract negotiations have been
under way the last two months. Chief Sweet said there will be an increase of costs due to COLAs. The
commissioners proposed submitting RFPs to determine if other vendors would provide medical services
for the jail facility. The Commissioners also suggested reform via lobbying. Chief Sweet said his concerns
are losing the deal that is currently being negotiated with Naphcare.
Homeless shelter update/outreach letter is being pushed out to a later date still to be determined.
Jason Alves said the Kennicott Phase II is predominately senior housing. There are traffic issues that
Commissioner Pollock would like addressed. Jason said there is a new proposal for a center turn lane.
Commissioner Pollock would like to see traffic safety addressed. Jason said there will be 50 units that
will be built soon and they will have access to the same entrances and exits. Commissioner Swope is
concerned the County would be liable for the safety of constituents. Stacey Denham suggested lowering
the speed limit in the area and suggested a traffic study. Stacey said a center turn lane will fit and allow
for proper traffic flow without expanding the roadway.
Geoff Soderquist explained the potential benefits of a roundabout. The issue is adding an intersection to
an already crowded area. There are 28 road approaches in the area and adding additional conflict points
decrease safety. A turn lane provides one movement to safely make a left turn but increases the
distance of the left turn creating conflict points that take away the benefits of the turn lane. Geoff
suggested creating a right turn lane only and allowing a roundabout. Jason said his main concern about
the roundabout is ensuring it will fit within the current right-of-way.
Commissioner Pollock said she feels a long-term solution is needed to address safety. There are
entrance issues with County code that will need to be addressed. Commissioner Swope would like to see
the development progress.
Mindy Brooks discussed the Packwood Brewery. Mindy said there are a zero set-back for the businesses.
This will be part of the plan and will be presented September of 2025. Mindy’s concern is the zero-set
back is not currently part of county code and is afraid this will set a precedence. The current code for
Packwood doesn’t allow for Packwood to grow at the rate it is. The parking is an issue at this time for
the Packwood Brewery. Mindy said all the parking is currently in the right of way. Geoff Soderquist
asked for setback documentation to allow for parking for the brewery. The Board asked for this topic to
be placed on the Nov. 4, Wrap-Up.
Becky Butler said all departments have access in OpenGOV to make final changes to their 2025 budgets.
Becky has a workshop with the Citizens Budget Committee and a workshop with the Board this week as
well. Final changes are due Nov. 15. Budget has a permanent place holder on agendas.
Meeting adjourned 11:04 am