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2024-12-23 BOCC Wrap-Up County ManagerBOCC Wrap-Up / County Manager Update December 23, 2024 9:02 a.m. Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Chief Engelbertson, Chief Sweet, Becky Butler, Shad Hail, David Bailey Guest(s): Recorder: Kate Chatterton Public comment: None Resolution 24-477: Commissioner Swope made a motion to approve Resolution 24-477: Notice of hearing regarding Ordinance 1360, which would add Chapter 3.80 to Lewis County Code to establish a Sales and Use Tax for Emergency 911 Communications Systems and Facilities. The hearing will take place in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room at or after 10 a.m. Jan. 14, 2025. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Larry Grove swore in Commissioner Swope and Commissioner Pollock. Deputy retention request: Ryan Barrett, Chief Engelbertson, and Chief Sweet answered questions and provided clarification regarding the request to offer retention bonuses to Corrections Deputies. The commissioners discussed the possibility of approving the request on a quarterly basis. The commissioners requested to review the numbers with Becky. Ryan noted the numbers will be collected and given to the commissioners to review for approval. Clothing allowance request: Ryan Barrett discussed the PA’s office request for clothing allowance. Commissioner Swope asked if there was a specific policy related to clothing allowances, Ryan said there is not. Shad commented that his dept has a clothing allowance and in all cases the receipts must be submitted for reimbursement. Graham discussed Juvenile and Superior Court’s policies and stated that the Auditor’s Office reached out to the PA’s about a policy. Swope discussed concerns with seemingly micro-managing other Electeds’ offices. Commissioner Pollock stated that her concerns are with taxpayers essentially purchasing clothes for employees of Lewis County. The commissioners discussed the importance of creating a strong policy for these types of situations, to ensure there are no budgetary impacts in the future. The commissioners discussed that the initial memo requested a maximum of $500, and their dislike of the change in amounts. The commissioners asked that the PA’s office work to create a policy. Packwood sewer: Josh Metcalf discussed that Public Works learned last week that the Department of Commerce re-obligated the $6.4 million that was designated to the Packwood sewer project to other projects that are completely funded. Josh noted as of Thursday the project has been put on hold. Josh said that because the district is out of compliance, they are not eligible for other grants. Commissioner Brummer said that he reached out to State Representative Peter Abbarno. Josh and Commissioner Brummer discussed trying to get in contact with Packwood Sewer commissioners and attempting to help them get into contact with the USDA to comply again. Security contract: Ryan Barrett discussed the 2025 security contract; prices have increased and this is going to push Superior Court slightly past their budget. Ryan and Becky discussed and directed Stacey Werner to proceed with signing the contract and trying to absorb the budgetary impacts throughout the year. Commissioner Swope discussed that the cost was increased last year for paying to allow security to carry, and that maybe for cost savings we go back to no carry since there is armed law enforcement in the building. Interlocal agreements regarding urban growth areas (UGAs): Mindy Brooks discussed the options presented to the board during a previous meeting. B.2. was the option the board previously gave direction to proceed with. Mindy stated that the memorandum was sent via the board’s direction. She checked that this is still the direction that the board wanted. Commissioner Swope stated that he is more comfortable going with the B.1. option at this point. Commissioner Pollock said a moratorium gives our staff the room to create a good plan, and gives opportunity to the cities to be collaborative. Commissioner Brummer stated that he would like to see an alternative to the pause, that would give the cities an opportunity to come to the table. Josh discussed PW challenges with the B.1. option and maintaining urban infrastructure. Commissioner Swope discussed his desire to implement impact fees to lessen the burden, and stated he would not entertain a moratorium. Commissioner Pollock stated that impact fees do not solve all problems. Commissioner Brummer said that there are more questions than answers at this point. Mindy stated that if there isn’t a moratorium being put in place she needs to know so that she may plan for zoning in the periodic update. Commissioner Brummer asked Mindy, Josh, and Ryan to arrange very concise arrangement of B.1. and B.2. options to fully understand the implications of either option. The commissioners asked to be included in every planned growth meeting going forward in 2025. Puget Sound Ferry Operations Account (PSFOA) distributions: Commissioner Pollock said she forwarded an email regarding the motor vehicle tax fuel distribution. Executive session discussions: At 10:28 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going into executive session until 10:38 to discuss the following: • Under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i): Troit tort claim and class-action lawsuit regarding price-fixing litigation impacting municipal water pipes. At 10:38 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going into executive session until 10:45 a.n. to discuss the following: • Under RCW 42.30.110(1)(c): Kresky Avenue. 10:38 a.m. ended 10:45 Executive session ended at 10:45 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made. Reorg: The commissioners reviewed a press release regarding the Fair’s upcoming reorganization. Meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m.