Loading...
2025-01-22 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update January 22, 2025 9:02 a.m. Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler, Mindy Brooks, Josh Metcalf, BJ Kuykendall, Christopher Dawes, Chief Chris Sweet, Undersheriff Kevin Engelbertson, Amanda Price, Gabe Anzelini, Grace Jimenez, Shelly Stewart Graham Gowing, Kendra Garrison, Chloe Nugent, David Bailey, Ross Nielson, Geoff Soderquist, Gabe Frase, Alex Murray, Casey Mauermann, Guilherme Motta, Matt Thuston, Sherri Dokken, Marylynne Kostick Guest(s): Unnamed guests Recorder: Rieva Lester Public comment: None. Becky Butler discussed a notice of hearing for Lewis County 2024 budget emergency and supplemental appropriations to and transfers within current expense and various funds. Graham Gowing discussed an update the Lewis County Cash Handling Policy. Gabe Anzelini discussed a declaration of surplus personal property. Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to list the bids received and contractor selected for the Barnes Drive, CRP 2201, & Foster Creek Road, CRP 2207C, project. Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution regarding the proposed vacation of Lindley Road #204-2 in Doty. Commissioner Pollock made a motion to move one notice item, two consent items and four deliberation items to the Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, BOCC Business Meeting agenda. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Wednesday Workshop Jail retention bonus proposal: Chief Chris Sweet said the Sheriff’s Office is requesting approval of retention bonus, which would total $113,000. He noted that the Jail returned $319,000 back to the county in its 2024 budget, mostly due to unfilled positions. Chief Sweet reviewed the number of FTEs that would qualify for the retention bonus. Commissioner Swope made a motion to approve the jail retention bonus as presented, with the Jail providing quarterly updates regarding the retention bonus. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 2-1, with Commissioner Brummer and Commissioner Swope in favor and Commissioner Pollock opposed. Executive session: At 9:27 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going into executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 9:42 a.m. to discuss the following three topics: • Tort claim - Elliot • Tort claim - Jordan • Virgil Fox / Birchfield At 9:42 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 9:45 a.m. Executive session ended at 9:45 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made. Announcements / new business Josh Metcalf said Public Works is developing budget requests regarding the North Lewis County Industrial Access Point, Ceres Hill Bridge and Packwood Sewer Project. Becky Butler said she will have a late add for the Jan. 28 Business Meeting. Mindy Brooks said she and others are preparing comments regarding proposed bill 1183. Proposed tax title sale of Airport Road property: Mindy Brooks said the Airport Road property that was proposed for a property tax is largely undevelopable because it’s in the floodway. Commissioner Swope expressed concerns about selling the property and then having vagrants return to the site. The commissioners directed staff to add the held resolution to the agenda for the Jan. 28 Business Meeting. BJ Kuykendall requested the commissioners reduce the amount of insurance coverage the county requires the contracted rodeo firm to secure. The commissioners said they would add the topic to a future agenda. Wednesday Workshop Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) statewide boards and commissions: The commissioners reviewed openings across the state. Associate Development Organization: Commissioner Pollock made a motion to designate Economic Alliance of Lewis County as the county’s Associate Development Organization for the 2025-2027 biennium. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. 2025 Legislative Roundtable date: The commissioners directed staff to schedule the 2025 Legislative Roundtable for early to mid-October. Meeting adjourned at 10:14 a.m.