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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/07/21 - BriefingBoard of Mason County Commissioners' Briefing Minutes Mason County Commission Chambers, 411 N 5th Street, Shelton, WA 98584 Week of July 21, 2025 Monday, July 21, 2025 9:00 A.M. Closed Session — RCW 42.30.140(4) Labor Discussion Commissioners Neatherlin, Tarzwell, and Trask met in closed session for labor negotiation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Travis Adams, Chris Pinkston, Kayla Brinckmeyer, Cabot Dow, and Lindsey Smith were also in attendance. 10:00 A.M. Auditor — Steve Duenkel Commissioners Neatherlin, Tarzwell, and Trask were in attendance. • Steve Duenkel shared that the Auditor's Office plans to purchase three new recording system software features from Tyler Technologies: "Recording Access", which will enable the public to electronically submit documents to the Recording department securely through and online portal; "eCertify" will enable a digital "Auditor's" signature to be applied to certified PDF documents; and "Tyler Payments" provides credit card transaction services of in-house and over the counter use and will replace the current Vital Check system now used. To support this service, 2 ethernet terminals for credit card transactions will also be purchased and a $3.00 per transaction fee will be charged. 10:05 A.M. 10:15 A.M. Public Health — Dave Windom Commissioners Neatherlin, Tarzwell, and Trask were in attendance. • Melissa Casey reported that the Community Action Council Department of Commerce Consolidated Homeless Grant Housing and Essential Needs Grant Contract has been received for a total of $7,453,546. Approved to move forward. • Melissa reported that the Coastal Community Action Council has declined to accept the recommended 2025-2027 Homeless Response Program funding allocations for the following: $1,231,595 for Housing and Essential Needs, $501,635 for Eviction Prevention, and $75,166 for Diversion/Coordinated Entry/Care Coordination. After discussion it was agreed to award funding of Housing & Essential Needs and Eviction Prevention to Crossroads Housing, and Diversion/Coordinated Entry/Care Coordination to be divided between Crossroads Housing and the Youth Connection. • Dave reported that there has been an increase in reports of finding bats in homes due to the time of year and reminded anyone who has found a bat to have that bat tested for rabies. Information will be added to the Public Health Facebook page. Central Services — Travis Adams Commissioners Neatherlin, Tarzwell, and Trask were in attendance. • Jennifer Beierle shared that the Washington State Conservation Commission has provided a contract in the amount of $290,000 to support the Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027. Approved to move forward. • Travis Adams shared that on April 23, 2025 Resolution 2025-026 raised the hourly rate for contracted felony Criminal Defense Attorneys from $125/hour to $175/hour and expires on August 31, 2025. Travis requested that Res. 2025-026 be extended until December 31, 2025, and to authorize a budget transfer of up to $100,000 from the Salaries and Benefits to Operations to be used if needed. Approved to move forward. • Travis shared that the Sheriff's Office parking lot door needs replacement due to wear. Replacement would include an upgrade to a badge access system. An estimate for the project has been received in the amount of $20,113.84. Approved to move forward. • McKenzie Smith shared a request for a concurrence on the appointment of Susan Hettinger to the Timberland Regional Library Board of Trustees for Thurston County's at -large position. Commissioner Trask noted that Thurston County has not yet approved Mason County's appointee and requested that Mason County's letter of support for Thurston County's appointment be withheld until a response is received. If Thurston County approves Mason County's appointee, the letter will be signed. If not, the matter will be brought back for further discussion. July 21, 2025 I Page 1 of 2 Board of Mason County Commissioners' Briefing Minutes Mason County Commission Chambers, 411 N 5ch Street, Shelton, WA 98584 • Cmmr. Neatherlin asked Travis to reach out to the Farm Bureau to discuss the creation of an Agriculture Committee and invite Larry Bolt to brief the Commission on a proposal that would work specifically for Mason County. • Cmmr. Tarzwell discussed ongoing concerns raised by property owners at Lost Lake, where wake activity is reportedly causing significant shoreline and dock damage. Cmmr's discussed possible regulatory approaches, including restrictions based on lake size, speed limits and motor types. Travis will gather additional information and bring this back to the Board for discussion. 10:40 A.M. Public Works — Loretta Swanson Utilities & Waste Management Commissioners Neatherlin, Tarzwell, and Trask were in attendance. • Mike Collins and Tina Schaefer shared the recommendation of the Hearing Examiner for Road Vacation No. 424 and stated that compensation has already been paid. Approved to move forward. • Mike requested authorization for the County Engineer to submit the 2025 Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant application for the Cloquallum Road safety project and allow the Chair to sign all pertinent documents related to the grant. Approved to move forward. • Mike requested approval to schedule two public hearings for September 16, 2025, for the 2026 Annual Construction Program and the Six -Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for 2026-2031. Approved to move forward. • Richard Dickinson requested authorization for the Public Works Director and/or Deputy Director of Utilities and Waste Management to sign the 2025-2027 Local Solid Waste Funding Assistance (LSWFA) agreement. The Board would like to see what options there are for using this grant in the future. Approved to move forward. • Richard requested approval to advertise for the Wastewater Manager position and to allow Lindsay Beam to step up temporarily as the point person during this vacancy. Approved to move forward. • Mike reported that 350 road striping miles have been completed, and a more reflective paint is now being used. Paving has been completed between Matlock and Schaefer State Park, they have assisted the City of Shelton with a few downtown paving projects, and chipseal programs have begun. Respectfully submitted, McKenzie Smit Clerk of the Board Prepared by Cani Olson BOARD OF MASON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Pbn- Sharon Trask, Pat Tarzwell, Chair Vice -Chair Rand Neatherlin, Commissioner July 21, 2025 I Page 2 of 2