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2020-03-06 Mayors MeetingMayors’ Meeting March 6, 2020 9:30 a.m. Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Port Commissioner Peter Lahmann, Centralia Mayor Sue Luond, Centralia City Manager Rob Hill, Lewis County Internal Services Chief Steve Wohld, Pam Peiper of U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler’s office, Wes Anderson of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Winlock Mayor Pro Tem Brandon Svenson, Vader Mayor Pro Tem Samatha Lovelady, Centralia College Job Center Program Coordinator Monica Brummer, Public Health and Social Services Deputy Director John Abplanalp, Napavine Mayor Pro Tem LaVerne Haslett, Lewis County Emergency Management Administrator Andy Caldwell Guests: Lynnette Hoffman, Frank Corbin, David Woodrum, Janice Woodrum, Ron Averill, Colton Dodgson, Susan DeLaire, Deanna DiBenedetto, and other members of the public Recorder: Rieva Lester Centralia College Job Center Program Coordinator Monica Brummer discussed federal and state work study programs. She said Washington is one of 13 states across the nation that participate in the programs. Monica said the state provided $7.8 million for 2020, of which Centralia College received $68,000. She said the college must turn back any unused monies. Monica discussed the benefits work study programs provide both employers and students. Monica invited the group to the April 21 Job Fair set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Centralia College’s TransAlta Commons. Monica discussed other options for student help, such as internships, etc. Lewis County Public Health and Social Services Deputy Director John Abplanalp provided an update on the COVID-19 (coronavirus). John provided information about the risks as well as tips for how to slow the spread of the virus, noting that Washington already is seeing “community spread.” John discussed isolation and quarantine measures. He also discussed interventions such as having people stay home when they are ill, frequently cleaning high-touch surfaces, increasing social distancing, improving respiratory hygiene and increasing hand-washing. Lewis County Emergency Management Administrator Andy Caldwell Andy Caldwell stressed that COVID- 19 is a new version of the coronavirus. He and John said the virus is similar to the seasonal flu. Commissioner Fund and Ron Averill discussed HB 1154, which would provide $750 million in funding for flooding mitigation and habitat restoration. Commissioner Fund discussed the bill’s move through the state House and discussion in the Senate. Commissioner Fund provided an update on bills, etc., before the state Legislature. Ron Averill discussed the recently-released Environmental Impact Study (EIS) on the proposed water retention facility. He encouraged those in the Chehalis Basin to read the executive summary and contact Ecology to share their support of the water retention facility. Commissioner Fund invited the group to attend a March 31 public meeting about the EIS. Commissioner Stamper discussed a recent meeting with the EDC, during which the commissioners learned that money for the Mickelsen Parkway project and other projects no longer is in hold. Commissioner Jackson said money for the Rush Road project also is no longer on hold. Napavine Mayor Pro Tem Laverne Haslett said the city has hired a new police officer and a new council member. She also discussed delays for the Dollar General store. Vader Mayor Pro Tem Samantha Lovelady discussed work WSDOT is performing on Lacamas Creek Bridge. She said the city is working on matching grants and the city water. Commissioner Jackson left at 10:35 a.m. WSDOT representative Wes Anderson discussed work on the Lacamas Creek Bridge, as well as many other projects the state is working on, including luminaire replacement work along Interstate 5, possible work at the I-5 / Rush Road interchange, Chamber Way work and streetscaping along Centralia’s Highway 507. Wes said also discussed work to be done on SR 6 and other projects. Commissioner Jackson returned at 10:37 a.m. Port of Centralia Commissioner Peter Lahmann said the port will meet March 18. Centralia City Manager Rob Hill discussed the school levy failure. He also discussed a recent workshop the city held on homelessness. He also discussed the expansion of the sports hub. Centralia Mayor Sue Luond discussed an upcoming workshop on the city’s Comp Plan. She also encouraged members of the community to pitch in and help clean up the county. Pam Peiper of Rep. Herrera Beutler’s office discussed the congresswoman’s work on affordable housing, financial aid for technical college, transparency for college students borrowing money and COVID-19 response. Internal Services Chief Steve Wohld discussed job openings at Lewis County as well as a new Local Amenities link. Winlock Mayor Pro Tem Brandon Svenson said Mayor Bradshaw has resigned due to health concerns. He said the city appreciates the county’s support. Ron Averill stressed that the senior centers no longer are run by the county. He discussed the group’s work toward self-sustainability. He invited the public to check out the group’s new website. Commissioner Jackson discussed the future appointment Ross Petersen for the Public Facilities District. He also discussed an upcoming DOT meeting about the I-5 / Rush Road interchange as well as a recent Council of Governments (COG) meeting. Commissioner Jackson discussed his work on the state affordable housing board. Commissioner Stamper discussed concerns about the impacts the state Department of Natural Resources’ timber harvest decisions have had on the smaller special purpose districts, noting that harvesting has been restricted in response to the marbled murrelet. Commissioner Stamper echoed Mayor Luond’s call for volunteers to help clean up debris. Commissioner Jackson left at 11:12 a.m. Commissioner Fund said Vision Toledo is holding its Big Meeting on March 19. She said the city also is holding a field dedication March 16. Ron Averill invited the group to a senior center fundraiser March 19. Meeting adjourned at 11:13 a.m.