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2020-04-08 BOCC Wrap Up COVID-19BOCC Wrap-Up / COVID-19 meeting April 8, 2020 2:30 p.m. Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund (remotely), Commissioner Jackson, County Manager Erik Martin, Meja Handlen, Steve Wohld, Robin Saline, Becky Butler, JP Anderson, Jonathan Meyer, Josh Metcalf (remotely), Amber Smith (remotely), Lara McRea (remotely), Lee Napier (remotely), Steve Walton (remotely), Megan Eastman (remotely), Eric Eisenberg (remotely), Andy Caldwell (2:38 p.m.) Guests: Dr. Lindsey Pollock and various other members of the public and press (remotely) Recorder: Rieva Lester Erik Martin said Lewis County has learned of its second confirmed COVID-19 death as well as a new case, which pushes the total number of confirmed cases to 17, including the two fatalities. Meja Handlen discussed congregate and non-congregate housing. She said congregate sites would included shared facilities, while non-congregate facilities would have separate quarters and separate hygiene facilities. Meja said the congregate housing area would be open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. with access to a day-time facility from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Andy Caldwell joined at 2:38 p.m. Meja said the facility would be open for nine weeks and that meals would be provided. She said the sites would include: • 4-H building and Community Events building for congregate housing. • Blue Pavilion for quarantined, non-congregate housing. Meja said the congregate project is estimated at $400,000 and is completely paid for through grant fundging from Affordable Housing. Meja said non-congregate housing will include RV sites at the fairgrounds. Steve Wohld discussed planned upgrades and construction for bathroom facilities at the fairgrounds to accommodate congregate and non-congregate housing. He said the plan is to have those ready in two to four weeks. Becky Butler said the total estimated cost is $2.4 million, the majority of which is to develop the RV sites. She said there is expedited funding available through FEMA. If the project is approved, Becky and Erik said, FEMA will pay for 75 percent of the costs – and will provide 50 percent of its funding up front. They said the state of Washington will pay for the remaining 25 percent of the costs. Robin Saline discussed work to submit applications to FEMA for the fairgrounds project. Meja said congregate housing will be available to those who have been exposed to COVID-19 and non- congregate housing would be available to those who are homeless and / or need help with shelter. She said space is limited, and that there will be staffing 24-7. Meja discussed who would respond in the event of emergencies at the congregate and non-congregate sites. Steve Wohld said the new facilities – the campground and the bathrooms – would remain at the fairgrounds event after the COVID-19 threat passes. He said the county has 182 power / water sites at the fairgrounds. Jonathan Meyer and Andy Caldwell said Emergency Management earlier in the day received: • 980 N95 masks • 500 isolation gowns • 350 protection • 50 boxes of gloves Andy said a group formed ealier in the day will evaluate shipments received to determine how to best distribute the items to the various entities involved. Erik Martin discussed efforts to continue providing county services. JP Anderson discussed steps being taken to allow Public Health and Social Services employees to safely continue inspections and code enforcement. Robin Saline left at 3:19 p.m. Erik said the county has received 150 test kits. Erik, Becky and Jonathan noted that a resolution to create a COVID-19 fund is needed as it is related to the county’s COVID-19 response. Jonathan said it would be appropriate to add it to the April 13 Business Meeting during the current meeting. Commissioner Fund made a motion to add to the April 13 Business Meeting agenda a resolution to create Fund 1410 for the COVID-19 response. Commissioner Jackson seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Commissioner Fund made a motion to add to the April 13 Busienss Meeting agenda a resoltuion to award the bid for the Snyder Road culvert project. Erik explained that the project is essential, especially considering the tight window during which the work can be done. Commissioner Jackson seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Meeting adjourned at 3:36 p.m.