2020-04-24 BOCC Wrap-Up COVID-19BOCC Wrap-Up / COVID-19
April 24, 2020
3:02 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper (remotely), Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson (remotely),
County Manager Erik Martin (remotely), Candy Hallom, Andy Caldwell, Amber Smith (remotely), Eric
Eisenberg (remotely), Josh Metcalf (remotely), Scott Smitherman (remotely), Steve Wohld (remotely),
Larry McGee (remotely), and Lee Napier (remotely).
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Erik Martin talked about Governor Inslee’s new information and guidelines that contractors will need to
do to get back to work. Lee Napier gave recommendations based on Governor Inslee’s Phase 1
construction proclamation. As permits are prepared, they will be issued. Currently they are mailing out
permits to customers, but can coordinate drop off/pick up if necessary.
Steve Wohld discussed projects the county is working on to prepare for the eventual reopening of
county buildings. They are working on ordering line coordination poles and distancing stickers for offices
that will open to the public.
Erik Martin has been communicating with Thurston and Cowlitz County managers to compare processes
and reopening best-practice ideas.
Erik Martin said the county has learned of three new cases today. A person in there 40s and two people
in their 70s. He said the county’s total is 28 confirmed cases with three fatalities.
Andy Caldwell discussed a plan to reach out to adult care facilities. Lewis County has 28 facilities that
have 6 or less adults in their care. The Department of Emergency Management is making kits that
include surgical masks, reusable cloth masks, goggles, and gloves. He is also helping them so they are
aware as to how to re-new their supplies as needed.
State Emergency Management will not seek reimbursement until the middle of May.
Larry McGee stressed social distancing. He said SBA loans will probably last 4-12 hrs. J.P. Anderson and
Larry McGee said they are working on toolkits for businesses for a healthy business environment.
Meja Handlen said Lewis County had 17 people on Wednesday and 13 people on Thursday stay at the
congregate housing facilities at the fairgrounds.
Commissioner Fund said there have been numerous communications from people requesting to open
the county. She also mentioned that all the superintendents from Lewis County got together. School
Superintendents from Lewis County are asking for broadband. The schools are helping students with
Chromebooks, but online capabilities are a struggle for continuing education. They are asking for PUD to
help out. State Public Works Board was granted $25 million. $17 million slated to be processed after the
WAC is out to help with broadband targeted towards unserved areas.
Josh Metcalf shared the EOC call information about updates for festivals/events. Morton’s Loggers
Jubilee, Toledo Cheese Days, Packwood Flea Market and the Napavine Funtime Festival are still up for
debate to remain on schedule. Winlock Egg Days has been canceled, Chehalis Fest is canceled and Vader
May Day is canceled.
Commissioner Stamper asked about getting a message to the county festivals/events for suggestions
and guidelines. Erik Martin said to schedule another meeting with Public Health for some specifics.
Meeting adjourned at 3:43 p.m.