2020-05-06 PA UpdatePA Update
May 6, 2020
11:01 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper (remotely), Commissioner Fund (remotely), Commissioner Jackson,
Jonathan Meyer, Cullen Gatten, Amber Smith, Steve Wohld, Steve Walton, Josh Metcalf, Becky Butler,
Eric Eisenberg (remotely), Natalie Dunlap (remotely), Kevin McDowell (remotely), Brittani Bonahoom,
Tammy Martin
Guest: Bill Serrahn (remotely)
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Eric Eisenberg discussed the spotted owl litigation. He said the federal courts had accepted the
settlement offer, under which the federal government will go back and review which portions of
previously designated habitat to exclude since no northern spotted owls live in those areas. Eric said the
federal courts entered an order to dismiss with prejudice and that there is a chance – albeit a slim
chance – that the county could receive an award of attorneys’ fees.
Jonathan Meyer urged the commissioners to continue rotating which commissioner is in the building
physically for meetings. He cited safety concerns in case two or more commissioners were to fall ill or
otherwise become incapacitated. Eric echoed the advice and noted that it is a show of equality for the
commissioners to attend meetings via Zoom, just as citizens must do to attend the commissioners’
official meetings during the building closures. Commissioner Stamper and Commissioner Fund discussed
the merits of the advice.
At 11:13 a.m., Commissioner Jackson announced that the Board was going into Executive Session under
RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for 15 minutes to discuss pending and / or potential litigation related to:
• Area 5 shop
• Cowlitz River day-use access project
• Reopening variances under the state’s proposed phases
At 11:28 a.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 5 minutes.
At 11:33 a.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 5 minutes.
At 11:38 a.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 5 minutes.
At 11:43 a.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 5 minutes.
At 11:48 a.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 5 minutes.
Executive Session ended at 11:53 a.m. Commissioner Jackson noted that no decisions had been made.
Meeting ended at 11:54 a.m.