2020-05-12 BOCC Wrap-Up COVID-19BOCC Wrap-Up / COVID-19 meeting
May 12, 2020
3:01 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson (remotely), County
Manager Erik Martin, Scott Smitherman (remotely), Cullen Gatten (remotely), Gary Fredricks, JP
Anderson (remotely), Lee Napier (remotely), Wes Rethwill (remotely), Alison Puckett (remotely), Becky
Butler (3:31 p.m.), Robin Saline (remotely)
Guest(s): Bryan Porter
Recorder: Rieva Lester
JP Anderson said the county has learned of two new confirmed COVID-19 cases: one person in their 40s
and another in their 50s, pushing the county’s total to 32 cases with three fatalities.
JP said the governor’s office has indicated contact tracing efforts will be stepped up. He said the
expected ratio is 30 contact tracers for every 100,000 residents.
Commissioner Stamper joined at 3:08 p.m.
JP outlined how contact tracing would take place.
JP said he believes there will be funding to allow the county to hire and supervise staff to provide the
contact tracing. He said the county will protect patients’ anonymity.
Commissioner Jackson said citizens will feel their rights are being violated.
JP said the protocols would be similar to those that take place when someone tests positive for
tuberculosis.
Commissioner Fund said she met with the counties that have applied for a variance.
Commissioner Stamper discussed state plans to address tourist attractions.
Becky Butler joined at 3:31 p.m.
Commissioner Jackson discussed the PUD’s broadband survey, noting that the PUD has received
tremendous response from the public.
Commissioner Stamper said the PUD is working to address broadband needs countywide.
Becky Butler said an award letter for Coronavirus Relief funding should arrive within the next few weeks.
She said she is helping draft a proposal on how to spend the funding. She said the county’s deadline to
apply for reimbursement is Oct. 31.
The commissioners discussed their calendars.
Commissioner Stamper said he had received a call from someone staying at Thousand Trails because the
group has told “semi-permanent” dwellers to leave.
Commissioner Fund noted that the state, city and county have worked together to disband the
impromptu Mellen Street RV park.
Becky said she has been contacted by the Port of Chehalis regarding the $800,000 for the grain terminal.
She said Randy Mueller has asked if the county could enter into an MOU to allow for prepayment rather
than reimbursement.
The commissioners approved minute folders for the weeks of April 13 and April 20, 2020.
Meeting adjourned at 3:49 p.m.