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2020-05-13 Directors Update COVID-19Directors’ Update / COVID-19 May 13, 2020 2:03 p.m. Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund (remotely), Commissioner Jackson, County Manager Erik Martin, Steve Wohld, Becky Butler, Tamara Hayes, Andy Caldwell, JP Anderson, Tamara Hayes, Steve Walton, Doug Carey, Josh Metcalf, Eric Eisenberg (remotely), Lee Napier (remotely), Casey Mauermann (remotely), Amber Smith (remotely), Daleyn Coleman (remotely), Fionna Velazquez (remotely), Lara McRea (remotely), Matt Jaeger (remotely), Gary Fredricks (remotely), Amanda Price (remotely), Cullen Gatten (remotely) and others Guests: Frank Corbin (remotely), Colton Dodgson (remotely), Frank Corbin (remotely), Sybil Kuhn (remotely), and other members of the public and press Recorder: Rieva Lester At 2:05 p.m., Commissioner Jackson announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for 10 minutes to discuss pending and / or potential litigation related to forest practices and county processes and requirements. Executive session started at 2:07 p.m. At 2:17 p.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 5 minutes. At 2:22 p.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 5 minutes. At 2:27 p.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 2 minutes. At 2:29 p.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 2 minutes. At 2:31 p.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 5 minutes. Executive Session ended at 2:36 p.m. Commissioner Jackson noted that no decisions had been made. Josh Metcalf discussed a notice of hearing regarding a franchise to AT&T to install, construct, operate and maintain telecommunications facilities in Lewis County rights of way. Josh Metcalf discussed the temporary closure of Meade Hill Road to all through traffic. Josh Metcalf discussed a call for bids for the Pleasant Valley Road MP 2.46 Bridge Scour Repair Project, Federal Aid Project No. BHOS-2021(054), F.A. Agreement No. LA 9268, County Road Project No. 2159-J. Josh Metcalf discussed a Local Agency Agreement and Federal Aid Project Prospectus between Lewis County and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for the Tucker Road Improvements Project, County Road Project (CRP) 2189C. Andy Caldwell discussed adoption of the January 31, 2020, Mass Casualty Incident Plan as an Annex to the Lewis County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. Erik Martin discussed a resolution to approve a .09 (“Distressed Counties”) grant agreement with Lewis County Flood Control District #1. Erik Martin discussed a resolution to approve a .09 (“Distressed Counties”) grant agreement with the Lewis County Public Facilities District. Erik Martin discussed a resolution to approve a .09 (“Distressed Counties”) grant agreement with the Lewis County Economic Development Council. Lee Napier discussed a public hearing to ratify Ordinance 1317, a moratorium upon certain building permits within the boundaries of Water-Sewer District #5. Commissioner Fund made a motion to move three notice items, two consent items, five deliberation items and one hearing to the Monday, May 18, 2020, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Jackson seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0. Rieva Lester and Erik Martin noted that a .09 (“Distressed Counties”) grant with the Chehalis River Basin Flood Control Zone District would hold until the next Business Meeting. Tamara Hayes said the Southwest Washington Fair Advisory Commission is recommending the county cancel the 2020 Southwest Washington Fair. She said JP Anderson, Dr. Rachel Wood, 4-H leaders, FFA leaders and others also support the decision. Tamara said many large fairs have already made the same decision. Tamara said the unknowns about what safety protections would be needed influenced the decision. Southwest Washington Fair Advisory Commission member Sybil Kuhn said the group struggled with the decision but agreed with the need to make the recommendation to the commissioners. Tamara Hayes said the group will work on smaller-scale alternatives. She said the market sale committee will meet the following week to discuss the possibility of virtual auctions, etc. Commissioner Stamper discussed the need to help the schoolkids affected by the potential cancellation. Commissioner Fund noted that plans are in the works to create alternatives that would benefit the 4-H and FFA members, as well as the public in general. Tamara Hayes said Garlic Fest also will be canceled. She noted that agreements with some bands and other performers for the fair already had been signed. The commissioners accepted the recommendation of the Fair Manager and the Southwest Washington Fair Advisory Commission to cancel the 2020 Southwest Washington Fair. Commissioner Jackson said emotional, psychological, spiritual and economical health aren’t being considered as the nation grapples with the pandemic. Gary Fredricks said discussions are taking place across the nation about virtual fairs, virtual market sales, etc. Gary explained USDA inspection requirements. Steve Wohld said the county hired casual employees to start prepping county parks in hopes that they can be opened possibly as early as the upcoming weekend. He said he is seeking a variance for water tests but that porta potties could be used to bridge the gap. Jon Guyer discussed a struggle he is having regarding a property he is selling. He said there are no county policies and procedures he can find in writing regarding Forest Practice Rules. Erik said the county defers Forest Practices regulations to the DNR, which is allowed under the Growth Management Act due to the county’s size. Commissioner Stamper said Eric Eisenberg and Lee Napier will be reaching out to Jon with some potential solutions. Greg Lund said he found no filings or moratoriums linked to the property Jon Guyer was discussing. Roundtable Becky discussed work to set rates for general liability, unemployment, etc., as the county begins work for the 2021 budget. Josh Metcalf provided updates on county construction projects. Josh said he will have a late add for May 18: The no-spray agreement. He described what a no-spray agreement entails. He said the agreements are good for a year and can be renewed annually. He said the initial application is $300 and that subsequent years are $25. JP Anderson discussed the projects Health is working on. Andy Caldwell said Emergency Management has learned that the February storms have qualified for FEMA funding. Andy said he has requested a gap review of Emergency Management. Steve Wohld discussed updates to the Auditor’s Office, Assessor’s Office and Health as well as work taking place to prepare for non-congregate housing. The commissioners approved of opening the county parks and to using porta potties if the water cannot yet be turned on. Steve and Doug Carey said social distancing signs would be erected. Doug said he is working on applying for the Courthouse Preservation Grant program. He said the deadline for the 2021 courthouse preservation grant was due in June but has been pushed back to July. Steve Walton discussed fraudulent claims that have been filed with the Employment Security Department. He urged caution. Matt Jaeger echoed those concerns. Matt Jaeger said the courts are discussing jury duty, electronic services, etc., as they look to the future. Lee Napier said Community Development JP Anderson said he is continuing to work on the county’s variance application. Commissioner Jackson read an excerpt from a multi-county letter to Gov. Inslee’s office. The commissioners noted that Lewis County asked to be included on the letter. Commissioner Stamper said he would be reaching out to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office regarding semi-permanent residents at Thousand Trails who are being asked to leave. Meeting adjourned at 3:49 p.m.