2020-05-19 PA UpdatePA’s Update
May 19, 2020
2:03 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper (remotely), Commissioner Fund (remotely), Commissioner Jackson,
County Manager Erik Martin, Cullen Gatten, Brittani Bonahoom, Amber Smith, Josh Metcalf, Steve
Walton, Steve Wohld, Eric Eisenberg (remotely)
Guests: Various members of the public and press
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Cullen Gatten said Becky Butler had asked about whether the commissioners have the authority to fully
open to the public. He said the county has the authority to reopen county operations, but he cautioned
that it should take a measured approach since not all portions of the county may be ready to open.
County Manager Erik Martin said some offices and departments are ready to open but that others need
more work.
Amber Smith said she is reviewing the Valley View MOU. She said Valley View would provide additional
capacity.
Erik said a draft of the variance would be sent out May 20 for review. The group said the Board of Health
and the BOCC will meet May 21 to review the variance application.
Eric Eisenberg said the Winlock Industrial Park is located within the Winlock Urban Growth Area, which
would lead Winlock to handle the permitting. However, he said, the county has more resources and
could sign an MOU with the city to allow the county to work on the permits.
At 2:18 p.m., Commissioner Jackson announced that the Board was going into Executive Session for 15
minutes to discuss the Ditri properties (Water-Sewer District 5) under RCW 42.30.110(1)(b) and the Pat
Gray arbitration, opioid litigation, and Forest Practices and Lewis County permitting under
42.30.110(1)(i).
At 2:33 p.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 5 minutes.
At 2:38 p.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 3 minutes.
Executive Session ended at 2:41 p.m. Commissioner Jackson noted that no decisions had been made.
Jonathan Meyer said Gov. Inslee announced earlier in the day that Lewis County is now eligible to apply
for a variance.
Meeting ended at 2:45 p.m.