2020-07-15 ESC Directors COVID-19ESC / Directors’ Update / COVID-19
July 15, 2020
9:02 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Doug Carey, Janelle
Lindsey, Matt Patana, JP Anderson, Andy Caldwell, Dusty Breen, Dianne Dorey, Daleyn Coleman, Steve
Walton, Steve Wohld, Lara McRea, Scott Tinney, Gary Fredricks, Graham Gowing, Lee Napier, Jonathan
Meyer, Matt Jaeger, Megan Sibbert, Scott Smitherman, Jonathan Meyer, Suzette Smith, Tawni
Shepherd, Josh Metcalf, Tom Stanton, Larry Grove, County Manager Erik Martin, Amber Smith (9:33
a.m.)
Recorder: Rieva Lester
COVID-19 policies, response, supplies, cases: JP Anderson discussed improving the distribution of
information related to COVID-19.
Participants suggested:
• Hold weekly updates
• Expand information about hospital bed availability
• List number of active cases
• Explain what “recovered” means
• Show how county compares to others across the state
• Details about where infected individuals contracted it
Commissioner Stamper discussed an event planned for Packwood. JP Anderson said Public Health and
Social Services will draft a memo indicating that food permits will not be processed.
Erik Martin said he is working with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office regarding mask requirements for
the public.
Budget
Becky Butler outlined the timeline for the budget. She said the call letter will go out in August and will be
due in September. She said the commissioners have not yet set limitations.
Becky said the county has spent roughly $1.6 million on the coronavirus response so far and will bill
roughly $600,000 of that to COVID-19 grants. Becky said the county is using Coronavirus Funds where
appropriate.
Census
Commissioner Fund urged residents to fill out the Census.
Strategic planning
Erik Martin said workshops will be scheduled in the next few weeks. He said electeds can reach out to
the consultant if they so desire.
Salary study
Steve Walton said the county is proceeding with the salary study.
Jonathan Meyer said a study isn’t needed. He said the county can instead look at surrounding counties.
Employee picnic -- Aug. 19
Rieva Lester reminded the group that the employee picnic is planned for Aug. 19. She urged offices and
departments to contact her with any special dietary needs.
Roundtable
Dianne Dorey said the Assessor’s Office is catching up after COVID-19 delays and is wrapping up new
construction.
Directors’ Update
Josh Metcalf discussed a notice of hearing for a franchise to PUD No. 1 of Cowlitz County to install,
construct, operate and maintain electrical facilities in Lewis County rights of way.
Josh Metcalf discussed the temporary closure of Pleasant Valley Road to all through traffic.
Amber Smith discussed a notice of Public Hearing and Declaration of the Board of County
Commissioners to dissolve Dikage and Drainage District #1 for Lewis County pursuant to Chapter 36.96
RCW and directing the setting of a Public Hearing.
Josh Metcalf discussed the proposed acquisition of additional right of way for Highway 603 in Chehalis.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to ratify a consultant supplement over $40,000 for Archaeological
Investigations Northwest Inc.
Andy Caldwell discussed the adoption of the June 15, 2020, Lewis County Hazard Identification and
Vulnerability Analysis as the hazard analysis and assessment of local threats for Lewis County.
Commissioner Fund made a motion to move three notice items, two consent items and three
deliberation items to the Monday, July 20, 2020, BOCC agenda.
Commissioner Jackson seconded the motion.
Motion passed 3-0.
Roundtable
Daleyn Coleman urged staff to contact HR with any emergency sick leave questions.
Matt Patana urged staff to contact him with any COVID-19 needs.
Doug Carey discussed repairs to the courthouse. He also said HVAC cleaning unit installation is taking
place.
Steve Wohld discussed reconfiguring the hearing room to better accommodate social distancing for the
long term.
Gary Fredricks said Extension is providing expanded online services.
Lee Napier discussed an upcoming Growth Management Act meeting.
Matt Jaeger discussed security enhancements taking place.
Scott Smitherman said a radio tower project has been completed. He said text-to-911 test is being
completed. He also mentioned that a water main in Napavine had broken.
Suzette Smith said the 2018 State Auditor’s Office (SAO) Exit Conference will take place at 3 p.m. July 23.
Becky Butler discussed the need for correct coding for any emergency leave. She also urged offices and
departments to contact Facilities for PPE needs.
Candy Hallom said her last day with the county will be July 24.
Commissioner Jackson discussed a recent PUD broadband study. He discussed concerns regarding 5G. JP
Anderson said he would look into whether the concerns have any basis.
Commissioner Fund discussed Ecology’s new program to provide flood assistance.
Commissioner Stamper said Twin Transit is launching a project at the Mellen Street exit.
Wednesday workshop
Commissioner Jackson made a motion to approve Resolution 20-234A: Amended notice of public
hearing and proposed action to ratify Ordinance 1319, lifting a moratorium upon certain building
permits within the boundaries of Middle Fork Water - Sewer System, formally known as Water-Sewer
District 5.
Commissioner Fund seconded.
Amber discussed the resolution. She said the amendment would allow the BOCC to take action on
Ordinance 1319 if the county reaches an agreement with Water-Sewer District 2.
Motion passed 3-0.
Continuity of government
Andy Caldwell discussed a proposed outline of who would preside in the commissioners’ place in case of
emergency.
The group discussed potential alternative county government locations in the case of an emergency.
Commissioner Fund left at 10:25 a.m.
Commissioner Jackson and Commissioner Stamper approved of the Continuity of Government plan as
proposed.
2020 Legislative Roundtable
The group discussed a hybrid approach of an in-person / Zoom meeting the first Friday in October.
Meeting ended at 10:35 a.m.