2020-08-05 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update
August 5, 2020
9:00 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, County Manager Erik Martin, JP Anderson, Steve
Wohld, Becky Butler, Doug Carey, Scott Smitherman, Steve Wohld, Allison Puckett, Graham Gowing,
Josh Metcalf, Matt Patana, Tammy Martin, Matt Jaeger, Tamara Hayes, Gary Fredricks, Steve Walton,
Andy Caldwell, Tailor Albright, Jon Meyer
Guest(s):
Absent: Commissioner Jackson
Recorder: Lara McRea
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to accept a bid on tax title property located off Wildwood Road,
Vader.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to accept a bid on tax title property located off Cline Road, Randle.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution notice of hearing regarding a franchise to LIGHTSPEED NETWORKS,
INC. to install, construct, operate, and maintain telecommunication facilities in Lewis County rights of
way.
J.P. Anderson discussed a resolution to approve memorandum of understanding between Lewis County
Seniors and Lewis County to provide meals to persons in non-congregate isolation/ quarantine facilities.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to ratify the award of contract for the Lewis County Centralia
Transfer Station Tipping Floor Approach Repair.
Graham Gowing discussed a resolution to approve an interlocal agreement with the City of Centralia for
the purpose of cost sharing in the Chehalis River Basin Flood Warning System.
Graham Gowing discussed a resolution to approve an interlocal agreement with the City of Chehalis for
the purpose of cost sharing in the Chehalis River Basin Flood Warning System.
Josh Metcalf discussed a hearing regarding a franchise to PUD NO. 1 of COWLITZ COUNTY to install,
construct, operate and maintain electrical facilities in Lewis County road rights of way.
Commissioner Fund made a motion to move three notice items, two consent items, four deliberation
items and one hearing to the Monday, Aug. 10, 2020, BOCC agenda.
Commissioner Stamper seconded the motion.
Motion passed 2-0.
Steve Wohld said he will be speaking with Larry Grove about how the election evening went and if any
modifications would be needed for overflow for November.
Tamara Hayes discussed a late add for and MOU between Lewis County and the EDC to provide grants
awards to non profits serving Lewis County using the CARES ACT Coronavirus Relief Funds.
Doug Carey said he will be bringing forward in the next few weeks jail isolation cells for booking and
other smaller projects. He also said the masonry restoration is now done on the courthouse.
Steve Walton let everyone know he tendered his resignation with the county which is effective August
28th. He plans to retire.
Becky Butler said the board made decision that the expenditure limitations for the general fund would
be set at the 2021 salaries and benefits with colas included for now and the Prelim rates as proposed.
There will be a 0% increase in operations. That information will be sent out Monday August 10 with the
call letter.
Josh discussed the operations of his office, changes of staff and some retirements coming up. He said
they are wrapping up the taxi way project at South Toledo. There is a pre-construction conference
today for the Mickelsen Parkway project. He discussed trying to get summer projects finished with
certain staff leaving. They have a full program scheduled for next summer to include Snyder Rd in
Packwood which is a fish passage project. They also have the Graf Rd. project at Salmon Creek. He said
the Fraser Rd. repair is currently out for bid.
Matt Patana discussed the sani-can situation at Mineral Lake and has been working with Dick Sutter
from the Lions Club. He said they will be cleaning up the bronze doors on the front of the courthouse
and wax will be applied to them. The Assessor Office door will be delivered on August 11.
Erik Martin said he has seen many of the projects that Josh mentioned and noted they are impressive.
He also thanked Steve Walton and shared some sentiments.
Gary Fredericks shared some sentiments about Steve Walton. He also said staff is working on fall
programs and announcement will be sent to the public.
Graham Gowing congratulated Steve and noted that Lee will be back on Monday.
Matt Jeager congratulated Steve Walton on his retirement.
Scott Smitherman discussed the text to 911 program.
Lara McRea introduced Tailor Albright and welcomed her to the county.
Commissioner Fund congratulated Steve and shared some sentiments.
Commissioner Stamper congratulated Steve and shared some sentiments.
COVID-19: Cases, response, supplies, services, policies, Coronavirus Relief Funding
J.P. Anderson discussed adding a liaison to their operations in order to support schools. He met with
superintendents yesterday and was invited to speak with the Chehalis School Board. Some of the school
districts and superintendents are putting together proposals for their boards. The boards approve their
plans and some are discussing how to proceed. He said Dr. Wood’s recommendation was formed from
guidance from the state. He said they have been in contact with private schools also.
Erik noted there was a press release that went out yesterday with 18 recoveries and a total of 88 overall
recoveries.
Becky and Erik discussed the direction for non-profits and if should EDC make the decision on operations
vs. services. Erik said if the board wanted to provide support for non-profits like they did for the small
businesses then that program should be similar to what the board has done already.
J.P. felt that child care was an area that needed more attention. He said we need to figure out what is
needed then provide it. This would be a good area for a liaison to focus on and find ways to help. Becky
noted she saw that the House proposed a bill for child care services.
Erik noted there has been direction from the governor that some of the remaining funds for Coronavirus
relief funds to be allocated back to the local jurisdictions. Commerce says they are working on this but
no timelines are known at this point.
Becky said the seniors are wanting to put forward a grant request funding for vehicles.
The group discussed internal PPE supplies. Josh said for DEM that order are being submitted to the
state. Steve Wohld said they recently did a large order and should have a sufficient supply at this point.
Steve Walton noted that L&I visited the county last Thursday. They did a review of facemasks and
COVID policies and the investigation is ongoing. Risk is currently gathering the information they are
requesting. Steve stressed the importance of complying with COVID policies.
The board discussed their calendars.
Meeting ended at 10:07 a.m.