2020-08-06 BOCC Wrap-Up COVID-19BOCC Wrap-Up / COVID-19
August 6, 2020
3:01 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, JP Anderson, John Abplanalp, Becky Butler, Tawni
Shepherd, Gary Fredricks, Lara McRea, Andy Caldwell, Matt Jaeger
Guest(s): Matt Matayoshi
Recorder: Tailor Albright
COVID-19 updates, discussions and action(s)
John Abplanalp updated the board with case counts and noted that Lewis County has 12 new cases. He
reviewed a Powerpoint and reviewed testing numbers and key metrics as of 7/28/2020. There are 215
total cases at this time. Reviewed the rate of newly reported cases which has increased in last 14 days.
At this time about 6,400 Lewis County residents have been tested.
The group discussed rising numbers in positive cases, mask requirements, recoveries, and hospitalized
patient statistics.
J.P. Anderson met with school superintendents and is continuing to speak with schools in regard to the
fall term.
Andy Caldwell mentioned the distribution of masks intended for low-income families that were
distributed to the Food Bank Coalition.
Becky discussed AOC funding for technology for the courts.
Becky said there will be interviews for the rural broadband grant proposals next Tuesday.
Matt Jaeger discussed WSU broadband and the WSU mobile wifi system. He noted that WSU would like
to use the county’s existing internet connection. But from a security and security aspect they are
hesitant to do this as the courts are using so much more video conferencing. If someone from the public
were streaming it could take away a critical service for the courts. He said a Comcast connection may be
suitable. Further discussion was held.
Gary Fredricks said he will push for the equipment to get here sooner.
Becky gave details about negotiations happening in Washington D.C. regarding possible lifts of
restrictions on COVID relief funding, and how that will distribute to local governments. These details are
important to our local businesses as they continue to struggle during COVID with a possibility that
funding runs out after Oct. 1st.
Matt Matayoshi said there will be an EDC committee meeting tomorrow and he discussed grant funds
from the Department of Commerce being distributed to small businesses.
Commissioner Stamper discussed broadband and wants to make sure to look at funding sources to
ensure all school-aged kids have internet access.
Matt Jaeger discussed hotspots as an alternative for internet access.
Group discussion was held on usage of internet hotspots.
Commissioner Stamper also discussed issues with childcare due to schools not reopening.
Commissioners discussed their calendars.
Meeting adjourned at 3:51 p.m.