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2020-08-27 BOCC Wrap-Up COVID-19BOCC Wrap-Up / COVID-19 August 27, 2020 3:01 p.m. Present: Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, County Manager Erik Martin, Steve Wohld, Andy Caldwell, Larry McGee, Scott Smitherman, Kim Amrine, Wes Rethwill, Lee Napier, Tamara Hayes, Frank Corbin Recorder: Rieva Lester Erik Martin said the county has learned of two new cases of COVID-19. Erik suggested limiting COVID update meetings to once a week (on Thursdays). He said the information would be provided in a daily email and also would be included on the website. Erik discussed WAC 246-455, regarding indirect identifiers that could identify patients, including zip codes. Erik said Thurston County has nearly 1,000 cases and 12 zip codes. He said Lewis County has roughly 300 cases and more than 20 zip codes. He said the county needs to remain cautious about indirectly identifying patients. The group discussed a community meeting that took place the previous night. Andy Caldwell said roughly 60 or 70 participants attended. The meeting halted at approximately 3:12 p.m. when the group learned that attendees joining via Zoom were unable to see or hear the meeting. The group restarted the meeting – from the beginning – at 3:18 a.m. Erik Martin said the county has learned of two new cases of COVID-19. Erik suggested limiting COVID update meetings to once a week (on Thursdays). He said the information would be provided in a daily email and also would be included on the website. Commissioner Fund shared feedback she has received from the public. Erik discussed WAC 246-455, which addresses indirect identifiers, such as zip codes, that could inadvertently identify patients. Erik noted that Thurston County has nearly 1,000 cases and 12 zip codes. He said Lewis County has roughly 300 cases and 20-plus zip codes. He said the county needs to remain cautious about indirectly identifying patients. The group discussed a community meeting that took place in Adna the previous night. Andy Caldwell said roughly 60 or 70 participants attended. He said the mix included parents, school administrators, superintendents, etc., and that the group overall was pushing for schools to reopen. He said some attendees discussed students’ backslide rates as well as teen suicide rates. He, Commissioner Fund and Commissioner Jackson recapped topics discussed at the meeting. Erik Martin said he is helping schedule a forum at which to have a countywide discussion about school reopening plans. Erik said the county has been awarded $480,000 from the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) for the courtroom upgrades. He said the county is awaiting a response from United Way regarding a proposed broadband grant. Larry McGee said Lewis County Together has received 10 applications for its nonprofit grants so far. Steve Wohld said HR is conducting a survey to determine the extent to which COVID-19 (including school closures) is affecting county employees. Andy Caldwell discussed a proposal to use CRF funding totaling $2,330 to pay the landlord of a struggling medical facility on the east end. Commissioner Fund and Commissioner Jackson said they support the proposal. The group discussed the public comment portion of meetings. Meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m.