2021-09-27 County Manager UpdateCounty Manager Update
September 27, 2021
11:01 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Erik Martin, Becky Butler, Steve
Wohld, Chris Panush, Lara McRea, Alison Puckett, Austin Majors, Josh Metcalf, Tammy Martin
Guests: Nic Scott, Eric Rosane
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Internal Services
Facilities position review: Steve Wohld said he is requesting a pay increase for a Facilities employee
effective Oct. 1.
Swope made a motion to approve the increase for the Facilities electrician position.
Commissioner Pollock seconded.
Motion passed 2-0.
The meeting paused at 11:05 a.m. due to audio problems.
The meeting resumed at 11:09 a.m.
The commissioners repeated their motion, second and vote on the pay increase for the Facilities
electrician position for the public’s benefit due to the earlier audio problems.
Public Works / DEM update
Motorpool position: Josh Metcalf discussed a request for an additional Motorpool position. He said
there is an immediate resource need, so he is requesting the approval now instead of making the
request during the budget process. Josh discussed the additional funds being spent on overtime to cover
service gaps. Josh said rates would have to be adjusted in 2022 to accommodate the change. Becky
Butler said 2022 rates could be updated in October 2021.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to approve the addition of a Journey Mechanic II position for Fleet.
Commissioner Pollock seconded.
Motion passed 2-0.
North Lewis County Industrial Access (NLCIA): Josh said he and the Washington Department of
Transportation (WDOT) are working on the North Lewis County Industrial Access (NLCIA) interchange
project. He said they conducting a traffic analysis to determine how it would affect Harrison Avenue and
Old Highway 99.
Middle Fork Water Sewer System update: Josh said he has sent the county’s consultant comments
about its draft agreement.
Department of Emergency Management (DEM): Erik Martin said DEM has been fielding requests for
help schools secure bus drivers and PPE. Josh cautioned that the state is denying requests for materials
available on the open market.
Public Health and Social Services
Testing at the fairgrounds: Erik said COVID-19 testing will be available at the Southwest Washington
Fairgrounds beginning later in the week. The commissioners said they’d like a press release for the
testing center.
Employee childcare survey: Erik said a survey was sent countywide to gauge needs regarding childcare
(or anything else) in response to the pandemic.
Department of Health position: Erik said JP Anderson has reached out to the state Department of
Health regarding its description of employment opportunities, noting that the standard incident
command “strike team” verbiage used caused concern locally.
Meeting adjourned at 11:37 a.m.