2021-10-13 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update
October 13, 2021
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Becky Butler, John Abplanalp, Mindy Brooks,
Erika Katt, Doug Carey, Steve Wohld, Ross McDowell, JP Anderson, Chris Panush, Lee Napier, Matt
Patana, Austin Majors, Tammy Martin, Tiffanie Morgan, JP Anderson (9:09 a.m.), Connie Riker, Josh
Metcalf
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Erika Katt discussed a proclamation recognizing the Great Washington Shake Out on October 21, 2021 at
10:21 a.m.
Becky Butler discussed a resolution to approve a Personal Services Agreement between Lewis County
and Robert K. Weidner.
Chris Panush discussed a resolution to designate Lewis County Representatives on the Washington
Counties Risk Pool
Patrick Shults discussed WSU Approve a memorandum of agreement between Lewis County and
Washington State University (WSU) Extension
COVID-19
John Abplanalp said Lewis County’s COVID-19 case rates have decreased but remain higher than the
state’s rates.
Announcements
Matt Jaeger said the PA’s Office is reviewing a request for proposals for an American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA) project. Fuel shops are getting upgrades. IT and the Sheriff’s Office are working on flood
prevention and mitigation.
Becky Budget amendment will be Oct. 26. She asked offices and departments to work with Gwen Reed
to upload information to OpenGov.
Matt Patana discussed upgrades to jail security and the PA’s Office.
Wednesday Workshop
Commissioner Pollock noted that employee recognition will take place Tuesday, Oct. 26.
Recess: At 9:12 a.m., Commissioner Pollock announced that the board was going into recess until 9:45
a.m.
The meeting resumed at 9:46 a.m.
Broadband proposals
The commissioners noted that they reviewed broadband proposals from ToledoTel, the Lewis County
PUD and Comcast the previous day. Commissioner Swope noted that ToledoTel was the only applicant
whose proposal appeared to meet the criteria for a federal grant available through the Department of
Commerce.
Becky said the county would be the fiscal lead on the project. She noted that the pre-application is due
to Commerce on Oct. 18.
The commissioners directed Becky to proceed with the pre-application packet.
Lee Napier noted that permitting needs would need to be addressed if the county were to move
forward.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to approve the ToledoTel RFP for the grant proposal for the state
Broadband project.
Commissioner Pollock seconded.
Motion passed 2-0.
Becky said she would coordinate a meeting with ToledoTel for Oct. 18.
Meeting ended at 9:53 a.m.