2021-10-18 BOCC Wrap-UpBOCC Wrap-Up
October 18, 2021
9:01 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Erik Martin, Becky Butler, Steve
Wohld, Josh Metcalf, Chris Panush, Alison Puckett, Andrew Logerwell, Doug Carey, JP Anderson, Katie
Conradi, Lara McRea, Lee Napier, Mindy Brooks, Sherri Dokken, Stephanie Miller, Undersheriff Wes
Rethwill, Tiffanie Morgan, Tammy Martin, Amber Smith, Connie Riker, Heidi Palmer
Guests: Roger Smith, Kevin Emerson, Dale Merten, Deborah Hilliard, Eric Rosane, Nic Scott, Frank Corbin
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Declaration of emergency
Eric Eisenberg discussed a proposed resolution regarding a local declaration of emergency. He noted
that the PA’s Office has had concerns regarding local access to funds without a local-level declaration.
He and Josh Metcalf noted that opportunities to request FEMA funding may be in jeopardy without the
declaration.
Josh noted that a local declaration of emergency would allow the county to forgo procurement policies.
Commissioner Swope said he doesn’t see the staffing shortage situation as a local state of emergency.
He said it’s a result of bad policy at the state level.
JP Anderson said changes at the state level indicate that counties can provide COVID testing resources.
He noted that changes regarding large events also will increase testing needs.
JP noted that an emergency declaration could make testing available in days, whereas going through the
normal procurement process would put testing contracts at weeks.
Eric discussed delays to emergency services due to the pandemic. Eric noted that the area also is at risk
for a shortage of emergency providers as volunteers stop volunteering in response to the governor’s
vaccine mandates.
Broadband proposals
Erik Martin said the county will meet with the PUD on Oct. 20. He said the county’s pre-application will
be submitted later in the day.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to approve the letters to Comcast, the PUD and ToledoTel.
Commissioner Pollock seconded.
Motion passed 2-0.
Polco citizen engagement
The commissioners said they would provide a final review of the postcards Oct. 20.
Drug Court request for change in budget allocation
Becky said Drug Court has requested a remodel. She said the Mental Health tax allocation could be used
to cover the remodel. Matt Patana said he could use the capital construction crew to complete the
work. He noted that construction costs are beginning to dip.
The commissioners requested a read-ahead regarding funding sources and recommendations.
Water / sewer infrastructure consultant agreement
Josh Metcalf said the consultant will gather and evaluate data and then prioritize inventory. The
commissioners directed Josh to move forward with the contract.
Cowlitz River Access project
Josh said he is proposing dedicating and possibly naming the Cowlitz River Access project in
Commissioner Stamper’s honor.
Erik noted that the PA’s Office also suggested naming the new juvenile site in Commissioner Stamper’s
honor.
The commissioners said they would like a compilation of proposed projects that could be named in
Commissioner Stamper’s honor.
Redistricting timeline
Rieva Lester said the BOCC office has worked with the PA’s Office and GIS to develop a proposed
redistricting timeline.
Fire District 4 vacancy
The commissioners directed staff to set up interviews with the three applicants.
Announcements
Erik noted that Lewis County was honored at a recent Public Works conference.
Meeting ended at 9:56 a.m.