2021-11-29 BOCC Wrap-UpBOCC Wrap-Up
November 29, 2021
9:02 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Grose, County Manager Erik Martin, Becky Butler, Steve
Wohld, JP Anderson, Eric Eisenberg, Chris Panush, Austin Majors, Connie Riker, Josh Metcalf, Katie
Conradi, Lara McRea, Matt Patana, Mindy Brooks, Undersheriff Wes Rethwill, Tiffanie Morgan
Guests: Eric Rosane, Nic Scott, Amy Besunder, Gretchen Fritsch, Nic Scott
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Calendars: The commissioners said Commissioner Grose will attend the upcoming Fish Recovery Board
meeting and that Commissioner Swope will attend the upcoming Housing Summit meeting.
Commissioner Pollock noted she would be a little late for the Dec. 3 Mayors’ Meeting.
Legislative Roundtable: The commissioners briefly reviewed the agenda for the Nov. 30 Legislative
Roundtable.
Dec. 6 resolution and hearings: Rieva Lester noted that the commissioners would have one deliberation
item and two hearings taking place on Monday, Dec. 6, instead of Tuesday, Dec. 7, due to requirements
set in place by state law.
Broadband: Eric Eisenberg provided an overview of the broadband grant for which the county is
applying.
• Lewis County is applying for grant funding.
• The county will engage ToledoTel to run fiber optic cables throughout Winlock.
• ToledoTel will design and construct the system and then seek reimbursement from the county.
• The county would own the infrastructure (the fiber cables).
• ToledoTel would own what connects to the fiber and also would own the customer side of the
demarcation point.
• ToledoTel would be in charge of running the system at its own expense.
• The county could lease out any excess capacity.
• Entire contract is contingent on the county receiving the broadband grant.
• ToledoTel would get a 25-year indefeasible right of use (IRU) lease on the infrastructure.
• Three years from the date it goes online, ToledoTel will offer wholesale service rights.
• The contract offers a safety net should costs be higher than estimated.
• ToledoTel must secure the permits for the project.
• Construction must begin by June 2022.
• The contract can be amended after adoption, and the franchise agreement can be attached
later.
• Infrastructure would revert to county ownership should ToledoTel shutter.
• Agreement is due to Commerce on Nov. 30.
The group discussed concerns with technology becoming obsolete. Eric noted that the agreement is the
most future-proof option available.
Packwood resident Gretchen Fritsch said area residents have found themselves in a housing crisis. She
said they need the county’s help.
Meeting ended at 10:03 a.m.