2021-12-29 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update
December 29, 2021
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Grose, County Manager Erik Martin, Alison Puckett,
Austin Majors, Connie Riker, Graham Gowing, Josh Metcalf, Katie Conradi, Lara McRea, Lee Napier,
Sherri Dokken, Tiffanie Morgan, Commissioner Swope (9:08 a.m.), Mindy Brooks
Guest: Eric Rosane
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Doug Carey discussed a resolution listing of Bids and Contractor Selected for the Community
Development Tenant Improvement Project #31-2102.
Tammy Martin discussed a resolution to approve an Agreement from the Washington State Office of
Public Defense in the amount of $117,669 for use in the calendar year 2022.
Chris Panush said he would hold for one week the proposed resolution to amend the salary grid for the
Corrections Guild representing the Sheriff's Corrections group and the Lewis County Deputies Guild
representing the Sheriff's Operations Bureau.
Josh Metcalf discussed a hearing to approve a franchise to Toledo Telephone Co. Inc. to install,
construct, operate and maintain telecommunications facilities in Lewis County road rights of way.
Commissioner Grose made a motion to move two consent items, two deliberation items and one
hearing to the Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2021, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
COVID-19
JP Anderson provided the following updates regarding the most recent COVID-19 reporting week:
• 193 new cases
• Eight new hospitalizations
• Five new outbreaks in congregate setting
• No new deaths
Commissioner Swope joined at 9:08 a.m.
JP said the state has indicated that it has adopted the newest Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) guidelines regarding COVID-19 isolation and quarantine times.
Announcements
JP said the Animal Shelter is closed to the public for the remainder of the week.
JP said he has identified a potential Dangerous Animals Board (DAD) appointee.
Doug Carey thanked the Facilities and Custodial crews for their efforts.
Josh Metcalf said more snow is expected later in the day.
Connie Riker said the Fair is working on reduced hours due to staffing. She said she has received several
bids for the 2022 rodeo.
Wednesday Workshop
Inclement weather policy, including employees who work during closures: The commissioners said
they’d like to further discuss the policy in 2022.
Potential building closures: The commissioners discussed a late start for Dec. 30.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to start the workday at 10 a.m. Dec. 30 for county employees.
Commissioner Grose seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Erik Martin discussed the possibility of creating a donation bank time for those who don’t have vacation
time to cover weather-related absences. He and JP also discussed other options, such as admin leave, to
help affected employees.
At 9:30 a.m., Commissioner Swope made a motion to recess the meeting until 3:15 p.m. Commissioner
Grose seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
The meeting resumed at 3:15 p.m. with Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner
Grose, Erik Martin, Austin Majors, Connie Riker, Eric Rosane, Lara McRea, Mindy Brooks and Tiffanie
Morgan in attendance.
Erik Martin discussed potential ways to address employees that do not have any leave banked:
• Creation of admin time policy.
• Amend the existing donated leave policy.
• Allow employees to “go in the hole” in regards to leave.
The group discussed the benefits and drawbacks of the proposed ideas.
The commissioners said they would further discuss the topic in the future.
Meeting adjourned at 3:24 p.m.