2022-01-19 ESC DirectorsESC / Directors’ Update
January 19, 2022
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Grose, County Manager Erik Martin, Matt Jaeger, Lee
Napier, Connie Riker, Steve Wohld, JP Anderson, Becky Butler, Lara McRea, Austin Majors, Chris Panush,
Dianne Dorey, Kevin McDowell, Doug Carey, Graham Gowing, Katie Conradi, Larry Grove, Scott Tinney,
Mindy Brooks, Marni Larson, Sherri Dokken, Undersheriff Wes Rethwill, Josh Metcalf, Meja Handlen
Guests: Eric Rosane, Nic Scott
Recorder: Rieva Lester
ESC
Legislative update
Commissioner Pollock said bills to watch include HB 5155 regarding tort claims, SB 1754 regarding tort
claims and a bill regarding stream buffers.
COVID-19
Chris Panush discussed proposed updates to the COVID-19 leave pool, which was created using leave
donated by county employees. Assessor Dianne Dorey expressed concerns that the pool would be
depleted.
County Manager Erik Martin said options for replenishing the pool could include again asking for
donations or using American Rescue Plan Act funding to cover employee absences.
Chris Panush said the pool started with roughly $85,000 worth of donations and had $45,000 remaining
by December 2021. He said the commissioners could set a floor at which they could re-evaluate the
pool.
Commissioner Pollock said the commissioners would like to set the depletion total at 40 hours with a
“floor” of $20,000.
Graham Gowing asked if there was a cap regarding how many times an employee can access the pool.
Chris said he did not believe so.
The group discussed other updates to the proposed policy.
Clerk Scott Tinney discussed employees who must quarantine because they were exposed at work.
The group discussed whether employees could donate sick time or just vacation time.
Commissioner Grose asked if ARPA funding could be used to reimburse those who had donated to make
their balances whole again.
DIRECTORS’ UPDATE
Josh Metcalf discussed the proposed acquisition of additional right of way for Crumb Road, Morton. He
said the site is failing. Commissioner Grose suggested reaching out to the Washington State Department
of Transportation (WSDOT) to see if there could be any timing coordination regarding WSDOT’s
upcoming project in the area.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to authorize application for a Water Resources Streamflow
Restoration Grant from the Washington Department of Ecology and assign the Director of Public Works
as the authorized representative.
Erik Martin discussed a resolution to approve interlocal contracts between Lewis County and the City of
Toledo and the Town of Pe Ell.
Connie Riker discussed a resolution approving a two-year extension to the personal service agreement
between Lewis County and Butler Amusements Inc. to provide carnival activities at the Southwest
Washington Fair.
Commissioner Grose made a motion to move two consent items and four deliberation items to the
Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Pollock seconded the motion. Motion passed 2-0.
Rieva Lester noted that Connie Riker and JP would have late adds for the Jan. 25 meeting.
COVID-19
JP Anderson said the Health Department has just received its data so it will work on its weekly update.
Announcements / roundtable
Lee Napier said a housing forum will be Jan. 20 in Packwood. Lee said the amendment to the Packwood
maps was submitted to FEMA on Dec. 20. She said FEMA will issue a response after its 90-day review.
JP Anderson commended his staff for its efforts during the pandemic.
Connie Riker reminded the group about the upcoming fair appreciation dinner.
Becky Butler cautioned offices and departments to watch their budgets.
Josh Metcalf discussed flood recovery efforts. He said the shelter closed Jan. 17. He said the Rubicon
volunteers have been helping residents. Josh said maintenance crews have performed assessments and
that the engineering group is preparing response efforts.
Wednesday Workshop
Rieva Lester said Pat Sauter has resigned from the Civil Service. The commissioners directed her to draft
a resolution appointing Candi Faupell to the position.
At 9:59 a.m., Commissioner Pollock announced that the Board was going into Executive Session under
RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for 10 minutes to discuss a worker’s compensation appeal.
Executive Session started at 10 a.m.
At 10:10 a.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 5 minutes.
At 10:15 a.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 3 minutes.
At 10:18 a.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 3 minutes.
At 10:21 a.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 3 minutes.
At 10:24 a.m., the Board extended Executive Session for 2 minutes.
Executive Session ended at 10:26 a.m. Commissioner Pollock noted that no decisions had been made.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to pursue option 3 as discussed during executive session.
Commissioner Grose seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
Commissioner Pollock noted that employee recognition is set for Jan. 25.
Meeting ended at 10:28 a.m.