2022-02-23 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update
February 23, 2022
9:02 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Grose, County Manager Erik Martin, Lee Napier, Charles
Edmonson, Matt Jaeger, JP Anderson, Josh Metcalf, Chris Panush, Becky Butler, Connie Riker, Doug
Carey, John Clark, Steve Wohld, Kevin McDowell, Grace Jimenez, Katie Conradi, Lara McRea, Michelle
Sauter, Mindy Brooks, Sherri Dokken, Tammy Martin, Tiffanie Morgan, Ross McDowell (9:06 a.m.),
Commissioner Swope (sometime after 9:09 a.m.)
Guests: Nic Scott, Dan Warn (9:08 a.m.)
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Josh Metcalf discussed a call for bids for the material purchase of a precast concrete split box culvert for
future installation at Crumb Road.
Charles Edmonson discussed an appointment of Katherine Humphrey to the Lewis County Noxious
Weed Control Board as the Representative for Weed District 1.
Kevin McDowell discussed a resolution to approve an interlocal agreement for cooperative procurement
between Lewis County and Lincoln County.
Josh Metcalf discussed the proposed acquisition of additional right of way for Centralia Alpha Road MP
15.79, Onalaska.
JP Anderson discussed a resolution to approve a Professional Services Contract Amendment A #E01-
0121-21-A between Lewis County and ESD 113 for Student Success Navigator Program.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to approve a franchise to Northwest Open Access Network to install,
construct, operate and maintain telecommunications facilities in Lewis County road rights of way.
Commissioner Grose made a motion to move one notice item, two consent items, four deliberation
items and one hearing to the Tuesday, March 1, 2022, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Pollock seconded.
Motion passed 2-0.
Rieva Lester noted that Connie Riker and Steve Wohld are working on a late add for a call for bids / RFP
for playground equipment.
COVID-19
JP Anderson said the holiday has delayed the weekly report. He said it appears the number of cases are
declining but that it appears there may be eight new deaths.
Announcements
Lee Napier addressed concerns Packwood residents raised during the previous day’s Business Meeting.
She said the number of short-term rentals (STRs) has increased dramatically in Packwood. She said
Community Development is hosting meetings in Packwood to address the local housing crisis and that
STRs are a large part of the conversation. She noted that the work will take time.
JP said a homeless count will soon take place. He discussed vacancies needing to be filled.
Josh Metcalf discussed supply chain issues and cost increases. Josh said Public Works continues to
identify new slides linked to the recent floods.
Chris Panush said he will attend the Risk Pool conference March 23-25.
Becky Butler urged offices and departments to share the new COVID-19 policy with their payroll
personnel.
Connie Riker said the parks will open mid-spring and that park hosts are being finalized.
Matt Jaeger said Centralia College emails remain blocked due to a cyberattack. He urged continued
vigilance as cyberattacks ramp up.
Ross McDowell discussed lockdown concerns regarding a recent officer-involved shooting.
Commissioner Swope joined sometime after 9:09 a.m.
Commissioner Pollock discussed a recent letter the commissioners received regarding potentially
replacing the county’s health officer.
Meeting ended at 9:32 a.m.