2022-03-09 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update
March 9, 2022
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Erik Martin, Lee Napier, Becky
Butler, JP Anderson, Chris Panush, Doug Carey, John Clark, Josh Metcalf, Eric Eisenberg, Alison Puckett,
Austin Majors, Graham Gowing, Mindy Brooks, Sherri Dokken, Steve Wohld (9:04 a.m.), Connie Riker
(9:04 a.m.), Lara McRea
Guests: Nic Scott, The Chronicle
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Erik Martin and Eric Eisenberg discussed a resolution to approve an Interagency Data-Sharing
Agreement with Public Utility District No. 1 of Lewis County.
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to appoint Commissioner F. Lee Grose and Marylynne Kostick to the
Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to approve a Grant Agreement between the State of Washington
Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) and Lewis County for the MF Newaukum at Centralia Alpha
Fish Passage Construction Project, RCO #21-1035R, CMP 1810.
Josh Metcalf discussed a hearing to approve a franchise to Paradise Estates Community Club to install,
construct, operate and maintain water facilities in Lewis County road rights of way.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to move two consent items, three deliberation items and one
hearing to the Tuesday, March 15, 2022, BOCC Business Meeting agenda. Commissioner Pollock
seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
COVID-19
Commissioner Pollock noted that the statewide mask mandate will end March 11.
JP provided the following data for the reporting week of Feb. 25-March 3:
• 47 new cases
• 12 new hospitalizations
• 3 new deaths
JP said the state has approved continuing testing sites seven days a week through June.
Chris Panush discussed the end of the mask mandate. He said he would share documentation regarding
state guidance countywide.
Wednesday Workshop
Twin Transit letter of support: The commissioners agreed to sign a letter of support.
New business
Steve Wohld said Jaime Herrera Beutler’s Office has asked the county to consider storing medical
supplies for Eastern Europe through May. The commissioners said they would support such a move.
Announcements
Lee Napier discussed a housing discussion planned for later in the day.
Becky Butler said proposed budget amendments are due soon. She said the OpenGov portal will go live
within the next few weeks and that she is available to offer training.
Chris Panush said an HR module is being implemented in Munis. He said it will encompass hiring and
step increase processes. Chris said the Personnel Authorization Form (PAF) process will be streamlined
as a part of the new Munis module.
Erik Martin said a service for Dave Campbell is scheduled for March 10.
Doug Carey discussed investment opportunities the Treasurer’s Office has presented for Capital Funds.
He said the county will take advantage of the opportunities.
John Clark said thieves have struck at some of the county’s building sites.
Josh Metcalf discussed the impacts of skyrocketing fuel costs. He noted that prices for steel and other
and other materials also are rising. He said Public Works already is bracing for the need to cut 20 miles
of chipseal work from its 2022 plans.
Connie Riker said the PA’s Office will review the proposed MOU with the state for the Packwood park
(Skate Creek Park). She said the state has asked for a joint hearing with the BOCC before the transfer,
which is proposed to take place in July.
Erik Martin discussed an upcoming informational meeting regarding the Skookumchuck dam.
Meeting adjourned at 9:31 a.m.