2020-04-01 Wrap-Up COVID-19BOCC Wrap-Up / COVID-19
April 1, 2020
4:03 p.m.
Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund (remotely) Commissioner Jackson (remotely), Erik Martin,
Joe Clark, Becky Butler, Chad Taylor, Steve Walton (remotely), Amber Smith (remotely), Andy Caldwell,
Suzette Smith
Guests: Larry McGee (remotely), Frank Corbin (remotely) and other members of the public and press
(remotely)
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Attendees introduced themselves.
Erik Martin said Lewis County has learned of two new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lewis County. He
said the county now has 12 confirmed cases.
Becky Butler discussed efforts to secure funding for the county’s COVID-19 response and efforts to share
information countywide. Becky said efforts are being divided by commissioner district. Larry McGee said
the effort is to expand services and information.
Steve Wohld discussed telecommuting efforts countywide as well as services available online.
Becky Butler and Erik discussed efforts to secure personal protection equipment and other supplies.
Andy Caldwell further discussed those efforts.
Commissioner Fund suggested providing updates regarding the local cases of COVID-19.
Erik suggested looking at the comp time provision created under a policy approved the previous week.
He said offices and departments have voiced concern about allowing too much comp time to be
accumulated.
Jonathan Meyer asked about the effective date of the policy. He noted that the policy went into effect
March 26 but that the county closures took effect March 23. He asked if the comp time applies to those
working remotely. Erik clarified that only employees working on-site would be eligible for comp time.
Erik explained that individuals who work in-office are receiving .5 comp time hours for each hour
worked in the office.
Erik discussed a federal act that takes effect April 2. He also discussed a leave pool available to
employees. Erik discussed sunsetting the paid admin leave portion of the new policy for isolation and/or
quarantine as the federal act covers isolation and quarantine.
Erik discussed efforts to prepare for any potential large-scale isolation needs.
Commissioner Stamper discussed updates the governor’s office is providing, and Commissioner Fund
discussed updates the White House is providing via conference calls.
The group discussed the governor’s list of essential businesses allowed to provide services during the
Stay Home – Stay Healthy order.
Chad Taylor noted that Lewis County’s letter to Gov. Inslee’s office, requesting to list RV and car
dealerships as essential businesses helped sway the governor’s office to tweak its list of essential
services.
Erik discussed an online “open house” planned for the draft SEPA EIS for the proposed water retention
facility. He said the open house is planned to take place online April 2.
Erik further discussed the county’s isolation plans for homeless who may contract COVID-19. He said the
county has made other arrangements for RV stays, etc.
Commissioner Jackson left at 4:57 p.m.
Joe Clark said Twin Transit helped deliver 1,800 meals on March 27. He said that a coalition of
organizations have joined forces and are delivering 3,000 meals daily – a number that is growing and
now nears 4,000 meals a daily. He stressed the need for a collaborative effort to help those in need
across the county.
Steve Wohld urged viewers to visit www.lewiscountywa.gov/covid19 and click on the “What can I do to
help?” icon.
Meeting adjourned at 5:24 p.m.
Commissioner Fund made a motion to add to the April 6 meeting an RFP total compensation survey.
Commissioner Stamper seconded.
Motion passed 2-0.
Commissioner Fund made a motion to approve the minutes for the weeks of Feb. 17, Feb. 24, March 2
and March 9. Commissioner Stamper seconded.
Motion passed 2-0.
Meeting adjourned at 5:28 p.m.