2020-03-18 PA UpdatePA Update
March 18, 2020
3:06 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, County Manager Erik
Martin, Amber Smith, Steve Wohld, Daleyn Coleman, Steve Walton, Janelle Lindsey, Eric Eisenberg,
Becky Butler, Jonathan Meyer (3:11 p.m.)
Guest: Jon Ladd
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Eric Eisenberg asked that the commissioners add to the agenda of the day’s regular meeting discussion
about the spotted owl litigation.
Commissioner Fund made a motion to deviate from the commissioners’ regular policy to add to the
current meeting’s agenda a discussion about the northern spotted owl in open session as well as
executive session.
Commissioner Jackson seconded.
Motion passed 3-0.
Amber Smith, Eric Eisenberg, Erik Martin and the commissioners discussed COVID-19 meetings and
agendas as well as the process through which the commissioners pass resolutions.
Jonathan Meyer said he spoke with Suzette Smith and Grantham University regarding his proposal to
prepay for the education for county employees enrolled in the “Heroes Program.” He said both have
approved the proposal. He outlined contingencies for the students.
Daleyn Coleman noted that tuition generally is not something for which the offices and departments
budget. Becky Butler said the offices and departments ask for reimbursements.
Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund and Commissioner Stamper approved Jonathan’s request
to frontload tuition reimbursements on a case-by-case basis.
Jonathan said his office would like to request additional funding in response to dispersing duties in the
wake of Janelle Kambich’s departure. Daleyn Coleman said Jonathan’s plan would move the program
manager position to an office administrator (24 to a 23) and move to senior paralegals from a 19 to a 21.
Jonathan said he is asking to add a legal assistant. The group noted that the changes would increase
costs by $10,500. He said his office can absorb the increases.
Janelle said that when Jonathan came into office, he melded the program manager and office manager
positions. She noted that he was splitting those.
Daleyn asked that the language in the job descriptions be tweaked.
Joe Clark joined at 3:47 p.m.
At 3:49 p.m., Commissioner Stamper announced that the Board was going into Executive Session under
RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for 10 minutes to discuss pending or potential litigation related to the northern
spotted owl.
Executive Session ended at 3:59 p.m. Commissioner Stamper noted that no decisions had been made.
Commissioner Fund made a motion to authorize Sue Drummond to represent Lewis County for no more
than $5,000 in the northern spotted owl case.
Commissioner Jackson seconded.
Motion passed 3-0.
Commission Fund made a motion to accept the settlement offer and authorize Eric Eisenberg to
represent Lewis County in the northern spotted owl case.
Commissioner Jackson seconded.
Motion passed 3-0.
Meeting ended at 4:02 p.m.