2020-04-21 BOCC Wrap Up COVIDBOCC Wrap-Up / COVID-19 meeting
April 21, 2020
3:06 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund (remotely), Commissioner Jackson (remotely),
County Manager Erik Martin, Josh Metcalf, Eric Eisenberg, Cullen Gatten (remotely), Scott Smitherman
(remotely), Larry McGee (remotely), Steve Wohld (remotely), Undersheriff Wes Rethwill, Jonathan
Meyer (remotely), Bill Serrahn (remotely), Candy Hallom
Guests: Dr. Lindsey Pollock (remotely), Larry McGee (remotely) and others (remotely)
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Eric Eisenberg said two items were held over from the 2 p.m. April 21 PA Update:
• Hampton Lumber litigation
• Fireman’s Fund settlement
Commissioner Fund made a motion to approve the continuance regarding Hampton Lumber by filing in
Thurston County in 17-2-03899-34 and authorize Commissioner Stamper to sign the necessary
documents.
Commissioner Jackson seconded.
Motion passed 3-0.
Commissioner Jackson made a motion to approve an agreement with Fireman’s Fund in the amount of
$721,071.95 in exchange for full release by the county from the Fireman’s Fund insurance policy and to
authorize Erik Martin to sign on the county’s behalf.
Commissioner Fund seconded.
Motion passed 3-0.
Erik said Lewis County has learned of one new COVID-19 case and one additional fatality. He said the
county now has 22 cases with three fatalities.
Josh Metcalf provided an update on the congregate housing at the fairgrounds. He said more than 12
individuals are using the facility nightly.
Josh said the county has received two large shipments of needed supplies, which are being distributed
to entities across the county.
Commissioner Fund asked what the adequate amount of PPE would be for Lewis County. Josh said he
doesn’t know what that number would be, but he said the county appears to be headed in the right
direction. He and Erik Martin noted that PPEs remain available to the medical responders and others but
that it’s unclear what’s available for commercial purposes for restaurants, etc.
The commissioners approved sending a letter to NACO regarding federal funding.
The commissioners approved sending to the governor a letter regarding the historic Main Streets in
Chehalis and Centralia.
Erik said a group met earlier in the day about planning for festivals and parades. He noted that the
Packwood area has announced that it has canceled its Memorial Day weekend flea market.
Erik said Commissioner Stamper, the Prosecutor and the Sheriff have directed him to draft a letter to the
public about planned festivals and events.
Rieva Lester said Ride the Willapa has canceled its event. Larry McGee said ChehalisFest is canceled.
Larry said Congress has approved $480 billion package. He said online banks have indicated they are
able and willing to help small businesses.
Commissioner Stamper stressed the need for the federal government to help small local businesses.
Erik Martin discussed an Economic Recovery Forum planned for April 22.
The commissioners said they would like to hold a Mayors’ Meeting the following week.
Commissioner Jackson said he has reached out to Dr. Rachel Wood and would like some guidelines as to
what she thinks the county would need to have in place to reopen safely.
Commissioner Fund said Employment Security is hiring.
Erik Martin said the Lewis County Seniors group has requested the second half of its funding.
The commissioners approved minute folders for the weeks of March 16 and April 6.
Bill Serrahn expressed his concerns regarding holding the flea market in Packwood.
Meeting adjourned at 3:46 p.m.