2022-02-08 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update
February 8, 2022
10:32 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Grose, County Manager Erik
Martin, Steve Wohld, Lee Napier, Mindy Brooks, JP Anderson, Chris Panush, Doug Carey, Connie Riker,
Becky Butler, John Clark, Eric Eisenberg, Austin Majors, Andrew Logerwell, Ross McDowell, Graham
Gowing, Heidi Palmer, Josh Metcalf, Lara McRea, Semere Huckleberry, Tiffanie Morgan, Donald “Rick”
Peters Jr.
Guests: Eric Rosane, Nic Scott, Scott Brummer
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Eric Eisenberg discussed a resolution to approve a Housing Initiative and Work Plan to improve the
availability and affordability of housing countywide.
Erik Martin discussed a resolution to approve a Department of Commerce Capital Budget Grant 2021-
2023. Erik said the $126,420 grant will help replace microwave relay equipment.
Josh Metcalf discussed a resolution to approve an Amended Subrecipient Agreement between Lewis
County Water District #1 and Lewis County for the New Water Reservoir project to further define
contract administration responsibilities and amend the project budget.
Connie Riker discussed a resolution to update the bylaws, including the name, of the Southwest
Washington Fair Advisory Board (formerly known as Commission).
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to reappoint four Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) members.
Commissioner Grose said he wants the state to do away with requirements for a Lodging Tax Committee
Commissioner Grose made a motion to move two consent items and five deliberation items to the
Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022, BOCC Business Meeting agenda. Commissioner Pollock seconded the motion.
Motion passed 3-0.
COVID-19
JP Anderson said the testing site at the old Sears site is administering roughly 200 tests per day. JP
discussed the availability of rapid tests. He noted the county received and has dispersed 10,000 rapid
tests.
The commissioners said Erik Martin can sign the updated COVID-19 leave pool policy when it is finalized.
Announcements / roundtable
Doug Carey said work across the street will affect a couple of parking spots.
Ross McDowell said an after-action meetings for the flood response will take place on Feb. 10 and 17.
Tuesday Workshop
Veterans’ clinic: Commissioner Grose said he has reached out to Jaime Herrera Beutler’s office about
reopening a veterans’ clinic locally. The commissioners discussed the need for a mobile clinic that goes
to the east end of the county and that has set hours.
Heidi Palmer discussed the recent closure of the local veterans’ clinic. Heidi said there is a mobile service
available to transport veterans to their appointments.
Defense and indemnification
Andrew Logerwell said Prosecuting Attorney Jonathan Meyer is facing a recall petition and that Lewis
County had reached out to Thurston County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Donald “Rick” Peters Jr. to
assist in the matter.
At 11:05 a.m., Commissioner Swope announced that the Board would be going into executive session
under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for 10 minutes to discuss indemnification and defense for Jonathan Meyer.
Executive session started at 11:07 a.m.
Executive session ended at 11:17 a.m. Commissioner Swope noted that no decisions had been made.
Special DPA Rick Peters said he feels Prosecuting Attorney Jonathan Meyer acted within the scope of his
position and that he recommends Lewis County provide indemnity and defense.
Commissioner Grose made a motion to provide indemnification and defense for Prosecuting Attorney
Jonathan Meyer and to appoint Rick Peters to represent Jonathan Meyer. Commissioner Pollock
seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Rick said he would provide updates on the case as available.
Meeting adjourned at 11:19 a.m.