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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-10 Directors' UpdateDirectors’ Update June 10, 2026 9:01 a.m. Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler, Vader City Attorney Jennifer Roberts, Vader Mayor Joe Schey, Geoff Soderquist, Anders Pollman, Sarah Hensley, Mindy Brooks, Erika Katt, Connor Wilmovsky, Kimberly Edminster, Meja Handlen, Amanda Price, Chief Chris Sweet, Jeff Hursh, Tony Wherry, Matt Patana, Caroline Garibay, Christina Sanders, Grace Jimenez, Graham Gowing, Heather Rodriguez, Kirsty Ward, Matt Thuston, Natalie Kamieniecki, Rudy Rodriguez, Tom Stanton, Leah Kama Vida, Lynn Richard, Graham Gowing, Grace Jimenez, Alex Murray Guest(s): Unnamed guest Recorder: Rieva Lester Public comment: None. At 9:01 a.m., Commissioner Pollock announced that the Board would be going into executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 9:21 a.m. to discuss the following topics with Chief Civil DPA David Bailey: • Vader Water • Historical Society • Lewis County Investment Pool In addition to the commissioners, Ryan Barrett and Becky Butler, attendees for the Vader Water portion of executive session also included Geoff Soderquist, Anders Pollman, Vader Mayor Joe Schey and Vader City Attorney Jennifer Roberts. • At 9:21 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:30 a.m. • At 9:30 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:40 a.m. • At 9:40 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:50 a.m. • At 9:50 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 10 a.m. Executive session ended at 10 a.m. Commissioner Pollock noted that no decisions had been made. Resolutions Kimberly Edminster discussed a notice of hearing for the proposed vacation of an unimproved portion of Fagley Rd #609. Kimberly Edminster discussed a notice of hearing for the renewal of a franchise to Lightspeed Networks to install, construct, operate and maintain telecommunications facilities within the road rights of way of unincorporated Lewis County. At 10:02 a.m., Commissioner Pollock announced the board would take a 2-minute recess, returning at 10:04 a.m. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to direct staff to continue negotiating with the City of Vader regarding the potential transfer of Vader Water as discussed in executive session. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Connor Wilmovsky discussed a notice of hearing for the renewal of a franchise to Boistfort Valley Water, for installation, construction, operation, and maintenance of water and sewer system facilities within the road rights of way of unincorporated Lewis County. Matt Patana discussed a call for bids for HVAC installations at radio sites. Sarah Hensley discussed a resolution to approve the Thirty-First Supplement Agreement between West Consultants Inc. and Lewis County, acting as Fiscal Agent for the Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority, and authorization for the Director of Community Development to sign the same on behalf of Lewis County. Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve contract #H02-0258-25 amendment B between Housing Resource Center and Lewis County. Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve contract #R01-0260-25 amendment B between Reliable Enterprises and Lewis County. Mindy Brooks discussed a hearing to authorize the County Manager to enter into an interlocal agreement with the City of Vader for the City to annex territory within the City of Vader urban growth area. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to move four notice items, two consent items, three deliberation items and one hearing to the Tuesday, June 16, 2026, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Wednesday Workshop Department representatives provided updates, including: • Internal rates to be discussed June 17 • Planning Commission held hearing regarding urban growth area (UGA) cleanup process • State’s rules regarding family burial grounds change June 11 • World Cup begins June 11, first game in Seattle is June 15 • DEM hosting Whale Run disaster preparedness event June 14 Commissioner Swope asked Community Development to draft a press release noting that data centers only are allowed in industrial areas. 2027 budget planning / call letter: Becky Butler outlined the guidance needed from the commissioners. The commissioners provided the following guidelines: • Approve revenue assumptions for preliminary budgets. • Include 2026 adjusted policing reimbursement in the preliminary budget. • Confirm inclusion of already approved 3 percent cost of living adjustments (COLAs) • Set operational budgets at 2026 adopted budget • Exclude COLA estimate for Corrections groups with contracts expiring Dec. 31, 2026 • Use mental health tax to renew Youth Advocacy Center contract when current contract, which uses the opioid settlement fund, expires • Fund no 2027 programs through opioid settlement funds • Schedule meeting with Sheriff’s Office regarding the two deputies and jail medical, which currently are funded through the opioid settlement funds Law and Justice Council: The commissioners said they would like the fact sheet to come from the Law and Justice Council. The commissioners directed staff to draft an ordinance to add fire representation to the Law and Justice Council. Calendars The commissioners discussed upcoming calendar items: • June 19: County offices and departments will be closed (Juneteenth) • June 30: No Business Meeting (fifth Tuesday) • Aug. 11: No Business Meeting Aug. 11 (opening day of Fair) • July 7: Celebrating America’s 250th - Revolutionary War cannon, electeds’ photo, former commissioners Meeting adjourned at 11:05 a.m.