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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-17 ESC Directors' UpdateESC / Directors’ Update June 17, 2026 9 a.m. Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Swope, Becky Butler, Natalie Kamieniecki, Mindy Brooks, Geoff Soderquist, Fionna Velazquez, Connor Wilmovsky, Wes Anderson, Amanda Price, Gabe Anzelini, Rocky Lyon, Tim Mixer, Caroline Garibay, George Dodd, Meja Handlen, Matt Patana, Scott Tinney, Grace Jimenez, Graham Gowing, Ashley Hamilton, Charles Edmonson, Heather Rodriguez, John Abplanalp, Leah Kama Vida, Rudy Rodriguez, Sarah Hensley, Shelly Stewart, Sherri Dokken, Tom Stanton, Clerk Scott Tinney, Lewis County Footsteps of Hope volunteers Paula Burrows and Glenda Forga, Gifford Pinchot National Forest Supervisor Johanna Kovarik, Cowlitz Valley Ranger Theresa Tanner, Veterans Board President Kenneth Norwood, Dahkota Harmanson Guest(s): Nate Carpenter, unnamed guests Recorder: Rieva Lester Public comment: None. >> ESC Internal Service Fund (ISF) rates / Cost Allocation Plan: Geoff Soderquist and Tim Mixer reviewed proposed increases in ISF rates for Fleet, noting that high fuel costs have had a substantial impact and will continue to do so. They also noted that 2025 crashes have caused increases. Gabe Anzelini reviewed proposed increases for IT’s ISF rates for services and equipment. He noted that software renewals and security have increased and that IT hadn’t been capturing projected costs like it should. Grace Jimenez reviewed increases tied to the Cost Allocation Plan. 2027 budget call letter: Becky Butler reviewed the 2027 budget call letter, which will be shared with offices and departments June 29. She noted that Facilities will review its Internal Service Fund rates on June 29 and that the deadline for offices and departments to submit their budgets will be Aug. 17. >> DIRECTORS’ UPDATE Gifford Pinchot update: Gifford Pinchot National Forest Supervisor Johanna Kovarik and Cowlitz Valley District Ranger Theresa Tanner provided updates regarding staffing and fire prevention efforts as well as the following: • Conversations regarding fire restrictions already are taking place. • No commercial huckleberry permits for 2026. • Working on geothermal consent to lease. • WSDOT beginning construction on Spirit Lake Memorial Highway replacement bridge. • Johnston Ridge Observatory expected to reopen in 2027. • Vandalism has delayed High Rock restoration. Lewis County Footsteps of Hope: Volunteer Paula Burrows provided an overview of services provided to high-poverty students throughout the county through Footsteps of Hope’s coordination with area schools. Paula said Footsteps of Hope is seeking funding for a backpack program to feed students over the summer, from July 1 through Aug. 31. Meja Handlen said the county has funding from a grant or funding from recording fees that can be used to help the Footsteps of Hope program. The commissioners directed staff to draft an agreement through which the county can provide funding. Resolution items Rocky Lyon discussed a declaration of surplus vehicles and equipment. Wes Anderson discussed the temporary closure of Bishop Road to all through traffic. Connor Wilmovsky discussed a notice of hearing for the renewal of a franchise to Middle Fork Water and Sewer System, for installation, construction, operation, and maintenance of water and sewer system facilities within the road rights of way of unincorporated Lewis County. Mindy Brooks discussed a notice of a Public Hearing to consider proposed amendments to the Lewis County code regarding Cannabis land uses and Cannabis Retail Establishments. The commissioners said they will delay plans for the hearing. Matt Patana discussed a call for bids for Radio Sites Generator project. Matt Patana discussed a resolution to approve a contract for Roofing and Related Services for the roof repair and replacement at the Lewis County Jail with Weatherproofing Technologies Inc. (WTI) using King County Directors’ Association (KCDA) Contract AEPA 025-D. Wes Anderson discussed a resolution to approve an interlocal agreement between Lewis County and the City of Centralia regarding work by county crews and authorize signatures thereon. Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to ratify the appointment of Candace Johnson as a regular member on the Veterans’ Advisory Board (VAB) for the 2024-2026 term and reappoint her for an additional two- year term. Meja Handlen and Kenneth “Gunny” Norwood discussed a resolution to approve amended bylaws of the Lewis County Veterans’ Advisory Board (VAB). Fionna Velazquez discussed a resolution to approve contract with Plus 1 Productions to produce a performance rodeo at the 2026 Southwest Washington Fair. Fionna Velazquez discussed a resolution to approve a Special Event Policy permitting leashed dogs at the Washington State Garlic Fest. Becky Butler discussed a hearing for the Lewis County 2026 budget, emergency and supplemental appropriations to and transfers within current expense and other funds. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to move four notice items (excluding the cannabis notice of hearing), two consent items, six deliberation items and one hearing to the Tuesday, June 23, 2026, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. LEOFF I investment income: Becky noted that the Treasurer’s Office had stated interest earned in the LEOFF fund was $462,000 but the actual amount is $239,000. The commissioners directed staff to move forward with the BOCC’s April 22, 2026, action – to transfer $432,662 from the unobligated Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) balance to Capital Fund 3010 – as long as LEOFF remains fully funded. Community Development reclassifications and a promotion: Mindy Brooks reviewed Community Development’s requests for position reclassifications and a promotion effective July 1. Commissioner Swope made a motion to approve Community Development’s requests for position reclassifications and a promotion effective July 1 as outlined. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Announcements / new business • IT is removing instant messaging through Teams • Barn Bash planned for June 20 • Crews have broken ground on Midway project Minute folders: Commissioner Swope made a motion to approve minute folders for the weeks of May 25 and June 1, 2026. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Meeting adjourned at 10:49 a.m.