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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-15 ESC Directors UpdateESC / Directors’ Update July 15, 2026 9:01 a.m. Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler, David Bailey, Scott Gripp, Mindy Brooks, Wes Anderson, Geoff Soderquist, Rocky Lyon, Connor Wilmovsky, Assessor Ross Nielson, Matt Patana, Shelly Stewart, Grace Jimenez, Erika Katt, Caroline Garibay, Ellen Stevenson, Gabe Anzelini, Graham Gowing, Heather Rodriguez, Meja Handlen, Nathaniel Barr, Marni Larson, Natalie Kamieniecki, Julie Pirtle, Rodney Reynolds, Sherri Dokken, Tom Stanton, Vanessa Rueleas, Sarah Hensley, Rudy Rodriguez Guest(s): Unnamed guest Recorder: Rieva Lester Public comment: None. Executive session: At 9:01 a.m., Commissioner Pollock announced that the Board would be going into executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) with Chief Civil DPA David Bailey and DPA Scott Gripp until 9:15 a.m. to discuss two topics: Dixson v. Tawes and Winlock City Council Position 4. Ryan Barrett and Becky Butler also joined. Executive session ended at 9:15 a.m. Commissioner Pollock noted that no decisions had been made. Senior Banking and Investment Officer position request: Shelly Stewart said the Treasurer’s Office is requesting the commissioners approve creating a Senior Banking and Investment Officer position at a Step 132. The commissioners noted that $10,000 of the increase would be absorbed in the General Fund, leaving the remainder of the increase to come from the special purpose districts’ investment pool earnings, which currently do not appear to cover those costs. The commissioners noted that the county had gone through an extensive position-review process that determined the position should be a Step 130. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to approve increasing the Banking and Investment Officer position up to Grade 130, Step 113, with no more than $10,000 of the increase coming from the General Fund, effective immediately. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion passed 2-0. ESC Assessor Ross Nielson said updates to the Tyler software upgrade appears to be going well and likely will go live in September. Becky Butler invited attendees to a workers’ comp training scheduled for July 16 and to budget training as needed. DIRECTORS’ UPDATE Erika Katt discussed a resolution to accept an agreement between Lewis County and Washington State Military Department for the State Homeland Security Grant Program, Contract 26-353. Caroline Garibay discussed a resolution to approve Agreement #2663-69504 between the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Developmental Disabilities Administration (DSHS DDA), and Lewis County. Caroline Garibay discussed a resolution to approve contract #H04-0257-25 amendment C between Hope Alliance and Lewis County. Mindy Brooks discussed a resolution to authorize the Director of Community Development to apply for the Washington Department of Commerce Permit Review Process Update grant in the amount of $70,385. Grace Jimenez discussed a resolution to approve an interlocal agreement between Lewis County and King County Directors' Association (KCDA) allowing use of cooperative contracts. Connor Wilmovsky discussed a hearing to approve a franchise renewal to Lightspeed Networks Inc. to install, construct, operate and maintain telecommunications facilities within county road rights of way. Connor Wilmovsky discussed a hearing to approve a franchise renewal to Boistfort Valley Water for installation, construction, operation and maintenance of water facilities within county road rights of way. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to move two consent items, five deliberation items and two hearings to the Tuesday, July 21, 2026, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion passed 2-0. Announcements / new business Ryan Bartlett said he will be out of the area through July 31 and that he has delegated authority to Becky Butler during his absence. Department representatives provided updates: • Geoff Soderquist will be out of the office through July 27. • Correspondence has been received regarding Senn Road. The commissioners said they will discuss the topic Aug. 3. • Public Works is attempting to address a lag in development review due to staffing changes. • Centralia City Council held an informational meeting regarding the port moratorium and follow up is expected July 22. • Burn restrictions went into effect at 12:01 a.m. July 15. • IT has launched search portal for Community Development permits. • Solid Waste hosting tool sale and upcycled art contest. • Recent Midway safety-related change orders have totaled roughly $61,000, and construction will wrap up before the Fair begins, though additional work may need to be completed after it ends. • Public Health and Social Services 2025 Impact Report has been released. • IT is creating an inventory portal. Wednesday Workshop Lewis County Transfer Station lease agreement: Rocky Lyon and Geoff Soderquist discussed the lease agreement for Solid Waste. • Payments were $51,000 monthly, with $38,700 going into the General Fund (to repay the county for building the transfer station) and the remaining balance going to the Solid Waste Disposal District (SWDD) • It appears the county originally was to cover maintenance under the lease, but SWDD has covered those costs historically • The city owns the land, the county owns the property and SWDD operates the transfer station on the property • Need to renegotiate the lease • Bond already repaid The commissioners said they would prefer to have the SWDD take ownership of the transfer station. They said they will revisit the topic July 22 and then again Aug. 3. The commissioners noted that Employee Recognition is July 28 and that Juvenile employees will be honored July 22. Commissioner Pollock noted there will be no Business Meeting on Aug. 11. The commissioners discussed correspondence received from Mark Obtinario regarding his request for an address change. Meeting adjourned at 10:16 a.m.