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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-29 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update July 29, 2026 9 a.m. Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Swope, Becky Butler, Meja Handlen, Natalie Kamieniecki, Wes Anderson, Geoff Soderquist, Matt Patana, Rocky Lyon, Kimberly Edminster, Terry Swanson, Amanda Price, Chief Civil DPA David Bailey, Jeff Hursh, Erika Katt, Coroner Warren McLeod, Tammy Martin, Alex Murray, Casey Mauermann, Caroline Garibay, Graham Gowing, Heather Rodriguez, Nathan Kunishige, Rudy Rodriguez, Sarah Hensley, Sherri Dokken, Christina Sanders, Casey Mauermann Guest(s): Unnamed guest Recorder: Rieva Lester Public comment: None. Natalie Kamieniecki discussed a notice of a hearing for Ordinance 1379, which would update Lewis County Code regarding cannabis land uses and cannabis retail establishments. Becky Butler discussed a notice of hearing for Ordinance 1383, which would repeal Chapter 9.15 - Alarm Systems - of Lewis County Code. Commissioner Swope discussed a notice of hearing for Ordinance 1384, which would add Chapter 9.50 - Mistreatment of Children and Dependent Persons - to Lewis County Code to establish rules and penalties for endangerment with an opioid controlled substance. Kimberly Edminster discussed a notice of hearing to renew a franchise to View Ranch Estates Water Association to install, construct, operate and maintain water facilities within county road rights of way. Coroner Warren McLeod discussed a resolution to approve 2027 contract with Pacific Northwest Pathologists for postmortem examinations. Matt Patana discussed a resolution to approve change orders related to Law and Justice boiler project. Becky Butler discussed a resolution to authorize legal defense and indemnity for Ross Nielson, Arny Davis, and their marital community, if any, regarding a lawsuit brought by James Thode - Case No. 26-2- 00767-21. Jeff Hursh discussed a resolution to approve SECO Coordinator Professional Development (CPD) Contract No. E27-027. Kimberly Edminster discussed a resolution regarding the proposed acquisition of additional temporary right of way for the Conrad Road MP 1.44 Bank Stabilization, CMP 2341. Kimberly Edminster discussed a resolution regarding the proposed acquisition of additional right of way for the Brim Road Culvert Replacement at MP 1.9. Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve contract #C15-0275-26 between Coastal Community Action Program (CAP) and Lewis County. Meja discussed a resolution to approve contract #M01-0277-26 with Morningside. Matt Patana discussed Amendment 5 to the county’s agreement with KMB Architects for Capital Plan Projects; Community Development, Campus Parking and Campus Integration Projects. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to move four notice items, two consent items and nine deliberation items to the Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Wednesday Workshop DEM 2027 rates: Erika Katt proposed increasing the per-capita DEM rate from $6.30 to $6.68 for 2027. Becky noted that it’s a cost-recovery effort. Erika noted that rates have remained relatively unchanged for years. The commissioners directed staff to present the per-capita DEM rate of $6.30 to users. Historical Museum lease: Matt Patana said Burlington Northern may be willing to transfer the county’s lease to the Historical Museum and that it appears the state also would allow its grant to be transferred. The commissioners directed staff to reach out to the Historical Museum regarding a potential transfer. Office and department representatives provided updates: • Matt Patana said the fairgrounds repaving project is underway. • Coroner Warren McLeod said his office has responded to 589 cases year to date, a number not reached until Sept. 2 the previous year. Warren said the 589 total includes 28 suspected drug cases, some of which are still pending toxicology reports. • Erika Katt said local fire-fighting efforts continue near Dog Mountain. • Christina Sanders said WSU’s interviews for regional director finalists are July 29 and 30. Executive session: At 9:45 a.m., Commissioner Pollock announced that the Board would be going into executive session with Chief Civil DPA David Bailey and outside counsel Matt Cockrell under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 10 a.m. to discuss the Centralia landfill mediation. Also in attendance were Becky Butler, Geoff Soderquist and Rocky Lyon. • At 10 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 10:05 a.m. • At 10:05 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 10:10 a.m. Executive session ended at 10:10 a.m. Commissioner Pollock noted that no decisions had been made. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to approve the settlement terms and provisions regarding the Centralia Landfill mediation as discussed in executive session. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Meeting ended at 10:11 a.m.