Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-08-12 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update August 12, 2026 9 a.m. Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler, Heather Rodriguez, Clerk Scott Tinney, Amanda Price, Kimberly Edminster, Matt Patana, Geoff Soderquist, Wes Anderson, Mindy Brooks, Connor Wilmovsky, Meja Handlen, Weston Floro-Hageman, Natalie Kamieniecki, Sarah Hensley, Kylie Peckham, Preston Pinkston, Sherri Dokken Guest(s): None Recorder: Tammy Martin Public comment: No public comment. Kimberly Edminster discussed a notice for opportunity to negotiate the sale of surplus timber on County right of way located off Kray Road, Chehalis, WA - per LCC section 3.30.320. Geoff Soderquist noted it involves an unmaintained right of way. He said Public Works is evaluating the need to remove trees and looking at cost and risk. The trees are healthy but not currently exposed to wind. Wes Anderson and Kimberly Edminster discussed Intent to vacate an unimproved portion of Mattson Road #375, Centralia. There were concerns from PW and the Commissioners. Rocky Lyon discussed a resolution to appoint Ray Chapman-Wilson and David Antilla to the Lewis County Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Wes Anderson discussed the need to initiate a county maintenance project and assign a County Maintenance Project (CMP) number for the Davis Lake Road MP 1.67 Slide Repair. Wes Anderson discussed a resolution to approve a Local Agency Agreement and Federal Aid Project Prospectus between Lewis County and Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for the Davis Lake Road MP 1.67 Slide Project, CMP 2653. Connor Wilmovsky discussed a resolution to approve a franchise renewal to Skate Creek Terrace Community Club Inc., to install, construct, operate and maintain water facilities within county road rights of way. Connor Wilmovsky discussed a resolution to approve a franchise renewal to High Valley Country Club Inc. to install, construct, operate and maintain water facilities within county road rights of way. Becky Butler discussed Ordinance 1383, which would repeal Chapter 9.15 - Alarm Systems - and fully remove it from Lewis County Code. Mindy Brooks discussed a public hearing on Ordinance 1379, which includes proposed amendments to the Lewis County code regarding cannabis land uses and retail cannabis establishments. Ryan Barrett said it is fair week. Becky Butler said budgets are due Monday and budgets are on the agenda for Monday. Mindy Brooks said fee schedules are also due Monday. Rocky Lyon said the fairgrounds will host a three-day tire recycling event in September. He said the “Passport” game at the fair is going well. Matt Patana said temporary repairs for the Law and Justice Center will soon be underway and that a permanent fix is in the works. Meja Handlen said the senior housing forum will be 2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 19. She also said The Salvation Army has been focusing on additional programs for youth. Wednesday Workshop Cannabis - preview / overview of proposed Ordinance 1379: Mindy Brooks provided an overview of the changes associated with proposed Ordinance 1379, which would allow for cannabis sales within Lewis County. She said the hearing is set for Aug. 18. Mindy said the BOCC requested that staff draft code that would not allow for cannabis production. Becky Butler said the BOCC is looking for additional revenue sources. The presentation highlighted staffing reductions that have – and could – take place and the need for additional revenue sources to offset increased expenses. Becky said property taxes are the county’s largest single revenue source. The current code does not allow for the collection of taxes for cannabis revenue. Mindy said a majority of the people who responded to a countywide survey issued in March approved of allowing the sale of cannabis in Lewis County. Natalie Kamieniecki discussed potential locations at which cannabis sales would be permitted should the commissioners pass the proposed ordinance. Calendars Offices / departments closed Sept. 7 for Labor Day. Commissioner Swope discussed attendance at the fire commissioners meeting. Commissioner Brummer said he would forward to Commissioner Pollock correspondence he had received from someone in her district. Meeting adjourned at 9:49 a.m.