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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-08-31 Wrap-UpBOCC Wrap-Up / County Manager Update August 31, 2026 9 a.m. Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer (remote), Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler, Prosecuting Attorney Jonathan Meyer, Chief Civil DPA David Bailey, Anders Pollman, Geoff Soderquist, Matt Patana, Nate Kunishige, Amanda Price, Chief Chris Sweet, Graham Gowing, Meja Handlen, Mindy Brooks, Natalie Kamieniecki, Rudy Rodriguez, Sarah Hensley, Sherri Dokken, Tom Stanton, Matt Cockrell Guest(s): Recorder: Rieva Lester Public comment: None. PA’s Office AI software: Jonathan Meyer reviewed a request for the purchase of AI redaction software for public records request. He said the PA’s Office has budget capacity to cover the initial costs and would purchase two licenses now and another in 2027, with the annual fee totaling $5,000 per license. He said budgetary support may be needed in future years. Jonathan and Nate Kunishige outlined the support technology (new computers) that would be needed. Commissioner Pollock requested a “one- pager” outlining the total anticipated costs. The commissioners said they are in support of the purchase. Executive session: At 9:07 a.m., Commissioner Pollock announced that the Board would be going into executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 9:30 a.m. to discuss the following three topics: • Centralia landfill mediation (with Geoff Soderquist and outside counsel Matt Cockrell joining) • Douglas Raymond tort claim (with Chief Chris Sweet joining) • Vader water transfer (with Geoff Soderquist and Anders Pollman joining) Executive session ended at 9:30 a.m. Commissioner Pollock noted that no decisions had been made. Commissioner Swope made a motion to authorize the PA’s Office to proceed with negotiations regarding the Centralia Landfill mediation as discussed in executive session. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Capital Infrastructure project: Matt Patana reviewed proposed mitigation to address the IT server room’s HVAC needs. He said the review committee has recommended earmarking up to $30,000 for two temporary units that could be used in the IT server room now and then elsewhere in the future when needed. Commissioner Swope made a motion to approve the temporary mitigation for IT server room HVAC, allowing up to $30,000 for two temporary units that could be used elsewhere when needed. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Timber River Connections request for additional funding in 2027 and 2028: The commissioners reviewed the Timber River Connections request for additional senior nutrition funding for 2027 and 2028. Commissioner Swope said he will reach out to AAA regarding its meal reimbursements, and the commissioners said they will ask the area’s legislative representatives about expanded support for seniors. The commissioners also directed staff to invite Timber River Connections group to a future meeting to discuss their requests. Vacancies: The commissioners reviewed applications received for the following vacancies: • Winlock City Council appointment: The commissioners directed staff to schedule evening interviews with Lonnie Dowell, Tom Robinson, Ryan Parmantier and Evaristo Gomez. • Citizens Budget Committee: The commissioners discussed the applicants for the committee, noting that one of them, Usha Sahadeva-Brooks, lives in Thurston County. The directed staff to move forward with appointing all four applicants. Minute folders: Commissioner Swope made a motion to approve minute folders for the weeks of July 20 and 27. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Correspondence: The commissioners discussed correspondence received regarding a code complaint. Meeting adjourned at 9:48 a.m.