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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09-16 ESC Directors' UpdateESC / Directors’ Update September 16, 2026 9 a.m. Present: Commissioner Pollock (remote), Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler, Assessor Ross Nielson, Treasurer Scott Tinney, Graham Gowing, DPA Scott Gripp, Chief Civil DPA David Bailey, Alex Murray, Amanda Price, Erika Katt, Natalie Kamieniecki, Mindy Brooks, Anders Pollman, Geoff Soderquist, Heather Rodriguez, Marni Larson, Nathaniel Barr, Julie Pirtle, Rudy Rodriguez, Sherri Dokken, Tom Stanton, Vaness Ruelas, Christina Sanders, Heather Rodriguez Guest(s): Kim Pawlawski, Amber Brown, Chris Merritt, Dennis Riebe, Tracy Croshaw, unnamed guests Recorder: Rieva Lester Public comment: None. ESC Assessor Ross Neilson said the new tax software likely will go live at the end of the year rather than in mid-September. Becky Butler provided an overview of the budget calendar. DIRECTORS’ UPDATE Becky Butler discussed a notice of hearing for Lewis County 2026 budget emergency and supplemental appropriations to and transfers within current expense and various funds. Natalie Kamieniecki discussed a notice of public hearing to consider proposed minor amendments to the Lewis County Urban Growth Area Boundary. Geoff Soderquist discussed a resolution to ratify an agreement with Century West Engineering Corporation for the 2026 On-Call Airport Engineering Services for the Packwood and Toledo Airports. Erika Katt discussed a resolution to accept State Flood Response Grant Funding from the Washington State Military Department. Matt Patana discussed a resolution to approve a contract with Spectra Contract Flooring for the Law and Justice carpet project using Sourcewell Contract 061323-SII. Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to designate Cherish Willis as Lewis County's Public Records Officer. Commissioner Swope made a motion to move two notice items, two consent items and four deliberation items to the Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Announcements / new business Christina Sanders said she will continue serving as WSU Extension’s interim director through the fall. Wednesday Workshop At 9:29 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going into executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 9:50 a.m. with Chief Civil DPA David Bailey and DPA Scott Gripp to discuss the Winlock City Council appointment under RCWs 42.30.110(1)(h) and 42.30.110(1)(i) and the following five topics under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i): • R.J. v. Lewis County • Juvenile sexual abuse and molestation (SAM) litigation • Teitzel water agreement • Vader water • Cascade Hardwoods tax litigation At 9:50 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 9:52 a.m. Executive session ended at 9:52 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made. Commissioner Swope made a motion to approve the revised settlement terms regarding Cascade Hardwoods as discussed in executive session. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Commissioner Brummer noted that Winlock City Council has requested the opportunity to interview applicants for the city’s council vacancy and to then forward its recommendations along to the commissioners. The commissioners said they will ask the city to do so. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) expenditure allocation: Becky Butler reviewed the county’s unspent allocations. Commissioner Swope made a motion to reallocate $72,558.12 in unspent ARPA funds for eligible Vader Water costs. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Citizens Advisory Committee suggestions re changes to the Packwood Subarea Plan: Mindy Brooks reviewed the steps Citizens Advisory Committee had taken to submit its sub-area plan to the commissioners for approval. She said the committee would like the commissioners to reconsider changes they made to the plan. Packwood Community Advisory Committee (CAC) representative Kim Pawlawski said the group would like the BOCC to reconsider the actions it took to revise the recommended subarea plan, including: • Removing natural materials requirement. • Reducing the clear glass requirement from 50 percent to 30 percent. • Eliminating the requirement for pedestrian entrances to have overhangs, awnings or other rain protection. • Removing roofline and color standards. • Lifting the prohibition on drive-throughs. • Eliminating additional sign standards (e.g., internal illumination). The commissioners directed staff to add the topic for the Sept. 30 Directors’ Update. Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.