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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09-28 BOCC Wrap-Up County ManagerBOCC Wrap-Up / County Manager Update September 28, 2026 9 a.m. Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Budget / Risk Director Becky Butler, Meja Handlen, Geoff Soderquist, Matt Patana, Kevin Korpi, Tim Mixer, various Road Maintenance Supervisors, Amanda Price, Caroline Garibay, Fionna Velazquez, Graham Gowing, Mindy Brooks, Rachel Lester, Rudy Rodriguez, Sara Sons, Sherri Dokken, Tom Stanton Guest(s): Winlock Mayor Victoria Marincin, Winlock City Council member Dave Anderson Recorder: Rieva Lester Public comment: None. Employee recognition: The commissioners honored Road Maintenance Manager Kevin Korpi, who is retiring after 36 years of service to Lewis County. Winlock City Council appointment: The commissioners discussed the Winlock City Council’s recommendation regarding the appointment of Lonnie Dowell to the council’s vacant position. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to appoint Lonnie Dowell to Winlock City Council Pos. 4 effective immediately. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Winlock .09 / Distressed Counties request: The commissioners reviewed Winlock’s request for a $2,571,000 grant to purchase 16 acres of Hilltop property to develop City Hall Campus and improve area stormwater and development capacity. The commissioners directed staff to have the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and County Engineer review the proposal. USGS streamgaging proposal: Geoff Soderquist reviewed the $87,690 USGS gauge invoice. The group discussed paying the fee from the Chehalis River Basin Flood Control Zone District fund. The commissioners discussed the various departments and cities that use the information. The group discussed the possibility of including the fee in DEM rates for the various cities. The commissioners directed staff to sign the agreement. The commissioners said they will further discuss the topic Oct. 28. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to amend the agenda to include a discussion regarding the jail roof project. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Jail roof: Capital Infrastructure Specialist Matt Pantana proposed revising the county’s jail roof project to pivot from the contracted 50-year IRMA-style roofing to a less expensive standard, single-layer 30-year roofing due to the problems discovered with the lightweight concrete and the protruding pipes . He said the change will actually save money. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to approve the change to the jail roof project as proposed, with revised contracts to come at a later date. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Friendlyville change order: Matt reviewed the request for a change order. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to approve $61,356.08 change order with Taycon to cover labor, materials, etc., for additional fencing and gate improvements. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Pioneer Masonry Restoration contract: Matt Pantana reviewed the request. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to authorize Capital Infrastructure Specialist Matt Patana to sign $93,702 contract with Pioneer for Historic Courthouse repointing project. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Fire alarm system: The group discussed an upcoming request for qualifications for updates to the county’s fire alarm system. 2027 Mental Health and Veterans tax levies: Becky Butler provided an overview of House Bill 2442, which takes effect July 1, 2026, and makes the following changes: • Authorizes county legislative authorities to continue funding veterans’ assistance and developmental disabilities or mental health services either as part of the county general levy or as separate independent levies. • Creates a new county public health clinic levy that may be included in the county general levy or as a separate levy. • Changes how cities and towns are affected when a fire district is created within the same boundaries as the city or town, depending on whether the district is created before and after July 1, 2026. • Changes the number of years voters can approve a rate-based levy lid lift and increases the number of years a multi-year lid lift may occur. Letter of support for staff to attend NACo conference examining how data centers and other factors are reshaping electricity costs nationwide: The commissioners said they will sign the letter of support. Historical Society / Historical Museum: The commissioners discussed a letter from the Historical Society regarding Lewis County’s proposal to have the Historical Society lease its building directly from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway rather than have the county act as the intermediary. Robert Weidner contract for 2027: The commissioners directed staff to move forward with a resolution for a 2027 contract with Robert Weidner. Minute folders: Commissioner Brummer made a motion to Approval of minute folders for the weeks of Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, and Sept. 7. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Meeting adjourned at 10:21 a.m.