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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09-30 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update September 30, 2026 9:01 a.m. Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler, Chief Civil DPA David Bailey, Meja Handlen, John Justice, Natalie Kamienicki, Mindy Brooks, Geoff Soderquist, Stacey Werner, Dahkota Harmanson, Matt Patana, Hannah Loose, Alex Murray, Connor Wilmovsky, Terry Swanson, Preston Pinkston, Rocky Lyon, Jeff Hursh, Caroline Garibay, Eric Eisenberg, Fionna Velazquez, Graham Gowing, Heather Rodriguez, Kirsty Ward, Rudy Rodriguez, Sherri Dokken Guest(s): Dennis Reibe, Kim Pawlawski, unnamed guests Recorder: Rieva Lester Public comment: None. Executive session: At 9:02 a.m., Commissioner Pollock announced that the Board would be going into executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) with Chief Civil DPA David Bailey until 9:12 a.m. to discuss Blurton mediation (with outside counsel John Justice also in attendance) as well as Coleman v. Lewis County. • At 9:12 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:30 a.m. • At 9:30 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:35 a.m. • At 9:35 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:40 a.m. Executive session ended at 9:40 a.m. Commissioner Pollock noted that no decisions had been made. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to authorize the settlement authority regarding the Blurton mediation as discussed in executive session. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Resolutions, etc. Connor Wilmovsky discussed a notice of hearing for the renewal of a franchise to City of Winlock for installation, construction, operation and maintenance of water and sewer system facilities within the road rights of way of unincorporated Lewis County. Matt Patana discussed a resolution to issue a request for qualifications (RFQ) for Lewis County's Fire Alarm Engineering project. With no Treasurer’s Office representative present, the commissioners discussed a resolution to extend the timeline and increase salary level for non-union extra help investment and banking officer. Matt Patana discussed a resolution to award a contract to Pioneer Masonry Restoration Co. Inc. for the Historic Courthouse repointing project, project No. 31-2421b. Geoff Soderquist discussed a resolution to approve Supplement No. 3 with NW Heritage Consultants LLC (dba Cultural Resource Consultants), ACCR-2025, for the 2025 Annual Cultural Resources contract. Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve contract #E05-0282-26 between Difference Makers LLC and Lewis County. Alex Murray discussed a resolution regarding the declaration of surplus personal property, vehicles and equipment. Grace Jimenez discussed a resolution to dissolve the petty cash fund established for Public Disclosure Requests. Grace Jimenez discussed a resolution to dissolve the petty cash fund established for the Lewis County Assessor’s Office. Jeff Hursh discussed a resolution to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Lewis County 911 Communications and the Lewis County Dispatchers’ Guild to authorize employee retention bonuses, new employee training incentives and increased training differentials. Jeff Hursh discussed a resolution to approve a lease from American Tower Corporation for use of Democrat Hill at 365A Schoen Road, Salkum, Wash., for a telecommunications site. Jeff Hursh discussed a resolution to change the owner of record from Weyerhaeuser Columbia Timberlands to Forecastle Timber Company due to a change in ownership. Terry Swanson discussed a hearing for Vacation 26-003 (Unimproved Alley in Doty): The vacation of an unimproved Alley in Block B of the Plat of Doty, in Doty, WA. Becky Butler discussed a hearing for Lewis County 2026 budget, emergency and supplemental appropriations to and transfers within current expense and other funds. Natalie Kamieniecki discussed a hearing for Ordinance 1382: Minor Amendments to the Lewis County Urban Growth Area (UGA) Boundary. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to move two notice items, two consent items, 10 deliberation items and three hearings to the Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Announcements / new business Office and department representatives provided updates, including the following: • Incident reporting forms are now available online. • Matt Mohney is starting his role as maintenance supervisor following the retirement of Kevin Korpi. • New building inspector has joined Lewis County. Wednesday Workshop Superior Court request re market adjustment for Court Reporter position: Dahkota Harmanson provided an overview of Superior Court’s proposal to increase the Court Reporter position from a grade 122 to a Grade 125 to address recruitment and retention challenges and to establish compensation more in line with that of similar-sized counties. The group discussed the possibility of switching to artificial intelligence (AI) for the transcription process. Dahkota said the upgrades necessary to allow for digital recordings in the three courtrooms would cost roughly $60,000. Urban Growth Area (UGA) cleanup: Natalie Kamieniecki provided a high-level overview of the ordinance the commissioners will review on Oct. 6. Citizens Advisory Committee suggestions regarding changes to the Packwood Subarea Plan: Mindy Brooks provided a recap of the revisions the Citizens Advisory Committee has requested. The commissioners directed staff to provide follow-up information regarding drive-through regulations. County Manager transition: The commissioners discussed appointing Becky Butler interim County Manager for six months effective Nov. 1. They said they will further discuss the topic Oct. 5. Correspondence: The commissioners discussed sending a response to the Historical Society regarding use of Lewis County as a go-between for the lease of the depot. The commissioners said they are not opposed to sharing data regarding employees’ medical claims with the Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) so WSAC can provide a quote regarding health care coverage. Meeting adjourned at 10:54 a.m.