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2025-09-03 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update September 3, 2025 9:04 a.m. Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope (9:08 a.m.), Becky Butler, Sarah Hensley, Angie Hodge, Gabe Anzelini, Geoff Soderquist, George Dodd, John Abplanalp, Wes Anderson, Kimberly Edminster, Rocky Lyon, Eric Eisenberg, Caroline Garibay, Matt Patana, Alex Murray, Rachel Lester, Graham Gowing, Casey Mauermann Guest(s): Unnamed guests Recorder: Rieva Lester Public comment: None. Eric Eisenberg discussed a resolution to ratify a contract and change order with Taycon LLC for Lewis County Shelter frontage improvements. Sarah Hensley and Geoff Soderquist discussed a resolution to authorize the Director of Community Development to commence negotiations with the City of Vader for an interlocal agreement to annex territory within the urban growth area. Becky Butler discussed a resolution to authorize legal defense and indemnity for Brandon Vossen, Samuel R. Schouten, Kelton Wheeldon, Tyler W. Trainer, Erin Willey, Blake W. Teitzel, Cameron Steepy, Colin Mackenzie and Jeff Martin, and their marital communities, if any, regarding a lawsuit brought by the Estate of Brandon Blurton - Action No. 3:25-cv-05654. Rocky Lyon discussed a resolution to ratify a contract between Lewis County Solid Waste and Cabbros Cleaning Service LLC for Transfer Station Cleanup and Support Services. Rocky Lyon discussed a resolution to ratify a Community Litter Cleanup Program Grant agreement between the State of Washington Department of Ecology and Lewis County Solid Waste Utility. Rocky Lyon discussed a resolution to ratify Agreement No. SWMLSWFA-2025-LECSWU-00270 with the State of Washington Department of Ecology for Moderate-Risk-Waste, Recycling, and other cleanup programs. Wes Anderson discussed a resolution to ratify Supplement No. 1 with Northwest Heritage Consultants LLC, dba Cultural Resource Consultants (CRC), for the 2025 Annual Cultural Resources Services contract, ACCR2025. Wes Anderson discussed a resolution to initiate a county road construction project and assign County Road Project (CRP) number. Kimberly Edminster discussed a resolution to establish a Relocation Appeals Process and Relocation Review Board for compliance with WSDOT and federal relocation requirements. Commissioner Pollock made a motion to move two consent items and nine deliberation items to the Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed ***. Announcements / new business Becky Butler discussed upcoming all-day budget meetings and Risk training. Geoff Soderquist said Fleet’s hoist work is nearly complete. Angie Hodge discussed upcoming union negotiations. Rocky Lyon discussed upcoming recycling events. George Dodd provided updates on the Veterans Advisory Board. Matt Patana provided updates on the Midway drain project. Matt said the city’s requirements for the homeless shelter should be met by Sept. 15. Becky said there will be mid-year increases to Risk allocations. She and Rieva Lester reminded the group of new requirements for resolutions that award contracts. Wednesday Workshop Health Officer salary increase request: John Abplanalp said Public Health and Social Services requested the commissioners consider a $500 monthly increase to the health officer salary. Commissioner Pollock expressed concerns regarding the county’s standards for the position, which currently are lower than those of surrounding counties, making Lewis County unable to share coverage for absences. Therefore, she said, Lewis County must reach out to the state to cover in cases of absences. She also noted that she feels a 12.5 percent increase is not warranted at this time. The commissioners directed staff to add the topic to the agenda for the next Board of Health meeting. Commissioner Brummer also directed staff to provide comps for other health officer positions. Riparian buffers: The commissioners reviewed a proposed letter to Governor Bob Ferguson and State Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove questioning the state’s plans to expand riparian buffers. The commissioners agreed that Commissioner Pollock should send the letter. Meeting adjourned at 9:47 a.m.