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2025-12-17 ESC DirectorsESC / Directors’ Update December 17, 2025 9 a.m. Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler, Wes Anderson, Mindy Brooks, Goeff Soderquist, Matt Patana, Matt Thuston, Josh Cowin, Kimberly Edminster, Gabe Anzelini, Grace Jimenez, Erika Katt, Meja Handlen, John Abplanalp, Assessor Ross Nielson, Treasurer Arny Davis, Casey Mauermann, Dahkota Harmanson, Rudy Rodriguez, Shelly Stewart, Sherri Dokken, Tom Stanton, Eric Eisenberg, Stacey Werner, Fionna Velazquez, Angie Hodge, Kristine Ward, Alisha Griffith, Joshua Curry-Bascome, David Bailey, Vince Hall Guest(s): Unknown guest Recorder: Rieva Lester Public comment: None. ESC Phishing training / campaigns: Josh Cowin provided an overview regarding changes to cyberattack training. Treasurer Arny Davis and Assessor Ross Nielson said the new assessment software is running ahead of schedule. Flood response / recovery: Erika Katt discussed the high winds overnight and cautioned that more inclement weather is on the horizon. DIRECTORS’ UPDATE John Abplanalp discussed a Request for Proposals (RFP) to Solicit Qualified Providers to Deliver Animal Shelter Operations Services in Lewis County. Stacey Werner discussed a resolution to ratify a professional services agreement between PPC Solutions and Lewis County for the 2026 Law and Justice Center Security Services. Wes Anderson discussed a resolution to approve Geoff Soderquist, Public Works Director, as Applicant Agent and Robin Saline, Public Works Contract Administrator, as the Alternate Applicant Agent/Contact for open, federally declared disasters and any future disasters that may occur between December 1, 2025, and December 31, 2026. Grace Jimenez discussed a resolution to close the internal service fund Radio Services Fund No. 5200. Grace Jimenez discussed a resolution to extend the existing interfund loan from REET II Fund No. 3120 to the Homeless Shelter Capital Fund No. 3500. Becky Butler discussed a resolution to approve Public Defender contracts for Superior, Juvenile and District Courts for the 2026 calendar year. Ryan Barrett discussed a resolution to approve a 2.7% increase to the salary schedules for Non- Represented employees effective January 1, 2026. Matt Patana discussed a resolution to award contract for Communication Towers project to Day Wireless for remediation at Cooks Hill, Hopkins and Baw Faw sites. The commissioners said they will further discuss the topic Dec. 22. Becky Butler discussed a resolution to approve a financial contribution agreement between Lewis County and Timber River Connections for senior nutrition program support during calendar year 2026. Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to approve a personal services agreement with Robert K. Weidner. The commissioners said they will further discuss the topic Dec. 22. Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to approve Addendum A to Resolution 25-340 to capture levy information submitted by junior taxing districts on or after Dec. 1, 2025 Eric Eisenberg discussed a hearing to adopt a Revised 5-year Homelessness Services Plan for 2025-2030. Kimberly Anderson discussed a hearing to approve a franchise to Cardinal FG Company to install, construct, operate, and maintain water facilities in Lewis County road rights of way. Becky Butler discussed a hearing for the Lewis County 2025 budget, emergency and supplemental appropriations to and transfers within current expense and other funds (recessed from Dec. 16 Business Meeting). Commissioner Pollock made a motion to move one notice item, two consent items, eight deliberation items (excluding the Robert Weidner and Radio Towers contract) and two hearings (excluding the budget hearing) to the Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, BOCC Business Meeting agenda. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Announcements / new business Office and department representatives provided updates, including: • Meja Handlen said 26 individuals are staying in shelters in the Packwood area in the wake of the flooding. Wednesday Workshop Executive session: At 9:39 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going into executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 10 a.m. to discuss the following six topics: • .09 / Distressed Counties grant funding • Keith Swartz claim • Paul Bromm tort claim • Hoctor tort claim • Vader Water • Breen Acres At 10 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 10:05 a.m. Executive session ended at 10:05 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made. Commissioner Pollock made a motion to authorize the PA’s Office to send a letter to Keith Swartz as discussed in executive session. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Commissioner Pollock made a motion to authorize settlement discussions regarding the Hoctor tort claim as discussed in executive session. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Commissioner Pollock made a motion to authorize the PA’s Office to send a letter to state Office of Financial Management as discussed in executive session. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Driveway approach culverts workshop: Wes Anderson said county code says culverts in road approaches are a property owner’s responsibility. He said the county is required to provide maintenance for those, but the property owner is supposed to be the individual’s responsibility. The commissioners directed Public Works to follow county code and then draft a policy – or update county code – to better address it in the future. Flood response, including hours / fiscal: Geoff Soderquist said he is concerned the president may not declare a federal disaster, which would leave the county open to financial risks because its flood response would not be eligible for FEMA reimbursement. He said the temporary disposal site will be closed Dec. 25-28. The commissioners said they will further discuss flood finances the following week. North Lewis County Industrial Access: Commissioner Swope said the BOCC will discuss the topic in January. Meeting ended at 10:33 a.m.