2026-01-07 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update
January 7, 2026
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Becky Butler, David Bailey, Meja Handlen, Mindy Brooks, Wes Anderson, Erika Katt, Jared
Larson, Matt Patana, Rocky Lyon, Kimberly Edminster, Dahkota Harmonson, Treasurer Arny Davis,
Graham Gowing, Casey Mauermann, Sherri Dokken, Gabe Anzelini, Rachel Lester
Guest(s):
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Executive session: At 9 a.m., Commissioner Pollock announced that the Board would be going into
executive session until 9:15 a.m. to discuss two topics under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) – Samantha Clark v.
Lewis County and Chehalis UGA / annexation – and one topic under RCW 42.30.110(1)(f) – complaint
regarding Veterans Advisory Board member.
At 9:15 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:25 a.m.
Executive session ended at 9:25 a.m. Commissioner Pollock noted that no decisions had been made.
DEM recovery update: Erika Katt provided an update on the flood recovery process. Erika said nine
families remain in shelters. Erika said Lewis County is being added to the list of counties eligible for
individual assistance through the state. Erika said there are up to seven Connex boxes and up to 12 RVs
in the river. Erika said flooding left up to 30 RVs damaged or destroyed.
Rocky Lyon said roughly 45 tons of debris has been collected in the wake of the flood.
Meja Handlen discussed the potential to declare health hazards for the Connex boxes and RVs. The
commissioners directed DEM and Public Health to work together to help determine ownership of the
damaged RVs and Connex boxes to expedite disposal.
Directors’ Update resolutions
Treasurer Arny Davis discussed a resolution to cancel delinquent personal property taxes from the tax
collection system. Arny said the list includes one dock, six businesses and 17 mobile homes.
Angie Hodge discussed a resolution to approve a collective bargaining agreement with Lewis County
Dispatchers’ Guild effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027.
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to reappoint Jon Sargeant to the Dangerous Animal Designation
(DAD) Board.
Wes Anderson discussed a resolution to list the bids received and vendors selected for the Lewis County
2026 Road Surfacing Material Proposal.
Kimberly Edminster discussed a resolution for the proposed vacation of undeveloped Washington
Street, in Mineral.
Wes Anderson discussed a resolution to establish gross tonnage limits on various bridges.
Commissioner Brummer made a motion to move two consent items and six deliberation items to the
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Announcements / new business
Office and department representatives provided updates, including:
• Becky Butler reminded offices and departments to review budgets. She said the Budget
department continues monitoring impacts of collective bargaining agreement changes.
• Mindy Brooks provided an update on the new short-term rental permit process.
• Wes Anderson said Roads continue to work on road recovery in wake of the recent flood. Wes
also discussed concerns regarding a bridge over Garrad Creek.
• Angie Hodge discussed hiccups regarding the recent insurance changes.
• Jared Larson and Matt Patana said work continues to repair the jail boiler.
Wednesday Workshop
Southwest Washington Fair Advisory Board vacancies: The commissioners directed staff to advertise
the positions.
Minute folders: Commissioner Brummer made a motion to approve minute folders for the weeks of:
• Oct. 20 and 27, 2025
• Nov. 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2025
• Dec. 1, 2025
Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 10:14 a.m.