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2026-01-14 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update January 14, 2026 9:01 a.m. Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler, David Bailey, Geoff Soderquist, Wes Anderson, Kimberly Edminster, John Abplanalp, Angie Hodge, Mindy Brooks, Matt Patana, Alex Murray, Natalie Kamieniecki, Rachel Lester, Sherri Dokken, Tom Stanton, Gabe Anzelini Guest(s): unnamed guests Recorder: Tammy Martin Public comment: None. Commissioner Swope made a motion to add FD% & FD6 litigation and Clark litigation under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i). Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Executive session: At 9:01 a.m., Commissioner Pollock announced that the Board would be going into executive session until 9:11 a.m. to discuss four topics under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) – Gather Church, Conn Tort claim, FD5 & FD6 litigation and Clark litigation. • At 9:11 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:16 a.m. • At 9:16 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:25 a.m. • At 9:25 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:27 a.m. • At 9:27 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:29 a.m. • At 9:29 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:31 a.m. Executive session ended at 9:31 a.m. Commissioner Pollock noted that no decisions had been made. Commissioner Brummer made a motion directing counsel to proceed regarding the Gather Church lawsuit as discussed in executive session. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to approve the joint defense agreement with the City of Chehalis for the Fire District 5 and Fire District 6 litigation. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Directors’ Update resolutions Kimberly Edminster discussed a notice of hearing for the renewal of a franchise to Public Utility No. 1 of Thurston County. Kimberly Edminster discussed a resolution for the proposed vacation of a portion of right of way known as Peterson Rd., Chehalis. Becky Butler discussed a resolution to approve a 6-month indigent defense contract with Sarah McFadden for Superior Court. Kimberly Edminster discussed a resolution to approve acquisition of additional right of way for the Senn Road Bridge Scour Repair Project at MP 0.89. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to move one notice item, two consent items and three deliberation items to the Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Announcements / new business Office and department representatives provided updates, including: • Ryan Barrett announced there is Director collaboration Fridays downstairs. • Becky Butler reminded offices and departments to review budgets as the year wraps up. Becky also said there was a fire drill scheduled for Community Development and Public Health. • Mindy Brooks said her office has signed up for the Polar Plunge and has challenged other offices or departments to beat them in raising funds for Special Olympics Washington/ • Matt Patana said the 911 three tower contract has been signed and approved by the 911 Executive Board. Matt also informed the group that the County received the SWWF Friendlyville grant for upgrades. This Grant is from the Dept. of Agriculture and the scope is to level the area known as Friendlyville, as well as some fencing and asphalt surfacing. • Matt summarized the priorities for capital grant asks. Matt summarized the priorities for capital grant asks. Matt said after hearing back from the Legislative representatives he is reviewing all current funding requests. The top priorities recommended for consideration are the Public Health Building HVAC & Energy Efficiency Upgrade and the SWW Fairgrounds 4-H Event Center scope change. Matt said that The Public Health Building HVAC & Energy Efficiency Upgrade could be split into two and remove the window portion, which would leave about 1.5 million for just the HVAC, instead of the original ask of 2.25 million. He said that the change for the 4H Barn was for an event center rather than the original ask last year, that because of the insurance claim we have different needs and that the only portion that was left to do on the 4H Barn was the roof. It was important the group understand that we are not asking for another $876,000 but instead the original $776,000 plus $100,000 for the roof of the 4H barn. These projects are the most defensible based on health and safety needs, compliance with state clean air initiatives, and the fact that significant funding for the 4-H project has already been earmarked. Matt said that he would consider if the projects could be done in stages, if the projects were not fully funded. Matt said PHSS water lab is pursuing additional funding sources and could be eliminated from the project ask. Since we have already identified funding sources for much of the drain along the Midway (SWW Fair) up to $1,000,000. Matt said he could revise our ask from 1.5 million to the part that we have not identified a funding source for, which was $500,000 for the remaining drain and resurfacing. Matt said that he could also break apart the PHSS HVAC into sections easier to financially manage. • Commissioners Brummer mentioned the grant request for $800,000 for the dam safety for Carlisle Lake. He said he will reach out to Kevin Hoffman for an update. • Gabe said the servers were received this week and they will begin transition to the new servers. • Alex Murray said the Law & Justice Center boiler has been running smoothly for the last 48 hrs. Meeting adjourned at 10:14 a.m.