2026-01-28 Directors' UpdateDirectors’ Update
January 28, 2026
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler,
Scott Gripp, Matt Patana, Alex Murray, Mindy Brooks, Gabe Anzelini, Erika Katt, Kimberly Edminster,
Brian Warren, Rocky Lyon, Wes Anderson, Angie Hodge, Casey Mauermann, Caroline Garibay, Graham
Gowing, Jennette Holme-Martin of the Liquor Control Board, Katylnn Gubbe, Meja Handlen, Natalie
Kamieniecki, Rachel Lester, Sarah Hensley, Sherri Dokken, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board
(LCB) Program Specialist Jennette Holme-Martin, Matt Thuston
Guest(s): Unnamed guests, Christina Sanders
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
At 9:01 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going into executive session
under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 9:10 a.m. to discuss Sierra Pacific Industries tax liabilities.
Executive session ended at 9:10 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made.
Expanded outdoor alcohol services: Program Specialist Jennette Holme-Martin of the Washington State
Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) Licensing and Regulation Division Policy and Education Unit provided
an overview of the expanded outdoor alcohol services allowed under SSHB 1515. Jennette said the
Agenda items
Rieva Lester discussed a call for bids for official newspaper to publish all of Lewis County's legal and
other official notices for one year beginning July 1, 2026.
Kimberly Edminster discussed a notice of hearing for the renewal of a franchise to PUD No. 1 of Cowlitz
County to install, construct, operate and maintain electrical utility facilities in Lewis County rights of
way.
Brian Warren discussed a resolution to temporarily reduce the adoption fee for adult dogs at the Lewis
County Animal Shelter.
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to adopt changes to the regular public meeting schedule of the Lewis
County Board of County Commissioners.
Gabe Anzelini discussed a resolution to authorize the Director of Information Technology Services to
execute a purchase order with Accurate Electric Unlimited Inc. through sole source procurement for the
expansion of the Lewis County Jail security system.
Gabe Anzelini discussed a resolution to establish the Lewis County AI Policy.
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to reappoint Sybil Kuhn, Edna Fund and George Dodd to the
Southwest Washington Fair Advisory Board.
Alex Murray discussed a resolution regarding the declaration of surplus personal property, vehicles and
equipment.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to move two notice items, two consent items and six deliberation
items to the Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, BOCC Business Meeting agenda. Commissioner Brummer seconded.
Motion passed 2-0.
Announcements / new business
Wednesday Workshop
Centralia levy certification: Commissioner Swope made a motion to sign the Centralia levy certification
Eagleview: Erika Katt said the billing was added to the county’s PA for
Flood response - honoring community partners
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee vacancies
Public Works account closure policy updates: Anders Pollman
Announcements
Becky Butler said Sam Allen is moving from Risk to HR.
Gabe Anzelini said Josh Cowin is leaving IT.
Mindy Brooks said the Planning Commission has selected its recommendations for new appointees. She
said she plans to tweak the short-term rental (STR) committee bylaws.
Erika Katt said the state has indicated the Conex box in the Tilton River is the property owner’s
responsibility, potentially Alta or the city. She said it’s unclear who is responsible for the Conex boxes in
the Cowlitz River.
Angie Hodge invited employees to participate in the day’s Crockpot Wars event.
Rocky Lyon said the Solid Waste Advisory Committee is in favor of HB 2018, which would increase the
tax on solid waste.
Meja Handlen said Homeless Connect events are planned for later in the week.
Meeting adjourned at 9:53 a.m.