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2026-02-02 Wrap-UpDirectors’ Update / County Manager Update February 2, 2026 9:01 a.m. Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler, David Bailey, Scott Gripp, Meja Handlen, Ross Nielson, Lynn Richard, Angie Hodge, Geoff Soderquist, Matt Patana, Anders Pollman, Erika Katt, Gabe Anzelini, Graham Gowing, Grace Jimenez, Natalie Kamieniecki, Rachel Lester, Rudy Rodriguez, Sherri Dokken, Josh Weiss, Troy Nichols, Devin Gayton Guest(s): Peggy McNamara Rath, unnamed guests Recorder: Rieva Lester Public comment: None. Executive session: At 9:01 a.m., Commissioner Pollock announced that the Board would be going into executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 9:12 a.m. to discuss three topics: • Sierra Pacific Industries tax liabilities • Fire District 3 bond • Coordinated Entry RFP At 9:12 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:20 a.m. Executive session ended at 9:20 a.m. Commissioner Pollock noted that no decisions had been made. Agenda change: Commissioner Brummer made a motion to add two resolutions to the agenda for the Feb. 3 Business Meeting: • Resolution 26-045: Approve a collective bargaining agreement between Lewis County Juvenile Court (Juvenile Detention) and Teamsters Local #252 effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. • Resolution 26-046: Approve a collective bargaining agreement between Lewis County Juvenile Court (Juvenile Probation and Clerical) and Teamsters Local #252 effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion passed 2-0. Eagleview: The commissioners directed Ryan Barrett to work with the Assessor’s Office to determine an appropriate split for the invoice. Friendlyville: Matt Patana said the county received proposals from CEG and Fuller Design. He said the review crew has determined Fuller Design would be the best firm. He asked for board direction for contracting for engineering services, which he estimated would be the $15,000 to $20,000. The commissioners said they will revisit the topic Feb. 4. Legislative update: Josh Weiss and Troy Nichols provided updates on bills before the legislators. Josh said Feb. 4 is the cutoff day for bills, and Feb. 9 is the deadline to get bills out of fiscal committees. He recommended the commissioners reach out to legislators to remind them of topics of importance to Lewis County. The commissioners provided the following direction: • HB 2668 / SB 6322 (game farm reservoirs): Support. The group also discussed: • SB 6026: Scheduled for hearing Feb. 6. • HB 2613 (compounding medication): Commissioner Pollock expressed concerns with the bill. • WSAC bills regarding ADUs is moving forward. • WSAC looking at LFOs and heart disease / public safety positions. Public Works account closure policy updates: Anders Pollman discussed a process by which base charges for accounts could be suspended should the property become vacant or accounts become delinquent. The commissioners directed staff to ask the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for direction on whether to change county code or simply address the topic via policy. The commissioners also directed staff to include provisions to suspend accounts due to hardship, such as a house fire that leaves the home uninhabitable. Lewis County Transit update: Commissioner Brummer said Lewis County Transit has ended its contract with its recently hired director. DNR State Trust Lands update: The commissioners agreed to invite special purpose districts to the county’s upcoming meeting with DNR. Public defense oped and infographic: The commissioners approved the documents. They also asked staff to determine how much the county spends to provide public defense for individuals who are not from Lewis County, such as individuals housed at Green Hill. Water Conservancy Board requests: Rieva Lester said the Water Conservancy Board has requested the county consider providing funding for its mandatory training. She said the group also would like to ensure its next appointee is able to attend meetings virtually. Vacancies: • Lodging Tax Advisory Committee: The commissioners directed staff to draft a resolution to appoint Jessica Scoggins and Harry Bhagwandin to LTAC. • Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging (LMTAAA): The commissioners directed staff to advertise the vacancy and any other positions with expired terms. • .09 / Distressed Counties: The commissioners said they will revisit the topic after Feb. 5. Meeting adjourned at 10:04 a.m.