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2026-03-04 Directors' UpdateDirectors’ Update March 4, 2026 9:01 a.m. Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler, Natalie Kamieniecki, Mindy Brooks, Geoff Soderquist, Gabe Anzelini, Angie Hodge, Kimberly Edminster, Meja Handlen, Fionna Valezquez, Alex Murray, Rocky Lyon, Erika Katt, Ashley Hamilton, Grace Jimenez, Graham Gowing, Matt Thuston, Rachel Lester, Casey Mauermann, Rudy Rodriquez, Small Business Administration Public Affairs Specialist Ellen Israel, Sherri Dokken, Ross Nielson, Matt Patana Guest(s): Civil engineer James Kessi Recorder: Rieva Lester Public comment: None. Small Business Administration Ellen Israel Public Affairs Specialist discussed the low-interest loans the SBA is offering in wake of the December 2025 floods. The commissioners directed staff to issue additional public notice regarding the SBA loans. Becky Butler discussed a notice of hearing for Ordinance 1374, which would update Chapters 3.15.040 and 3.45.040 of Lewis County Code to allow greater flexibility regarding interest earned within the Tourism Promotion and Mental Health tax funds. Rocky Lyon discussed a resolution regarding the declaration of surplus vehicles and equipment. Mindy Brooks discussed a resolution to approve a preliminary long plat land division within the Centralia Urban Growth Area. In response to concerns the commissioners voiced, Mindy suggested adding language that final approval will not be provided prior to annexation. The commissioners said they will further discuss the proposal the following week. Mindy Brooks discussed a resolution to amend the bylaws of the Short Term Rental Advisory Group. Mindy Brooks discussed a resolution to appoint inaugural members of the Short Term Rental Advisory Group. Kimberly Administer discussed a hearing to approve a franchise renewal to Olympic Pipeline Company, LLC, for a pipeline for purposes of transmission of petroleum and petroleum products within Lewis County road rights of way. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to move one notice item, two consent items, three deliberation items (excluding the preliminary plat resolution) and one hearing to the Tuesday, March 10, 2026, BOCC Business Meeting agenda. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Announcements / new business In response to a question from Becky Butler, the commissioners directed staff to update the proposed ordinance, Ordinance 1374, to address interest earned in the Noxious Weeds fund. Mindy said Community Development and the Assessor’s Office are teaming together on new software. Fionna Velazquez discussed fair sponsorships. Gabe Anzelini discussed IT’s efforts to update the county website for ADA compliance. Matt Patana provided an update on the launch of the Law and Justice boiler replacement project. Civil engineer James Kessi discussed the resolution regarding the proposed long plat land division within the Centralia Urban Growth Area. The commissioners invited James to attend the next meeting during which they’ll discuss the proposal. Wednesday Workshop Parttime position for Southwest Washington Fair: Fionna Velazquez discussed the proposal for a parttime Fair position. Commissioner Swope said he will recuse himself from the vote due to his familial relationship with the individual who serves in the casual position that would become the permanent parttime position. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to approve the parttime position for the Southwest Washington Fair as proposed, with an effective date of March 16. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion passed 2-0-1, with Commissioner Pollock and Commissioner Brummer voting in favor and Commissioner Swope abstaining. Public Health and Social Services truck purchase: Meja Handlen discussed one-time special funding available to purchase a truck. The commissioners said they are in support of using the one-time special funding to purchase the truck. Follow-up re potential revenue options: The commissioners directed staff to issue a public survey asking the public its thoughts on the potential of allowing retail sales of cannabis. The commissioners also discussed having the Public Health and Social Services Advisory Board and the Planning Commission weigh in on the topic. The commissioners said they will review Law and Justice Council membership related to the proposed public safety tax. Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging vacancy (LMTAAA): The commissioners directed staff to draft a resolution to appoint Maree Lerchen to the LMTAAA. American Forest Resource Council meeting: The commissioners said they want Commissioner Brummer to attend the AFRC meeting. Commissioner Brummer directed staff to sign him up. Calendars: Commissioner Pollock discussed two upcoming events: honoring Special Olympics athletes March 10 and a presentation on Cascade Mental Health's Crisis Relief Center on March 17. Meeting adjourned at 10:20 a.m.