2026-04-03 Mayors MeetingMayors’ Meeting
April 3, 2026
9:01 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Budget Administrator Becky Butler, Chehalis City Manager Stacy Denham, Centralia Mayor Chris
Brewer, Vader Mayor Joe Schey, Community Development Director Mindy Brooks, Senior Long-Range
Planner Natalie Kaminiecki, Port Commissioner Peter Lahmann, Centralia City Manager Michael Thomas,
Public Works Director Geoff Soderquist, John Anderson with Gov. Bob Ferguson’s office, Noah Sullivan
with Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez’s office, Assessor Ross Nielson, Pe Ell Mayor Lonnie Willey
Guest(s): Jacob Moore, Frank Corbin
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
The mayors and city representatives in attendance selected the following representatives for the Law
and Justice Council:
• One representative of municipal prosecuting attorneys within the county, as selected by the
cities: Rachel Hunt.
• Two representatives of the municipal legislative authorities within the county, as selected by the
mayors; provided that one of the representatives shall be from the city of Centralia or Chehalis.
Kate McDougall and a yet-to-be determined representative.
Chehalis City Manager Stacy Denham said he will reach out to the municipalities to help select the two
remaining vacancies:
• A second representative of the municipal legislative authorities within the county.
• One representative of the municipal courts within the county.
Urban growth area (UGA) cleanup: Senior Long-Range Planner Natalie Kaminiecki provided an overview
of work Community Development is doing to clean up urban growth areas throughout the county. She
invited attendees to upcoming public meetings regarding the topic.
Mayors and city representatives provided updates regarding events and meetings planned in the next
few months.
Chehalis City Manager Stacy Denham requested Dumpsters to collect debris and garbage along the
routes to the night-by-night shelter. He noted that city crews have removed more than 150 shopping
carts that were full of refuse. The commissioners directed staff to invite The Salvation Army, the cities of
Chehalis and Centralia, the Sheriff’s Office and the Chehalis and Centralia police departments to the
upcoming Solid Waste Disposal District meeting.
Vader Mayor Joe Schey said city staff is working with the county on UGA updates, receivership of the
Vader water system and annexations.
Peter Lahmann invited attendees to the May 3 cleanup day.
Public Works Director Geoff Soderquist provided an overview of road projects underway.
John Anderson from Gov. Ferguson’s office discussed impacts of the December flooding. He said he will
find additional details regarding affordable housing as well as the state’s Interstate 5 and Highway 12
paving plans. John said he will also get additional information regarding environmental costs for critical
infrastructure.
Noah Sullivan from Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s office discussed funding the congresswoman helped
secure.
Budget Administrator Becky Butler said the county has wrapped up its broadband project and will be
replacing the museum roof and paving at the Fairgrounds, EV charging stations. She noted the county
remains concerned about funding for public defense.
Lewis County Assessor Ross Nielson offered to provide special purpose districts education and training
regarding levies in the spring and summer. Ross also noted that the state has changed the income
thresholds for property tax exemptions.
Peter Lahmann discussed apprenticeship / internship programs for veterans exiting military service.
Commissioner Pollock noted that the next Mayors’ Meeting will be Oct. 2 after summer break.
Meeting adjourned at 10:07 a.m.