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2026-04-15 ESC Directors' UpdateESC / Directors’ Update April 15, 2026 9 a.m. Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler, Mindy Brooks, Wes Anderson, Geoff Soderquist, Matt Patana, Tim Mixer, David Haymond, Amanda Price, Alex Murray, Meja Handlen, Gorge Dodd, Jeff Hursh, Assessor Ross Nielson, Clerk Scott Tinney, Grace Jimenez, Graham Gowing, Treasurer Arny Davis, Josh Weiss, Troy Nichols, Casey Mauermann, Caroline Garibay, Devin Gayton, Marni Larson, Rocky Lyon, Rudy Rodriguez, Stacey Werner, Sarah Hensley, Shelly Stewart, Sherri Dokken, Fionna Velazquez, Rae Mejia, Charles Edmonson, Scott Gripp Guest(s): Unnamed guests Recorders: Rieva Lester and Tammy Martin Public comment: None. Commissioner Swope made a motion to amend the day’s agenda to include an executive session discussion regarding the Dover tort claim. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 3-0. ESC Legislative session roundup: Josh Weiss and Troy Nichols provided a recap of the 2026 Legislative Session, highlighting funding Lewis County received. Commissioner Swope urged the county’s legislative liaisons to ensure that future funding for the North Lewis County Interchange remains intact. Josh and Troy encouraged staff to access the funds as they are available. Geoff Soderquist noted that staff is poised to begin its Harrison Road construction project on July 1, 2027. ADA / website compliance: David Haymond said IT plans to complete its ADA compliance work for the county website by the end of April. He said IT will provide training on how to make images compliant. Electeds’ roundtable Assessor Ross Nielson provided an overview of changes to state law regarding the tax exemption for seniors and the disabled, noting that changes to the income threshold likely will allow more individuals to qualify for tax assistance. Ross also provided an update on the county’s conversion to new tax assessment software. DIRECTORS’ UPDATE Matt Patana discussed a call for bids for the SWW Fairgrounds to improve the Stormwater Drains and Surface renewal along the “midway.” Tim Mixer discussed a notice regarding the declaration of surplus vehicles and equipment. Amanda Price discussed a declaration of surplus personal property. Wes Anderson discussed a resolution to list the bids received and contractor selected for the Berwick Creek @ Bishop Road MP 2.839 Fish Passage Culvert Replacement Project, CMP 2333. George Dodd discussed a resolution to appoint Jeremy Schlake as an alternate member on the Veterans’ Advisory Board (VAB) and ratify the appointment of Joshua Pickett as a regular member. Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to appoint members to the Lewis County Law and Justice Council. The commissioners directed her to reach out to Tim Wood regarding the second citizen representative position and to move forward with the following appointments: • Rep for LC municipal courts (selected by cities): Chehalis proposes Judge Allen Unzelman • Police Chiefs at large (selected by police chiefs): Centralia Police Chief Andy Caldwell • Social services treatment providers (three): o Community Health Integrated Health Services CEO Vickie Raines o Core Health Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) Jerry Clark o New Directions SUDP Scott Dickinsons • City council representative (selected by cities): Napavine City Councilman Duane Crouse Rieva Lester left and Tammy Martin took over recorder duties at 9:28 a.m. Becky Butler discussed a hearing for the Lewis County 2026 budget, emergency and supplemental appropriations to and transfers within current expense and other funds. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to move two notice items, two consent items, four deliberation items and one hearing to the Tuesday, April 21, 2026, BOCC Business Meeting agenda. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Announcements/new business Geoff Soderquist asked the Commissioners about closing the crossing at Foron Road. It was suggested to reach out to the Port of Centralia and RFA for their approval. Mindy Brooks said the Planning Commission held its first cannabis workshop. She said a hearing regarding cannabis is tentatively scheduled for May 26. Alex Murray said there was a test on the hearing room window as well as a leaky window in the Law & Justice (L& J) building. Once the leaks are repaired, blinds will be installed. Amanda Price suggested website editors take the ADA training. Matt Patana said crews used dye and pressure tests to find pinpoint leaks in building windows. Matt said repairs will be done with grant preservation monies. The boiler project at the L & J building affects four floors. Matt said the drain and resurfacing project for the Fairgrounds will start soon. George Dodd said a Veterans resource fair is planned for April 15 at the Veterans Memorial Museum. Meja Handlen encouraged the commissioners to direct questions and concerns regarding statewide changes for on-site septic system regulations to Public Health & Social Services. Meja said there will be several contracts for homeless housing coming before the commissioners. Meja said flexible funding will help with the night-by-night shelter. Meja recognized Chief Gabe Frase for his work in regard to animal control. Fionna Velazquez said there are 118 days until the 2026 fair. Matt Patana discussed a CFP meeting planned for later in the day. Wednesday Workshop Public Health and Social Services reorg request: Meja Handlen outlined her request, which she said would be budget neutral: • Increase Environmental Health Customer Service Representative (CSR) coverage from 1 FTE to 1.2 FTE to provide coverage should one person be out sick or on vacation. • Increase from 1 FTE to 2 FTE Vital Records CSRs. • Add 1.0 FTE Administrative Assistant Senior. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to approve the PHSS reorganization and request, provided it is grant- and / or service-fee funded. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Executive session: At 9:56 a.m., Commissioner Pollock announced that the Board would be going into executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 10:05 a.m. to discuss the following four topics: • Southwest Washington Fair carnival • Vader water • Centralia landfill mediation • Dover tort claim Rieva Lester returned at 10 a.m. and resumed recorder duties. At 10:05 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 10:10 a.m. At 10:10 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 10:15 a.m. Executive session ended at 10:15 a.m. Commissioner Pollock noted that no decisions had been made. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to authorize an extra $5,000 for outside counsel’s legal fees regarding the Centralia landfill mediation as discussed in executive session. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to settle the Dover tort claim as discussed in executive session. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Public Works requests regarding Traffic Control Specialist and Road Maintenance Technician positions: Geoff Soderquist outlined proposals regarding the various Public Works positions. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to approve the Public Works requests regarding the Traffic Control Specialist and Road Maintenance Technician positions as presented effective April 16, 2026. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to set an effective date of May 1, 2026, for the previously approved PHSS reorganization. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) follow-up: Becky Butler provided the following options: • Reallocate the $767,241 in LATCF funds previously designated for LEOFF I. • Leave the $767,241 in the LEOFF Fund and authorize an interest sweep. The commissioners said they will revisit the topic April 20. Community Development social media policy: Mindy Brooks reviewed a proposed social media policy. The commissioners said they are in support of the change. Calendars In honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, Meja Handlen discussed the solid work the local 911 department does. Commissioner Swope discussed correspondence received regarding service hookup fees. He said he has requested that staff provide follow-up information. Meeting ended at 10:39 a.m.