2026-04-20 Wrap Up County ManagerBOCC Wrap-Up / County Manager Update
April 20, 2026
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Becky Butler, Meja Handlen, Mindy Brooks, Geoff Soderquist, Angie Hodge, Matt Patana, Eric
Sonnenberg, Amanda Price, Alex Murray, Caroline Garibay, Erika Katt, Graham Gowing, Sarah Hensley
Guest(s): J.C. Holmes, Julie Plahuta, Tim Wood, unnamed guest
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Agenda change: Commissioner Brummer made a motion to add to the April 21 Business Meeting
agenda Resolution 26-130: Approve Interagency Agreement Contract #26-46108-18 Amendment B
between the Washington State Department of Commerce (DOC) and Lewis County. Commissioner
Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
East County Permit Center trial run: Mindy Brooks discussed plans to open a temporary permit center
within the Public Works shop.
Washington Opportunity Zones Program 2.0: Mindy Brooks and Economic Alliance External Relations
Manager Eric Sonnenberg discussed upcoming changes regarding Opportunity Zones, which are
federally designated tracts meant to spur investment in undercapitalized communities. He discussed
upcoming training available as the federal government rolls out a revised program referred to as
Opportunity Zones 2.0 (OZ 2.0). He and Becky Butler discussed the proposed map, noting that Governor
Ferguson will nominate up to 25 percent of the state’s eligible low-income census tracts to be
opportunity zones.
Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) follow-up: Becky Butler discussed proposals
regarding interest earned in the LEOFF fund. The commissioners said they will further discuss the topic
April 22.
Capital Infrastructure position review: Matt Patana outlined his request for a position.
Commissioner Brummer made a motion to approve the Capital Infrastructure Administrative Assistant
– Grant Administrator position as outlined in the attached memo effective May 1, 2026.
Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Capital Facilities Projects (CFP): Matt Patana reviewed proposals regarding Capital Facilities projects,
which include the following:
• Upgrade the existing intrusion/security system panels at County Road Shop – not to exceed
$6,000, funding from 3010 (Capital Maintenance).
• Hire for Saloon Stage Roof Replacement & Repair – not to exceed $25,000, funding from 3120
(REET II).
• Hire a contractor to demolish former maintenance shop – not to exceed $32,560, funding from
3010 (Capital Maintenance).
• Authorize transfer from Fund 3010 to Facilities Fund 5070 to cover up to $18,000 for the
emergency backup HVAC. Facilities will recoup the costs in ISF rates in 2028.
• Purchase check-scanning units and barcode scanners to accompany new software being
implemented by Treasurer and Assessor’s Office – up to $18,500, funding from 3010 (Capital
Maintenance).
• Complete next phase of Law and Justice Building HVAC modernization project, which includes
essential hydronic and mechanical improvements – increases project budget by an amount not
to exceed $100,000, funding through 3110.
Commissioner Brummer made a motion to approve the Capital Facilities Projects as proposed.
Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Packwood Lake: Commissioner Brummer discussed a proposed ordinance to allow electric boats on
Packwood Lake and Carlisle Lake as well as at South County Park. The commissioners directed staff to
move forward with the ordinance.
Mineral EV charging station: Commissioner Brummer said a ribbon-cutting event is planned for May 8.
Timberland Regional Library: Commissioner Pollock said she met with the board of county
commissioner chairs from the four other partner counties involved with the Timberland Regional Library
(TRL). Commissioner Pollock said the commission chairs decided to direct TRL trustees to seek someone
from outside TRL to serve as interim director.
Vacancies: The commissioners directed staff to move forward as follows:
• Law and Justice Council (two citizen representatives): Include Julie Plahuta and Tim Wood on the
resolution appointing the representatives.
• Historical Society: Draft a resolution to reappoint Bill Teitzel.
• Public Facilities District (PFD): Advertise the position.
• Water Conservancy Board: Readvertise the position.
Approval of minute folders: Commissioner Brummer made a motion to approve minute folders for the
weeks of March 30 and April 6. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Correspondence: The group discussed correspondence received regarding an adult store in Toledo as
well as correspondence received regarding hook-up fees in Vader.
Meeting adjourned at 9:41 a.m.