2026-04-22 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update
April 22, 2026
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler,
Angie Hodge, Mindy Brooks, Geoff Soderquist, Chief Chris Sweet, Chief Chris Tawes, Matt Thuston,
Anders Pollman, Karin Phomma, David Bailey, Grace Jimenez, Casey Mauermann, Graham Gowing,
Natalie Kamieniecki, Shelly Stewart, Tom Stanton, Fionna Velazquez, Vader Mayor Joe Schey, Vader
Clerk Kristyn Miller, Ashley Hamilton, Rudy Rodriguez, Julie Pirtle, Commissioner Pollock (9:44 a.m.)
Guest(s):
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Becky Butler discussed a call for bids for the SWW Fairgrounds to improve the Stormwater Drains and
Surface renewal along the “midway.”
Chief Chris Sweet discussed a resolution to accept an agreement between Lewis County Sheriff/Jail and
Cascade Mental Health Care.
Grace Jimenez discussed a resolution to rescind Resolution 96-45 and increase the Section 125 Trust
Account balance.
Geoff Soderquist discussed a resolution to list the bids received and contractor selected for the Carr
Road MP 0.20 to MP 0.21 Slide Repair Project, 90-21F3782700020.
Geoff Soderquist and Anders Pollman discussed a resolution to approve a Professional Services Contract
with Carollo Engineers Inc. for the Middle Fork Water System Plan Update.
Becky Butler discussed a resolution to authorize legal defense and indemnity for Robert Snaza, Sean
Swope, Jonathan Meyer and Warren McLeod, and their marital community, if any, regarding a lawsuit
brought by Paul Bromm - Action No. 3:26-cv-05384.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to move one notice item, two consent items and five
deliberation items to the Tuesday, April 28, 2026, BOCC Business Meeting agenda. Commissioner
Brummer seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
Executive session: At 9:15 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going into
executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 9:25 a.m. to discuss the following four topics:
• Bromm v. Lewis County
• Good Crushing v. Lewis County
• Six Remnant Defendants Settlement - CL-2021655
• Fire Districts 5 and 6 litigation (Chehalis annexation)
Executive session ended at 9:25 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to approve joining the Six Remnant Defendants litigation and to
authorize Becky Butler to sign on the county’s behalf. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion
passed 2-0.
Wednesday Workshop
Fairgrounds and Fair price lists: Fionna Velazquez reviewed the proposed Fair pricing lists, which include
increases to Fair parking fees. She said the advisory board recommends leaving the fee at $5 for presales
and $5 for parking on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with the fee increasing to $10 on Fridays,
Saturdays and Sundays. The commissioners said they will revisit the topic April 27.
Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF): Commissioner Swope made a motion to transfer
$432,662 from the LEOFF Fund 5160 to Capital 3010. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion
passed 2-0.
Thank you letter: The commissioners agreed to sign a thank you to the 19th and 20th District legislators.
Highway 12: The commissioners agreed to sign a letter to WSDOT re Highway 12.
Commissioner Pollock joined sometime around 9:44 a.m.
Vader water: Vader Mayor Joe Schey provided a presentation outlining the steps the city has taken to
reacquire the Vader Water system back from the county.
Mayor Schey said the city meets the receivership requirements outlined in Resolution 13-504 (Oct. 28,
2013), which states in part that Lewis County agrees to return the water system to the city of Vader
“upon fulfillment of the Conditions of Return outlined in the Transfer Agreement, including but not
limited to the requirement that the City establishes that it has the financial, technical and managerial
capacity to operate the Water System in the best interests of the utility customers.”
Meeting adjourned at 10:11 a.m.