2026-04-29 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update
April 29, 2026
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Becky Butler, David Bailey, Geoff Soderquist, Mindy Brooks, Kimberly Edminster, Gabe Anzelini,
Alex Murray, Andrea Dulaney, Jeff Hursh, Angie Hodge, Graham Gowing, Meja Handlen, Sarah Hensley,
Shad Hail, Dulce Almanza-Cabrera, Jay Nedry, Michael McDonald, Josh Prigmore, Rickie Anders, Seth
Foster, Tony Wherry, Anders Pollman, Natalie Kamieniecki, Nathaniel Barr, multiple other members of
the Juvenile staff
Guest(s):
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Employee Recognition: The Lewis County Commissioners honored employees for employment
milestones and for going above and beyond in their roles:
• 10 years: Dulce Almanza-Cabrera and Jay Nedry of Juvenile Court
• Employee Spotlight: Juvenile Detention Officer Michael McDonald and Radio Services
Supervisor Tony Wherry.
Executive session: At 9:05 a.m., Commissioner Pollock announced that the Board would be going into
executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 9:20 a.m. to discuss the following four topics:
• Ryan Justice tort claim
• Beenen appeal
• Bromm lawsuit
• Vader Water
At 9:20 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:30 a.m.
Commissioner Pollock exited executive session sometime before 9:29 a.m.
At 9:30 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 9:32 a.m.
Executive session ended at 9:32 a.m. Commissioner Pollock noted that no decisions had been made.
Commissioner Brummer made a motion to authorize the PA’s Office to proceed with the Vader Water
negotiation of transfer agreement. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Public comment: None.
Matt Patana discussed a call for bids for the Historic Museum Restoration & Preservation Project.
Matt Patana discussed a call for bids for the SWW Fairgrounds to improve the Stormwater Drains and
Surface renewal along the “midway.”
Mindy Brooks discussed a resolution to suspend the Master Site Review requirement and waive
Shoreline Conditional Use Permit fee for hydraulic protection actions completed during the December
2025 flood event.
Kimberly Edminster discussed a hearing to approve a franchise renewal to Lewis County PUD No. 1 to
install, construct, operate, and maintain telecommunications facilities in Lewis County road rights of
way.
Commissioner Brummer made a motion to move two notice items, two consent items, one
deliberation item and one hearing to the Tuesday, May 5, 2026, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Swope
seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Announcements / new business
Department heads provided the following updates / information:
• 2027 budget efforts ramping up
• East end permit center opens May 1
• Spring Youth Fair starts May 1
• Capital Infrastructure working on Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority grant
• HR Director Angie Hodge has accepted a position with the state
• Many members of staff attended the April 29 Boys and Girls Club / United Learning Center event
Wednesday Workshop
Economic Alliance invoice for flood mitigation ($20,000) for March meeting with J Vanderstoep: Becky
Butler discussed the invoice and noted that Economic Alliance is developing documentation the board
can consider annually to cover EA’s agreement with J Vanderstoep for flood mitigation services.
Commissioner Brummer made a motion to pay the Economic Alliance’s $20,000 invoice for J
Vanderstoep’s flood mitigation services. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Calendars: Commissioner Pollock noted that Judge Andrew Toynbee and Drug Court Manager Stephanie
Miller Drug Court and Family Court will discuss programs and upcoming events during the May 5
Business Meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 9:49 a.m.