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2026-05-27 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update May 27, 2026 9 a.m. Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler, David Bailey, Scott Gripp, Rocky Lyon, Geoff Soderquist, Stacey Werner, Dahkota Harmonson, Mindy Brooks, Matt Patana, Jeremy Manikko, Justin Bicknell, Graham Gowing, Auditor Larry Grove, Grace Jimenez, Amanda Price, Alex Murray, Casey Mauermann, Caroline Garibay, Fionna Velazquez, Meja Handlen, Natalie Kamieniecki, Rachel Lester, Sherri Dokken, Tom Stanton, Rudy Rodriguez, Ashley Hamilton Guest(s): Unnamed guests Recorder: Rieva Lester Public comment: None. At 9 a.m., Commissioner Pollock announced that the Board would be going into executive session until 9:20 a.m. to discuss real estate acquisition under RCW 42.30.110(1)(b) and the following topics under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i): • Tort claims: JT, JL, KD, DC, DT and RJ • Workers’ comp claim • Np Buffer - Amicus Curiae • Lewis County Investment Pool In addition to the commissioners, Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler, Chief Civil DPA David Bailey and DPA Scott Gripp, attendees included Washington Counties Risk Pool representatives Scott Henderson and Bryden Barbee, who joined for the tort claims discussion. • At 9:20 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:30 a.m. Grace Jimenez, Graham Gowing and Larry Grove joined at 9:29 a.m. to participate in the Lewis County Investment Pool discussion. • At 9:30 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:35 a.m. • At 9:35 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:40 a.m. • At 9:40 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:45 a.m. At 9:42 a.m., Grace, Graham and Larry exited executive session and Geoff Soderquist joined for the workers’ comp claim discussion. • At 9:45 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:47 a.m. • At 9:47 a.m., Commissioner Pollock extended executive session until 9:52 a.m. Executive session ended at 9:52 a.m. Commissioner Pollock noted that no decisions had been made. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to authorize the action necessary for Lewis County to participate as an amicus party in the case of Washington Farm Forestry Association et al. v. State Forest Practice Board et al., Thurston County Superior Court Cause No. 25-2-05763-34, regarding the Np Buffer rules, and allowing funding to participate – subject to review of the Lewis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office – as discussed in executive session. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to authorize the settlement authority for the Workers’ Comp claim, claim No. SJ-44065, as discussed in executive session. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to authorize the settlement authority for the tort claims as discussed in executive session. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Resolutions Dahkota Harmonson discussed a resolution to approve Audiovisual Solution Proposal from Avidex for the upgrade/replacement of aging Codec video conferencing system/touchscreen control panels in Superior Court and District Court. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to approve the contract as written. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. The commissioners noted they will follow the day’s action with a resolution on June 2. Matt Patana discussed a resolution to approve Grant Amendment D for Grant No. FY22-90006-001 for the Historic Courthouse Grant. Matt Patana discussed a resolution to award the contract for Southwest Washington Fairgrounds Midway drainage improvements and repaving project. Rocky Lyon discussed a resolution to reappoint two members to the Lewis County Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Rocky Lyon discussed a resolution to approve the salvage/scrap of surplus equipment. Geoff Soderquist discussed a resolution to ratify Agreement No. STRUCT2026 with Exeltech, a Bowman Company, for 2026 Annual Structural Services in the amount of $300,000. Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to approve a memorandum of agreement between Lewis County and Washington State University (WSU) Extension. Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to reappoint William 'Bill' Teitzel to the Lewis County Historical Society Board of Directors. Commissioner Brummer made a motion to move two consent items and eight deliberation items to the Tuesday, June 2, 2026, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Wednesday Workshop FIFA World Cup: Justin Bicknell discussed potential impacts of the FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled for June 11 through July 19. He noted that Seattle will be hosting events June 15, 19, 24 and 26 as well as July 1 and 6. He said Lewis County may see increased traffic during those times. Announcements / new business • Community Development’s new software has decreased permit intake from roughly 1 hour to roughly 10 minutes per • Recent paint recycling event was a success • Recycling events planned for Winlock and Pe Ell • IT has been working on audio / video refresh for hearing room • Damaged gate at the fairgrounds is being replaced • Law and Justice boiler work continues • Shredding will take place May 29 • Public Health and Social Services has been attending meetings regarding the upcoming FIFA tournament Shopping cart ordinance: Commissioner Swope proposed a countywide shopping cart ordinance. Department of the Interior notice re non-gaming land acquisition request: The commissioners said they will sign the letter regarding the tribe’s recently purchased Hamilton Road area. America 250: Commissioner Swope discussed hosting a celebration / photo on July 7. Calendars: Commissioner Brummer said he will attend the June 1-3 meetings remotely as he’ll be at a conference. Commissioner Swope said he’ll attend the upcoming Timber Counties Caucus. Correspondence: The commissioners discussed correspondence received regarding the county’s representatives on the Timberland Regional Library Board of Trustees. Meeting adjourned at 10:33 a.m.