2025-06-25 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update
June 25, 2025
9:03 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Meja Handlen,
Mindy Brooks, Sarah Hensley, Becky Butler, Alex Murray, Geoff Soderquist, Tina Correia, Gabe Anzelini,
Doug Carey, Erika Katt, Caroline Garibay, Casey Mauermann, Grace Jimenez, Gary Fredricks, Linda
Mastin, Stacey Werner
Guest(s): None
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to add a change order to the day’s agenda. Commissioner Pollock
seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
Becky Butler discussed a notice of hearing for an upcoming budget amendment.
Geoff Soderquist discussed a resolution to list the bids received and contractor selected for the Berwick
Creek @ Labree Road MP 0.459 Fish Passage Culvert Replacement Project, F.A. Project NO. PROTECT-
2021(078), CMP-2001. Geoff asked that the topic be placed on an upcoming agenda for an executive
session discussion.
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to establish bond amounts for elected and appointed county
officials.
Ryan Barrett discussed a resolution to ratify a contract with Millig Design Build to provide services for
energy audits and clean building compliance planning.
Ryan Barrett discussed a resolution to ratify Amendment A to contract 25-92701-035 with the
Washington State Department of Commerce for LED lighting upgrades at the Law and Justice Center.
Mindy Brooks discussed a resolution to enact annual outdoor burn restrictions starting on July 1 and
ending on October 15 every year.
Stacey Werner discussed a resolution to approve an interlocal agreement between Lewis County
Superior Court and City of Chehalis in support of case management as it pertains to the Mental Health
Court Program.
Sarah Hensley discussed a resolution to approve an Interagency Agreement between State of
Washington, Department of Ecology and Lewis County, acting as Fiscal Agent for the Chehalis River Basin
Flood Authority.
Sarah Hensley discussed a resolution to approve an Interagency Agreement between State of
Washington, Department of Ecology and Lewis County, acting as Fiscal Agent for the Chehalis River Basin
Flood Authority Warning and Alert System Implementation and Development.
Sarah Hensley discussed a resolution to approve of a Fifteenth (15th) Supplement Agreement between
SBGH Partners, LLC and Lewis County.
Sarah Hensley discussed a resolution to approve the Twenty-Ninth Supplement Agreement between
West Consultants Inc. and Lewis County, acting as Fiscal Agent for the Chehalis River Basin Flood
Authority, and authorize the Director of Community Development to sign on behalf of Lewis County.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to move one notice item, two consent items and 10 deliberation
items to the Tuesday, July 1, 2025, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
Announcements / new business: Department heads provided updates.
• Becky Butler: 2026 budget call letter has been sent to offices and departments. Ensure all new
casual employees undergo safety training.
• Mindy Brooks: Planning Commission will discuss short-term rentals as part of its
recommendations to the BOCC when it meets July 8.
• Meja Handlen: Public Health and Social Services is working on several contract renewals as well
as code changes for on-site septic.
• Alex Murray: Crews are working on repairs to the rooftop flag pole. Generators have been
placed on annual maintenance programs.
• Geoff Soderquist: Heavy construction is complete on Barnes Drive, Bunker Creek and Centralia
Alpha. Still working on LaBree, Sargent, King and another road this summer.
• Gabe Anzelini: More than three-quarters of county employees have completed their computer
upgrades.
• Doug Carey: Pressure-washing continues.
• Erika Katt: Wildfire season has arrived.
• Commissioner Swope: Praised Commissioner Pollock and county staff for their efforts to ensure
the city could hold fireworks at the fairgrounds. He also provided accolades regarding Fionna
Velazquez’s work at the fair.
Wednesday Workshop
Pac Mountain position: The commissioners directed staff to open the vacancy for a week.
Planning Commission vacancy: The commissioners directed staff to open the vacancy for three weeks.
Change order: Alex Murray discussed a change order for work at the Central Shop.
Meeting ended at 10:02 a.m.