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2025-07-02 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update July 2, 2025 9:01 a.m. Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler, Geoff Soderquist, David Bailey, Mindy Brooks, Gabe Anzelini, Alex Murray, Salvation Army Captain Gin Pack, Salvation Army Captain Steven Pack, Angie Hodge, Caroline Garibay, Casey Mauermann, Graham Gowing, Kirsty Ward, Meja Handlen, Sherri Dokken, Vanessa Ruelas, George Dodd Guest(s): Jacob Moore, unnamed guests, Frank Corbin, Edna Fund Recorder: Rieva Lester Public comment: None. Agenda amendments: Commissioner Pollock made a motion to amend the agenda to include an executive session regarding the Berwick Creek project under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) as well as approval of Resolution 25-179: 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. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Berwick Creek project: At 9:04 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going into executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 9:14 a.m. to discuss the Berwick Creek project. Executive session ended at 9:14 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made. Commissioner Pollock made a motion approve Resolution 25-179: 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. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Veterans Journey Forward: Commissioner Brummer said Veterans Journey Forward has learned operational costs do not qualify for the congressional funding for which the county had tentatively agreed to serve as a pass-through. He said the group did not realize the funding could only be used for capital projects. As an alternative, Commissioner Brummer said, the group devised a capital project on which to use the funding: to open an Oxford House, a self-run, democratically governed and self- supporting recovery house for veterans recovering from substance use disorders. Commissioner Brummer said the $700,000 in congressional funding likely would not be enough to cover the program. He and Meja Handlen said they would recommend the county not work on the project due to the short timeline and uncertainty regarding ongoing funding. The commissioners agreed to decline heading the project. Commissioner Swope and Commissioner Pollock discussed a resolution to declare Lewis County a non- sanctuary county and affirm the rule of law. 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. Rieva Lester said this proposal was discovered to be a duplicate and therefore is being removed. Gabe Anzelini said the proposed resolution to approve Interlocal agreement with Medix Ambulance Services for technology services will need to be held. Ryan Barrett discussed a resolution to ratify Amendment A to contract 25-92601-029 with the Washington State Department of Commerce for LED lighting upgrades at the Lewis County Jail. Commissioner Pollock made a motion to move two consent items and two deliberation items – excluding Law and Justice LEDs and Medix – to the Tuesday, July 8, 2025, BOCC Business Meeting agenda. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Wednesday Workshop / announcements Department heads provided updates, including the following: Geoff Soderquist said the Ceres Hill Bridge project has been delayed due to state requirements. Mindy Brooks discussed an upcoming Planning Commission meeting, during which the group will review the proposed Comprehensive Plan, which has led to passionate discussions regarding short-term rentals. Capital Facilities position: Ryan Barrett discussed an organizational restructuring of Capital Facilities. Commissioner Pollock made a motion to approve the reorganization and the Capital Infrastructure specialist position as presented. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Coordinated Entry: Salvation Army Captains Gin and Steven Pack provided an update on The Salvation Army’s Coordinated Entry efforts. Meeting adjourned at 10:20 a.m.