2025-07-16 ESC Directors UpdateESC / Directors’ Update
July 16, 2025
9:01 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Becky Butler, Mindy Brooks, John Abplanalp, Geoff Soderquist, Wes Anderson, Caroline Garibay,
Kirsten Wecker, Clerk Scott Tinney, Alex Murray, Gabe Anzelini, Amanda Price, Graham Gowing, Rocky
Lyon, Tina Correia, Nate Kunishige, Ross Nielson, Lynn Richard, Scott Gripp, Chris Lanegan, Tom Stanton,
Angie Hodge, Casey Mauermann, Grace Jimenez, Kristy Ward, Jacob Cleary, Marni Larson, Shelly
Stewart, Sherri Dokken, Keysha Anderson, Rae Sisson, Vickie Thormahlen
Guest(s): Unnamed guest
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
ESC
Employee entrance form: Nate Kunishige provided a refresher on employee entrance forms.
DIRECTORS’ UPDATE
Wes Anderson discussed a notice of hearing for a traffic ordinance fixing the maximum speed at which
vehicles may be operated over certain roads in Lewis County, Washington: defining offenses, and
providing penalties for the violation thereof.
Amanda Price discussed a resolution regarding the declaration of surplus personal property.
Becky Butler discussed a resolution to ratify addendum to Plus 1 Productions contract (the "Rodeo
Producer") for the 2025 Southwest Washington Fair Rodeo.
Kirsten Wecker discussed a resolution to approve Agreement #SWMLSWFA-2025-LCPHSS-00204
between The State of Washington Department of Ecology and Lewis County.
Rocky Lyon discussed a resolution to reappoint four members to the Lewis County Solid Waste Advisory
Committee.
Wes Anderson discussed a resolution to list the bids received and contractor selected for the Sargent
Road MP 1.33 Bridge Scour Repair, CRP 2159N, F.A. Project NO. BHOS-2021 (070).
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to approve an agreement for the memorial sign at the Gary Stamper
Memorial Overlook at Riffe Lake.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to move one notice item, two consent items and six deliberation
items to the Tuesday, July 22, 2025, BOCC Business Meeting agenda. Commissioner Swope seconded.
Motion passed 3-0.
Announcements / new business
Department heads and representatives provided updates, including:
• Ryan Barrett: Directors will meet July 18.
• Geoff Soderquist: Dump truck being prepped for fair use.
• Mindy Brooks: Permit counts have decreased roughly 20 percent in the past year. Planning
Commission will continue its work on the Comp Plan on July 22.
• Alex Murray: County has found a host for Schaefer Park.
Wednesday Workshop
Executive session: At 9:26 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going into
executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 9:36 a.m. to discuss Northwest Hardwoods.
Executive session ended at 9:36 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made.
Proposed updates to county code regarding on-site septic: Kirsten Wecker discussed proposed changes
to Chapter 8.40 of county code, which hasn’t been updated since 2007. Kirsten said state law doesn’t
allow homeowners to design their own septic systems.
Water lab: John Abplanalp and Kirsten Wecker outlined options for the water lab. John said he would
provide a read-ahead outlining the options.
Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding: The commissioners directed staff to add recipients to a draft letter
regarding SRS and directed Rieva Lester to send the oped to area newspapers.
Cowlitz Tribe request for letter of support re: National Tribal Transportation Facility Inventory (NTTFI)
listings: The commissioners directed Wes Anderson to ask the PA’s Office to review the proposed letter
of support then bring it back for their consideration.
Criminal Justice Treatment Account (CJTA): Caroline Garibay discussed outreach from the Health Care
Authority regarding the first right of refusal regarding CJTA funds. The commissioners directed Rieva to
respond that the county wants to continue managing the CJTA funds locally.
Fords Prairie nitrates: Commissioner Pollock discussed concerns regarding nitrate levels caused by the
state’s game farm. The commissioners directed staff to schedule a meeting with city representatives,
state representatives and the PA’s Office.
Announcements: Commissioner Brummer noted that Water District 1 now has only one commissioner,
requiring county action.
Meeting ended at 10:31 a.m.