2025-08-18 Wrap-Up CMBOCC Wrap-Up / County Manager Update
August 18, 2025
9:30 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler,
David Bailey, Undersheriff Kevin Engelbertson, Chief Chris Sweet, Geoff Soderquist, Meja Handlen,
Kirsten Wecker, Caroline Garibay, Fionna Velazquez, Grace Jimenez, Graham Gowing, Kirsty Ward,
Mindy Brooks, Rachel Lester, Angie Hodge, Sherri Dokken, Matt Patana, Auditor Larry Grove
Guest(s): Patty Howard, Ruth Gutierrez, unnamed guest
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Executive session: At 9:30 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going into
executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 9:46 a.m. to discuss the following three topics:
• Blurton estate lawsuit
• South Lewis County Airport hangar incident
• Ordinance 1354
At 9:46 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 9:51 a.m.
At 9:51 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 9:56 a.m.
Executive session ended at 9:56 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made.
Business agenda: Commissioner Pollock made a motion to add to the Aug. 19 BOCC Business Meeting
approval of minutes from the Aug. 5 Business Meeting as well as the following resolutions:
• 25-226: Approval of warrants / payroll.
• 25-227: Adopt Drug-free Workplace Policy for Lewis County employees.
• 25-228: Ratify a consultant agreement with Exeltech Consulting Inc., a Bowman Company, for
the Newaukum Valley Road at Allen Creek Fish Passage Design, CMP 2334.
• 25-230: List the bids received and contractor for one or more SUV pursuit-rated vehicles.
• 25-231: List the bids received and contractor selected for the Lewis County 2025 Snow Sand
Proposal.
Public Works Business and Office Manager: Geoff Soderquist and Ryan Barrett discussed the request.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to approve the request regarding the Public Works Business and
Office Manager position as presented effective Aug. 16, 2025. Commissioner Brummer seconded.
Motion passed 2-0.
Water lab technician casual hire: Meja Handlen discussed the request for a casual hire. The
commissioners directed staff to draft a resolution approving the request.
Proposed updates to county code regarding on-site septic: Kirsten Wecker reviewed the upcoming
hearing for on-site septic.
CHG contracts: Meja Handlen discussed the need for stop-gap contracts for Consolidated Homeless
Grants. The commissioners directed staff to proceed with negotiations for 90-day contracts.
Citizens Budget Committee vacancies: Becky Butler discussed vacancies on the committee.
Garlic Fest pet policy: Becky Butler said allowing pets on public property would require pet owners to
submit a waiver. The commissioners directed staff to add the topic for further discussion Aug. 20.
SW Washington Fair: The group discussed the success of the fair.
Minute folders: Commissioner Pollock made a motion to approve minute folders for the weeks of July
21 and 28, 2025. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
Meeting adjourned at 10:19 a.m.