2025-08-20 ESC Directors UpdateESC / Directors’ Update
August 20, 2025
9:01 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler,
Meja Handlen, consultant Erin Okelly with Kimley-Horn, Mindy Brooks, Tony Wherry, Liz Casteel, Kirsten
Wecker, Eric Eisenberg, Alex Murray, Ross Nielson, Charles Edmonson, Caroline Garibay, Gabe Anzelini,
Geoff Soderquist, Grace Jimenez, John Abplanalp, Kirsty Ward, Marni Larson, Sarah Hensley, Shelly
Stewart, Sherri Dokken, David Bailey
Guest(s): Jacob Moore
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
ESC
No updates from the electeds.
DIRECTORS’ UPDATE
Mindy Brooks discussed a resolution to authorize the Director of Community Development to
commence negotiations with the City of Chehalis for an interlocal agreement to annex territory within
the urban growth area.
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to authorize placement of casual water lab Laboratory Technician
on the current Lewis County Salary Grid (Grade 117 Step 5) for Non-Union Extra Help.
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve Contract #H02-0258-25 between Housing Resource
Center and Lewis County.
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve Contract #H04-0257-25 between Hope Alliance and
Lewis County.
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve Contract #C16-0255-25 between Comunicativo and
Lewis County.
Liz Casteel discussed a resolution to approve SECO Coordinator Professional Development (CPD)
Contract No. E26-036.
Liz Casteel discussed a resolution regarding the declaration of surplus personal property.
Liz Casteel discussed a resolution to approve the extension of a lease with Centralia School District No.
401 for use of a radio communication site on Crego Hill.
Liz Casteel discussed a resolution to approve a fourth amendment to Ground Lease Agreement with
Pope Resources, L.P. (Storm King).
Kirsten Wecker discussed a hearing for Ordinance 1366 to update Lewis County Code 8.40 to reflect
changes to WAC 246-272A effective April 1, 2025.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to move two consent items, nine deliberation items and one
hearing to the Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, BOCC Business Meeting agenda. Commissioner Brummer
seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
Announcements
Becky Butler said a budget amendment is scheduled for Sept. 16.
Geoff Soderquist said chipseal work is nearing completion.
Wednesday Workshop
Garlic Fest pet policy: Commissioner Pollock made a motion to approve the Garlic Fest pet policy as
presented to cover Aug. 22-24, 2025. Commissioner Brummer seconded. Motion passed 2-0.
Comp Plan briefing: Mindy Brooks and Kimley-Horn consultant Erin Okelly reviewed zoning designation
changes included in the proposed Comp Plan. Mindy noted the next updates will be Aug. 27
(development regulations) and Sept. 8 (short-term rentals). She said the Comp Plan hearing is
tentatively planned for Sept. 23.
Night-by-night shelter: At 10:01 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be
going into executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(c) until 10:11 a.m. to discuss rental fees for the
night-by-night shelter.
• At 10:11 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 10:16 a.m.
• At 10:16 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 10:19 a.m.
• At 10:19 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 10:21 a.m.
Executive session ended at 10:21 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made.
Meeting adjourned at 10:21 a.m.