2025-10-03 Mayors MeetingMayors’ Meeting
October 3, 2025
9:01 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Becky Butler, Winlock Mayor Brandon Svenson, Chehalis Mayor Tony Ketchum, Vader Mayor
Joe Schey, Pe Ell Mayor Lonnie Willey, Napavine Mayor Shawn O’Neil, Centralia City Manager Michael
Thomas, Centralia Deputy Mayor Chris Brewer, Lewis County Planner Natalie Kamieniecki, Solid Waste
Services Manager Rocky Lyon, Karen Hirte, Jennette Queen of WSDOT, Tanisha Harris of Sen. Cantwell’s
Office, Kristine Rompa of Puget Sound Energy, Caitlin Harrington of Sen. Murray’s Office
Guest(s): Jacob Moore
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Legislative priorities: The commissioners reviewed the county’s draft list of 2026 legislative priorities:
• Repair / replacement of the county’s multiple failing century-old bridges
• Industrial access
• Fairgrounds 4-H barn budget proviso
• Drain lines at the Fairgrounds while work is being done at the Midway (Dig Once)
• Aging HVAC systems at Law and Justice and Public Health buildings
• Water lab
• Packwood sewer
• Dam safety at Onalaska’s Carlisle Lake
• Fair funding since the fair is a state-mandated event per RCW 36.90
• Expansion of approved uses for Foundational Public Health Services funding
• Tort reform through Washington Counties Risk Pool
• Jail medical malpractice insurance
• Funding for public defense
Winlock Mayor Brandon Svenson said the city is interested in reclaimed water infrastructure, and
Napavine Mayor Shawn O’Neil said the city is interested in addressing its freeway interchange.
Lewis County Planner Natalie Kamieniecki discussed the county’s recently approved Comprehensive Plan
Periodic Update, which is poised to be completed with a final update in December.
City representatives provided updates, including:
• Centralia Deputy Mayor Chris Brewer: City is wrapping up work on its Comprehensive Plan. The
state has provided funding for nitrate study. And the city is working with the Department of Fish
and Wildlife to address the game farm nitrates.
• WSDOT representative Jennette Queen: Project to install ramp meters on Interstate 5 has been
completed. Freeway striping on the newly paved areas of I-5 will take place the week of Oct. 6.
• Solid Waste Manager Rocky Lyon: Solid Waste will need each partner city to sign off on the
county’s solid waste plan update.
• Caitlin Harrington of Sen. Murray’s office: The senator would like to hear from residents
affected by the federal government shutdown.
• Vader Mayor Joe Schey: The city completing its comprehensive plan, and the city has signed its
UGA interlocal with the county.
The commissioners urged federal lawmakers to ensure funding for Secure Rural Schools moves forward.
Commissioner Swope asked who will be on the hook for funds already expended on the Hydrogen Hub
and CleanFiber projects halted by the Trump administration.
The commissioners invited the mayors to attend the upcoming Legislative Roundtable, which is
scheduled for 2 p.m. Oct. 21.
Meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m.