2025-10-13 BOCC Wrap-Up_County Manager UpdateBOCC Wrap-Up/County Manager Update
October 13, 2025
9:00 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Becky Butler, Anders Pollman, Geoff Soderquist, Angie Hodge, Mindy Brooks, David Bailey, Gabe
Anzelini, Meja Handlen, Alisha Griffith, Matt Patana, Natalie Kamieniecki, Sherri Dokken, Rachel Lester,
Marylynne Kostick, Caroline Garibay
Guest(s): Unnamed guests from the public, Jacob Moore
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Public comment: None
Executive session: At 9:01 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going into
executive session until 9:11 a.m. to discuss Gather church litigation and the Centralia Landfill under RCW
42.30.110(1)(i).
At 9:11 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 9:14 a.m.
At 9:14 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 9:17 a.m.
Executive session ended at 9:17 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made.
Commissioner Swope made a motion to retain Keating, Bucklin, McCormack, Inc to represent Lewis
County on the Gather Church litigation. Commissioner Pollock seconded. Motion Passed 3-0.
Commissioner Swope said he expected comparable insurance rates from Derek Young of WSAC later
today. Commissioner Swope asked Angie Hodge for verification regarding signing a one-year or two-year
contract later asked for details about the retiree premium to be provided.
Ryan Barrett discussed the read ahead that was sent about the work performed for the Vader Water
System. The City of Vader has been trying to find ways to regain control over the water system. Anders
Pollman said that he has been scheduling a meeting to provide documentation for a plan of action.
Anders said it is in the early stages of planning. Geoff Soderquist said his office has been working on
being transparent. The existing agreement expires in December, and the city can petition for ownership
at any time. Geoff said the filter system is at the end of its lifespan and the estimated cost to replace is
over $1 million. Geoff said he would like to move forward as if Lewis County owns the water system, but
that creates issues with funding to provide safe water for the City of Vader. Ryan asked Geoff to reach
out to the PA’s Office for clarification on how best to move forward with the .09 funding request for the
filter system.
Ryan also addressed the Thurston County PUD water systems. Anders said Thurston County PUD owns
54 water systems in Lewis County and has offered to sell them to Lewis County for $1.38 million offering
at least a 1-year transition process. Anders said it would be important to review staffing and operations.
Geoff said it was important to consider maintenance and suggested having a consultant to provide a
feasibility study. Ryan said that we could submit a request for .09 funds to purchase a feasibility study.
Ryan said an extension for the close-out of the TransAlta reclamation/resurfacing has been requested.
Ryan wanted to confirm if a fireworks event will be happening at the fairgrounds. Commissioner
Brummer said he is meeting with Fair staff this week to discuss insurance costs and to see if it is viable.
Becky Butler said supplemental coverage is available for events that have been excluded.
Commissioner Swope said legislators are working with WDFW and the City of Centralia on issues
surrounding the Bob Oke game farm. Ryan and the Board agreed to respectfully decline to sign the
letter of support.
Meja said there is an open house for the Night-by Night shelter today with the Salvation Army.
Metting ended at 10:02 a.m.