2025-10-15 ESC Directors UpdateESC / Directors’ Update
October 15, 2025
9:01 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Becky Butler, David Bailey, Scott Gripp, Ross Nielson, Lynn Richard, Chris Lanegan, Meja
Handlen, Mindy Brooks, Geoff Soderquist, Charles Edmonson, Wes Anderson, Angie Hodge, Gabe
Anzelini, Alex Murray, Amanda Price, Graham Gowing, Scott Tinney, Arny Davis, Ryan Tornow, Julie
Pirtle, Casey Mauermann, Marylynne Kostick, Matt Thuston, Natalie Kamieniecki, Sarah Hensley, Sherri
Dokken, Tom Stanton, Vanessa Ruelas, Michelle Sauter, Erika Katt, Charles Edmonson, Derek Young,
Mitch Netzer, Gretchen Thaller, Vanessa Jodway, Dr. Jen Freiheit
Guest(s): Unnamed guests
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
At 9:03 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going into executive session
under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 9:13 a.m. to discuss four topics:
• Hardel Mutual Plywood property tax litigation
• Gather Church litigation
• Port of Centralia mediation
• Port of Centralia SEPA matter
At 9:13 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 9:23 a.m.
At 9:23 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 9:25 a.m.
Executive session ended at 9:25 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to approve the Hardel settlement as discussed in executive
session. Commission Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
>> ESC
Food trucks: Meja Handlen discussed inviting area food trucks to sell during the lunch hour.
Representatives attending supported the idea.
The group discussed the upcoming Legislative Roundtable and an Oct. 31 Halloween costume contest.
Becky Butler said final budgets will be added to OpenGov later in the day.
Charles Edmonson provided an update on noxious weeds.
>> DIRECTORS’ UPDATE
Becky Butler discussed a legal notice for Lewis County 2025 budget emergency and supplemental
appropriations to and transfers within current expense and various funds.
Mindy Brooks discussed a notice of public hearing to consider Ordinance 1369 to amend Lewis County
Code Chapter 2.11, Planning Commission, and 2.50, Advisory Groups.
Gabe Anzelini discussed a resolution regarding the declaration of surplus personal property.
Ryan Tornow discussed a resolution regarding the declaration of surplus vehicles and equipment.
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to accept Claquato Cemetery Board proposal for purchase of
Claquato Church.
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to amend Pacific Mountain Workforce interlocal agreement with
Thurston, Pacific, Mason and Grays Harbor counties.
Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to approve $240,000 in .09 (“Distressed Counties”) grant funding to
Lewis County Public Works for its Middle Fork Water System Plan update.
Mindy Brooks discussed an Oct. 20 joint hearing with Chehalis during which the commissioners will
consider approving an ordinance that would authorize the County Manager to enter into an interlocal
agreement with the City of Chehalis for the City to annex territory within the City of Chehalis urban
growth area.
Announcements / new business
Erika Katt welcomed staff to participate in The Great Shakeout emergency preparedness training at
10:16 a.m. Oct. 16.
Geoff Soderquist encouraged offices and departments to ensure they show up for their vehicle
appointments at Motor Pool in response to a slew of no-shows.
Wednesday Workshop
Nurse Family Partnership (NFP): Gretchen Thaller, Vanessa Jodway, Dr. Jen Freiheit provided an
overview of the NFP prevention program. Commissioner Swope asked for the number of unique visits in
the Chehalis area.
WSAC insurance discussion: Derek Young said WSAC is developing a statewide insurance pool. The
commissioners asked Derek to provide a list of the information WSAC would need by Friday in order to
provide the county quotes for coverage.
Meeting ended at 10:38 a.m.