2025-10-29 Directors' UpdateDirectors’ Update
October 29, 2025
9:01 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Becky Butler, David Bailey, Mindy Brooks, Bradley Clark, Jeff Landrum, Sarah Hensley, Wes
Anderson, Christina Sanders, Alex Murray, Geoff Soderquist, Eric Eisenberg, Meja Handlen, Caroline
Garibay, Angie Hodge, Gabe Anzelini, Graham Gowing, Matt Thuston, Natalie Kamieniecki, Tara Snelson,
Sherri Dokken, John Abplanalp, Kendra Garrison, Michael Hamling
Guest(s): Weston Floro-Hageman, KJ Slone, unnamed guests
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
At 9:01 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going into executive session
under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 9:21 a.m. to discuss four topics:
• Workers’ comp claim (with outside counsel)
• Logistics Property Co.
• Centralia Port mediation
• 508 Shop property insurance claim issue
At 9:22 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 9:32 a.m.
At 9:32 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 9:37 a.m.
At 9:37 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended executive session until 9:40 a.m.
Executive session ended at 9:40 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to authorize the meeting with the city of Centralia as discussed
in executive session regarding mediation. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
Resolutions / ordinances
Consultant Eric Eisenberg discussed a notice of a public hearing regarding a revision to Lewis County's 5-
year Homelessness Services Plan.
Wes Anderson discussed a notice of Public Hearing for the proposed 2026 Annual Construction Program
(ACP) and Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the years 2026-2031.
Becky Butler discussed a notice of hearings regarding the Lewis County budget and levies for 2026.
Ryan Barrett discussed a resolution to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for remediation of
communication towers at Cooks Hill, Hopkins and Baw Faw sites.
Mindy Brooks, Meja Handlen and Geoff Soderquist discussed a resolution to adopt a Categorized
Schedule of Fees effective January 1, 2026. The commissioners directed staff to amend the schedule to
specify that after-the-fact costs for road permits would be double the regular cost.
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve contract #C16-0255-25 amendment A between
Comunicativo and Lewis County.
Meja Handlen discussed a resolution to approve contract #K8531 between Washington State Healthcare
Authority and Lewis County.
Becky Butler discussed a resolution to approve a Public Defense contract with Sound Defenders PLLC,
represented by Heather Villani, for District Court.
Becky Butler discussed a hearing for Lewis County 2025 budget, emergency and supplemental
appropriations to and transfers within current expense and other funds.
Mindy Brooks discussed a hearing to adopt Ordinance 1369 to amend Chapter 2.11, Planning Section
and Commission, and adopt Chapter 2.50, Advisory Groups, of the Lewis County Code.
Commissioner Pollock made a motion to move four notice items, two consent items, four deliberation
items and two hearings to the Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Swope seconded.
Motion passed 3-0.
Announcements / new business / Wednesday Workshop
Department representatives provided updates:
• WSU Interim Director Christina Sanders: Will schedule an update with the commissioners to
discuss goals, etc.
• Becky Butler: Budget changes due the week of Nov. 4.
• Geoff Soderquist: Public Works held an emergency preparedness run-through over the
weekend.
• Alex Murray: Attended the state fair event the previous week with Fionna Velazquez.
• Gabe Anzelini: IT will forward a proposed AI policy to directors for review.
Water District 1 / Hampton Reservoir project: Geoff Soderquist said the state as asked the county to
enter into an interlocal agreement with Water District 1 to assist with WD1’s payment process should
the water district again become insolvent.
Permit process for short-term rentals: Mindy Brooks provided an overview of the proposed permit
process for short-term rentals. The commissioners directed staff to move forward with registration as a
three-phased approach that includes life-safety inspections and self-reporting for other items on the
checklist.
Meeting adjourned at 10:57 a.m.