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2025-12-03 Directors UpdateDirectors’ Update December 3, 2025 9 a.m. Present: Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler, Natalie Kamieniecki, Mindy Brooks, Geoff Soderquist, Meja Handlen, John Abplanalp, Kimberly Edminster, Liz Casteel, Jeff Hursh, Matt Patana, Preston Pinkston, Alex Murray, Angie Hodge, Gabe Anzelini, Grace Jimenez, Graham Gowing, Marylynne Kostick, Rudy Rodriguez, Sherri Dokken, Tom Stanton Guest(s): Dan Nickel, Kyle Cotchett, unknown guest Recorder: Rieva Lester Public comment: None. Kimberly Edminster and Geoff Soderquist discussed a notice of hearing for the renewal of a franchise to Wiltel Communications LLC to install, construct, operate and maintain telecommunications facilities in Lewis County rights of way. John Abplanalp and Meja Handlen discussed a request for Proposals (RFP) to Solicit Qualified Providers to Deliver Animal Shelter Operations Services in Lewis County. The commissioners said they’d like to indicate that experience is preferred, the pre-walk-through is mandatory and proposals will be due at the end of January. Matt Patana discussed a request for proposals (RFP) for water lab renovation. Mindy Brooks discussed a resolution to disband the Washington State Boundary Review Board for Lewis County, Washington. Liz Casteel discussed a resolution to ratify agreement between Lewis County 911 Communications and Medix Ambulance Service Inc. for emergency dispatch services. Geoff Soderquist discussed a resolution to revise the Lewis County Public Works Department Organization Chart. Ryan Barrett discussed a resolution to approve a collective bargaining agreement between Lewis County and the Lewis County Deputies Guild for December 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027. Ryan Barrett discussed a resolution to ratify a contract with Columbia Policy Advisors LLC for lobbying services. Rieva Lester discussed a resolution to establish the Chair and Vice Chair for the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners for 2026. Natalie Kamieniecki discussed a hearing to adopt Ordinance 1370 to amend Chapter 17.10, Definitions and Chapter 17.38, Critical Areas of the Lewis County Code. Becky Butler discussed a hearing to adopt Ordinance 1371 to amend Chapter 2.40, Standards for Public Defense Services, of the Lewis County Code. Commissioner Pollock made a motion to move three notice items, two consent items, six deliberation items and two hearings to the Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, BOCC agenda. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Announcements / new business / Wednesday Workshop Executive session: At 9:21 a.m., Commissioner Brummer announced that the Board would be going into executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) until 9:31 a.m. to discuss three topics: Gather Church petition to Growth Management Hearings Board, Napavine / Breen Acres Boundary alleged Line Adjustment and Climate Solutions v. State / amicus brief. At 9:31 a.m., Commissioner Brummer extended / executive session until 9:36 a.m. Executive session ended at 9:36 a.m. Commissioner Brummer noted that no decisions had been made. Commissioner Pollock made a motion to authorize the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to submit a Public Records Act request to the city of Napavine regarding the Breen Acres boundary line adjustment. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Commissioner Pollock made a motion to authorize the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to sign the Amicas brief regard Climate Solutions as discussed in executive session. Commissioner Swope seconded. Motion passed 3-0. Department representatives provided updates, including the following • Water system application submitted to Department of Health • Wire thieves targeting old maintenance shop, which needs to be demolished Natalie Kamieniecki provided an overview of the proposed changes related to the Critical Areas ordinance. Geoff Soderquist expressed concerns about self-regulation and the subjectivity of the “least impactful” language, which could lead to local requirements being more stringent than state requirements. Meeting adjourned at 10:16 a.m.