Susan Wickert

The board addressed several agenda items, including setting a public hearing for an interlocal agreement between the City of Vader and Lewis County. Other deliberations involved appointing a member to the Salary Commission, accepting a grant for an electric vehicle charging station, and approving various contracts with Thurston County, Coastal Community Action Program, and WEST Consultants. Additionally, the board ratified a collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 252 and held a hearing to update county codes regarding electric-thrust operated vessels on specific waterways.

The board meeting agenda included a motion to amend the upcoming business meeting to include a resolution authorizing legal defense and indemnity for county officials regarding a specific lawsuit. Further discussions focused on an executive session regarding a buffer amicus curiae, WSU Extension administrative regionalization and a memorandum of understanding, a correction for the Community Development collective bargaining agreement, Washington State Association of Counties priorities, and a Department of the Interior notice concerning a land acquisition application. The board also addressed an upcoming DNR hearing regarding a land exchange and reviewed official correspondence.

The meeting included the review and approval of various invoices under the Ecology Management, Mitigation, and Engineering contracts. Key agenda items featured the passing of Resolution 26-004 to approve a supplemental agreement with Kleinschmidt and Resolution 26-005 to adopt the Lewis County Procurement Policy with changes. Additionally, the board received updates regarding the Office of Chehalis Basin, the Flood Authority, and general project announcements.

The meeting included the authorization of legal defense and indemnity for specified individuals regarding a lawsuit. The board discussed the rescission of previous resolutions to increase the balance of the Lewis County Auditor Revolving fund and to update the membership of the Capital Facilities Planning Committee. Furthermore, the board addressed the intent to vacate an unimproved portion of Fagley Road in Centralia and held a hearing regarding the vacation of an undeveloped right of way for Washington Street in Mineral. The meeting also addressed warrant and payroll approvals.

The agenda focuses on the review of various property tax petition cases scheduled throughout the day. Petitions involve multiple parcels and representatives addressing property valuation or tax assessment issues for specific named parties.