Board of Cowlitz County Commissioners
Steve Rader, Commissioner District 1 Steven L. Ferrell, Commissioner District 2 Richard R. Dahl, Commissioner District 3 Kelly Grayson, Clerk of the Board
Regular Public Meeting October 20, 2026, 9:00 a.m. Board Meeting Convenes at 9:00 a.m. • • • • •
• • • • •
Invocation by Invitation Live KLTV Pledge of Allegiance ZOOM Stream Link Link Minutes of October 12-13, 2026 Proclamation Phone Option: (253) 215-8782 Webinar ID: 820 1961 3917 Consent Agenda of October 20, 2026 o Call for Public Hearing o Request for Proposals o Contracts/Agreements/Bid Awards o Correspondence o Vouchers Motion Items Board of Health Appointments – 9:30 a.m. Public Hearing – 10:00 a.m. Work Session – 10:15 a.m. Public Comments o Citizen Participation may be anonymous. See RCW 42.30.040
Proclamation Epic Coalition •
Red Ribbon Week
Consent Agenda Call for Public Hearing Public Works 1. Call for Public Hearing to Consider a Revision to the Water Meter Rates scheduled for November 17, 2026, at 9:45 a.m. Request for Proposals Public Works
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Regular Public Meeting October 20, 2026, 9:00 a.m. Contracts/Agreements/Bid Awards Human Resources 3. Memorandum of Understandings with Local 1262 and Local 1262-Health regarding use of voluntary furloughs for the remainder of 2026 and 2027. (235513) Correspondence 4. Letters/Executed Agreements a. Contract Completion Letters to Advanced Excavating Specialists, Cowlitz Clean Sweep, Janke Trucking, and Jammie’s Environmental LLC in response to the Headquarters Leachate Line Repair emergency declared via Resolution 26-012 on March 2, 2026. (235570) b. Letter dated 10/20/2026 to Nick Karavolos thanking him for his application to the Planning Commission. The position is filled. (235589) c. Letter dated 10/20/2026 to Toni Vossen thanking him for his application to the Civil Service Commission. The position is filled. (235590) Vouchers The following vouchers/warrants are approved for payment. Funds Claims Claims Special Purpose District No. 1 Special Purpose District No. 1 Special Purpose District No. 2 Special Purpose District No. 2 Public Facilities District No. 1 Total
Voucher Numbers 1000075106-1000075207 1000029017-1000029106 5000021623-5000021629 5000004367-5000004373 7000004704-7000004706 7000000685-7000000692 9000000354-9000000354
Amount $ 1,024,184.60 1,138,151.90 2,262.08 2,722.20 799,972.22 9,317.82 84,288.69 $ 3,060,899.51
Motion Items Treasurer 5. Resolution Rescinding Resolution #18-051 and Revising the Cash Handling Policy and Procedures. (234365)
Board of Health Appointments – 9:30 a.m.
Public Health, Health Care Facilities, and Providers o Karen Joiner o Daniel Fristed Consumers of Public Health o Kelly Lane Other Community Stakeholders o Lorna Stuart o Robert Buchman Page 2 of 3
Regular Public Meeting October 20, 2026, 9:00 a.m.
Public Hearing – 10:00 a.m. Health & Human Services 6. Community Development Block Grant close out for 2025-2026 and new application for 2026-2027. (234285)
Work Session – 10:15 a.m. Health & Human Services •
Community Action Program (CAP) and Mediation Center
Chairman Updates Upcoming Meetings/Important Dates: • Tuesday, October 27th @ 10:00 a.m. – Board of Health • Tuesday, November 3rd @ 10:00 a.m. – Service in Excellence Awards • Tuesday, November 10th @ 10:00 a.m. – Great Rivers Behavioral Health • Tuesday, December 15th @ 10:00 a.m. – Department of Ecology RCW 42.30.040 – Conditions to attendance not to be required. A member of the public shall not be required, as a condition, to attend a meeting of a governing body, to register his or her name and other information, to complete a questionnaire, or otherwise to fulfill any condition precedent to his or her attendance. People may remain anonymous when logging on to Zoom by creating any name and email of their choosing. In a meeting, public comments will be received, either or both, orally (raise hand in Zoom or use *9 on phone) and by writing. Note: Written comments may be sent to the Board at any time. For oral presentations, the Board may set a time for comments and speakers. All matters listed with the Consent Agenda were previously distributed to each Board Member for reading and study, were available for public viewing, are considered items of regular County business, and will be approved, without separate discussion, by one motion of the Board of County Commissioners. An item may be removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on the Regular Agenda for separate discussion and voting at the request of any Board Member. The Board of Commissioners may add and take action on other items not listed on this Agenda. • • •
Agenda Online Address: https://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/535/Agendas---Regular-Public-Meetings ZOOM Invitation Address (for all meeting days): o https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82019613917 KLTV Live Feed Address: http://www.kltv.org
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BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF COWLITZ COUNTY, WASHINGTON
In the Matter of Setting a Hearing to Consider a Revision to the Water Meter Rates
) ) )
RESOLUTION NO.
WHEREAS, Cowlitz County Department of Public Works has recently added various new meter sizes for their utility customers; and WHEREAS, it has been determined that each meter should have a different fee amount depending on the size; and WHEREAS, the new fees would be as follows: 1 – inch meter - $950, 1.5 - inch meter - $1,200, and the 2 - inch meter would be $1,500; and WHEREAS, a Public Hearing needs to be held in order to adopt these new rates and put them into effect. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that a public hearing should be held on November 17, 2026, at 9:45 a.m. in the Commissioners' Hearing Room, County Administration Building, Kelso, Washington, at which hearing any person may appear and comment on the matter. DATED this _____ day of ____________, 2026. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF COWLITZ COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Richard R. Dahl, Chairman
Steve Rader, Commissioner ATTEST: Kelly Grayson, Clerk of the Board
Steven L. Ferrell, Commissioner
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING COWLITZ COUNTY WATER AND SEWER REVISE WATER METER RATES FOR RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS
Cowlitz County will hold a public hearing on November 17, 2026, at 9:45 a.m. in the Commissioners Hearing Room, Administration Building, 207 4th Ave N. Kelso, WA. The purpose of the hearing will be to receive comments on a proposed revision to water meter rates. At said hearing any person may appear and be heard for or against the proposed action. The County Administration Building is accessible for persons with disabilities. Call the Clerk of the Board at 360-577-3020 if you need special accommodations to attend the meeting. Contact Public Works at 360-577-3030 for additional information during business hours (M-Th 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
DATED this ____ day of ____________, 2026.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF COWLITZ COUNTY, WASHINGTON
PUBLISHED: PUBLICATION REQUIREMENT: To be published once a week for three consecutive weeks BILLING INFORMATION: 1)
AFFIDAVITS TO:
Cowlitz County Public Works 1600 S. 13th Avenue Kelso, WA 98626
2)
BILL TO:
Cowlitz County Public Works 1600 S. 13th Avenue Kelso, WA 98626
P.O. 001064
234285
Timed Item
BOCC Agenda Meeting Date: 10/20/2026 Public Hearing - Community Development Block Grant Submitted By: Jamie Drake, Finance Manager - HHS Submitted For: Gena James, HHS Deputy Director Department: Human Services Dept
Information Subject and Summary Statement
The purpose of the public hearing is to review community development and housing needs, inform citizens of the availability of funds and eligible uses of the state Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and receive comments on proposed activities, particularly from lower-income persons residing in the Cowlitz, Wahkiakum service areas. The Board of Commissioners will take comment on Cowlitz County’s and Lower Columbia Community Actions Council’s past performance and use of prior CDBG Public Services Grant will also be received. For the 2027 program year (July 2026-June 2027), up to $68,000 is proposed to be available to the county and the Lower Columbia Community Action Council to fund public services that principally benefit low- and moderate- income persons. For the 2025-26 program year, Cowlitz County and Lower Columbia Community Action Council received $70,000. Staff Attendance Gena James Department Recommendation Attachments 2026-27-CDBG App COWLITZ CO, 6-G Determination of Exemption_FILLABLE, 2025-2026 Contract Close Out Report_Public Services
Form Review User Drake, Jamie Drake, Jamie James, Gena Reed,Pervie
Task Agenda Item Submission Preliminary Review - HHS Department Approver Review Clerk of the Board Review
Action Submit Approve Approve
Timestamp 9/15/2026 1:28:00 PM 9/15/2026 2:37:00 PM 9/16/2026 10:11:00 AM
Approve
9/16/2026 10:24:00 AM
234285 Approved: _________________ BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF COWLITZ COUNTY, WASHINGTON __________________________ Richard R. Dahl, Chairman __________________________ Steve Rader, Commissioner __________________________ Steven L. Ferrell, Commissioner Attest: ____________________ Clerk of the Board
Timed Item
ATTACHMENT 6-G (1)
Determination of Exemption & Determination of Categorical Exclusion (not subject to Section 58.5) 24 CFR 58.34(a) and 58.35(b)
Grantee/Responsible Entity (City, Town or County): Project Name:
Cowlitz County
2026 Public Services
Total Project Cost:
$ 68,000.00 List Proposed Funding Sources and Amounts: CDBG $68,000 Project Location: Cowlitz County Project Representative: Gena James Telephone Number: 360-414-5599 Description of the Proposal: Include all contemplated actions, which logically are geographically or functionally a composite part of the project, regardless of the source of funding. [24 CFR 58.32]
Public Services through Lower Columbia Community Action Council to low- and moderateincome persons in Cowlitz County √
The activity falls into the checked category below, and listed at 24 CFR 58.34(a) as Exempt. 1. Environmental and other studies, resource identification, and development of plans and strategies 2. Information and financial services 3. Administrative and management activities
✔
4. Public services that will not have a physical impact or result in any physical changes including but not limited to services concerned with: Employment Recreation needs Energy conservation Crime prevention Drug abuse Welfare Child care Education Other _______________ Health Counseling 5. Inspections and testing of properties for hazards or defects 6. Purchase of insurance 7. Purchase of tools 8. Engineering or design costs 9. Technical assistance and training 10. Temporary or permanent improvements that do not alter environmental conditions and are limited to activities to protect, repair or arrest the effects of disasters or imminent threats to public safety, including those resulting from physical deterioration. 11. Payment of principal and interest on loans made or obligations guaranteed by HUD
December 2022
ATTACHMENT 6-G (2) √
✔
The activity falls into the checked category listed below, and is listed at 24 CFR 58.35(b) as a Categorically Excluded activity not subject to Section 58.5. 1. Tenant-based rental assistance 2. Supportive Services (including but not limited to): Health care Nutritional services Housing services Short term payments for rent/mortgage/utilities Permanent housing placement Assistance in gaining access to government Day care benefits/services 3. Operating Costs: Supplies Maintenance Utilities Staff training and recruitment Security Furnishings Operation Equipment 4. Economic Development Activities: Other expenses not associated Interest subsidy Equipment purchase with construction or expansion Operating costs Inventory financing 5. Activities to assist homeownership of existing or dwelling units under construction, Including: Closing costs and down payment assistance to homebuyers Interest buy downs or other actions resulting in transfer of title 6. Affordable housing pre-development costs Legal consulting Developer and other site-option costs Project financing Administrative costs for loan commitments, zoning approvals, and other non-construction activities 7. Approval of supplemental assistance (including insurance or guarantee) to a project previously approved under Part 58, if: the same responsible entity conducted the environmental review on the original project and re-evaluation of the environmental findings is not required under Section 58.47
Additional HUD Laws & Authorities (24 CFR 58.6) Section 1. Flood Disaster Protection Act Section 58.6 requires compliance with the Flood Disaster Protection Act. However, under 24 CFR 55.1 (b)(1) the prohibitions are not applicable to HUD financial assistance under the State-administered CDBG Program (24 CFR part 570, subpart I). Therefore, the Act does not apply. Section 2. Airport Runway Clear Zones (Civil) and Accident Potential Zones (Military) Comply with 24 CFR Part 51, Subpart D which may include providing a written notice to a prospective buyer or leaser of the potential hazards from airplane accidents and the potential that an airport or airfield operator may wish to purchase the property at some point in the future as part of a clear zone acquisition program. Maintain copies of the signed notice. For properties located in a military clear zone, make and document a determination of whether the use of the property is generally consistent with DOD guidelines. (Check as appropriate) 2a. Does the project involve HUD assistance, subsidy or insurance for the purchase or sale of an existing property?
2b. Is the project located within 2,500 feet of a civil airport or 15,000 feet of a military airfield?
2c. Is the project located within an FAA-designated civilian airport Runway Clear Zone (RCA) or Runway Protection Zone, or within the military Airfield Clear Zone (CZ) or Accident Potential Zone/Approach Protection Zone (APZ), based upon information from the airport or military airfield administrator identifying the boundaries of such zones?
YES Continue
✔ NO Skip 2b and 2c regulation does not apply.
YES Continue
✔ NO Skip 2c regulation does not apply.
YES Continue
✔ NO Document — regulation does not apply.
Section 3. Coastal Barrier Resources Act. Section 58.6 also requires compliance with the Coastal Barrier Resources Act. There are no Coastal Barrier Resource Areas in Washington State. Therefore, the Act does not apply.
December 2022
ATTACHMENT 6-G (3) SEPA CERTIFICATION The Grantee certifies that the proposed CDBG project complies with the provisions of the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA, Chapter 43.21C RCW) and has determined:
✔
The project is Categorically Exempt under SEPA WAC 197.11.800 OR The project does not have a probable adverse impact on the environment (WAC 197-11-970) and an environmental impact statement is not required. Documentation supporting the Determination of Nonsignificance is contained in the Environmental Review Record.
NEPA CERTIFICATION A Request for Release of Funds (RROF) is not required for this project. The Responsible Entity can initiate the activity without further environmental review beyond 24 CFR Part 58.6.
Preparer Name and Title (print): Signature:
Gena James, Deputy Director Date:
Certifying Official Name and Title (print): Richard Dahl, Chairman Board of County Commissioners Signature:
Date:
This original, signed document and related supporting material must be retained on file by the Responsible Entity in an Environmental Review Record (ERR) for the activity/project (ref: 24 CFR Part 58.38) and in accordance with recordkeeping requirements for the HUD program(s).
December 2022
ATTACHMENT 12-D (1)
Community Development Block Grant CONTRACT CLOSE OUT REPORT – PUBLIC SERVICES 1. Contract Number: 25-64210-004 2. Grantee Jurisdiction: Cowlitz 3. Chief Administrative Official and Title: Richard Dahl - Chairman, Board of County Commissioners 4. CDBG Contract End Date or Project Completion Date: June 30, 2026 5. Final Public Hearing Date: October 20, 2026 6. Brief project summary and results achieved: The project met the needs identified through this grant to assist Lower Columbia CAP with their Meals on Wheels Rural Senior Meals program by providing meals to low-and moderate income seniors. According to the beneficiary reports, during FY 26 a total of 176 people were served 7,789 meals through Meals on Wheels Rural Senior Meals Program.
7. Service area of the project/activity(s): Cowlitz County (outside the city of Longview) The chief administrative official of the grantee jurisdiction certifies that: 1. 2. 3. 4.
The financial information and data provided in this report is accurate as of the signature date indicated below. The project was completed in accordance with the grant contract and scope of work. A final public hearing was conducted to assess project performance. Records supporting the information provided in this report will be maintained for a minimum of six (6) years from final closeout and made available upon request. 5. The CDBG Program can use or reproduce all media material provided by the grantee. In the event audits disclose disallowable costs, the Washington State Department of Commerce shall retain the right to recover an appropriate amount of costs after fully considering the recommendations on disallowed costs resulting from the final audit.
Signature: Chief Administrative Official
December 2022
Date
ATTACHMENT 12-D (2)
FINANCIAL SUMMARY Budget Summary HUD IDIS Activity Number, Budget Code and Description
Expenditures
(See the project A-19 invoice voucher information) IDIS Activity #
Budget Code and Description
Budget Amount
Funds Expended
8799
21A – Public Services General Admin
$3,500
$3,500
$0
8798
05Z – Public Services
$66,500
$66,500
$0
$70,000
$70,000
*$0
Total CDBG
Balance*
Other Funding
Total Project
$0
$0
$70,000
$70,000
*Any dollar amount reflected in the Total CDBG Balance column will be de-obligated and returned to the CDBG Program.
PROGRAM INCOME 1. Will this project generate program income?
Yes
No
2. If “Yes” to question 1, have you submitted a Program Income Reuse Plan to your CDBG project manager?
Yes
No
For detail on program income and content of a Program Income Reuse Plan, see Section 4 CDBG Management Handbook.
December 2022