Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: PHSS - Public Health & Social Services

Directors' Update: Feb. 11, 2026

Business Meeting: Feb. 17, 2026

Summary:

The Veterans’ Advisory Board was established by Resolution No. 06-189 and updated by Resolution No. 12-143. The Lewis County Veterans’ Advisory Board bylaws establish the composition and appointment requirements for membership on the Board.

The Veterans’ Advisory Board recommends appointing Joshua Pickett to the Veterans’ Advisory Board.

Publications:

Cover Letter To:

Additional Copies To: Kendra Garrison, George Dodd, Jill Nielson, Bryan Hall, Sherri Dokken, Grace Jimenez, Michelle Sauter

Resolution

WHEREAS, the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) established the Veterans’ Advisory Board (VAB) via Resolution 06-189 and amended its bylaws via Resolution 12-143; and

WHEREAS, the VAB bylaws provide that the Board shall consist of no fewer than seven regular members and two alternate members, all of whom must be approved by the BOCC and appointed by resolution; and

WHEREAS, Patrick Swanson and Ed Smith have resigned, and the term for William Cavinder expired in August 2025, creating three vacancies on the VAB; and

WHEREAS, Joshua Pickett has expressed interest in serving on the Veterans’ Advisory Board, and alternates Jeff Elder (Resolution 25-198) and Scott Salkovics (Resolution 25-198) have moved into regular voting roles as outlined in the board's bylaws (Resolution 12-143); and

WHEREAS, the BOCC has reviewed a memorandum from the VAB recommending changes to its membership; and

WHEREAS, the VAB recommends that the BOCC appoint Joshua Pickett as an alternate voting member for a term ending February 29, 2028; and

WHEREAS, the BOCC finds that this appointment is in the best interest of the public and ensures compliance with the minimum membership requirements for the VAB.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the BOCC hereby ratifies the appointments of Jeff Elder and Scott Salkovics as regular members of the Veterans’ Advisory Board, effective upon the dates of Edward Smith's and William Cavinder's departure from said board (June 2025 and August 2025 respectively) and continuing through Feb. 28, 2027; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the BOCC hereby appoints Joshua Pickett as a non-voting alternate member of the Veterans’ Advisory Board for a term ending Feb. 29, 2028.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 17th day of February, 2026.