The Kalama Civil Service January 23rd meeting has been cancelled due to lack of agenda items. The next scheduled meeting is February 27th at 5pm in the Kalama City Council Chambers at 320 N 1st Street, Kalama.
1.16.2025 City Council Recap:
Kalama City Council awarded the China Garden Road project to Swafford Excavating LLC of Washougal, WA as low bidder in the amount of $518,230 which is $240,000 less than the engineer’s project estimate. The City received 11 bids for the project ranging from $518,230 to $831,835.
KT West is working on developing an apartment complex of 20 units and requested the Council grant a waiver of the current requirement for each unit to be individually metered for utilities and allow for one “master meter” which will be billed to the property owner or management company. This is the industry standard. The Council approved a motion to grant the waiver allowing one master meter on the facility for utilities and possibly a second meter for any fire suppression system as required by fire code regulations. The City will work directly with the owner or their agent for utility billing. All building tenants will engage with the landlord or property manager, not the city, regarding city utilities.
KT West also noted that the current system development charges require calculation based on the full cost per unit for high density multi-family residential construction, which differs from the prorated calculation allowed for manufactured home parks or hotel/motel facilities. They are requesting the city council consider adopting the same structure for R-3 high density residential construction as is allowed for the other similar uses. To do this will require a code amendment. After discussion, the council requested staff to draft new code language to address R-3 high density connections in the same manner as manufactured home parks or hotel/motels. It was also suggested that all these be set at the same discount percentage for the additional units. Staff will bring a draft back for Council consideration at the next meeting.
Public Works Director Rasmussen noted the Downtown Sewer Rehabilitation project will be going to bid next week with opening scheduled for February 12, 2025. The City’s lead line survey needed to be resubmitted, and the Department of Health issued a letter of violation. A water line break on Confer Road required a boil water notice be issued on Wednesday for 8 homes in the area. Tests were expedited with the results returned this morning indicating the water is safe to drink.
The Planning Commission will be holding a public hearing on draft code language on nuisance abatement and begin their review of lot frontage and easement code changes at the meeting in February.
Police Chief Herrera noted the department will be working on community outreach events for 2025 such as coffee with a cop, milk cookies with a cop, and projects at the school.
Upcoming Events:
Chamber Meeting – Jim Hill to present information on Creative Districts January 21st at noon in the Port’s large meeting room.
City offices and the Kalama Public Library will be closed on Monday, January 20th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Residents with Monday garbage pickup will be on regular schedule, so please put your carts out on Sunday night. Thank you!
Boil Water Notice for January 15, 2025: The affected area is 200 to 279 Confer Rd
Read the notice details here: https://5il.co/358o6
The upcoming City Council meeting will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025 @ 7:00pm in the Council Chambers at 320 N 1st Street, Kalama, WA 98625. The agenda includes the following items:
- China Garden Rd Project- Award Bid
- Multi-unit Water Connection Fees
Full agenda can be found here: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa
The Kalama Library Board will meet on Wednesday, January 15th, 2025 at 5:15pm in the City Council Chambers located at 320 N 1st Street, Kalama, WA 98625. Agenda information can be found here: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will meet Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 5:30pm in the City Council Chambers at 320 N 1st Street, Kalama, WA 98625. The agenda can be found here: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa
Garbage pickup will be delayed to Tuesday, January 14th on North and South 3rd Streets. Please let your neighbors know if they don't use social media.
🚔🌟National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day🌟🚔
Today we take a moment to show our gratitude to the members of our Kalama Police Department who work tirelessly to keep our community safe.
From responding to emergencies to being a positive presence in our neighborhoods, Kalama's officers are committed to serving with dedication and integrity. Their hard work, sacrifice, and professionalism make Kalama a great place to live.
Let's come together to express our thanks for their service today and every day! Thank you @kalamapolicedepartment
The Planning Commission will continue the public hearing on the Cloverdale Heights subdivision preliminary plat on Thursday, January 9th, 2025 at 6:00pm in the city council chambers located at 320 N 1st Street, Kalama. Agenda information can be found here: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa/agendas/739
Kalama City Council: January 2, 2025
Happy New Year from Mayor Reuter and the Kalama City Council.
Kelso Councilmember Jim Hill provided information on a program in the state of Washington through the Department of Commerce called Creative Districts. The program is an economic driver for small communities where businesses, civic organizations, and local governments can partner to develop programs that draw people into the area. Nineteen Washington communities have formed these districts which can be of a diverse nature drawing on the interests of that community. Mr. Hill believes that Kalama is well suited for the program with its beautiful waterfront, active downtown and involved citizens. The only cost not covered by the state funding is for staff time. The state funding covers training and marketing which is state and regional marketing. The idea is to make the community a destination by advertising what makes the community unique and special. The Council was interested in getting additional information.
In reports, Chief Herrera reported on the successful polar plunge on New Year’s Day— raising over $3,000 for the Shop with a Cop program. City Administrator Smee noted a walkthrough of the City Hall building is scheduled for this coming Tuesday, to possibly complete a punch list and work for temporary occupancy. Clerk/Treasurer McMaster noted staff would be applying for rebates on the new furnace and window replacement.
Start the new year off with some movement with Judy Bain @ Drum 4 Fun! Classes are Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10am-11am. Fees for Tuesdays only = $20, Thursdays only = $20, and all Tuesdays & Thursdays = $40. Class schedule is as follows:
Tuesdays: 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th
Thursdays: 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th
Class is from 10am-11am at the Community Building located at 216 Elm Street, Kalama
Pay at city hall or online here: https://tinyurl.com/m8bx4pyh
The January 2025 City newsletter is available! Stay informed about the latest news, updates, and important information for our community. You can access the full newsletter here: https://www.cityofkalama.com/home/showpublisheddocument/5891/638711449927420330
The upcoming City Council meeting will be held on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025 at 7:00pm in the City Council Chambers located at 320 N. 1st Street, Kalama. The full agenda can be found here: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa/agendas/705
Hey Kalama!! We're riding that Holiday Spirit Wave and wanted to get the word out early.... we are already looking ahead to Shop with a Cop 2025 and looking to ring in the New Year with a SPLASH!
Join us New Year's Day for a Kalama Community Polar Plunge with all proceeds benefiting Shop with a Cop 2025. You've seen what we can accomplish TOGETHER! Maybe a Polar Plunge is on your bucket list-- maybe you're just the adventurous type..... either way, come on down to the river and participate in a little community fellowship for a GREAT CAUSE!! We hope to see you there 🥶
Donations are appreciated ($100 = a child we can shop with) but not required.
For more information, email chief@kalamapolice.com.
City Council Meeting 12.19.2024
Deputy Mayor Jon Stanfill welcomed 20th Legislative District Representatives Peter Abbarno and Ed Orcutt to Kalama. They provided an overview of their roles in the legislature with the new session starting on January 13, 2025. They encouraged Kalama to apply for capital budget funding and for infrastructure needs in Kalama, as 2025 is a long session where a new biennial budget will be prepared.
Administrator Smee explained the Cowlitz Fire District #5 agreement which provides equivalent funding based on valuations of city owned property as the City is exempt from property taxes. The Fire District is obligated by law to respond to all calls for services. They are funded by property taxes which the city doesn’t pay. This fee is to ensure the city is still receiving services and not contributing to the cost of services.
Clerk/Treasurer McMaster asked if the Council would be willing to meet on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, for a Council meeting as June 19, 2025, is the Juneteenth Federal Holiday now included in all bargaining agreements. The Council had no objections to the change.
The Council adopted Ordinance No. 1526, which amended the 2024 budget by $54,000.
Year end reports were provided for the Public Works and Finance/Administration Departments noting accomplishments made in 2024 and ongoing projects for 2025. Shop with a Cop was a great success. Chief Herrera thanked the local service organizations and all volunteers that made it happen. It was noted that it wouldn’t happen if it wasn’t for Chief Herrera and the tremendous efforts he makes.
The Council and City staff wish all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
To read the full reports for each department, visit the agenda link here:
https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa/agendas/704
🚛The holiday garbage service for Kalama residents is as follows: 🚛
If your service day is Wednesday, your pickup will be on Thursday.
If your service day is Thursday, your pickup will be on Friday.
If your service day is Friday, your pickup will be Saturday.
There won't be service on Christmas Day or New Year's Day. This applies for both holidays (since both fall on a Wednesday). Please let your neighbors know-- pass it along. Happy Holidays!
The City of Kalama offices and the Kalama Public Library will be closed on the following holidays:
- December 24th (Tuesday)
- December 25th (Wednesday)
- January 1st (Wednesday)
Garbage service for the holiday weeks are as follows:
-December 24th, (Tuesday) normal collection schedule
-December 25th, (Wednesday) collection delayed 1 day (pickup on Thursday)
-December 31st, (Tuesday) normal collection schedule
-January 1st, (Wednesday) collection delayed 1 day (pickup on Thursday)
For a complete schedule of Waste Control's holidays, visit: https://www.wastecontrolrecycling.com/pickup-schedule
The upcoming City Council meeting will be held on Thursday, December 19th at 320 N 1st Street, Kalama at 7:00pm. The agenda can be found here: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa/agendas/704
-Fire Services Agreement
-Juneteenth council meeting date change
-Budget Amendment
The December Civil Service meeting has been canceled. The next Civil Service meeting is scheduled for January 23, 2025 at 5:00pm in the City Council Chambers located at 320 N 1st Street, Kalama.
