City Council Meeting August 21, 2025
The council heard presentations from Workforce Southwest Washington on their workforce development initiatives and programs, including their “Economic Security for All” program which has shown positive returns in Cowlitz County. The council approved various financial matters including a budget amendment for repairing the gazebo in Toteff Park, declared outdated computers as surplus, adopted a greenhouse gas reduction policy, approved an interlocal agreement with Longview for exploring options for animal sheltering (including cats), renewed the Spillman interlocal agreement with Cowlitz County, and adopted updates to the city policy manual. The City Council set a budget workshop for September 30th, 2025, at 5:00 PM.
In reports
• Planning Commission continues its work on the critical areas portion of the comprehensive plan update
• The sewer improvement project is moving on with manhole installation along N. 3rd Street.
• The development project on upper China Garden Road is pressure testing the new water main and may complete the construction phase to submit the final plat for approval later this year.
• The recent Brew Fest, Street Dance and Car Show events were all successful, and safety plans for the upcoming cultural festival this weekend are set.
• The Police are also gearing up for the start of school on August 27th.
Police Chief Herrera and Fire Chief Leatzow (of Cowlitz Fire District 5) reported on the wildfire that began earlier in the day and has been contained. Interagency cooperation was greatly appreciated, and is vital in these emergency situations, which included Public Works, Kalama Police, DNR, other local fire agencies and Fire District #5. The fire created a lot of smoke and seemed more intense than it really was. It was in a riparian area that is wet and marshy, which helped to stop the fire’s advance. The area will be monitored for several more days before it is declared “out”. The public is encouraged to sign up for the County Hyper-Reach program which provides notifications via texts and phone calls during emergency situations. Join Hyper-Reach here: https://tinyurl.com/mrdvkmu9
Drone photo credit: Michael Ballou
8/21/25 @ 3:05pm Update: READY Status LIFTED. The wildfire threat to the Kalama area has decreased, and READY status is no longer in effect. Luckily no evacuation will be needed. Continue to stay aware of fire conditions and official updates, especially with the Extreme Heat Warning that is in effect for the weekend. Thank you for preparing and staying alert.
8/21/25 @ 1: 58pm
WILDFIRE - KALAMA:
A wildfire has been reported in the area. Conditions may change quickly. Please take the following actions now: Officials have ordered READY - Gather emergency supplies, important documents, medications, and prepare your vehicles. Keep family members and pets together. Stay alert for evacuation instructions. Be prepared to leave immediately if fire conditions worsen or if evacuation orders are issued. Stay tuned to official emergency channels for updates. Cowlitz County DEM Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CowlitzCountyDEM Do not wait to be told to leave if you feel unsafe. Your safety is the top priority. Prepare now and remain alert.
Chief Herrera and event organizer Emily Moore highlighted the success of the Kalama Summer Lights on the Fourth event and recognized various organizations and volunteers who contributed.
The council discussed planning commission recommendations for lot frontage and access and adopted Ordinance No. 1535 under which Kalama will now allow conditional private street access limited to 150 feet and serving less than 5 homes with administrative approval.
The council approved a sewer rehabilitation project change order for $7,500 for replacing a manhole and passed a budget amendment of $92,000 involving unanticipated street and water/sewer expenditures under Ordinance 1536.
Department updates were shared on the various Public Works projects including the final striping of First Street downtown, placement of new speed limit signs, and various Police activities including a successful National Night Out event, plus preparations for the upcoming Cultural Festival and Untouchables Car Show. The Library’s Summer Reading program has closed with 470 books read, plus the Library staff gave out 70 free books at National Night Out.
Clerk/Treasurer McMaster brought the Council up to date on the financial condition of the General Fund which is struggling due to static revenues and un-realized economic growth along with cost escalations due to inflationary factors. It is a challenge to maintain service levels without growth in revenues. These issues will be at the forefront of the up-coming 2026 budget preparations. Deputy Mayor Jon Stanfill noted that at the recent AWC Budgeting education it was noted that cities all over the state are experiencing the same lack of revenue growth.
Citizens Steve VanMatre and Karen Gwaltney were appointed to the vacant positions and Glena Kristensen was reappointed to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee for three-year terms. Former Councilmember Sandra Macias-Hughes was appointed to the Salary Commission for a two-year term
Tomorrow's City Council meeting agenda is available on the city's website (access through the calendar, then click the hyperlink) and available HERE.
City Council meetings are the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 7pm in the City Council chambers located at 320 N 1st Street.
Join us for Kalama Parks and Rec August Dance Classes on Wednesdays, 6:30pm-7:15pm @ the Kalama Community Building (216 Elm St). August classes include: 6th: Waltz, 13th: Salsa, 20th: American Tango, 27th: Bachata. This is for beginners! Each class is $20 or buy a punch card = 8 classes for $120 (a $5 discount per class) register at https://tinyurl.com/4jvzmmtz
The August edition of the City newsletter is here: https://5il.co/3mskf
Don't miss the "upcoming events" section on the last page! August is a month packed with opportunities to fully experience community in Kalama. We'll see you at National Night Out!
Mark your calendar for Kalama's upcoming National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5th, from 6-8pm! Join us for a family friendly evening of fun hosted by the Kalama Police Department at Haydu Park (253 Kalama River Rd). Enjoy free food & drinks, a dunk tank, first responder vehicles, family games, public safety demonstrations, and a good time! We'll see you there!
Here are the Details:
Kalama’s event will be held at Haydu Park near the expo center at 253 Kalama River Rd. Local service organizations will be represented with informational tables/booths showcasing their services and available resources to the community. There will be music, a dunk tank, free food (hot dog BBQ) and drinks, as well as first responder vehicle show and tell, family games/fun, and public safety demonstrations.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. It provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Organizations host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits, and much more.
Downtown street striping is happening on Wednesday, July 30th on North First St (from Elm St to Kingwood St)! Please have vehicles off North First Street on 7/30/25 from 6am-5pm. Vehicles left parked on the street will be subject to towing. As soon as the paint is dry, we will open segments of the street. All sidewalks will be open. Thank you for your cooperation.
The August Drum 4 Fun schedule is here! Kalama Parks and Recreation Drum 4 Fun classes will be: Tuesdays only from 10am-11am, August 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th. All Tuesdays = $20.
Location: 216 Elm St, Kalama, WA
More info at: 360-673-4562 or cityhall@cityofkalama.com
Update: 7/30/25
The City of Kalama is still seeking residents interested in serving on the official “For” and “Against” committees for the upcoming ballot measure regarding the Community Building.
We appreciate the community’s engagement and the many perspectives shared so far. We’re still looking for individuals willing to take the next step by helping craft the formal statements that will appear in the Cowlitz County Voters’ Pamphlet. Email cityclerk@cityofkalama.com or call 360-673-4561 if you are willing to help! We are extending the date to Friday, 8/1 by 5pm.
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🗳️ Help Inform Kalama Voters!
The City of Kalama is seeking local residents to serve on the official "For" and "Against" committees for the upcoming Community Building ballot measure. This is an advisory vote to help guide City Council decisions regarding the Community Building. These committees will draft the arguments that appear in the Cowlitz County Voters’ Pamphlet.
✅ Are you passionate about preserving or repurposing the Community Building at 216 Elm Street?
✅ Do you want to help voters make an informed decision this November?
👉Express your interest by 5pm on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 (email cityclerk@cityofkalama.com, call, or notify at City Hall)
📄 Learn more about the ballot measure here: https://5il.co/3m9iv
"For" and "Against" committees consist of members of the public who commit to write a statement either in favor of or in opposition to a ballot measure. These appointed members must reside inside Kalama's city limits (although Kalama residents outside the city limits can help form the statement). Each committee is limited to 3 members, but the committee can have an unlimited number of people assist them in preparing statements.
The full Jurisdictional Manual for 2025 can be found here: https://5il.co/3maah
📬 Contact the City Clerk at cityclerk@cityofkalama.com or 360-673-4561
🌟 We need YOU, Kalama! 🌟
Looking for a way to get involved and make a difference in your community? We’ve got openings on two local committees and would love to have you on board!
🎡 Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee
We’re looking for:
• 1 member who lives inside city limits
• 1 member who lives in the 98625 zip code but outside city limits
This group helps shape Kalama’s city parks facilities and recreation programs—and they meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:15pm.
📘 More info: https://library.municode.com/wa/kalama/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT2ADPE_CH2.56PAREADCO
💼 Kalama Salary Commission
This group reviews and sets salaries for elected officials. Must live inside city limits.
They typically meet just once per year, before budget season (around August or September).
📘 More info: https://library.municode.com/wa/kalama/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT2ADPE_CH2.08MACO_2.08.020MACOCO
These are volunteer roles, and your input matters!💪 Positions are open until filled. Questions? Contact cityclerk@cityofkalama.com or 360-673-4561
📝 Apply here: https://www.cityofkalama.com/page/application-for-commissions-boards-and-committees
City Council Update: July 17, 2025
The Council voted 4 to 1 to place an advisory vote on the ballot to ask the citizens if they are willing to pay additional property taxes to repair the Kalama Community Building and keep it operating for the benefit of the community. The Council wanted to be clear that as an advisory vote this will be used to guide further discussion on what the City needs to do with the facility. Councilmembers noted the need for options, or “next steps”, on both sides of the ballot measure. The building’s future will be an ongoing discussion during the 2026 budget hearings and into 2026. The final ballot wording has been reviewed by the city attorney after many revisions.
The graffiti along Meeker Drive was noted and a citizen asked how to get it cleaned or removed. This is WSDOT jurisdiction. The City has reached out to the State and will work with them.
The Council adopted Ordinance No. 1534 amending the Kalama Municipal Code to adopt state laws (RCW’s) needed to address illegal activities and provide the prosecutor with the tools needed to enforce the laws of the city and state.
The street overlay (chipseal and onyx seal coat) for downtown has been completed except for the striping which should occur in the next two weeks. The contractor worked to minimize disruption to the downtown area. This is a preservation project to keep the street in good condition to avoid major upgrades that would disrupt the business community for much longer time periods. Several other projects are nearing completion and the new speed limit signs will be going up soon. Crosswalks and street markings will be refreshed in late August in preparation for the start of school.
The Planning Commission’s recommendations on private road access should come before the Council in August. The review of the Comprehensive Plan continues.
There was discussion and appreciation to all that helped with the successful 4th of July, “Kalama Summer Lights on the 4th” event. The Police Department will be hosting the National Night Out event at Haydu Park this year instead of downtown on August 5th at 6pm. The Chamber parade was well received with over 30 participants. The Chief noted it was fun doing the Ice cream giveaway throughout the community.
Upcoming Events
8/5: National Night Out @ Haydu Park, 6-8pm
8/15-17: All City Garage Sale, Chamber of Commerce, sign up here: https://www.kalamachamber.com/coming-soon-03
8/16: Street Dance Kick Off, former OYO parking lot, 4-10pm, Chamber of Commerce
8/17: Untouchables Car Show, downtown Kalama, 7am (hosted by the Untouchables Car Club)
8/23-24: Kalama Cultural Festival, Westin Amphitheater, 10am-6pm, Port of Kalama
New striping for parking spots, crosswalks, and centerlines will be done at a later date, and we will put out date notification as soon as the information. Thank you for your patience as we use grant funds to improve downtown Kalama!
