Park Closure - Toteff Park and Stone Forest Playgrounds are getting new safety chips and some maintenance so will be closed during the week of May 27 - 30, 2025. A new adaptive swing will be installed in Toteff Park along with the safety chips in both parks. For questions call the City at 360-673-4562
STREET CLOSURE - N. 2nd Street between Juniper Street and Fir Street will be closed to traffic from May 26 to June 13, 2025 for construction with local access only. A detour will be in place along N. 3rd Place, Holly Street, and N. 3rd Street during the closure. Local residents will be provided access. This closure is necessary for public safety during the sewer line replacement construction in this area. For questions call the City at 360-673-4562 or email krasmussen@cityofkalama.com. Additional information for the north and south detours is available here: https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4835/City_of_Kalama/5683030/Submittal_26_-_TCP_-_N2nd_Closure__002_.pdf
Attention Kalama city residents: Garbage pickup for Monday will be on a regular schedule. Please put your cart out on Sunday evening for Monday morning pickup. Thank you
In observance of Memorial Day, City offices and the Kalama Public Library will be closed on Monday, May 26th. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 27th.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country. Thank you for your service.
Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.
Garbage Notice: city residents- Monday garbage pickup is running on regular schedule.
🌞 Summer Sewer Averaging is Now in Effect! 💧
From May 21st through September 21st, Kalama’s Summer Sewer Averaging is active for residential properties connected to sewer. This seasonal adjustment helps account for increased water use during the summer months—like watering lawns or gardens—which doesn't enter the sewer system.
📌 Please Note: This program does not apply to commercial properties.
🔗 For more details, visit: www.cityofkalama.com/page/summer-sewer-average
🚧 Shoutout to the MVPs of Kalama – Our Public Works Crew! 🚧
It’s National Public Works Week, so we’re rolling out the (freshly paved) red carpet for the crew that keeps Kalama running smoothly!
While the rest of us are busy enjoying clean water, flushing toilets, smooth roads, and working storm drains, our Public Works team is out there actually making it happen—rain or shine, mud or mayhem. 🛠️💧🌳
From filling potholes to fixing water lines and keeping our parks in tip-top shape, these people are the behind-the-scenes heroes of city life. And they do it all with skill, grit, and maybe just a tiny sigh when we park directly in front of their “No Parking” signs. 😅
So this week, give a big THANK YOU to the Kalama Public Works crew. Without them, well… we’d be up a creek. Without a pipe. Or clean water.
Thank you, Public Works! 👏
5/15/25 City Council Recap
Mayor Reuter initiated and concluded public hearings, on the six-year Transportation Improvement Plan (2026-2031) and the Water System Plan Update. There was no public testimony.
Council reviewed Nuisance Abatement code recommendations from Planning Commission as well as proposed language from two of the council members. Council chose to work through the 12 pages of suggested code updates section by section. Mayor Reuter facilitated the discussion, and Council gave the Planner direction based on simple majority consensus for each section. The planner will bring back revisions based on Council’s directions for final adoption at a later meeting.
Council awarded the North 1st Street Chip Seal project to Sierra Santa Fe Corporation, contingent upon the state Transportation Improvement Board’s final approval.
Council authorized two interlocal agreements with Cowlitz County to move city water mains as part of their South Cloverdale and Cloverdale Confer Rd projects. One to allow the County’s contractor to work on city infrastructure the other to allocate the cost share and grant funding for the project.
Council authorized the City Administrator to sign an interlocal agreement for services with the Cowlitz Wahkiakum Council of Governments to facilitate Kalama’s Internal Transit Feasibility Study. Federal funds were awarded last year to pay for the majority of this project.
City Council approved an ordinance amending the city’s budget, a resolution declaring some police firearms surplus, as well as a resolution adopting the 6 Year Transportation Plan.
The Kalama Library Board will meet on Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 at 5:15pm in the council chambers located at 320 N 1st Street, Kalama. The agenda is available here: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa/agendas/792
The May Civil Service meeting has been canceled due to lack of agenda items. The next meeting is scheduled for June 26, 2025 @ 5:00pm at the City Council Chambers located at 320 N 1st Street.
The Kalama Tourism Advisory Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 20th @ 4pm. This meeting will be online only through Zoom. This meeting is to review tourism applications. Agenda and Zoom info can be found here: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa
🚓💙 Honoring Our Kalama Police Department 💙🚓
National Police Week | May 12–18, 2025
This week, we pause to recognize and honor the individuals of the Kalama Police Department for their steadfast service to our community.
Day in and day out, our officers protect and serve with professionalism, integrity, and heart. Whether it’s responding to emergencies, supporting local events, or building relationships with neighbors and community members, their dedication helps make Kalama a safe and welcoming place for all.
To the officers who wear the badge with pride — thank you. Your work matters, and we are truly grateful.
#NationalPoliceWeek #KalamaPD #ThankYouOfficers #KalamaStrong #CommunityFirst
(Pictures 1 and 2 are rescue task force training photos-- in case you're wondering about the blue guns)
👀🚧 Look at that progress! Asphalt is going down on the downhill lane of the China Garden Improvement project. Lakeside will finish the uphill lane tomorrow (Friday, May 9th) and the road will be open for traffic by early evening. Thank you for your patience!
🎉 It’s Professional Municipal Clerks Week, and we’re shining a big spotlight on the one who keeps the Police Department organized, on track, and (mostly) sane — our amazing Police Clerk, Krystall!
She’s the behind-the-scenes hero who handles it all with a smile — files, phones, forms, and probably a few “you won’t believe this” moments. We don’t know what we’d do without her, and frankly, we don’t want to find out!
Thanks for being the glue of the Police Department, Krystall! 💙
🚧🚨Hello new pavement! 🚨 🚧 Look how fresh it is! Lakeside Industries has paved N. 5th Street from Fir Street to Geranium Street and it is definitely an upgrade in our opinion. 🤩
Did you know May 4th-10th is Professional Municipal Clerk's week too? The Clerk provides a professional link between the citizens, local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels. Kalama's city hall staff is proud to serve this wonderful community!
The City has multiple projects happening, and we have had many questions. For projects that affect smaller areas, notification is door-to-door, while others impact a greater area and population (like the China Garden Road project that impacts school parents, students, and staff). Here is the link to the construction schedule: https://5il.co/3ffps IMPORTANT: this schedule is subject to change. Please check our website and/or social media for changes. Thank you for your patience while we work to improve our city infrastructure. For questions, contact krasmussen@cityofkalama.com.
The May 13th, 2025 Parks & Rec meeting has been canceled. The committee has 2 open positions and is accepting applications. If you would like to be involved in this committee, please apply here: https://www.cityofkalama.com/article/2196053
The next meeting is scheduled for June 10th, 2025 at 5:30pm.
💧🚰 It's National Drinking Water Week! 🚰💧 May 4-10, 2025 💧Water professionals are the unsung heroes of our communities. 🦸🏽♂️ They work tirelessly to protect public health and ensure safe, reliable water delivery around the clock. This #DrinkingWaterWeek, let's thank City of Kalama public works staff and water professionals everywhere for their expertise, dedication, and commitment to keeping our community healthy!
The next Planning Commission meeting will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 6:00pm at 320 N 1st Street and via Zoom. The agenda and virtual attendance info will be available through the agenda here: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa/agendas/789
Council Meeting Recap: May 1, 2025
Mayor Reuter and the Council honored the officers of the Kalama Police Department and officers everywhere with a proclamation for National Police Week May 11-17, 2025. Cowlitz County Chaplains Tom Haan, Mario Gambaro, and Ray Orr expressed their gratitude for opportunity to serve the first responder community. Flags will fly at half-staff on May 15th for Peace Officers Memorial Day and a County wide candlelight vigil will be held on May 14th at 7pm at the Longview Civic Circle. Also noted by proclamation was Drinking Water Week May 4th-10th, 2025
The nuisance abatement code update was tabled until May 15, 2025.
Director of Public Works Rasmussen provided a draft set of goals to be included in the update to the Water System Plan as required by the state Department of Health. These goals are to encourage water users to conserve water and to promote the efficient use of water by consumers. The council adopted the draft goals as presented. In reports Director Rasmussen updated the Council on the ongoing projects for China Garden Road improvements, Sewer Line rehabilitation, Old Pacific Hwy sidewalk, and the downtown chipseal of First Street. There will be a full closure of China Garden Road next week May 5th-9th, with detours in place for local residents. He also noted the city crew completed the 5th Street waterline replacement and that paving will be completed soon.
As part of the city’s comprehensive plan update the Planning Commission is requesting photos be submitted for inclusion in the new document to building@cityofkalama.com. A new mural project for the I5 wall at Fir Street is being funded through Envision Kalama. The Tourism meeting will be rescheduled to a future date as a quorum wasn’t present.
Police Chief Herrera cautioned the public to be aware of scam calls being presented as if from a governmental or law enforcement agency requesting money to avoid some kind of penalty action.
Clerk/Treasurer McMaster reported the annual report will be sent to the Council via email prior to its submittal to the state at the end of May. A budget amendment will be presented at an upcoming meeting to address unanticipated projects and items. The city received an energy rebate for furnace, insulation and new windows at city hall. There are two openings on the Parks & Recreation Committee. She also noted in addition to the weeks honoring the Police, and Public Works, the week of May 4-10th is Professional Municipal Clerks and in honor of all city departments, she commended and thanked their staff who are dedicated to serving Kalama.
Secretary Moore noted that summer sewer averaging does not kick in until after May 20th so while the weather has improved, all water being used is still subject to sewer charges until the meter reading on May 20th.
Upcoming Events:
• May 3rd – community spring cleanup, 9am, meet at the Kalama Post Office
• May 5th – “Cinco de Mayo” event at Playa Azul (hosted by the Chamber of Commerce)
• May 9th & 10th – Plant & Garden Sale @ Haydu Expo (Amalak)
• May 9th & 10th – FOLK book & basket sale (Haydu park & the library, see their Facebook for details)
• May 10th – KAMA’s event: Mother’s Day Art in the Park @ Toteff Park, 10am-4pm
• May 17th – Cowlitz Chaplaincy Gala Dinner – 5:30-8pm @ Cowlitz County Event Center
