City Of Kalama

👀🚧 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

This Saturday, May 3, 2025, is the Household Hazardous Waste Mobile Collection Event which will take place at the Kalama River Road recycle collection area. The collection site will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Important: Permanent Collection Facility and the Household Hazardous Collection Events are only for the collection of hazardous waste generated at a residence; do not bring any business-generated waste. In addition to business waste, the events and the facility will not accept unlabeled products, leaking containers, containers larger than 5-gallons, explosives, radioactive material or biological and infectious waste. For easier identification, please keep products in their original containers; if a container is damaged, you may wish to place it inside another container to contain any leakage. When transporting the waste, place it in the trunk or rear of your vehicle in a manner which would prevent it from tipping over and spilling. This collection event is sponsored by Cowlitz County in conjunction with the Washington State Department of Ecology with appreciation to City of Kalama for their cooperation. For more information about the mobile collection events or the permanent Household Hazardous Waste Facility, contact Waste Control at (360) 425-4302. If you are unable to attend this event, the Permanent Collection Facility at the Waste Control Transfer Station, 1150 3rd Avenue, Longview, is open every Tuesday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The May edition of the City newsletter is now available. Read it here: https://5il.co/3evs1 There are many upcoming events as we move into these sunnier days! ☀️Don't miss them!☀️

The Kalama Parks and Rec May Drum 4 Fun schedule is now available! Join us! Register for classes here: https://tinyurl.com/p97r4bf9. Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am-11am at the Kalama Community Building at 216 Elm Street. Tuesdays only = $20, Thursdays only = $25, or all May classes = $45. Class dates: May 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, & 29

Kalama's next city council meeting will be held on Thursday, May 1st @ the council chambers located at 320 N 1st Street, Kalama at 7:00pm. The meeting agenda and attachments can be found here: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa

📢 Public Service Announcement: Understanding Nuisance Abatement Ordinances Hello Kalama! We’d like to take a moment to clear up a common misconception in our community: What exactly is a Nuisance Abatement Ordinance? Let’s break it down: ________________________________________ ❓ What Is a Nuisance Abatement Ordinance? A Nuisance Abatement Ordinance is a local city law (ordinance) designed to protect public health, safety, and quality of life. These ordinances help cities respond to properties or activities that create ongoing problems for a neighborhood, such as: • Unsafe buildings or structures • Chronic loud noise • Illegal dumping or accumulation of trash • Overgrown yards that harbor pests • Persistent criminal activity on or around a property These laws are enforced by the city, and they exist to make sure everyone can live in a clean, safe, and peaceful environment. ________________________________________ 🚓 What Happens if a Property Violates a Nuisance Ordinance? If a property repeatedly violates a nuisance ordinance, the city may: • Issue warnings or citations • Require property owners to fix the issue • In serious or ongoing cases, take legal action to abate the problem The goal isn’t to punish—it’s to resolve chronic issues that affect the whole community. ________________________________________ 🤝 Why It Matters When nuisance issues go unaddressed, they can lead to: • Declining property values • Unsafe conditions • Increased crime • Lower quality of life Nuisance abatement ordinances help keep our neighborhoods safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone. ________________________________________ ❔What's next? If you have concerns about a nuisance property in your area, or want to learn more about the current discussion regarding the updating of Kalama’s ordinance, read the proposed draft ordinance here: https://5il.co/3dtcd Direct specific concerns or inquiries regarding the ordinance to cityclerk@cityofkalama.com. Written or emailed correspondence can be included for the Mayor and Councilmembers to review before making any decisions. 🏢The next City Council meeting will be on Thursday, May 1st @ 7:00pm at the City Council chambers. Over the next several weeks, we will share more information and examples of how the proposed updates affect residents, home and business owners, and the entire community.

Recap City Council Meeting 4-17-2025 The following items were discussed: Speed limit reduction downtown on North 1st Street—Council decided not to do a traffic study for 1st Street to avoid costs to the taxpayers. The police and fire departments, as well as the school district will work together to do a comprehensive evaluation of the community streets (internal survey, not outsourced) to assess other areas in Kalama where speed limits may also need changes before deciding. There was lengthy discussion of the Planning Commission’s recommendations for updates to the nuisance abatement code, and the city's responsibility in addressing property issues. There were some concerns about how to address issues of economic hardship and whether some of the code sections addressed were encroaching on private property owner’s rights. The item was moved to the next meeting. Council members will send their itemized concerns to staff for review before the next meeting. The Council awarded the bid for the Old Pacific Highway sidewalk project to Halme Construction contingent on TIB approval. The comprehensive plan update and getting public involvement during the process before the Planning Commission which will be during 2025 and 2026. Staff voiced appreciation to Cowlitz County for the award of a $500,000 grant for the water treatment plant expansion project. Public Works crew is replacing a water line on N. 5th Street and there is progress on the China Garden Road Project which will involve China Garden Road being closed from April 28 to May 1, 2025, for paving.

The Kalama Tourism Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday, April 24th @ 4pm in the city council chambers located at 320 N 1st Street to review tourism applications for the 2nd round of 2025 tourism event funding. Agenda and Zoom information can be found here: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa

🚧Roadwork update for China Garden Road: 🚧 China Garden Rd will be CLOSED (From S. 10th Street to Gwynne Road) Monday, April 28th through Thursday, May 1st for grinding and paving. ⚠ Please watch for signage with details about closure. Detours will be in place for local traffic. ⚠

Get ready for May dance classes through Kalama Parks & Rec! Beginning Bachata & Salsa II dance classes with Nichole Eden! Dates: May 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th (4 classes in the session) Bachata classes are 6:15pm-7pm, and Salsa II classes are 7pm-7:45pm Each session is $80 per participant, (covers 1 session of 4 classes). There are 2 class options! Choose your session, or do both! A partner is recommended but not required. Class bundle deal: $150 per person (for both classes). Kalama Community Building at 216 Elm Street, Kalama, WA 98625. Register online. Visit https://tinyurl.com/ynv9tnvw For questions, call 360-673-4908 or email communityrelations@cityofkalama.com

The April Civil Service meeting has been cancelled due to a lack of agenda items. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for May 22nd, 2025 @ 5:00pm at the city council chambers located at 320 N 1st Street, Kalama.