Starting Monday morning September 8th (around 7am), the Southbound lane of E. Frontage Rd. is scheduled to be closed from Geranium to Elm in preparation for the upcoming mural project on the I-5 crash wall. We will send out notification to update drivers regarding the progress of this project. The closure of this Southbound lane will be September 8th- 22nd, weather permitting.
Note: This mural was commissioned by Envision Kalama, and is being painted by the Portland Street Art Alliance.
City Council Recap of September 4, 2025:
Mayor Reuter read the proclamation declaring September 17-23 as Constitution Week.
Staff provided the Council with potential revenue options to help meet the 2026 budget challenges including potential tax implementations and spending cuts. It is estimated we are about $200,000 below needed general fund revenues, and the cash reserves are dwindling. The legislature adopted a new public safety sales tax option for cities to implement, and staff supports adopting this revenue source which requires a decision within the next month. If implemented, this would change the sales tax from 8.0% to 8.1%. Other revenue options include utility taxes, establishing a B&O tax, and the 1% property tax increase. Councilmember Christianson noted she would like to see information on possible cuts to expenditure such as healthcare benefits or reductions tied to personnel vacancies. She would like to see a tradeoff, cuts in one area if the city is looking to raise or add taxes to increase revenues in other areas.
The council adopted Ordinance 1538 which complies with the new state law to increase the annual revenue threshold for business licensing from $2K to $4K and sets a process for inflationary increases every 4 years. The council also canceled the first Council meeting of January, which falls on January 1, 2026.
Kalama’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators earned their 16th outstanding performance award from the Department of Ecology. Great Job!
In reports, story time at the Library has resumed; the downtown sewer rehabilitation project is progressing and paving on N. 3rd Street will occur next week as they complete that section; Transportation Improvement Board funds have been received for the Downtown Chipseal and Old Pacific Highway Sidewalk projects which have been completed; requests for proposals for janitorial and IT services are being published; summer sewer rates are ending on September 21st and the Tourism funding application period is open for the month of September.
Upcoming Dates & Events:
-September 8th-22nd, southbound lane closure on E. Frontage Rd for mural painting (schedule details to follow)
-September 17th, A FREE Dance & Mingle event from 6-8pm @ the Kalama Community Building, with Kalama Parks & Rec https://www.facebook.com/share/19Z2ABsd82/
-September 21st, last day of summer sewer averaging
-September 30th, Council Workshop – budget conversations for 2026
-September 30th, Tourism funding applications due by 5pm
On Wednesday, September 10th from 7am-4pm, NO PARKING on North Third Street from Elm Street to Holly Street as contractors need access to grind the asphalt down and prepare the street for paving. No parking on Saturday, September 13th from 7am-4pm in the same area for paving. For any questions please contact Director Kelly Rasmussen. Thank you for your patience on this section of the NE Downtown Sewer Rehabilitation project.
Kalama Parks & Rec Drum 4 Fun - September 2025 schedule: 10am-11am, Tuesdays & Thursdays for $45, or Tuesdays only: $25 (Sept. 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, & 30th) or Thursdays only: $20 (Sept. 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th). Classes are held at the Kalama Community Building at 216 Elm Street. For more info, contact 360-673-4562 or cityhall@cityofkalama.com.
CITY OF KALAMA
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES
DUE BY SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
The City of Kalama requests interested janitorial firms to submit proposals for janitorial services. All bidding contractors must submit sealed proposals to furnish all necessary labor and supervision to satisfactorily perform janitorial services at four separate City facilities. Proposals must be received no later than 1 pm on September 30, 2025. Proposals may be submitted by mail or delivered to City of Kalama, PO Box 1007, 195 N. First Street, Kalama, WA 98625 clearly marked as proposal for janitorial services. See the full request for proposals HERE or contact Clerk/Treasurer Coni McMaster at 360-673-4561 or cityclerk@cityofkalama.com.
The Kalama Tourism Advisory Committee is accepting applications for 2026 tourism related events and expenses from September 1st- 30th. Tourism grants are reimbursement grants that promote tourism activities, expenses, and events that benefit the greater Kalama area. Applications will be reviewed in October, and a recommendation will be made to the City Council for final approval. The application can be found here: Application
Email inquiries and application submission: communityrelations@cityofkalama.com
Deadline: 5pm on Tuesday, September 30th
Visit our Tourism page for more about the committee: Tourism
Did you know there are clickable links in the newsletter? Simply tap or click the hyperlink to access further information. Got a newsletter suggestion? Email communityrelations@cityofkalama.com
City offices and the Kalama Public Library will be closed on Monday, September 1st in observance of Labor Day.
Garbage service for Monday pickup will be provided on the regular schedule.
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
