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.
Kalama City Council Meeting – December 5, 2024
The City Council received an update on the final budget projections for 2025 which included the addition of costs for fire protection services from Fire District #5. The $19,726,215 budget, including the 2025 salary schedule and 2025-2030 Capital Facilities Plan, was adopted by Ordinance 1525. To see full details of the 2025 budget, check out Ordinance 1525 attached to the agenda here: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa/agendas/701
The City Council approved the Gray & Osborne contract addendum for updating the design for the relocation of the 8-in waterline on Cloverdale Road in conjunction with Cowlitz County’s project to realign and make improvements to Cloverdale Road. The City is covering the design costs while the County will include the waterline replacement in their construction phase.
The City Council was informed that the City Hall furnace, which was known to be nearing its end of life, needs to be replaced. After inspection, the subcontractor reported the conditions of the furnace are poor enough that there is concern of damage to the new ceiling and other elements of the remodel if the furnace is restarted. The drain pan and other areas have corroded. The subcontractor (AirX) provided a change order for roughly $32K to replace the furnace and air conditioner. City staff contacted our current HVAC service provider Trotter Morton (TM), who confirmed the units are at the end of their service life and should be replaced. TM provided two quotes, one for an equal model to what is in the building at about $15K and a more efficient model that matches the contractor’s quoted item at about $23K. The more efficient unit is desired, and the replacement should last for 20 years. The City Hall project is still within the budgeted amount, including the contingency, but the contingency is not sufficient to cover the cost of the new furnace and air conditioner. City Council approved the costs for the replacement of the City Hall furnace with a 95% efficient unit from Trotter Morton.
The City Council adopted Ordinances 1523 and 1524, increasing water rates by 5% to both base and consumption rates and increasing sewer rates by 5% on consumption rates only to begin in January 2025. The City Council adopted Resolution No. 747 setting fees and charges for 2025.
Don’t forget, the Library is participating in the Christmas activities by facilitating a “Letters to Santa” program (drop your letters by Saturday 12/14).
City Administrator Smee noted many medium range items he would like to see moved forward in the next 1-5 years, including a Council retreat, comprehensive plan update, zoning map updates to address housing options, employee incentive programs, and working with the Port on several joint projects.
Public Works has hired Jacob Misak to fill the open position. Several projects will be going out to bid including the China Garden Road project (opening on Jan 3, 2025), the Sewer line replacement project, and the First Street chip seal in early 2025. The design for the Old Pacific Highway Sidewalk project should also begin in January.
The Shop with a Cop event is on December 15th. The two new officers are progressing well through training with one set to go solo on December 16th and the other at the equivalency academy.
The Council approved appointments to the Planning Commission, the Library Board, and the Tourism Committee.
The Kalama Planning Commission will hold its upcoming meeting on Thursday, December 12th, 2024 at 6:00pm in the city council chambers located at 320 N 1st Street. The agenda will be available here once posted: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting for December has been canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for January 14, 2025 at 5:30pm in the City Council Chambers at 320 N 1st Street. Happy Holidays!
The agenda packet for the December 5th, 2024 Council meeting is now available: https://www.towncloud.io/go/kalama-wa/agendas/701
- Public Hearing, 2025 budget and 2025-2030 Capital Facilities Plan (continued)
-S. Cloverdale Rd Improvement Project (Addendum)
-Ordinances: 2025 water & sewer rates, 2025 budget ordinance
-Resolution: 2025 fee resolution
The December Drum 4 Fun schedule is available now! Join us for community classes on December 3rd, 5th, 10th, 12th, 17th, 19th, and 31st! Tuesdays only = $20, Thursdays only = $15, and Tuesdays & Thursdays = $35. Pay online here: https://www.invoicecloud.com/portal/(S(v53o1lhvu0kggwssya4ampr5))/2/Site.aspx?G=e4ffe48f-b182-4a9c-ade5-efb498ab5aaa
Location: Kalama Community Building at 216 Elm Street
The City of Kalama offices and Kalama Public Library will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on November 28th and 29th.
Garbage notice: Kalama residents-- please note garbage service will be on the regular schedule. Put your cart out the night before your regular garbage day.
From the Winter Ale Fest, to events at the Mountain Timber Market, and Downtown Parade of Lighted Floats, there is a lot happening around the holidays in Kalama this December! Don't miss out on what Kalama has to offer this holiday season! Check out the link for details: https://www.cityofkalama.com/community/events/christmas-in-kalama-december
