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2020-01-03 Mayors MeetingMayors’ Meeting Jan. 3, 2020 9:00 a.m. Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, County Manager Erik Martin, EDC Executive Director Matt Matayoshi, Port of Centralia Commissioner Peter Lahmann, Toledo Mayor Steve Dobosh, Chehalis Mayor Dennis Dawes, Centralia City Manager Rob Hill, City of Centralia Mayor Pro Tem Max Vogt, Wes Anderson of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Mossyrock Mayor Randy Sasser, Winlock Mayor Don Bradshaw, Pe Ell Mayor Lonnie Willey, Napavine Mayor Pro Tem Laverne Haslett, LC Public Works Director Josh Metcalf, Andrea Culletto, Joe Clark, Christine Nhan of Senator Patty Murray’s Office. Guest(s): Becky Butler, Kevin Turner, Brandon Svenson, Anne Randt, Lynette Hoffman, Lee Napier, Lara McRea, Zachariah Partain, Janice Woodrum, David Woodrum, Ralph Mancini. Recorder: Candace Hallom Vision 2025: Lewis County’s strategic planning effort Joe Clark, member of Lewis County Strategic Planning Advisory Committee, discussed the strategic planning effort. Vision 2025 will focus on the next five years. The survey will go live on January 7, 2020. Joe discussed the strategic planning survey dialogue sessions that are scheduled. Andrea Culletto discussed the plan for spreading the word using online, radio, news media outlets, local libraries. Joe Clark asked the mayors to contact him if they would like to get a dialogue session scheduled. I-976 (car tabs) potential effect on projects, etc. – Mayor Bradshaw Mayor Bradshaw discussed I-976. He stated that Mickelsen Parkway is affected by I-976. He asked for ideas from the other mayors on how to keep this project moving forward. Commissioner Jackson said he spoke with Representative Ed Orcutt who is working hard to try to get this funding released back to the projects. Commissioner Fund shared her contacts with Senator Braun, Representative DeBolt, and Representative Orcutt. Every county is experiencing a similar issue but we have Legislators who have seniority. Senator Braun has suggested tax on vehicle purchases go to funding transportation as it did years ago before it was changed to the general fund. Mayor Bradshaw is trying to get the information out to the public that this project is moving forward. Josh Metcalf stated the project at Mickelsen Parkway is still moving forward. Christine Nhan provided an update on Senator Murray’s conversation regarding ways to create more transportation dollars. Matt Matayoshi thanked the county for the work on continuing to get this project moving forward. Roundtable: Mayor Randall Sasser discussed the Mossyrock water systems issues over Christmas. The pump failed and they had to get a pump truck to pump the system. The Mayor had to fly to California on Christmas day to pick up a new pump. Mossyrock got the new pump installed on Christmas night. Mayor Sasser congratulated his team in Mossyrock for all the work done behind the scene. Matt Matayoshi provided an update on EDC projects. Smart Tank will be launching later this fall. EDC will be working with Centralia College on the Smart Tank event. Mayor Don Bradshaw is working hard on the Mickelsen Parkway project. He also discussed the 1st Street project in Winlock. Peter Lahmann congratulated the Port of Chehalis on their new building. Mayor Dennis Dawes provided an update on the Recreation Park project. Mayor Lonnie Willey discussed the Pe Ell water system problems that occurred just before Christmas. Pe Ell was not getting fresh water into the water plant. Mayor Willey called Steve Mansfield who put out an alert to the community to conserve water. Mayor WIlley stated that Lewis County staff did an excellent job and he thanked them for their help. Mayor Willey provided an update on upcoming projects. Mayor Steve Dobosh complimented his staff and the others behind the scenes who step in and help during emergencies. Laverne Haslett discussed how well Napavine is progressing. Christine Nhan provided an update on Senator Murray’s projects. Wes Anderson updated the group on local WSDOT projects. Josh Metcalf updated the group on Lewis County Public Works projects. Rob Hill provided an update on the City of Centralia. Rob also thanked Lewis County for their work on the Borst Avenue project. Erik Martin stated that on February 27, 2020, the Department of Ecology will issue a draft environmental statement for flood risk reduction. Erik encouraged everyone in this community to pay close attention to the project and provide comments to the Department of Ecology. Erik Martin discussed Water Sewer District 5 and the possibility of Lewis County acquiring their system. Mayor Pro Tem Max Vogt stated the Centralia City Council would elect a Mayor on January 14, 2020. Max updated the group on the FOX Theatre. Commissioner Jackson thanked Wes Anderson for the Rush Rd. project. Commissioner Jackson discussed Vision 2025. He also discussed Mickelsen Parkway and thanked the City of Winlock for getting this project going, specifically thanking Mayor Bradshaw for his work on the project. Commissioner Fund said teamwork was the key to getting things done, and with the upcoming legislative session, it is absolutely necessary. Commissioner Stamper thanked everyone for coming. Meeting ended at 10:25 a.m.