2022-12-02 Mayors MeetingMayors’ Meeting
December 2, 2022
9:02 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Brummer, County Manager Erik
Martin, Chehalis City Manager Jill Anderson, Centralia Port Commissioner Peter Lahmann, Centralia
Mayor Tony Ketchum, Mossyrock Mayor Randy Sasser, Nic Scott, Karen Witherspoon, Paul Mason of the
Washington Department of Transportation, Kristine Rompa of Puget Sound Energy, Josh Metcalf, Mindy
Brooks, Centralia Mayor Kelly Smith-Johnston, Kate Chatterton, Centralia City Manager Rob Hill (9:20
a.m.)
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Centralia Mayor Tony Ketchum said the Lewis County Transportation Strategy Council needs a
representative from the east end of the county.
Centralia Mayor Kelly Smith-Johnston said the city’s Lighted Tractor Parade will be Dec. 10. She said the
city has 72 new businesses. She noted that Centralia is applying for the Thriving Through Communities
grant. She also discussed the city’s purchase of a sandbagging machine, something she noted will be
available as a shared resource.
Mossyrock Mayor Randy Sasser said he has volunteered for TSC. He said the city has a tree-lighting
ceremony planned, that the city has applied for funding for treatment plant upgrades and that the city is
looking into purchasing land for parks.
Chehalis City Manager Jill Anderson said the city’s Dec. 3 festivities will include a visit from Santa,
caroling and a tree-lighting ceremony. Jill said the city adopted its budget Nov. 28.
Peter Lahmann invited participants to join him and others after the Lighted Tractor Parade at a parade
at the Stillwater retirement home.
Toledo Mayor Steve DoBosh said Toledo will have a Christmas parade Dec. 3 parade and is planning its
annual Cheese Ball Drop for New Year’s Eve.
Commissioner Swope asked if the mayors would be interested in allowing WATV use on roads.
Peter Lahmann discussed veterans training and apprenticeship opportunities.
Paul Mason of WSDOT said Bill Morrison is working with the county regarding the Blakeslee Junction
homeless encampment. He said SR 6 will have closures as WSDOT works on a pedestrian overpass.
Commissioner Pollock noted that the mayor-appointed position on the Boundary Review Board is
expiring.
Erik Martin encouraged the cities to reach out to Eric Eisenberg for help with infrastructure questions
and needs.
Erik discussed the county’s efforts to have the state rename the Riffe Lake Overlook in Commissioner
Gary Stamper’s honor. He encouraged the cities to pass resolutions or submit letters of support.
Commissioner Pollock invited the mayors to the Dec. 14 Legislative Roundtable. Erik suggested the cities
meet with the legislators after the meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 9:36 a.m.