2023-03-03 Mayors MeetingMayors’ Meeting
March 3, 2023
9 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, County Manager Erik
Martin, Centralia Port Commissioner Kyle Markstrom, Centralia Mayor Kelly Smith-Johnston, Mossyrock
Mayor Randy Sasser, Veterans Affairs representative Peter Lahmann, Pe Ell Mayor Lonnie Willey,
Morton Mayor Dan Mortensen, Winlock Mayor Brandon Svenson, Nic Scott, Cameron Kockritz of Rep.
Gluesenkamp Perez’s office, Mindy Brooks, John Anderson of Gov. Inslee’s office, Frank Corbin, Rocky
Lyon, Josh Metcalf, Chehalis City Manager Jill Anderson, Chehalis Mayor Tony Ketchum, Eric Eisenberg,
Lee Napier, Vader Mayor Joe Schey, Becky Butler, Meja Handlen, Paul Mason of the Washington State
Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Preston Pinkston, Sarah Kohout of Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s
office, Tanisha Harris of Sen. Cantwell’s office, Willie Painter of the PUD, Barbara Russell
Guest(s): Isabel Vander Stoep
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Roundtable and requests for assistance or input: Centralia Mayor Kelly Smith-Johnston urged support
for the Centralia schools levy. She noted that the city approved funding for a fairgrounds water project,
the West Connector project and a Schueber Road project.
Mossyrock Mayor Randy Sasser discussed an ongoing TDS wifi project. He also expressed concerns
regarding traffic safety on Winston Creek Road.
Winlock Mayor Brandon Svenson discussed the Winlock School District’s budget crisis and troubles cities
and schools face as they try to support students.
Cameron Kockritz of Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s office said the congresswoman’s portal for
Congressionally Directed Spending requests is open.
Solid Waste Services Manager Rocky Lyon said the Solid Waste Advisory Committee has a vacancy.
Eric Eisenberg said he’d like to invite someone from the Washington State Department of
Transportation (WSDOT) to participate in discussions taking place regarding the UGA planning project.
Erik Martin noted that Sen. Cantwell has a portal for Congressionally Directed Spending requests.
2023 legislative session: The group discussed several bills being proposed at the state Legislature,
including HB 1025, HB 1670, HB 1628 and SB 1216.
Rural Housing update: LC Housing and Infrastructure Specialist Eric Eisenberg discussed a proposal that
would allow 3,200-square-foot housing units in rural areas.
Topics not discussed: Homes First rental housing provider, Economic Alliance year in review and
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) list.
Broadband: Lewis County Broadband Action Team (BAT) representative Frank Corbin discussed BAT’s
efforts to help develop a reliable and innovative telecommunications network. He said the group is
drafting a county Broadband Equity Access and Deployment plan and a Digital Equity Plan with a
deadline of June 2023. He said completing the plans will allow the state to compete for more than $65
billion in funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and other laws.
Boundary Review Board (BRB) appointment(s): County Manager Erik Martin said the individual the
mayors appointed to represent them has stepped down, creating a vacancy. He said the individual
appointed by the governor’s office also has stepped down, creating a second vacancy. Erik said the
mayors’ appointee would be able to participate in the hearing regarding the Winlock annexation should
the mayors select someone within the next four weeks.
Solid waste: Lewis County Solid Waste Services Manager Rocky Lyon said the commissioners passed an
ordinance for compost procurement earlier in the week. He noted that the state no longer is requiring
cities to pass a similar ordinance.
Community Action Council (CAC): Mossyrock Mayor Randy Sasser discussed concerns regarding the
amount of taxes going toward the CAC. Mayor Sasser discussed the need to ensure programs and
partnerships are beneficial and don’t just apply a one-size-fits-all mentality to issues. Meja Handlen said
she would reach out to Mayor Sasser to discuss the city’s options.
Announcements: Chad Hancock of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
provided updates on WSDOT projects taking place within Lewis County. He said ramp meters will be
added as part of an upcoming Chamber Way project.
Tanisha Harris of Sen. Cantwell’s office invited the mayors and others to submit Congressionally Directed
Spending requests to Sen. Cantwell by March 10.
Meeting ended at 10:53 a.m.