2018-01-05 Mayors MeetingMayors Meeting
January 5, 2018
9:00 am
Present: Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, WSP Trooper Will Finn, Bart Treece of WA DOT,
Dena Horton of Sen. Cantwell’s office, Chehalis Mayor Dennis Dawes, Centralia Port Commissioner Peter
Lahmann, Pe Ell Mayor Lonnie Willie, Morton Mayor Dan Mortenson, Mossyrock Mayor Randall Sasser,
Winlock Mayor Don Bradshaw, Toledo Mayor Steve Dobosh, Centralia City Manager Rob Hill, Chehalis
City Manager Jill Anderson, Matt Matayoshi of EDC, and Becky Butler, Lee Napier, and Erik Martin.
Recorder: Candace Hallom
Commissioner Fund discussed the .09 Committee representative. Mayor Morton is willing to continue
serving on the Committee.
Commissioner Fund discussed January 9th being National Law Enforcement appreciation day.
Commissioner Fund discuss Representative Walsh proposing to use Marijuana Funding for Indigent
defense. This would put Lewis County in a difficult position because we would have to authorize
Marijuana in order to get funding.
The group discussed Public Records requests.
Rob Hill discussed the Centralia tractor parade.
Matt Matayoshi discussed funding for the North County Interchange. He then informed the group that
last month they had a company look at the Industrial Park at TransAlta. It is too early to tell but there is
activity and interest.
Matt discussed a possible shark tank style event. This event will help those who are already producing
products, and need help growing their product.
EDC banquet will be on February 8, 2018. It will be at Jaspers Auto car museum.
Mossyrock Mayor Sasser discussed his background.
Winlock Mayor Bradshaw discussed what is going on in Winlock.
Toledo Mayor Dobosh stated he had one council member resigned. Mayor Dobosh then discussed that
he had a New Years’ Eve Cheese Ball drop.
Steve asked if other Fire Departments fills up with city water and if so are there chargers to the citizens.
Pe Ell Mayor Lonnie Willey discussed what is going on in Pe Ell.
Morton Mayor Dan Mortenson discussed what is going on in Morton
Chehalis Mayor Dennis Dawes discussed what is going on in Chehalis. He also discussed his concern
regarding the State spending millions on a railroad project that would save 10 minutes of travel when
that funding could be used throughout the region to really help communities.
Chehalis City Manager Jill Anderson discussed a hire in her office will be announced within a week. She
also discussed some projects they are working on.
Bart Treece discussed the Chamber Way overpass. DOT is working on the I-5 Rush Road and will be
knocking on doors to work on putting together a stakeholders group for the project.
Commissioner Fund and Mayor Steve Dobosh shared their appreciation for the quick responses they get
from Bart and DOT.
Dena Horton stated they have a grants coordinator who will be coming down I5 on March 22nd. She
discussed Senator Cantwell is working on net neutrality to help keep wireless prices down. She also
discussed positive train controls.
Will Finn discuss the holiday DUI squad. The next focus for the State Patrol is distracted driving and you
will likely get an infraction if you are pulled over due to using a cell phone. Morton has a new trooper
and it is causing an increase in calls.
Erik Martin discussed the North County interchange project.
Erik Martin said Lewis Counties needs to know what cities will need the counties assistance.
Lee Napier stated the Planned Growth Committee meets in the spring. If you want to adjust the UGA
areas Community Development will need to know.
Commissioner Jackson stated Twin Transit hired a new Executive Director. He will start on January 8,
2018. They are working on countywide transit. Commissioner Jackson also discussed the counties need
to get broadband service throughout our county.
Meeting ended at 10:30 am.