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2020-02-07 Mayors MeetingMayors’ Meeting February 7, 2020 9 a.m. Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Port Commissioner Peter Lahmann, Morton Mayor Dan Mortensen, Toledo Mayor Steve Dobosh, Chehalis Mayor Dennis Dawes, Chehalis City Manager Jill Anderson, Wes Anderson of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Chad Hancock of WSDOT, Lewis County Chief of Internal Services Steve Wohld, Pam Peiper of U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler’s office, Winlock Mayor Don Bradshaw, Centralia Mayor Sue Luond, Napavine Mayor Pro Tem LaVerne Haslett, Lewis County Engineer Tim Fife, Lewis County Transportation Planner Mike Kroll, Yvonne Rivera, Lee Grose Guests: Brandon Svenson, Frank Corbin, Lynnette Hoffman, Anne Randt, David Woodrum, Janice Woodrum, Ron Averill Recorder: Rieva Lester Attendees introduced themselves. Commissioner Fund thanked the cities of Centralia and Chehalis for providing letters of support for HB 1154, which would provide funding for flood mitigation and habitat restoration work. Commissioner Fund, Peter Lahmann, Ron Averill and Dennis Dawes discussed matters before the state Legislature, including public records requests, the homeless, apprenticeships, the carbon tax, etc. The group discussed closures at Transalta. Lewis County Engineer Tim Fife, Transportation Planner Mike Kroll and Commissioner Jackson discussed Surface Transportation Program (STP) funding. Tim and Mike said the county’s 2019 allocation was $1.1 million. Mike said the allocations used to be distributed based on eligible road miles. Around 2009, Mike said, the county removed the federal nexus so the small cities and one town could use their slice of the funding on any roads project without the strings attached to federal funding. Toledo Mayor Steve Dobosh said he’d like to float an idea about pooling the funding that would go to the small cities and one town and then take turns funding larger projects. Winlock Mayor Don Bradshaw said he doesn’t think it would work because the city would not be able to keep up with road maintenance without the funding. The group discussed ways the cities and town could Yvonne Rivera discussed work to spread the word about the 2020 Census. She said she will be reaching out to the cities and town to set up outreach events. Lee Grose discussed flooding in the Randle area. Winlock Mayor Don Bradshaw discussed growth in Winlock. He said the city and county are moving forward with the Mickelsen Parkway project. Napavine Mayor Pro Tem LaVerne Haslett said Napavine is busy with permits. Centralia Mayor Sue Luond discussed her new role as mayor. Morton Mayor Dan Mortensen discussed Chief Morningstar’s recent trip to attend the State of the Union address in D.C. Mayor Mortensen discussed an upcoming groundbreaking event as well as annexation talks taking place regarding Fire District 4. Ron Averill provided an update on the Lewis County senior centers, including the need to raise funds to offset overhead costs. Toledo Mayor Steve Dobosh discussed the recent groundbreaking ceremony for the new high school. He also discussed work on the South County Park. Mayor Dobosh invited the group to its Veterans Day parade as well as the March “Big Meeting.” Pam Peiper of Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler’s office discussed who will fill the roles left vacant with Dale Lewis’s departure. She noted that an earmark ban remains in effect. Tim Fife said Highway 12 remains open. Wes Anderson of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) discussed projects the state is working on. Steve Wohld discussed the county’s Rivers app. Steve encouraged leaders to reach out to Discover Lewis County about their events. Steve encouraged leaders to contact the county about any interest they may have in creating partnerships for their parks. Chehalis City Manager Jill Anderson discussed work on Recreation Park and the area’s fire station. Jill said the city also is looking to updates its city codes. Chehalis Mayor Dennis Dawes discussed the completed construction of a new Les Schwab building. He discussed work on Recreation Park. Mayor Dawes discussed possible future annexations. Commissioner Jackson discussed the county’s Purple Heart County work. He also discussed concerns about the homeless, especially for veterans. Commissioner Jackson discussed work to help the town of Pe Ell with its water woes. He also touched on the county’s strategic planning efforts as well as the county’s work on Mickelsen Parkway. Commissioner Fund discussed partnerships with Mayor Luond. She also invited the group to the EDC’s upcoming dinner. Commissioner Stamper discussed PILT funding, which he noted appears to be delayed. He encouraged the group to participate in the county’s strategic planning survey. He also discussed improvements on Kiona Road as well as load limits placed on Tucker Road. Peter Lahmann invited the group to the Historical Society’s dinner meeting planned for Feb. 9. Meeting adjourned at 10:43 a.m.