Kelso public meetings in 2025
36 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council Meeting Minutes
The council approved several contracts, including a $169,396 consulting agreement with Parametrix and a $1,073,000 supplement for RH2 Engineering's Kelso Drive Transmission Main Phase 2. It also adopted two collective bargaining agreements—one with Teamsters Local 58 (2026‑2028) and another with the Kelso Police Records (2026‑2029)—and passed an ordinance repealing Chapter 5.60 taxicab regulations. All motions on the consent agenda, interlocal agreement with Cowlitz County, and other items were approved.
- Approve $169,396 Parametrix consulting contract
- Approve $1,073,000 RH2 Engineering contract supplement for Kelso Drive Transmission Main Phase 2
- Approve interlocal agreement with Cowlitz County for District Court services
- Approve 2026‑2028 collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 58
- Adopt ordinance repealing Chapter 5.60 taxicab regulations
Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes
The regular meeting scheduled for December 9, 2025, was cancelled. No items were decided or discussed.
City Council Meeting Minutes
The Kelso City Council approved several contract closeouts, appointed a new park board member, and adopted the Allen Street Corridor Study. Council members voted to adopt Ordinance No. 25-4035 updating the stormwater code to comply with the 2024‑2029 NPDES permit, and also approved a franchise agreement granting PUD No. 1 of Cowlitz County rights to install and operate electric facilities. Additional resolutions authorized an interlocal water‑chemical agreement with Longview and updated employee handbook provisions. All motions except the staff‑focus directive passed.
- Contract closeout 592006 – Donation Pump Station approved
- Contract closeout 592404 – Tam O’ Shanter Groundwater Supply approved
- Adopted the Allen Street Corridor Study
- Ordinance No. 25-4035 – Stormwater code amendment to meet NPDES permit
- Ordinance No. 25-4035 – Franchise agreement granting PUD electric facility rights
City Council Meeting Minutes
The City Council approved the 2026 property tax levy and budget revisions for the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years. The council also authorized a contract for well work on Mill Street and updated the city's stormwater code.
- Ordinance 25-4030: Set 2026 property tax levy amount at $1,833,015
- Contract awarded to Elite Contracting Co. Inc. for Mill Street Wells
- Resolution 25-1313: Authorized Longview Housing Authority to manage housing project at 203 W Catlin Street
- Ordinance (1st Reading): Modified Stormwater Code for 2024-2029 NPDES Permit compliance
- Ordinance (1st Reading): Granted franchise agreement to Public Utility District No. 1 of Cowlitz County
City Council Meeting Minutes
The City Council approved several lodging tax funding requests and two budget revisions for the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years. The body also granted a franchise agreement to Forged Fiber 37, LLC for telecommunication facilities in city rights of way.
- Lodging Tax grants: $100,000 for Tam O'Shanter Park, $100,000 for Visitor Information Center, $25,000 for Kelso Highlander Festival, $11,500 for Kelso Wrestling Booster Club, and $2,500 for Lights in the Park
- Budget Revision #1 for the 2025 Fiscal Year (1st Reading)
- Budget Revision #1 Mid-Biennial Review for the 2026 Fiscal Year (1st Reading)
- Ordinance No. 25-4027 granting a franchise agreement to Forged Fiber 37, LLC
- Approval of amendments to the City Manager's contract
City Council Meeting Minutes
The Kelso City Council approved a contract for airport engineering work and set the maximum 2026 property tax levy. The body also approved zoning changes for two parcels and an ordinance adding new sections to the municipal code.
- Contract award: Century West Engineering (not to exceed $2,000,000)
- Ordinance: Sets 2026 property tax levy at $1,833,015
- Ordinance: Amends Kelso Municipal Code Chapter 9.04 regarding anticipatory offenses
- Ordinance: Amends zoning for parcels 239230100 and 21493 to Residential Single-Family
- Public hearing: Revenue sources for the upcoming year
Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes
The Kelso Planning Commission regular meeting was scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at City Hall Council Chambers, 203 S. Pacific Ave. The agenda file and the agenda text both indicate the meeting was cancelled. No minutes, citizen business, or other items were listed for discussion or decision.
City Council Meeting Minutes
The council approved an ordinance changing the zoning and comprehensive plan for parcels 239230100 and 21493, converting them from commercial to low‑density residential with a 5,000‑square‑foot minimum. It also adopted a franchise agreement allowing Forged Fiber 37, LLC to build and operate telecommunications infrastructure in city rights‑of‑way. Additional actions included amendments to municipal code chapters 9.04 and 5.02 and approval of several lodging‑tax funding requests.
- Ordinance amending zoning map for parcels 239230100 and 21493 to low‑density residential, 5,000 sf minimum (passed 6‑1)
- Franchise agreement granting Forged Fiber 37, LLC rights to construct and operate telecom system in city rights‑of‑way (passed unanimously)
- Amendment to Municipal Code Chapter 9.04 adding a section on anticipatory offenses (passed 6‑1)
- Amendment to Municipal Code Chapter 5.02 aligning business and occupation tax provisions with state model ordinance (passed unanimously)
- Lodging tax funding approvals: Tam O’Shanter Park $100,000; Kelso Highlander Festival $25,000; Visitor Information Center $100,000; S’quatchfest $10,000; Lights in the Park $2,500; Wrestling tournament $11,500
City Council Meeting Minutes
The council approved the agenda, minutes, and a proclamation declaring September 17‑23, 2025 as Constitution Week, and adopted an ordinance updating the business and occupation tax provisions to match the state model. A motion to extend public comment time by 30 minutes failed, and the consent agenda authorizing $5,916,269.48 for auditing accounts was approved.
- Adopted Ordinance No. 1° amending Chapter 5.02 to bring business and occupation tax provisions into conformance with statewide model ordinance (RCW 35.102).
- Proclamation declaring September 17‑23, 2025 as "Constitution Week" in Kelso.
- Motion to suspend council rules for an additional 30 minutes of public comment – failed 3‑4.
- Consent agenda approval for auditing of accounts totaling $5,916,269.48.
- Agenda amendment: removal of Library Presentation (item 4.1) and addition of Constitution Week proclamation.
Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a request to change the Comprehensive Plan map and rezone two vacant parcels. The proposal seeks to change the designation from Commercial to Low-Density Residential to allow for future housing development.
- Comprehensive Plan amendment and rezone of ±1.2-acre site on north side of Allen Street (parcels 239230100 & 21493)
- Proposed rezone from RC (Regional Commercial) to RSF-5 (Residential Single-Family, 5,000 sf minimum)
- Proposal to allow for a future short plat of roughly five lots and up to eight dwelling units
- Public hearing for comments on the proposal
The commission approved the minutes from the August 13, 2024 meeting with unanimous support. It then voted to recommend that the City Council adopt the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment and rezone two vacant parcels on the north side of Allen Street from Commercial to Low‑Density Residential and from Regional Commercial to Residential Single‑Family. Both motions passed with all votes in favor.
- Approved minutes of Aug 13, 2024 meeting (all yes)
- Recommended adoption of Comprehensive Plan amendment and rezoning of parcels (all yes)
City Council Meeting Minutes
The Kelso City Council approved the Southwest Washington Regional Airport's 2026 budget and a contract for emergency sewer repair work along N. Minor Road without formal bidding. No citizens business was presented.
- Adopted Southwest Washington Regional Airport 2026 Budget
- Approved emergency sewer repair contract for N. Minor Road
- Approved minutes from the August 19, 2025 Regular Meeting
City Council Meeting Minutes
The Kelso City Council held a regular meeting where they adopted the Southwest Washington Regional Airport 2026 Budget and approved an emergency sewer repair contract for N. Minor Road without formal bidding due to a sanitary sewer break. The council also approved the minutes of the previous meeting, with one dissenting vote.
- Adopted Southwest Washington Regional Airport 2026 Budget
- Approved emergency sewer repair contract for N. Minor Road between I-5 and N. Minor Road without formal bidding
- Approved minutes of August 19, 2025 meeting with 6-1 vote
Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes
The regular meeting of the Kelso Planning Commission scheduled for August 12, 2025, was cancelled. No items were decided or discussed.
City Council Meeting Minutes
The Kelso City Council met to vote on two ordinances. The council approved changes to stormwater rates for 2025-2030 and amended regulations regarding camping on public streets.
- First reading of an ordinance amending effective dates for stormwater rates for 2025-2030
- Ordinance No. 25-4025 amending KMC 9.68 to regulate and prohibit camping on public streets
- Proclamation declaring August 5, 2025, as National Night Out
City Council Meeting Minutes
The City Council decided on emergency repairs for a collapsed sewer line and a first reading of an ordinance to regulate camping on public streets. The council also granted a franchise agreement to the Public Utility District No. 1 of Cowlitz County.
- Resolution No. 25-1310: Emergency repair of a collapsed sewer line near the 1600 block of Minor Road without formal bidding
- Ordinance (1st Reading): Amending KMC 9.68 to further regulate and prohibit camping on public streets
- Ordinance No. 25-4023: Franchise agreement granting Public Utility District No. 1 of Cowlitz County authority to operate electric energy facilities
- Consent Agenda: Auditing of Accounts for $3,161,552.09
Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes
The regular meeting of the Kelso Planning Commission scheduled for July 8, 2025, was cancelled.
City Council Meeting Minutes
The City Council considered a franchise agreement with Public Utility District No. 1 of Cowlitz County for electric energy facilities. The council also reviewed a staff recommendation report regarding City Hall envelope repairs.
- First reading of Ordinance granting Public Utility District No. 1 of Cowlitz County the right to operate electric energy facilities
- Staff recommendation report on City Hall envelope repairs and projected costs
- Announcement that the spray park is scheduled to re-open on July 28, 2025
Regular City Council Meeting
The City Council will consider a first reading of an ordinance regarding a franchise agreement with Public Utility District No. 1 of Cowlitz County. The body will also receive a staff recommendation report concerning the City Hall envelope.
- First reading of Ordinance for a 10-year franchise agreement with Public Utility District No. 1 of Cowlitz County for electric energy and communication systems
- Staff recommendation report on City Hall Envelope repairs
City Council Meeting Minutes
The City Council approved a six-year transportation improvement program and the 2020 Water System Plan. The body also authorized several contracts for infrastructure and professional services.
- Construction contract with Holt Services Inc. for Mill Street Production Wells for $848,066.12
- Professional services agreement supplement with RH2 Engineering not to exceed $184,830.00
- Adoption of the 2025-2031 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program
- Adoption of the 2020 City of Kelso Water System Plan
- Approval of auditing of accounts for $2,257,867.00
Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes
The regular meeting of the Kelso Planning Commission scheduled for June 10, 2025, was cancelled. No items were decided or discussed.
City Council Meeting Minutes
The City Council approved a road inlay contract and allocated 2025 HOME Program funding. The body also amended the Master Fee Schedule and authorized an interfund loan for the Arterial Street Fund.
- Contract awarded to Western United Civil Group for $422,230.70 for Walnut St. and N. 1st Ave. Inlay
- HOME Program allocations: $53,000 to Foundation for the Challenged Supportive Housing and $6,308.59 to the Community House
- Resolution No. 25-1306 amending Schedule 'C' of the City's Master Fee Schedule
- Ordinance No. 25-4022 authorizing a loan from the General Fund to the Arterial Street Fund
- Public Works report estimating a July opening for the Spray Park
Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes
The Kelso Planning Commission's regular meeting scheduled for May 13, 2025, has been cancelled. No business will be conducted.
City Council Meeting Minutes
The Kelso City Council approved several contracts including a $1,346,641 drainage rehabilitation, a $498,699 pump station, and other infrastructure purchases. The council also discussed sending a lead service line inventory letter to residents and passed a resolution guaranteeing grant match funds for airport projects. Proclamations were made for Youth Week and National Police Week.
- Awarded $1,346,641 contract to Nutter Corporation for Vista-Haussler Drainage Rehab
- Awarded $498,699 contract to Dewitt Construction for Brynion Pump Station
- Approved $22,000 contract supplement with RH2 Engineering for total of $281,600
- Passed Resolution No. 25-1304 guaranteeing grant match funds for FAA airport projects
- Discussed sending lead service line inventory letter to utility customers
City Council Meeting Minutes
The City Council approved several infrastructure contracts and closed out projects for water main and basin repairs. The body also appointed John Croco to the Civil Service Committee and finalized 2025 council goals.
- Professional Services Agreement with Gibbs and Olson for Tills Drive Sewer Rehab
- Contract award to AES for On-Call Pavement Repair
- Auditing of Accounts totaling $2,872,419.08
- Contract closeouts for Train Station Upgrades, Catlin Hall Restrooms, Edinburgh Ct. Emergency Water Main Repair, and Basin 14 Emergency Repairs
- Appointment of John Croco to the Civil Service Committee
Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes
This regular meeting of the Kelso Planning Commission has been cancelled. No public hearings, decisions, or discussions will take place.
City Council Meeting Minutes
The Kelso City Council discussed nuisance abatement and voted to direct the city manager to take a more proactive approach to code enforcement. A subsequent motion to authorize hiring an additional full-time code enforcement employee failed. The council also read proclamations for Fair Housing Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Crime Victims Awareness Week. Various staff and council reports were presented without action.
- Motion passed 6-1 to direct staff toward proactive code enforcement
- Motion failed 5-2 to authorize a new full-time code enforcement position
- Proclamations declared April as Fair Housing Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month
- Proclamation declared April 6-12 as Crime Victims Awareness Week
City Council Meeting Minutes
This special meeting was a retreat for the Kelso City Council to review past goals and establish priorities for 2025. Discussions included ground rules, the city's statement of values, and working with the city manager. No binding decisions or public hearings were held.
- Discussion of ground rules and expectations for the planning session
- Review of Kelso Statement of Values
- Review of 2024 goals and establishment of 2025 priorities and goals
- Guest speaker David Futcher
- Discussion on working with the city manager
City Council Meeting Minutes
The council approved the consent agenda including $2,029,046.09 in accounts and several contract closeouts. They authorized a professional services contract with Gibbs and Olson not to exceed $109,250, reappointed Ms. Cotter to the mosquito control board, and approved a reimbursable work agreement with Cowlitz County. They also received the Community Development annual report and heard staff and council reports.
- Approval of accounts totaling $2,029,046.09
- Contract closeouts for Catlin Hall, Edinburgh Ct., Redpath, and S. 8th water main repairs
- Professional services agreement with Gibbs and Olson not to exceed $109,250
- Reappointment of Ms. Cotter to mosquito control board
- Approved reimbursable work agreement with Cowlitz County
Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes
This regular meeting of the Kelso Planning Commission, scheduled for March 11, 2025, has been cancelled. No decisions or discussions took place.
City Council Meeting Minutes
The City Council met to review the 2024 Public Works Annual Report and update policies regarding employee training and travel expenses. The council also received updates on city projects and airport hangar leasing.
- Resolution No. 25-1303: Amends policy on employee training and reimbursement for city business travel
- Kelso Public Works: Presentation of the 2024 Annual Report
- Airport: Announcement of a new long-term lease for T-hangar construction
City Council Meeting Minutes
The City Council authorized a contract with the Humane Society of Southwest Washington. The body also reviewed the Kelso Public Library's 2024 Annual Report and approved a consent agenda for auditing of accounts.
- Contract with Humane Society of Southwest Washington with a maximum annual fee of $55,000
- Auditing of Accounts in the amount of $2,124,099.29
- Proclamation declaring February as 'Teen Dating Violence Month'
- Kelso Public Library 2024 Annual Report presentation
Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes
The Kelso Planning Commission regular meeting scheduled for February 11, 2025, has been cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.
City Council Meeting Minutes
The Kelso City Council approved the second reading of Ordinance 25-4021, repealing previous stormwater rate ordinances and setting new rates through 2030, on a 5-2 vote. The council also approved a $175,000 contract amendment with Windsor Engineers for the Haussler Pump Station, and consented to close out several utility and street projects. Staff reported on an IT security audit and the police chief presented the 2024 annual report.
- Ordinance 25-4021 repealing Stormwater Rate Ordinances 16-3881 and 18-3909, fixing 2025-2030 rates (passed 5-2)
- Contract Award #592411: $175,000 consultant amendment with Windsor Engineers for Haussler Pump Station
- Consent agenda closeouts: Pacific Ave street light replacement, 2023/2024 utility pavement patching, Edinburgh Ct emergency water main replacement
- Ordinance 25-4020 amending KMC 13.10 Stormwater Utility (passed unanimously)
- Kelso Police Department 2024 Annual Report presented
City Council Meeting Minutes
The City Council approved new garbage service rates and passed first readings for ordinances regarding stormwater utility and rate changes. The council also extended a planning consultant agreement and closed out several repair contracts.
- Ordinance No. 25-4019 adopting garbage rates for 2025-2030
- First reading of ordinance amending KMC 13.10 Stormwater Utility
- First reading of ordinance repealing previous stormwater rate ordinances 2025-2030
- Two-year contract award for planning consultant TRJ Planning
- Contract closeouts for Allen Street, 2024 Guardrail, and Vista Haussler repairs
Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes
The regular meeting of the Kelso Planning Commission scheduled for January 14, 2025, was cancelled. No items were decided or discussed.
- Meeting cancelled with no agenda items addressed
City Council Meeting Minutes
The City Council awarded a major infrastructure contract and passed ordinances updating garbage, water, and sewer rates for 2025-2030. The council also finalized standing committee and board assignments for 2025.
- Awarded Hazel St. RR Grade Separation contract to Cascade Bridge LLC for $22,792,858.52
- Passed first reading of ordinance adopting garbage rates for 2025-2030
- Passed second reading of Ordinance No. 25-4018 adopting water and sewer rates for 2025-2030
- Closed contracts for Old Pacific Highway Project and Huntington Middle School Safety 2021
- Closed contracts for 100 Block N. 7th Ave water line and Lads & Lassies parking/drainage