During the Mossyrock City Council meeting held on Wednesday, May 21, a number of items were discussed, several motions were passed and the sole candidate who applied to fill a vacant council position was introduced.
The applicant was Mossyrock resident Samuel Schellenger Jr.
“I’ve lived here five years now,” Schellenger said. “I’d like to contribute as my civic duty.”
Schellenger recently retired from a 36-year career in the U.S. Merchant Marines.
“There were some tough days out there, storms and broken machinery. But I’m really enjoying living in Mossyrock,” Schellenger added.
The council vacancy happened following the death of Councilor Beatrice Minnear, who died on March 22 at the age of 81.
According to state law, the city has 90 days — or until June 20 — to choose Minnear’s replacement following the date of her death. If unable to find an appointee, members of the Lewis County Board of Commissioners are required to appoint someone qualified to fill the vacancy.
Mossyrock Mayor Randall Sasser told Schellenger to be sure to attend the next regular Mossyrock council meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, when the council will hold its public nomination process and vote whether to appoint Schellenger to the vacant position.
Despite the vacancy, the council still moved forward with voting on several motions as a quorum was present with Sasser joined by councilors Teresa Quinian, Juliana Simon and Craig Byrum, who was attending via conference call.
Among the agenda items they took action on included a motion to make a $1,000 donation to the Mossyrock Area Historical Society for the installation of a time capsule monument to be opened up on America’s tricentennial birthday in 2076.
Mossyrock Area Historical Society member Thomas Meade explained that since the historical society didn’t have its own public property to put the time capsule on, partnering with the city to ensure it was on public land to ensure access to it in 50 years still made sense.
“Randall (Sasser) supported this idea and said a good place would be between city hall and (East State) Street right out here towards the flagpole,” Meade said. “That sounds good to the historical society.”
“The time capsule itself project is not merely an act of preservation but a celebration of Mossyrock’s identity, resilience and collective vision,” Sasser added.
Sasser also stressed the importance of getting a time capsule contribution from the neighboring Cowlitz Indian Tribe.
“That’s really one of the things that made Klickitat (Prairie) Park, was the trail for the Indians coming from the east side and the southwest,” Sasser said.
Along with a stainless steel time capsule, Meade got estimates for construction of a concrete pad with a brass memorial plaque, all costing around $1,000 with labor being donated.
“As far as contents, we’re open to suggestions on that. Normally, things like a current newspaper, maybe a blueberry booklet, something like that. Pennies, which will be obsolete here very soon I think, a few things like that,” Meade said.
The time capsule Meade looked at was just under 20 inches long and around 5 inches in diameter. It’s meant to last at least 200 years. Larger time capsule options are available, but might cost more.
“I see it only taking like one morning, let the cement dry, put the plaque on it, and we’ll be off and running,” Meade said.
Sasser also proposed possibly putting benches along with a tourist informational board by the time capsule featuring Mossyrock’s history.
The council unanimously approved the $1,000 donation to the Mossyrock Area Historical Society for the tricentennial time capsule.
During the meeting, the council also approved an ordinance mandating the installation of check valves throughout the city’s water system to prevent backflow contamination and ensure compliance with state law.
At the Mossyrock City Council meeting in April, discussion was tabled on proposed changes to the city’s fee schedule for renting out facilities at Klickitat Prairie Park and the city’s dog ordinance, but they were tabled to June’s meeting once again as the draft ordinances were not ready this month.
The Mossyrock City Council meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. inside the Mossyrock Community Center, located at 219 E. State St. in the East Lewis County community.
To learn more, visit the city’s website at https://www.cityofmossyrock.com/city-hall/.
