Update! - Darigold Paint Removal To Continue Under Altered Hours

Update!
Monday, Aug. 1, 2011

DARIGOLD PAINT-REMOVAL PROJECT TO RESUME WITH ALTERED HOURS

The contractor removing paint from the exterior of the Darigold Building in downtown Astoria will resume sand-blasting Tuesday, Aug. 2, but will conduct the work after business hours.
The sandblasting will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The contractor, Rose City Contracting, expects to complete the work on Wednesday, Aug. 3. The City of Astoria granted a temporary waiver of rules that prohibit construction activity after 6 p.m.
The project – removing asbestos-laden paint from the structure in preparation for its demolition – began last week but was suspended after city officials informed Clatsop County, the property owner, of noise complaints. The county and contractor voluntarily halted the work Thursday in order to pursue other removal methods.
After discussions with the contractor, the county has elected to proceed with sandblasting the north and west walls of the building, due to the fact that scaffolding, sheeting and other material is already in place and the work is expected to be finished in just two days, during the evening.
For the south and east walls of the building, the contractor will employ power-washing instead of sand-blasting in order to reduce potential noise problems. That phase of the project is expected to begin the week of Aug. 8.
The Darigold Building is being demolished to make way for a complex housing a clinic for Coastal Family Health Center and offices for local social service providers.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000

Friday, July 29, 2011

DARIGOLD SANDBLASTING HALTED; COUNTY SEEKS NEW PAINT-REMOVAL METHODS

Sandblasting to remove asbestos-laden paint on the exterior of the Darigold Building in downtown Astoria has been suspended due to complaints about excessive noise, and the contractor is pursuing other removal methods.
The paint removal began Tuesday and was scheduled to last approximately two weeks. On Thursday, the City of Astoria contacted Clatsop County, the building owner, to inform it of complaints from nearby business owners and residents about the project noise. In response, the county has voluntarily ended the sandblasting and directed the project contractor, Rose City Contracting, to evaluate alternative methods for removing the paint.
Clatsop County contracted with Rose City Contracting to remove asbestos, lead and other hazardous materials from the site prior to its planned demolition. In February the county sold the property to Coastal Family Health Center, which plans to build a multi-story complex housing a medical clinic and offices for local social service providers.
Demolition was tentatively planned to begin in late August and the site cleared by October. The property will be utilized for parking until Coastal Family Health begins construction on its project.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000

Cullaby Lake Parks Remain Open Despite Algae Advisory

Friday, July 29, 2011

CULLABY LAKE WATER ADVISORY REMAINS; PARKS OPEN TO PUBLIC

Two public parks on the shore of Cullaby Lake remain open to the public despite the ongoing health advisory over algae in the lake.
Clatsop County officials, in cooperation with the Oregon Public Health Division, continue to monitor the blue-green algae bloom at Cullaby Lake near Warrenton. As of Thursday, July 28, the health advisory remains in effect for the lake, and the public is advised to avoid all contact with the lake’s water.
The county and state issued a health warning for the lake July 1 after water sampling – prompted by the growth of bluish-green scum on the lake surface – confirmed the presence of cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are a type of organism commonly found in freshwater bodies around the world. The two species identified in Cullaby Lake, Anabaena and Aphanizomenon, are known to release neuro and liver toxins that can be harmful to humans and animals.
Water samples were collected Wednesday, July 27 and sent to a lab for analysis of toxin levels and cell concentrations. Results from the tests are expected next week.
Under the Oregon State Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance Program, health advisories may be lifted one week after water tests show both a lower cell concentration of the cyanobacteria toxin species and zero toxins in the water.
While the health advisory remains in effect, people should avoid any contact with the lake water. In particular, swallowing or inhaling the water may be extremely harmful, especially for children and pets.
Symptoms of exposure can include numbness, tingling and dizziness that can lead to difficulty breathing and heart problems and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting should also receive medical attention if they persist or worsen.
Although the toxins released by the algae are likely to be concentrated near the actual blooms, the health advisory covers the entire lake, as changes in wind can quickly push the algae to different locations in a matter of minutes.
Shellfish from the lake should not be consumed. Fish caught in the lake may be eaten, but care should be taken to remove skin, fat and organs, where the toxins accumulate, before cooking. Crawfish muscle may also be eaten, but organs and fat should be discarded.
According to the state Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance Program, the blooms occur when a combination of factors – warm weather, stagnant water, infusion of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous, and invasive species – create ideal conditions for the organism to flourish.
The state health division has no records of previous algae-related health warnings at Cullaby Lake, but a copy of the “Atlas of Oregon Lakes” from the early 1980s describes frequent summertime blue-green algae blooms that occurred at the lake.
Although the warning against water contact is still in effect, Cullaby Lake County Park and Carnahan County Park remain open to the public to enjoy picnicking, hiking and other activities. Boating is even allowed, but boaters are advised to maintain low speeds to avoid causing spray that could be inhaled.
For more information contact the Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance program at (971) 673-0400 or www.healthoregon.org/hab; call the Oregon Public Health Division’s toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767; or call the Clatsop County Public Health Department at (503) 325-8500.

PHOTO CAPTION: Blue-green algae visible on the surface of Cullaby Lake July 20.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000

Oregon Attorney General John Kroger Backs Clatsop District Attorney Marquis On Astoria DUII Cases

By CHELSEA GORROW - The Daily Astorian Daily Astorian

Posted: Thursady, July 28, 2011, 11:31 AM
The city of Astoria has 34 days to hand over driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) cases to District Attorney Josh Marquis.
And if that doesn’t happen, Oregon Attorney General John Kroger says he is ready to back up Marquis.

Read Complete Daily Astorian Article

July 27, 2011 Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Meeting - Audio Transcripts

Work Session Audio
Regular Meeting Audio

Meeting Highlights

RE-ZONE APPLICATION POSTPONED
The board again postponed action on a multi-part zone change request on a 13-acre property on Dolphin Road near Warrenton. The application, from Michael Benesch, Waldo Veelle and Warrenton Fiber Co., seeks to rezone eight acres from Residential Agriculture-5 (RA-5) to Light Industrial, and five acres from RA-5 to Natural Uplands. The application also would transfer two “density credits” from the subject property to a yet-to-be-determined location on the Clatsop Plains.
The board continued a public hearing on the application to its Sept. 14 meeting, in order to allow more work on the proposed findings of fact, and coordination with the City of Warrenton. County Manager Duane Cole noted that the subject property borders the Warrenton city limits, and rezoning the eight-acre parcel to light-industrial could complicate future annexation efforts.
Wednesday’s public hearing and board review was continued from June 22 to allow additional material to be presented by the applicants, including a noise-attenuation plan calling for trees and vegetation along the property boundary.

ENTERPRISE ZONE AGREEMENT OKAYED
The board gave its approval to an extended exemption agreement from the owners of a bio-ethanol plant in Clatskanie for an additional two years of property tax abatement in the Lower Columbia Maritime Enterprise Zone. The company, Columbia Pacific Bio-Refinery, plans to expand its ethanol facility and increase its workforce from eight to 55.
The enterprise zone program allows qualified companies to receive local property tax waivers for new and expanded facilities that add employment. As a partner in the program, Clatsop County must agree to exemption agreements.

JAIL, PROBATION DISCUSSED
The board held a work session discussion with Sheriff Tom Bergin, District Attorney Josh Marquis and Circuit Court judges Paula Brownhill, Cindee Matyas and Phil Nelson on a variety public safety issues, including the transfer of Community Corrections to the Sheriff’s Office, the county jail and alternative sanctions.

COUNTY MANAGER EVALUATED
The board held a performance review of County Manager Duane Cole in closed executive session.
Following the session Board Chair Dirk Rohne said all the commissioners had strong praise for Cole’s performance.
“Each of the five all spoke highly of Duane, the professionalism he has brought to the county, and his willingness to take on very difficult issues,” he said.
The board also noted Cole’s budgetary skills, his role overseeing some difficult re-organizations within the county, and his assistance helping the three new commissioners assume their duties, Rohne said.

OTHER BUSINESS
In other business the board:
-Approved an agreement with Satellite Tracking of People for the lease of electronic monitoring equipment for use with clients of the Sheriff’s Office Parole and Probation Division.
-Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife providing $406,703 in state funding for the 2011-13 biennium for the county-operated salmon-rearing operation at the South Fork Klaskanine River.
-Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon Commission on Children and Families providing $330,367 in state funding for the 2011-13 biennium for Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Youth Investment and other programs.
-Relinquished a reversionary clause on a 0.7-acre property in Cannon Beach. The City of Cannon Beach sought the action to gain clear title to the parcel, which is part of the city’s Ecola Creek Park, for the planned construction of a walking path.

July 27, 2011 Clatsop County Board of Commission Meeting Agenda

Read Full Agenda

Proposed Ordinance 11-04

U.S. House Passes Bill Expediting Keystone XL Pipeline Permitting Decision

Jul 27, 2011
Nick Snow
OGJ Washington Editor
WASHINGTON, DC, July 27 -- The US House approved a bill setting a Nov. 1 deadline for the Obama administration to decide on TransCanada Corp.’s application for a cross-border permit for its proposed Keystone XL crude oil pipeline project. HR 1938 passed by 279 to 147 votes on July 26 despite charges by Democratic energy leaders that it would raise US gasoline prices and facilitate sale of the imported oil to overseas customers.

Read Full Report

Clatsop Commissioners Huhtala And Lee Help Strengthen The Voice Of America's Counties At NACo's Annual Conference

July 22, 2011

A Press Release

2100 County Officials assemble in Portland to set national policies and share ideas

Portland, Oregon - Clatsop County Commissioners, Scott Lee and Peter Huhtala joined forces with 2100 county officials from across the country to help strengthen the voice of the nation's counties during the National Association of Counties(NACo) 76th Annual Conference and Exposition in Multnomah County, Portland, Oregon.

NACo's Annual Conference is the most important gathering of county officials of the year. It offers the best opportunity for leaders in county government to discuss pragmatic solutions to common challenges facing counties and communities.

Delegates adopted dozens of policy resolutions on federal legislation and funding priorites and issues affecting county government and communities which will guide the association's leaders, members and staff over the next 12 months.

Conference delegates learned about NACo member benefit programs which save money for counties and their residents. These include the NACo Prescription Discount Card Program, the U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance and the Network of Care.

Another highlight of the Annual Conference was special appearances from prominent speakers, such as Bob Woodruff, ABC Correspondent and Founder of the Bob Woodruff Family Foundation for Traumatic Brain Injury; Ron Sims, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Francisco Sanchez, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade at the U.S. Department of Commerce and Aaron Ralston, Mountain Climber and inspiration for the film, "127 Hours".

"It's critical that counties stand together and tell Washington that when the economy falters and there is high unemployment, services at the county level are needed most," Lee said. "Certainly there are places to reduce federal spending but, it should not be at the expense of public safety, emergency response, natural resources, transportation, infrastructure, environmental quality and health services that the people in our communites depend on. I believe the work we completed in Portland will go a long way toward delivering the county government message to Congress and the Administration."

For more information contact;
Clatsop County Commissioner, Scott Lee

(503) 325-1000

slee@co.clatsop.or.us

http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/

Oregon State Bar Issues Letter To Brent Foster Advising Its Intent To Institute A Disciplinary Proceeding Against Him

Intense scrutiny of Brent Foster's conduct at Oregon DOJ, shows no wrongdoing whatsoever in a report to Oregon Attorney General in December, 2010

July 19, 2011
Brent Foster
c/o Roy Pulvers
Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP
1000 SW Broadway, Suite 1250
Portland, OR 97205
Re: Case No. 11-65—Brent C. Foster
(James J. Welsh)
Dear Mr. Foster:
At a meeting held on July 16, 2011, the State Professional Responsibility Board of the Oregon State Bar directed that a formal disciplinary proceeding be instituted against you. The proceeding relates to the matter brought to our attention by James Welsh and will address your alleged violation of the following standard of professional conduct: RPC 8.4(a)(3) [engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation that reflects adversely on the lawyer’s fitness to practice law].
Disciplinary Counsel’s Office will prepare a formal written complaint in this matter. We may also appoint outside bar counsel to assist us with the proceeding. Once signed by the Disciplinary Counsel, the formal complaint will be served, along with a notice to answer, upon you. If you are willing to accept service of the complaint, please advise immediately. You will have the opportunity to file an answer, and a trial panel of the Disciplinary Board will be assigned to conduct a hearing on the complaint. For your information, we are enclosing a copy of the Rules of Procedure relating to disciplinary proceedings.
All communications on the merits of this matter should be with the Disciplinary Counsel’s Office or appointed bar counsel. Please do not communicate with members of the Board of Governors, the State Professional Responsibility Board, any Local Professional Responsibility Committee or any other representative of the Bar about this matter.


Please contact me with any questions you may have. I am also available to discuss whether the proceeding can be resolved by stipulation without the need for hearing.
Very truly yours,
Stacy J. Hankin
Assistant Disciplinary Counsel
Extension 347
SJH
Enclosures (Bar Rules of Procedure and DB Clerk filing sheet)
cc: James Welch

Oregon Governor Vic Atiyeh - 1979 - 1987, Oregon's Last Republican Governor

Victor G. Atiyeh served as Oregon's governor from January 8, 1979 to January 12, 1987.
Atiyeh was born on February 20, 1923 in Portland, Oregon. After attending the University of Oregon in Eugene for two years, Atiyeh joined Atiyeh Brothers, the Portland rug and carpet firm his father had established at the turn of the century. Atiyeh was actively involved with the Boy Scouts, where he holds the highest council and regional adult leadership awards. He served in the Oregon Legislature representing Washington County as a member of the Oregon House of Representaives from 1959 to 1964 and as a state senator from 1965 to 1978.

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Oregon Governor Tom McCall - 1967- 1975

Thomas Lawson McCall, Governor of Oregon from 1967-1975, was Oregon's thirtieth governor. McCall was born in Egypt, Massachusetts on March 22, 1913. He was the son of Henry McCall and Dorothy Lawson McCall.
Noteworthy accomplishments of his administration included cleaning up the Willamette River; tougher land-use laws; a bill which ended the threat of private development on Oregon's beaches; the nation's first mandatory bottle-deposit law; and creative energy conservation measures, such as a ban on outdoor business lighting during the energy crisis of the 1970's.

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Oregon Governor Douglas McKay - 1949 - 1952

Biographical Note - Oregon State Archives
James Douglas McKay was Governor from January 10, 1949 to December 27, 1952.
McKay was born in Portland, Oregon on June 24, 1893. He was named after Sir James Douglas who succeeded Dr. John McLoughlin in 1845 as supervisor of the Hudson's Bay Company. Throughout his childhood McKay worked to help support his family. His father abandoned them, leaving his mother with little money. She found a job as a seamstress and McKay sold candy at a local theater. Later he delivered newspapers and drove a meat wagon which helped pay for his education at Oregon State College.

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