Highlights Of April 25, 2012 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Meeting

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 regular meeting
Official minutes available once approved by board

Service contract transferred

The board voted to approve the transfer of county services for the developmentally disabled from Columbia Community Mental Health to Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare. Columbia Community Mental Health, which has provided residential and vocational services to about 180 clients since 2006, informed the county in March that it would end its contract effective July 1.

Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare is the county’s contract provider of mental health and alcohol and drug prevention and treatment services. A one-year contract assigning the agency the developmentally disabled services will be brought to the board in May or June.



Ordinance amended, event permit approved

The board amended the county’s Social Gathering Ordinance to eliminate ambiguities in the original wording. The ordinance, adopted in December 2011, requires the organizers of large events held in the unincorporated county to obtain permits that regulate numbers of attendees, hours of operation, sanitation, fire protection and other issues. The new language of the amendment prohibits events from occurring between 12 a.m. midnight and 9 a.m. without the specific approval of the board of commissioners.

Following approval of the amendment, the board unanimously approved a permit under the Social Gathering Ordinance for organizers of the Run 21 event, an annual fundraising gathering of motorcycle riders in the Birkenfeld area July 27-29 organized by the SE Portland Chapter of ABATE of Oregon.



Ocean planning reviewed

The board opened a public hearing on the proposed Goal 19-Ocean Resources amendment to the county comprehensive land-use plan. No testimony was offered – the hearing will be continued at the board’s May 23 meeting.

The amendment would provide the county an avenue to review applications for developments within the territorial sea, the three-mile section of ocean off the county coastline. While the State of Oregon reserves final jurisdiction on the approval of developments, the Goal 19 element is designed to give the county the opportunity to comment on applications’ potential effects on fisheries, scenic values and other resources.



Fair Board expansion eyed

The board directed staff to begin the process of expanding the membership of the Clatsop County Fair Board from five to seven, following testimony from former Fair Board member Jack Edwards, who the board of commissioners on March 28 voted to replace on the Fair Board with Mike Nelson. Edwards questioned why he was not re-appointed, pointing to his six years of service on the Fair Board.



Planner position expanded

The board unanimously approved a staffing addition in the Community Development Department. A planner/code enforcement position will be expanded to create one fulltime planner position and one fulltime code enforcement position.

Community Development Director Hiller West explained that, despite the recession, demand for building code enforcement has increased, while the department is experiencing the need for additional planner services with the additional of a planning overlay in the Arch Cape community and the new Social Gathering ordinance. Since 2008 the Planning and Building divisions have together seen the elimination of four positions.

Total cost of the staff increase is approximately $72,000. Half of the cost would be paid out of the county General Fund and half out of the fee-supported Building Codes budget.



County code reviewed

The board held a discussion on proposed updates to the county code of regulations. County Manager Duane Cole explained that the code – which codifies all county ordinances except for land-use ordinances – was subjected to review to find ordinances that need revision or removal, including ordinances based on state statutes that have been declared unconstitutional or dealing with property no longer owned by the county.

The completed code will be presented to the board for final approval in late May or June.



Other Business

In other business the board:

- Approved a contract for $125,000 with Helligso Construction for the construction of a new Sheriff’s Office Work Crew building. The 36-by-48-foot facility, to be built at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds, will be funded out of the $135,000 proceeds from the sale of property on Highway 202 that formerly housed the Work Crew facilities. Work Crew personnel will perform part of the work. Chairman Peter Huhtala and Commissioner Debra Birkby voted no. Birkby said the scope of the project was excessive.

- Approved revisions to the county’s property management policies. The changes include: increasing the minimum required offer for county-owned property that has failed to draw bids at auction; requiring cash payment for sales of less than $20,000; and revising rules for sales or transfers to non-profit entities.

- Approved a letter to Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI) offering recommendations regarding its proposal to become the designated Coordinated Care Organization for Clatsop County under new state legislation establishing the CCO program.

Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000

Clatsop County Planning Commission Seeks Applicants For Open Seats

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Clatsop County is taking applications for two positions on the county Planning Commission.
Both seats are for four-year terms ending June 30, 2016.

The Planning
Commission holds land-use hearings, reviews the county’s zoning ordinances and
comprehensive land-use plan and advises the county commissioners on land-use
issues.

The seven-member committee usually meets once a month for a full day.

Applications must be
turned in by May 21 to be considered for an appointment by the Board of
Commissioners. Application forms are available online
at http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/ under “Quick
Links-Citizen Involvement,” from the office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, or
by calling (503) 325-1000.

Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Upcoming Clatsop County Budget Axes Several Staff Positions

Monday, April 23, 2012

Clatsop County proposes to eliminate several staff positions in its upcoming budget in the face of rising costs, limited revenue and reduced service needs.

The proposed 2012-13 fiscal year budget, released today, cuts three fulltime and one half-time positions and leaves two vacant jobs unfilled.

The cuts are proposed in order to close an estimated $500,000 gap between county departments’ original requested budgets and revenue forecasts for the upcoming year.

The projected budget shortfall is the result of several factors, including a 15-percent increase in health insurance costs and contracted cost-of-living salary increases for staff. These and other increases would boost spending next year by close to 3 percent under the county’s current staffing levels. At the same time, property tax revenue is forecast to grow by just 2 percent.

Proposed to be cut are:

· One cartographer position in the Assessment and Taxation Department

· One administrative support position in the County Clerk’s Office

· One clinical services manager in Public Health Department

· 0.6 FTE (fulltime equivalent) administrative support in Assessment and Taxation

In addition, two currently vacant positions – emergency services manager and a parole and probation officer – are proposed to be left unfilled.

At this time all cuts are proposed and subject to approval by the county budget committee and board of commissioners. The budget committee is scheduled to review the budget May 8.

The proposed 2012-13 budget totals $54,801,500, compared to $60,102,992 in the current year.

“These financial times pose challenges, although Clatsop County has not been impacted as severely as others,” County Manager Duane Cole said. “With the careful allocation of resources, we’re maintaining vital county services with the available funds.”

The staffing reductions would take effect at the beginning of the next fiscal year, July 1. But employees in the four affected positions were notified March 23 of the proposed cuts. Because of rules in the union contracts covering those positions, the affected employees may have “bumping rights” to move to other positions in the county, depending on seniority.

Most of the proposed staff cuts were targeted at departments where activity has slowed as a result of the economic recession. The construction slow-down has led to a drop in property-related work and document-recording in Assessment and Taxation and the Clerk’s Office.

The Public Health clinical services manager position was proposed for elimination due to continued reductions in federal and state funding for health-related services.

The budget proposes to add one FTE in the Community Development Department by expanding a planner/code specialist position into two fulltime positions, one devoted solely to planning and the other to code enforcement. The demand for code enforcement has remained constant despite the construction slowdown, and the recent establishment of a planning overlay for the Arch Cape community has added additional design review duties for the department. Half the increased cost would be covered by the General Fund and half by the fee-supported Building Codes budget.

The board of commissioners is scheduled to vote on this staffing increase at its April 25 meeting.

In addition, the budget proposes that a half-time, non-management emergency services coordinator position be increased to fulltime, to partly cover the vacant emergency services manager post.

Along with the personnel cuts, department heads also have identified a total of $938,592 in savings in materials and services, equipment replacement and other areas in their respective 2012-13 budgets.

In the previous two years the county has cut or left vacant 12 positions, including two management posts.

Spending decisions are guided by the board of commissioners’ budget policies, which prioritize county services for funding and include, among others, the following guidelines:

· No new staff positions or programs unless specifically approved by the board of commissioners;

· Money saved during the year to be carried over to the next budget year;

· No “back-filling” or replacing lost state or federal dollars with county funds.

The complete proposed 2012-13 budget is viewable on the county website, www.co.clatsop.or.us, and copies will be available to view at public libraries in Astoria, Cannon Beach, Seaside and Warrenton, as well as at the Clatsop County Manager’s Office, 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, Astoria.

Released by:Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Second Annual Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day Set For May 5

PHOTO CAPTION: An employee of Clean Harbor Environmental Services collects materials at the 2011 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day event in Warrenton.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Are hidden dangers lurking in your home?

Cleansers, pesticides and other chemicals make our lives more convenient, but they can also pose health risks.

To help local residents get rid of unused or unneeded hazardous waste products in their homes, Clatsop County is hosting its second annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, Saturday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Seaside Public Works facility at 1387 Ave. U, Seaside.

County residents can bring in a variety of toxic, flammable and other materials for disposal at no charge.

The following items are examples of what will be accepted:

· Bug, weed, pest killers

· Poisons, cleaners, batteries

· Paints, stains, thinners, solvents, wood preservatives

· Car and boat fluids, gas, antifreeze

· Mercury-containing thermometers, fluorescent light tubes, compact fluorescent bulbs

· Toxic home arts, photography and hobby supplies

The Collection Day is the product of the Clatsop County Household Hazardous Waste Program, a collaborative project between the county, cities, Western Oregon Waste (WOW) and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy for reducing and properly disposing of residential hazardous waste. Each year the program hosts a waste collection event, alternating between the north and south county.

The program is funded by a small surcharge on all solid waste going through WOW’s Transfer Station in Astoria. Clean Harbors Environmental Services, a national hazardous waste management company, is contracted to collect and properly dispose of the materials brought to the Collection Day events.

Last year’s inaugural event in Warrenton collected more than 70,000 pounds of material, including 18,000 pounds of pesticides or poisons, 9,000 pounds of flammable liquids, 11,000 pounds of non-recyclable paint products and 1,200 pounds of fluorescent light bulbs containing mercury.

The following materials will NOT be accepted at the May 5 event:

· Medical waste, including syringes and other “sharps”

· Medications

· Explosives

· Radioactive or asbestos material

· Construction waste

· Business waste*

*A collection time for businesses that generate less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste a month, designated as Conditionally Exempt Generators (CEGs), will be held Friday, May 4 in Seaside by APPOINTMENT ONLY – no drop-ins will be accepted. For CEG registration call Clean Harbors Environmental Services at (503) 305-2158 or email ranf.alan@cleanharbors.com.

Properly getting rid of common hazardous materials can reduce a variety of risks, according to Maureen Taylor, Household Hazardous Waste Program Coordinator.

“Our mission is to provide a safe, easy way for residents to dispose of toxic dangerous products accumulating around their home,” she said. “We know this will decrease accidental poisoning and injuries to our children and pets, prevent unnecessary exposure to our waste haulers and fire fighters that come into contact with hazardous chemicals on the job, and decrease environmental damages that occur when people improperly discard hazardous wastes into the sewer, storm drains or on the ground.”

Residents with material for the Collection Day event should keep the products in their original containers, secured with lids, and placed in boxes.

For more information, go to “Household Hazardous Waste” at www.co.clatsop.or.us or call Clatsop County Public Health at (503) 325-8500.

Released by:Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Alaska GOP Warned To Stop Meddling With Ron Paul Delegates

Eric Christopher Adams - Alaska Dispatch
April 20, 2012

The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign has fired a warning shot at the Alaska Republican Party and its longtime chairman, Randy Ruedrich, over what it perceives as unfair treatment of Paul delegates to the upcoming GOP conventions.

Ruedrich disputes the campaign's allegations and says the Alaska GOP is treating all campaigns fairly. He says the party is just trying to conduct routine business, but that "misinformation" from Paul supporters in Alaska has caused much ado about absolutely nothing.

Read Full Alaska Dispatch Article

Oregon LNG-Warrenton Now Proposes To Export Canadian Natural Gas And Re-Route Pipeline To Intercept Williams Pipeline North Across Columbia?

Published: Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 9:00 AM

Updated: Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 11:49 AM

By Ted Sickinger - The Oregonian

Opposition by landowners to LNG import terminals was effective. Now, it remains to be seen if equal opposition will arise against export terminals on the Oregon coast.

A proposal to build a liquefied natural gas terminal near the mouth of the Columbia River in Warrenton is re-entering the regulatory running, resuscitated by burgeoning North American gas supplies after being left for dead by opponents.

Backers of the controversial Oregon LNG terminal, which would sit just across Youngs Bay from Astoria, have briefed regulators and politicians on their $6 billion plan and say they plan to file an initial application by next week with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Read Ted Sickingers Full Oregonian Report

Work Session Preceeds April 25, 2012 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Regular Meeting

Read Full Agenda Packet

Oregon Health Authority Offers Two Training Sessions In Childhood Dental Health In Clatsop County, April 25-26th

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

The Oregon Health Authority invites dentists, pediatricians and others involved in childhood dental health to two free training sessions Wednesday and Thursday, April 25 and 26 in Clatsop County.

The “First Tooth” Project, sponsored by the Oregon Oral Health Unit, provides an overview of how to perform oral screening, conduct oral health risk assessments, provide oral health education and apply fluoride varnish for infants and young children.

Two sessions are scheduled:

· Wednesday, April 25, 12-1:30 p.m. at Providence Seaside Hospital, 725 S. Wahanna Rd., Seaside

· Thursday, April 26, 12-1:30 p.m. at Columbia Memorial Hospital Health and Wellness Pavilion, 2265 Exchange St.

Cost is free, and lunch is provided.

The program is designed for pediatricians, family physicians, allied health professionals in pediatric settings, dentists, dental hygienists and anyone with a stake in children’s oral health.

Tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease – five times more common than asthma, four times more common than childhood obesity, and 20 times more common than diabetes. According to the Oregon Health Authority, between 24 and 26 percent of children in Cannon Beach and Seaside elementary schools screened in a school-based dental sealant program showed obvious tooth decay that required further treatment.

“First Tooth” is a workforce development project funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration.

For more information and to RSVP for a training session, contact Amy Umphlett at (971) 673-1564 or amy.m.umphlett@state.or.us

Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Lower Columbia Diversity Project Presents, A Conversation With Richard W. Etulain. Thursday, April 26th, 7:00 PM

Invites you to
Lessons from Lincoln: Is Political
Bipartisanship Possible?

An Oregon Humanities Conversation with
Richard W. Etulain
Professor Emeritus of History at the University of New Mexico
Thursday, April 26th, 2012, 7:00 PM
Judge Guy Boyington Building
857 Commercial Ave, Astoria, OR 97103
Everyone is welcome to this free community discussion!
This program made possible by the generous
support of Oregon Humanities, The National
Endowment for the Humanities,
and the Oregon Cultural Trust.
http://oregonhumanities.org
Presented by the Lower Columbia Diversity Project.
For more information on the LCDP, please visit our web-site -
Web: http://www.lcdiversityproject.org/
Email: lcdiversityproject@gmail.com

What Should U.S. Policy Be On Energy Exports?

National Journal
By Amy Harder - Energy Exports Blog

Monday, April 16, 2012

What should U.S. policy be on exporting fossil fuels such as natural gas, coal, and refined oil products? Refined petroleum products--such as diesel and oil--were the country's top export last year, according to Census Bureau data. Because of the recent natural-gas boom, companies are proposing nearly a dozen new terminals nationwide to boost exports--one up for approval this week at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The U.S. is also shipping more coal to other countries than ever, with exports reaching their highest levels in two decades, according to an AP analysis released last week.

Read Full Article

Humboldt Harbor Names PofA's Jack Crider Its CEO

The Times-Standard
times-standard.com
Posted: 04/17/2012 01:59:15 AM PDT


The Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District has chosen an Oregon port manager to be its new chief executive officer.

According to a press release from the district, Jack Crider, who has been executive director of the Port of Astoria since 2008, has three decades of fisheries and port experience in Oregon.

The district faced public scrutiny after it abruptly fired longtime CEO David Hull without cause in September. Crider, who was hired after a nationwide search conducted by a selection committee composed of port and community leaders, was chosen for the position out of a field of more than 25 candidates, the release said.

Crider starts work May 1.

Crider began his career as a fisheries biologist. Between 1979 and 1991, he built a seafood business on the Oregon coast.

From 1991 through 2007, he served as executive director of the Port of Tillamook Bay, where he planned and supervised the opening of a major air museum, lobbied for $25 million in federal funds, planned the development of a golf resort, operated the port's railroad line, developed fiberoptic facilities and pioneered the nation's first community dairy manure digester, according to the release.

As executive director at the Port of Astoria, Crider and his staff managed an array of marine, industrial and aviation facilities, including a marina, an airport, 350 acres of industrial property, 350,000 square feet of warehouse facilities and 50,000 square feet of office

Want To Vote In The May 15th Primary? You Have Till April 25, 2012, 5 PM To Register

Monday, April 16, 2012

The Clatsop County Clerk and Elections Office reminds local residents that Tuesday, April 24 is the deadline to register to vote or change your party affiliation for the May 15
primary election.
April 24 at 5 p.m. is the deadline to hand in or post-mark a registration form if you are registering
to vote for the first time or wish to change your party affiliation. To be
eligible to vote, you must be an Oregon resident, a U.S. citizen, and be at
least 18 years old by Election Day.
You must update your
registration if you move or change your mailing address, change your name, or
wish to change your party affiliation. Those who are updating the name or
address of their registration have until 8 p.m. on Election Day to do so.
Voter registration
forms are available at the Clatsop County Elections
Office, 820 Exchange St., Astoria, second floor, as well as local U.S. Post
Offices, public libraries or Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles offices.
People may also register online with the Oregon Secretary of State’s
Office at www.sos.state.or.us/elections. Voter registration
forms can also be downloaded from the “Clerk/Elections” page at http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/. For more information
go to the Clerk/Elections page on the Clatsop County website or call (503)
325-8511.
Ballots for the
election will be mailed out beginning Friday, April 27. Ballots are not
forwarded by the post office; therefore, voters are urged to update their
registration if they have moved.
The May election
ballot includes Democratic and Republican primary races for President, Congress,
the Oregon Legislature and several statewide offices, as well as non-partisan
contests for Clatsop County Sheriff and two Clatsop County Board of
Commissioners seats. Three local measures are also on the ballot, along with
local precinct committeeperson ballots.
· If you are registered
as a Democrat, you will receive a ballot containing Democratic candidates, the
non-partisan offices and measures, and the Democratic precinct committeeperson
ballot.
· If you are registered
as a Republican, you will receive a ballot containing Republican candidates, the
non-partisan offices and measures, and the Republican precinct committeeperson
ballot.
· If you are registered
as non-affiliated, and responded to the Republican Party’s invitation to receive
a partial Republican ballot by April 24, 2012, you will receive a ballot
containing only the non-partisan offices and measures and an additional ballot
for Republican candidates for offices of Secretary of State, Attorney General
and State Treasurer.
· If you are registered
other than a major party, you will receive a ballot containing only the
non-partisan offices and measures.

Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Port Of Astoria Meeting Notice

www.portofastoria.com
M E E T I N G N O T I C E
PORT OF ASTORIA
EXECUTIVE SESSION
SPECIAL MEETING
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
5:00 P.M. - Executive Session
6:00 P.M. – Special Meeting
On Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. the Port of Astoria Commission will hold an
Executive Session. The Executive Session is held in accordance with ORS 192.660 (2) (e).
At 6:00 p.m. a Special Meeting will be held. The meetings will be held at the Port’s Board
Member Conference Room at 422 Gateway Ave., Suite 100, Astoria, Oregon. A request for
an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with
disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by calling the Port of
Astoria at (503) 741-3300. The Executive Session is closed to the public.
The Port Commission reserves the right to add or delete items as needed, to change
the order of the Special Meeting agenda, and to discuss any other business deemed
necessary at the time of that meeting. The Special Meeting is open to the public.
AGENDA
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
5:00 p.m.
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
2. Conduct deliberations with persons designated to negotiate real
property transactions in accordance with ORS 192.660 (2) (e).
3. Adjourn
# # # #
AGENDA
SPECIAL MEETING
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
6:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
2. Changes/Additions
3. Public Comment
4. Updated Cash Position
5. Projects Update: Budget, “Loose-ends”
6. Line Hauling Vessel Proposals
7. Budget Committee member replacement
8. Commission Direction
9. Public Comment
10. Adjourn at 7:30 p.m. for Employee Appreciation Party

April 11, Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Meeting Highlights

Highlights
Wednesday, April 11,
2012 regular meeting

Official minutes
available once approved by board

Volunteers
honored
The board recognized
the hundreds of volunteers who donate time to the county each year, and gave out
awards to the top volunteers of 2011.
Honorees
were:
· Individual Volunteer
of the Year – Linda Dygert
· Outstanding Advisory
Board Member – Bruce Francis (Planning Commission)
· Outstanding Volunteer
Group – Amateue Radio Emergency Services (ARES)
· Outstanding
Individuals Within a Group – Tate Dellelo/Adopt-A-Road; Dave Rouse/Reserve
Deputy Sheriff, Clatsop County Search and Rescue and High-Angle Rescue teams;
Mark Seavey/CADY mentoring program

Health initiative
discussed
The board heard a
presentation from County Manager Duane Cole, Public Health Director Margo Lalich
and others on the Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) program now under
development at the direction of the Oregon Legislature.
The CCO initiative is
designed to provide Medicare and Medicaid recipients coordinated care options
designed to reduce costly critical care visits and ultimately improve health and
reduce healthcare costs.
Two entities –
CareOregon and Greater Oregon Health Benefits Inc., have expressed interest in
creating a CCO covering Clatsop County and neighboring counties.
The county is engaged
in the process with local healthcare providers, the commissioners heard, and
were told that in the near future the board may be asked to approve a letter
commenting on the proposed CCO.

Comment letter
sent
The board voted to
direct staff to draft a letter to the Oregon Employment Relations Board (ERB)
regarding a request by represented employees of the Clatsop County Parole and
Probation Division to join a different union.
The six Parole and
Probation staff have sought approval to leave the American Federation of State,
County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and join the Federation of Parole and
Probation Officers (FOPPO). The Parole and Probation personnel are currently
represented by AFSCME Local 2746, which also represents Sheriff’s Office
employees.
The letter will
request that the ERB conduct a hearing on the Parole and Probation staff
request. Increasing the number of bargaining units with whom the county must
bargain would add to the cost and complexity of negotiating labor
contracts.
Unionized county
employees are currently represented by four bargaining units: Sheriff/Parole and
Probation; Courthouse/Roads; District Attorney’s Office; and Nurses. The
Sheriff, Courthouse and District Attorney units are all represented by AFSCME;
the nurses unit is represented by the Oregon Nurses Association.
The county was set to
begin negotiations this month with the sheriff’s office bargaining unit on a new
contract. Those talks will be postponed until the ERB’s decision on the Parole
and Probation request.

Committee
appointment
The board appointed
Linda Eyerman to the Southwest Coastal Citizens Advisory Committee.


Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000 ext. 1312

Clatsop County Commissioners Honor County Volunteers

PHOTO CAPTION:
Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Chair Peter Huhtala presents Linda Dygert
with the Volunteer of the Year Award at Wednesday’s board meeting.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday honored the many local citizens who donate their time to help make their community a better place to live.

The commissioners recognized the recipients of the 2011 Volunteer of the Year awards and approved a proclamation thanking all county volunteers.

In 2011, 537 volunteers donated a total of 21,653 hours of service to a county – work valued at almost a half-million dollars.

Award winners are:

· Individual Volunteer of the Year – Linda Dygert

· Outstanding Advisory Board Member – Bruce Francis

· Outstanding Individuals Within a Group – Tate Dellelo/Adopt-a-Road; Dave Rouse/Reserve Deputy Sheriff, Clatsop County Search and Rescue and High-Angle Rescue teams; Mark Seavey/CADY

· Outstanding Volunteer Group – Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES)

Linda Dygert won the Individual Volunteer of the Year Award for her work at the Clatsop County Animal Shelter. Dygert has volunteered at the facility for 10 years, up to six days a week, handling a wide variety of tasks from showing animals for adoption, transporting them to veterinary visits and assisting with office work. She is secretary of Clatsop Animal Assistance, the non-profit group that helps care for shelter animals, and also offers her own home as a foster caretaker for animals needing extra time away from the shelter.

Dygert was nominated for the award by Steven Hildreth, Animal Control Supervisor.

“With everything she has done and continues to do for the shelter, we can never say thank you enough for being one of the best people we have ever known,” he said.

Bruce Francis is chairman of the Clatsop County Planning Commission, in which role he facilitates the panel’s meetings and brings members’ viewpoints into a coherent discussion ending in legally supportable and appropriate decisions on a wide variety of land-use questions. The panel most recently completed a thorough review of the county’s newly adopted Strategic Plan.

Tate Dellelo is a volunteer in the county’s Adopt-A-Road program and picks up roadside litter along 19th Street and Ensign Lane in Warrenton. While most Adopt-A-Road participants are in groups, and are only required to clean their assigned roads twice a year, Dellelo cleans 19th and Ensign every day, rain or shine.

Dave Rouse is a reserve deputy with the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office and is a member of the department’s volunteer Search and Rescue Team and High-Angle Rescue Team. A dedicated participant in all three groups, he shares his expertise with other team members.

Mark Seavey is a member of CADY (Caring Adults Developing Youth) mentoring program and was nominated by one of his student mentees, Nicolas Morse, who praised Seavey for not only involving him in activities like hiking Saddle Mountain and a Trailblazers game, but also introducing him to the possibilities of a military career.

Members of the Amateur Radio Emergency Services group provide a critical communications link for local agencies during emergencies. The ARES group, nominated by Clatsop County Emergency Services Coordinator Tom Manning, regularly drills to test its procedures, and strives to ensure members keep up with the growing list of training requirements.

“They put in hundreds of hours to literally save lives,” Manning said.

Blue Ribbon Campaign Focuses On Child Abuse Awareness

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The Clatsop County Commission on Children and Families, in partnership with other local stakeholders, is promoting awareness of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month with an event Friday, April 13 in Astoria.

Volunteers will install 100 blue ribbons on the small park space at 15th Street between Marine Drive and Commercial Street in downtown Astoria beginning at 12:30 p.m. The event, a kick-off to the commission’s “Keep Kids Safe” campaign, recognizes the more than 100 children in Clatsop County who were victims of maltreatment in the past year, whether emotional abuse, neglect, physical abuse or sexual abuse.

All forms of maltreatment take a tremendous toll on a child’s ability to develop healthy brain pathways, and can lead to serious health issues throughout adult life.

The “Keep Kids Safe” campaign is a project of the Commission on Children and Families, Clatsop County Juvenile Department, CASA, Hope House, Women’s Resource Center and North Coast Parenting. Friday’s ribbon-placing event is made possible by support from the City of Astoria and Home Depot.

Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

North Coast Parenting Presents Money Smart Workshop In Seaside

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Parents, do you have trouble finding money for those unexpected bills? Could you use some guidance figuring out how to support a family every month on your household income?

Get answers at the Money Smart Workshop, 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 19 at Broadway Middle School in Seaside.

Participants will receive help with basic budgeting, saving for emergencies, planning for the future and how to work smarter, not harder. Childcare will be available.

The event is sponsored by North Coast Parenting and the Seaside School District.

For more information and to register, contact North Coast Parenting at (503) 325-8673 ext. 4.

Released by:Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Clatsop County Public Health Urges Vaccination For Pertussis(Whooping Cough)

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

As a result of several recent cases of pertussis locally, the Clatsop County Public Health Department is encouraging everyone in the county ages 2 months and above to be vaccinated against the illness, also known as whooping cough.

The department is reporting a total of six positive reports of pertussis – a 2-year-old child, four school-age children and a 31-year-old adult. On Tuesday the health department sent out a memo to parents of schoolchildren describing the disease’s symptoms and means of spreading, and tips for prevention and treatment.

Based on current data, it is likely there are many more pertussis cases than the six positive reports, as providers frequently do not test for the disease. Additionally, there is likely a large segment of the high school population that is susceptible to pertussis, since school law currently only requires freshman to be vaccinated.

Symptoms of pertussis include coughing “fits” sometimes followed by a “whooping” noise, vomiting, or the inability to catch one’s breath – the illness has been called “the 100-day cough.” People with pertussis are contagious for about three weeks or until after the fifth day of an appropriate antibiotic regime. In spite of antibiotics, severe coughing may last for months.

Pertussis can be life-threatening in infants up to 12 months old. Pregnant women in their third trimester are also considered high-risk because of the potential of passing the infection to their newborns. Adults with severe cases may develop pneumonia and need hospitalization. Adults and teenagers may spread the disease to infants and young children.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends DtaP (diphterhia, tetanus and acellular pertussis) vaccination for children ages 2 months through 6 years of age, TdaP (tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis) vaccination for children between ages 7 and 11 who have not completed the initial DtaP series, and TdaP booster vaccination for all adolescents ages 11 through 18 years of age and all adults.

Clatsop County Public Health is encouraging everyone to review his or her vaccination records and contact their primary care provider or Clatsop County Public Health Department at (503) 325-8500. Pertussis vaccines are available at low or no cost through Clatsop County.

Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

April 11, 2012 Updated Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Meeting Agenda

April 11, 2012 CCBofC Agenda Packet

Natural Gas Glut Forces Slow-Down In Drilling Boom

By JONATHAN FAHEY - AP Energy Writer - The Associated Press

Sunday, April 8, 2012 8:03 AM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. natural gas market is bursting at the seams.

So much natural gas is being produced that soon there may be nowhere left to put the country's swelling surplus. After years of explosive growth, natural gas producers are retrenching.

Read Full Article

Astoria Police Respond To Gunshot Wound. An Investigation Is Ongoing

Astoria Regional Dispatch Reports:
On April 5, 2012 at 10:05 PM

Astoria Police responded to a residence in the 900 block of Franklin to a report of a gunshot victim. When they arrived they found a seriously injured 35 year old female who had sustained a gunshot wound to the head. Indications are that the wound was self inflicted. Medix and Astoria Fire personnel provided aid to the victim who was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Astoria Police were initially assisted by the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police. The Clatsop County District Attorney’s office provided a medical legal investigator to assist in the investigation as well. While the cause of death is a gunshot wound the manner of death will be determined through a complete investigation.

Astoria Police will not be releasing the name of the deceased to allow for the notification of relatives.

TransCanada Shifting Focus Of Alaska Gas Pipeline To Develop Potential For LNG Export

Sutherland LNG Law
Posted: April 5, 2012

An official for TransCanada told the Associated Press (carried via the Anchorage Daily News) that the company would like to shift the focus of its proposed natural gas pipeline to carry North Slope gas to an LNG liquefaction facility in southern Alaska, instead of transporting the gas into Canada. Under the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act, the change in the project is subject to approval by Alaska state officials.

National Health Survey Ranks Clatsop County 11th Out Of 33 Counties In Oregon

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Clatsop County has moved up in the rankings of a nationwide survey of health indicators released earlier this week.

The study, a joint project of the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, compiled data on lifespan, health care access, smoking and obesity rates and other factors for every county across the United States, and ranked the counties within each state.

Clatsop County earned an overall ranking of 11th out of the 33 Oregon counties listed in the study (Gillam, Sherman and Wheeler counties were not included) in health outcomes, which measured deaths before age 75, low birthweight infants and percentage of residents who report poor physical and mental health. That compares with a ranking of 19th in the first 2010 study and 17th in last year’s survey.

To Margo Lalich, Clatsop County Public Health Department director, the Wisconsin survey is simply one of many sources of data her office uses to gauge the community’s well-being and prioritize health initiatives.

“We have all the silo data – when we put it together, we begin to see what impacts what, and what story it’s trying to tell us,” she said.

While its health outcomes score improved, Clatsop County’s ranking dipped two places, to 17th, for health factors, which measure behaviors such as smoking and drinking as well as access to health care, poverty and education levels.

“What this tells us is that in spite of the risk factors, the initiatives and interventions we are adopting locally are having a positive impact on health outcomes,” Lalich said.

According to the survey, 22 percent of county residents smoke versus 18 percent statewide, but the local obesity rate matched the state average of 26 percent, and excessive drinking was slightly less than the state’s 16 percent. The local rate of uninsured residents totals 21 percent of the population, versus 19 percent for Oregon, while the rate of preventable hospital stays is 36 percent higher than the statewide average.

The complete survey can be viewed at www.countyhealthrankings.org.

Local demographics can influence health statistics – Clatsop County’s rural setting, older-than-average population and reliance on service-industry jobs all impact health outcomes – but a key focus of the Public Health Department is determining how these widely varying factors affect citizens’ health.

“We can’t just look at whether you have a doctor to go to – we need to consider all the determinants of health: individual lifestyle factors, social and community networks, living and working conditions as well as socio-economic, cultural and ecological conditions,” Lalich said. “Understanding what the social and cultural norms are of a community is critical when developing initiatives to decrease risk and improve outcomes.”

The county is conducting a Comprehensive Community Health Assessment due to be completed later this month. Sponsored by the county Commission on Children and Families and undertaken in partnership with the Oregon State University College of Public Health and Human Sciences, the study will provide even more detailed data than the Wisconsin study, and further illuminate how various risk factors impact health.

Public Health has received additional resources to support some of its traditional services, including a $10,000 state grant for a breast-feeding promotional campaign.

“We are collaborating more with other organizations,” said Steven Blakesley, Clatsop County Health Promotion Specialist. “We have a very active Community Health Action Response Team comprised of community leaders and volunteers from many different organizations. Our focus areas are chronic disease self-management, food insecurities, increasing physical activities and worksite wellness.”

Clatsop County itself has an employee-driven wellness program, funded by its health insurance carrier, which promotes healthy habits. Subsidized pool passes, a Weight Watchers program, fitness walk contests – even an initiative to promote healthy break-room snacks – have all been launched, and the county is promoting the idea to other local entities.

Released by:Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Lower Columbia River(Astoria Included) To Get Three Regional Response Vessels

MarineLog.com Reports:

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Columbia River's Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC) has approved a $2.7 million Port Security Grant Program project to purchase three Regional Response Vessels with firefighting capability for the lower Columbia River.

The acquisition of these vessels is the culmination of a two-year project to identify marine firefighting vulnerabilities in the Columbia River system and address them through federal grant programs.

Astoria will receive a 35-foot vessel that will be operated by the Astoria Fire Department. The other two boats, 35-feet and 45-feet, will be based in the Vancouver, Wash., port area. Both Astoria and Vancouver port authorities have committed their organizations to maintain and sustain the response vessels for the benefit of the entire river system. Additionally, the new boats will help the Coast Guard in patrolling the ports and responding quickly to a variety of threats. The vessels are expected to be in place by early 2013.

The AMSC includes key maritime stakeholders from Oregon, Washington and Idaho established by Congress to assist the Coast Guard Captain of the Port in ensuring safe and secure marine transportation and commerce. Committee actions are undertaken on behalf of the USCG and the general public, rather than any private entity or individual.

"This funding decision reflects our belief that safety and security are shared responsibilities, and that we can best protect the vital economic engine of the Columbia River system when the private sector and local, state and federal government work together," said Coast Guard Captain Bruce Jones, Captain of the Port for Sector Columbia River. "I applaud our port partners for their comprehensive approach to managing risk and wisely spending scarce grant funds in support of our mutual goals."

The AMSC also approved a $1.9 million Port Security Grant for a vessel tracking system focused on the Columbia and Snake River system. This system will integrate with and extend the vessel tracking system already in place between the mouth of the Columbia River and the Portland/Vancouver area, upriver to Lewiston, Idaho. Until now, lack of resources and challenging topography have severely limited vessel traffic reporting in this area. The Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, and all entities having an interest in river commerce or incident response will benefit from a greater awareness of where ships, tugs and barges are at any given moment.

April 3, 2012

The Garden Of Surging Waves. Does It Deserve A Vote By The Citizens Of Astoria

Southern LNG Withdraws FERC Application - No Long-Term Supply

Posted: April 3, 2012
Sutherland - LNGLaw.com

Southern LNG has withdrawn its application to FERC to reactivate, expand and lease its truck loading facilities at the Elba Island LNG import terminal. According to the filing submitted late last week, available in the FERC eLibrary under Docket No. CP10-477, Southern LNG stated that Southeast LNG, the company developing the LNG truck distribution project, has been unable to secure long-term LNG supply and will not go forward with the project. The Savannah Morning News provides additional coverage.

Indonesia Expects Agreement Soon To Divert 90% Of LNG Destined For Sempra's Coast Azul Terminal

Sutherland - LNG Law

Posted: April 2,
2012
An official with BPMigas, Indonesia's LNG upstream regulator, said that he
expects his agency will sign an agreement this month or next that will allow BP
to divert up to 90% of LNG cargos originally destined for Sempra's Energia
Costa Azul LNG import facility in Mexico. According to Platts LNG
Daily [subscription required], the agreement will include a commitment that
Indonesia will compensate Sempra for each cargo diverted.

FERC Withdraws Consultation Request For Oregon LNG Terminal/Pipeline Proposal

Sutherlan LNG Law
March 29, 2012

Noting that the developers of the Oregon LNG terminal and pipeline project expect to change their plans for the project, FERC informed the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that it is withdrawing its Endangered Species Act section 7 consultation request regarding the proposed project. In its letters to each agency, available under Docket No. CP09-6 in eLibrary, FERC said it would "re-initiate consultation" on the revised version of the project "at the appropriate time."

Highlights Of The March 28, 2012 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Meeting

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners

Wednesday, March 28, 2012 regular meeting

Official minutes available once approved by board

Strategic Plan adopted

The board adopted the Clatsop County Strategic Plan. The strategic plan is designed to provide a framework for planning and pursuing the various major projects proposed by the county.

The document lists a total of 42 items, including projects already underway such as the Ensign Lane extension at the North Coast Business Park, Highway 101 flooding solution and Emergency Operations Center addition, as well as future initiatives such as the county comprehensive plan update and Clatsop Plains wastewater solution. The plan also includes the projects’ cost, potential funding sources and estimated time for completion.

The items were prioritized by the county planning commission and board of commissioners.

County Manager Duane Cole told the board that the plan is intended to be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure it reflects the county’s goals.

Ocean planning discussed

The board discussed the proposed addition of a Goal 19-Ocean Resources planning element to the county’s comprehensive land-use plan.

Community Development Director Hiller West explained that the State of Oregon reserves jurisdiction for regulating uses in the Goal 19 area, which covers the three-mile stretch of ocean off the coastline. As a result, the county has refocused its work on policy-making and setting up a framework for allowing public participation in the state’s reviews of proposed offshore developments.

West noted that the Goal 19 element does not regulate fishing.

The county Planning Commission hosted public workshops on the Goal 19 element and policies in December through February, and held a public hearing March 10. The board of commissioners scheduled a public hearing on the issue April 25.

No action on Wauna fee request

The board declined to take action on a request from the Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District Board of Directors to include the district in the distribution of funds from the Wauna Mill Strategic Investment Plan Community Service Fee.

The fee was established in 2007 through an agreement between Clatsop County, the State of Oregon and Wauna Mill owner Georgia-Pacific. The fee provides payments to local taxing districts in lieu of property taxes that were waived under the Lower Columbia Maritime Enterprise Zone, through which Georgia-Pacific received tax breaks for a new paper-making machine installed at the mill in 2004.

The service fee totals up to $500,000 a year and is disbursed to 10 taxing districts: Clatsop County, Rural Law Enforcement District, Road District #1, Port of Astoria, Sunset Empire Transportation District, Clatsop Care Center District, 4H and Extension Service District, Clatsop Community College District, NW Regional Educational Service District and Clatskanie School District #6J. Under the agreement Georgia-Pacific will pay the fee through 2022.

Robert Keyser, president of the Clatskanie Fire board, said that the district provides advanced life-support responder service to Westport and other areas along Highway 30 in eastern Clatsop County. Rising costs are forcing the district to consider dropping the service to the area, which is not within the district’s taxing boundaries.

County Manager Duane Cole told the board that the county board of commissioners in 2007 relied on state administrative rules to make the service fee available only to taxing districts whose boundaries include Wauna Mill, and who as a result had property tax revenue withheld under the enterprise zone tax break. Wauna Mill does not lie within the Clatskanie district’s boundaries, he said.

Cole also noted that the service fee was approved by the county Board of Commissioners in January 2007 following a six-month-long public process, and that the county received no input from the Clatskanie district at that time.

Commissioners said that the issue could be addressed by the newly re-activated Ambulance Service Agreement Advisory Committee.

Building fees updated

The board approved a new permit fee schedule for the county Building Codes Division. The update is the first since 2003 and includes adjustments to existing fees as well as the inclusion of fees for new permits.

Community Development Director Hiller West told the board that under state law, local building permit services must be entirely fee-supported. Since 2008, revenue from permits has been insufficient to cover the costs of permit processing and inspections in the Clatsop County office, and the shortfall has been covered by contingency funds.

The new fees take effect July 1. Projects permitted before that date will not be subject to the new fee schedule.

Jail nurse position expanded

The board approved an increase in the Clatsop County Jail nurse position from 0.5 FTE (fulltime equivalent) to 1.0 FTE in the upcoming 2012-13 fiscal year budget. The increase will allow the jail nurse to provide services to the county Juvenile Department detention facility in place of the Oregon Youth Authority, which is reducing its nursing staff. It will also increase hours of service at the county jail with the aim of reducing inmate hospital trips and medical-based grievances.

The increase will come from the money the Juvenile Department currently gives to the state to contract for nursing services, as well as projected savings in overtime pay to the current jail nurse.

Other Business

-Approved a letter supporting the Oregon Board of Forestry’s consideration of “conservation area” designations for state forest lands.

-Approved a $67,897 contract with Bergeson Construction for the repair of a bridge on Hill Road in the Hamlet area.

-Postponed making an appointment to the Southwest Coastal Citizens Advisory Committee.

-Appointed Michael Autio and Mike Nelson to the Clatsop County Fair Board.

-Approved a proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000 ext. 1312

Clatsop County Jail Expansion - Ballot Measure 4-156

JAIL EXPANSION PROJECT - Ballot Measure 4-156

Ballot Measure 4-156, on the May 15, 2012 election ballot, proposes a $14 million bond to expand the Clatsop County Jail.

The Clatsop County Jail, located at 636 Duane St. in downtown Astoria, opened in 1980 with a maximum capacity of 29 beds. That number was later increased to 64 by double-bunking and converting other space into cells. In 2005 the daily population was capped at 60, due to concerns about staff and inmate safety

What is the proposed project?

· Expand and remodel the existing Clatsop County Jail to increase capacity from 60 to 164 beds and add units to hold inmates with contagious illnesses, mental health issues and behavioral problems separate from the main population;

· Provide new jail staff offices, intake and booking space, kitchen and laundry facilities and new entryways for offenders and the public.

· Remodel the existing Parole and Probation office in Warrenton to accommodate the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Division and support staff, who are currently housed in the lower level of the jail facility.

In the illustration above, the existing jail is shown in blue; the proposed addition is shown in white.

The construction schedule calls for the project to be completed by the end of 2014.

How much would it cost?

The total estimated cost, including design, permits, construction and contingency fund, is $14,114,118.14. Funding would come primarily from a $14 million, 20-year general obligation bond – the remainder of the cost would be covered by the county’s state timber revenue.

The tax rate for the bond would be an estimated 16.5 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, equal to an estimated $ 31.23 per year for the average owner of a property assessed at $ 189,291.

What would it cost to operate the expanded jail?

The expanded jail would cost an estimated $1,266,300 more per year to operate than the current facility. The increase is reflected in a larger jail staff, which would grow from the current 25.5 FTE (full-time equivalent) personnel to 34 FTE, as well as increases in supply and maintenance costs.

That increase would be offset with savings in other areas, including money now spent to rent jail beds in Tillamook County. Those savings would total an estimated $391,200, for an estimated net increase in annual operating expenses of $875,100.

As a comparison, in the 2010-11 fiscal year Clatsop County operated the 60 jail beds and 30-bed Transition Center at a total operating cost of $122.32 per bed per day. The operating costs of the expanded 164-bed jail is estimated to be $72.42 per bed per day.

To cover those additional operating costs, the county plans to use a portion of its annual revenue from the Clatsop State Forest, which would results in no additional taxes or cuts to existing services for county residents.

What is the jail’s current capacity?

The Clatsop County Jail currently operates at a 60-inmate capacity. The county also rents 18 beds at the Tillamook County Jail in Tillamook. By law the county can exceed the 60-inmate cap, but only for up to 96 hours. At times the population of the jail has reached 74 – the extra inmates are accommodated with portable beds placed on the floor.

With the current number of beds available, the Sheriff’s Office frequently must release convicted offenders before the end of their sentences due to lack of space – in December 2011, 81 inmates were released early.

The same goes for people in jail awaiting trials or hearings. In 2011 a total of 97 people were released before their scheduled court appearances.

People on parole or probation who commit violations of the terms of their supervision that would warrant jail sentences are frequently not incarcerated because no beds are available at the jail to hold them.

The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office currently has almost 1,200 outstanding arrest warrants on file, most of which have not been served due to lack of space in the jail.

In 2010, 40 percent of people booked into Clatsop County Jail served less than one day behind bars. Offenders who have been released from the jail before the end of their sentences due to lack of space include people convicted of domestic violence assaults, first-degree burglary and drug-selling.

The 164-bed capacity of the expanded facility is designed to provide space for sentenced offenders to serve their full terms, with some additional beds for parole and probation violators and people arrested on warrants.

What other changes would be made?

The current configuration of the county jail limits the ability of staff to separate the population based on gender, criminal classification and other factors, as well as to isolate inmates with contagious illnesses, mental health issues or behavioral problems. At times, the need to isolate certain inmates for security reasons means that the total population is held below the 60-inmate maximum.

Since the jail opened in 1980, the average number of female inmates has increased from 1 or 2 to approximately 25 percent of the total population. Male and female inmates must be held separately in the facility.

The project would remodel the existing jail facility to increase room for all classifications of inmates. It would also add more isolation cells for inmates with illness or behavioral issues.

Are there alternative programs?

Clatsop County and our local circuit courts operate several programs designed to provide an alternative to incarceration for local offenders, including Drug Court and Mental Health Court. Plus, Sheriff’s Office Parole and Probation supervises 419 people.

The Sheriff’s Office has also instituted an inmate work crew program, electronic monitoring (home arrest) and day reporting as jail alternatives, in part due to the jail’s lack of space.

Alternative programs like Drug Court are designed to help people break the cycle of substance abuse and other behaviors that frequently contribute to criminal activity, by offering the chance to clear a criminal charge off their record in return for successfully completing a treatment program. With the lack of space in the county jail, there are limited options to sanction program participants if they fail to abide by the programs’ conditions.

Why not just rent more beds elsewhere?

The county currently rents 18 beds in the Tillamook County Jail at a cost of $355,000 a year. Renting 104 beds – the amount that would be added to the Clatsop County Jail in the expansion project – at the $55 per bed per day rate charged by Tillamook would cost more than $2 million a year, assuming the beds were available in other counties at the same rate.

The $355,000 figure does not include the costs in money, time and manpower it takes to transport offenders to and from Tillamook.

Would the jail be shut down during the project?

The project has been designed to be constructed in phases that would allow the jail to operate throughout the project period. No inmates would need to be relocated or released.

Why move the Sheriff’s Office staff?

Relocating the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Division and support staff to the Parole and Probation office in Warrenton would provide more working space for those 26 personnel. It also would free up the bottom level of the jail facility to accommodate enlarged work space for jail staff, as well as new intake and booking space, enlarged laundry and kitchen facilities, and a larger “sally port” entryway for vehicles transporting offenders to the jail.

Why remodel the current jail?

Utilizing the existing facility is estimated to cost one-half as much as building an all-new jail. The current jail is located next to the Clatsop County Courthouse, minimizing the transport needs for inmates making court appearances.

Clatsop County Sheriff's Week In Review - March 19 Thru 25, 2012

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

CLATSOP COUNTY
SHERIFF’S OFFICE WEEK IN REVIEW – MARCH 19-25, 2012

The following are
weekly reports from the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Division,
Parole and Probation Division and Corrections Division.

Criminal
Division
The Criminal Division
of the Sheriff’s Office had 163 calls for service for the period of March 19
through March 25. They include five alarms, one assault, eight agency assists,
five disturbances, five animal/dog related complaints, one missing person case,
four motor vehicle accidents, four property crimes, one sexual assault
complaint, 33 traffic stops, two traffic citations, one unauthorized use of a
motor vehicle complaint, 21 warrant arrests, and 41 civil service documents
received, of which 34 were served by deputies. Crimes of note are as
follows:
· On March 19, a
citizen residing on Svensen Market Road reported a telephone scam where the
callers were attempting to obtain personal and banking information to facilitate
identity theft. The callers were unsuccessful in doing so.
· On March 19,
personnel investigated a road rage incident reported to have occurred on Highway
30 in the Knappa area.
· On March 19 and 20,
deputies investigated an ongoing dispute between neighbors on Young’s River
Road; the case is being forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review
and consideration of criminal charges.
· On March 20, at 90580
Sunset Beach Lane #1 a 17-year-old female from rural Warrenton was arrested on a
Juvenile Court warrant and lodged at the Young’s Bay Juvenile Detention
Center.
· On March 20, at 33242
Sunset Beach Lane #11A, Jacalyn Clark, 26, from rural Warrenton was arrested on
a Clatsop County felony warrant and lodged at the Clatsop County Jail where she
remains in custody.
· On March 21, Benjamin
Sieben, 27, from Astoria was arrested for Assault II and Driving Under the
Influence of Intoxicants following a disturbance at 92851 Pearson Road. Sieben
was lodged at the Clatsop County Jail where he remains in custody.
· On March 25, Daniel
Hughes, 24, from Westport was arrested on charges of Menacing and Criminal
Mischief following a disturbance at 47307 Fire Station Alley Road. Hughes was
lodged at the Clatsop County Jail where he remains in custody.

Corrections
Division
The Corrections
Division reports that from March 19 through March 25, 15 people were released
early from the Clatsop County Jail. Of those 15 inmates released early, six were
forced Matrix released for the following alleged crimes: Burglary I,
Interfering with Making a Police Report, Harassment, Probation
Violation-Possession of a Controlled Substance, Contempt of Court, Possession of
a Controlled Substance 2, Assault 4, Criminal Trespass 1, Possession of a
Controlled Substance-Heroin, Possession of a Controlled Substance-Meth, Assault
4, Possession of Controlled Substance-Heroin, Delivery of a Controlled
Substance, Out of County Contempt of Court, Probation Violation-Aggravated Theft
I.
The other nine
released inmates were released prior to the end of their court-ordered sentence.
Their crimes were Violation of Post-Prison Supervision-Possession of a
Controlled Substance-Meth, Assault 4, Violation of Post-Prison Supervision-
Possession of a Controlled Substance, Violation of Post-Prison
Supervision-Assault 4 Domestic Violence-Felony, Probation Violation-Failure to
Appear, Theft I, DUII, Probation Violation-Escape III, Probation Violation-DUII,
and Driving While License Suspended
The early releases
resulted in a total of 80 days not served in jail for sentenced
offenders.

Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

March 28, 2012 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Regular Meeting Agenda Is Now Avaialable

Read Full Agenda Packet

Clatsop D.A. Josh Marquis Testifies Before U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee

“Justice for All: Convicting the Guilty and Exonerating the Innocent"

”Senate Judiciary CommitteeFull Committee
DATE: March 21, 2012
The Senate Committee on the Judiciary has scheduled a hearing entitled “Justice for All: Convicting the Guilty and Exonerating the Innocent”
Room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Watch Full Hearing(114 Minutes)

Jack Crider Resigns From Port Of Astoria

Posted: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 7:05 am. Updated: 7:18 am
The Daily Astorian

Port of Astoria Executive Director Jack Crider has resigned.

The four-year veteran of the agency submitted his resignation Tuesday night.

Read Daily Report

CCSheriff's Office Warns Of Electronic 'Phishing Scam'

Monday, March 19, 2012

The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office is warning citizens of a “phishing” scam operating locally.

Under the scam, the suspects send an email or text message purporting to be Verizon representatives and advising the message recipient that his or her Verizon account has been locked. The message asks the recipient to visit the link embedded in the message, which then requests the person to provide personal information such as date of birth, account numbers, bank account and routing numbers and Social Security numbers among other personal information. The link and email generally look legitimate; however, they are not.

The Sheriff’s Office recommends that if you receive emails or texts from companies you do business with, that you do not hit the link embedded in the message. Instead you should retrieve the company’s phone number from a statement you have received and call them, or if you would rather address the matter electronically over the internet, type in the address yourself into the browser and then follow the links from the legitimate website.

Remember these companies already know your account number; they don’t need to ask you for it. This is also true for your other personal information; if they initiate the contact and then start asking you for personal information, it is likely that you are talking to a scammer who will use the information you provide to access your accounts and steal from them.

Lastly, the Sheriff’s Office recommends that you check your bank statements, phone bills, credit card bills and other accounts on a monthly basis and question any charge that does not appear legitimate. The scammers have changed practices and instead of emptying accounts or charging large amounts they are charging smaller amounts in the hope that they will go unnoticed by the victim.

If you believe you have been targeted by this type of scam, call the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office at (503) 325-8635.

Released by:Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Suicide Intervention Training Offered April 12 & 13 In Tillamook

Friday, March 16, 2012

The Clatsop County Commission on Children and Families and Tillamook Family Counseling Center together are sponsoring the ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) program April 12 and 13 at Tillamook Bay Community College, 4301 Third St. in Tillamook.

The training runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Cost is $30 and registration is required.

ASIST is a comprehensive, coordinated and integrated suicide intervention training that reflects current best-practice in suicide intervention. ASIST is the result of more than 20 years of research and development, and is the most widely used suicide intervention program in the world. ASIST is partially funded through a federal grant targeting suicide prevention initiatives.

Participants in the program will learn the signs of suicidal thinking, how to intervene to prevent immediate risk of suicide, and resources available in the local area.

To register, call (503) 842-8201 ext. 271 before April 9. Continuing Education and DPSST credits are available for social workers, counselors and first responders.

Released by:Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Local Norovirus Cases Prompt Call For Health Precautions

Friday, March 16, 2012

The Clatsop County Public Health Department has been investigating several outbreaks of acute vomiting and diarrhea in local elder care facilities believed to be linked to a contagious infection.

Two of the cases have been identified as caused by the norovirus. This is an extremely contagious gastrointestinal infection spread most often by hands that have been contaminated with feces or vomit or aerosolized vomit of infected people.

To prevent the spread of norovirus and other gastrointestinal infections, the Public Health Department urges people to practice frequent hand-washing or sanitizing, especially after using the bathroom or changing diapers, before preparing meals or feeding an infant, and before and after providing care to another.

People with acute vomiting and diarrhea should not return to school, daycare, residential care or food service until they have been symptom-free for 72 hours. Those people should also inform their employers of their illness, and continue to practice scrupulous hand-washing.

For more information contact the Public Health Department at (503) 325-8500.

Released by:Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Clatsop County Health Department Tracking Higher-Than-Normal Resperatory Illness

Friday, March 16, 2012

The Clatsop County Public Health Department is urging the public to observe basic preventative health steps as a result of an increase in reports of upper respiratory tract infections across the county.

Surveillance of local hospital emergency departments and urgent care and walk-in clinics has revealed bronchitis, sinus infections, strep throat and a small number of positive influenza tests. One local school district reported that its absenteeism rate peaked at 19 percent, versus a normal rate of 6 to 8 percent.

Predominant symptoms found in school cases are fever, sore throat, body aches, headaches and nasal and chest congestion.

Neither Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria nor Providence Seaside Hospital in Seaside is reporting any increased hospitalization as a result of these infections. However, people with fever and sore throat should be medically evaluated, as untreated strep throat can lead to complications including heart and kidney problems.

The Public Health Department reminds citizens to help prevent the spread of respiratory illness by:

· Covering your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throwing the tissue away

· Washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing

· Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth

· Trying to avoid close contact with sick people

· Getting a flu shot (for those age 6 months and older)

Those who do contract a flu-like illness are urged to remain home at least 24 hours after the fever is gone (if no fever-reducing medicine is used), to reduce the risk of spreading the illness at work or school.

For more information, go to the Public Health page on the Clatsop County website, www.co.clatsop.or.us or call (503) 325-8500.

Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

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Clatsop County Sheriff's Office Week In Review - March 4th thru 11th

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

The following are weekly reports from the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Division, Parole and Probation Division and Corrections Division.

Criminal Division

The Criminal Division had 199 calls for service for the period of March 4 through March 11. They include 10 alarms, 13 agency assists, two animal/dog complaints, seven disturbances, two Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) arrests, four property crimes, eight traffic citations, 71 traffic stops and 15 arrest warrants served. Crimes of note are as follows:

· Theft of two yards of ¾ minus gravel from the Knappa Water District on Allen Road;

· Disturbance on Walluski Loop that resulted in the arrest of Bjorn Vaugh of Astoria on a charge of Strangulation – released after six hours in Clatsop County Jail;

· Criminal Mischief on Kylester Lane in Knappa where a storage unit was broken into, nothing of value taken;

· Arrest of Torae Shufelt of Wheeler on a charge of DUII on Hwy 101 and Tolovana – released after one hour in jail.

· Arrest of Donald Baker of Seaside on charges of Menacing and Harassment on Elm Road in Jewell after a neighborhood disturbance involving the firing of guns – released after 15 hours in jail.

· Theft of two metal tent poles owned by the Commercial Fisherman’s Festival from Tongue Point property;

· Arrest of Jessica Slaughter of Warrenton for a restraining order violation – in custody as of March 13 for previous probation violations;

· Arrest of Kristopher French of Longview on a charge of DUII on Hwy 105 and Wireless Road – released after two hours in jail

· Arrest of John Bard of Beaverton on a charge of Public Indecency on Lewis and Clark Road near Crown Camp (milepost 10) – released after 20 minutes in jail.

If you have any information regarding the crimes listed above please call the Sheriff’s Office at 503-325-8635.



Parole and Probation Division

Currently Parole and Probation supervises 419 offenders – 319 men and 100 women. More than half, 51%, are 30 years of age or younger. Of that total, 259 offenders are being supervised for a C felony crime, 89 for a B felony crime and 49 for an A felony crime. Plus, 23 offenders are on supervision for misdemeanor offenses.

More than half of the offenders are either currently entered into treatment programs (41 percent) or have been referred to treatment programs (12 percent). Twenty-five percent of our offenders have completed treatment programs.

The Parole and Probation Division is in charge of:

· Direct supervision of state-funded felony offenders on probation, post-prison supervision and parole, as well as a limited number of misdemeanor offenders;

· Provision of programming and services to assist the offender in overcoming criminal thinking/behavior patterns and/or learning the skills necessary to appropriately function in the community;

· Imposition of a continuum of sanctions for noncompliance with conditions of supervision.

Corrections Division

The Corrections Division reports that from March 4 through March 11, 20 people were released early from the Clatsop County Jail. Of those 20, eight were forced Matrix releases that included crimes of: First-Degree Burglary, Attempt to Elude, Possession of Controlled Substance-Methemphetamine, Possession of Controlled Substance-Heroin, Failure to Appear on a Violation of Release Agreement, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, Probation Violation-Interfering with a Police Officer.

The 12 that were released prior to completing their sentences involve crimes of: Post-Prison Supervision Violation-Sex Abuse I, Post-Prison Supervision Violation-Attempt to Rape I, Post-Prison Supervision Violation-Possession of Controlled Substance-Heroin, Post-Prison Supervision Violation-Possession of Controlled Substance-Meth, Probation Violation-Theft II, Probation Violation-Possession of Controlled Substance, Menacing, Domestic Assault, Probation Violation-Harassment, Probation Violation-Resisting Arrest/Reckless Driving, Driving While License Suspended, and Contempt.

The releases for the period March 4-11 resulted in a total of 88 days not served in jail for sentenced offenders.

Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622