Clatsop County Board of CommissionersHighlights
September 28, 2011 Work Session Audio Tanscript
September 28, 2011 Regular Session Audio Transcript
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011 regular meeting
Official minutes available once approved by board
Circus animal ordinance
The board voted to draft an ordinance for placement on the May 2012 election ballot banning elephants and other exotic animals from display within the county.
The ban would be limited to exotic animals used in circuses and other entertainment venues and would not cover rodeos and horse shows, 4-H and FFA events and educational displays. The ordinance would only cover the unincorporated county.
The ban was promoted by Astoria resident Janice Robertson and other supporters, who say elephants and other animals used in many travelling circuses suffer cruel and inhumane treatment.
The ordinance will be brought back to board for a public hearing at an upcoming meeting.
Ambulance plan reviewed
The board heard a report from County Manager Duane Cole on a pending update to the county’s Ambulance Service Area (ASA) plan, and approved the recruitment of members of an advisory oversight committee.
The ASA plan spells out the boundaries and minimum service standards for the service area, which covers the entire county. The current plan was adopted in 1996; the state of Oregon notified the county earlier this year that the plan was due for an update.
The plan update does not involve any change to the existing franchise agreement with the current service provider, MEDIX. The franchise agreement runs to 2016.
Health plan letter
The board approved a letter to be sent to the Governor’s Office regarding the pending changes to the Oregon Health Plan and reorganization of OHP service providers into Coordinated Care Organizations. The new program, approved by the Oregon Legislature and scheduled to launch in 2012, is designed to provide a continuum of integrated care for OHP patients’ physical, mental and dental health services, while at the same time reducing the state’s Medicare and Medicaid expenses.
The county’s proposed letter, drafted with input collected from local stakeholders by Public Health Director Margo Lalich, expresses concerns about data-sharing, unfunded mandates, allocation of funds saved by the program, and counties’ role within new regional structures.
Hood to Coast report
The board heard a report from organizers of the Hood to Coast Relay on the 2011 event, Bob Foote and Felicia Hubber. They said the number of running teams, which was increased from 1,000 to 1,250 for this year’s event, will be reduced to 1,050 for the 2012 running, due to congestion at the finish area in Seaside.
The event raised $517,000 for the American Cancer Society, they said.
Other Business
In other business the board:
-Approved a letter of support for a grant request from the Port of Astoria for federal funding to upgrade its Pier 3 facility for expanded log and lumber export activity. Commissioner Debra Birkby voted no, citing concerns about increased log truck traffic.
-Appointed Gary Sunderland, Bree Phillips and Clarke Powers to the Board of Property Tax Appeals. Patrick Jensen was appointed as an alternate.
-Approved a proclamation recognizing Oct. 1-8 as Oregon Days of Culture.
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000 ext. 1312
1 comment:
Contemporary Circus perhaps?
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