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

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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.

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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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The Oregonian: Oregon LNG(Warrenton) Now Wants To Import LNG To Pipe It To Coos Bay LNG To Profiteer By Export?

Saturday, July 16, 2011, 11:10 PM
By Ted Sickinger, The Oregonian The OregonianThe Oregonian/fileOregon LNG Chief Executive Officer Peter Hansen surveys the site of a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal at Warrenton. Oregon LNG is competing with Bradwood Landing to build a LNG terminal near Astoria.Two years ago, energy companies trying to build terminals to import liquefied natural gas to Oregon laughed at the notion of using their projects instead to export burgeoning supplies of U.S. and Canadian gas to lucrative markets in Asia. The idea, LNG backers said, was a conspiracy theory concocted by environmentalists and landowners who didn't want pipelines laid across public and private lands. ......

Read Ted Sickinger Report

From Oregon Department Of Justice: What To Do When Facing Foreclosure

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
July 19, 2011

Oregon's foreclosure rate spiked 236% in April.

Current trends in the real estate market are not likely to reverse course anytime soon. Please share this important information with your friends, family and neighbors - you may be able to help someone in danger of losing their home.Get help right away. If you receive a foreclosure notice or are having a hard time making your mortgage payments, seek help right away. You may be able to obtain forbearance or a loan modification. Call 1-888-995-HOPE or visit http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=pfqm4edab&et=1106637114682&s=11311&e=001f5cHfHhaQ1yKKXkXbV9AaE-OozwP95e_wmzhQllvYiQ1Z73f9PNb9osRWIvRHeZKS0cY4Gn4D3YAGpvJkpvGMlFnCSXh_v7aOEkgmlmepPEUF4Rvz6fbIA== to get connected with free counseling or assistance contacting your mortgage company. The FTC's mortgage website also provides lots of important information for homeowners facing foreclosure.Make sure your counselor is HUD-approved. If you decide to work with a foreclosure counselor, make sure they are HUD-approved. Scammers may contact you by mail, on the phone, online or in person, and sometimes try to appear associated with your lender or the government. Ask your counselor if their agency is HUD-approved, and then double check for yourself. Visit the HUD website or call 1-877-483-1515 to confirm that your counselor is HUD-approved.Never agree to pay up-front fees for foreclosure counseling. Up-front fees are illegal under Oregon law. Charging excessive up-front fees is one of the most common foreclosure relief scams.Keep a record of everything you do. When working with your mortgage company, keep excellent records. Note the times and days that you call and the name of the representative who you speak with. Make copies of every document you sign or provide to your lender during the loan modification process. Write down the confirmation number and dates of every transaction. If problems develop, your notes and records will help you reach a resolution faster.Don't get scammed. Those who are facing foreclosure are particularly vulnerable to scams. That is why DOJ aggressively pursues mortgage and foreclosure fraud. Mortgage-related scams can include phony offers of counseling or help, cons where homeowners unknowingly sign away their home, and lease-to-own schemes where a scammer purports to sell a house and pockets all the payments. Learn to spot the signs of a scam .If you think you have been victimized, or want to notify DOJ about an individual, company or agency that may be engaging in mortgage or foreclosure rescue scams, complete a Consumer Complaint Form or call the Attorney General's Consumer Hotline at 1-877-877-9392.

Oregon Department Of Forestry Releases New Management Plan For Tillamook And Clatsop State Forests

Forestry Dept releases plans to implement new mgmt direction in Tillamook, Clatsop State Forests
Dan Postrel 503-945-7420

The Oregon Department of Forestry on Tuesday announced new implementation plans for management of 250,000 acres of state-owned forestland in Clatsop and Tillamook counties, carrying out revised direction from the state Board of Forestry.The board’s direction is contained in the 2010 Northwest Oregon State Forest Management Plan.ODF’s implementation of the board’s direction raises the annual harvest goal about five percent above recent averages, while continuing to protect streams and wildlife, and to create a more natural mosaic of forest conditions in what is now a largely uniform, younger forest landscape.The implementation plans use a phased approach for increasing harvest, deferring some harvest projects for up to two years. This provides an opportunity to re-evaluate how the deferred harvests may contribute to complex forest structure, and to wildlife and aquatic habitats, in the future. It also creates a window of opportunity as the board re-examines its performance measures and management strategies for state forests in northwestern Oregon. “This represents another step as we continually refine our management in response to evolving scientific knowledge and changing public needs and interests,” State Forester Doug Decker said.The board sets overarching goals for managing Oregon’s state forests, providing the foundation for detailed implementation plans, such as those released Tuesday.The lands covered by the plans, in the Tillamook and Clatsop state forests, came into state ownership primarily in the 1950s, after significant fires and logging activity. They were extensively replanted during the early years of public ownership, and are managed today to provide a mix of social, economic and environmental benefits.Two-thirds of the revenue generated from timber sales goes to local counties; the rest funds forest management and fire protection on the lands.“Oregonians find much to value in their state forests – wildlife, clean water, recreation, economic benefits and more,” Decker said. “Understandably, there’s a high level of interest in how these forests are managed. These implementation plans move us in the near-term toward some new goals, while leaving options open for the mid- and long-term to shape the best management strategies for the future.”Last year, the forestry board revised the management plan it had adopted for northwestern Oregon’s state forests in 2001. The changes arose from updated scientific and technical information, and from concerns about the original plan’s ability to achieve economic expectations. In addition, the board adopted performance measures for state forests, including specific performance targets for the Clatsop and Tillamook forests.The board’s action in 2010 included raising timber sale revenue goals by 5 percent to 15 percent over the next decade, and reducing a long-term goal for creating older stands with features of more complex forest habitats, such as multi-layered canopies.The new goal, addressed in the implementation plans released Tuesday, is to create such stands across 17 percent to 20 percent of the landscape in 20 years, potentially increasing to 30 percent to 50 percent in the long term.Foresters add habitat diversity by using clearcuts to create forest openings and to establish new stands, and by thinning other stands to develop understory vegetation (layering) and to allow the remaining trees to grow larger more quickly.The plans build in integrated wildlife protection strategies, such as leaving downed wood, green trees and stream buffers, with more specific measures for sensitive fish and wildlife species.The plans announced Tuesday cover about half of the 518,000 acres in the Clatsop and Tillamook state forests. A new implementation plan for the remaining acreage is still being developed.These forestlands are among Oregon’s most productive, growing more wood each year than is harvested. Managing them to provide a sustainable flow of multiple benefits, as required by Oregon law, is a matter of continuous learning and adjustment, Decker said.The phase-in announced Tuesday provides an opportunity for the forestry board to take stock of current management approaches and of its performance measures, which describe the desired mix of forest benefits.“Change and uncertainty are our constant, natural companions in management of these forests,” Decker said. “We’re working hard to find the best path forward today, while keeping options open for the future.”

Clatsop County Strategic Plan Lays Out Long-Range Goals

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

STRATEGIC PLAN LAYS OUT COUNTY’S LONG-RANGE GOALS

Comprehensive plan update. Levee certification. Highway 101 flooding. New or remodeled county jail.
The number and scope of projects on the to-do list for Clatsop County appears daunting. But County Manager Duane Cole is launching an effort to organize those tasks in a single Strategic Plan that enables the county to prioritize the projects and best allocate its resources to tackle them.
Cole presented a draft of the plan at a joint work session of the county board of commissioners and planning commission July 13. The county commissioners made the creation of a strategic plan one of their goals for the current year.
A tentative schedule calls for the draft plan to go to the planning commission for its review in August or September, followed by a series of community meetings around the county to gather citizen input. Cole hopes to have the plan go to the board of commissioners for its review and adoption in early 2012.
The draft plan contains 46 different projects. Most have been on the county’s radar for some time – replacement of the aging county jail, for example. Organizing them all in one comprehensive plan, Cole said, complete with estimated price tags and potential funding sources, will better allow staff, policy makers and the public to decide which project to assign higher priority, so that finite resources – staff time and funding – can be allocated to each in the most efficient manner.
“A strategic plan can lead to long-term results if the plan is a focal point for the board and staff priorities during the coming years,” Cole said in a staff report to the board. “It can also educate the community regarding important projects and provide the county with an overall sense of leadership and direction.”
The plan will focus on major, one-time capital and planning projects – not ongoing work such as road maintenance, Cole said.
Capital projects on the draft list include, in addition to the county jail, emergency communications improvements; a joint public works facility; household hazardous waste collection center; flood control on U.S. Highway 101 south of Seaside; and park and pedestrian improvements in Westport.
Proposed planning projects include an update of the county’s comprehensive land-use plan; Clatsop Plains water and sewer issues; ocean planning policy; transportation system plan update; certification of dikes and levees; and a housing quality plan.
Prioritization will take into account not only how much a particular project may be desired, but also what chances it has of being completed, Cole said.
“For example, a by-pass may be a high priority, but based on funding, the environmental impacts, and lack of agreement on a specific solution it may be years before the project is ready to proceed,” his staff report states.

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

Is It The Clatsop County Republican Party Central Committee or The Clatsop County "Tea Party" Faction Asking Me For Financial Support?

(Nast Political Cartoon From Harpers Weekly)

A few weeks ago, I got a form letter from "The Clatsop County Republican Central Committee", signed by Larry Sparks, Chairman, soliciting for financial support and continued support for inserting Republicans in local elected and appointed non-partisan positions. Nothing new here as the local Democratic counterpart does and has been doing the same thing actively for years and apparently very successfully.

Included with Spark's/CCRCC letter was another insert invitation to a social function being hosted at Bob and Christine Bridgens home.

"So what" you ask?

Well, here's the rub......Larry Sparks and the Bridgens are active and outspoken "Activist/Adherents" to the "Tea Party Movement" in Clatsop County and the Lower Columbia Region and I find it questionable that these people are actively involved in the leadership of the Republican Party without concern by the other local members of the party as to a serious conflict of interest in that leadership and heading towards 2012, is this the policy/platform of the Oregon and National GOP to embrace what some call an attempted usurpation of and inurgency against it by the "Tea Party"?

On May 6, 2011, I sent an e-mail tp Mr. Sparks with a request for a position statement from The Clatsop County Republican Party regarding its alignment with the Tea Party movement and the answer is below, along with some of Mr. Sparks, CCRPCC Chair's musings to other publications, giving some insight to his think ethic.

Bottom line? Is the Republican Party so disfunctional that it would condone this conduct in its own leadership? In Oregon, specifically and looking for significant victories in 2012 there clearly is one strategy that will make them a reality..........Look to Tom McCall.

"Excellent article; We need to purge all the RINO's out of the party! If Republicans want to act and vote like Democrats, then they need to change party affiiation to Democrats or Socialist. The problem is that they RINO's understand they would not get elected if they changed party so we must challenge them in the next election"........Larry Sparks Comment To An Article In Oregon Catalyst(Larry Sparks is the current chair of the Clatsop County Republican Party Central Committee)

Larry Sparks's Page - Patriot Action Network
Larry Sparks's Page on Patriot Action Network. ... http://oregonteaparty.com/post/84534840/call-for-county-coordinators ...www.patriotactionnetwork.com/profile/LarrySparks?xg_source... - Cached

One Question, One Answer: This is an email exchange with Clatsop County Republican Party Central Committee Chair, Larry Sparks.
Patrick, I don't have a record of your May 9, 2011 e-mail. Per your question, there is no formal alignment with the Tea Party, it is an individual choice.

Also per your question on Grassroots if we are asking you for financial support, if you want to financially contribute to the Clatsop County Republican Party,
please e-mail me your address and I will send you some information.

Regards,Larry Sparks
Date: Wed, 6 Jul 2011 11:34:56 -0400From: kc2patrick@q.comTo: pnwls@msn.comSubject: Fwd: Party Alignment
.ExternalClass p
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Would you please respond to this query, originally sent May 9, 2011?Thank you,Patrick McGee
From: kc2patrick@q.comTo: pnwls@msn.comSent: Monday, May 9, 2011 9:34:32 AMSubject: Party Alignment
.ExternalClass p
{;}
Larry; I am interested in a position statement, specifically towards the upcoming 2011 Clatsop County Special Elections and 2012 General Elections, regarding Clatsop County Republican Party's alignment with the National Tea Party movement and affiliated, like, groups. Can you share that information with us? Thank you, Patrick McGeeAstoria, Oregon

Youth ATV Endorsement Program Offered At County Fair

Monday, July 18, 2011

YOUTH ATV ENDORSEMENT PROGRAM OFFERED AT COUNTY FAIR

The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce it is adding the Oregon 4H Youth ATV Rider Endorsement Program to its ATV Safety Training Classes at this year’s Clatsop County Fair.
The 4H endorsement program satisfies the upcoming requirement that youth under age 16 demonstrate hands-on skills to operate an ATV on lands open to public ATV riding in Oregon.
The youth rider endorsement evaluation session lasts approximately two hours. These sessions will be offered on Aug. 3 and 5, beginning at 10 a.m., at the fair.
These sessions are geared toward youth with prior riding experience. Each participant is provided the required skills information in advance of the session and must demonstrate proficiency in seven key areas. Each key skill must be successfully demonstrated to obtain the endorsement.
A limited number of loaner ATV’s will be available for youth unable to bring their own to the session.
Prompt enrollment is important so the study materials can be sent to the enrolled youth prior to the session. Please enroll through the following website: http://www.oregonatvsafety.com/.
Youth with little or no experience are encouraged to enroll in our ATV Safety Institute Ridercourse classes being offered on Aug. 2, 4 and 6 at the fair. Register for the Ridercourse classes by calling 800-887-2887. Be sure to request the Oregon Tuition Subsidy when registering, and if a loaner ATV is needed, reserve it when enrolling.
Contact Deputy Michael Nelson at (503) 791-4978 for questions and further information.

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

Two Oregon River Ports Considered For Coal Export

Posted: Thursday, June 16, 2011 11:13 am
Associated Press
PORTLAND — Two Columbia River ports in Oregon are being considered as sites for shipping coal to Asia as demand increases in China, The Oregonian reported.
Legal documents filed by environmentalists indicate the Port of St. Helens is talking with a coal export developer. The Port of Morrow near Boardman recently signed a lease option with Australian coal giant Ambre Energy to shift Montana and Wyoming coal from trains to river barges, a move that could open more Northwest ports for coal export.

Read Full East Oregonian Report

From Clatsop County: Consultant Report Offers Solution To South Seaside Highway Flooding

Friday, July 15, 2011

Consultants hired to research possible remedies to the chronic flooding problem on U.S. Highway 101 south of Seaside have presented a potential fix.
Northwest Hydraulic Consultants of Seattle last week presented a plan that recommends the removal of some berms and construction of others along an approximately one-mile stretch of the highway near Beerman Creek.
The study was spearheaded by Clatsop County with support from local cities, the Port of Astoria and Oregon Department of Transportation. The project aims to find a solution to annual wintertime flooding from the nearby Necanicum River, when heavy rainfall combines with high tides to send water over portions of the highway, resulting in traffic restrictions on low-profile cars and occasional complete closures.
As part of the study the consultants held meetings with affected landowners and other stakeholders, and installed gauges at several points around the highway and river to gather flow data during high-water periods.
The study’s recommended first step is the removal of a berm on the west bank of the Necanicum. The berm, built in the 1960s, confines the river during high water and prevents excess flow from spilling out onto lower ground to the west. Removing the structure could reduce floodwater levels on the highway up to seven inches, according to the study’s modeling, and would result in fewer occurrences of flooding.
The Phase 1 project alone may be sufficient to eliminate most of the flooding problem, the consultants say. In addition, the adjacent land is owned by the North Coast Land Conservancy, and removal of the berm would fit in with the organization’s restoration strategy, the study notes.
In the event flooding remains a problem after the berm’s removal, the study offers as a second step the construction of a one- to two-foot berm around the Circle Creek Campground, located on the west side of Highway 101. Much of the water that overtops the roadway comes from overflow from the Necanicum that washes through the campground, according to the consultants.
Additional remedies offered by the study include the construction of three new berms or floodwalls along the highway itself. But the consultants warn that additional data on water flows must be collected before embarking on those projects, due to the uncertainty over whether these protective barriers might increase the risk of flooding farther north.
The study states that the options with the most certain results involve elevating the roadway at the two most flood-prone locations and replacing the Dooley bridge and Beerman Creek culvert with larger structures, but notes these are the most costly alternatives. Removal of the existing Necanicum River berm is estimated to cost $500,000, and construction of the four new berms $520,000. Elevating the roadway and installing new bridges has a projected price tag of $5 million.
The consultants recommend continued monitoring, including another winter season’s worth of data, with additional gauges installed at key points.
The county will convene a meeting of the stakeholders in the next few weeks to review the recommendations and seek consensus on a solution, according to Ed Wegner, Clatsop County Transportation and Development Services Director. The next step will be to seek funding opportunities, he said.
Clatsop County contributed $31,437 from its video lottery and road department funds to the study’s $126,151 total cost – ODOT, the port, and the cities of Cannon Beach, Gearhart, Seaside and Warrenton covered the rest.

Where Have All The Salmon Gone? Did We Listen To Our History?

A Lament by: Evelyn Leahy Hankel

The recent popular song lamenting the disappearance of nature's treasures could very well have added to the demise of our King Salmon and all his relatives thus:

"Where have al the Salmon gone?

Long time passing,

Gone to canneries every one

Long time passing,

Nature cannot yet return.

When will we ever learn?

When will we ever learn?

How very difficult it is for us Astorians to bid farewell to Astoria's great source of wealth without shedding a tear for our own "Deaf Ear" policy toward those who tried to warn us of impending tragedy down through the years from the beginning of the industry.

The first cannery on the Columbia was located at Eagle Cliff in the year 1866(145 years ago). That year 4000 cases of Salmon were packed. At the end of a seemingly successful year, why did the owners sell out? They felt that the river was already fished out but, graduallt the pack increased till 1895(116 years ago) when some 634,000 cases were packed.

Again the warning came in 1920-21(91 years ago) when the runs were badly depleted due, the experts cautioned, to use of purse seines which destroyed the young fish. Though this method was outlawed, a short run again appeared in 1925-26(86 years ago). This time the poor run was attributed "to certain disturbances of a political nature which partially disrupted the hatchery program and to certain climatic conditions which caused the heavy spring run to enter the river in advance of the fishing season." This according to reports in the Morning Astorian of July 22, 1926.

Also that year a full page of the same paper was given to dire warnings from Hugh C. Mitchell of the Salomon Protective Association claiming the chief enemies of the fishing industry were irrigation, hydro-electric development and pollution of the streams. Fifty-four years ago(1926) our eyes and breathshould have been caught by this flamboyant page. Did we listen and learn?

Mr. Mitchell considered the firts two enemies, irrigation and hydro-electric, to be serious as they had already cut-off the great spawning area for the Salmon, yet he believed that pollution was the major cause of the depletion and the most deadly to fish life. The filth from the cities, chemicals from paper, woolen and other mills and factories are all into the streams in utter disregard of the law, ultimately destroying every vestige of fish life.

Hugh Mitchell urged that scientific methods be employed to determine steps necessary to correct existing evils and to effect remeidies. He begged thoughtful citizens to lend their every effort to the protection of this, Oregon's third greates source of wealth. He lamented that a great resource was being permitted to peter-out. It is undervalued because it runs along each year and is utilized and enjoyed with the feeling that nature will function and will supply us with yearly returns and renewals while our own indifference causes us to supplement and in many cases supplant nature.

We were told that the future of the Salmon industry is in the hands of the men and women of this section of the country and particulary those who rside in territory bordering on the tributary to the Columbia River. That future may either be one or greater in value and may see increased industry or it may be a future in which the Salmon industry will be but a memory.

However serious the situation may have appeared by 1930(81 years ago), it was then, by no means, a lost cause. It was, however, a steadily losing cause though many adequate remedies were begun. The fine work of the Oregon hatcheries and the protective organizations was not to be overlooked but, the speedy extinction of the fish supply surprised even the alert The junking of the fish industry in the nation's great fishing grounds came in on a rip tide of events in the 1980's(31 years ago).

Fifty years late, your words penetrate our loss Mr. Mitchell and we weep. How we will miss the great fishing industry begun by our ancestors in this city by the sea. How we will long to see once more the bosom of that great river at night dotted with the twinkling lights of gillnetters drifting with the tide, or those of us who can remember the magnificent site of the immense fleet come sweeping in with full sail to rest beside our miles of docks. Where have they gone? - the troller with the silver spoon, the purse seiner or "Black Feet" as condemned by legislature, the seining grounds seen from shore as a fascinating sight as horses drag the nets loaded with Chinook, Steelhead, Blueback, Silverside.

Like the herds of Buffalo that once roamed the plains of the middle west or the vast pgeon flight that darkened the skys, the King Salmon has become a memory in our mighty river, in our canneries, on our table.

Will nature replenish if we allow this respite?

CUMTUX - Summer 1982

The Clatsop County Historical Society Quarterly

KBOO-FM: A Conversation On The Yellowstone Oil Spill & Keystone XL Pipeline

LOCUS FOCUS
Monday, July 18 10:15 - 11 AM
KBOO-FM 90.7, 91.9 (H
ood River), 100.7 (Corvallis)
streaming live at http://kboo.fm/
A CATASTROPHIC CONVERGENCE: THE OIL SPILL IN THE YELLOWSTONE RIVER & THE PROPOSED KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE
On July 1 an ExxonMobil oil pipeline running under the Yellowstone River near Billings, MT ruptured, dumping massive amounts of oil into river. Critics of the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline—that would carry oil from the Tar Sands pits of Alberta to refineries along the Gulf Coast—point to this accident as one more reason why the Keystone XL Pipeline should be stopped. This Monday morning on Locus Focus our guests are Zack Porter with All Against the Haul in Missoula and Dena Hoff, a farmer who lives near the proposed XL Pipeline route in Montana. We'll talk about the catastrophic convergence (to borrow a phrase from last week's guest Christian Parenti) bearing down on the Rocky Mountain states as the oil industry gears up its agenda to industrialize the pristine mountains and rivers of the region.
Zack Porter is the campaign coordinator for All Against the Haul, a homegrown, four-state effort working to stop the construction of a permanent industrial corridor for massively oversized loads to the Alberta Tar Sands through Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana.
Dena Hoff and her husband Alvin have farmed for 31 years on the Yellowstone River six miles west of Glendive, Mt. She is the past chair of the Northern Plains Resource Council, current Vice-President of the National Family Farm Coalition, and co-coordinator of the North American Region of La Via Campesina.
Tune into Locus Focus, Monday, July 18, from 10:15 - 11:00 AM, on KBOO-FM 90.7 Portland; 91.9 Hood River; 100.7 Corvallis. And if you can't listen then, or if you live outside of KBOO's broadcast area, you can catch a podcast of the show anytime at http://kboo.fm/LocusFocus. You can also listen on your computer anywhere in the world to our live stream at http://kboo.fm/LocusFocus

The conversation doesn't end when the program does. You can join in discussion of each week's issue on our webpage at http://kboo.fm/LocusFocus (click on the "comments" tab). You'll find additional information, important links, comments from other listeners and Barbara's response.

CLatsop County Public health Department Schedules August 1, 2011 Staff Training Day Closure

Offices of the Clatsop County Public Health Department at 820 Exchange St., Astoria will be closed for staff training Monday, Aug. 1.

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

Proposed Clatsop Care Project At Mill Pond Village Falls Victim To Money Follows The Person Program

Now the Clatsop County Health District is struggling to recover the $587,608 it spent on developing the 40-bed housing complex in Astoria
By: Diane Lund-Muzikant, The Lund Report
July 14, 2011 – The tragic consequences for the Clatsop Care Health District persist long after the Money Follows the Person program collapsed, and an investigation by the Department of Justice concluded it had been badly mismanaged. The $40 million federal grant program was designed to move seniors and people with disabilities into community-based settings.

Read Full Lund report Account

Northwest Oregon Housing Authority Seeks Applicants!

Friday, July 15, 2011

HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD SEEKS APPLICANTS

Clatsop County continues to seek applications for a vacancy on the Northwest Oregon Housing Authority.
The organization owns and manages housing for low- and moderate-income people and administers various federal housing assistance programs in Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties.
The vacancy is for a four-year term representing Clatsop County. The board meets once and month, alternating between Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties. Applicants with a background in property management are encouraged to apply. The county Board of Commissioners will make the appointment.
Deadline to apply is July 29. To apply, obtain an application form and return it to the Clatsop County Manager’s Office at 800 Exchange St., Astoria OR 97103, (503) 325-1000. Forms are available from the County Manager’s Office or can be downloaded from the county website http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/ at “Citizen Involvement.”

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

ILWU Takes Protest To Longview Port Commission Meeting

By Erik Olson / The Daily News
Posted: Tuesday, July 12, 2011 8:38 pm

Union dock workers continued their protest of proposed hiring policies at the EGT grain terminal, demanding Tuesday at a Port of Longview commissioners' meeting that union labor be used on all projects on port property.
Dan Coffman, president of International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 21, said he's concerned that EGT built a fence within the last few days that extended onto a port-operated road on the east end.
"That fence needs to be taken down. It needs to be taken down by the port's labor force," Coffman said.
"It bothers me to see a nonunion entity in there doing the port's labor."
Read Full TDN Report

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event Gets 70,000-Plus Pounds Of Material

Thursday, July 14, 2011

HOUSEHOLD WASTE EVENT COLLECTS 70,000-PLUS POUNDS OF MATERIAL

More than 70,000 pounds of flammable, poisonous and otherwise dangerous materials were safely collected from local residents in the inaugural Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, June 11.
A total of 545 vehicles visited the drop-off site at the Warrenton-Astoria Regional Airport in Warrenton to dispose of old paint, bug-killer, motor oil and other items, free of charge.
The collection day was organized through the Clatsop County Household Hazardous Waste Program, a collaborative project between the county, local cities, Western Oregon Waste (WOW) and other stakeholders designed to develop a comprehensive strategy for reducing and properly disposing of residential hazardous waste.
The day-long event was the first of what the county hopes to make an annual program that will allow county residents to get rid of potentially hazardous items cluttering up their cupboards, basements and garages.
“In general we consider the collection event definitely a success, when I look at how much toxic, flammable, poisonous material has been removed from people’s homes and is now out of the presence of kids and pets, our neighborhoods and out of the stream of inappropriate disposal methods,” said Maureen Taylor, Household Hazardous Waste Program Coordinator.
WOW staff and Astoria CERT Team volunteers assisted at the event, which was also supported by the Oregon Department of Transportation, United Site Services, Port of Astoria and City of Astoria.
More than a third of the material collected consisted of home paint products. Pesticides and other poisons were the second-biggest category of waste.
Here is a break-down of the waste collected:
· 28,000 pounds of home paint products
· 18,000 pounds of pesticides/poisons/toxic compounds
· 11,000 pounds of paint-related materials i.e. tars and adhesives
· 9,000 pounds of toxic, flammable liquids
· 1,600 pounds of corrosive, caustic, reactive, acid-type liquids
· 1,200 pounds of fluorescent light tubes
· 460 pounds of antifreeze
· 365 pounds of engine batteries
· 31 pounds of mercury
· 8 pounds of cyanide
Total – 70,567 pounds
The material was collected by Clean Harbors, a hazardous waste management company, whose personnel removed the items from vehicles and sorted it for disposal. Car batteries, latex paint and antifreeze is recycled; gasoline, diesel fuel, motor oil, oil-based paints and solvents are burned as fuel; pesticides and poisons are incinerated.
The Household Hazardous Waste Program, including the collection day event, is funded by a small surcharge on solid waste processed at Western Oregon Waste’s Astoria transfer station.
Program organizers have tentatively planned the next collection event for the south county in spring of 2012.
For people who missed the event or still have materials they would like to get rid of, there are a number of local options:
· The WOW transfer station in Astoria will accept the following items at no charge: old VCRs and DVD players, cell phones, monitors, vehicle batteries, rechargeable batteries and cell phone batteries, non-contaminated motor oil. Auto tires will be accepted for a fee.
· Astoria City Lumber, Builders Supply in Astoria and Gearhart and Sherwin Williams in Gearhart will accept paints, stains, sealers and related materials through the Paintcare Program. Go to http://www.paintcare.org/ for more information.
· Home Depot in Warrenton will also accept vehicle batteries, rechargeable, NiCad and non-automotive lead batteries and CFL light bulbs.
If you wish to hold on to the materials until next year’s collection event, make sure the containers are well-sealed, pack them in a sturdy box, and store them out of reach of children and pets.
For more information on safe use, storage and disposal of hazardous materials, go to the following links:
· Western Oregon Waste – http://www.westernoregonwaste.com/
· Earth 911 recycling information – http://www.earth911.com/
· Oregon Department of Environmental Quality – www.dep.state.or.us/lq/hw/index.htm
· Clatsop County Public Health – http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/

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

Audio Transcripts For July 13, 2011 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Work Session And Regular Meetings

Work Session Audio Transcript

Regular Meeting Audio Transcript

Meeting Highlights

Wetlands deal approved
The board approved an agreement with the North Coast Land Conservancy for the transfer of 41 acres of county-owned wetlands property in Warrenton to the conservation organization.
The property, adjacent to Oceanview Cemetery, is being set aside for preservation for mitigation of four acres of wetlands that will be impacted by the construction of the Ensign Lane extension in the county’s North Coast Business Park in Warrenton. Under wetlands regulations, the county must set aside 10 acres for every one impacted acre.
The Ensign Lane extension is a vital component of the county’s Phase 2 development plan for the business park.
The agreement includes transfer of the property to NCLC through quitclaim deed, covenants and restrictions, and payment of $20,500 from the county for NCLC’s costs of managing the property. The payment will come out of the Industrial Revolving Fund, which holds the $8.6 million proceeds from the 2009 sale of 75 acres of the business park to North Coast Retail LLC.

Strategic plan reviewed
The board held a work session with the Clatsop County Planning Commission to discuss collaboration between the two bodies, as well as to hear a presentation from County Manager Duane Cole on the proposed new Strategic Plan.
Chair Dirk Rohne welcomed the five recently appointed Planning Commission members and expressed appreciation to them for volunteering to serve the county. He indicated that the expertise and skills offered by this commission will be a great benefit to the county.
Planning Commission Chair Bruce Francis indicated he is honored to serve the county and looks forward to enhancing the communications between the board and commission. He reported that the first meeting of this Planning Commission was very informative and deliberative, and that the panel will base its decisions on the law, advise of county counsel and the county staff.
The Strategic Plan will contain a list of major county projects envisioned for the next 10 years. According to Cole, it will allow the county to prioritize the projects and estimate their cost in dollars and staff time while allowing flexibility in planning and launching the work.
The plan will be forwarded to the planning commission in a month or two for the group’s review, then presented to the public in the fall. The plan will go before the board of commissioners for its review and adoption in early 2012.
The board and planning commission discussed holding joint meetings as often as once each quarter to discuss long-range planning and review the relationship. The planning commissioners expressed support and interest in working with the Board on the development of the strategic plan.

Other business
In other business the board:
· Approved a contract with the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission for acceptance of a $107,531 grant to fund enhanced mental health services for participants in local Drug Court, Family Drug Court and Treatment Court. The board also approved a $143,375 contract (the state grant plus 25-percent county match) with Choices Counseling to provide the services.
· Approved an annual agreement with the Oregon State Marine Board for the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office to provide boating safety and marine law enforcement patrols. The agreement includes $163,700 in state funding, the same amount from the 2010-11 fiscal year.
· Approved a 3.6-percent cost-of-living salary adjustment for unrepresented, casual and exempt county employees and employees of the 4-H Extension Service Special District.


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

Clatsop District Attorney Josh Marquis Serves Notice To City Of Astoria That All DUII's Go To Circuit Court

Well, of course I can editorialize the event but, here are the facts in the most recent correspondence on the issue as submitted, in response to a "Public Information Request" by GRP to Clatsop County District Attorney's Office.

Here's "The Law" - ORS 8.660
Attending court and prosecuting offenses
(1) The district attorney shall attend the terms of all courts having jurisdiction of public offenses within the district attorney’s county, and, except as otherwise provided in this section, conduct, on behalf of the state, all prosecutions for such offenses therein.
(2) A district attorney shall not conduct prosecutions under this section when:
(a) A city attorney is prosecuting a violation under ORS chapter 153; or
(b) The district attorney is prohibited from appearing in a violation proceeding under the provisions of ORS 153.076 (Conduct of trial). [Amended by 1975 c.451 §170; 1981 c.626 §1; 1981 c.692 §6a; 1999 c.1051 §116]

Oregon Court Of Appeals Reverses Ruling On Carlson & Fraser Measure 49 Claim Applications

FROM CLATSOP COUNTY:
Thursday, July 7, 2011

APPEALS COURT REVERSES LOCAL LAND-USE RULING

........."In 2008 the county Planning Division rejected the Carlson and Fraser Measure 49 applications, but later that year the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners overruled planning staff and determined that the Carlsons and Frasers had “vested rights” under Measure 49 and were entitled to pursue their respective projects."........

The Oregon Court of Appeals has reversed a local judge’s ruling that upheld the rights of two Clatsop County families to develop their land.
In a decision issued June 29, the appeals court found error with the original 2010 decision by Clatsop County Circuit Court Judge Phil Nelson and remanded the issue back to Nelson.
The cases involve two claims under Ballot Measure 49, the state law that allowed qualified landowners to develop their property under earlier, less restrictive zoning rules. James and Virginia Carlson sought to build 29 home lots on their property on Tucker Creek Lane south of Astoria, and George and Barbara Fraser applied to develop a 52-lot subdivision in Clatsop Plains near Gearhart.
In 2008 the county Planning Division rejected the Carlson and Fraser Measure 49 applications, but later that year the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners overruled planning staff and determined that the Carlsons and Frasers had “vested rights” under Measure 49 and were entitled to pursue their respective projects. The board’s rulings were appealed by the Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition – Richard and Patricia Rowland joined the appeal against the Carlson application, and the Shamrock Pines Homeowners Association joined the Fraser challenge.
In November 2009 Judge Nelson upheld the board’s decision, which was then appealed to the state appeals court.
The appeals court ruled that the decision did not properly take into account the cost of home construction in determining whether the Carlsons and Frasers had made a significant enough investment into their respective properties to qualify as vested.
In 2004 Oregon voters approved Ballot Measure 37, which allowed landowners either to seek compensation for loss in value to their property due to new, more restrictive zoning designations, or to apply for waivers to the new rules and develop their land under the zoning as it existed when they first acquired it.
Clatsop County received more than 100 Measure 37 applications, and granted waivers to nearly three-quarters of them, including the requests from the Carlsons and Frasers.
In 2007 voters approved Measure 49, which narrowed the qualifications for Measure 37 waivers and required landowners seeking to develop more than 10 lots to prove that their development rights were vested. The following year Clatsop County adopted Ordinance 08-06, which spelled out the factors to be considered in making a determination of vested rights, including the “good faith” of the landowner in pursuing their development, and the amount of money the owners spent on their projects before Measure 49 became law in December 2007.
The Court of Appeals ruled that in reviewing the Carlson and Fraser applications, the county was required to consider the total cost of the two projects, including the construction of homes, not just the home lots, when calculating how much the applicants had invested in their respective developments. That calculation, the court ruled, had to consider the cost of home construction as of Dec. 6, 2007, the date that Measure 49 became law.

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

July 13, 2011 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Regular Meeting Preceeded By Work Session At 9:00 AM

Read Full Agenda And Packet

Maeve Grimes, New Clatsop County Clerk!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011
MAEVE GRIMES SELECTED AS NEW CLATSOP COUNTY CLERK

Maeve Kennedy Grimes is Clatsop County’s new county clerk, County Manager Duane Cole announced Wednesday.
Grimes, who currently works as victims services coordinator for the Clatsop County District Attorney’s Office, will begin her new duties Aug. 1.
Grimes will replace Cathie Garber, who took a position as assistant elections supervisor for Clark County, Washington. Jan Coleman, former Yamhill County Clerk, was appointed to head the department on an interim basis.
“This is a great opportunity to use my educational background and management skills, and work with a good crew of dedicated employees at the county clerk’s office,” Grimes said.
Grimes joined Clatsop County in 2007 as a trial assistant with the District Attorney’s Office, then in 2010 was named victims services coordinator, in which role she assisted crime victims, informed them of their rights and events related to their cases and performed advocacy duties.
Prior to coming to Clatsop County, Grimes worked in Ireland on rural transportation planning. She has also served as a records manager and deputy city clerk with the City of Santa Barbara, Calif. She has a bachelor degree from the University of California-Santa Barbara and master’s degree in public administration from California Lutheran University.
“We’re pleased to have been able to find a capable candidate for the clerk’s position from within our own ranks,” County Manager Cole said. “Maeve comes highly recommended, and we’re sure she will maintain the high level of service our clerk’s office provides.”
The county clerk is the record-keeper for the county and administers public records, archives, legal recordings, passports and marriage licenses. The office also oversees elections and voter registration, and coordinates property tax appeals.

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

Oregon D.O.J. Warns Of Computer Scam!

COMPUTER UNSECURITY

The Oregon Department of Justice has received more than a dozen complaints about scam artists attempting to gain remote access to Oregonians' computers. These scammers contact consumers by phone or email claiming to work for a computer company and that the consumer's computer is at extreme risk of being infected with viruses or malware due to tremendous amounts of internet activity. They offer to walk the consumer through security measures to protect their computer, and in an ironic twist, lead the consumer to download the very malware they are warning them about, and gain access to sensitive financial information.
One consumer in Lane County reported falling victim to a scammer claiming to work for a New York-based company called Login4Speed. A letter sent by the Oregon Department of Justice to the company's listed address - 257 Albany Road, New York, New York, 10280 - was returned as undeliverable. The scammer likely used a bogus United States address to appear legitimate but is actually operating from overseas.
Last year Oregonians reported losing nearly $2 million to scams. Attorney General Kroger offers the following advice to avoid falling victim:
If you receive an unsolicited email or phone call claiming your computer is at risk or needs attention, hang up or delete the email. Never open attachments or click on links from suspicious emails.
Make sure your computer has up to date anti-virus software. Perform a virus scan on a regular basis.
Pop-up ads commonly carry malware. Do not be enticed by fake offers of "free" stuff, surveys or contests. Also, never provide personal information through pop-up ads.
If you suspect a virus or malware is lurking on your computer, stop shopping, banking, and other online activities that involve user names, passwords, or other sensitive information.
For more on what to do in an e-mergency see: http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=pfqm4edab&et=1106432467615&s=11311&e=001dmtQmFJ15nL92hkpp44An5lexcqGX9xLoUCRX9KVoYQPnjRSS1jtcXr6i0NHDjf2MR9AhAvdLChHoRnojEJH1_VpkdQdcHFOQ-c8iy_WnLjfTptOCiN_pmWsDFBmw0Lc
If you receive a suspicious solicitation but are unsure whether or not you are the target of a scam, please call the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Hotline at 1-877-877-9392.

July 5, 2011 Astoria City Council Agenda/Memorandum

Read Full Agenda

Update:U.S. Coast Guard Suspends Search For Man Swept To Sea At Seaview, Washington

U.S. Coast Guard suspends search for man swept to sea at Seaview, Wash.
SEATTLE - The Coast Guard suspended the search for a man that was swept to sea near Seaview, Wash., at approximately 10:00 a.m., Monday.
A group gathering on the beach approximately one-mile south of Seaview contacted Pacific County to report that the man had been in the water and was no longer in sight at 10:15 p.m., Sunday. Pacific County immediately launched two rescue boats and began a search.
A Coast Guard MH60 helicopter crew from Astoria, Ore., and a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew from Cape Disappointment were deployed, arriving on scene at approximately 10:50 p.m. and began searching.
The man was not wearing a lifejacket and has not been located at this time. His name is not being released at this time, pending notification of next of kin. The search will remain suspended pending any new information.
For more information please contact the District 13 Public Affairs Office at (206) 220-7237.

SEATTLE - The Coast Guard is searching for a man near Seaview, Wash., after receiving a report that he had been swept to sea at approximately 10:15 p.m., Sunday.
A group gathering on the beach approximately one-mile south of Seaview contacted Pacific County to report that the man had been in the water and was no longer in sight. Pacific County immediately launched two rescue boats and began a search.
A Coast Guard MH60 helicopter crew from Astoria, Ore., and a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew from Cape Disappointment were deployed, arriving on scene at approximately 10:50 p.m. and began searching.
The man was not wearing a lifejacket and has not been located at this time.
For more information please contact the District 13 Public Affairs Office at (206) 220-7237.

Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790. The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

Do You Really Know Why We Celebrate July 4th?

Why Do We Celebrate The 4th Of July?

By: NS Kennedy Posted: 21st June 2006

The 4th of July has been an important holiday but today, more and more people do not know why we actually celebrate this day. If you are not up to date on your history of the United States, July 4th, 1776 is the day that the colonies decided to declare themselves independent of Britain. By writing a very detailed decree, they decided that they no longer would need to be governed by the Kings of England that had been so very unjust to the colonists in the years before.

On July 4th, America was born.

We call the 4th of July Independence Day because this day was the day they declared independence from Great Britain.

Today, we celebrate the fact that we are a free nation that is no under the rule of another. But, there is more to the celebration of independence than just the fact that this is the birthday of the United States. In fact, there are many goals and ideas that are represented in this celebration that until this day we fight for and protect around the world.

The Declaration of Independence, the actual decree in which was signed the independence of the United States, stands as a symbol for all of the things that we, as Americans, believe in.

What are the symbols that it stands for? The right to live with the freedoms of religion, without persecution and with the ability to think and do for yourself.The courage it takes to protect freedom. It took the individuals that signed the Declaration a great deal of courage to do so as they could have been hung for treason. We use this symbol as a means to remind us that courage is often needed in times when our freedoms are threatened.A symbol that people can live in a country that is governed by its people and that every person in that country is a very important person for its well being.We celebrate the 4th of July for a number of reasons. We talk about how the United States of America was born and how many have died for that to happen. We celebrate the fact that we, as a nation, want all people to be free. And, we realize that without the courage and bravery of all those that came before us, we would not have the freedoms that we hold so very dear to us.Nicola always enjoys celebrating Independence Day. She can help you salute Old Glory in style with 4th of July tips and news, information and views at http://independence-day.your-holiday.infoThis article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact.
This article is free from: ArticleAlley.com

Seattle: Container Imports Dive 27.8% With Strong Competition From Canadian Ports

Jul 1, 2011 2:52PM GMT

The Journal of Commerce Online - News Story
Container imports at the Port of Seattle fell back 27.8 percent in May from the same month a year ago in a broad decline in international shipping at Pacific Northwest ports.
The Port of Tacoma reported containerized imports fell 15.2 percent year-over-year in May and both Washington state ports showed exports flattening out this spring.
Seattle’s loaded container export volume grew 1.1 percent over May 2010 but slipped back slightly from April to May, to the lowest level since February. Tacoma said container exports expanded 3.5 percent in May compared to last year, but the loaded volume also slipped 3.8 percent from April’s export total.
The export figures sent a poor sign of outbound demand at ports that are important gateways for agriculture shippers.
But the containerized import volume also suggested a slowdown at the ports with the peak shipping season on the horizon. The Pacific Northwest ports also face growing competition from ports in Canada for inbound volume from Asia.
Seattle’s overall international loaded container volume was up 1.2 percent in the first five months of the year over the same period a year ago. But the import side was down 4.9 percent year-over-year in the January-May period.

Exxon Oil Spill In Montana River Prompts Evacuation

Published July 03, 2011
Fox News-Associated Press

LAUREL, Mont. – An ExxonMobil pipeline that runs under the Yellowstone River in Montana ruptured Saturday and leaked hundreds of barrels of oil into the waterway, causing a 25-mile plume that fouled the riverbank and forced municipalities and irrigation districts downstream to close intakes........Read Full Report

6th Astoria Citizen Police Academy Plans Plans Fall, 2011, Classes

DATE: Monday – June 27, 2011
SUBJECT: 6th Astoria Citizen Police Academy
CONTACT: Detective Andrew Randall
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Astoria Police Department is hosting the sixth Citizen Police Academy this coming fall. Classes will be held every Thursday evening from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, beginning September 22, 2011 and ending October 20, 2011. The Citizen Police Academy is open to community members who are interested in how their Astoria Police Department works.
The goal of the Citizen Police Academy is to form and maintain partnerships between the community and the police, by educating community residents about the role of law enforcement and encouraging citizens and the police to work together.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about and experience the day-to-day operations of the department. Participants will tour the department, learn about criminal investigations, the functions of patrol, see basic defensive tactics, tour the jail and shoot various department firearms.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older. All applicants are subject to a criminal background investigation.
To request an application, or for additional information, please contact Detective Andrew Randall

Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners June 29, 2011 Audio Transcript

Listen To Full Audio Transcript Of CCBofC, June 29, 2011 Special Meeting

Astoria Couple Involved In Serious Motorcycle Crash On Highway 47 North Of Vernonia

Critical Injury Motorcycle Crash - Highway 47 north of Vernonia (Photos) - 06/26/11 An Astoria couple was injured, one critically, following a Saturday afternoon motorcycle crash on Highway 47 north of Vernonia. Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into the cause of the crash. According to OSP Senior Trooper Jeromy Hasenkamp, on June 25, 2011 at approximately 12:30 p.m. a group of 80 motorcyclists were on a ride traveling along Highway 47 near the intersection with Biggs Road. One of the motorcycles, a 2011 Harley Davidson operated by MARKKU K. TILA, age 50, from Astoria, was southbound when it traveled off the shoulder, struck a highway marker and crashed into a ditch. Passenger LESLIE MICHELE TILA, age 42, was thrown off the motorcycle and critically injured. She was transported by LifeFlight to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. The operator was also transported to Legacy Emanuel with minor injuries. Both were wearing protective helmets. OSP troopers were assisted at the scene by Vernonia Police Department and Vernonia Fire Department. Photograph Source: Oregon State Police ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###