County Manager Duane Cole Honored At Retirement Reception!

PHOTO CAPTION: Clatsop County Manager Duane Cole reads the inscription on the stock of a BB gun presented to him by Sheriff Tom Bergin on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office at Wednesday’s reception marking Cole’s retirement.

Clatsop County employees and community members bid farewell to County Manager Duane Cole at a reception Wednesday at the Judge Guy Boyington Building in Astoria.

“Duane has truly left Clatsop County a better place,” Board of Commissioners Chair Peter Huhtala told the assembled guests. “We’ve been honored to work with you.”

Cole is retiring effective May 31 following 35 years as a public administrator with cities and counties in Oregon, Washington and California. He joined Clatsop County in 2009.

Cole expressed his appreciation for the county staff and department heads. “I’m always inspired by this team, and how this positive culture is so much a part of us here.”

A native of Milton-Freewater, Cole began his career at the age of 23 when he was hired as city administrator of Pilot Rock, Ore. He subsequently worked in Pendleton, Susanville, Calif., Newberg and Walla Walla, Wash.

During his tenure, Clatsop County completed an ambitious strategic plan charting dozens of capital and planning projects; led a collaborative effort on a fix for the chronic flooding problem on Highway 101 south of Seaside; sold the former Darigold Building in Astoria to Coastal Family Health Center; completed an update of the North Coast Business Park master plan; and adopted a new development review process for the county’s territorial sea.

As one of his last duties for the county, Cole will be available May 30 to speak with the six finalists for the county manager position when they travel to Astoria for interviews.

“There’s something really special going on in this municipal corporation that you don’t find everywhere, and I’ll be sharing that with the finalists next week,” he said.

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

CCBofC Holds Executive Session To Discuss Prospective County Manager Candidates

Special Meeting
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
800 Exchange St. Suite 430, Astoria
Executive Session: 9:00 am
1) To consider the employment of a public officer, employee or individual agent per ORS
192.660(1)(a)
Complete copies of the current Board of Commissioners meeting agenda packets can be viewed at:
Astoria Public Library - Seaside Public Library - Board of Commissioners Office
Agenda packets also available online at www.co.clatsop.or.us
This meeting is accessible to persons with disabilities. Please call 325-1000 if you require special
accommodations to participate in this meeting.

Clatsop County Juvenile Department Presents Free Suicide Intervention rogram

Thursday, May 17, 2012

The Clatsop County Juvenile Department is sponsoring a free suicide intervention training program Thursday, May 24 in Astoria.

“Question Persuade Refer” is a simple educational program that teaches ordinary citizens how to recognize a mental health emergency. It is intended to give participants the skills to help a person at risk of suicide get the help that person needs.

The program will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Clatsop Community College Columbia Room. There is no charge.

For more information and to register, call Teresa Crouter or Laura Parker at (503) 325-8601

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

Armed Forces Day - May 19, 2012

President Harry S.
Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come
together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support
of our country.

On August 31, 1949,
Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day
to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The single
day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under the
Department of Defense.

Repsol Cancels Argentine LNG Exports!

18 May 2012 Last updated at 18:41 ET
BBC News

Spanish firm Repsol has cancelled a contract to provide liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Argentina.

The move comes weeks after the Argentine government seized control of Repsol subsidiary YPF.

Repsol told news agency AFP that state-run Argentine energy firm Enarsa "has made a series of violations" and "is not respecting its terms".

Currently Argentina relies on LNG imports to meet 20-30% of domestic natural gas consumption.



Read Full BBC News Report

Six Clatsop County Manager Finalists Visit For Interviews And Reception May 29-30, 2012

Friday, May 18, 2012

The six finalists for the position of Clatsop County Manager will come to the area next week to meet county commissioners, staff and other community leaders – as well as the general public – to make their case why they deserve to be the county’s next top administrator.

The Board of Commissioners is seeking a replacement for outgoing manager Duane Cole, who is retiring May 31.

Out of an initial pool of 40 applicants, the board narrowed the list of candidates to six following recommendations from executive search consultant Greg Prothman, who conducted interviews of 15 applicants and shared his findings and impressions with the board.

The six finalists will be the guests at a public meet-and-greet reception Tuesday, May 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, 204 West Marine Drive, Astoria. Citizens will be able to meet one-on-one with the applicants and ask them questions.

On Wednesday, May 30 the candidates will undergo interviews by three panels made up of the county commissioners, senior county staff and labor representatives, and local stakeholders including representatives from cities, Clatsop Community College and the Astoria/Warrenton Chamber of Commerce.

The county commissioners hope to make a final selection by early June.

Here is the list of finalists:



Ed Green

Home: Rifle, Colorado

Most recent position: County Manager, Garfield County, Colorado, 1998-February 2012

Education: B.S., Business, University of Colorado; MBA, Colorado State University



Ed Green was most recently County Manager for Garfield County, Colorado, a position he held for more than 13 years. Prior to serving Garfield County, he was Project Vice President and Director for Contracts and Asset Management for the Fluor Corporation in Cincinnati, Ohio, an environmental remediation firm. He has also worked for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Hughes Aircraft and the Department of Energy at Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant, all in Colorado.



Gene Green

Home: Silverton, Oregon

Most recent position: Public Works Director, West Linn

Education: B.A., Organizational Administration, Alaska Pacific University; Master of Education, Boston University



Gene Green was most recently the Public Works Director for the city of West Linn, where he served the city for more than five years. Prior to that, he was City Manager of Molalla for more than eight years. He has also served as Assistance City Manager for Unalaska, Alaska, and has held management positions with the Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility and the Anchorage Capital Projects Office.



Michael McNees

Home: Indianapolis, Indiana

Most recent position: Chief Operating Officer, USA Track and Field

Education: B.A., Chemistry, Indiana University; MBA, Louisiana Tech University



Michael McNees was most recently the Chief Operating Officer for USA Track & Field, a position he held for more than three years. While serving as COO, he was also the organization’s Interim Chief Executive Officer for a year and a half. Prior to working for USA Track and Field, McNees was County Administrator for Blaine County, Idaho, from 2007-2009. He was also City Manager of Sarasota, Florida, for six years, and he was with Collier County, Florida, from 1984-2001, serving in a number of capacities, including six years as Assistant County Manager/Chief Operating Officer.



Tom Mitchell

Home: Bothell, Washington

Most recent position: Chief Executive Officer, Mendocino County, California

Education: B.S., Business Administration, San Jose State University



Tom Mitchell is currently taking time out to travel and visit family following 30 years of work at the county level in California. He was most recently the Chief Executive Officer for Mendocino County from 2007-2010. Before going to Mendocino County, he was County Administrative Officer for Calaveras County for five years. Mitchell was also with the County of San Luis Obispo from 1979 to 2002, serving in several capacities, including Accountant, Administrative Services Officer and finally General Services Administrator, a position he held for 12 years.



Travis Myren

Home: Fitchburg, Wisconsin

Most recent position: Director of Administration, Dane County, Wisconsin

Education: B.A., Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; Master of Public Administration, University of Wisconsin-Madison



Travis Myren has been the Director of Administration at Dane County, Wisconsin, since 2009. He has been with the county for 13 years, beginning his career there as Assistant to the Director of Administration, and serving as Deputy Director of Administration for eight years.



James Payne

Home: Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Most recent position: Partner, Precision Organizing and Records Management

Education: B.A., Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay; Master of Public Administration



James Payne is currently a partner at Precision Organizing and Records Management, a firm located in Rio Rancho, New Mexico that provides comprehensive records management services to corporate and municipal clients. Prior to that, he was City Manager for Rio Rancho from 2007-2008. Payne also served the City of Waukesha, Wisconsin, as City Administrator for eight years, the City of Franklin, Wisconsin, as City Business Administrator for 13 years, and the City of LeMars, Iowa, as City Administrator for four years. He was also Assistant to the City Manager at the City of Roseville, Minnesota, for three years.

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

North Coast Parenting & Clatsop County Juvenile Department Offers Workshop On Technology Impacts On Children

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

North Coast Parenting and the Clatsop County Juvenile Department are offering a workshop on technology impacts on children.

“Plugged In: The Neurological, Interpersonal and Personal Impact of Technology-Only Entertainment” will be offered Thursday, May 24 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.

Dr. Doreen Dodgen-Magee, a clinical psychologist in Portland, will describe how technology over-use impacts growth and development in children’s neurological function and development of a sense of self.

Pre-registration is required for the workshop. For more information and to download registration forms, go to “Documents” on the Juvenile Department page at www.co.clatsop.or.us.

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

Global Energy Firms Announce LNG Canada

Press Release
Global energy firms announce LNG Canada, consultation begins with
First Nations and local communities
Vancouver, British Columbia, May 15, 2012 – Shell Canada Limited, Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS), Mitsubishi Corporation, and PetroChina Company Limited today announced they are jointly developing a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility near Kitimat, British Columbia. The LNG Canada project LNG Canada brings together the four companies’ extensive development experience, technical depth, financial strength and access to markets required to be the leading LNG developer in Canada. LNG Canada would connect the abundant supply of Canadian natural gas to growing markets around the world. This also begins the formal consultation process with First Nations and local community residents regarding the project.
Shell holds a 40-percent working interest, with KOGAS, Mitsubishi and PetroChina each holding a 20-percent working interest. “Our combined expertise, and our focus on technological innovation in delivering safe and environmentally sound LNG projects around the globe, ensures that our LNG Canada project would be well-suited to deliver long-term value for British Columbia and increase access to new export markets for Canada,” says Jose-Alberto Lima, Vice President LNG Americas, Shell Energy Resources Company.
The proposed LNG Canada project includes the design, construction and operation of a gas liquefaction plant and facilities for the storage and export of liquefied natural gas (LNG), including marine off-loading facilities and shipping. LNG Canada can create significant economic benefit for the province, First Nations, local communities and the region. Such a project can create thousands of jobs during construction and hundreds of full-time, permanent jobs during operations. Such a significant energy project can also bring indirect economic development opportunities to the region.
A decision to move this project into development would be taken after conducting necessary engineering, environmental and stakeholder engagement work with start up around the end of the decade, pending regulatory approvals and investment decisions.
“As the world’s largest LNG buyer and operator of LNG terminals, we recognize the potential value of the LNG Canada project for our company and for British Columbia, and we look forward to conducting
business in B.C., with respect for all local residents and their traditions,” said Mr. Young Sik Kwon, Vice President of Korea Gas Corporation.
LNG Canada will initially consist of two LNG processing units referred to as “trains,” each with the capacity to produce six million tonnes of LNG annually, with an option to expand the project in the future.
“We have a history of working with our joint-venture partners, as well as conducting business in Canada,” said Junichi Iseda, Senior Vice President, Mitsubishi Corporation. “We look forward to continuing to invest in Canada through this project, creating economic growth and new, important trade links between our two nations.”
The demand for natural gas, the cleanest burning fossil fuel, remains high in Asia and other markets. LNG Canada would deliver a project that offers a new source of LNG to global markets, while providing benefits to Canada, British Columbia and its coastal region.
“This project will contribute to a further strengthening of trade relationships between China and Canada and will help China use clean burning natural gas to fuel its economic growth,” said Bo Qiliang, Vice President, PetroChina Company Limited.

Clatsop County And Georgia-Pacific Reach Settlement In Tax Case

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Clatsop County and the owner of the Wauna pulp and paper mill have reached a settlement over the company’s tax challenge.

The county and 60 other taxing districts will pay Georgia-Pacific a total of $2.5 million in property tax refund.

The case involves challenges filed by Georgia-Pacific against a 2008 tax penalty and the tax assessment on part of its Wauna facility.

The settlement ends a four-year legal struggle that had the potential to hit local cities, schools and other taxing bodies with a significantly larger bill. Along with the payment, the settlement also establishes a real market value for the Wauna mill that Georgia-Pacific cannot appeal for the next five years.

The county informed the other taxing districts of the settlement by letter this week.

The payment will be paid off with a 10-year loan or bond that county officials believe can be secured with an interest rate of less than 3 percent. Clatsop County’s share of the payment, including loan costs and interest, would total $375,544. Other districts’ shares would range from approximately $1 to $653,300 – annual payments on those shares will be deducted from the districts’ yearly property tax disbursements, under the terms of an intergovernmental agreement that was signed by all the districts in 2009 in anticipation of a refund payment.

The county will host a meeting next week for representatives of the affected taxing districts to explain the settlement and payment plan.

The case dates to 2004, when Georgia-Pacific was granted tax exemptions under the Lower Columbia Maritime Enterprise Zone for construction of its new No. 6 paper-making machine. Under the exemption, property taxes assessed on the new machine were to be waived for five years.

In 2007 the company was disqualified from the exemption program for failing to maintain a minimum required number of employees at the machine. As a result of the disqualification, the company had to repay the exempted taxes, totaling approximately $4.1 million. That money was distributed among the 60 taxing districts.

Georgia-Pacific filed an appeal in Oregon Tax Court challenging not only the exemption penalty but also the assessed valuation of the entire mill for three tax years. The appeal claimed that the assessment, on which Wauna’s annual property tax bill is calculated, overvalued the mill by approximately $154 million.

Tax assessments of large industrial properties like Wauna Mill are conducted for counties by the Oregon Department of Revenue, which joined Clatsop County in fighting the appeal.

In 2010 Tax Court Judge Henry Breithaupt ruled that Georgia-Pacific could only challenge the tax assessment on the new paper machine for 2004 and 2005, and the assessment on the mill as a whole only for 2007, which significantly reduced the scope of the company’s claim. On May 1 the county, along with the state Department of Revenue and Department of Justice, reached agreement with Georgia-Pacific on the terms of a settlement.

Along with the payment, the settlement establishes the real market value for the No. 6 paper machine of $291 million.

Under Georgia-Pacific’s claim, Clatsop County and the other districts could have been required to refund more than $11 million if the company had prevailed on all appeals at trial.

State statute mandates that all of the 60 taxing districts in Clatsop County are liable for a portion of the settlement, regardless of whether Wauna Mill lies within their boundaries.

Wauna pays a total of $3,410,536 a year in property taxes to taxing entities in Clatsop County, making it by far the county’s biggest single taxpayer.

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

Straw Poll For Clatsop County Sheriff - Who You Gonna Vote For?

Clatsop County Sheriff Summary
Bill Fuzia . . . . . . . . . . 1,076 - 10.78%
Jim Pierce . . . . . . . . . . 2,772 - 27.76%
Steve Barnett . . . . . . . . .. 699 - 7.00%
Tom Bergin . . . . . . . . . . 4,536 - 45.42%
Michael V Nelson . . . . . . . . 882 - 8.83%
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . ..... 21 - .21%
Over Votes . . . . . . . . . 2
Under Votes . . . . . . . . . 619

Tom Bergin
Steve Barnett
Bill Fuzia
Michael V. Nelson
Jim Pierce

Who's your candidate?

Post your choice in "Comments"

White House Official Says Analysis Will Drive LNG Export Policy

Sutherland - LNGlaw.com
Posted: May 14, 2012

Reuters reports today that Heather Zichal, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change, told an industry group that the Obama Administration was "certainly not opposed to LNG exports," and that LNG export policy will be driven in accordance with the results of the U.S. Department of Energy's forthcoming analysis of the environmental and economic effects of exporting LNG.

Historic Battleship USS Iowa To Become Naval Museum In Southern California

By ERIC RISBERG Associated Press
May 12, 2012

RICHMOND, Calif. (AP) — Firing its 16-inch guns in the Arabian Sea, the U.S.S. Iowa shuddered. As the sky turned orange, a blast of heat from the massive guns washed over the battleship. This was the Iowa of the late 1980s, at the end of its active duty as it escorted reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers from the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran-Iraq war.Some 25 years later, following years of aging in the San Francisco Bay area's "mothball fleet," the 887-foot long ship that once carried President Franklin Roosevelt to a World War II summit to meet with Churchill, Stalin and Chiang Kai Shek is coming to life once again as it is being prepared for what is most likely its final voyage.

Read Full Article

National Weather Service Cautions Oregon Recreational Water Users Over Weekend!!!

1023 PM PDT FRI MAY 11 2012

...THE WARMEST TEMPERATURES OF THE SEASON COMBINED WITH COLD AND

SWIFT RIVERS WILL POSE A HAZARD TO RECREATIONAL WATERS USERS OVER

THE WEEKEND...

AREA RIVERS AND STREAMS REMAIN COLD WITH ELEVATED WATER FLOWS DUE

TO THE ONGOING MELTING OF SPRING SNOW PACK. HIGH TEMPERATURES ARE

EXPECTED TO RUN AS MUCH AS 15 TO 20 DEGREES ABOVE NORMAL OVER THE

WEEKEND...LIKELY LEADING TO INCREASED RECREATIONAL WATER ACTIVITY.

THE COLD AND SWIFT RIVERS WILL POSE A SIGNIFICANT DANGER FOR THOSE

WHO ENTER THE WATER. RIVER TEMPERATURES REMAIN IN THE 45 TO 50

DEGREE FAHRENHEIT RANGE...MUCH COOLER THAN DURING THE HEIGHT OF

SUMMER. EXERCISE CAUTION IN OR AROUND AREA RIVERS AND LAKES...AS

HYPOTHERMIA CAN SET IN FAST WITH SUCH CHILLY WATER TEMPERATURES.

Highlights Of May 9, 2012 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Meeting

Wednesday, May 9, 2012 regular meeting

Official minutes available once approved by board

Zone Change Approved

The board approved a re-zone, partition and “density credit” transfer application from Gloria Edler for two 10-acre parcels east of Gearhart.

The application rezones approximately 10 total acres on the two lots from Residential-Agriculture 1 to Open Space, Parks and Recreation. Under land-use regulations governing the Clatsop Plains region, the rezone creates five density credits that can be transferred to other Clatsop Plains properties. Two of the credits are to be transferred to the West Dunes/Clatsop Estates subdivision, an application for which will be considered by the board in June. The other three credits will be “banked” for future use.

Rilea Study Reviewed

The board heard a presentation on the newly completed Camp Rilea Joint Land Use Study. The project, organized by the Clatsop County Community Development Department with a Department of Defense grant, was designed to reduce potential incompatibility between the military facility south of Warrenton and surrounding areas, while protecting public health and safety, sustaining operations at the facility and accommodating new growth.

The study, which covered the area within five miles of Camp Rilea, is designed to promote communication and collaboration between the Oregon Military Department and surrounding jurisdictions and stakeholders. The document is advisory only and will not be adopted as part of the county’s comprehensive land-use plan.

The study does not recommend any rezoning of property surrounding Camp Rilea, but does suggest that no changes be made that would allow for increased density of development.

Applications Reviewed

In closed executive session, the board reviewed applications from candidates for the county manager position with consultant Greg Prothman. Based on recommendations from Prothman, six candidates were identified as finalists for interviews scheduled for May 30 in Astoria.

The county is seeking a replacement for County Manager Duane Cole, who is retiring May 31. The county received a total of 40 applications for the position.

The board also voted to designate Assistant County Manager Nicole Williams as interim county manager, to serve until the new county manager joins the county.

Tower Approved

The board approved a $60,720 contract with Valmont Industries Inc. for construction of a microwave communications tower at Camp Rilea Armed Forces Training Facility. The tower is a component of the new county emergency operations center wing slated for construction at Camp Rilea’s Warrior Hall and will link to a multi-county microwave communications network. The tower project is funded by a federal Homeland Security grant.

Other Business

In other business the board:

-Voted to expand the membership of the Clatsop County Fair Board from five to seven, and to appoint Jack Edwards to one of the new seats.

-Approved a letter to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality supporting the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s deferral of action to list the Astoria Marine Construction Company on the federal Superfund environmental clean-up program, and recommending that DEQ be designated the lead agency for the proposed clean-up of the site.

-Approved an agreement with the Oregon State Marine Board for renovation of the John Day Park boat ramp. The project will be funded with a $23,000 state grant and $11,000 in county funds.

-Proclaimed May 20-26, 2012 to be Emergency Medical Service Week.

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

Clatsop County Budget Committee Approves 2012-2013 Budget!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

The Clatsop County Budget Committee on Tuesday unanimously approved the proposed 2012-13 budget with one minor change.

The budget next goes to the county board of commissioners for a public hearing June 13 and final adoption June 27.

The budget committee, made up of the five county commissioners and five citizen members, went through the document department by department before voting for its approval, and also set next year’s property tax rate. The 2012-13 tax rate will be $1.5338 per $1,000 assessed property value, plus $.07 per $1,000 for the County Fairgrounds local option tax levy.

Commissioner Peter Huhtala recused himself from the vote after declaring a conflict of interest. He noted that the Oregon Coastal Zone Management Association, of which he is interim director, receives money from the county in the form of membership fees.

The entire budget document can be viewed online at www.co.clatsop.or.us. Copies are also available to view at local libraries and the County Manager’s Office, 800 Exchange St., Suite 410.

The special district budget committees are scheduled to meet beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 9 at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria to review the budgets for the 4-H Extension Service Special District, Road District #1, Rural Law Enforcement District and Westport Sewer Service District.

The proposed budget totals $54,801,500, 8.8 percent lower than the current 2011-12 budget, reflecting in part reductions in capital projects, debt service and contractual services. The General Fund budget increases 3 percent, to $19,529,600.

The budget trims a handful of county positions, which were targeted due to a drop in workload or declining outside revenue. A total of two and a half positions in Assessment and Taxation and the Clerk’s Office are cut due to a drop in property-related work and document-recording as a result of the construction slow-down, while the clinical services manager position in the Public Health Department is eliminated because of a drop in state funding. Two vacant positions – emergency services manager and a parole and probation officer – are left unfilled.

The budget also adds one FTE (fulltime equivalent) planner and code enforcement position on the Community Development Department, expands a part-time position in the Emergency Management Division to fulltime to partially replace the eliminated manager position, and expands the Jail Nurse position.

Finance Director Mike Robison noted that despite the tighter fiscal situation, the county was able to limit staff reductions and meet its goals for establishing minimum reserve funds in the 2012-13 budget. But the following two fiscal years may present larger challenges to maintaining services with limited resources in the face of rising costs, he said.

The committee approved a request from member Cary Johnson to allocate $18,000 from the Special Projects Fund to pay for public outreach efforts in support of the county’s Select Area Fisheries Enhancement program. Johnson said the program and the local commercial salmon fishery is in serious jeopardy from a proposed state ballot measure that would ban gillnet fishing on the Columbia River.

The committee’s five citizen members also voted to set the County Sheriff’s monthly salary for 2012-13 at $9,027 – in line with a 2011 policy setting the salary 10 percent above that of the next highest position in the department. They also voted to maintain the county commissioners’ monthly stipends at the current levels – $1,050 for chairperson and $840 for commissioners.

The committee took no action on a suggested re-allocation of county transient room tax revenue. More than 80 percent of the $140,000 average annual collection comes from Arch Cape, and some residents have requested that the county dedicate a portion of the money each year specifically for services or projects in the unincorporated south-county community. The funds currently go to the county general fund.

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

Obama Discusses Increased LNG Exports To Japan

Posted: May 7, 2012
Sutherland LNGlaw.com
Last week, President Obama met with Japanese Prime Minister Noda and announced that they have agreed to "a new joint vision to guide our alliance," which includes strengthening energy cooperation and discussions on expanding LNG exports from the United States to Japan.A transcript of the President's remarks can be found here.

Second Victim Identified In Seaside Double Homicide

NEWS RELEASE

Seaside Police have identified the second victim of in
Thursday’s double homicide as Guy C. Phillips, age 53 of Seaside.

The investigation indicates Phillips moved to Seaside from the Portland area on May 1st.

Autopsies were completed on both Laura Foster and Guy
Phillips on Sunday. Both victims died as a result of blunt force trauma to the
head.

The preliminary investigation indicates Laura Foster and Guy Phillips were
long time friends.

The Seaside Police along with the Clatsop County Major
Crime completed their search of the residence on 10 Avenue on Saturday as well
as searching the Toyota Scion driven by the Marcus Foster when he was stopped by a
Clatsop County uniformed deputy and arrested.

Investigators believe the murder weapon was an aluminum baseball bat recovered during Saturday’s search of the residence.

The Gold Toyota Camry owned by Phillips was also located
Saturday and investigators have determined it is not directly related to events
leading up to the homicide.

Marcus Foster remains in the Clatsop County Jail on two
charges of aggravated murder and is awaiting arraignment on Monday.

Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to
call the Seaside Police Department at 503-738-6311 or Crime Tip line at
503-738-0222.

Two Found Dead In Seaside

Friday, May 4, 2012

The Seaside Police Department with assistance from the Clatsop County Major Crime Team is investigating the deaths of a male and female found inside a residence in the 1300 block of 10th Avenue.

At 9:20 a.m., the Seaside Police Department was asked by an employer to do a welfare check at the residence of this investigation when an employee failed to show up for work. The officer found the front door locked, no signs of any forced entry or suspicious circumstances. They employer was informed and was going to try to check with the wife.

At 2:59 p.m. Seaside Volunteer Fire Department responded to this address for a report of an unresponsive person. When fire personnel arrived they were told of two dead bodies inside the residence and notified police who were already responding.

When officers arrived, they discovered a male and female inside the residence who had been deceased for some time. After a search of the residence for any additional victims, they secured the residence notifying detectives. Detectives are at this time unable to positively identify both victims. They both appear to be in their 50’s.

The Seaside Police along with the Clatsop County Major Crime are continuing their investigation. They are preparing a Search Warrant for the residence and awaiting the Oregon State Police Crime Lab to assist in processing the scene. The Crime Lab is expected to arrive sometime Saturday morning.

Detectives have identified two vehicles that may appear to be connected to the scene. The vehicles are a 2009 purple Scion TC with Oregon License 558EBE and a gold Toyota Camry with a temporary sticker. Anyone observing either of these vehicles is asked to contact their local police department or call Seaside Police.

Seaside Police will be holding a Press Conference at 11:00 a.m. Saturday May 5th at the Seaside Police Department to provide any updated information on the case.

Robert Gross Chief of Police
Seaside Police Department
503-738-7441

May 9, 2012 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioner's Meeting Predeeded By Executive Session At 9:00 AM

Read Full CCBofC Meeting Agenda

Parenting Workshop On Technology Impacts On Brain Development In Children

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

North Coast Parenting and the Clatsop County Juvenile Department are offering two workshops this month on brain development and technology impacts on children.

“How Experience Wires the Brain: The Neuroscience of Early Childhood Mental Health and Beyond” will be offered Monday, May 7, 1-4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, 204 West Marine Dr., Astoria.

Julie M. Rosenzweig, a professor of social work at Portland State University, will explain how experiences during infancy and early childhood shape the brain’s way of receiving and processing information across an individual’s lifespan.

“Plugged In: The Neurological, Interpersonal and Personal Impact of Technology-Only Entertainment” will be offered Thursday, May 24 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.

Dr. Doreen Dodgen-Magee, a clinical psychologist in Portland, will describe how technology over-use impacts growth and development in children’s neurological function and development of a sense of self.

Pre-registration is required for both workshops. For more information and to download registration forms, go to “Documents” on the Juvenile Department page at www.co.clatsop.or.us.

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

Megler Bridge Re-Opens After Early Morning Multi-Vehicle Accident

DATE: May 2, 2012 9:37 AM PDT
From Astoria Regional Dispatch
The following is a road closure announcement
The Megler Bridge is currently open to traffic.

Staggering Profiteering Potential:Sumitomo/Tokyo Gas Secures U.S. LNG From Dominion's Cove Point

Artwork by Jack Guyot - Astoria, Oregon

Article by Humber - Bloomberg.com
Apr 26, 2012 9:32 PM

Henry Hub futures rose 4.8 percent to $2.134 per million British thermal units as of 12:29 a.m. in New York. Japan, which has just one of its 54 nuclear reactors in operation since a March 2011 meltdown at its Fukushima Dai-Ichi plant, paid about $18.85 per million Btu in the first 11 months of last year, according to finance ministry data. At current U.S. prices, the Japanese partners will be able to sell their contracted LNG in the domestic market at less than $10 per million Btu, Kunio Nohata, senior general manager at Tokyo Gas, told reporters in Tokyo today.

Read Full Article

Bloomberg Reports warning from Dow chief that U.S. NG exports should not exceed 10%

From KUNA.net - Japanese firms to participate in Australian LNG export project

"THE TRIAL"!!!! Today Is The Day To Settle The Issue Of DUII Prosecutions In Astoria Municipal Court.....?

Clatsop County Court House - Today, Friday, April 27, 2012 - 1:30 PM - Courtroom 300

And now, "The Wait" for the decision.

Clatsop County Election Department Makes Ballot Marking Assistance Available To Those With Disabilities

Thursday, April 26, 2012

The Oregon Secretary of State and the Clatsop County Elections Office are committed to making voting more accessible to people with disabilities.

The Help America Vote Act has provided funding to assist states and counties with this goal. Any voter who needs assistance in voting in the May 15 Primary Election because they have trouble filling out traditional paper ballots is invited to contact the Clatsop County Elections Office at (503) 325-8511 for assistance.

Accessible ballot marking can be completed by using special computer equipment which is available at the Clatsop County Clerk and Elections Office or by appointment at local facilities.

· Using the iPad, disabled voters can call up the right ballot and tap the screen to pick a candidate and ballot measures.

· Voters with poor vision can adjust the font size and screen color, or have the computer read the ballot out loud.

· The voters then print the completed ballot and place it in their return ballot envelope, sign it and return it to the Elections Office.

Ballots for the May 15 election will begin arriving in voters’ mailboxes Friday and Saturday, April 27-28. Accessible ballot marking will be available between April 30 and May 15 at the Clatsop County Elections Office on the 2nd floor of 820 Exchange St. in Astoria. In addition, the Elections Office can schedule time to come to facilities and offer voters access to this equipment.

Any voter wishing to utilize this new program for accessible ballot marking is asked to please bring their RETURN ballot envelope with them when they come to mark their ballot. The voter must be an active registered voter. If the voter is unsure of their registration status, our Elections Official can verify their status through the Oregon Secretary of State’s website.

Any residential facility or senior center wishing to set up a time for Clerk and Elections staff to come out and set up at their facility to provide access to this new voting system is encouraged to call the Clerk and Elections Office at (503) 325-8511 to schedule an appointment. Please make an appointment early in the election cycle because the last few days before an election are typically busy and there may be a longer wait.

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

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