Sunset Lake RV Park Appeal Goes To County Board Of Commissioners January 25th

Clatsop CountyCommunity Relations
Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012

APPEAL OF SUNSET LAKE RV PARK CITATION GOES TO COMMISSIONERS JAN. 25

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners will consider action on a citation filed by the county last year against the owners of the Sunset Lake Resort and RV Park for numerous code violations.

The issue is on the agenda for the board’s Jan. 25 meeting beginning at 6 p.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.

Sunset Lake Resort owners, Resources Northwest Inc. and Ken Hick, have filed an appeal against a Dec. 16 ruling by a county hearings officer, Paul Elsner, who upheld the original citation and ordered the owners to pay a $4,200 fine and abide by rules governing the number and siting of units at the park.

On Jan. 25 the commissioners will consider whether to uphold the hearings officer ruling without review, conduct their own hearing on the existing record, or conduct a “de novo” hearing allowing new information.

The county issued Hick a compliance order last June for multiple violations of county codes including allowing too many permanent dwellings on the property, as well as allowing recreational vehicles to be used as dwelling units without proper utility connections.

Hick and Resources Northwest Inc. challenged the county order on the grounds that the park was “grandfathered in” as a legal, nonconforming use and does not have to abide by existing county zoning rules on number, density and location of units and other requirements.

Under Elsner’s order, the owners have until Feb. 1, 2012 to reduce the number of units to the approved maximum, have them lawfully connected to water, sewer and electrical systems, and pay all necessary permit fees.

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

National Weather Service Warns Of Heavy North Coast Winds 4a.m. To 4p.m. Wednesday

Clatsop County Community Relations

Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012

HEAVY WINDS FORECAST FOR NORTH OREGON COAST

A strong Pacific
storm is forecast to bring heavy winds to Clatsop County and the North Oregon
Coast beginning early Wednesday morning.
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday , January 18.

Sustained winds of 50 mph, with gusts up to 80 mph, are expected for the coast
and Coast Range. The storm is also forecast to bring 10 to 20 inches of
additional snow to the Coast Range, with the possibility of some snow at lower elevations.

The weather service
has also issued a coastal flood advisory for the North Coast Oregon. Some
flooding is possible in low-lying areas along the shore.

To get the latest
weather information go to www.noaa.gov/pqr.

For road conditions
go to www.tripcheck.com

For winter weather
preparation tips, go to www.co.clatsop.or.us

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

Special Elections Ballot Due Back In By 8:00 pm, January 31, 2012

Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012

SPECIAL ELECTION BALLOTS DUE IN JAN. 31

Ballots for the
special election mailed out last week to county voters are due at the Clatsop
County Elections Division on Jan. 31.
The election is for
the vacant District 1 Congressional seat.
Completed ballots can
be dropped at the following sites by 8 p.m. on Election Day:
· Clatsop County
Clerk’s Office, Public Services Building, 820 Exchange St., Astoria -or-
24-hour drop box in front of office.
· Cannon Beach City
Hall, 163 Gower St., Cannon Beach
· Seaside City Hall,
989 Broadway, Seaside
· Warrenton City Hall,
225 S. Main Ave., Warrenton
· Knappa High School,
41535 Old Highway 30, Knappa
· Gearhart City Hall,
698 Pacific Way, Gearhart
· Mist-Birkenfeld Fire
Hall, 12525 Oregon Highway 202
· Clatskanie Library,
11 Lillich St., Clatskanie
Ballots that are
mailed in must be received by Election Day – postmarks do not count.
For more information
contact the Clerk and Elections Office at (503) 325-8511 or go to the Clatsop
County website, http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/ and click on “Jan.
31 Special General Election.”

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

A Clatsop County P.U.D.? Can We Survive Off The Grid?

Columbia River P.U.D., which incorporates the St. Helens area in Columbia County does it.

Can Clatsop County?

It seems our Clatsop County Board of Commissioners wants to explore the potential.

Do we have the resources to stand on our own and control our own energy self-sufficiency?

Here's some information on how our neighbor does it.....Columbia River P.U.D.

Annual U.S. Budget Explained On A Note Card

Astoria School District Board Passes Authorizing Resolution To Refinance Voter Approved General Obligation Bonds

DATE: JANUARY 12, 2012

Astoria School District Board of Directors passed an authorizing resolution at their January 11, 2012 board meeting to begin the refinancing of the $21,465,000 in voter-approved general obligation bonds. The refinancing of the voter approved bonds could result in a savings to taxpayers property taxes of between $1.2 million to $1.4 million.

The bonds to be refinanced are part of the district’s 2000 bond initiative that received 58 percent voter approval. The bonds were used for remodeling of Astor Elementary, Astoria Middle School, Astoria High School, and Gray School. The bonds also were used to build the current Lewis and Clark Elementary,

Astoria High School Gym, and Astoria High School Applied Science Center.

The Astoria School District Board of Directors is committed to supporting patrons in our community during these difficult economic times.

District patrons could see savings as early as July 2012. The process is scheduled to be completed in March 2012. The voter approved bond measure is set to expire in 2019.

Clatsop County Manager, Duane Cole Announces Retirement!

Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012

COUNTY MANAGER DUANE COLE ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Clatsop County Manager Duane Cole announced his retirement to the county board of commissioners Wednesday, Jan. 11.
Cole's last day with the county will be May 31.
"I have been fortunate to have professionally served 35 years in local government - a field to which I have dedicated my entire career," Cole said in a letter to the board. "For me it is now time to be with my family, pursue other interests, and explore the next phase of life."
Cole joined Clatsop County in May 2009 from the city of Walla Walla, Wash., where he served as city manager.
The board of commissioners will detail its process for recruiting Cole's replacement in the near future.
“Duane Cole brought professionalism, competency, and integrity to government in Clatsop County. He engaged fully to make Clatsop County government more effective and more efficient. His organizational talent has brought many positive changes and has made Clatsop County a leader in many areas. His legacy to us is a solid foundation on which we can build success. He will always be welcome here. He will be missed,” Chair Rohne stated today.
Cole said he is providing the board with more than the 90 days' notice of departure required in his contract in order to allow the commissioners adequate time to select a replacement before his retirement.
Born in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and raised in Milton-Freewater, Ore., Cole received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Oregon.
His career in public administration began in 1977 at the age of 23 when he was hired as city administrator of Pilot Rock, Ore. He subsequently served with the city of Pendleton as finance director, assistant city manager and city manager pro tem, and as city administrator for Susanville, Calif. He was city administrator for Newberg for 12 years until 2002, when he took the top administrative job with Walla Walla.
Under Cole's tenure, Clatsop County revived a proposal to expand the county jail that will go before the board of commissioners soon for a decision whether to seek voter approval for the project. The county has also led a collaborative effort with local cities, the Port of Astoria and Oregon Highway Department to find a solution to the chronic flooding problem on U.S. Highway 101 south of Seaside that appears likely to go forward this year.
The county also leased the historic county jail building to the Clatsop County Historical Society for development of the Oregon Film Museum; negotiated a sale of the former Darigold Building in downtown Astoria to Coastal Family Health Center for its planned new clinic; completed the update of the North Coast Business Park Master Plan charting future development at the county-owned space in Warrenton; and launched an examination of planning issues covering the county's near-shore ocean zone.
One of Cole's biggest accomplishments is the development of a Strategic Plan. The document, due to go before the board of commissioners for adoption in the near future, identifies more than 40 major capital, infrastructure and planning projects as well as projected timelines and funding sources for each.
Cole expressed thanks to the county's commissioners and staff.
"To each of you I extend my sincere appreciation for the excellent opportunities for professional and personal development that you have provided me at Clatsop County," he wrote. "Your respect and encouragement has been welcomed and valued."

Oregon DSL Tells Port Of Astoria Oregon LNG SubLease Allows Only Import Of LNG And Quadruples Lease Payment Based On New Evaluation

Letter From Oregon DSL To Port of Astoria

Read Full Daily Astorian Article

Port Of Astoria Seals Mitigation Credits Deal With Warrenton Fiber

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 10:41 AM

By EDWARD STRATTON - The Daily Astorian

The Port of Astoria has struggled for some time trying to secure mitigation land required to offset the impact of its redevelopment of Pier 3, estimated at two acres of tidal land.

It has already had a mitigation plan flounder on the Skipanon Peninsula.

Another potential piece of land at a Walluski River mitigation site fell through after the land was sold to a private company.

Read Full Daily Astorian Report

Clatsop County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy, Paul Williams Chosen "Commander Of The Year" By Oregon State Sheriff's Association

January 9, 2012
County Sheriff’s Office
Clatsop County’s Chief Deputy Paul Williams is honored at the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association annual meeting in December as the Enforcement Commander of the Year for the State of Oregon.
Chief Deputy Williams was chosen as Commander of the Year for his work and efforts related to the Sheriffs Association and for the hours of dedicated service to the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office and to the citizens of our County.
Often as Sheriff, I call upon Paul to develop, strategize and analyze problems troubling not only our organization but issues within the County regarding Public Safety. Paul is truly an amazing individual who definitely deserved this award.
Paul is accountable and uncompromised ethically. I am very proud of Paul for this State wide recognition and can say beyond any doubt that he is one of the Clatsop Counties best assets.
I have included some of his efforts for the last few years and if there are any further questions please give me a call.
Thank you.
Sheriff Tom Bergin

Clatsop Sheriff Deputies Come To The Aid Of Self-Inflicted, Accidental Gunshot Wound Victim!

January 9, 2012
Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office reports that on January 6th, 2012, Deputy Justin Dimmick responded to the Williamsport Mainline per report of garbage dumping.

While enroute, he came upon a vehicle traveling towards him with three individuals. The vehicle came to a sudden stop and one of the passengers exited claiming his friend had been shot.

Upon surveying the situation, Deputy Dimmick was able to verify that one of the subjects, David Raymond Lithieser, 02-03-88, was suffering from a gunshot wound to his right leg. His friends had attempted to stop the bleeding with a belt however the wound was serious and needed immediate attention.

Deputy Dimmick and now Deputy Hoover, who had just showed up on scene, applied first aid and summoned Medical.

All Clatsop County Deputies two weeks earlier had just gone through a class and were issued tourniquets for their patrol vehicles. The Deputies applied the tourniquet and were able to stop the bleeding until Astoria Fire and Medix arrived on scene for transport.

The subjects advised they had been target shooting and Lithieser went to draw his pistol from his holster and accidentally shot himself in the leg prior to leveling the gun to the target.

This newly issued Tourniquets in all patrol units has already paid off and fortunately the injury will be recoverable.

For any additional information please contact Sheriff Bergin.
503 791-0072
503 338-3651

Lower Columbia Diversity Project Presents A Free Discussion On Racial Diversity In Oregon

January 7, 2012

FREE DISCUSSION ABOUT RACIAL DIVERSITY IN OREGON
The January 19, 2012 event is part of Oregon Humanities’ statewide Conversation Project.

Astoria, OR - Although 2010 Census data show Oregon’s population becoming more racially diverse, the state remains one of the whitest in the nation. Many Oregonians value racial diversity and the dimension and depth it adds to our lives, yet we remain largely isolated from one another and have yet to fulfill the vision of a racially integrated society. What does the racial integration of place require of us, and how might we prepare to create and meet this opportunity?

This is the focus of “White Out? The Future of Racial Diversity in Oregon,” a free conversation with Willamette University professor Emily Drew on Thursday January 19, 2012 at 7:00 PM at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial, Astoria, OR 97103. This program is hosted by the Lower Columbia Diversity Project and sponsored by Oregon Humanities.

Drew is an associate professor of ethnic studies at Willamette University, where she teaches courses on racism, race and ethnicity, urban sociology, mass media, and social change. She earned her doctorate from Loyola University Chicago and has published articles in Critical Studies in Media Communication, Television & New Media, and Tourism & Cultural Change.

Through the Conversation Project, Oregon Humanities offers free programs that engage community members in thoughtful, challenging conversations about ideas critical to our daily lives and our state's future. For more information about this free community discussion, please contact Scott Lee at (503) 468-8715 or lcdiversityproject@gmail.com.

Oregon Humanities (813 SW Alder St, #702; Portland, OR 97205) connects Oregonians to ideas to change lives and transform communities. More information about Oregon Humanities’ programs and publications, which include the Conversation Project, Think & Drink, Humanity in Perspective, Happy Camp, Public Program Grants, Responsive Program Grants, and Oregon Humanities magazine, can be found at oregonhumanities.org. Oregon Humanities is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and a partner of the Oregon Cultural Trust.
For additional Information
Contact: Scott Lee
Phone: (503) 468-8715
Email: lcdiversityproject@gmail.co
Web: http://www.lcdiversityproject.orgdiv>

Make Parenting A Pleasure Program Begins January 19!

Friday, Jan. 6, 2012

‘MAKE PARENTING A PLEASURE’ PROGRAM BEGINS JAN. 19

Make Parenting a Pleasure, an interactive parenting program that focuses on the enhancement of parenting skills, begins Wednesday, Jan. 19 at the Seaside Head Start center, 1225 Second St. The program runs for nine weeks and is appropriate for parents with children between the ages of 0 and 8. Sessions run from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Topics covered include child development, communication, stress management, and discipline techniques. This class is also a wonderful way to meet other families in the community that are having similar experiences in parenting.

Cost for the class is $25, scholarships are available. Dinner and childcare is provided.

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

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

SECOND ANNUAL GIRLS GALA HONORS YOUTH PROGRAM GRADUATES

The Second Annual Girls Gala celebrating local youth takes place Tuesday, Jan. 17 at the Loft in the Red Building, 20 Basin St., Astoria.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for raffle drawings and hors d’oeuvres; the program begins at 6 p.m.

U.S. Attorney Amanda Marshall is one of the scheduled speakers at the event, which honors forty local fifth- and sixth-grade girls who have completed a 12-week program called Allies in Action. This program, created by Girls Inc., focuses on starting a dialogue about friendships, media pressure, handling emotions and bullying.

The public is invited, but an RSVP is required – contact Meredith Payton or Nina Palmarini at (503) 325-8673. Admission is free but attendees are invited to bring nonperishable food items for donation to Clatsop Community Action Food Bank.

Girl-on-girl bullying, known as relational aggression, is sometimes called “mean girl behavior.” Due to emerging issues of relational aggression, programs for girls, such as Allies in Action, are increasingly relevant. This fall, Allies in Action was held in Knappa, Astoria, Warrenton, and Seaside schools through a grant from the Clatsop County Commission on Children and Families.

The Girls Gala event will showcase short media presentations created by the participants and will highlight local and regional female role models. Guest speakers are Marshall, U.S. Attorney, Oregon District, and Margaret Frimoth, coordinator of the Lives in Transition program at Clatsop Community College.

Event planners hope that by affirming the work of the program participants, and focusing on the encouragement of positive adult role models, that girls will be able to defy traditional stereotypes of women and unite as confident allies.

The event will also honor the work and teachings of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.

Girls Gala is coordinated by AmeriCorps H.O.P.E. (Healthy Options through Prevention Education) members at the Clatsop County Juvenile Department Nina Palmarini and Meredith Payton, with assistance from additional Oregon H.O.P.E members Jessy Frey and Jennifer Rasmussen. The event is made possible by the generous food and raffle prize donations from Bagels by the Sea, Baked Alaska, Blue Scorcher, Bridgewater Bistro, Buttery, Fulio’s, Lunar Boy, Mother’s Bistro, Nike, Phillips Candy, Safeway, Serendipity, 3 Cups Coffee House.

For more information about Allies in Action, Girls Gala, or other prevention programs offered through the Juvenile Department, contact Nina or Meredith at (503) 325-8673.

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

January 11, 2012 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Regular Meeting Agenda

Work Session @ 9:00 Am Precedes Regular Meeting @ 10:00 AM
Read Full Agenda Packet

LipstickTraces2 - Big Fish Blues Band

Oregon Public Health Department Reminds Parents To Complete Their Children's Immunization Requirements

Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012

STATE REMINDS PARENTS OF CHILD IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

The following is from the Oregon Public Health Department:

The New Year is here and the Oregon Immunization Program wants to remind parents that now is the time to make sure kids’ vaccination records are complete. State law requires that all children in public and private schools, preschools, Head Start and certified child care facilities have up-to-date immunizations, or have a religious or medical exemption.

Parents and guardians will receive a letter in late January or early February if their child’s immunization record shows that he or she has not received the required vaccinations Children will not be able to attend school or child care starting Feb. 15, 2012, if their records on file show missing immunizations.

“We want to make sure children can go to school in a safe, healthy environment free from vaccine-preventable diseases,” said Stacy de Assis Matthews, immunization school law coordinator in the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division.

This year, parents should take note of some important information:

Tdap vaccine requirement: Tdap vaccine is required for seventh- through 10th-graders. Tdap is tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) booster. Whooping cough is a serious health concern in Oregon with about 300 cases recorded in 2011.

Hepatitis A vaccine requirement: The hepatitis A vaccine, which protects against a communicable viral infection, is a two-dose series now required for children 18 months through third grade.

Parents seeking immunizations for their children should contact their health care provider, call the Clatsop County Public Health Department at (503) 325-8500, or call Oregon SafeNet at 1-800-SAFENET or 1-800-723-3638. No one can be turned away from a local health department because of the inability to pay for required vaccines. Additional information on school immunizations can be found on the Oregon Public Health website at http://1.usa.gov/OregonSchool.

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

Rosenblum To Run For Oregon Attorney General

By SARAH ROSS

PORTLAND, Ore.- After serving six years on the Oregon Court of Appeals, former judge Ellen Rosenblum announced her intention Wednesday to run for Oregon Attorney General.The election to fill the open seat for Attorney General will be held this November.

Read Full Oregon Capital News Article

Man Lodged In Clatsop County Jail For Attempted Murder and Other Charges In Hamlet Area Assault!

On 01/04/11 at around 12:29am Clatsop County Deputies responded to 81575 Layton Road 15 miles East of Seaside in the Hamlet area for a report of a disturbance. The party reported via 911 Kenneth Moore had allegedly stabbed a victim in the face and arms. Mr. Moore then allegedly held several victims at knife and gunpoint and had also tried to shoot his girlfriend however the gun reportedly jammed. Mr. Moore also menaced several other individuals in the household with his knife and had fired the gun at least twice without injury.

Moore then allegedly took a victim by gunpoint and ordered him to drive towards the city of Portland. Clatsop County Deputies were able to locate the vehicle while still in Clatsop County whereupon Moore was taken into custody.

After deputies intercepted the vehicle, Moore ran from the vehicle into the woods but was subsequently taken into custody. The pistol was later located alongside the road where an attempt was made to hide the gun. Following the Deputies investigations, Mr. Moore was subsequently arrested for Attempted Murder, Assault II, Kidnaping II, Theft I of a Firearm, Robbery I, Menacing, Harassment and Pointing a Firearm at Another.

Two victims were taken to Providence Seaside Hospital. One for stab wounds to the face and hands. The other a 95 year old female was admitted for chest pains due to the stress of the situation within the household.

The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office had assistance from the Seaside Police department and an Oregon State Trooper.

Moore is being held at the Clatsop County Jail pending arraignment.

For any additional details contact Sheriff Tom Bergin
Cell 503 791-0072
Desk 503 338-3651

Clatsop County Is Seeking Applicants For Budget Committees

Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012

COUNTY SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR BUDGET COMMITTEES

Clatsop County is currently inviting citizens to serve on local budget committees.

These citizen committees review the proposed budgets and make recommendations to the county commissioners. Each committee is made up of five county commissioners and five other local residents they appoint. The committees generally meet in May to review the proposed budgets.

Seats are available on the following committees:

Clatsop County Budget Committee: A full, three-year term representing District 1 is open on this committee, which reviews the county’s overall operating budget. Applicants must live in District 1, which includes western Astoria as well as Warrenton and Hammond.

Road District 1 Budget Committee: Four full three-year terms ending Feb. 28, 2015 and one un-expired term ending February 28, 2013 are available. The committee reviews the district’s budget for roadwork such as cutting brush, patching pot holes, cleaning and replacing culverts, maintaining road shoulders and drainage ditches, grading and re-basing 220 miles of county roads. Applicants must live in the unincorporated areas of the county.

Westport Sewer Service District Budget Committee: Two full terms ending June 30, 2015, two unexpired terms ending June 30, 2014 and one unexpired term ending June 30, 2013 are available to residents of the sewer district, which serves about 95 connections in the unincorporated community of Westport.

The Board of Commissioners will make the appointments. Applications will be taken through Jan. 31. Application forms are available online at 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