Clatsop County Re-Districting Committee Seeking Citizen Panel Members

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, March 11, 2011

CITIZENS SOUGHT FOR REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE

Clatsop County is seeking applicants for a citizen panel charged with drawing new boundaries for county commissioner districts based on the 2010 U.S. Census data.
The process, conducted every 10 years following the Census, ensures that all five districts represented by the county commissioners have roughly equal population by re-drawing the boundaries to take into account any shifts in population within the county.
The 11-member committee will be made up of one citizen representative from each commissioner district and a representative from each of the five cities, with a county commissioner as chairperson. City representatives will be selected by the respective city managers – Clatsop County is seeking applicants from the each of the five districts. Those members may be city residents.
The committee will use the Census data to make any necessary changes in the boundaries in conformance with state requirements that districts be contiguous, of equal population, utilize existing geographical or political boundaries, not divide communities of common interest, and be connected by transportation links.
To apply, obtain an application form and return it to the Clatsop County Manager’s Office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, Astoria OR 97103, (503) 325-1000. Forms are available from the County Manager’s Office or can be downloaded from the county website http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/ at “Documents” under “County Manager.”
Forms must be submitted by 5 p.m. March 25. The board of commissioners will make the selections.

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

EPA Agrees To Strengthen Ships Ballast Rule

Bettina Boxall - L.A. Times - Environment

March 8, 2011 - 6:11 PM

The federal government has agreed to develop more stringent national regulations governing the discharge of ship ballast water, which has been a major source of troublesome invasive species in California and other states......Read Full Report

CLATSOP COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
For the reconsideration of the conditional approval of the consolidated application by Oregon Pipeline, LLC, to construct a 41-mile natural gas pipeline.
DATE OF HEARING: Wednesday, March 30, 2011
TIME: 3:30 PM
LOCATION: Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial Street - Astoria, Oregon 97103

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on January 13, 2011, the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners, pursuant to ORS 197.830(13(b) and OAR 661-010-0021, withdrew its decision to grant conditional approval to the Oregon Pipeline, LLC, consolidated application that was originally approved by the Board of Commissioners on November 8, 2010.

That decision had been appealed to the State of Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA).

On February 9, 2011, the Board of Commissioners held a public hearing and set the scope of review for the reconsideration hearing. The Board has determined it may consider any and all issues identified in the findings adopted in support of the November 8, 2010, Board of Commissioners decision and that no new evidence will be considered as part of its reconsideration of the November 8, 2010 findings and decision.

The criteria applicable to the Board’s decision on reconsideration are as follows:

Land and Water Development and Use Ordinance 80-14
L3.220 – Residential Agriculture 5 Zone

L5.000 – Conditional Development and Use

L3.510 – Agricultural Forestry Zone

L5.040 – Development and Use Permitted with Review

L3.550 – Forest-80 Zone L5.120 – Coastal Zone Consistency Review

L3.560 – Exclusive Farm Use Zone

L5.350 – Transportation System Impact Review

L3.740 – Aquatic Development Zone

L5.800 – Columbia River Estuary Impact Assessment

L3.780 – Aquatic Conservation 2 Zone and Resource Capability Determination.

L3.800 – Aquatic Natural Zone

L4.000 – Flood Hazard Overlay

L4.040 – Geological Hazard Overlay

L4.080 – Shoreland Overlay

L4.200 – Sensitive Bird Habitat Overlay
Standards Document
S2.500 – Erosion Control Development Standards

S3.500 – Farm and Forest Zones Dwelling and/or Use Standards

S3.650 – Tsunami Inundation Zone

S3.700 – Geologic Hazard Requirements

S4.200 – Columbia River Estuary Shoreland and Aquatic Use
and Activity Standards

S4.500 – Protection of Riparian Vegetation

S6.000 – Road Standard specifications for Design and Construction

Clatsop County Comprehensive Plan – Goals and Policies
Goal 1 – Citizen Involvement

Goal 2 – Land Use Planning

Goal 3 - Agricultural Lands

Goal 4 - Forest Lands

Goal 5 - Open Space, Scenic and Historic Areas and Natural Resources

Gosl 6 - Air, Water and Land Quality

Goal 7 - Natural Hazards

Goal 8 - Recreation

Goal 9 – Economy

Goal 10 – Population and Housing Goal

Goal 11 – Public Facilities & Services

Goal 12 – Transportation

Goal 13 – Energy Conservation

Goals 16 and 17 – Estuarine Resources and Coastal Shorelands Lewis & Clark, Youngsd, Wallooskee River Valleys Community Plan and the Elsie - Jewell Community Plan

Oral and written argument will be accepted from all of the parties to the LUBA proceedings related to the November 8, 2010 approval. Oral argument must be presented through the parties’ legal counsel only unless otherwise permitted by the Board at the hearing.

County staff will be permitted to make a staff report and respond to Board questions. All other persons or organizations who participated in the 2010 Hearings Officer and Board of Commissioner proceedings in this matter will be permitted to submit written argument only, as provided below in this notice.

All written argument submitted to and received by this office by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, February 23, 2011, pursuant to the Board’s February 9, 2011, direction, will be considered at the March 30, 2011 public hearing.

NOTE: Failure of an issue to be raised in a hearing, in person or by letter, or failure to provide statements sufficient to afford the decision maker an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes an appeal based on that issue.

The following documents are available for review at the Clatsop County Transportation & Development Services office, 800 Exchange Street, Suite 100, Astoria, Oregon. A copy of the application, all documents and evidence submitted by or on behalf of the applicant and applicable criteria are available for inspection at the department office during normal business hours (M-F, 8-5) at no cost and will be provided in a digital format at reasonable cost.

A copy of the staff report is available for inspection at the Department office at no cost at least seven days prior to the hearing and will be provided at a reasonable cost.

In general, the procedure for conduct of the public hearing will in accordance with LWDUO Section 2.185(3): Introductory statements by the Board of Commissioners, staff report presentation, argument from the LUBA parties, argument from other parties, rebuttal by LUBA parties, and conclusion of the public hearing.

The Board of Commissioners will then deliberate and issue a decision.

If you have questions about this land use matter or need more information, please contact Jennifer Bunch, Clatsop County Planner, at (503) 325-8611 or via email at jbunch@co.clatsop.or.us .

Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Supports Staff Findings For Denial Of Oregon LNG/Pipeline Application

Thursday, March 10, 2011

BOARD SUPPORTS FINDINGS OF DENIAL FOR OREGON PIPELINE APPLICATION (GRP: No Representative From Oregon LNG/Pipeline Was In Attendance At This Hearing)
At a hearing Wednesday the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners gave preliminary approval to a new set of findings for the consolidated land-use application from Oregon Pipeline Company LLC that, if adopted at an upcoming meeting, will result in the application’s denial....Read Full Clatsop County Report

Updated GRP Straw Poll: Should DUII's In Astoria Be Tried In Astoria Muncipal Court Or Circuit Court

Straw Poll Ends With 107 Total Votes In 33 Days. Final Results:71% Say Try DUII's In Circuit Court, 28% Say Keep DUII's In Astoria Municipal Court!!

Let's settle it and pass-on the result. On your left you will see a Straw Poll(Non-Scientific) that simply asks the question:Should DUII's In Astoria Be Trien In Astoria Municipal Court Or Circuit Court?

Vote on it and lets see where "The People Stand"

County To Host Round-Table Conference Calls With Our State Reps & Senator

Monday, March 07, 2011

COUNTY HOSTS ROUND-TABLE CALLS WITH LAWMAKERS

Clatsop County is again organizing regular early-morning conference calls with North Coast legislators for local public officials.
The calls, beginning March 8 and tentatively scheduled to take place every other week, will enable city and county officials and other community leaders to talk directly with Sen. Betsy Johnson and Reps. Debra Boone and Bill Witt on the latest developments at the 2011 Oregon Legislature in Salem......Read Full Release

Oregon Pipeline/LNG Files Petition For Alternative Writ Of Mandamus Against Clatsop County. March 9, 2011 Re-Hearing On OLNG/Pipeline Proceeds Anyway!

(Mandamus is a judicial remedy which is in the form of an order from a superior court to any government subordinate court, corporation or public authority to do or forbear from doing some specific act which that body is obliged under law to do or refrain from doing, as the case may be, and which is in the nature of public duty and in certain cases of a statutory duty.[2] It cannot be issued to compel an authority to do something against statutory provision.)

Clatsop County Press Release!!

March 9th, Oregon Pipeline Re-Hearing To Proceed Regardless

filed a Petition for Alternative Writ of Mandamus requesting the court to compel Clatsop County to approve Oregon Pipeline's consolidated application for land use approval which would allow Oregon Pipeline/LNG to move forward with an approximate 41 mile high pressure Natural Gas transmission pipeline segment through Clatsop County.

Under Oregon Law ORS 34.130, if a county does not make a final determination on an application for a permit within 150 days after the application is deemed complete, the applicant may file the petition for Alternate Writ of Mandamus in the Clatsop County Circuit Court to compel the governing body to approve the application.

Dress Sale To Benefit Clatsop County Juvenile Department Prevention Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, March 7, 2011

DRESS SALE BENEFITS JUVENILE DEPARTMENT PREVENTION PROGRAM

Clatsop County’s Juvenile Department Prevention Program is holding a dress sale Saturday, March 12 as a fundraiser for the youth program.
The sale takes place noon to 4 p.m. at Warrenton High School gym.
Dresses are brand new, in a variety of styles, sizes and colors, and priced to sell, and are perfect for a prom, party or event.
All proceeds support the Prevention Program, which provides gender-specific programs to girls within our community; parenting classes and family activities; and community outreach to reduce underage alcohol and drug use.
For more information contact the Prevention Program at (503) 325-8673.

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

HB 2800: Farm To School Bill To Be Heard Wednesday, March 9, 2011

HB 2800 Directs Department of Education to provide reimbursements to school districts that serve Oregon food products as part of United States Department of Agriculture’s National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.

Directs department to award grants for development of
food-based, agriculture-based and garden-based educational activities.

Allocates moneys from Administrative Services Economic Development Fund to Oregon Business Development Department for purposes of reimbursements and grants.
Declares emergency, effective July 1, 2011.....Read Full Bill

Rehearing Of Oregon LNG/Pipeline Scheduled For March 9, 2011

Read Full Hearing Notice

Full Staff Report With Findings

From Columbia Riverkeeper: 9th Circuit Court Vacates Bradwood Landing's License

Citizens and environmental groups celebrate today after the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals threw out the license for the Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal proposed 20 miles upriver from Astoria, OR........Read Full CRK Report

Read The Court's Full Opinion Here!

From Port Of Astoria- Seaport Air Drops Astoria To Portland Shuttle

Press Release
Date: March 1, 2011
Contact: Jack Crider
Executive Director
Port of Astoria

“SeaPort Airlines will cease scheduled flight operations between Astoria and Portland Sunday, March 13 2011 with the final flight Saturday March 12, Astoria to Portland.

"We deeply regret this decision, and the impact this will have on
SeaPort employees and their families, our customers, our vendors and other partners, and the communities in which they have been operating," Jack Crider, executive director of the Port of Astoria, and Rob McKinney, President of SeaPort Airlines, said in a joint statement.

“It’s been our pleasure and privilege to serve Oregon’s north coast communities.”
said McKinney.

The decision comes at the end of a six-week all out promotion targeting Clatsop
County in Oregon and Pacific County in Washington. In an effort to sustain air
service through the end of 2011 (Astoria’s bicentennial year), the Port of Astoria
in conjunction with SeaPort airlines designed a pre-paid ticket voucher program,
offering deeply discounted one-way tickets. Tickets were transferable, and
included up to 50 pounds of luggage with no advance reservation requirements.
“It’s the ideal airline ticket,” suggested Floyd Holcom Port of Astoria commission
chairman.

Sales of the program began at a slow pace and picked up as communities
became aware of the opportunity. A struggling coastal economic environment
has continued to be the main reason for the lack of voucher sales.

The Port of Astoria hoped to process enough pre-paid vouchers in an effort to
demonstrate to SeaPort our community commitment to local air service. There
was plenty of support from all chambers of commerce, downtown associations,
fraternal organizations, city councils, military representatives, hospitals and
concerned citizens to sustain air service throughout both counties, but it became
apparent the majority of our supporters are unable to invest monetarily during our
slow economy.

Our efforts have not gone in vain, as we have gathered new data to provide a
future airline when our economy improves. There is no doubt our communities
support air service, and the Port of Astoria is committed to finding an airline that
fits in a stronger economy.

Port of Astoria will refund 100% of all voucher sales.

Passengers with confirmed reservations after March 12 should contact SeaPort
airlines directly.

Clatsop County Announces Human Services Committee Openings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, March 1, 2011

HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE SEEKS APPLICANTS

Clatsop County is currently inviting citizens to serve on the Human Services Advisory Committee.

The committee is seeking volunteers to fill five full-term seats ending February 28, 2014. The committee advises the County Public Health Department on services for local residents with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and drug or alcohol addictions.
The Board of Commissioners will make the appointments. Applications 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) 325-1000

Flu Vaccine Available From Clatsop County Public Health Department

MEDIA CONTACT: Clatsop County Public Health, (503) 325-8500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000 Ext. 1312
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS FLU VACCINATIONS
The 2010-11 flu season continues, and the Centers for Disease Control recommends vaccination for everyone 6 months and older.
If you do not have insurance or do not otherwise have access to flu vaccine, call the Clatsop County Public Health Department at (503) 325-8500 for an appointment to receive the vaccine at low or no cost.
People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease, and people 65 and older.....Read For More Detail

CCBofC Votes To Accept County Clerk's Redistricting Plan

Thursday, February 24, 2011

COUNTY CLERK PRESENTS REDISTRICTING PLAN
With the recent release of population figures from the 2010 U.S. Census, Clatsop County is launching its process to redraw local commissioner district boundaries to match the new data.
The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners voted Wednesday(February 22, 2011) to approve the redistricting plan presented by County Clerk Cathie Garber.....Read Full Department Release

Wu Says He Won't Resign But, Will Seek Re-Election!

By: Laural Porter - KGW Staff

Posted on February 26, 2011 at 6:01 PM
Updated today at 8:19 AM

PORTLAND, Ore. -- In his first local interview since allegations of drug use and mental health concerns surfaced, David Wu spoke with KGW Saturday........Read/Watch Full report

Update: Transition Center Turn-over To Authority Of Clatsop County Sheriff's Department In Unanimous Commission Vote

Tom Bennett - Clatsop County

Transition Center Goes To Control Of Sheriff's Department(Wednesday Meeting, 02-23-2011)

Based on a consultant’s report on the county Community Corrections Department, which recommended its Transition Center residential facility be closed and Community Corrections be placed under the authority of the county Sheriff’s Office, the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to accept Staff's findings and recommendations and issue authority to proceed with their implementation.

The Transition Center, opened in 2006 at the North Coast Business Park in Warrenton, is a dormitory-style residential facility that serves as an alternative sanction for local offenders. Budget forecasts indicate that the facility’s operating costs will exceed available revenue by 2012.

The county manager is taking input on the study’s recommendations and a final decision will be made by March 31.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

STUDY RECOMMENDS TRANSITION CENTER CLOSURE
A comprehensive review completed by an outside consultant recommends that Clatsop County close its Transition Center and place the Community Corrections Department under the direction of the County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the report, rising costs and declining revenue have made the Transition Center’s operations financially unsustainable, while lack of communication between the Sheriff’s Office and Community Corrections has hampered the efficient use of sanctions for local offenders....Read Full Clatsop County Release

Clatsop County To Sue City Of Astoria For Ownership Of Warrenton Property?

Tom Bennett - Clatsop County
Thursday, February 24, 2011

COUNTY TO FILE SUIT TO CONFIRM LAND OWNERSHIP
Clatsop County is taking legal action against the City of Astoria to confirm its ownership of a disputed property in Warrenton. GRP:Hmmm! Where does this put Astoria City Attorney/Clatsop County Counsel, Henningsgaard on this issue? Is he going to have to sit this one out?
The county board of commissioners voted Wednesday to file suit in Clatsop County Circuit Court to press the county’s claim under a reversionary clause to two tax lots adjacent to Ocean View Cemetery......Read Full Release

Update - The Astoria City Council Feb. 22, 201: Ready To Bend A Bit With D.A. Marquis On DUII Prosecutions. ACC To Draft Another Letter?

Read Daily Astorian Article "Astoria To Look Into DUII Changes!!!
GRP: Here is the text of the letter, hand delivered to District Attorney, Josh Marquis and KAST-AM Personality Tom Freel last Thursday night, to my understanding and signed as well by all members of The Astoria City Council and today I read there will be a "Special Meeting" by that same panel to approve this same letter four or five days later and after it has become more than public? Is something seriously amiss here? I would like to see another letter explaining the legality of this action. Is our city government beginning to backslide at this 200th year anniversary?Are we back to City Manager Benoit, at the urging of "The Mayor" to keep rewriting findings of fact till he gets the fact he needs to satisfy the particular agenda as has been alluded to in the past?

What specifically has CofA done to impact the admininstration and records keeping of the court to truly make it a Court of Record as Mayor Van Dusen implies and new Commissioner Mellin, who was so adament in her campaign position on Municipal Court's DUII's needing to be sent to Circuit Court and now seems to have abandoned that position?

Update - 02/08/2011 - Read Daily Astorian Report On Oregon Rep., Debbie Boone's Legislation Regarding Municipal Court DUII Jurisdiction And Prosecution Authority Change Into The Hands Of County District Attorneys.

Register Guard Editorial:Messing With The Public Meetings Law Gets Real Messy For A Couple Of Commissioners

January 27, 2011


To the Citizens of Astoria:

The Astoria City Council has decided to continue to handle DUII cases from the City of Astoria in the Astoria Municipal Court. We would like to explain this decision to the citizens of Astoria and correct recent inaccurate public statements.

Astoria Municipal Court was created over 50 years ago pursuant to Oregon statutes. Several attorneys have served as part-time Astoria Municipal Court Judge over the years. They include Jerry McCallister, Judge Phillip Nelson, Judge Paula Brownhill, and Justice of the Peace Neal Lemery. Kris Kaino currently fills the position. He is an Astoria attorney in good standing with the Oregon State Bar. Local attorney Mary Ann Murk prosecutes the DUII cases in Municipal Court. She is a skilled attorney in good standing with the Bar.

In March of 2010, District Attorney Josh Marquis contacted the City Council and said he had a proposal that would save the City of Astoria thousands of dollars. He said the City only had to transfer prosecution of Astoria’s misdemeanor DUII cases to Clatsop County Circuit Court. The City Council took this offer seriously and asked City Manager Paul Benoit to investigate the District Attorney’s claim. Mr. Benoit reported back to the City Council that this move would not save money; it would actually cost the City revenue and additional overtime to the Astoria Police Department. The Council made no changes to Municipal Court and we notified Mr. Marquis of our decision.

In August of 2010, Mr. Marquis again asked the City Council to transfer all misdemeanor DUII cases to Circuit Court. His reason this time was different. He said that there were many cases that were mishandled and justice would be better served in Circuit Court. Again we took his statements seriously. We asked him to prepare a report of the mishandled cases. He agreed to do so and in August of 2010 he submitted a report that listed 14 cases. On October 4, 2010, the City Council held a public meeting to discuss the cases. Mr. Marquis appeared in person and presented his report.

The report, which Mr. Marquis said took over 100 hours to prepare, listed 14 cases over the last eight years. Mr. Marquis acknowledged that many of the cases were handled properly. As he went through the report, we discovered that it contained many significant errors. One case that Mr. Marquis said was mishandled in Astoria Municipal Court was actually a case where the defendant was arrested in Seaside. That case was handled in Circuit Court. Also in the report, he described one defendant with two DUII cases and asserted that both cases were dismissed improperly. We learned from Judge Kaino that the defendant was never charged with DUII; this defendant had one theft charge that was handled properly.

The Astoria City Council and City staff have spent a great deal of time investigating Mr. Marquis’s allegations. We acknowledge, after discounting the incorrect information in the report, that two misdemeanor DUII cases in the last eight years were not handled appropriately. The City Council has implemented changes that will help prevent such problems in the future. We implemented a new computer system that provides for electronic citations to be sent directly by the officer to the Municipal Court, and a record-keeping system that makes it easy to find and track files. We record all DUII hearings and trials so anyone may hear what happens in court. We have an aggressive prosecutor who pursues fair and lawful resolutions of these cases.

We gave Mr. Marquis our full attention. We admit that his concerns have been one of the reasons for the recent changes in Municipal Court; however, he failed to demonstrate a good reason to transfer Astoria DUII cases to Circuit Court. He has threatened to sue the City and have a judge decide whether he can take these cases, even though it would cost the City substantial attorney fees and lost revenues. We are comfortable that our decision is in the best interest of the citizens of our City. We are committed to an annual review of Astoria Municipal Court. Please contact any one of us if you have questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

THE CITY OF ASTORIA


____________________________
Willis L. Van Dusen
Mayor

_________________________________________________________
Arline LaMear Ward 1 Councilor

_________________________________________________________
Peter Roscoe Ward 2 Councilor

_________________________________________________________
Karen Mellin Ward 3 Councilor

_________________________________________________________
Russ Warr Ward 4 Councilor

Attorneys Use Social Networking Sites To Vet Their Jurors, Even Clatsop County

By ANA CAMPOY And ASHBY JONES - Wall Street Journal
Facebook is increasingly being used in courts to decide who is—and who isn't—suitable to serve on a jury, the latest way in which the social-networking site is altering the U.S. court system.

Prosecution and defense lawyers are scouring the site for personal details about members of the jury pool that could signal which side they might sympathize with during a trial. They consider what potential jurors watch on television, their interests and hobbies, and how religious they are.

Josh Marquis, district attorney of Clatsop County in Oregon, did background searches on Facebook to help pick a jury for a penalty trial last summer to determine if a convicted murderer should get the death penalty. He was looking for clues on how potential jurors might feel about the defendant, a man who killed a couple as a teenager in 1988. The jury imposed the death penalty......Read Full Article