2011-2012 Clatsop County Budget Maintains All Services

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Clatsop County’s proposed budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year maintains almost all current programs and services.

The county Budget Committee will review the budget at a public meeting Tuesday, May 3 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.

The entire document can be viewed online at http://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
Read Overview And The Complete Budget Itself

Legal Review Finds County Ordinance 01-10 Valid

Press Release From; Clatsop County Government
Wednesday, April 20, 2011

LEGAL REVIEW FINDS COUNTY'S COMMITTEE ORDINANCE IS VALID

Clatsop County Ordinance 2001-10, which sets out procedures for appointment and removal of members of county boards and commissions, is a valid ordinance and provided full authority for the March 23 decision of the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners to vacate all seven positions on the Clatsop County Planning Commission, according to the county’s legal counsel.

Read Full Release

April 27, 2011 Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Regular Session Agenda

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Meeting preceeded by a Work Session from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Read Full Agenda

HB 3025(Clarifying D.A. Authority In Municpal/Justice Courts) Passes House 34-26!

The Clatsop County District Attorney's Office announced yesterday that Oregon House Bill, HB 3025(Clarifying the authority of Oregon District Attorneys to oversee Municipal/Justice Court cases) has passed by a 34-26 vote.

Both Boone and Witt voted Yes. The bill was "carried" by GOP State Rep. Wally Hicks, a former deputy DA. It is unusual for another rep to offer to carry a bill.

District Attorney Marquis stated that he will continue to educate Oregon Senators about what HB 3025 really does and that it does not abolish or neuter Municpal/Justice Courts.

Oregonlive Guest Column By;Clatsop D.A. Josh Marquis And Steve Atchison

John Kroger's administration: Holding our public officials to a higher standard
Published: Monday, April 18, 2011, 8:00 AM
By Guest Columnist - The Oregonian
By Joshua Marquis and Steve Atchison

Guest columnist Jack Roberts usually gets it right, but his attack on Attorney General John Kroger misses the point by a mile. Roberts claims that the increased prosecution (400 percent) of misconduct cases under Kroger's administration has been manufactured to pave Kroger's way to higher office. Ambition in statewide office is not exactly uncommon, although the last attorney general to seek higher office was Dave Frohnmayer, who had the support of every elected district attorney in Oregon when he ran for governor in 1990 (and lost)...... Read Full Column

Oregonian Guest Column;Measure 11 Plays Critical Role In Our Justice System

By Guest Columnists - The Oregonian
By Walt Beglau, Tom Bergin and Stuart Roberts

The "Top Ten." It's a title that implies distinction and pride. Yet before 1994, Oregon made the top ten in a category no one was proud of: violent crime. "Life sentences" for murder typically meant less than nine years in prison. A person convicted of forcible rape could be in and out of prison in less than three years. Oregonians were tired of being victimized at the hands of criminals and a justice system in which they saw no justice. When offered an answer that gave transparent and honest sanctions to those criminals, we said "yes." Twice.......Read Full Op-Ed

Ocean Container Carriers:After 50 Years Want To Stop Supplying Container Chassis To Their Ports Of Call!

Bill Mongelluzzo Apr 6, 2011 1:07PM GMT

The Journal of Commerce Online - News Story

Who will provide chassis as ocean carriers stop making them available?

Ocean carriers are committed to ending the 50-year-old practice of supplying chassis to their customers in the U.S., but industry......Read Full Details

Baby Chicks And Duckies For Easter? Oregon Public Health Says "Be Warned!!"

Thursday, April 14, 2011

STATE HEALTH OFFICIALS: DON’T KISS THE CHICKS
Salmonella can spread from baby chicks and ducklings to people

Oregon Public Health has issued the following release:
With spring here and the Easter holiday approaching, Oregon Public Health officials are urging parents to protect their children from potential Salmonella infection caused by handling baby poultry, such as chicks and ducklings. Baby chicks are cute, soft and cuddly. Handling them, however, could cause illness.
“I know baby chicks and ducklings are cute and you may want to pick them up. Never nuzzle or kiss chicks or ducklings. Salmonella bacteria are easily spread from birds to humans. Chicks and ducklings may not be an appropriate gift for children younger than five or for people with weakened immune systems,” said Emilio DeBess, D.V.M., M.P.V.M., state public health veterinarian for the Oregon Public Health Division.
A recent case of salmonellosis in a child in Deschutes County has been linked to baby chicks that had been kept inside a home, which led to cross-contamination.
Many chicks carry Salmonella bacteria in their intestinal tract and can shed these bacteria in their feces. Salmonella bacteria may not cause any illness in chicks, but can cause serious illness in people, especially children and immune-compromised people.
Most Salmonella infections in humans result in a mild, self-limiting illness characterized by diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. However, the infection can spread to the bloodstream leading to severe and sometimes fatal illness.
To prevent the spread of Salmonella bacteria from baby birds, people should take the following precautions:
· Always wash your hands with hot, soapy water after handling cages and equipment, and the stool of birds.
· Keep the birds outside.
· Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling birds, cages, or bird equipment.
· Follow instructions from your veterinarian concerning proper diet and environment for your chicks. Healthy chicks and ducklings living in proper environments are less likely to shed Salmonella bacteria.

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

Clatsop County Courthouse Saves Energy With New Lights At South Entrance

Monday, April 18, 2011 NEW, ENERGY-SAVING LIGHTS GRACE COURTHOUSE ENTRANCE New “old” lights now illuminate the south entrance to the Clatsop County Courthouse in Astoria. This month the county Building and Grounds Department had two new historic-designed fixtures containing energy-saving, long-lived lights installed on both sides of the doorway. The lights will replace an unsightly fixture currently mounted above the door. The project was funded from federal stimulus dollars Clatsop County received last year to upgrade lighting, heating and ventilation systems in several county buildings. The new lights feature “induction” bulbs that have a projected life of 10 years, and draw only 40 watts of power. The lights were produced by a Spokane, Wash.-based company. The courthouse’s north entrance still features its original light fixtures, but no lights were installed on the south entryway when the courthouse was built more than 100 years ago. The design for the new fixtures was reviewed and approved by the City of Astoria’s Historic Landmarks Commission. -30- PHOTO CAPTION: A crew from Clatsop Electric installs the second of two new energy-efficient lights at the south entrance of the Clatsop County Courthouse April 15. Released by: Tom Bennett Community Relations Coordinator (503) 325-1000

FROM: Duane Cole, County Manager - KF7LRX SUBJECT: Update for Week April 15, 2011

LNG(Oregon LNG Pipeline Application) – The process in the Court system continues. This week the applicant filed a motion for a change of venue. A hearing on the change of venue will be in Clatsop County by Judge Jonathan Hill from Tillamook County on April 29 at 3:30 p.m. A hearing on all Circuit Court motions filed in Clatsop County is set for May 13, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. in Courtroom 200 of the County Courthouse. The County filed a request for a time extension with LUBA and this was granted by LUBA, stopping the clock until things are resolved. The time line for additional consideration by the County is not known at this time.

Clatsop County Commissions, Boards And Committees; The Law And The Bylaws!!

These were the (12) speakers, all against the reappointing of Clatsop County Planning Commission, at last Wednesday's, April 13, 2011 Clatsop County Board of Commissioners meeting and forgive me the possible inaccuracies in the spelling of their names.... Beebee Johnson Stan Johnson Cary Johnson Kathy Sanders Jeremy Baudish Margaret Hyland Art Hyland Tim Gannaway Mr. Shipley Allen Smiles Dale Barrett Christine Bridgens In the majority, if you know the names of these people and our recent history with CCBofC, you will clearly see that this is all merely a continuation of the political polarization of this community and the continued vindictiveness between the local parties, allowing it all to spill-over into Non-Partisan Government, in my view. Listen to the "Audio" and you will clearly hear that it is still only about "Political Footholds" in our community and who has slipped over the edge after years of unquestioned dominance. Now, anybody with the least common sense and especially those that follow the local mainstream parties and pay close attention to their websites can clearly see who, over recent years has worked hardest to insert their candidates into non-partisan seats on commissions, boards and committees and we all know that is the case but, the problem is, we are in some serious trouble here and party politics is not going to get us out of it and they need to be and we must insist they be left at the front and back door of the halls of Clatsop County Government. Read Them Both To Make-Up Your Own Mind

Clatsop Farm Board Of Review Calls For Applicants

Thursday, April 14, 2011 FARM BOARD SEEKS APPLICANTS Clatsop County is seeking volunteers knowledgeable and experienced in farmland values to serve on the Farm Board of Review to set assessment values for local farmland......Read Full Call For Applicants

Clatsop Board Of Commissioners Approves Land Deal With City Of Astoria

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

COMMISSIONERS APPROVE LAND AGREEMENT WITH ASTORIA

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday approved an agreement with the City of Astoria settling a dispute over ownership of an undeveloped tract next to Ocean View Cemetery in Warrenton. The county will pay $60,000 to the city for clear title to the property, which consists of two tax lots totaling about 46 acres immediately east of the cemetery. The county will also dismiss a lawsuit it filed against the city in February......Read Full Release

Clatsop County Commissioners Honor Local Volunteers

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HONOR LOCAL VOLUNTEERS

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday honored the county’s top volunteers for 2010 and expressed thanks to the hundreds of citizens who donate their time to the community.

Reserve Deputy Tom Tussing was honored as Individual Volunteer of the Year;Bill and Dorothy Davidson received the Outstanding Individuals within a Group award; and the Outstanding Volunteer Group honor went to the Caring Adults Developing Youth (CADY) mentoring program.

The board also approved a proclamation recognizing April 10-16 as Volunteer Week.

Tussing volunteers with the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Program, whose members assist regular duty personnel on patrol duties, perform civil paper service, work security for special events and help with other duties.

Ready to respond “at a moment’s notice,” Tussing volunteers an average of 60 hours a month.

“Tussing’s interest in the program has been exemplary,” said program coordinator Sgt. Mark Whisler, who nominated Tussing for the award. “He has been summoned in for various tasks including security at the Astoria waterfront fire, transport of prisoners to other facilities in the state, and volunteering to work patrol when we are short-handed.”

Bill and Dorothy Davidson are the volunteer coordinators of the Community Emergency Response Team program. The CERT teams are made up of volunteer members who provide valuable assistance during local disasters and other emergencies.

“Bill and Dorothy have given untold hours of their time to promote CERT and to train volunteers,” Clatsop County Emergency Services Coordinator Gene Strong said. “They have also been willing to respond at any time and help in the time of need.”

The CADY mentoring program, coordinated by the Clatsop County Juvenile Department, matches adult volunteers with local youth aged 10 to 17. In regular weekly meetings the mentors share their life experiences and encourage the youth to reach their dreams and full potential. The adults help keep the students in school by assisting with homework, improving academic skills and helping the youth realize the value of education.

Those honored Wednesday were among 382 volunteers who donated a total of 21, 636 hours of service with the county in 2010. That service has an estimated monetary value of $451,119.

For more information on the above volunteer programs:

· Reserve Deputy Program – Sgt. Mark Whisler, (503) 325-8635

· Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) – Gene Strong, (503) 325-1000

· Caring Adults Developing Youth (CADY) – Laura Parker, (503) 325-8601

For more information on other volunteer opportunities, go to “Citizen Involvement” on the Clatsop County website, www.co.clatsop.or.us.

Released by:

Tom Bennett

Community Relations Coordinator

(503) 325-1000

Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners;April 13, 2011 Audio Transcript And Meeting Highlights

BOARD VOTE CRITICIZED During the Business from the Public portion of the meeting, a dozen audience members spoke out against the board’s March 23 vote vacating all seven positions on the Clatsop County Planning Commission and seeking new applicants. Planning Commission Chair Cary Johnson said the vote showed an “unbelievable lack of respect” to the panel and said no other planning commission in Oregon had ever had all its members removed at once. Commissioner Peter Huhtala replied that in recent years some citizens have been reluctant to apply for vacancies on the planning commission. Commissioners Huhtala, Debra Birkby and Chair Dirk Rohne voted March 23 to vacate the planning commission positions. Commissioners Scott Lee and Patricia Roberts voted no. Chair Rohne said current planning commission members would be considered for re-appointment if they applied. The plans to make the appointments by June 30. Audio Transcript of April 13, 2011 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Meeting

April 13, 2011 CCBofC Meeting Highlights

North Coast Business Park Master Plan - Read And See It!!!

Access Full Plan Documents

Port Of Vancouver Touts Impressive Growth

Port of Vancouver touts role in economy By Aaron Corvin Columbian Staff Reporter Wednesday, April 6, 2011 The news about Clark County’s economy has been gloomy over the past two years. The Port of Vancouver on Wednesday showed what it’s doing to improve it, revealing increases in cargo volumes in 2010, spotlighting the creation of jobs and pointing to more jobs to come as it invests in rail and other infrastructure improvements. The port is working “to put more of our neighbors back to work,” Larry Paulson, the port’s executive director, said during the “State of the Port Address” held at the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay. “This is our time to lead.”Read Full TDN Report

Cowlitz County Drug Court Takes A Dark Turn

By Tony Lystra / The Daily News Posted: Saturday, April 2, 2011 10:00 pm Editor's Note The Daily News has been following Kelso resident Don Pomerenke's progress through Cowlitz County's Drug Court program since 2009. Pomerenke graduated from the program last year. Clarification: Two Cowlitz County men had already graduated from the county's Drug Court program when Superior Court Judge Stephen Warning hired them to do landscaping work at his home last year. The men were not participants in the program when the judge, who oversees Drug Court, hired them. Both men were mentioned in Sunday's story about a Drug Court graduate's relapse. Don Pomerenke attended countless hours of group therapy, counseling sessions and Narcotics Anonymous meetings. The government gave him a housing voucher so he could rent an apartment. And when Pomerenke graduated from Drug Court nearly a year ago, a judge shook his hand instead of sending him to prison.....Read Full TDN, Tony Lystra Report

HB-3025(D.A. Authority On Municipal Court Cases) Passes House Judiciary With A "Do Pass" Vote 8 to 1 In Favor

The Oregon House Judiciary Committee unanimously voted 8 to 1 in favor of a "Do Pass" to the floor of State Legislature on House Bill 3025 which clarifies the specific authority of Oregon County District Attorneys on all Municipal/Justice Court Cases.

An Observation;Clatsop County Planning Commission

The By-Laws and Ordinance(01-10) have been on the books for at least 8 years and clearly defines the role of members of the Clatsop County Planning Commission and common sense would tell most people that when one is selected as a member of that panel, the acceptance of those conditions by the individual, if not protested, would be implied don't you think? So why now would it be so important to start protesting the unfairness of ordinance 01-10 and its accompanying by-laws when the majority of the current sitting commission chooses, in light of a complete redistricting, to exercise their prerogative in restructuring the planning commission? Add to this the simple fact that the members of the current, sitting, Planning Commission have been invited to re-submit their applications along with everybody else that applies. Wouldn't common sense tell us that if these members, to the man/woman, were doing the job they were appointed to do, would they still be looked at favorably to continue serving? Do you think, at the time this ordinance, 01-10 was being developed by Richard Lee, Sam Patrick, Tim Gannaway, Russ Farmer and Bob Green and approved on August 2, 2002, that they were all so naive that they didn't know what, exactly, they were approving and its true motive? So, here they are, members of Clatsop CountyPlanning Commission and I think most of us familiar with recent history of this panel on key, current issues around these parts know their association, tenure and position on them. Mike Autio Cary Johnson Brian Pogue Marcia Harper-Vellutini Clarke Powers Stephen Malkowski Pat O’Grady What do you think, who should go and who should stay? Is CCBofC off-base here or are they simply exercising their legal right?