Friday, June 29, 2012
The State of Oregon is launching a new one-stop hotline for reporting tsunami debris along the coastline.
Beginning Friday, June 29, citizens can call 211 to report a variety of material related to the March 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami. The 211 hotline is part of an initiative by local and state agencies to respond to the debris as it begins washing up on Oregon beaches.
The hotline will accept calls about hazardous materials, invasive species, derelict vessels and items too large to be easily removed from the beach.
Along with the 211 hotline, collection stations for receiving debris are being set up at 15 state parks along the Oregon Coast. Fort Stevens State Park in Clatsop County will have a designated debris drop box in its south campground area.
The following tips should be followed when encountering beach debris, regardless of its source:
Litter and other typical marine debris: For items such as plastic bottles and Styrofoam, collect the material if practical and dispose of it in the nearest appropriate trash or recycle receptacle. Trash bags are available from state parks offices, including Fort Stevens.
If the items appear to have marine organisms attached to them, throw them in a trash container or landfill or move them above the high-tide line and report them to 211 or by email to beach.debris@state.or.us
Derelict vessels, shipping containers or other large items: Call 911 in an emergency. If the item is a hazard to navigation, call 211 and you will be connected to the U.S. Coast Guard. Do not attempt to move derelict vessels.
Mementos or possessions: If an item can be traced back to an individual or group, or has personal or monetary value, call 211 or send an email to beach.debris@state.or.us so arrangements can be made to return it to Japan.
Potential hazardous materials: In the case of oil or chemical drums, gas cans and propane tanks, stay away from the item and call 211 to be connected to the U.S. Coast Guard, which has jurisdiction for hazardous materials.
More information is available from these websites:
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department - www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration – www.marinedebris.noaa.gov/
Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
June 27, 2012 CCBofC Meeting Hightlights
Wednesday, June 27, 2012 regular meeting
Official minutes available once approved by board
Hood to Coast permit approved
The board approved a Road Event Permit for organizers of the annual Hood to Coast Relay event, scheduled for Aug. 24-25. The permit was the first issued under a new ordinance, adopted in 2011, that establishes the road event permit process and requires a public hearing for each application.
The board amended two of the 30 permit conditions after organizer Bob Foote and Felicia Hubber suggested that the conditions, which gave the county the authority to shut down the event, were too vague. One condition allowing the county to end the event for public safety “or other reasons” was eliminated, and a second was amended to identify the county sheriff as having the authority to stop the event.
The permit requires organizers to post a $14,627 deposit to cover expenses incurred by the county Sheriff’s Office and planning department, as well as local fire districts.
The annual Hood to Coast Relay and the Portland to Coast walk relay bring 1,500 teams to the county.
Developments approved
The board approved a consolidated land-use application from Russ Earl and Osburn-Olson LLC requesting approval for two cluster subdivisions located east of Surf Pines – the 18-lot West Dunes developed by Earl and the nine-lot Clatsop Estates by Osburn-Olson. The application also included a downzone of three other properties, two owned by the National Park Service and another by William Fackerell, from residential to Open Space, Parks and Recreation and the transfer of the resulting 13 density credits to the two subdivisions. Two additional density credits would also come from downzoned property owned by Gloria Edler.
In exchange for the density credits the National Park Service receives from the developers protection for eight acres of property along Neacoxie Creek within the subdivisions.
Westport sewer fees raised
The board approved fee increases for customers of the Westport Sewer Service District. Monthly rates for residential customers will increase from $33.61 to $39, and rates for commercial customers, currently $77.31 for all customers, will increase to between $111 and $215 depending on size. The rate adjustment is the first since 2005 and will cover increased operating costs for the district and provide contingency funds for maintenance and replacement costs.
Drone training plan presented
The board heard a presentation from Gregg Schroeder from the State Army Aviation Office regarding plans for a training program at Camp Rilea Armed Forces Training Center involving small, unmanned surveillance aircraft known as Ravens.
In response to questions from commissioners about privacy concerns of neighboring residents, Schroeder said that the aircraft will remain within the boundaries of Camp Rilea during their flights, and added that training protocol requires that all camera footage recorded by the vehicle that is not part of the training exercise be purged following each flight.
County code first reading
The board heard the first reading of an ordinance adopting the updated Clatsop County Code, which contains all current county ordinances.
A public hearing on the revised code will be held July 11.
Other Business
In other business the board:
-approved the 2012-13 fiscal year budgets for Clatsop County, 4-H and Extension Service, Road District #1, Rural Law Enforcement District and Westport Sewer Service District.
-approved a resolution officially appointing Scott Somers as County Manager. Somers, who was hired in early June, will join the county on July 16.
-approved a $476,010 contract with David Evans and Associates for design services on the planned new Wahkiakum Ferry terminal in Westport. The structure is being upgraded to accommodate the new, larger ferry vessel scheduled to go into operation in 2014. The Oregon Department of Transportation is providing $150,000 for the design contract.
-approved a contract of up to $57,768 with Cascade Networks Inc. for construction of a microwave link connecting the new communications tower at the county’s Emergency Operations Center at Camp Rilea with the Megler Mountain radio site. The project is part of a Homeland Security-funded interoperability emergency communications project.
-declared the used bleachers at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds as surplus and approved their transfer to the City of Seaside. The bleachers will be refurbished and installed at Broadway Park Field.
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000 ext. 1312
Official minutes available once approved by board
Hood to Coast permit approved
The board approved a Road Event Permit for organizers of the annual Hood to Coast Relay event, scheduled for Aug. 24-25. The permit was the first issued under a new ordinance, adopted in 2011, that establishes the road event permit process and requires a public hearing for each application.
The board amended two of the 30 permit conditions after organizer Bob Foote and Felicia Hubber suggested that the conditions, which gave the county the authority to shut down the event, were too vague. One condition allowing the county to end the event for public safety “or other reasons” was eliminated, and a second was amended to identify the county sheriff as having the authority to stop the event.
The permit requires organizers to post a $14,627 deposit to cover expenses incurred by the county Sheriff’s Office and planning department, as well as local fire districts.
The annual Hood to Coast Relay and the Portland to Coast walk relay bring 1,500 teams to the county.
Developments approved
The board approved a consolidated land-use application from Russ Earl and Osburn-Olson LLC requesting approval for two cluster subdivisions located east of Surf Pines – the 18-lot West Dunes developed by Earl and the nine-lot Clatsop Estates by Osburn-Olson. The application also included a downzone of three other properties, two owned by the National Park Service and another by William Fackerell, from residential to Open Space, Parks and Recreation and the transfer of the resulting 13 density credits to the two subdivisions. Two additional density credits would also come from downzoned property owned by Gloria Edler.
In exchange for the density credits the National Park Service receives from the developers protection for eight acres of property along Neacoxie Creek within the subdivisions.
Westport sewer fees raised
The board approved fee increases for customers of the Westport Sewer Service District. Monthly rates for residential customers will increase from $33.61 to $39, and rates for commercial customers, currently $77.31 for all customers, will increase to between $111 and $215 depending on size. The rate adjustment is the first since 2005 and will cover increased operating costs for the district and provide contingency funds for maintenance and replacement costs.
Drone training plan presented
The board heard a presentation from Gregg Schroeder from the State Army Aviation Office regarding plans for a training program at Camp Rilea Armed Forces Training Center involving small, unmanned surveillance aircraft known as Ravens.
In response to questions from commissioners about privacy concerns of neighboring residents, Schroeder said that the aircraft will remain within the boundaries of Camp Rilea during their flights, and added that training protocol requires that all camera footage recorded by the vehicle that is not part of the training exercise be purged following each flight.
County code first reading
The board heard the first reading of an ordinance adopting the updated Clatsop County Code, which contains all current county ordinances.
A public hearing on the revised code will be held July 11.
Other Business
In other business the board:
-approved the 2012-13 fiscal year budgets for Clatsop County, 4-H and Extension Service, Road District #1, Rural Law Enforcement District and Westport Sewer Service District.
-approved a resolution officially appointing Scott Somers as County Manager. Somers, who was hired in early June, will join the county on July 16.
-approved a $476,010 contract with David Evans and Associates for design services on the planned new Wahkiakum Ferry terminal in Westport. The structure is being upgraded to accommodate the new, larger ferry vessel scheduled to go into operation in 2014. The Oregon Department of Transportation is providing $150,000 for the design contract.
-approved a contract of up to $57,768 with Cascade Networks Inc. for construction of a microwave link connecting the new communications tower at the county’s Emergency Operations Center at Camp Rilea with the Megler Mountain radio site. The project is part of a Homeland Security-funded interoperability emergency communications project.
-declared the used bleachers at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds as surplus and approved their transfer to the City of Seaside. The bleachers will be refurbished and installed at Broadway Park Field.
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000 ext. 1312
Thursday, June 21, 2012
CCC-South Campus Offers Money-Smart Workshop June 26th
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Have trouble finding money for those unexpected bills?
Not really sure how to make your money work for you?
Find answers at the Money Smart Workshop, Tuesday, June 26, 6:30-8 p.m. at Clatsop Community College South County Campus, 1455 N. Roosevelt Dr., Seaside.
Get help with basic budgeting, saving for emergencies, planning for the future and how to work smarter not harder. Childcare will be available
The program is sponsored by North Coast Parenting and Clatsop Community College.
For more information and to register please contact, North Coast Parenting, 503-325-8673 ext. 4
Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
Have trouble finding money for those unexpected bills?
Not really sure how to make your money work for you?
Find answers at the Money Smart Workshop, Tuesday, June 26, 6:30-8 p.m. at Clatsop Community College South County Campus, 1455 N. Roosevelt Dr., Seaside.
Get help with basic budgeting, saving for emergencies, planning for the future and how to work smarter not harder. Childcare will be available
The program is sponsored by North Coast Parenting and Clatsop Community College.
For more information and to register please contact, North Coast Parenting, 503-325-8673 ext. 4
Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
W.I.C. - Women, Infants And Children Program Offers Vouchers For Local Farmers Markets
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
The Women, Infants and Children program is offering vouchers that can be used at local farmers markets.
WIC clients can pick up vouchers at the Clatsop County Public Health Department, 820 Exchange St., Astoria, during WIC service hours on Tuesday 3-5 p.m. and Thursday 8:30-10 a.m., or during their regular WIC appointments.
WIC personnel will also be offering the vouchers at the Astoria Sunday Market July 22 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and the River People Farmers Market in Astoria on June 28 and Aug. 9 from 3-6 p.m.
For more information, and to find out if your family qualifies for WIC, call (503) 325-8500.
Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
The Women, Infants and Children program is offering vouchers that can be used at local farmers markets.
WIC clients can pick up vouchers at the Clatsop County Public Health Department, 820 Exchange St., Astoria, during WIC service hours on Tuesday 3-5 p.m. and Thursday 8:30-10 a.m., or during their regular WIC appointments.
WIC personnel will also be offering the vouchers at the Astoria Sunday Market July 22 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and the River People Farmers Market in Astoria on June 28 and Aug. 9 from 3-6 p.m.
For more information, and to find out if your family qualifies for WIC, call (503) 325-8500.
Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Port Of Astoria To Offer Executive Director Seat To Hank Bynaker
Posted: Tuesday, June 12, 2012 10:24 pm
By EDWARD STRATTON - The Daily AstorianDaily Astorian
The Port of Astoria Commission chose unanimously at Tuesday's special meeting to extend an offer of employment to Hank Bynaker as its preferred choice for executive director.Bynaker currently serves as general manager and director of operations and marketing at Washington United Terminals, a 103-acre, 2-berth private port facility at the Port of Tacoma, Wash.
Read Full Daily Astorian Article
By EDWARD STRATTON - The Daily AstorianDaily Astorian
The Port of Astoria Commission chose unanimously at Tuesday's special meeting to extend an offer of employment to Hank Bynaker as its preferred choice for executive director.Bynaker currently serves as general manager and director of operations and marketing at Washington United Terminals, a 103-acre, 2-berth private port facility at the Port of Tacoma, Wash.
Read Full Daily Astorian Article
Ted Thomas On The Oregon LNG Open House - Tuesday, June 12, 2012 - Warrenton, Oregon
Here we go again. Oregon LNG the successor of the original bankrupt Cal-Pine company through the Leucadia fiasco has gotten around to their obligatory dog and pony show. On hand in their unused orange vest issued just for the occasion was a selection of Carpenters, Operator Engineers and Pipe Fitters. Supporters at the door greeted you with the sign in sheet, Peter Hansen was there along with new representatives from CM2H. In the entrance there was the large cardboard pictures describing this new version of their plans. In an adjoining room there was coffee and cookies to accompany the 8.5 minute power point presentation. In the presentation they describe the terminal as "bi-directional," promise more than 3100 construction jobs and thousands of full time permanent jobs, millions in tax revenues, and more.
I confronted Peter Hansen and reminded him of the meeting we both attended at the port of Astoria around the time that OLNG was suing the port when I suggested to him that what he was secretly intending from the outset was to build an export plant. At that time he led me to believe that I should take his word that that would never happen. I told him then that I didn't believe him and to mark my words that it will in fact come out eventually that that is the case.
Somehow "I told you so" is just inadequate to convey the dramatic revelation available for inspection today at the open house presentation put on in Warrenton tonight. As I predicted years ago the OLNG terminal was always intended to be an export terminal. The parties involved in the scheme to export our sovereign natural resources have represented them selves as devising import facilities. they said they would build a power station and use the waste heat they said they would bring jobs they said they would be safe. They said so many things.
In fact their monopolist fellow travelers like El Paso withheld gas supplies in order to raise prices artificially. That is the point of their admitted "Peak Shaver" : to withhold natural gas from the domestic market and force the price up. Now are we are to understand that they want to build the capacity to export it to foreign markets altogether. Even they admit that this will drive the price up.
In their powerpoint presentation they promise that they will export only Canadian gas. That if we do not the Canadians will. Can we trust anything that they say. They said they would import and not export natural gas. They lied about that. I am not psychic there is no way to tell if someone is lying to you other than their own history. It is a tradition of my people to hold that the only way to tell if a person is a lier is their past history of truthfulness. When someone make a habit of not telling the truth you need not consider anything they say as being true. That is why telling the truth always is to terribly important to my people. Without our integrity no one will trust you.
Integrity... from the word Integer as in one ... as in one faced... as opposed to being two faced. These profit mongers are only interested in making money. They openly admit to desiring to do so by buying our natural gas to resell to ourselves if you have the money or to asian markets at a profit. The poor desperate dupes they coned into supporting them with exaggerated promises of jobs. Promises of tax revenue for us I suppose and for our children.
OLNG's representative would have us believe that the Asian markets could not compete with ours that they could not buy enough to affect the local market. If this were so then why are they planning the investment of billions to build export terminal capacity? This account of affairs is not in accordance with the projected growth of the Asian markets. The asian markets will grow to larger than our own in a few brief years.
The price of natural gas in such an outcome will not increase by only 2.3% as OLNG purports, it will rise to the world market rate and maybe more as the fetish of speculation mismanages its distribution. Increases of 100, 200% or more will not be unlikely and in any account what guaranty does OLNG make that it won't increase by that much and what do think such a promise is worth after all the promises that they have already broken. The fragile so called recovery we are living through will collapse and our only competitive advantage of adequate supplies of energy will evaporate under the insatiable onslaught the voracious Asian energy appetite.
In school I had it drummed into my head that proper name given to a nation that exports raw materials and imports value added finished good is a colony. We export raw logs and import Big Box stores full of every conceivable finished good most all from China. Our people are unemployed and we lead the world in low wage jobs. Some now want to export coal and OLNG wants to export natural gas. Is there no end to America's torment?
Ted
I confronted Peter Hansen and reminded him of the meeting we both attended at the port of Astoria around the time that OLNG was suing the port when I suggested to him that what he was secretly intending from the outset was to build an export plant. At that time he led me to believe that I should take his word that that would never happen. I told him then that I didn't believe him and to mark my words that it will in fact come out eventually that that is the case.
Somehow "I told you so" is just inadequate to convey the dramatic revelation available for inspection today at the open house presentation put on in Warrenton tonight. As I predicted years ago the OLNG terminal was always intended to be an export terminal. The parties involved in the scheme to export our sovereign natural resources have represented them selves as devising import facilities. they said they would build a power station and use the waste heat they said they would bring jobs they said they would be safe. They said so many things.
In fact their monopolist fellow travelers like El Paso withheld gas supplies in order to raise prices artificially. That is the point of their admitted "Peak Shaver" : to withhold natural gas from the domestic market and force the price up. Now are we are to understand that they want to build the capacity to export it to foreign markets altogether. Even they admit that this will drive the price up.
In their powerpoint presentation they promise that they will export only Canadian gas. That if we do not the Canadians will. Can we trust anything that they say. They said they would import and not export natural gas. They lied about that. I am not psychic there is no way to tell if someone is lying to you other than their own history. It is a tradition of my people to hold that the only way to tell if a person is a lier is their past history of truthfulness. When someone make a habit of not telling the truth you need not consider anything they say as being true. That is why telling the truth always is to terribly important to my people. Without our integrity no one will trust you.
Integrity... from the word Integer as in one ... as in one faced... as opposed to being two faced. These profit mongers are only interested in making money. They openly admit to desiring to do so by buying our natural gas to resell to ourselves if you have the money or to asian markets at a profit. The poor desperate dupes they coned into supporting them with exaggerated promises of jobs. Promises of tax revenue for us I suppose and for our children.
OLNG's representative would have us believe that the Asian markets could not compete with ours that they could not buy enough to affect the local market. If this were so then why are they planning the investment of billions to build export terminal capacity? This account of affairs is not in accordance with the projected growth of the Asian markets. The asian markets will grow to larger than our own in a few brief years.
The price of natural gas in such an outcome will not increase by only 2.3% as OLNG purports, it will rise to the world market rate and maybe more as the fetish of speculation mismanages its distribution. Increases of 100, 200% or more will not be unlikely and in any account what guaranty does OLNG make that it won't increase by that much and what do think such a promise is worth after all the promises that they have already broken. The fragile so called recovery we are living through will collapse and our only competitive advantage of adequate supplies of energy will evaporate under the insatiable onslaught the voracious Asian energy appetite.
In school I had it drummed into my head that proper name given to a nation that exports raw materials and imports value added finished good is a colony. We export raw logs and import Big Box stores full of every conceivable finished good most all from China. Our people are unemployed and we lead the world in low wage jobs. Some now want to export coal and OLNG wants to export natural gas. Is there no end to America's torment?
Ted
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Astoria Key Club Bottle Tagging Project Targets Underage Drinking
PHOTO CAPTION: Bottle tagging project participants (l. to r.) Sarah Lachica-Varney, Karla Suarez, Christina Vetter, Mary Knoch, Brooke Reichert, Kristen Purdy, Ben Reichert, Bruitus Montes De Oca, Aaron Zhen, Christopher Zavala.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Members of the Astoria Key Club again spread the word about preventing underage drinking with their bottle tagging project.
On June 6 the group placed red tags on bottles of alcohol at three Astoria establishments. The tags remind shoppers not to provide alcohol to minors and note that adults found guilty can be fined up to $500.
A 2010 Oregon Student Wellness Survey reported that 75.6 percent of Clatsop County high school-age youth say is “easy” or “very easy” to obtain beer, wine or liquor. The bottle tag project, in partnership with the Prevention Works Coalition, fosters a call to action for parents and community members to be active in preventing underage drinking in our community.
“Bottle tagging was a blast!” said Karla Suarez, a sophomore at Astoria High School. “Not only did we learn about the consequences of selling alcohol to minors, but we also had the opportunity to inform our community.”
The group visited the Astoria Liquor Store, Downtown Market and Astoria Safeway.
Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
Monday, June 11, 2012
Members of the Astoria Key Club again spread the word about preventing underage drinking with their bottle tagging project.
On June 6 the group placed red tags on bottles of alcohol at three Astoria establishments. The tags remind shoppers not to provide alcohol to minors and note that adults found guilty can be fined up to $500.
A 2010 Oregon Student Wellness Survey reported that 75.6 percent of Clatsop County high school-age youth say is “easy” or “very easy” to obtain beer, wine or liquor. The bottle tag project, in partnership with the Prevention Works Coalition, fosters a call to action for parents and community members to be active in preventing underage drinking in our community.
“Bottle tagging was a blast!” said Karla Suarez, a sophomore at Astoria High School. “Not only did we learn about the consequences of selling alcohol to minors, but we also had the opportunity to inform our community.”
The group visited the Astoria Liquor Store, Downtown Market and Astoria Safeway.
Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
Monday, June 11, 2012
Scott Somers Selected New Clatsop County Manager
Monday, June 11, 2012
The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners has offered the job of county manager to Scott Somers.
Somers, 44, currently the city manager of Reedsport, is expected to start with the county July 16. He replaces former county manager Duane Cole, who retired May 31 after three years with the county.
The board is scheduled to approve an employment contract with Somers at its June 13 meeting. His starting salary will be $112,000 a year plus benefits.
“I think this is going to be a great fit,” he said.
Somers’ selection followed a thorough recruitment process, assisted by consultant Greg Prothman, that included a public reception and interviews with six finalists May 29 and 30.
Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Chair Peter Huhtala said that after a search that brought in applications from around the country, “we were fortunate to find Scott right here on the Oregon Coast.
“He is intelligent, energetic and aware of Clatsop County’s challenges and opportunities,” he said. “I very much look forward to working with Scott – I believe that he can look forward to a long and successful tenure.”
Somers was born in Tucson, Ariz. and raised in Arizona and central Oregon. He earned a bachelor of social work degree from Arizona State University and master of public administration degree from the University of Arizona. His career in public administration began in 2004 at White Bear Lake, Minnesota where he served as assistant to the city manager. In 2006 he was hired as assistant city manager for Savage, Minnesota.
Somers joined Reedsport, a city of 4,300 on the central Oregon Coast, in January 2009. The city has a staff of 33 and a $14 million annual budget.
Among the city’s accomplishments during his tenure are completing a $12 million wastewater treatment plant; brokering a partnership between the U.S. Forest Service and Army Corps of Engineers on levee certification; pursuing downtown revitalization efforts; and developing a strategic plan.
Somers said one of his top goals in Reedsport has been building relationships – with city council and staff, citizens and civic groups, neighboring districts, lawmakers and state and federal agencies. “I am very open to work with – people recognized that,” he said. “We may not always agree, but we can respect each other’s opinion.”
During his tenure Reedsport actively promoted itself to regional and state economic development entities, Somers said. Like communities in Clatsop County, it has faced the challenge of diversifying its economy in an area historically dependent on fishing and logging.
Somers believes the transition from city to county government won’t be difficult. He has not overseen public health programs in his city jobs, but said his background in social work – he was a case worker as a college undergraduate – gives him some insight into services provided through the county Public Health Department.
As part of the selection process the county and consultant Prothman arranged for Somers and the other five finalists to be interviewed by three separate panels: the board of commissioners; county department heads and labor representatives; and a community stakeholders panel that included city officials, Clatsop Community College President Larry Galizio, Circuit Court Judge Cindee Matyas, three citizens and state lawmakers Betsy Johnson and Deborah Boone. Following the interviews all three groups assembled to share their input.
“Elected officials, department heads and several community leaders helped the board with the interview and selection process,” Huhtala said. “We very much appreciate the participation of each of these individuals.”
Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners has offered the job of county manager to Scott Somers.
Somers, 44, currently the city manager of Reedsport, is expected to start with the county July 16. He replaces former county manager Duane Cole, who retired May 31 after three years with the county.
The board is scheduled to approve an employment contract with Somers at its June 13 meeting. His starting salary will be $112,000 a year plus benefits.
“I think this is going to be a great fit,” he said.
Somers’ selection followed a thorough recruitment process, assisted by consultant Greg Prothman, that included a public reception and interviews with six finalists May 29 and 30.
Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Chair Peter Huhtala said that after a search that brought in applications from around the country, “we were fortunate to find Scott right here on the Oregon Coast.
“He is intelligent, energetic and aware of Clatsop County’s challenges and opportunities,” he said. “I very much look forward to working with Scott – I believe that he can look forward to a long and successful tenure.”
Somers was born in Tucson, Ariz. and raised in Arizona and central Oregon. He earned a bachelor of social work degree from Arizona State University and master of public administration degree from the University of Arizona. His career in public administration began in 2004 at White Bear Lake, Minnesota where he served as assistant to the city manager. In 2006 he was hired as assistant city manager for Savage, Minnesota.
Somers joined Reedsport, a city of 4,300 on the central Oregon Coast, in January 2009. The city has a staff of 33 and a $14 million annual budget.
Among the city’s accomplishments during his tenure are completing a $12 million wastewater treatment plant; brokering a partnership between the U.S. Forest Service and Army Corps of Engineers on levee certification; pursuing downtown revitalization efforts; and developing a strategic plan.
Somers said one of his top goals in Reedsport has been building relationships – with city council and staff, citizens and civic groups, neighboring districts, lawmakers and state and federal agencies. “I am very open to work with – people recognized that,” he said. “We may not always agree, but we can respect each other’s opinion.”
During his tenure Reedsport actively promoted itself to regional and state economic development entities, Somers said. Like communities in Clatsop County, it has faced the challenge of diversifying its economy in an area historically dependent on fishing and logging.
Somers believes the transition from city to county government won’t be difficult. He has not overseen public health programs in his city jobs, but said his background in social work – he was a case worker as a college undergraduate – gives him some insight into services provided through the county Public Health Department.
As part of the selection process the county and consultant Prothman arranged for Somers and the other five finalists to be interviewed by three separate panels: the board of commissioners; county department heads and labor representatives; and a community stakeholders panel that included city officials, Clatsop Community College President Larry Galizio, Circuit Court Judge Cindee Matyas, three citizens and state lawmakers Betsy Johnson and Deborah Boone. Following the interviews all three groups assembled to share their input.
“Elected officials, department heads and several community leaders helped the board with the interview and selection process,” Huhtala said. “We very much appreciate the participation of each of these individuals.”
Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Action Call From Columbia RiverVision At Oregon LNG Open House, June 12th
Proposed Oregon LNG/Calpine Terminal on Skipanon PeninsulaOregon LNG (formerly known as Calpine) first reared its ugly head before the Warrenton City Commission in November of 2005. And now they are back in Warrenton with a new plan that is outrageously worse than the original. Just like a used car salesmen, this is the old bait-and-switch.
Calpine entered our communities to convince us of the NEED to import LNG to "diversify the energy supplies" and "keep the prices low for the consumers." And now OR LNG sees the need to EXPORT LNG - for ????? Oh right, the profit of a private company - and the opportunity to dredge our river, endanger our safety, raise domestic natural gas prices and take our land through eminent domain.
Wear your red shirts, your NO LNG pins. Bring your neighbors and friends:
Oregon LNG Open House
Tuesday, June 12th - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Gateway Masonic Lodge #175
66 SW 4th Avenue
Warrenton, Oregon
If this is your first NO LNG event, we will have shirts, buttons, car decals and yard signs for sale, OR if you are an old hand and you are dusting off your NO LNG button and finding your red shirt
We hope to see you all at the OR LNG open house!
Calpine entered our communities to convince us of the NEED to import LNG to "diversify the energy supplies" and "keep the prices low for the consumers." And now OR LNG sees the need to EXPORT LNG - for ????? Oh right, the profit of a private company - and the opportunity to dredge our river, endanger our safety, raise domestic natural gas prices and take our land through eminent domain.
Wear your red shirts, your NO LNG pins. Bring your neighbors and friends:
Oregon LNG Open House
Tuesday, June 12th - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Gateway Masonic Lodge #175
66 SW 4th Avenue
Warrenton, Oregon
If this is your first NO LNG event, we will have shirts, buttons, car decals and yard signs for sale, OR if you are an old hand and you are dusting off your NO LNG button and finding your red shirt
We hope to see you all at the OR LNG open house!
Sunday, June 03, 2012
Arrest Made In Fatal Crash
Brad Johnston - Astoria Police Department
On June 2, 2012 at about 4:00 PM David Shane Gutman, age 31 turned himself in at the Astoria Police Department. Astoria Police had identified him as the driver in the fatal traffic crash the night before and had been searching for him since shortly after the crash. Gutman has been lodged at the Clatsop County Jail on the following charges:
Manslaughter 1
Recklessly Endangering
Reckless Driving
Assault 1
Assault 2
DUII
Hit & Run (felony)
Hit & Run (misd)
Manslaughter 1 is a measure 11 crime with a minimum sentence of 120 months.
The person of interest located in the early morning hours at the Triangle Tavern was a second passenger in the vehicle. He has not been charged with any crimes. He sustained minor injuries in the crash. Gutman does not report any injuries as a result of the crash. The booking photo in this release is a previous booking photo of Gutman from Astoria Police Records. A full size version is available here.
Astoria police are still interested in any witnesses that may have seen Gutman or Carpenter on the night of June 1, 20012. Anyone with information is asked to contact Astoria Police Department at (503) 325-4411. Information can also be sent to arandall@astoria.or.us, submitted as a tip on www.astoriadispatch.com or sent via text to 84469 using the phrase "tip@ast911"
Additional Media inquiries can be routed to bjohnston@astoria.or.us. No further releaes are anticipated.
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Astoria Police have identified the victim in the June 2, 2012 crash on Hwy 30 in Astoria. The deceased is James Carpenter, age 29 of Hammond. He was a passenger in the vehicle. Astoria Police have determined that the vehicle struck a telephone pole in the area and that prior to the crash the vehicles passenger door was opening and closing. There is no indication that safety restraints were used.
Astoria Police are seeking witnesses to the fatal crash which occured on Saturday morning just after midnight June 2, 2012. Any one who saw a blue and black 1991 2 door Mazda Navajo SUV leaving the Merrytime Tavern or may have witnessed the crash are asked to contact the Astoria Police Department at 503.325.4411.
On 6/2/12 at 0010 Astoria Police and Fire responded to the area of Hume and West Marine Drive (Hwy 30) to a report of a crash that involved a pedestrian. When responders arrived they found witnesses to the crash and a male subject in the lane of travel who was being given first aid by a nurse who had witnessed the crash. Astoria Fire personnel gave first aid and CPR but were unable to resuscitate him. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The victim has been identified but no notifications have been made.
Astoria Police located the vehicle involved in the crash abandoned about a block from the scene in a parking lot. They also located a person of interest at a tavern nearby.
Astoria Police continue to investigate at the scene. They are assisted by Crash Reconstructionists from OSP, a Medicolegal Investigator and the Chief Deputy District Attorney from the Clatsop County District Attorney's office. ODOT is assisting with traffic control.
Hwy 30 is open with a detour around the crash scene.
No additional information is expected to be released until next of kin notifications have been made.
Media looking for full size photos can locate them here
Astoria Police can also be found at www.facebook.com/AstoriaPolice and on Twitter @AstoriaPD
On June 2, 2012 at about 4:00 PM David Shane Gutman, age 31 turned himself in at the Astoria Police Department. Astoria Police had identified him as the driver in the fatal traffic crash the night before and had been searching for him since shortly after the crash. Gutman has been lodged at the Clatsop County Jail on the following charges:
Manslaughter 1
Recklessly Endangering
Reckless Driving
Assault 1
Assault 2
DUII
Hit & Run (felony)
Hit & Run (misd)
Manslaughter 1 is a measure 11 crime with a minimum sentence of 120 months.
The person of interest located in the early morning hours at the Triangle Tavern was a second passenger in the vehicle. He has not been charged with any crimes. He sustained minor injuries in the crash. Gutman does not report any injuries as a result of the crash. The booking photo in this release is a previous booking photo of Gutman from Astoria Police Records. A full size version is available here.
Astoria police are still interested in any witnesses that may have seen Gutman or Carpenter on the night of June 1, 20012. Anyone with information is asked to contact Astoria Police Department at (503) 325-4411. Information can also be sent to arandall@astoria.or.us, submitted as a tip on www.astoriadispatch.com or sent via text to 84469 using the phrase "tip@ast911"
Additional Media inquiries can be routed to bjohnston@astoria.or.us. No further releaes are anticipated.
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Previous Release Begins Here
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Astoria Police have identified the victim in the June 2, 2012 crash on Hwy 30 in Astoria. The deceased is James Carpenter, age 29 of Hammond. He was a passenger in the vehicle. Astoria Police have determined that the vehicle struck a telephone pole in the area and that prior to the crash the vehicles passenger door was opening and closing. There is no indication that safety restraints were used.
Astoria Police are seeking witnesses to the fatal crash which occured on Saturday morning just after midnight June 2, 2012. Any one who saw a blue and black 1991 2 door Mazda Navajo SUV leaving the Merrytime Tavern or may have witnessed the crash are asked to contact the Astoria Police Department at 503.325.4411.
On 6/2/12 at 0010 Astoria Police and Fire responded to the area of Hume and West Marine Drive (Hwy 30) to a report of a crash that involved a pedestrian. When responders arrived they found witnesses to the crash and a male subject in the lane of travel who was being given first aid by a nurse who had witnessed the crash. Astoria Fire personnel gave first aid and CPR but were unable to resuscitate him. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The victim has been identified but no notifications have been made.
Astoria Police located the vehicle involved in the crash abandoned about a block from the scene in a parking lot. They also located a person of interest at a tavern nearby.
Astoria Police continue to investigate at the scene. They are assisted by Crash Reconstructionists from OSP, a Medicolegal Investigator and the Chief Deputy District Attorney from the Clatsop County District Attorney's office. ODOT is assisting with traffic control.
Hwy 30 is open with a detour around the crash scene.
No additional information is expected to be released until next of kin notifications have been made.
Media looking for full size photos can locate them here
Astoria Police can also be found at www.facebook.com/AstoriaPolice and on Twitter @AstoriaPD
Saturday, June 02, 2012
CCBofC To Hold Special Executive Session Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Regarding Employment Of A Public Officer
Special Meeting
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
*800 Exchange St., Suite 430, Astoria
*Note location
Executive Session: 3:00 pm
1) To consider the employment of a public officer, employee, staff member 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.
Friday, June 01, 2012
Administration Says Japan Will Have to Wait for U.S. LNG Supplies
Artwork by: Jack GuyotSutherland - LNG Law Blog
June 1, 2012
The Wall Street Journal [subscription required] reports that
the Obama Administration has told Japan and other countries that they face a
waiting period while the United States decides whether to move forward with LNG
exports, mostly due to the political sensitivity of the issue. A Japanese
official familiar with recent talks between Japan and the United States on energy
issues stated that no decisions on U.S. LNG exports would be made before the
November presidential election.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Astoria DUII Prosecutions - Judge Norblad Discloses His Decision
Circuit Judge, Albin Norblad, on May 22, 2012, in a letter to Assistant Attorney General, Thomas Castle disclosed his decision on the issue of DUII Prosecutions in Astoria Muncipal Court and this is his statement......"It is this court's opinion the distrisct attorney controls and directs prosecutions of DUII's in all the courts in his county and in this case, The City of Astoria. This would include all DUII's filed under state statute or city ordinance. Further, it is the court's opinion that the district attorney , under ORS 221.339(5) can allow prosecutions be handled by the city attorney."
Read Judge Albin Norblad's Full Decision Document
Memorial Day - It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.
Friday, May 25, 2012
New County Manager Candidate Added To List Of Finalists After Ed Green Takes Another Job.
Friday, May 25, 2012
A new candidate has been added to the list of Clatsop County Manager finalists scheduled to be
interviewed May 30.
Scott Somers was named a finalist following word that another finalist, Ed Green, has accepted a
job with another organization.
Somers will join Gene Green, Michael McNees, Tom Mitchell, Travis Myren and James Payne on the finalist list.
All six candidates 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.
Scott Somers is city manager of Reedsport, a job he has held since 2009. Prior to that he was the
assistant city administrator of Savage, Minnesota, from 2006 to 2009, and also
served as assistant to the city manager in White Bear Lake, Minnesota for two
years. He has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Arizona State University
and Master of Public Administration from the University of Arizona.
Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
A new candidate has been added to the list of Clatsop County Manager finalists scheduled to be
interviewed May 30.
Scott Somers was named a finalist following word that another finalist, Ed Green, has accepted a
job with another organization.
Somers will join Gene Green, Michael McNees, Tom Mitchell, Travis Myren and James Payne on the finalist list.
All six candidates 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.
Scott Somers is city manager of Reedsport, a job he has held since 2009. Prior to that he was the
assistant city administrator of Savage, Minnesota, from 2006 to 2009, and also
served as assistant to the city manager in White Bear Lake, Minnesota for two
years. He has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Arizona State University
and Master of Public Administration from the University of Arizona.
Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
County Offers 30 Land Parcels At Auction June 19, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Clatsop County will offer 30 parcels of land at a public auction Tuesday, June 19.
The auction will be held in the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria. Bidder registration begins at 9 a.m. The auction will start at 10 a.m. sharp.
Parcels offered are in Astoria, Warrenton, Elsie, Westport, as well as two on a hillside off Highway 202 in the Williamsport area southeast of Astoria.
Minimum bids range from $50 to $45,000. All properties will be sold as-is and for CASH. Payments are due in full by 5 p.m. the day of the auction, except for eight parcels which have a non-refundable deposit of 10 percent of the minimum bid due by 5 p.m. on day of sale, closing to take place on or before 30 days from the date of sale (July 18).
Auction packets are available for $9.50 at the Clatsop County Assessment & Taxation office. For more information, contact Property Management Specialist Sirpa Duoos at 820 Exchange St., Suite 230, Astoria or call (503) 325-8674.
Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
Highlights Of May 23, 2012 CCBofC Meeting
Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Highlights
Wednesday, May 23,
2012 regular meeting
Official minutes
available once approved by board
Ocean planning element adopted
Wednesday, May 23,
2012 regular meeting
Official minutes
available once approved by board
Ocean planning element adopted
The board adopted
amendments adding a Goal 19-Ocean Resources element to the county’s
comprehensive land-use plan. The amendments, which also updated related policies
under state land-use goals 5, 8, 9, 13, 17 and 18, provides the county a
framework for reviewing applications for development projects, including
wave-energy installations, within the territorial sea three miles off the
coast.
Wauna plan approved
The board held the
first reading of Ordinance 12-05, establishing a financing plan for payment of a
$2.5 million refund to the Georgia-Pacific corporation for its Wauna pulp and
paper mill. The payment, required under the negotiated settlement of a tax
appeal case filed by G-P, will be paid by all 60 taxing districts in Clatsop
County, and will be covered by 10-year revenue bonds.
A public hearing and
second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for June 13.
Service contract approved
The board approved a
contract with Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare to provide state-funded services to
the developmentally disabled in Clatsop County. Clatsop Behavioral takes over
the contract from Columbia Community Mental Health of St. Helens, which has
provided the services from 2006 but which informed the county in March that it
would end its contract this year.
The program provides
vocational and residential services to approximately 180 individuals in Clatsop
County.
Homeless plan endorsed
The board voted
unanimously to endorse the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness. The document,
which identifies causes of homelessness, affected populations, housing needs and
available resources and opportunities, is the product of the Clatsop Homeless
Coalition, a partnership of multiple agencies and stakeholders formed in 2011 by
Clatsop Community Action.
Rezone ordinance read
The board held the
first reading of Ordinance 11-04, a consolidated zone change, partition and
density transfer application from Michael Benesch, Warrenton Fiber Co. and Waldo
Veelle. The application, covering 13 acres of property on Dolphin Road near
Warrenton, was originally reviewed by the board in 2011, but was returned to the
Planning Division after staff determined there were inadequate findings of
fact.
A public hearing and
second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for June 13.
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000 ext. 1312
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
“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
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