Auditors say Port of Astoria has approached insolvency
Fri Jul 20, 2012.
By EDWARD STRATTON - The Daily AstorianDaily Astorian
After years of paying for major deferred maintenance and considerable litigation, investing in acquisitions and dealing with a down economy, the Port of Astoria has approached insolvency.
In financial statements for fiscal years 2009-10 and 2010-11, accepted by the Port Commission at its June 19 meeting, auditors attached “NOTE 18 – Going Concern.” That is accounting parlance for whether a business is able to pay its bills and continue operating.
The fiscal years run from July 1 to June 30 each year.
Read Full Daily Astorian Article
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
Clatsop County Officials Sign Agreement For Wauna Tax Settlement
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Clatsop County officials on Thursday signed documents for a loan covering a settlement payment in the Georgia-Pacific tax appeal case.
The loan, from Bank of America, will cover a $2.5 million payment from the county and 60 other taxing districts to the owner of the Wauna pulp and paper mill.
The payment was agreed to under a settlement reached last May between Clatsop County and Georgia-Pacific over the company’s appeal of a tax penalty and tax assessments on part of the facility.
The county was able to secure an interest rate on the loan of 2.18 percent – below the 3 percent originally envisioned. Annual payments on the 10-year loan will total $283,251.30 and will be covered by all taxing districts in the county – the funds will be deducted from the districts’ yearly property tax disbursements, under the terms of an intergovernmental agreement that was signed by all the districts in 2009 in anticipation of a refund payment.
The case dates to 2004, when Georgia-Pacific was granted tax exemptions under the Lower Columbia Maritime Enterprise Zone for construction of its new No. 6 paper-making machine. Under the exemption, property taxes assessed on the new machine were to be waived for five years.
In 2007 the company was disqualified from the exemption program for failing to maintain a minimum required number of employees at the mill site. As a result of the disqualification, the company had to repay the exempted taxes, totaling approximately $4.1 million. That money was distributed among the 60 taxing districts.
Georgia-Pacific filed an appeal in Oregon Tax Court challenging not only the exemption penalty but also the assessed valuation of the entire mill for three tax years. The appeal claimed that the assessment, on which Wauna’s annual property tax bill is calculated, overvalued the mill by approximately $154 million.
Along with the payment, the settlement establishes the real market value for the mill at $291 million. Georgia-Pacific cannot challenge that assessment for five years.
Under Georgia-Pacific’s claim, Clatsop County and the other districts could have been required to refund more than $11 million if the company had prevailed on all appeals at trial.
State statute mandates that all of the 60 taxing districts in Clatsop County are liable for a portion of the settlement, regardless of whether Wauna Mill lies within their boundaries.
Wauna pays a total of $3,410,536 a year in property taxes to taxing entities in Clatsop County, making it by far the county’s biggest single taxpayer.
Released by:Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
Clatsop County officials on Thursday signed documents for a loan covering a settlement payment in the Georgia-Pacific tax appeal case.
The loan, from Bank of America, will cover a $2.5 million payment from the county and 60 other taxing districts to the owner of the Wauna pulp and paper mill.
The payment was agreed to under a settlement reached last May between Clatsop County and Georgia-Pacific over the company’s appeal of a tax penalty and tax assessments on part of the facility.
The county was able to secure an interest rate on the loan of 2.18 percent – below the 3 percent originally envisioned. Annual payments on the 10-year loan will total $283,251.30 and will be covered by all taxing districts in the county – the funds will be deducted from the districts’ yearly property tax disbursements, under the terms of an intergovernmental agreement that was signed by all the districts in 2009 in anticipation of a refund payment.
The case dates to 2004, when Georgia-Pacific was granted tax exemptions under the Lower Columbia Maritime Enterprise Zone for construction of its new No. 6 paper-making machine. Under the exemption, property taxes assessed on the new machine were to be waived for five years.
In 2007 the company was disqualified from the exemption program for failing to maintain a minimum required number of employees at the mill site. As a result of the disqualification, the company had to repay the exempted taxes, totaling approximately $4.1 million. That money was distributed among the 60 taxing districts.
Georgia-Pacific filed an appeal in Oregon Tax Court challenging not only the exemption penalty but also the assessed valuation of the entire mill for three tax years. The appeal claimed that the assessment, on which Wauna’s annual property tax bill is calculated, overvalued the mill by approximately $154 million.
Along with the payment, the settlement establishes the real market value for the mill at $291 million. Georgia-Pacific cannot challenge that assessment for five years.
Under Georgia-Pacific’s claim, Clatsop County and the other districts could have been required to refund more than $11 million if the company had prevailed on all appeals at trial.
State statute mandates that all of the 60 taxing districts in Clatsop County are liable for a portion of the settlement, regardless of whether Wauna Mill lies within their boundaries.
Wauna pays a total of $3,410,536 a year in property taxes to taxing entities in Clatsop County, making it by far the county’s biggest single taxpayer.
Released by:Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Astoria School Superintendent Hoppes Announces Future Of Warren Field Development
FROM: CRAIG HOPPES, SUPERINTENDENT
RE: WARREN FIELD DEVELOPMENT
DATE: JULY 18, 2012
Background
During the past year, the Astoria School District has consulted with Columbia Memorial Hospital on developing the Warren Field property. The hospital wishes to obtain Warren Field and use it for future hospital expansion.
In a meeting earlier this year, the hospital’s management team offered to provide a modern sports facility within the City of Astoria at no cost to the school district—a facility that will benefit all the kids in our community—in return for Warren Field. The Astoria School District recommends accepting this mutually beneficial offer.
* Note: Under the proposed agreement, the school district would not give up using Warren Field until after the new sports facility is finished, tentatively scheduled to be complete in the fall of 2013.
*Note: The hospital’s offer has never included a cash payment for Warren Field. The offer is to provide a new multi-sport facility at the hospital’s expense, with no cost to the Astoria School District.
Site for the new sports facility
While discussions about Warren Field were under way between Columbia Memorial Hospital and the school district, the City of Astoria talked about starting the process of “capping” the old city landfill facility. “Capping” means taking steps to convert the landfill to a clean, safe facility that is desirable for other uses. Numerous communities throughout the nation have used this technique successfully to convert landfills to healthy recreational assets. The following are just a few examples:
* Warrenton, Oregon: The City of Warrenton capped a landfill, located on Ridge Road, more than twenty years ago. The area was cultivated into a fine soccer complex and is now home to Lower Columbia Youth Soccer Association.
* Danville, Indiana: The capped landfill at the Twin Bridges site has a golf course, soccer complex, softball fields, archery range, trails and firing range.
*Northbrook, Illinois: This community used clean soil from a construction project to convert a landfill into a nine-hole golf course and pro-shop.
* Wilmington, North Carolina: The Cape Fear Youth Soccer Association converted the Flemington Landfill into a soccer complex with 16 fields, trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, concessions stands and bleachers. Other communities in North Carolina have undertaken such projects, including two landfills converted to municipal golf courses in Charlotte.
* Virginia Beach, Virginia: The community converted Mount Trashmore, a former 165-acre landfill, to a full-blown municipal park. Park facilities include picnic shelters, playground areas, a basketball court, volleyball areas, parking, a walking trail, and restrooms. The park also features two lakes for fishing.
The management team of Columbia Memorial Hospital reached an agreement with the city to use the rehabilitated landfill site for a new multi-sport facility.
Benefits to the community
The long-term public benefits of the proposed agreements among Columbia Memorial Hospital, the Astoria School District and the City of Astoria would be substantial:
*Columbia Memorial Hospital would be able to provide excellent health care facilities for this community over the next 75-100 years. The hospital would utilize the Warren Field property either for a new hospital or expansion of the present hospital to meet Astoria’s ever-growing health care needs.
* The Astoria School District would be able to provide safe, clean and accessible athletic facilities to the children of our community for many years. Our chief concern, as always, is the safety and wellbeing of our students, and we believe that this new facility will provide the means to achieve and maintain a high standard of physical fitness and healthy sports competition in our schools.
This is a true community collaboration that has tremendous benefits for all the parties involved.
The next steps
The Astoria School District Board of Directors will invite public comment on the Warren Field proposal at its meeting on August 8. Members of the public will have an opportunity to offer their views and ask questions. The Board will use this public input in evaluating the proposal and assessing the impacts on the district.
Ask questions
Large-scale public projects like this one often generate rumors and give rise to incorrect information. I strongly urge you to contact me if you have questions or concerns. I will share with you exactly what I know about this plan and all its ramifications.
Thank you for your time.
RE: WARREN FIELD DEVELOPMENT
DATE: JULY 18, 2012
Background
During the past year, the Astoria School District has consulted with Columbia Memorial Hospital on developing the Warren Field property. The hospital wishes to obtain Warren Field and use it for future hospital expansion.
In a meeting earlier this year, the hospital’s management team offered to provide a modern sports facility within the City of Astoria at no cost to the school district—a facility that will benefit all the kids in our community—in return for Warren Field. The Astoria School District recommends accepting this mutually beneficial offer.
* Note: Under the proposed agreement, the school district would not give up using Warren Field until after the new sports facility is finished, tentatively scheduled to be complete in the fall of 2013.
*Note: The hospital’s offer has never included a cash payment for Warren Field. The offer is to provide a new multi-sport facility at the hospital’s expense, with no cost to the Astoria School District.
Site for the new sports facility
While discussions about Warren Field were under way between Columbia Memorial Hospital and the school district, the City of Astoria talked about starting the process of “capping” the old city landfill facility. “Capping” means taking steps to convert the landfill to a clean, safe facility that is desirable for other uses. Numerous communities throughout the nation have used this technique successfully to convert landfills to healthy recreational assets. The following are just a few examples:
* Warrenton, Oregon: The City of Warrenton capped a landfill, located on Ridge Road, more than twenty years ago. The area was cultivated into a fine soccer complex and is now home to Lower Columbia Youth Soccer Association.
* Danville, Indiana: The capped landfill at the Twin Bridges site has a golf course, soccer complex, softball fields, archery range, trails and firing range.
*Northbrook, Illinois: This community used clean soil from a construction project to convert a landfill into a nine-hole golf course and pro-shop.
* Wilmington, North Carolina: The Cape Fear Youth Soccer Association converted the Flemington Landfill into a soccer complex with 16 fields, trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, concessions stands and bleachers. Other communities in North Carolina have undertaken such projects, including two landfills converted to municipal golf courses in Charlotte.
* Virginia Beach, Virginia: The community converted Mount Trashmore, a former 165-acre landfill, to a full-blown municipal park. Park facilities include picnic shelters, playground areas, a basketball court, volleyball areas, parking, a walking trail, and restrooms. The park also features two lakes for fishing.
The management team of Columbia Memorial Hospital reached an agreement with the city to use the rehabilitated landfill site for a new multi-sport facility.
Benefits to the community
The long-term public benefits of the proposed agreements among Columbia Memorial Hospital, the Astoria School District and the City of Astoria would be substantial:
*Columbia Memorial Hospital would be able to provide excellent health care facilities for this community over the next 75-100 years. The hospital would utilize the Warren Field property either for a new hospital or expansion of the present hospital to meet Astoria’s ever-growing health care needs.
* The Astoria School District would be able to provide safe, clean and accessible athletic facilities to the children of our community for many years. Our chief concern, as always, is the safety and wellbeing of our students, and we believe that this new facility will provide the means to achieve and maintain a high standard of physical fitness and healthy sports competition in our schools.
This is a true community collaboration that has tremendous benefits for all the parties involved.
The next steps
The Astoria School District Board of Directors will invite public comment on the Warren Field proposal at its meeting on August 8. Members of the public will have an opportunity to offer their views and ask questions. The Board will use this public input in evaluating the proposal and assessing the impacts on the district.
Ask questions
Large-scale public projects like this one often generate rumors and give rise to incorrect information. I strongly urge you to contact me if you have questions or concerns. I will share with you exactly what I know about this plan and all its ramifications.
Thank you for your time.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
County Authorities Monitor Algae In Cullaby Lake And Urges Caution To Public
Friday, July 13, 2012
UPDATE!!! TESTS SHOW NO TOXINS IN CULLABY LAKE; CAUTION URGED TO VISITORS
Tests of water from Cullaby Lake show no evidence of harmful toxins related to recently observed algae blooms on the lake surface.
Visitors to the lake may recreate in the water, but are still urged to stay away from any areas where blue-green algae blooms are visible. Both Cullaby Lake Park and Carnahan Park, located on the lake’s north shore, are open to the public.
The county issued a notice earlier this week after blue-green algae blooms were observed on the lake surface. Water samples were collected to test for the presence of potentially harmful toxins that can be given off by certain species of the algae. Those toxins are particularly harmful to children and pets if ingested; symptoms can include nausea, cramps, dizziness, numbness and breathing and heart problems.
Because no toxins were detected, the Oregon Public Health Division will not issue a no-contact advisory for Cullaby Lake. Nevertheless, Clatsop County officials will continue to monitor the lake daily for blue-green algae, and will take water samples every other week to test for toxins.
For more information, contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767, Clatsop County Public Health Department at (503) 325-8500 or the Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance Program online at www.healthoregon.org/hab
Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
July 11. 2012
Clatsop County officials are asking the public to use caution while recreating at Cullaby Lake while they monitor a potentially harmful algae bloom at the popular recreation site.
Water samples from the lake have been collected and sent for testing for evidence of harmful toxins associated with blue-green algae, which was recently observed on the lake. Test results are expected by early next week – in the meantime, the county recommends that the public avoid contact with the water when algae is visibly present, especially activities that could result in swallowing or inhaling water.
Depending on the results from the water tests at Cullaby Lake, the Oregon Public Health Division will determine whether an official health advisory is issued. Under new state options for monitoring harmful algae blooms, the County Parks Department will conduct daily monitoring of the lake surface and continue sampling for toxins while a bloom is present.
Both Cullaby Lake Park as well as Carnahan Park, located on the lake’s north shore, remain open.
Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are naturally occurring organisms; certain species can release nerve and liver toxins into the water that are particularly harmful to children and pets if ingested. Symptoms can include nausea, cramps, dizziness, numbness and breathing and heart problems. Most all blue-green algae can cause skin irritation on contact even if they are free of toxins.
Cyanobacteria algae blooms occur in many fresh-water bodies, but it is not possible to determine if a bloom is potentially toxic simply by looking at it. If you see bluish-green, green, white or brown scum on the surface of any body of fresh water, keep children, pets and yourself out of the water. Even if the algae appear to be isolated in a single area be aware that winds and currents can move algae across the surface in minutes.
For more information, contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767, Clatsop County Public Health Department at (503) 325-8500 or the Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance Program online at www.healthoregon.org/hab
Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Highlights Of July 11, 2012 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Meeting
County Code
adopted
The board adopted a
newly revised County Code of Regulations. The code contains all county
ordinances except for land-use ordinances.
County Counsel
Heather Reynolds explained that the year-long review process, conducted with the
help of a private consultant, fixed outdated and obsolete ordinances and made
code enforcement clearer. The revision also collects the ordinances in a single
location for easy access by county staff and the public.
Along with the code
adoption the board also approved an ordinance-adoption process that allows for
public hearings extended over two consecutive meetings.
Gillnet committee
formed
The board voted to
establish a committee to lead a public educational effort related to a November
2012 ballot measure that would ban the use of gillnets in the Columbia River
salmon fishery. The board voted to appoint Commissioners Scott Lee and Dirk
Rohne to the committee and authorize Chairman Peter Huhtala to appoint the
remaining members, who will include, a fisherman, fish processor and up to four
at-large members and would lead an effort to provide impartial information to
voters about the county’s Select Area Fishery Enhancement (SAFE) salmon net-pen
program and the local commercial salmon industry.
In May the county
Budget Committee voted to earmark $18,000 from the county’s Special Projects
fund to pay for educational outreach on the SAFE program.
Land-use appeal
approved
The board approved
findings of fact upholding a “vested rights” claim from landowner Dale Marshal
granting him development rights on five residential lots in the Knappa area
under the Measure 49 land-use initiative. The board originally approved the
claim on appeal in 2010, overturning a decision from the county Community
Development director, but final findings of fact were never adopted. The lack of
findings was discovered earlier this year when Marshal inquired about the status
of the property to the Community Development Department.
Hearings officer
restored
The board approved a
recommendation from the Clatsop County Planning Commission that the county
assign Type IIa land-use applications to a hearings officer. Type IIa
applications typically involve requests for conditional use permits or
variances, but do not involve changes to land-use regulations or zoning. A
hearings officer heard Type IIa applications for the county until 2007, when the
board assigned those applications to the planning commission.
Other
Business
In other business the
board:
-Approved a four-year
collective bargaining contract with the union representing deputy district
attorneys. The agreement sets salary ranges for the three position
classifications, annual cost-of-living adjustments, and minimum requirements for
promotion to the top Deputy III position. There are currently five deputy
district attorneys.
-Appointed the
following people to the Clatsop Forestry and Wood Products Economic Development
Committee: Dennis Creel of Hampton Affiliates; Eric Oien of Teevin Bros. Land
and Timber; Jim Reeb of OSU Extension Service; John Larson of Georgia-Pacific
Wauna mill; Kevin Leahy of Clatsop Economic Development Resources; Mark
Gustafson of Gustafson Logging Co.; and Michael Bunch of the Oregon Small
Woodlands Association.
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000 ext. 1312ll July 11, 2012 Agenda Packet
adopted
The board adopted a
newly revised County Code of Regulations. The code contains all county
ordinances except for land-use ordinances.
County Counsel
Heather Reynolds explained that the year-long review process, conducted with the
help of a private consultant, fixed outdated and obsolete ordinances and made
code enforcement clearer. The revision also collects the ordinances in a single
location for easy access by county staff and the public.
Along with the code
adoption the board also approved an ordinance-adoption process that allows for
public hearings extended over two consecutive meetings.
Gillnet committee
formed
The board voted to
establish a committee to lead a public educational effort related to a November
2012 ballot measure that would ban the use of gillnets in the Columbia River
salmon fishery. The board voted to appoint Commissioners Scott Lee and Dirk
Rohne to the committee and authorize Chairman Peter Huhtala to appoint the
remaining members, who will include, a fisherman, fish processor and up to four
at-large members and would lead an effort to provide impartial information to
voters about the county’s Select Area Fishery Enhancement (SAFE) salmon net-pen
program and the local commercial salmon industry.
In May the county
Budget Committee voted to earmark $18,000 from the county’s Special Projects
fund to pay for educational outreach on the SAFE program.
Land-use appeal
approved
The board approved
findings of fact upholding a “vested rights” claim from landowner Dale Marshal
granting him development rights on five residential lots in the Knappa area
under the Measure 49 land-use initiative. The board originally approved the
claim on appeal in 2010, overturning a decision from the county Community
Development director, but final findings of fact were never adopted. The lack of
findings was discovered earlier this year when Marshal inquired about the status
of the property to the Community Development Department.
Hearings officer
restored
The board approved a
recommendation from the Clatsop County Planning Commission that the county
assign Type IIa land-use applications to a hearings officer. Type IIa
applications typically involve requests for conditional use permits or
variances, but do not involve changes to land-use regulations or zoning. A
hearings officer heard Type IIa applications for the county until 2007, when the
board assigned those applications to the planning commission.
Other
Business
In other business the
board:
-Approved a four-year
collective bargaining contract with the union representing deputy district
attorneys. The agreement sets salary ranges for the three position
classifications, annual cost-of-living adjustments, and minimum requirements for
promotion to the top Deputy III position. There are currently five deputy
district attorneys.
-Appointed the
following people to the Clatsop Forestry and Wood Products Economic Development
Committee: Dennis Creel of Hampton Affiliates; Eric Oien of Teevin Bros. Land
and Timber; Jim Reeb of OSU Extension Service; John Larson of Georgia-Pacific
Wauna mill; Kevin Leahy of Clatsop Economic Development Resources; Mark
Gustafson of Gustafson Logging Co.; and Michael Bunch of the Oregon Small
Woodlands Association.
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000 ext. 1312ll July 11, 2012 Agenda Packet
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Clatsop County In The Forefront Of Youth Offender Rehabilitation
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Some innovative approaches to rehabilitation have put Clatsop County’s Youngs Bay Juvenile Detention Center at the forefront of youth offender programs in Oregon.
The facility’s Youth Care Center provides a 120-day program combining cognitive behavior modification, “mindfulness” and health and wellness in a holistic approach aimed at steering young offenders away from a future in the criminal justice system.
The YCC program is believed to be the only one in the state that’s adopted meditation-based mindfulness practice into its detention system, and other counties and the state are taking notice.
The program takes in youth between ages 15 and 19 who are on parole or probation from state or county juvenile corrections programs, and who are at risk of entering the state detention system. Seriously violent offenders, sex offenders and juveniles with mental illness are not eligible.
On Wednesday the board of commissioners is scheduled to approve a new one-year contract for up to $102,930 with the Oregon Youth Authority to place youth in the YCC program. The contract gives priority to local youth and those from neighboring counties, although juveniles from other counties can be considered for the program.
The county Juvenile Department has also received a $5,000 grant from the Trust for the Meditation Process foundation for staff training and program materials.
Cognitive restructuring is a central part of most juvenile – and adult – rehab programs aimed at breaking cycles of addictive and destructive behavior. But even young offenders have often gone through these programs so many times they know the process by heart, and most YCC participants come to the program because they have failed other corrective programs, according to Janet Evans, Juvenile Department director.
Mindfulness is designed to complement the cognitive treatment programs with exercises designed to build self-awareness and self-control.
“We give kids a grounding in cognitive restructuring, but take it to a deeper level,” Evans said. “You start with an awareness of who you are, in relationship to your community.”
Juvenile counselor Ryan Moore brought his background in contemplative psychotherapy when he helped the Juvenile Department add the mindfulness element to its detention program three years ago. The approach centers on meditation – both in groups and individually – aimed at getting the youth to focus on the present and let go of the stresses from past mistakes or future challenges.
The concentration required to meditate can be a challenge for kids who often come to the program with attention-deficit disorder or other behavioral issues. But the detention setting provides a controlled atmosphere where not only drugs and alcohol but also distractions like phones and Internet are gone. Staff members leading the meditation practice start with 10-minute sessions that are gradually expanded, and youth meditate on their own in their cells.
“You can see the difference the grounding makes – you can see them calm themselves in stressful situations,” Moore said. “It’s a tool they can take with them when they get out.”
The self-control that the mindfulness training brings also reduces problems in the facility; the youth are more respectful to staff and each other, and behavioral issues requiring staff intervention are rare, Moore said.
The department is now adding a third element – wellness – to the YCC program. Youth learn the benefits of not only kicking drugs and alcohol but also good nutrition and exercise.
Evans called her detention center staff “amazing,” noting that they are responsible for both the YCC program participants as well as rest of the detention population. For many of the youth, the staff become mentors and role models – most of the juveniles stay in contact even after finishing the four-month program.
Released by: Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
Applicants Sought For County Human Services Committee
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Clatsop County is seeking applicants for two positions on the Human Services Advisory Committee.
The committee advises the Clatsop County Public Health Department on services for local residents with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and drug or alcohol addictions.
There are two openings – one for an unexpired term ending February 2013, and a second for a full term ending February 2015. The Board of Commissioners will make the appointments.
Applications will be taken through July 20. Application forms are available online at www.co.clatsop.or.us under “Your County-Citizen Involvement,” from the office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, or by calling (503) 325-1000.
Released by:Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622
Friday, July 06, 2012
Columbia RiverKeeper Presents: Pipe Up To Stop LNG Exports
July 6, 2012
Dan Serres of Columbia Riverkeeper will head a discussion about liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports in Oregon and Washington, including new proposals for major gas pipelines in Oregon and Washington.
Audience Q & A and discussion will follow the short presentation. We'll share what we know about how to STOP LNG on the Columbia.
Tuesday, July 10th, 7pm
Cannery Pier Hotel, on the Columbia River at 10 Basin Street, Astoria
Coffee & cookies will be served. Please do not park on the dock immediately in front of the hotel if possible.
Background: For years, Oregon LNG proposed to import LNG through a terminal and pipeline based in Warrenton, right on the Columbia River. Now, after apologizing to Willamette Valley farmers for being an "inconvenience" for over 5 years, Oregon LNG has a new scheme. The company seeks to export LNG through its proposed terminal from a pipeline through Washington and Oregon. Its new proposed pipeline route would snake through Clatsop, Columbia, and Cowlitz counties. This week, Oregon LNG initiated its pre-filing process with FERC. The new docket number is PF12-18. The company also intends to connect to over 126 miles of new pipeline being proposed by Williams Pipeline through Washington.
Please join us to discuss community concerns about this proposal and to gather information about how concerned citizens can work together to stop LNG.
The event is free and sponsored by Columbia Riverkeeper and Columbia-Pacific Common Sense.
For more information, contact Dan Serres at (503) 890-2441 or dan@columbiariverkeeper.org.
Audience Q & A and discussion will follow the short presentation. We'll share what we know about how to STOP LNG on the Columbia.
Tuesday, July 10th, 7pm
Cannery Pier Hotel, on the Columbia River at 10 Basin Street, Astoria
Coffee & cookies will be served. Please do not park on the dock immediately in front of the hotel if possible.
Background: For years, Oregon LNG proposed to import LNG through a terminal and pipeline based in Warrenton, right on the Columbia River. Now, after apologizing to Willamette Valley farmers for being an "inconvenience" for over 5 years, Oregon LNG has a new scheme. The company seeks to export LNG through its proposed terminal from a pipeline through Washington and Oregon. Its new proposed pipeline route would snake through Clatsop, Columbia, and Cowlitz counties. This week, Oregon LNG initiated its pre-filing process with FERC. The new docket number is PF12-18. The company also intends to connect to over 126 miles of new pipeline being proposed by Williams Pipeline through Washington.
Please join us to discuss community concerns about this proposal and to gather information about how concerned citizens can work together to stop LNG.
The event is free and sponsored by Columbia Riverkeeper and Columbia-Pacific Common Sense.
For more information, contact Dan Serres at (503) 890-2441 or dan@columbiariverkeeper.org.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
State Of Oregon Sets Up 211 Tsunami Debris Hotline
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
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
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!
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