Clatsop County - WATER, SEWER SYSTEMS FOCUS OF DISASTER RESPONSE EXERCISE

Thursday, May 9, 2013

WATER, SEWER SYSTEMS FOCUS OF DISASTER RESPONSE EXERCISE

How will local cities, utility districts and other public agencies react when a major disaster disrupts water and sewer service on the northern Oregon Coast?

Local officials from Clatsop and Tillamook counties and representatives of state agencies and other organizations – 40 in all – gathered recently at Camp Rilea Armed Forces Training Center in Warrenton to review how well-prepared they are.

The April 17 table-top exercise was organized by Clatsop County’s Public Health Department and Emergency Management Division and facilitated by the University of Washington Northwest Center for Public Health Practice.

“We had participated in previous planning sessions but had never exercised a multi-disciplinary response to water sanitation issues,” Public Health Director Margo Lalich said. “This was a first for us and it was a huge learning moment.”

The exercise simulated a fictional earthquake and tsunami off the north coast of Oregon that would cause severe damage to water and sewer lines and treatment plants, knock out power and flood low-lying areas with contaminated water. Participants were asked to examine each other’s agency plans and policies and discuss ways to coordinate resources in response to such scenarios as handling illness from tainted water, reduced fire-fighting capability and service to evacuation shelters and vulnerable populations.

NWCPHP faculty member, Carl Osaki, developed and led the exercise and was pleased with the group’s progress. “Tabletops are a chance to identify gaps and that can be disconcerting. Most agencies don’t want to expose their vulnerabilities,” he said. “This group was willing to lay out their plans and tackle complicated issues.”

Along with the five incorporated cities, Clatsop County has 11 water districts and five sewer districts providing service to residents and businesses.

Maureen Sheffield-Taylor, Clatsop County Environmental Health Supervisor, said “this tabletop was a great start but it was just the beginning. Now we see how much more work we have to do.”

Released by: Tom Bennett

Community Relations Coordinator

(503) 338-3622

Clatsop County - BALLOT-COUNTING TEST SET FOR MAY 13

BALLOT-COUNTING TEST SET FOR MAY 13

Clatsop County Elections Division will conduct a public certification test of its vote-tally system on Monday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria in anticipation of the May 21 special district election.

A test is routinely performed prior to a county election and members of the public are invited to observe the process.

Released by: Tom Bennett

Community Relations Coordinator

(503) 338-3622

Special Work Session For CCBofC Set for April 18th

Special Work Session agenda for Clatsop County Board of Commissioners

Clatsop County To Reorganize/Streamline Administrative Operations

Wednesday, April 10, 2013 ADMINISTRATIVE REORGANIZATION SAVES MONEY, STREAMLINES OPERATIONS A planned reorganization of some administrative offices proposed by Clatsop County Manager Scott Somers will save money while increasing efficiency, he said. On Wednesday the county Board of Commissioners held the first reading of an ordinance enacting the plan. A final vote is scheduled for April 24. The plan was prompted by the move in December of former Assistant County Manager Nicole Williams to the County Clerk position, and the departure of former Central Services Department Director Mike Robison in March. With two positions vacant, Somers looked at ways to streamline the county’s administrative functions by “flattening out” the chain of command while trimming spending in the face of looming cost increases in retirement and benefits for county staff. The plan is projected to save the county $265,704 in the 2013-14 fiscal year. Under the new plan, the Assistant County Manager and Central Services Director positions are eliminated. Two of the functions currently under Central Services will moved – Information Systems to the County Manager’s Office, and Building and Grounds to the Public Works Department. Central Services will be renamed the Budget and Finance Department and will focus on budget preparation and oversight, banking, payroll, revenue and expenditure monitoring and other fiscal duties. The County Manager’s Office, which currently oversees Emergency Management and Human Resources, will become the Administrative Services Department. The county Assessment and Taxation Department, which since 2010 was overseen by Robison, will again have its own director. The county will seek applicants for both the Budget and Finance director and Assessment and Taxation director positions. -30- Released by: Tom Bennett Community Relations Coordinator (503) 338-3622

Oregon Supreme Court Strikes Down Oregon LNG/Pipeline

Oregon LNG/Pipeline - Warrenton, Oregon Shot Down In Oregon Supreme Court

Columbia - Pacific Common Sense Meets March 21st and Other Upcoming Activist Events

Columbia Pacific Common Sense

Thursday, March 21st 

6:00  potluck snacks and socializing

6:30 - 8:00  meeting

1030 Duane in Astoria   

Dan Serres, Conservation Director of Columbia Riverkeeper (CRK), will provide legal updates and other news from LNG-land.  Whether you've been active from the beginning or are new to NO LNG, please attend and check out how you can make a difference!

Cheryl & Laurie

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS concerning our estuary as a conduit for fossil fuel exports:

 

Coal, Oil, and Gas, Oh My!

Lower Columbia River Community Conversation

 

Wednesday, March 13th

6:00 - 7:30

Skamokawa Grange

16 Fairgrounds Road, Skamokawa, WA

(take the 5:15 pm ferry from Westport)

The Columbia River faces unprecedented new proposals to export coal, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and crude oil to Asia. How will the new pipelines, trains, and tankers impact the estuary? Current plans could make the Columbia River the nation's largest exporter of coal, LNG, and oil.

This evening event will feature presentations on Columbia River water quality and new limits on toxic pollution as well as issues surrounding the use of the Columbia River as a fossil fuel highway. There will also be a moderated, open-forum discussion about local concerns and practical solutions.

Sponsored by Columbia Riverkeeper

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

 

Stop Coal Exports!

Rally at the Oregon State Capitol

WHO: YOU! And other Northwest citizens opposed to coal export.

WHAT: Rally and press conference on the Capitol steps

WHEN: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 (11:30AM-12:30PM)

WHERE: Oregon State Capitol Building (Salem) - Interested in a rideshare from Portland?  Meet at 1821 SE Ankeny, Portland, Oregon at 10AM.

The barges would take coal from a train-fed terminal at the Port of Morrow near Boardman to Port Westward near Clatskanie for loading onto sea-going ships.

Oregon state agencies are currently reviewing permits for Ambre Energy's coal export plan. The Oregon Department of State Lands has set April 1, 2013 as a decision date for their agency - they need to hear from us now! 

Highlights Of February 27, 2013 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Meeting

Official minutes available once approved by board

Veterans program examined

During a work session the board heard a presentation from Veterans’ Services Officer Phil Simmons, who asked the commissioners to consider increasing his level of compensation under the veterans services contract.

Simmons, who took over the contract in 2011, said the position has required more work – an average of 35 hours a week – than he originally envisioned. Without an increase in the contract, he and his wife Buffy Simmons, who shares the program duties with him, would likely have to cut back on their hours, he said.

The Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs provides $43,100 a year for the program. Clatsop County provides an additional $6,200.

The veterans’ services officer assists local military vets in applying for benefits through the federal Veterans Administration. Simmons said since he took over the contract, the total monthly payments coming to Clatsop County vets has increased from about $57,000 to $80,000. There are currently 4,518 veterans in the county, he said.

County Manager Scott Somers said staff would develop three funding options for the program contract and present them to the board at its March 27 meeting.

Other business

In other business the board:

-Approved an ordinance making “housekeeping” amendments to the county’s Land and Water Development and Use Ordinance and Standards document to clarify ambiguous language, further define procedures and correct references to state rules.

-Designated Human Resources Director Dean Perez as County Manager Pro Tem. Perez, who also serves as Emergency Management Director, will assume the duties of county manager in the event of the absence of County Manager Scott Somers. Finance Director Mike Robison was designated as alternate County Manager Pro Tem.

-Approved a letter of support for an application to the Business Oregon Industrial Lands Certification Program for the county’s North Coast Business Park in Warrenton. The program offers a statewide inventory of properties ready for industrial development.

-Approved a letter to Stimson Lumber company asking that it allow the Sunset Empire Amateur Radio Club continued use of a small piece of Stimson property east of Arch Cape for a radio repeater.

Tom Bennett

Community Relations Coordinator

(503) 325-1000 ext. 1312

Angry Astoria Mother Wants Answers From City Of Astoria On Why A Careles Driver Who Struck And Injured Her Son In A Crosswalk Was Not Cited By Astoria Police Officer!

From: "diana johnson" <gl*^#*+@.....com>
Date: Feb 10, 2013 2:44 PM
Subject: Uncited vehicle/pedestrian collision - Uniontown, Jan. 19th
To: <mayor@astoria.or.us>, <betsyjohnson@state.or.us>
Cc:

Mayor Van Dusen and Senator Betsy Johnson:

On a beautiful, dry Saturday afternoon, January 19 at 3:29 pm, my son, Ben Johnson:

• Activated the amber flashing signal at W. Marine Drive located in front of 3 Cups of Tea (under the bridge in Uniontown)
• Paused and waited for the nearest vehicle to come to a full stop
• Proceeded to cross when the first vehicle had stopped 
• Was struck by a Ford F250 truck in the adjoining lane 
• Was transported to the ER at Columbia Memorial Hospital and 
• Was diagnosed with a concussion.

The driver of the truck was not issued a citation.

Officer Robinson of the Astoria Police Department, the officer who responded to the scene of the accident, delivered Oregon Police Traffic Crash Report #A201320204.

He stated that:

• The driver of the vehicle was a "nice guy" who was concerned about Ben's injuries and
• He and another officer had discussed the accident and felt that bicycles should not be ridden across crosswalks.

Within minutes, via internet, I was able to check Oregon laws: 

• 2011 ORS 814.410 ...a bicyclist on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk has the same rights and duties as a pedestrian on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk

• 2011 ORS 811.060 (Class A misdemeanor) Committing vehicular assault of a bicycle operated by a person, a person operating a bicycle or a pedestrian and the contact caused physical injury to the person operating a bicycle or the pedestrian

• 2011 ORS 811.028 (Class B traffic violation) Failure to stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian. A pedestrian is crossing the roadway in a crosswalk when any part of extension of the pedestrian, including but not limited to any part of the pedestrian's body, wheelchair, cane, crutch or bicycle moves onto the roadway in a crosswalk with the intent to proceed.

• 2011 ORS 811.020 (Class B traffic violation) Passing a stopped vehicle at the crosswalk

Oregon attorneys who specialize in bicycle law, agree that a person on a bicycle in a crosswalk has every right that a person on foot has to cross safely. 

I need also to address the implication that the driver of the truck who struck my son was a "nice guy."

Does this assume, then, that my son is not deserving of "nice guy" status? 

Let me introduce you to Ben Johnson.

• 24 year old, African-American with Downs Syndrome
• will never drive a car and has relied on his bicycle to maintain a sense of independence. His bike was a cumbersome 3-wheel adult trike - but it was his joy
• has an acute sense of civic duty. For the past 6 years, every Sunday from the opening of the Astoria Sunday Market in May through the final Sunday in October, Ben has gleaned fruits and vegetables for donation to the Astoria Senior Center. 

He often used his adult trike to collect the produce from the vendors. This is a remarkable contribution to the community since it supplies our low-income seniors with healthy, free produce. By the end of the     market season each October, Ben collects over 1500 pounds of fresh produce for distribution to the Senior Center. 

Over the course of 6 years, he has contributed 9600 pounds of fresh, wholesome food to the Astoria Senior Center. 

In addition, he volunteers with fresh fish butchering and delivery to the Astoria Senior Center, an activity that runs from July through November. He has undertaken this volunteerism over the past 5 years.

As the mother and guardian of Ben, I am his advocate. There is ongoing trauma resulting from this accident, including the nagging feelings that Ben was not protected under Oregon laws and that he has been relegated to a status undeserving of protection under the law. 

I have written to Chief Curzon for explanation of 1) Why the driver who struck Ben was not cited and 2) Why the witnesses to the accident were not contacted to ascertain circumstances regarding the accident?

There has been no response to my concerns.

At this time in Astoria, awareness of pedestrian safety has garnered attention from the public officials. Drivers are cited for their failure to stop at crosswalks when pedestrians intend to cross.

Why, then, was the driver not cited when the pedestrian who crossed under flashing amber lights on a marked crosswalk was struck by his vehicle and injured?

Ben's accident went unreported in the Daily Astorian. According to Patrick Webb, the Police Department would have notified the newspaper of yet another crosswalk accident involving a bicycle and/or pedestrian. Since this accident was not officially reported, I suspect that our city (Astoria) has an even greater incidence of vehicular violations involving pedestrians that go unheeded - and uncited.

Please respond.

Sincerely,

Diana Johnson

Astoria School District, Clatsop County Public Health & Coastal Family Health Plan Informational Meeting For School-Based Health Center

Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013

PUBLIC INVITED TO INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS ON SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CENTER

The public is invited to learn more about the school-based health center proposed for the Astoria School District at a series of community meetings beginning later this month.

The meetings will be held Jan. 30, Feb. 26 and March 21. All the meetings will take place at the Astoria High School auditorium from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Organizers will provide information as well as take feedback and answer questions.

The health center project is a joint effort of the Astoria School District, Coastal Family Health Center (CFHC) and the Clatsop County Public Health Department. Its goal is to provide easier access to health care for district students.

Currently there are more than 60 school-based health centers in Oregon, and 1,800 nationwide. They provide services including routine physical exams, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illness, treatment of minor injuries, vision, dental and blood pressure screenings, immunizations and health education.

Data show that school-based health centers, by providing convenient access to health services, help decrease student absenteeism, reduce unnecessary and costly emergency room visits, and ensure quality and cost-effective care for children and adolescents. Improving access to healthcare also launches youth on a path of wellness and prevention that can pay life-long dividends.

The planning efforts are supported in part by a $60,000 state grant received by the county in 2012 and directed by a steering committee representing the school district, Public Health, CFHC and other entities, as well as AHS students.

Through the public meetings, organizers hope to find out the level of community support, take questions the public has about the project, and hear about services people would like to see provided.

For more information go to www.co.clatsop.or.us.

Released by:

Tom Bennett

Community Relations Coordinator

(503) 338-3622

Charley Reese's Final Article - 545 Versus 300,000,000

Charley Reese's Final column!

A very interesting column. COMPLETELY NEUTRAL.
Be sure to Read the Poem at the end..

Charley Reese's final column for the Orlando Sentinel... He has been a journalist for 49 years. He is retiring and this is HIS LAST COLUMN.

Be sure to read the Tax List at the end.

This is about as clear and easy to understand as it can be. The article below is completely neutral, neither anti-republican or democrat. Charlie Reese, a retired reporter for the Orlando Sentinel, has hit the nail directly on the head, defining clearly who it is that in the final analysis must assume responsibility for the judgments made that impact each one of us every day. It's a short but good read. Worth the time. Worth remembering!

545 vs. 300,000,000 People
-By Charlie Reese

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.

Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?

Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don't propose a federal budget. The President does.

You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.

You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.

You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.

You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one President, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.

I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a President to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.

What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits.. ( The President can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.)

The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House?( John Boehner. He is the leader of the majority party. He and fellow House members, not the President, can approve any budget they want. ) If the President vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to. [The House has passed a budget but the Senate has not approved a budget in over three years. The President's proposed budgets have gotten almost unanimous rejections in the Senate in that time. ]

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.

If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.

If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.

If the Army & Marines are in Iraq and Afghanistan it's because they want them in Iraq and Afghanistan ..

If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.

There are no insoluble government problems.

Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power.
Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.

Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible. They, and they alone, have the power.

They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses. Provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees... We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!

Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.

What you do with this article now that you have read it... is up to you.
This might be funny if it weren't so true.
Be sure to read all the way to the end:

Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table,
At which he's fed.

Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.

Tax his work,
Tax his pay,
He works for
peanuts anyway!

Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.

Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think.

Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries
Tax his tears.

Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his ass.

Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.

When he screams and hollers;
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He's good and sore.

Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he's laid...

Put these words
Upon his tomb,
'Taxes drove me
to my doom...'

When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax.
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
Sales Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, & our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.

What in the heck happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'
I hope this goes around THE USA at least 545 times!!! YOU can help it get there!!!

GO AHEAD. . . BE AN AMERICAN!!!

CCBofC GIVES GO-AHEAD FOR CLATSOP PLAINS LAND-USE PLAN PROJECT

Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013

 

Clatsop County’s Community Development Department is moving forward to implement a land-use study of the Clatsop Plains/Camp Rilea area.

On Wednesday the county board of commissioners approved a contract with a consultant, MIG Inc., to facilitate the development of the North Clatsop Plains Sub-Area Plan. The plan, an addition to the county’s comprehensive land-use plan, will enact recommendations from the Joint Land Use Study (JLUS), a comprehensive project completed last year that examined current and potential compatibility issues between the Camp Rilea military training facility and surrounding residents.

The Sub-Area plan, funded by a $130,000 Department of Defense grant, is due for completion in June 2014. An advisory committee, appointed by the board of commissioners Wednesday, will lead the development of the plan, which will include opportunities for public input.

Clatsop County is seeking two additional members for the advisory panel, specifically from among residents of the study area, which stretches from the south Warrenton city limits to Cullaby Lake. To apply, go to the county website, www.co.clatsop.or.us.

The JLUS study, also DOD-funded, looked at issues of land-use, communications, safety, noise and other areas of possible conflict between Camp Rilea’s military training activities and nearby residential areas. Among recommendations from the study are allowing no increase in density in residential-zoned land, requiring appropriate noise-control measures for new construction, and development of a beach management plan for the shoreline adjacent to Camp Rilea.

The Sub-Area plan will also examine several water-related issues affecting the study area, including water and sewer service and water quality in local lakes.

Camp Rilea was established as a National Guard training site in 1927, and annually hosts as many as 200,000 personnel from U.S. and international military units and state and federal law enforcement agencies for small arms, explosives and urban combat training. The facilities are also made available to public users.

Released by: Tom Bennett

Community Relations Coordinator

(503) 338-3622

January 9, 2012 CCBofC Regular Meeting Agenda Available

Read Full Agenda Here

Clatsop County Housing Authority Meeting Agenda

CLATSOP COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONER’S MEETING Special Board Meeting, 3:30 pm, January 3, 2012 Agenda  AGENDA

Guy Boyington Building

857 Commercial

Astoria, OR 97103

 

1.                                                                                                                                                                                                             ROLL CALL

2.                                                                                                                                                                                                            AGENDA APPROVAL

3.                                                                                                                                                                                                            COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

4.                                                                                                                                                                                                            NEW BUSINESS

a.                                                                                                                                                                                                Consider approval of contract with Heather Reynolds for legal services.

b.                                                                                                                                                                                                Consider approval of contract with Bullard Law for legal services.

c.                                                                                                                                                                                                 Consider approval of intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Northwest Oregon Housing Authority (NOHA).

d.                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary and discussion on Bond Street project.

e.                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary and discuss on Hyak project.

 

5.                                                                                                                                                                                                            Recess Special Meeting to go into Executive Session

 

6.                                                                                                                                                                                                            Executive Session ORS 192.660.2.b. (To consider the dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent who does not request an open hearing.) 

 

7.                                                                                                                                                                                                            Reconvene Special Session to take possible action

8.                                                                                                                                                                                                            Commissioner’s Comments

9.                                                                                                                                                                                                            Adjournment

APPLICATIONS SOUGHT FOR COL-PAC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL SEATS

Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012

Clatsop County is seeking applicants for representatives on the Columbia-Pacific Economic Development District Board of Directors.

Col-Pac provides its government members and small businesses access to various development services and resources from federal, state and local agencies and private sources. The district covers Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook and western Washington counties.

Clatsop County is seeking applicants from the private sector. Vacancies are for a member and alternate.

The Col-Pac board usually meets every other month, on the second Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to noon. Meeting location rotates between member counties.

Applications will be taken through Dec. 31. 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

Clatsop County Commissioner, Peter Huhtala Clarifies His Position On Clatsop Housing Authority

Statement regarding Clatsop County Housing Authority agenda item

delivered by Commissioner Peter Huhtala at Clatsop County Board of

Commissioners meeting on December 12, 2012

Note: This statement expresses the views of Peter Huhtala only, and is not an

official statement of the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners. It was read

into the record on December 12, 2012.

Public meeting law compliance is the central issue here, in my opinion. The core

of this is the methods employed by the Housing Authority in conducting the

public’s business.

Concerns were initially raised about matters that the Board of County

Commissioners decided could best be discussed after more information was

available. But it became more apparent to me that the questions raised by these

matters- which in themselves could be debated- were symptomatic of processes

that were taking place outside of the public arena.

Oregon’s public meeting law applies to the governing body of a public body –

including its subcommittees. Notice must be given as to the time, place and

agenda of these meetings.

On November 28 a CCHA Board member delivered a carefully worded statement

in response a BOCC request for information. This statement had to have been

crafted somewhere, but there was no notice of a public meeting. Similarly, the

language the Chair read into the record at the Housing Authority meeting on

December 6 couldn't have just emerged from the ether, but there was no notice

of an earlier meeting. Also on December 6 the CCHA Board ratified the Finance

Committee retaining an attorney. But there was no opportunity for the public to

observe the deliberations of the Finance Committee. There was no notice of a

Finance Committee meeting to consider hiring an attorney.

Beyond Executive Session exceptions, is there any reason why the Finance

Committee or any other subcommittee of the Housing Authority Board should not

be expected to develop recommendations and make decisions in public? No,

there is not.

The IPM resignation letter certainly caught our attention because of allegations

of child endangerment and breach of contract. But what was more bizarre was

the lack of documented discussion about this matter. If the letter was provided

to the Board, why didn't the members react? Perhaps there was confidence that

a sub-set of the Board was comfortable with the matter. In the March 8, 2011

Minutes, Chair Coulombe states: "We also had a management company

overseeing our properties. The Board was unhappy with their performance, and

we requested more than they were willing to do, therefore they resigned." This

view had apparently become the accepted explanation as opposed to IPM’s

letter. But where in the public eye was IPM’s resignation letter discussed?

In the Hyak procurement matter I don't see that the full CCHA Board exercised

their contract review function. If the contract review discussion was documented,

and the RFP process described to the Board, eyebrows may not have risen.

The CCHA apparently has either explicitly or tacitly delegated contract review

authority to the Projects Committee. The Projects Committee met, again without

any public notice of which I am aware, sometime prior to the September 11,

2012 CCHA Board meeting. That evening the Projects Committee reported to

the full CCHA Board regarding the Hyak property. But the report was for

information only. The contract had already been approved by the Projects

Committee. That's why the details of the Hyak procurement process cannot be

understood by reading the minutes from the full board meeting.

And that's the central point of the procurement matter. It's not whether

procurement policies were followed, but that public moneys were committed

outside of the public's view.

Unfortunately it appears that there is a pattern within the Housing Authority that

discussion, deliberation and at times decisions about important matters occur in

non-noticed subcommittee meetings. The Board is then free to act on the

recommendations from these subcommittees unless decisions have been

delegated. I suppose that this could be an efficient system. But it is not an

acceptable system for a public agency.

Public meeting laws are about openness and transparency. The public has a

right to know what its officials are up to and how public money is being spent. If

we fail to ensure transparency, we lose the public trust.

Note: This statement expresses the views of Peter Huhtala only, and is not an

official statement of the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners. It was read

into the record on December 12, 2012.

CLATSOP COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO HOLD RALLY IN SALEM THURSDAY FOR GILLNETTERS

Monday, Dec. 3, 2012

To show support for the local commercial salmon fishing industry, the Clatsop County Commissioners are organizing a rally on the steps of the state capital in Salem, Thursday at 11:30 a.m.

The commissioners are inviting anyone in the salmon gillnet industry and their supporters to attend the event. The state capital building is located at 900 Court St. NE in Salem.

Representatives of Clatsop County and the Salmon For All commercial fishing group are scheduled to meet with Gov. John Kitzhaber prior to the rally.

The commissioners are opposing a proposal from Gov. Kitzhaber that would prohibit gillnet fishing on the mainstem of the Columbia River. Rules implementing the governor’s proposal, which would limit gillnets to off-channel fishing areas in a three-year phased process, are due to be considered by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission at a meeting Thursday and Friday, Dec. 6-7 in Portland. The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is scheduled to take up the rules at a meeting Dec. 14-15 in Olympia.

Gillnetters and supports argue that the plan would threaten the livelihoods of many area fishermen while accomplishing little toward the conservation of protected salmon runs. Commercial gillnetters harvest at least half of their overall catch in the Columbia channel, through a fishery highly regulated by state and federal agencies.

On Nov. 28 the county board of commissioners opened its regular meeting to testimony from gillnetters and supporters regarding the proposed rules. Twenty-four citizens offered input – an audio recording of the testimony is available online at www.co.clatsop.or.us.

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will take up the gillnet plan beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, Dec. 7 at the Holiday Inn-Portland Airport, Willamette Room, 8439 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland. Public testimony will be taken at the meeting. For more information go to www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/commission.

Released by: Tom Bennett

Community Relations Coordinator

(503) 338-3622

Energy Information Administration Report On Future U.S. Natural Gas Exports

(Click Here)Full Report On The Future Of Natural Gas Exports, Presented By Department Of Fossil Energy

CLATSOP COUNTY TAX DEPARTMENT OFFERS CLASS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012

The Clatsop County Assessment and Taxation Department will host a Business Personal Property training course Thursday, Dec. 13.

The training will provide business owners information on what is considered personal property in business and how to file returns, and explain tax calculations and collection laws. The course is free of charge.

All businesses are required to file a Confidential Personal Property Return with the county assessor’s office each year.

Two sessions will be offered: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria, and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Clatsop Community College South Center, 1455 N. Roosevelt, Seaside.

Due to limited space, reservations are required. Contact Sirpa Duoos at (503) 325-8674 or by e-mail at sduoos@co.clatsop.or.us to reserve a space in one of the sessions.

Released by: Tom Bennett

Community Relations Coordinator

(503) 338-3622

Speacial Weather Statement For North Oregon Coast

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PORTLAND OR

514 AM PST SAT NOV 17 2012

NORTH OREGON COAST-CENTRAL OREGON COAST-

COAST RANGE OF NORTHWEST OREGON-

CENTRAL COAST RANGE OF WESTERN OREGON-LOWER COLUMBIA-

GREATER PORTLAND METRO AREA-CENTRAL WILLAMETTE VALLEY-

SOUTH WILLAMETTE VALLEY-NORTHERN OREGON CASCADE FOOTHILLS-

CASCADE FOOTHILLS IN LANE COUNTY-WILLAPA HILLS-

SOUTH WASHINGTON COAST-I-5 CORRIDOR IN COWLITZ COUNTY-

GREATER VANCOUVER AREA-SOUTH WASHINGTON CASCADE FOOTHILLS-

INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ASTORIA...CANNON BEACH...TILLAMOOK...

LINCOLN CITY...NEWPORT...FLORENCE...VERNONIA...JEWELL...TRASK...

GRANDE RONDE...TIDEWATER...SWISSHOME...ST. HELENS...CLATSKANIE...

HILLSBORO...PORTLAND...OREGON CITY...GRESHAM...SALEM...

MCMINNVILLE...DALLAS...EUGENE...CORVALLIS...ALBANY...SANDY...

SILVER FALLS STATE PARK...SWEET HOME...VIDA...LOWELL...

COTTAGE GROVE...FRANCES...RYDERWOOD...RAYMOND...LONG BEACH...

CATHLAMET...LONGVIEW...KELSO...CASTLE ROCK...VANCOUVER...

BATTLE GROUND...WASHOUGAL...TOUTLE...ARIEL...COUGAR

514 AM PST SAT NOV 17 2012

...STRONG WINDS ALONG THE COAST ON SUNDAY LATER AFTERNOON AND EVENING...

...VERY STRONG AND LOCALLY DAMAGING WINDS POSSIBLE ALONG THE COAST

MONDAY...

...WINDY CONDITIONS INLAND ON MONDAY...

A SERIES OF STRONG FRONTS WILL BRING INCREASINGLY WINDY WEATHER

TO THE REGION...BEGINNING SUNDAY. THE FIRST FRONT IS EXPECTED TO

BRING LOCALLY WINDY CONDITIONS TO THE COAST...WITH THE COASTAL

HEADLANDS FAVORED FOR THE STRONGEST WINDS. CONFIDENCE IS NOT HIGH

ENOUGH WITH THIS FIRST FRONT FOR WIDESPREAD HIGH WINDS...BUT THE

POTENTIAL EXISTS. THE MOST LIKELY TIME FRAME FOR HIGH WINDS WOULD

BE IN THE MID AFTERNOON TO EARLY EVENING SUNDAY. GUSTS TO 60 MPH

OR SLIGHTLY MORE WOULD BE POSSIBLE.

A SECOND EVEN STRONGER FRONT WILL MOVE IN ON MONDAY. THIS FRONT

HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BRING DAMAGING WINDS ALONG THE COAST...

INCLUDING THE COASTAL COMMUNITIES. AT THIS TIME...GUSTS TO 70 MPH

APPEAR POSSIBLE IN THE COASTAL COMMUNITIES...WITH GUSTS TO 80 MPH OR

HIGHER ON THE BEACHES AND HEADLANDS. IT WOULD NOT BE SURPRISING TO

SEE HURRICANE FORCE WIND GUSTS WITH THIS STORM...PARTICULARLY

ALONG THE BEACHES AND EXPOSED HEADLANDS...WHERE GUSTS TO 80 MPH OR

HIGHER ARE POSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY DIFFICULT ALONG

HIGHWAY 101 AND OTHER COASTAL HIGHWAYS. CONFIDENCE ON THE STRENGTH

OF THIS FRONT IS MODERATE TO HIGH.

THERE WILL ALSO BE VERY STRONG WINDS IN THE COAST RANGE...ESPECIALLY

IN THE HIGHER EXPOSED ELEVATIONS WHERE SIMILAR GUSTS TO THOSE

EXPECTED ON THE HEADLANDS MAY OCCUR. LOWER COAST RANGE ELEVATIONS

MAY SEE GUSTS TO 60 MPH.

FOR THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY AND INTERIOR LOCATIONS...MONDAY WILL

ALSO BE WINDY. AT THIS TIME...SUSTAINED WINDS UP TO 30 MPH WITH

GUSTS TO 45 MPH ARE EXPECTED...THOUGH LOCAL HIGHER GUSTS ARE A

POSSIBILITY IF THE STORM TRACK CHANGES.

RESIDENTS AND TRAVELERS ON THE BUSY HOLIDAY TRAVEL WEEK SHOULD STAY

TUNED TO THE LATEST FORECASTS...AS FUTURE WATCHES OR WARNINGS ARE

EXPECTED