CLACKAMAS, Ore. – Oregon and Washington fishery managers have announced that they will be unable to extend retention of chinook salmon in the popular Buoy 10 fishery beyond the scheduled closure date of 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 31. The fishery will remain open through Dec. 31 for hatchery coho salmon and hatchery steelhead.
The relatively slow catch of chinook in recent weeks had fueled speculation that the chinook fishery might be extended. To date, sport anglers have caught approximately half of the expected chinook quota.
Although the total chinook catch was well below expectations, the allowable catch of wild tule chinook, which are listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, has already been exceeded. Given that, extending the chinook fishery at Buoy 10 may have resulted in less recreational fishing upstream of Tongue Point.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
WARREN SLOUGH RAIL GRADE REPAIRS BEGIN
Repairs to the Warren Slough railroad grade, delayed for years by regulatory hurdles and nearly derailed this spring by conflicting fish protection rules, are finally underway.
Work began Aug. 26 to fix the rock-and-earthen berm and install a new culvert that will help control flooding while allowing for the passage of young salmon. The project is slated for completion the week of Aug. 30.
Contractors on the project are Vinson Brothers Construction of Knappa and Nehalem Marine Manufacturing of Nehalem.
The berm was breached in a storm in November 2006. A section of rail line was washed out and several acres of adjacent pastureland left open to flooding, but until recently a thicket of overlapping agency rules has prevented a fix.
The latest obstacle came from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, which recently objected to certain parts of a repair plan that was finally given the green light earlier this year by federal authorities.
Clatsop County has worked with landowners, state and federal agencies and other stakeholders since the breach to get the railroad grade repaired. The county has no direct jurisdiction over the rail line ? it is leased by Portland and Western Railroad from the Oregon Department of Transportation Rail Division, which owns the underlying right-of-way. But the regular flooding of the adjacent pastureland is jeopardizing the bridge over nearby Ziak-Gnat Creek county road.
Tidegates traditionally allowed a limited flow of water from Warren Slough under the rail line and into the pastureland. But since the breach, water pours in unimpeded during high tide, covering the entire area and at times sending water up to the edge of the pavement on Ziak-Gnat Creek Road.
Last March, after a lengthy approval process, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a permit to P&W Railroad to proceed with repairs to plug the breach. The project, to be funded jointly by the railroad and ODOT, was tentatively set to begin this August.
The permit includes a requirement from the National Marine Fisheries Service that P&W install a new six-foot-wide culvert with a fish-friendly tidegate under the railroad berm, in order to allow passage of juvenile salmon that have appeared in the flooded pastureland in the wake of the breach.
But the culvert and tidegate mandated by the national fisheries service don’t comply with new state fish-protection rules, according to ODFW ? the projected water velocities through the new culvert would be too high for the young fish, the agency said.
At a stakeholders meeting in early June convened by County Manager Duane Cole, frustration over the state’s last-minute objections was expressed by various parties: the county due to the damage the flooding is causing to the road and bridge; the Port of Astoria, which is eager to see the line repaired in order provide rail service to its newly acquired industrial space at Tongue Point in Astoria; and two of the owners of the affected pastureland, Gary Ziak and Theresa DeLorenzo, who say the flooding is ruining valuable habitat used by waterfowl, lizards and other wildlife.
But in July, representatives from ODFW and NMFS, as well as Sen. Betsy Johnson, met in Salem and reached agreement on a plan that will allow the project, with the NMFS-mandated culvert, to go forward this year as planned. The project will include a long-term monitoring plan and provisions to adjust the new tidegate as needed to control water flow.
“County Transportation and Development Services Director Ed Wegner played a key role in convening the agency parties to keep the project on track,” Cole said. “While the project permit is held by the railroad and ODOT Rail, it is important to the county to get the breach fixed in order to protect Ziak-Gnat Creek Road.”
Cole also thanked the neighboring property owners for their patience. “They have waited too long for the agencies to resolve this very simple problem.”
Work began Aug. 26 to fix the rock-and-earthen berm and install a new culvert that will help control flooding while allowing for the passage of young salmon. The project is slated for completion the week of Aug. 30.
Contractors on the project are Vinson Brothers Construction of Knappa and Nehalem Marine Manufacturing of Nehalem.
The berm was breached in a storm in November 2006. A section of rail line was washed out and several acres of adjacent pastureland left open to flooding, but until recently a thicket of overlapping agency rules has prevented a fix.
The latest obstacle came from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, which recently objected to certain parts of a repair plan that was finally given the green light earlier this year by federal authorities.
Clatsop County has worked with landowners, state and federal agencies and other stakeholders since the breach to get the railroad grade repaired. The county has no direct jurisdiction over the rail line ? it is leased by Portland and Western Railroad from the Oregon Department of Transportation Rail Division, which owns the underlying right-of-way. But the regular flooding of the adjacent pastureland is jeopardizing the bridge over nearby Ziak-Gnat Creek county road.
Tidegates traditionally allowed a limited flow of water from Warren Slough under the rail line and into the pastureland. But since the breach, water pours in unimpeded during high tide, covering the entire area and at times sending water up to the edge of the pavement on Ziak-Gnat Creek Road.
Last March, after a lengthy approval process, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a permit to P&W Railroad to proceed with repairs to plug the breach. The project, to be funded jointly by the railroad and ODOT, was tentatively set to begin this August.
The permit includes a requirement from the National Marine Fisheries Service that P&W install a new six-foot-wide culvert with a fish-friendly tidegate under the railroad berm, in order to allow passage of juvenile salmon that have appeared in the flooded pastureland in the wake of the breach.
But the culvert and tidegate mandated by the national fisheries service don’t comply with new state fish-protection rules, according to ODFW ? the projected water velocities through the new culvert would be too high for the young fish, the agency said.
At a stakeholders meeting in early June convened by County Manager Duane Cole, frustration over the state’s last-minute objections was expressed by various parties: the county due to the damage the flooding is causing to the road and bridge; the Port of Astoria, which is eager to see the line repaired in order provide rail service to its newly acquired industrial space at Tongue Point in Astoria; and two of the owners of the affected pastureland, Gary Ziak and Theresa DeLorenzo, who say the flooding is ruining valuable habitat used by waterfowl, lizards and other wildlife.
But in July, representatives from ODFW and NMFS, as well as Sen. Betsy Johnson, met in Salem and reached agreement on a plan that will allow the project, with the NMFS-mandated culvert, to go forward this year as planned. The project will include a long-term monitoring plan and provisions to adjust the new tidegate as needed to control water flow.
“County Transportation and Development Services Director Ed Wegner played a key role in convening the agency parties to keep the project on track,” Cole said. “While the project permit is held by the railroad and ODOT Rail, it is important to the county to get the breach fixed in order to protect Ziak-Gnat Creek Road.”
Cole also thanked the neighboring property owners for their patience. “They have waited too long for the agencies to resolve this very simple problem.”
Friday, August 27, 2010
Board of Clatsop County Commissioners action this week:
Flood Hazard ordinance adopted
The board held a public hearing but on an ordinance codifying new flood hazard maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency into the county’s land-use plan. The maps, developed by FEMA under a nation-wide review, increase the amount of land in the county deemed vulnerable to 100-year floods, flood events projected to occur once every 100 years. That designation in turn adds new building restrictions to many properties within the identified flood zones, such as increased minimum heights for new structures.
The hearing was continued to Sept. 8. The county is required to adopt the new maps by Sept. 17, if not, local property owners would be ineligible to participate in the national flood insurance program.
Jon Johnson, resident of Beerman Creek Lane south of Seaside, testified that one of the new FEMA maps placed his property within the flood plain, even though there had been no recorded flooding on the land since at least the 1920s.
County Planner Jennifer Bunch said a process exists for individual property owners to challenge FEMA maps, but that it can be costly.
Emergency Management transferred
The Board of Commissioners approved a plan to shift the county’s Emergency Management Division from the jurisdiction of the Sheriff’s Office to the County Manager’s Office. The change is designed to improve communications, simplify the chain of command and include more county personnel in emergency training and planning.
Human Resources Director Dean Perez will become Emergency Management Division Director. Current Emergency Services Manager Gene Strong and Emergency Services Coordinator Tom Manning will retain their assignments.
Sheriff Tom Bergin told the board he endorsed the change and had “total faith” that the Emergency Management program would flourish under the County Manager.
Hazardous waste agreements okayed
The board approved two agreements, with the City of Seaside and Western Oregon Waste (WOW), providing for new tipping fees collected by WOW at the local waste transfer station to be given to the county to fund the new Household Hazardous Waste program. Fees were increased effective July 1 to fund the HHW program, which will fund periodic community collection events around the county to receive hazardous materials such as paint, motor oil, pesticides and other substances.
Land use study panelists appointed
The board appointed Commissioner John Raichl and county Planning Commission member Clarke Powers to the newly formed committee overseeing the Camp Rilea Joint Land Use Study. The JLUS, funded with a $ Defense Department grant, is intended to provide guidance for future land-use management around the 1,800-acre military facility and prevent conflicts with potentially incompatible development.
The committee will represent a variety of participating local, state, federal and tribal stakeholders.
Other Business
In other business the board:
-approved a zone change from Tourist-Commercial to Residential Agriculture 2 for a property on U.S. Highway 26 near the Jewell Junction.
-certified three local emergency shelter programs operated by Women’s Resource Center, Restoration House and Helping Hands in order to qualify them for $17,063 in federal funding through the Emergency Shelter Grant Program. The money will be evenly divided among the three organizations.
The board held a public hearing but on an ordinance codifying new flood hazard maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency into the county’s land-use plan. The maps, developed by FEMA under a nation-wide review, increase the amount of land in the county deemed vulnerable to 100-year floods, flood events projected to occur once every 100 years. That designation in turn adds new building restrictions to many properties within the identified flood zones, such as increased minimum heights for new structures.
The hearing was continued to Sept. 8. The county is required to adopt the new maps by Sept. 17, if not, local property owners would be ineligible to participate in the national flood insurance program.
Jon Johnson, resident of Beerman Creek Lane south of Seaside, testified that one of the new FEMA maps placed his property within the flood plain, even though there had been no recorded flooding on the land since at least the 1920s.
County Planner Jennifer Bunch said a process exists for individual property owners to challenge FEMA maps, but that it can be costly.
Emergency Management transferred
The Board of Commissioners approved a plan to shift the county’s Emergency Management Division from the jurisdiction of the Sheriff’s Office to the County Manager’s Office. The change is designed to improve communications, simplify the chain of command and include more county personnel in emergency training and planning.
Human Resources Director Dean Perez will become Emergency Management Division Director. Current Emergency Services Manager Gene Strong and Emergency Services Coordinator Tom Manning will retain their assignments.
Sheriff Tom Bergin told the board he endorsed the change and had “total faith” that the Emergency Management program would flourish under the County Manager.
Hazardous waste agreements okayed
The board approved two agreements, with the City of Seaside and Western Oregon Waste (WOW), providing for new tipping fees collected by WOW at the local waste transfer station to be given to the county to fund the new Household Hazardous Waste program. Fees were increased effective July 1 to fund the HHW program, which will fund periodic community collection events around the county to receive hazardous materials such as paint, motor oil, pesticides and other substances.
Land use study panelists appointed
The board appointed Commissioner John Raichl and county Planning Commission member Clarke Powers to the newly formed committee overseeing the Camp Rilea Joint Land Use Study. The JLUS, funded with a $ Defense Department grant, is intended to provide guidance for future land-use management around the 1,800-acre military facility and prevent conflicts with potentially incompatible development.
The committee will represent a variety of participating local, state, federal and tribal stakeholders.
Other Business
In other business the board:
-approved a zone change from Tourist-Commercial to Residential Agriculture 2 for a property on U.S. Highway 26 near the Jewell Junction.
-certified three local emergency shelter programs operated by Women’s Resource Center, Restoration House and Helping Hands in order to qualify them for $17,063 in federal funding through the Emergency Shelter Grant Program. The money will be evenly divided among the three organizations.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Oregon Governor, Senate President and Speaker Outline Process to Address September Revenue Shortfall,
Salem – Today Governor Ted Kulongoski, Senate President Peter Courtney and House Speaker Dave Hunt outlined a process to rebalance the state budget after the State Economist reported a $377.5 million dollar shortfall in the September revenue forecast for the current 2009-11 biennium.
With the recent federal assistance, the Governor, Senate President and Speaker assured school districts that additional cuts to K-12 as a result of the forecast will not be necessary and pledged to maintain funding at the June level of $5.756 billion for K-12 education.
“With school about to start, we want to assure Oregon families and their school districts that even with this revenue shortfall, there will be stability for school budgets, while also maintaining a responsible level of reserves for the last three quarters of this budget period,” said Governor Ted Kulongoski.
In addition to the $118 million in federal assistance recently approved by Congress, the Governor, Senate President and Speaker agreed that in order to protect schools, approximately $34 million of the state reserve funds will be committed to K-12 when the legislature convenes in February 2011.
After this commitment to schools, approximately two-thirds of the State Education Stability Fund and Rainy Day Fund will remain in savings to address the uncertainty of the last three revenue forecasts of the 2009-11 biennium.
“It’s raining. It’s clearly the right time to use the rainy day funds we’ve set aside to protect kids, services for seniors and vulnerable Oregonians to help them through this global recession,” said Speaker Hunt (D-Clackamas County). “We are continuing to provide services for more Oregonians with less resources.”
"We're putting the priorities of Oregon families at the front of the line. Our plan keeps the doors of our schools open and the gates of our prisons closed. It maintains care for our senior citizens, assistance for people with disabilities and healthcare for our most vulnerable," said Courtney (D-Salem/Gervais/Woodburn). “We have taken a deliberate and cautious approach and achieved these priorities without the need for a special session.”
In addition to protecting education, the Governor, Senate President and Speaker outlined the following next steps to bring the budget into balance:
• The Governor will utilize his statutory allotment authority as provided under ORS 291.261 to make additional across the board cuts.
• The Governor will ask state agencies to begin developing plans to implement the cuts needed to rebalance the budget for the remainder of this biennium, which amounts to 8% reductions with 9 months remaining in the 2009-11 biennium.
• Through the bipartisan Legislative Emergency Board and the 2011 session, funding will be restored to maintain K-12 schools at their current funding level; maintain critical services for our seniors and vulnerable Oregonians; protect public safety and prevent prison closures for the remainder of the current biennium.
“This plan is fiscally responsible, provides stability and certainty for Oregonians and does not require a special session,” Governor Kulongoski said.
Information about cuts to specific agencies, the cost of the services the E-board will restore and the exact sequence of events will be determined prior to the E-Board meeting on September 23.
With the recent federal assistance, the Governor, Senate President and Speaker assured school districts that additional cuts to K-12 as a result of the forecast will not be necessary and pledged to maintain funding at the June level of $5.756 billion for K-12 education.
“With school about to start, we want to assure Oregon families and their school districts that even with this revenue shortfall, there will be stability for school budgets, while also maintaining a responsible level of reserves for the last three quarters of this budget period,” said Governor Ted Kulongoski.
In addition to the $118 million in federal assistance recently approved by Congress, the Governor, Senate President and Speaker agreed that in order to protect schools, approximately $34 million of the state reserve funds will be committed to K-12 when the legislature convenes in February 2011.
After this commitment to schools, approximately two-thirds of the State Education Stability Fund and Rainy Day Fund will remain in savings to address the uncertainty of the last three revenue forecasts of the 2009-11 biennium.
“It’s raining. It’s clearly the right time to use the rainy day funds we’ve set aside to protect kids, services for seniors and vulnerable Oregonians to help them through this global recession,” said Speaker Hunt (D-Clackamas County). “We are continuing to provide services for more Oregonians with less resources.”
"We're putting the priorities of Oregon families at the front of the line. Our plan keeps the doors of our schools open and the gates of our prisons closed. It maintains care for our senior citizens, assistance for people with disabilities and healthcare for our most vulnerable," said Courtney (D-Salem/Gervais/Woodburn). “We have taken a deliberate and cautious approach and achieved these priorities without the need for a special session.”
In addition to protecting education, the Governor, Senate President and Speaker outlined the following next steps to bring the budget into balance:
• The Governor will utilize his statutory allotment authority as provided under ORS 291.261 to make additional across the board cuts.
• The Governor will ask state agencies to begin developing plans to implement the cuts needed to rebalance the budget for the remainder of this biennium, which amounts to 8% reductions with 9 months remaining in the 2009-11 biennium.
• Through the bipartisan Legislative Emergency Board and the 2011 session, funding will be restored to maintain K-12 schools at their current funding level; maintain critical services for our seniors and vulnerable Oregonians; protect public safety and prevent prison closures for the remainder of the current biennium.
“This plan is fiscally responsible, provides stability and certainty for Oregonians and does not require a special session,” Governor Kulongoski said.
Information about cuts to specific agencies, the cost of the services the E-board will restore and the exact sequence of events will be determined prior to the E-Board meeting on September 23.
CLATSOP COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OKAY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT MOVE
The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday approved a plan to place the county’s Emergency Management Division under the County Manager’s office.
The move, which will take effect Oct. 1, is aimed at providing improved communications, coordination between agencies and training for county personnel.
The plan was endorsed by the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, which currently oversees Emergency Management.
“It’s a good thing for the county, and it’s time for (Emergency Management) to stand on its own, and to make this an even greater entity for the county,” Sheriff Tom Bergin told the commissioners Wednesday.
Under the plan, Human Resources Director Dean Perez will become the county’s appointed Emergency Management Division Director. Current Emergency Services Manager Gene Strong will become deputy director with oversight of the Incident Management Team as well as general staff. Emergency Services Coordinator Tom Manning will remain in charge of coordinating volunteers, including Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTSs) and HAM radio operators. The county’s search and rescue teams, however, will remain under the Sheriff’s Office.
Perez said the change allows the county to build on the work the Sheriff’s Office has done in recent years building up Emergency Management. The switch aligns Emergency Management under a comprehensive management model that incorporates strategic planning, use of advisory committees and comprehensive risk assessment. It also recognizes that while the Sheriff’s Office will remain a key partner in local emergencies, many other county departments, including Public Health and the Road Division, may also have critical and even leading roles to play, depending on the situation.
“I envision improved communications, and an orderly line of authority to the county manager’s office and our board of commissioners will shorten the chain of command,” Perez said.
Perez also brings 24 years of military experience to the job. A lieutenant colonel in the Oregon Army National Guard, he has deployed to real-life emergencies including floods, fires and a riot, and will provide a key link to the Oregon Military Department, one of the county’s most important partners in any emergency response.
Last year the county established a new Emergency Operations Center at Rilea Armed Forces Training Center in Warrenton. The facility, with up-to-date communications links within and outside the county, is designed to serve as Clatsop County’s main communications center for any significant emergency event.
“We will have the ability to marshal a lot more resources in a shorter amount of time with a lot less friction,” Perez said.
The move, which will take effect Oct. 1, is aimed at providing improved communications, coordination between agencies and training for county personnel.
The plan was endorsed by the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, which currently oversees Emergency Management.
“It’s a good thing for the county, and it’s time for (Emergency Management) to stand on its own, and to make this an even greater entity for the county,” Sheriff Tom Bergin told the commissioners Wednesday.
Under the plan, Human Resources Director Dean Perez will become the county’s appointed Emergency Management Division Director. Current Emergency Services Manager Gene Strong will become deputy director with oversight of the Incident Management Team as well as general staff. Emergency Services Coordinator Tom Manning will remain in charge of coordinating volunteers, including Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTSs) and HAM radio operators. The county’s search and rescue teams, however, will remain under the Sheriff’s Office.
Perez said the change allows the county to build on the work the Sheriff’s Office has done in recent years building up Emergency Management. The switch aligns Emergency Management under a comprehensive management model that incorporates strategic planning, use of advisory committees and comprehensive risk assessment. It also recognizes that while the Sheriff’s Office will remain a key partner in local emergencies, many other county departments, including Public Health and the Road Division, may also have critical and even leading roles to play, depending on the situation.
“I envision improved communications, and an orderly line of authority to the county manager’s office and our board of commissioners will shorten the chain of command,” Perez said.
Perez also brings 24 years of military experience to the job. A lieutenant colonel in the Oregon Army National Guard, he has deployed to real-life emergencies including floods, fires and a riot, and will provide a key link to the Oregon Military Department, one of the county’s most important partners in any emergency response.
Last year the county established a new Emergency Operations Center at Rilea Armed Forces Training Center in Warrenton. The facility, with up-to-date communications links within and outside the county, is designed to serve as Clatsop County’s main communications center for any significant emergency event.
“We will have the ability to marshal a lot more resources in a shorter amount of time with a lot less friction,” Perez said.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
PACIFIC AND WAHKIAKUM COUNTY PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS
In the Race for Pacific County Commissioner, candidate Lisa Ayers was the top vote getter, with 815. Coming in second was Cathy Russ, with 684. Incumbent Clay Harwood did not place in the top two, so will not retain his seat.
Incumbent Pacific County Sheriff John Didion and Washington State Patrol Trooper Scott Johnson, who is seeking the Sheriff’s office, will both advance to the November election. Johnson received the most votes in last night’s count, with 3,264 to Didion’s 2,972.
In the one-year supplemental property-tax levy for the Ocean Beach School District, so far its too close to call. Last night’s returns showed 1,650 in favor and 1,643 against.
Pacific County Assessor Bruce Walker, Auditor Pat Gardner, Treasurer Renee Goodin, Clerk Virginia Leach, and Prosecuting Attorney David Burke all ran unopposed for their seats.
As of last night Pacific County reported a 51 percent turnout with 6,695 of 13,030 mailed ballots returned.
In Wahkiakum County, in the race for the district three commissioner’s seat, incumbent Blair Brady got 234 votes to challenger Lori Scott’s 155.
John Dearmore and Troy Norris will advance to the November primary in the race for the Sheriff’s office. Dearmore won 1, 069 votes to Norris’s 183.
For the Assessor’s seat, challenger Bill Coons received 699 votes in last night’s count, topping incumbent Sulema Zerr’s 652. Both candidates will advance to the November general election.
County Auditor Diane Tischer, Treasurer Paula Holloway, Clerk Kay Holland and Prosecuting Attorney Dan Bigelow all ran unopposed. 1:50
For the district 3 seat on the Public Utility Board of Directors, incumbent Esther Gregg led with 149 votes. Dennis Reid got 123 votes, and Pam Anderson trailed with 112. The top two will advance to the November General Election.
As of last night Wahkiakum County reported a 54 percent turnout with 1,435 ballots returned from 2, 640 registered voters.
Incumbent Pacific County Sheriff John Didion and Washington State Patrol Trooper Scott Johnson, who is seeking the Sheriff’s office, will both advance to the November election. Johnson received the most votes in last night’s count, with 3,264 to Didion’s 2,972.
In the one-year supplemental property-tax levy for the Ocean Beach School District, so far its too close to call. Last night’s returns showed 1,650 in favor and 1,643 against.
Pacific County Assessor Bruce Walker, Auditor Pat Gardner, Treasurer Renee Goodin, Clerk Virginia Leach, and Prosecuting Attorney David Burke all ran unopposed for their seats.
As of last night Pacific County reported a 51 percent turnout with 6,695 of 13,030 mailed ballots returned.
In Wahkiakum County, in the race for the district three commissioner’s seat, incumbent Blair Brady got 234 votes to challenger Lori Scott’s 155.
John Dearmore and Troy Norris will advance to the November primary in the race for the Sheriff’s office. Dearmore won 1, 069 votes to Norris’s 183.
For the Assessor’s seat, challenger Bill Coons received 699 votes in last night’s count, topping incumbent Sulema Zerr’s 652. Both candidates will advance to the November general election.
County Auditor Diane Tischer, Treasurer Paula Holloway, Clerk Kay Holland and Prosecuting Attorney Dan Bigelow all ran unopposed. 1:50
For the district 3 seat on the Public Utility Board of Directors, incumbent Esther Gregg led with 149 votes. Dennis Reid got 123 votes, and Pam Anderson trailed with 112. The top two will advance to the November General Election.
As of last night Wahkiakum County reported a 54 percent turnout with 1,435 ballots returned from 2, 640 registered voters.
Monday, August 16, 2010
PUBLIC HEARING HELD AUG. 25 ON NEW FEMA CLATSOP COUNTY FLOOD MAPS
The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners will take public testimony at a hearing Wednesday, Aug. 25 on new federal flood maps.
The hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.
The maps, part of the National Flood Insurance Program, identify areas of the county susceptible to “100-year floods,” or flood events projected to occur once every 100 years.
The new FEMA maps were developed as part of an initiative launched in 2003 to transform old, paper flood-plain maps into easier-to-use digital versions. Along with the map modernization project, FEMA also launched a nationwide program to evaluate flood-control levees across the country and ensure they met the federal agency’s minimum design and maintenance standards.
As a result of the evaluation, all levees in Clatsop County were deemed non-compliant, and properties on land protected by the levees are now considered at risk of flooding.
When the new maps were first made public in 2007, many property owners and local official complained that they contained numerous inaccuracies. Clatsop County and the City of Warrenton filed a formal appeal, but aside from some minor changes FEMA adopted the maps and forwarded them to local jurisdictions last March to incorporate into their land-use codes.
If the board of commissioners doesn’t adopt the new maps by FEMA’s Sept. 17 deadline, the county could be dropped from the National Flood Insurance Program, leaving affected property owners ineligible for coverage through the program.
The county’s action covers only the unincorporated areas of Clatsop County. Cities must adopt FEMA flood maps covering any affected lands within their boundaries.
Earning FEMA certification is difficult for many local diking districts because they are required to have professional engineers inspect and sign off on the structures, something many engineers are reluctant to do because of liability concerns, according to County Planner Jennifer Bunch. In other cases, some levees in the county were deemed too short to hold back 100-year-flood waters, but raising them to the necessary height would require extensive widening of the base into sensitive areas like wetlands, she said.
Areas of the county most impacted by the new maps are Brownsmead and Miles Crossing/Jeffers Garden. FEMA also incorporated findings from a 2007 study of the Necanicum/Beerman Creek area south of Seaside that greatly expanded the flood hazard zone there.
The result for property owners in the affected areas is more stringent building standards, specifically an increase in minimum heights for habitable dwellings to place them above the new Base Flood Elevation. The county planning division is already enforcing these height requirements for new structures ? in Miles Crossing, one new home was required to be built with its first floor more than six feet above the ground.
The complete staff report on the Flood Hazard Overlay ordinance can be viewed on the Clatsop County website, www.co.clatsop.or.us under “Hot Topics.”
The hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.
The maps, part of the National Flood Insurance Program, identify areas of the county susceptible to “100-year floods,” or flood events projected to occur once every 100 years.
The new FEMA maps were developed as part of an initiative launched in 2003 to transform old, paper flood-plain maps into easier-to-use digital versions. Along with the map modernization project, FEMA also launched a nationwide program to evaluate flood-control levees across the country and ensure they met the federal agency’s minimum design and maintenance standards.
As a result of the evaluation, all levees in Clatsop County were deemed non-compliant, and properties on land protected by the levees are now considered at risk of flooding.
When the new maps were first made public in 2007, many property owners and local official complained that they contained numerous inaccuracies. Clatsop County and the City of Warrenton filed a formal appeal, but aside from some minor changes FEMA adopted the maps and forwarded them to local jurisdictions last March to incorporate into their land-use codes.
If the board of commissioners doesn’t adopt the new maps by FEMA’s Sept. 17 deadline, the county could be dropped from the National Flood Insurance Program, leaving affected property owners ineligible for coverage through the program.
The county’s action covers only the unincorporated areas of Clatsop County. Cities must adopt FEMA flood maps covering any affected lands within their boundaries.
Earning FEMA certification is difficult for many local diking districts because they are required to have professional engineers inspect and sign off on the structures, something many engineers are reluctant to do because of liability concerns, according to County Planner Jennifer Bunch. In other cases, some levees in the county were deemed too short to hold back 100-year-flood waters, but raising them to the necessary height would require extensive widening of the base into sensitive areas like wetlands, she said.
Areas of the county most impacted by the new maps are Brownsmead and Miles Crossing/Jeffers Garden. FEMA also incorporated findings from a 2007 study of the Necanicum/Beerman Creek area south of Seaside that greatly expanded the flood hazard zone there.
The result for property owners in the affected areas is more stringent building standards, specifically an increase in minimum heights for habitable dwellings to place them above the new Base Flood Elevation. The county planning division is already enforcing these height requirements for new structures ? in Miles Crossing, one new home was required to be built with its first floor more than six feet above the ground.
The complete staff report on the Flood Hazard Overlay ordinance can be viewed on the Clatsop County website, www.co.clatsop.or.us under “Hot Topics.”
FILING DEADLINE FOR CLATSOP AND TILLAMOOK ELECTION RACES IS AUG. 24
The deadline to file as a candidate for one of several local offices up for election this November is Aug. 24.
The following positions are up for election:
City of Astoria
Mayor
Councilor, Ward 1
Councilor, Ward 3
City of Cannon Beach
Mayor
Two Councilor At Large positions
City of Gearhart
Councilor, Position 1
Councilor, Position 3
City of Seaside
Mayor
Councilor, Ward 1
Councilor, Ward 2
Councilor, At Large, Ward 3
Councilor, At Large, Ward 4
City of Warrenton
Commissioner, Position 4
Commissioner, Position 5
Clatsop Soil and Water Conservation District
Director, Zone 1
Director, Zone 2
Director, Zone 4
Director, At Large Position 2
Tillamook PUD
Director, Subdivision 5
Candidates for city council positions file with the respective cities. call the cities to find out about filing fees, petition signatures and other requirements. Candidates for Soil and Water Conservation District file with the Oregon Department of Agriculture (503-325-4571 for more information). Tillamook PUD candidates file with the Tillamook County Clerk (503-842-1599).
Deadline to submit statements for the Voters Pamphlet is Sept. 7.
For more information contact the Clatsop County Clerk’s Office at (503) 325-8511 or the Clatsop County web site.
The following positions are up for election:
City of Astoria
Mayor
Councilor, Ward 1
Councilor, Ward 3
City of Cannon Beach
Mayor
Two Councilor At Large positions
City of Gearhart
Councilor, Position 1
Councilor, Position 3
City of Seaside
Mayor
Councilor, Ward 1
Councilor, Ward 2
Councilor, At Large, Ward 3
Councilor, At Large, Ward 4
City of Warrenton
Commissioner, Position 4
Commissioner, Position 5
Clatsop Soil and Water Conservation District
Director, Zone 1
Director, Zone 2
Director, Zone 4
Director, At Large Position 2
Tillamook PUD
Director, Subdivision 5
Candidates for city council positions file with the respective cities. call the cities to find out about filing fees, petition signatures and other requirements. Candidates for Soil and Water Conservation District file with the Oregon Department of Agriculture (503-325-4571 for more information). Tillamook PUD candidates file with the Tillamook County Clerk (503-842-1599).
Deadline to submit statements for the Voters Pamphlet is Sept. 7.
For more information contact the Clatsop County Clerk’s Office at (503) 325-8511 or the Clatsop County web site.
Friday, August 13, 2010
VOLUNTEERS WANTED TO SERVE ON CLATSOP COUNTY PROPERTY TAX APPEAL BOARD
Clatsop County needs volunteers to help decide appeals of property taxes.
The Board of Property Tax Appeals hears petitions from taxpayers seeking to decrease their real market or assessed property values. The board also considers requests to excuse penalties for late filings of real or personal property returns.
The Board of Commissioners makes appointments to a pool, from which the County Clerk selects three people to serve on the Board of Property Tax Appeals. Training is provided. The committee holds several daytime meetings beginning the first Monday in February to hear petitions. The committee adjourns no later than April 15 of each year.
The current openings are for terms ending June 30, 2011.
Application forms for the appointment are available online at www.co.clatsop.or.us (go to “Committee Application” under “Hot Topics”). Or contact the Clatsop County Manager’s Office, 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, (503) 325-1000. Applications must be completed and turned in by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7 to be considered.
The Board of Property Tax Appeals hears petitions from taxpayers seeking to decrease their real market or assessed property values. The board also considers requests to excuse penalties for late filings of real or personal property returns.
The Board of Commissioners makes appointments to a pool, from which the County Clerk selects three people to serve on the Board of Property Tax Appeals. Training is provided. The committee holds several daytime meetings beginning the first Monday in February to hear petitions. The committee adjourns no later than April 15 of each year.
The current openings are for terms ending June 30, 2011.
Application forms for the appointment are available online at www.co.clatsop.or.us (go to “Committee Application” under “Hot Topics”). Or contact the Clatsop County Manager’s Office, 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, (503) 325-1000. Applications must be completed and turned in by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7 to be considered.
Monday, August 9, 2010
FOREST GROVE OR FIRE CHIEF DELIVERS BABY IN FIRE STATION PARKING LOT
just before 1 PM Friday August 6th Fire Chief Michael Kinkade was left alone at the fire station located in Downtown Forest Grove. Doing paper work and walking down the hallway to grab something for his project, Michael noticed the front door FLY open. A gentleman runs in and yells, "My wife is having a baby." Michael calmly instructs the man to go back out to his wife and he would go get the firefighters to come assist him, but at that moment he realizes that the fire engine is currently on their fifth medical call for the day. He immediately radioed for the fire engine to return to the station while rushing out to the car in the parking lot with medical gear and started to deliver the baby. It took only 4 minutes to deliver the healthy 18.5 inch tall, 6 pound 8 ounce baby boy. In the mean time, the tones were going off for the seventh call of the day which happened to be a commercial fire in town. Michael requested that Firefighter/Paramedic Tony Carter stay to help transfer the mother and new born child to the awaiting Metro West ambulance while the rest of the fire engine crew responded to the fire. After the transfer of mother and son had occurred and were on the way to the hospital, Chief Kinkade and Firefighter Carter then responded to the fire which luckily turned out to be very minor.
Chief Kinkade stated that this was his 29th delivery of a child while working in the emergency services field. But this was the first time he had to do a delivery completely on his own with out a fire engine crew or ambulance to be readily available to help. It just goes to show that emergencies happen everywhere, even at the fire station.
Chief Kinkade stated that this was his 29th delivery of a child while working in the emergency services field. But this was the first time he had to do a delivery completely on his own with out a fire engine crew or ambulance to be readily available to help. It just goes to show that emergencies happen everywhere, even at the fire station.
Friday, August 6, 2010
VETERAN LIEUTENANT APPOINTED AS OSP FISH & WILDLIFE DIVISION DIRECTOR
Oregon State Police (OSP) Superintendent Timothy McLain announced the appointment of a veteran OSP lieutenant as the Department's next Director of the OSP Fish & Wildlife Division.
Effective August 1st, Jeff Samuels, age 44, was promoted to Captain of the OSP Fish & Wildlife Division directing the enforcement efforts of fish, wildlife, and commercial fishing laws and the protection of natural resources. With an authorized staffing of 117 troopers, sergeants and lieutenants, the men and women of the Fish and Wildlife Division also enforce traffic, criminal, boating, livestock and environmental protection laws in addition to responding to emergency situations.
"Jeff's broad base of experiences and knowledge will help the Fish & Wildlife Division move forward, providing professional and outstanding public safety services throughout our State," said McLain.
The OSP Fish & Wildlife Division is comprised of four sections:
* The Wildlife Section which enforces and protects Oregon's wildlife and natural resources. The Wildlife Section provides enforcement protection for big game animals, furbearers, waterfowl, upland game birds, and non-game wildlife.
* The Fisheries Section which enforces and protects Oregon's sport and commercial fishery regulations and marine resources. The Fisheries Section provides industry regulation and assistance to all commercial fisheries activities, charter vessels, guides, and outfitters, as well as coordinates the formation of policies and enforces laws and regulations affecting sport fisheries.
* The Special Investigations Unit that is primarily responsible for conducting in-depth and complex investigations of individuals or groups in violation of the fish and wildlife laws and regulations, with specific emphasis on those violators that are flagrant or illegally commercializing our state's fish and wildlife resources.
* The Aircraft Program providing aerial support to Fish and Wildlife troopers and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife staff for wildlife management.
Samuels started with OSP as a seasonal cadet before being hired as a full-time recruit trooper in 1989. Since that time he worked Patrol Division assignments at Corvallis, Gold Beach, and Salem. In 1998, he transferred into the Fish & Wildlife Division's Special Investigations Unit in Salem, working as a trooper and later as the unit's Sergeant supervising the special team between 2004 and 2006. He was promoted into a division Lieutenant's position overseeing the Fisheries Section.
Deputy Director Curt Melcher of the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, a primary partner of the OSP Fish & Wildlife Division, praised the choice of Samuels as the new OSP division director.
"Jeff is an outstanding choice as the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division Captain. His experience working with the agency has been invaluable when it comes to protecting fish and wildlife," said Deputy Director Curt Melcher, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
ODFW sets fish and wildlife resource management goals. Then ODFW, with OSP involvement, develops regulations to achieve the management goals and objectives. OSP assures compliance with the regulations to achieve resource management goals.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
SPACE STILL AVAILABLE IN ATV RIDERCOURSE PROGRAM AT CLATSOP COUNTY FAIR
There are still spaces open in the last two days of the ATV Ridercourse offered at this week’s Clatsop County Fair.
The Ridercourse, offered in cooperation by the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office and the ATV Safety Institute, is a four-hour hands-on ATV training course that presents basic ATV riding skills. This course satisfies the upcoming requirement that youth riders under age 16 have hands-on ATV safety training.
Space is still available on courses offered Friday and Saturday, Aug. 6-7 at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds. Friday’s course is for ages 12 to 15, and Saturday’s for ages 6 to 11. The courses begin at 9 a.m. each day.
Enrollment for the class will be handled through the ATV Safety Institute. Although the entry fee is $55, enrollees can qualify for $45 of the class fee to be paid by Oregon State Parks. To qualify for this scholarship, enrollees need to sign up for the class by calling ASI Enrollment Express at 800-887-2887 ? be sure to mention and request the Oregon tuition assistance.
Those wishing to bring their own ATVs are encouraged to do so. Please review the Oregon Rider Fit laws to ensure the youth are properly fitted to the machine. Students not conforming to the Rider Fit laws will not be allowed to participate on that machine and may have to be rescheduled. The Rider Fit laws can be found here at http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/ATV/Rider_fit.shtml
A limited number of loaner ATVs will be available to those desiring to participate but who do not have access to an ATV. These are being made available courtesy of the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office ATV Safety Program.
Participants will need to provide for their own proper fitting helmet, gloves, goggles, long sleeve shirt, full length pants, and boots which cover the ankle at a minimum. At least one parent or adult support person is required for those students under age 12. Parents for those over age 12 are encouraged to remain and support their child during the class.
The class will be conducted in a field area just east of the Carnival area. Admission to the fair is not required to participate in the Ridercourse.
Also on display at the fair this year for one day only (Friday, Aug. 6) will be the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department ATV Safety and Education Trailer. This trailer is a mobile display of current ATV safety gear, and explains all of the new ATV laws in a unique format. For more information on this display visit the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department website at http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/ATV/OHV-Safety_Trailer_Main.shtml
For more information contact Deputy Michael Nelson at (503) 791-4978.
Oregon Housing Agency Receives Approval for Foreclosure Prevention Programs
Salem) The U.S. Department of Treasury approved Oregon's plans for four new foreclosure prevention programs today.
One of five states to receive second round Hardest Hit Funds, Oregon received notice in late March that it would receive $88 million in funding for foreclosure prevention to help approximately 6,000 households across the state. Oregon Housing and Community Services submitted a proposal to Treasury in early June outlining programs it would create to responsibly distribute the funds to struggling Oregon homeowners.
"Today's approval will allow us to continue to move forward with a plan that will help thousands of Oregonian families struggling to keep their homes during this difficult economic time," said Governor Ted Kulongoski. "Our communities are stronger when families are together in their homes and this program provides some security for those who are at risk of losing that."
OHCS will begin implementing the programs by the end of the year.
OHCS designed the Oregon Homeownership Stabilization Initiative to help people who have become recently unemployed, underemployed or have lost a significant amount of income in the current recession. Since submitting the program proposal in June, OHCS has worked with Treasury to clarify program details. (See final program descriptions at www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org)
The plan Treasury approved will dedicate 80 percent of the resources to counties most dramatically affected by the recession: Clackamas, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Grant, Harney, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Wallowa and Yamhill. These counties are home to 73 percent of Oregon's population. The remaining 16 counties will receive the balance of the foreclosure prevention dollars.
"We are very excited to have the opportunity to help people throughout the state remain in their homes," said OHCS Director Victor Merced. "We will spend the next few months partnering with lenders to ensure these programs succeed."
Summary of Programs
The four programs outlined in the initiative will work either as stand-alone options or in concert. Many recipients will use more than one:
* Loan Modification Assistance will help homeowners who are on the verge of successfully modifying their existing mortgages but require a small amount of additional financial resources to do so.
* Mortgage Payment Assistance will help economically distressed homeowners pay their mortgages for up to one year.
* Loan Preservation Assistance will provide financial resources that a homeowner may need to modify a loan, pay arrearages, or clear other significant financial penalties after a period of unemployment or loss of income.
* Transitional Assistance will help homeowners who do not regain employment during the period of Mortgage Payment Assistance with the resources needed to move to affordable, most likely rental, homes.
OHCS will continue to work with Treasury to create a fifth program that will provide additional assistance and options for Oregon residents hard hit by declining home values in Jackson and Deschutes counties.
Where to go for help
Homeowners who need help immediately should call 1-800-SAFE NET. (1-800-723-3638)
Any person who wants to receive updates about the state's foreclosure prevention activities can sign up for email alerts at http://o.hcs.state.or.us/eNews/signup_enews.html or call 1-800-453-5511.
For further information and to read the full proposal, visit www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org.
One of five states to receive second round Hardest Hit Funds, Oregon received notice in late March that it would receive $88 million in funding for foreclosure prevention to help approximately 6,000 households across the state. Oregon Housing and Community Services submitted a proposal to Treasury in early June outlining programs it would create to responsibly distribute the funds to struggling Oregon homeowners.
"Today's approval will allow us to continue to move forward with a plan that will help thousands of Oregonian families struggling to keep their homes during this difficult economic time," said Governor Ted Kulongoski. "Our communities are stronger when families are together in their homes and this program provides some security for those who are at risk of losing that."
OHCS will begin implementing the programs by the end of the year.
OHCS designed the Oregon Homeownership Stabilization Initiative to help people who have become recently unemployed, underemployed or have lost a significant amount of income in the current recession. Since submitting the program proposal in June, OHCS has worked with Treasury to clarify program details. (See final program descriptions at www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org)
The plan Treasury approved will dedicate 80 percent of the resources to counties most dramatically affected by the recession: Clackamas, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Grant, Harney, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Wallowa and Yamhill. These counties are home to 73 percent of Oregon's population. The remaining 16 counties will receive the balance of the foreclosure prevention dollars.
"We are very excited to have the opportunity to help people throughout the state remain in their homes," said OHCS Director Victor Merced. "We will spend the next few months partnering with lenders to ensure these programs succeed."
Summary of Programs
The four programs outlined in the initiative will work either as stand-alone options or in concert. Many recipients will use more than one:
* Loan Modification Assistance will help homeowners who are on the verge of successfully modifying their existing mortgages but require a small amount of additional financial resources to do so.
* Mortgage Payment Assistance will help economically distressed homeowners pay their mortgages for up to one year.
* Loan Preservation Assistance will provide financial resources that a homeowner may need to modify a loan, pay arrearages, or clear other significant financial penalties after a period of unemployment or loss of income.
* Transitional Assistance will help homeowners who do not regain employment during the period of Mortgage Payment Assistance with the resources needed to move to affordable, most likely rental, homes.
OHCS will continue to work with Treasury to create a fifth program that will provide additional assistance and options for Oregon residents hard hit by declining home values in Jackson and Deschutes counties.
Where to go for help
Homeowners who need help immediately should call 1-800-SAFE NET. (1-800-723-3638)
Any person who wants to receive updates about the state's foreclosure prevention activities can sign up for email alerts at http://o.hcs.state.or.us/eNews/signup_enews.html or call 1-800-453-5511.
For further information and to read the full proposal, visit www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org.
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