Candidates Forum – Clatsop County Sherriff

The Astoria branch of the American Association of University Women and Clatsop Community College will be sponsoring a Candidates Forum which will take place on Wednesday, April 25. 2012, at 7:00 p.m. at Columbia Hall, Clatsop Community College, Astoria, Oregon.

The candidates who will be attending include the 5 candidates for Clatsop County Sheriff, including Tom Bergin, Bill Fuzia, Jim Pierce, Michael Nelson and Steve Barnett.

The speakers will give an opening statement and then answer brief, written questions submitted by the audience.

We invite and encourage the community to attend this Forum in order to meet the candidates and learn about their positions regarding important issues which face our county and local communities.

Pacific, Wahkiakum Republican caucuses Saturday

Pacific County Republicans will hold caucuses in two locations on Saturday, March 3rd, 10am.

North Pacific County Caucus, Raymond Junior/Senior High School Commons/cafeteria area
1016 Commercial St. in Raymond.

South Pacific County Caucus, Long Beach City Depot Building, 102 3rd Street NW in
Long Beach.

Wahkiakum County Republicans will hold their caucus at 10am, at the River Street meeting room, next to the PUD building in downtown Cathlamet.

Astoria City Council Meets March 5

The Astoria City Council will meet Monday, March 5th, 7p.m., at 857 Commercial Street. This is a public meeting.

Oregon Unemployed Outnumber Job Vacancies by Nearly Six to One

The Oregon Employment Department has released the results of its most recent Job Vacancy Survey, conducted in fall 2011. Responses from employers indicate that there were approximately 30,400 job vacancies in Oregon during the month of October. During the same month there were 176,400 unemployed Oregonians, or roughly 5.8 unemployed people for each vacancy. In the fall of 2010 there were 6.5 unemployed per vacancy. Nationally there are roughly 4.2 unemployed per vacancy.

The health care and social assistance industry accounted for nearly 19 percent of all vacancies, more than any other industry sector. The retail trade and administrative and waste services sectors also had many vacancies, each accounting for roughly 14 percent of all vacancies.

There were more vacancies for office and administrative support occupations (4,010) and sales and related occupations (3,967) than any other occupation group. In contrast, vacancies in protective service occupations (329) and life, physical, and social sciences (105) were the sparsest during the month. Three specific occupations had more than 1,000 vacancies each: retail salesperson, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, and customer service representatives.

Oregon’s job vacancies offered an average wage of $16.58 per hour, although average wages varied drastically by occupation, education requirement, and licensure requirement. Vacancies that did not require education beyond high school offered an average hourly wage below $15 per hour, compared to average hourly wages of $20.04 per hour for vacancies requiring an associate or vocational degree, $28.05 per hour for a bachelor’s degree, and $34.54 for a graduate degree. However, nearly 60 percent of all Oregon vacancies in October did not require any education beyond high school and as a result more than half of all vacancies offered a starting wage below $15 per hour.

Of Oregon’s 30,384 vacancies, 64 percent were for full-time positions, 79 percent were for permanent positions (neither temporary nor seasonal), 32 percent required education beyond high school, 32 percent required a license or certificate, and 73 percent required previous experience.

Smaller employers, those with less than 50 employees, accounted for 48 percent of all vacancies compared to 31 percent at medium sized employers (50-249 employees) and 21 percent at large employers (250+ employees). However, large employers were more likely to be hiring for high-paying, full-time positions.

The survey captured data for the Portland Tri-County area, and all other counties of the state combined. The Portland Tri-County area had 17,782 vacancies (59%) compared to 12,602 (41%) throughout the rest of the state. Vacancies in the Portland Tri-County area were more likely to require previous experience, less likely to require a license or certificate, and more likely to be for temporary or seasonal jobs compared to other areas of the state.

The Oregon Job Vacancy Survey has been conducted each fall since 2008. The estimated number of job vacancies statewide in the fall of 2011 was essentially unchanged from the estimated count of vacancies in the fall of 2010. Due to differences in survey methods, the total statewide estimate of vacancies is the only figure that can be compared to previous survey periods; information about vacancies by occupation, average wage rates, educational requirements, etc., can’t be compared to prior years.

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Highlights Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012 regular meeting

Jail election set

The board of commissioners voted unanimously to seek voter approval in the May 15 primary election for a $14 million, 20-year general obligation bond to fund the expansion and remodeling of the Clatsop County Jail.

The project would increase the capacity of the facility from 60 beds to 164, plus pay to remodel the county’s parole and probation office in Warrenton to house the Sheriff’s Office criminal division and administrative staff, who are currently located in the jail facility.

The tax rate for the bond would be 16.5 cents per $1,000 assessed property value, equal to $33 a year for a property with a $200,000 assessed value.


Communications grant approved

The board approved the remainder of a multi-year grant from the Oregon Emergency Management office.

The grant, which was awarded in 2009, comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Homeland Security grant program and was originally managed by Tillamook County on behalf of Clatsop County. Tillamook County has indicated it can no longer administer the grant; the board’s action allows Clatsop County to manage the remaining period of the grant, which extends to June 30, 2012. The grant will make up to $135,000 available to fund the ongoing improvements to the county’s emergency communications infrastructure.

Manager recruiter selected

The board gave its consent to the selection of consultants Prothman and Associates to assist the county’s search for a replacement for retiring County Manager Duane Cole, who is stepping down June 1. Prothman consulted for the county on the recruitment and hiring of Cole in 2009.

Other Business

In other business the board:

-Voted to grant official recognition to the North Coast Watershed Association, which includes the Ecola Creek, Nicolai-Wickiup, Skipanon and Youngs Bay watershed councils.

-Re-appointed Pamela Alegria and Libby Lawrence to the Recreational Lands Planning Advisory Committee.

-Approved a proclamation recognizing March as American Red Cross Month.

CLATSOP BOARD VOTES TO PLACE JAIL BOND MEASURE ON MAY BALLOT

Clatsop County voters will be asked in May to fund an expansion of the county jail facility.

The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday to place a $14 million bond measure on the May 15 primary election ballot.

The bond would fund the expansion and remodeling of the current jail facility in downtown Astoria to increase capacity from 60 to 164 beds, plus pay for the renovation of the county’s Parole and Probation office in Warrenton to accommodate the Sheriff’s Office criminal division staff, who are currently housed in the jail building.

The tax rate on the 20-year bond would be 16.5 cents per $1,000 assessed value, or $33 a year on a property with a $200,000 assessed value.

Enlarging the jail is aimed at reducing the large number of criminal offenders released before the end of their sentences due to lack of space, as well as to provide a sanctions option for parole and probation violators and people wanted on warrants. The current lack of space and layout also limits the jail staff’s ability to separate inmates by criminal classification and to isolate inmates with contagious diseases or behavioral issues.

The county jail opened in 1980 with 29 beds. Capacity was later expanded to 64 by double-bunking and converting other space into cells, but remained inadequate to handle the number of suspects waiting trial and sentenced offenders. In 2005 the maximum occupancy was capped at 60, due to safety concerns related to overcrowding.

The expansion project would extend both levels of the facility eastward and reorganize the existing space to add more jail beds as well as expand medical facilities, intake and booking quarters, staff offices and kitchen and laundry facilities, which are all currently undersized. The project would add isolation units for inmates with illness and behavioral problems, as well as space for inmates participating in substance abuse treatment and other programs.

The May ballot measure is the county’s first attempt in almost 10 years to seek voter approval for a solution to the jail overcrowding problem. In November 2002 county voters rejected a $15.7 million bond measure for construction of an all-new jail facility. At the time of the 2002 effort, county officials had not settled on a design or location for the proposed new jail.

County staff and commissioners continued to investigate proposals for expanding or replacing the county jail. In 2006 the Sheriff’s Office contracted with DLR Group design consultants to draft preliminary plans for installing dormitory-style cells in the bottom floor of the facility. That plan did not prove workable, but continued discussions between the Sheriff’s Office and DLR eventually turned toward the current proposal. In November 2011 the board of commissioners approved a contract with DLR to develop detailed schematics and cost estimates for the new expansion plan.

The resulting plans developed by DLR envision a phased project beginning with the renovation of the Parole and Probation office to create offices for the 26 personnel in the Sheriff’s Office criminal division. The second phase would add the extensions to both levels of the jail building, and remodel the lower level for jail staff, booking, and other services, as well as add a new entryway. Finally, the existing jail space would be remodeled. Work would be planned so that the jail would remain in operation and not require the transfer or release of any inmates.

Under the proposed project timeline, the facility would be completed by the end of 2014.

Operating expenses for the expanded jail are estimated to increase by $1,266,300 a year, as a result of expanding the number of staff from 25.5 FTE (fulltime equivalent) to 34, as well as increased supply and maintenance costs. Those increases would be offset by an estimated $391,200 in savings in various areas, including ending the rental of 18 jail beds in Tillamook County, for a net increase in annual operating costs of $875,100.

County officials say those increased costs can be covered by the county’s annual revenue from the Clatsop State Forest. Currently, the county dedicates more than $1 million in timber revenue each year to paying off a bond covering its Public Employee Retirement System unfunded liability and a $4 million loan for the 2007 remodel of the county courthouse. Both the bond and loan will be paid off by 2014.

PUBLIC COMMENT INVITED ON CAMP RILEA LAND USE STUDY

The public is invited to review and provide comments on the final draft Joint Land Use Study covering development near Camp Rilea Armed Forces Training Facility in Warrenton.

Clatsop County, in cooperation with other jurisdictions, agencies and organizations in the region, is preparing a Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) to address compatibility planning around Camp Rilea. The primary objective of the JLUS is to reduce potential conflicts between Camp Rilea and surrounding areas, while accommodating new growth and economic development, sustaining economic vitality, protecting public health and safety, and sustaining the operational missions of the installation.

To view the final draft study, go to www.camprileajlus.com. Copies are also available for view at the Clatsop County Community Development Office, 800 Exchange St., Astoria, and the Astoria Library. The public comment period extends through March 19; comments can be submitted to the Community Development office or emailed to hwest@co.clatsop.or.us.

The Clatsop County Planning Commission will discuss the draft JLUS plan at a special meeting Tuesday, Feb. 28 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.

APPLICANT SOUGHT FOR ARCH CAPE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE

Clatsop County is seeking applications for a vacant seat on the Southwest Coastal Citizens Advisory Committee.

The committee evaluates all construction design review applications for the Arch Cape community submitted to the county Community Development Department. The committee meets once a month.

The county Board of Commissioners will make the appointment. The term of the vacant seat will be determined by the committee.

Deadline for applications is March 2. To apply, obtain an application form and return it to the Clatsop County Manager’s Office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, Astoria OR 97103, (503) 325-1000. Forms are available from the County Manager’s Office or can be downloaded from the county website.

Clatsop commissioners will meet for work session on leap day

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners will meet for a work session on Wednesday, February 29th to consider recruitment for a new county manager. The meeting will be held at 3pm, at 857 Commercial Street in Astoria. The public is welcome.

Rep. Witt Urges Funding for Vernonia School

Oregon State Representative Brad Witt (D- Clatskanie) asked his colleagues in the Legislature for the last $6 million needed to finish Vernonia’s school buildings.

“Vernonia has been ravaged by two five-hundred-year floods in ten years. The town has suffered terribly from the downturn in the timber industry. All that is left in that town is a will to survive,” Witt said.

Vernonia has raised $33 million to build new schools high above the Nehalem River and Rock Creek flood plains. The money has come from grants, community fundraisers as well as a property tax increase of $1.90 per thousand dollars of assessed value. The tax increase in Vernonia was passed with 61% supporting the measure, and with a voter turnout rate of 67%.

In the past six years, inflation has nicked away at the current building fund. Now as construction is well underway, the project may lose its construction crew unless the final 6 million dollars is found.

“The town is six-million in the red and needs that money to finish their school. They have already increased their taxes by a very significant amount. Now it the time for us to step up and help this town and their children,” said Witt.

ENSIGN LANE PROJECT BEGINS AT NORTH COAST BUSINESS PARK IN WARRENTON

Clatsop County is preparing for the next phase of development at the North Coast Business Park in Warrenton with the construction of a key route through the 270-acre site.

Big River Excavating is clearing vegetation and installing silt-control fencing along the route of Ensign Lane, which will run from U.S. Highway 101 east to Highway 101-Business. Bids for construction of the roadway will be sought this spring; completion is expected by late fall.

Completion of Ensign Lane is required under the access agreement between the county and the Oregon Department of Transportation covering traffic access to the business park.

The first section of Ensign Lane, between U.S. Highway 101 and SE 19th Street, was built by North Coast Retail LLC to serve the developer’s new commercial area on the business park’s western edge. The county is funding the construction of the street’s second phase, which has an estimated price tag of $3 million. Installation of the road, along with utilities and other infrastructure in the rest of the business park, will be funded by the proceeds from the sale of the commercial property.

NAME RELEASED IN FATAL PEDESTRIAN-INVOLVED TRAFFIC CRASH - HIGHWAY 30 IN ASTORIA

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Monday morning’s fatal pedestrian-involved traffic crash in Astoria near the intersection of Commercial Street (Highway 30) and 12th Street. The crash resulted in the death of a Colorado man who was visiting relatives in Astoria.


On February 13, 2012 at approximately 10:28 a.m. a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado pickup driven by ARTHUR P. CLARK JR, age 42, from Astoria, was southbound on 12th Street turning left onto Commercial Street when it struck a pedestrian. OSP had contact with a witness who confirmed the pedestrian was walking in a marked crosswalk moving from the south side of Commercial Street to the north side. CLARK stopped after colliding with the pedestrian and remained at the scene. The pedestrian, JAMES ALAN LUM, age 67, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, was transported by ambulance to Columbia Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced deceased from injuries sustained in the crash.


At the request of Astoria Police Department, OSP troopers responded to lead the investigation. Astoria police, Astoria Fire Department and ODOT assisted at the scene. The intersection was closed and detours were in place for several hours until the intersection was re-opened.

APD Officers Involved in Shooting

A suspected gunman is being held in a Portland hospital after an officer-involved shooting at a motel in Astoria Sunday at 5:30pm. Astoria police officers responded to a call that officials say involved ‘suspicious circumstances' at the Lamplighter Motel on Marine Drive. When officers attempted to make contact with a suspect at the motel, they were fired on. Clatsop County District Attorney Josh Marquis explains the sequence of events.

Marquis1.wav “One of the officers knocked on the door and attempted to make contact with the subject, who opened the door and refused entry. The officer was dressed in a uniform very much like Brad’s, clearly identifying himself as a police officer. In very short order the subject in the room started firing with what we believe was a handgun. Officers took cover, two officers returned fire, apparently we don’t know ...the suspect, who is now in a Portland hospital received two wounds, apparently gunshot wounds, which after being treated at Columbia Memorial Hospital, do not appear to be at this point life-threatening. Despite the fact that he had been shot, he got in his...a van, a Chrysler late model van and took off at very high speeds through Astoria, Warrenton, Gearhart, Seaside, at a very high rate of speed. I think Astoria officers were involved in the pursuit. I don’t know how many other agencies. The sheriff’s office eventually put out spike strips, also did what is called a pit maneuver, and at the cost of a sheriff’s car, managed to stop the vehicle at about milepost 8 on Highway 26.” (1:25)

The suspect was treated at Columbia Memorial Hospital before transfer to Portland. Three Astoria police officers were placed on Administrative leave following the shooting, a standard procedure, according to Marquis. A grand jury will be convened for possible charges against the suspect, that could include attempted aggravated murder. The suspect is believed to about 40 years old, and a resident of Southwest Washington state. Astoria Deputy Chief Brad Johnston said his name could not yet be released.

Johnston1.wav “With his identity, one of our concerns is, we have a least two names for him.......positively prior to releasing his information. (:09)

Three Astoria police officers responded in the incident. One is a recent recruit who has been out of the academy for about seven weeks. He was not one of the officers who fired. One police officer was treated for a minor injury and released. Officials say the suspect will require several surgeries.

photo: Astoria Deputy Chief Brad Johnston, left, and Clatsop County District Attorney Josh Marquis at a press conference Monday

BONAMICI TO HOLD TOWN HALL MEETINGS ACROSS OREGON'S FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici will soon hold a series of town hall meetings across Oregon’s First Congressional District.

“A critical part of my role in Congress is to be a strong voice for my constituents,” said Bonamici. “I invite all residents to come and share their ideas. By working together, we can find productive and effective ways to face our nation’s challenges.”

The meetings are open to the public and attendees are encouraged to arrive early to ensure seating. No RSVPs are required.

What: Public town hall meetings with Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici

When: Saturday, February 18, 2012 – Saturday, February 25, 2012

Where: Various locations across the First Congressional District: details below

How: No RSVP is required, please call 503-326-2901 with any questions.

Details:

Saturday, February 18, 2012
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Beaverton City Hall, Council Chambers
4755 Southwest Griffith Drive
Beaverton, OR


Wednesday, February 22, 2012
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Newberg Public Safety Building
401 East 3rd Street
Newberg, OR


Thursday, February 23, 2012
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
13125 SW Hall Blvd
Tigard, OR


Saturday, February 25, 2012
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Hillsboro Library, Main Branch
2850 NE Brookwood Parkway
Hillsboro, OR


Rainier Senior Center
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
48 West 7th Street
Rainier, OR


Clatsop Community College, Performing Arts Center
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
588 16th Street
Astoria, OR

CLATSOP BOARD APPROVES DESIGN CONTRACT FOR HIGHWAY 101 FLOODING PROJECT

A project aimed at reducing the chronic flooding problem at U.S. Highway 101 at the south end of Seaside took a step forward Wednesday.
The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners approved a design and permitting contract with an engineering consulting firm for the removal of an earthen berm on the bank of the Necanicum River. Following completion of the plans this spring, the county hopes to put the project out for bid in early July.

The berm lies along the river’s western bank – removal of it and some old road fill will allow high water in the river to flow into the adjacent field instead of backing up and flowing over the highway. The project is expected to alleviate the flooding that often accompanies heavy winter rains and causes traffic restrictions along the one-mile stretch of highway, while at the same time restore more than 100 acres of nearby former wetlands for a local conservation group.

The $145,382 contract with Northwest Hydraulic Consultants of Seattle covers the development of plans, specifications and cost estimates. The design contract will be funded by the Oregon Department of Transportation; on Wednesday the board also approved an intergovernmental agreement with the agency formalizing ODOT’s role.

ODOT cannot spend money from its highway budget on the berm project because the work area lies outside the road right-of-way. But the project does qualify for funding through the agency’s mitigation banking program, which pays for the restoration and preservation of wetlands and other sensitive natural resources. The work will open up to inundation about 110 acres of adjacent land within the North Coast Land Conservancy’s Circle Creek habitat reserve, and contribute to the group’s goal of re-establishing wetlands and riparian forests on the 364-acre site.

The land conservancy will be represented on a design review team with officials from Clatsop County, ODOT and the City of Seaside that will coordinate the design phase with the consultants.

Graphic Courtesy Northwest Hydraulic Consultants

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Highlights Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012 regular meeting

Jail project discussed

During a work session the board received a report from DLR Group consultants regarding the proposed expansion of the Clatsop County Jail in downtown Astoria. The county is considering seeking voter approval in May or November for a bond to fund the project.

Project Manager Bill Valdez of DLR displayed plans showing how the existing structure would be extended eastward, expanding the capacity of the jail unit on the second level from 60 to 164 beds, and providing for larger and more efficient booking and intake space and more secure vehicle entry on the ground floor. The design would also expand the medical facilities and add more units for holding inmates with mental health and other issues.

The project also includes the renovation of the Parole and Probation Division office in Warrenton to accommodate the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Division staff, who are currently headquartered in the jail facility.

Valdez said cost estimates for the project are still being finalized and will be available for the board’s Feb. 22 meeting when a further work session on the jail project is scheduled.

Highway project contract approved

The Board of Commissioners approved a $145,382 contract with Northwest Hydraulic Consultants for design and permitting for a proposed project to alleviate flooding on a stretch of U.S. Highway 101 south of Seaside. The project, tentatively proposed to go out for bid in July, would remove a berm along the Necanicum River to reduce or eliminate high water on the highway and restore wetlands on adjacent property owned by the North Coast Land Conservancy.

The board also approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation committing the agency to fund the design contract from its mitigation banking program.

EOC grant approved

The board accepted a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant, provided through the Oregon Emergency Management office, to fund the new communications wing at the county’s Emergency Operations Center at Camp Rilea in Warrenton. The grant will fund 50 percent of the project cost, up to $183,913.

The communications wing will consist of a 1,050-square-foot addition on Camp Rilea’s Warrior Hall, site of the county EOC. The wing will provide a secure space for the EOC’s radio, microwave and other communications equipment.

Wetland project endorsed

The board approved a letter endorsing a project of the Columbia River Estuary Study Task Force to enhance salmon habitat at Carlson Island, in the Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Reserve.

SCHOOL EXCLUSION DAY IN OREGON IS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15

School Exclusion Day is Wednesday, February 15
Parents must provide schools and child care centers with children’s immunization records

The Oregon Immunization Program wants parents to know that children will not be able to attend school or child care starting Feb. 15 if their records on file show missing immunizations. State law requires that all children in public and private schools, preschools, Head Start and certified child care facilities have up-to-date documentation on their immunizations, or have a religious or medical exemption.

"Immunization is an effective way to keep schools and the entire community healthy. We want to make sure children are fully protected against vaccine-preventable diseases," said Stacy de Assis Matthews, school law coordinator in the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division. "If school and child care vaccination records are not up-to-date, the child will be sent home."

Information for parents about updated vaccine requirements:
• Parents of adolescents should be aware that one dose of Tdap vaccine is required for seventh- through 10th-graders. Tdap is a tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) booster.

• The hepatitis A vaccine, which protects against a communicable viral infection, is a two-dose series required for children 18 months and older in child care, preschool and kindergarten through third grade.

In 2011, local health departments sent 36,841 letters to parents and guardians informing them that their children needed immunizations to stay in school or child care. A total of 4,940 children were kept out of school or child care until the necessary immunization information was turned in to the schools or child care facilities.

Parents seeking immunizations for their children should contact their health care provider or local health department, or call Oregon SafeNet at 1-800-SAFENET or 1-800-723-3638. No one can be turned away from a local health department because of the inability to pay for required vaccines. Pharmacists can immunize children age 11 and older. Parents should contact their neighborhood pharmacy for details. Additional information on school immunizations can be found at the Immunization Program website at www.healthoregon.org/imm.

"Working in the Shadows" Author at CCC

Gabriel Thompson, author of “Working in the Shadows”, will make two public presentations as part of Clatsop Community College’s Campus Reads event.

The book chronicles the author’s year-long experiment working undercover in the low-wage immigrant workforce. Thompson’s experiences included working in Arizona lettuce fields, a chicken slaughterhouse in Alabama, and the streets of New York making deliveries by bicycle.

Thompson will make two free public presentations on Wednesday February 8 in Astoria to discuss his experiences and other issues related to immigrant workers:

Clatsop Community College, Columbia Hall, Room 219 at 12pm and The Liberty Theater McTavish Room at 6:30pm.

Gabriel Thompson’s visit is made possible by the Clatsop Cultural Coalition, the Auzten Foundation and CCC faculty and staff.

Fish and Wildlife Commission sets rules for 2012 Columbia River sturgeon season

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted rules for the 2012 Columbia River white sturgeon season on Friday, February 3rd at its meeting in Astoria.

The 2012 recreational white sturgeon season for the Columbia River was developed at a joint meeting of Oregon and Washington fishery managers on Jan. 26. The season is based on a harvest guideline of 10,400 fish for 2012, a 38 percent reduction from 2011. In response to a continued decline in the abundance of legal-sized fish in both the Willamette and Columbia rivers, the directors of Oregon and Washington departments of fish and wildlife agreed to reduce the harvest rate from 22.5 percent to 16 percent for 2012.

The Commission also approved administrative rules for selecting artwork for the new Habitat Conservation Stamp. The new program gives Oregonians the opportunity to purchase an annual stamp to benefit conservation of Oregon’s native species and habitats. Stamps will sell for $40 a year and will include an ODFW Wildlife Area Parking Pass (a $22 value). Revenue will be used to fund habitat conservation projects linked to the Oregon Conservation Strategy. An art contest is now underway to select artwork for the Habitat Conservation Stamp, which will go on sale later this year.

Finally, the Commission adopted the schedule of damages used in assessing commercial fishing violations during 2012. Each year, the Commission establishes the average market value per pound for each species of food fish. These values are used to set damages in lawsuits associated with the unlawful taking of food fish. The values are based on the average prices during the previous year as reported by Oregon commercial fish dealers.

The Commission is the policy-making body for fish and wildlife issues in Oregon. It generally meets monthly. The next scheduled meeting is March 9 in Corvallis.

Pacific County Tsunami Debris Presentations February 14th & 15th

The Pacific County Emergency Management Agency has rescheduled three public presentations to discuss the marine debris generated by the March 2011 Japanese tsunami and its potential to impact the Pacific County coastline.

Presentations are now scheduled for:

February 14, 2012, 6:00 p.m. at the Peninsula Church Center, Seaview, WA

February 15, 2012, 10:00 a.m. at the Ocean Park Firehall, Ocean Park, WA

February 15, 2012, 5:30 p.m. at the Shoalwater Bay Tribal Center, Tokeland, WA

The Regional Coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program will lead the presentation. In addition, representatives from the Washington State Department of Ecology, the US Coast Guard, Washington State Emergency Management Division, and Washington State Department of Health have been invited to answer questions that might arise specific to their areas of expertise.

The public and local agencies and organizations are welcome to attend any of the presentations, which are intended to be of an informational nature.

OREGON RELEASES ANNUAL REPORT ON HEALTH INSURANCE

Health insurance premiums continued to grow in 2011 but at slower rates than in recent years, according to the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) annual report on Health Insurance in Oregon.

Many insurers reported lower-than-expected medical claims in 2011, slowing growth in health insurance rates in the individual and small employer markets. The average annual rate increase in the small group market was 6.6 percent in 2011, down from nearly 11.7 percent in 2010.

In a press release, acting department Director Patrick Allen said: "Oregon has among the most competitive insurance markets in the country and that helps ensure that a high percentage of premiums go for health care versus administration and profit,"

A key change in insurance regulation started in fall 2011 when the DCBS Insurance Division began conducting public hearings on most rate requests. Starting this month (February) the department will stream hearings live. Details will be available at on the web, at www.oregonhealthrates.org. Click on "public hearings."

Kitzhaber's reforms could save over the long haul, but healthcare advocates say no further service cuts now

A Health Management Associates study indicates Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber's healthcare reform proposals may save the state significant dollars over the long haul, but short term savings are not assured. Today, healthcare advocates for seniors and the disabled lobbied the Oregon Legislature against further cuts to services. You can read the complete study here.

Public comment sought on Oregon beach rules revisions

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public comments on Oregon administrative rule changes affecting Oregon’s ocean shore. OPRD is responsible for the management of the ocean shore state recreation area under OAR 736-021-0060.

The rules were last revised in 1996

The proposed changes cover a range of safety and resource protection issues, such as clarifying limits on personal and commercial removal of natural products, and rules related to signs, campfires, and wildlife disturbance.


The deadline for accepting comments is February 6, 2012, and may be submitted via email to vanessa.demoe@state.or.us.

To see the complete rules:

www.oregon.gov/OPRD/RULES/notices.shtml

Geyser in the morning.

Astoria residents along 16th between Irving and Jerome, watched a dramatic water leak after a contractor broke a water line Wednesday morning. Traffic was temporarily disrupted until the Astoria Public Works department made repairs. (Photo courtesy David King)

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners meet Wednesday February 8th.

The Board of Clatsop County Commissioners will meet for a Work Session on Wednesday, February 8th at 10:00 am at 857 Commercial Street in Astoria, to consider expansion of the County Jail, the regular meeting will take place after the work session. The public is encouraged to attend.

Work Session: 10:00 am
Regular Meeting: 11:00 am

BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC - This is an opportunity for anyone to give a 3 minute presentation about any item on the agenda (except public hearings) OR any topic of county concern that is not on the agenda. People wishing to speak during Business From The Public must fill out and sign a Public Comment Sign-in Card.

CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Board of Commissioners Jan. 11, 2012 work session minutes .
b. Board of Commissioners Jan. 11, 2012 regular meeting minutes
c. Appointment of Public Health Administrator
d. Termination of lease with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
e. Oregon Emergency Management Program grant
f. Purchase of Ford F350 pickup
g. Purchase of Ford F450 pickup
h. Design and permitting contract for Highway 101 flood mitigation project
i. Intergovernmental agreement with ODOT for Highway 101 flood mitigation project
j. Bio-Oregon fish feed contract amendment

COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT
ADJOURNMENT

Executive Session
1) To consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection per ORS 192.660(1)(f)

Pacific County, WA, Winter Storm Damage Reporting Deadline Extended

Residents who experienced damage to their homes or businesses in Pacific County due to the winter storm beginning January 13, 2012 are encouraged to report damage to the Pacific County Emergency Management Agency. This information assists in an overall damage assessment and is used to justify a request for federal assistance programs to support disaster recovery. Damage reports may be made by telephone between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., through 3:00 p.m. February 7, 2012, to one of the following numbers:


(360) 875-9340 360) 642-9340 (360) 484-7340 (360) 267-8340

(360) 875-9338 360) 642-9338 (360) 484-7338 (360) 267-8338


When calling, residential reporters must be prepared to provide answers to the following questions:


1. Street address and zip code

2. Fair market value of the primary residence structure (vacation homes and land excluded, not applicable to renters)

3. Best guess of structural losses in whole dollars (do not wait for a contractor; outbuildings, landscaping, and fences excluded, renters excluded)

4. Best estimate of personal property loss in whole dollars

5. Homeowners/renters insurance deductible

6. Are you living in your home (yes/no)

7. If leaving a message, include your telephone number


Business owners must be prepared to answer the following questions:


1. Street address and zip code

2. Fair market value of the business

3. Best guess of structural losses in whole dollars

4. Estimated business furnishings/inventory loss in whole dollars

5. Was the business closed – if so how many days

6. Do you have business continuity insurance

7. If leaving a message, include your telephone number


This information will be entered into a database for inclusion in a statewide assessment and does not qualify residents for emergency assistance.