Clatsop Board of Commissioners Wed Aug 8 Meeting Highlights

Tobacco policy presented

The board of commissioners held a public hearing on a proposed tobacco-free campus policy. The plan would prohibit the use of tobacco products on the premises of a number of county facilities in Astoria: the public service buildings at 800 and 820 Exchange St., the Judge Guy Boyington Building at 857 Commercial St., and the Public Works complex at 1100 and 1196 Olney Ave.

The plan is part of a two-phase initiative designed to extend the tobacco ban, by March 2013, to all other county facilities, including the Sheriff’s Office/Jail and Clatsop County Courthouse in Astoria and the Parole and Probation office and animal shelter in Warrenton. Current county policy prohibits tobacco use inside county facilities and within 50 feet of entrances.

The board is scheduled to vote on the policy Aug. 22. If approved, the policy will go into effect for the initial four facilities 30 days later.

Parole transfer reviewed

The board heard a one-year progress report from Sheriff Tom Bergin on the transition of the Parole and Probation department to the authority of the Sheriff’s Office.

The reorganization was approved by the board in 2011 as one of several changes recommended by a corrections consultant, including the closure of the Community Corrections Transition Center in Warrenton.

Bergin, who was joined by Parole and Probation Division Director Kristen Hanthorn and officers Justin Hecht and Patrick McKerren, noted that bringing the department staff under the Sheriff Office had greatly improved cooperation between the two offices.

Among the benefits of the transfer included in the Sheriff’s Office report are:

·   Expanded staff training

·   Added authority, responsibility and security for parole and probation officers

·   Increased fee revenue and restitution payments from offenders

·   Improved teamwork between parole and probation officers and criminal division personnel

·   Open-door policy of management for staff and offenders

·   Prioritizing of jail sanctions for highest-risk offenders

Other Business

In other business the board:

-Approved a letter requesting a $15,300 grant from the Oregon Coastal Zone Management Association for the county Community Development Department.

-Approved the reclassification of two positions with the 4-H and Extension Service – Secretary Admin to Officer Specialist and Office Specialist to Office Manager.