Thursday, December 11, 2014

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Dec 10 Meeting Highlights

Flood map study
The board of commissioners approved contributing up to $7,000 to fund an independent technical review of a new flood study released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency identifying flood areas in Clatsop County for the purpose of flood insurance coverage. County staff told the board that due to a data anomaly, the new maps give a higher base flood elevation and place many inland areas within the “velocity zone” flood designation, which would result in new, severe restrictions on development if the maps are adopted without change. The cities of Astoria and Warrenton and Port of Astoria will also contribute to the technical study, which is estimated to cost $15,000 to $20,000.

Wetland discussion
The board held a joint work session with the county Planning Commission and Southwest Coastal Citizens Advisory Committee to discuss wetlands regulations and protection measures in the Arch Cape area. The discussion followed the board’s decision last month to accept an opinion from county land-use counsel that the county could no longer enforce setback requirements on most wetlands.
At the conclusion of the session, Board Chairman Scott Lee said the board would explore the creation of an ad hoc committee to further investigate possible protective wetlands regulations.


Mobile home park settlement
The board approved a settlement agreement with Ken Hick, owner of the Sunset Lake RV and Mobile Home Park south of Warrenton, to bring the park into compliance with a 2012 code compliance order that requires Hick to reduce the total number of dwelling units in the park to 43. The county initiated enforcement action against the park in 2009 for various code violations including allowing too many units in the park and allowing RVs to be used as permanent dwellings without lawful utility connections. In 2013 the county filed suit against Hick for failing to comply with the 2012 order.

Sheriff patrol boat purchase
The board approved a purchase contract and supplemental budget for the acquisition of a new patrol boat by the Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol. The cost of the $130,200, 25-foot aluminum vessel, purchased from River Wild Boats, will be partially paid for with $70,000 from the Oregon State Marine Board and the proceeds of the sale of the 17-year-old boat that the new vessel will replace.

Outgoing commissioners recognition
Chairman Lee presented a plaque to Commissioner Matt Samuelson recognizing his service to the county. Samuelson, who was appointed to the District 5 seat in March, leaves office at the end of the year. Lee also recognized outgoing commissioner Peter Huhtala and former commissioner Debra Birkby, who were not present at the meeting, for their tenure on the board.

Other Business
In other business the board:
-Approved a revised investment policy for the county to replace vague and outdated language in the existing policy.
-Appointed Thomas Merrell to the county Planning Commission.



No comments:

Post a Comment