Clatsop County is currently inviting citizens to serve on the Human Services Advisory Committee and several budget committees.
The Board of Commissioners will make the appointments. Applications will be taken through Jan. 31. Application forms are available online at www.co.clatsop.or.us under “Quick Links-Citizen Involvement,” from the office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, or by calling (503) 325-1000.
The Human Services Advisory Committee is seeking volunteers to fill five full-term seats ending February 28, 2014. The committee advises the County Public Health Department on services for local residents with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and drug or alcohol addictions.
Clatsop County residents can have a hand in developing their county government’s budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. These citizen committees review the proposed budgets and make recommendations to the county commissioners. Each committee is made up of five county commissioners and five other local residents they appoint. The county Budget Committee generally meets for two days in May. Seats are available on the:
Clatsop County Budget Committee: A full, three-year term representing District 5 is open on this committee, which reviews the county’s overall operating budget. Applicants must live in District 5, which covers southern Clatsop County including Cannon Beach, Arch Cape, Elsie, Hamlet and Jewell and portions of Seaside.
Road District 1 Budget Committee: One un-expired term ending February 28, 2013 is available. The committee reviews the district’s budget for roadwork such as cutting brush, patching pot holes, cleaning and replacing culverts, maintenance road shoulders and drainage ditches, grading and re-basing 220 miles of county roads. Applicants must live in the unincorporated areas of the county.
4H Extension Service District Budget Committee: One un-expired term ending February 28, 2012 is open. The district funds secretary staff, program assistants, office space, travel, supplies and other operation expenses to provide support to faculty provided by the Oregon State University Extension Service program. Applicants can live anywhere in the county except for Cannon Beach, which is not part of the district.
Westport Sewer Service District Budget Committee: two full, three-year terms and three un-expired terms ending February 28, 2012 and February 28, 2013 are available to residents of the sewer district, which serves about 95 connections in the unincorporated community of Westport.
Friday, January 14, 2011
NEW EMERGENCY OPS CENTER TO IMPROVE CLATSOP COUNTY’S CAPABILITIES
The installation of a new, dedicated Emergency Operations Center will enable Clatsop County to deal with major emergencies with the flip of a switch.
The county board of commissioners voted Wednesday to authorize up to $166,667 in funding for the project, which will construct a wing on Warrior Hall at Camp Rilea Armed Forces Training Center for the exclusive use of the county as a communications hub during emergency events.
The addition will house emergency communications equipment that was previously acquired by the county but which currently has no permanent site.
In 2006 the county signed an agreement with the Oregon Military Department to locate the county’s Emergency Operations Center at Camp Rilea’s Warrior Hall. The new location was designed to provide a secure site away from hazard zones where county officials could coordinate responses to major emergencies with local, state and federal agencies and other partners.
The agreement gave the county use of a room at the facility, but the space has proven to be too small, and the arrangement left the communications equipment meant for the EOC stored in a closet, requiring time for set-up. With a new wing dedicated solely for the county’s use, the equipment can be left in place, meaning that the center can be activated on a moment’s notice, Perez said. It will also be far easier for the county to conduct training exercises with the various participants who would staff the EOC during an actual emergency.
The new facility will total about 1,050 square feet, and will be located immediately adjacent to the large briefing room in Warrior Hall to accommodate joint operations with the military. A separate free-standing tower will hold the EOC’s antennae.
“This communications wing is state of the art,” Perez said. “Our emergency managers will be able to communicate quickly and efficiently in a safe and secure environment.”
The project is estimated to cost approximately $500,000. The Emergency Management Division has obtained a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to cover half the cost, as well as a commitment from the Oregon Wireless Interoperability Network (OWIN) to pick up one-third of the local match, or $88,333. The county’s $166,667 share will come out of its Special Projects Fund.
The board of commissioners voted unanimously for the project, but some raised concerns about the future of OWIN, which was recently the focus of scrutiny over cost overruns, missed deadlines and mismanagement associated with several of its projects across the state.
OWIN was launched by the Oregon Legislature in 2005 with the goal of modernizing the state’s aging emergency communications infrastructure and creating a linked statewide network of radio and microwave relay stations. But as of the end of 2010, few of the projects planned through the program, which had an initial price tag of $414 million, had begun, and questions have been raised about OWIN’s future in light of the state’s ongoing budget crisis.
Perez said OWIN’s current troubles should not jeopardize its promised funding for the Warrior Hall project. The project will not proceed until the county has completed a memorandum of understanding with the agency.
The county board of commissioners voted Wednesday to authorize up to $166,667 in funding for the project, which will construct a wing on Warrior Hall at Camp Rilea Armed Forces Training Center for the exclusive use of the county as a communications hub during emergency events.
The addition will house emergency communications equipment that was previously acquired by the county but which currently has no permanent site.
In 2006 the county signed an agreement with the Oregon Military Department to locate the county’s Emergency Operations Center at Camp Rilea’s Warrior Hall. The new location was designed to provide a secure site away from hazard zones where county officials could coordinate responses to major emergencies with local, state and federal agencies and other partners.
The agreement gave the county use of a room at the facility, but the space has proven to be too small, and the arrangement left the communications equipment meant for the EOC stored in a closet, requiring time for set-up. With a new wing dedicated solely for the county’s use, the equipment can be left in place, meaning that the center can be activated on a moment’s notice, Perez said. It will also be far easier for the county to conduct training exercises with the various participants who would staff the EOC during an actual emergency.
The new facility will total about 1,050 square feet, and will be located immediately adjacent to the large briefing room in Warrior Hall to accommodate joint operations with the military. A separate free-standing tower will hold the EOC’s antennae.
“This communications wing is state of the art,” Perez said. “Our emergency managers will be able to communicate quickly and efficiently in a safe and secure environment.”
The project is estimated to cost approximately $500,000. The Emergency Management Division has obtained a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to cover half the cost, as well as a commitment from the Oregon Wireless Interoperability Network (OWIN) to pick up one-third of the local match, or $88,333. The county’s $166,667 share will come out of its Special Projects Fund.
The board of commissioners voted unanimously for the project, but some raised concerns about the future of OWIN, which was recently the focus of scrutiny over cost overruns, missed deadlines and mismanagement associated with several of its projects across the state.
OWIN was launched by the Oregon Legislature in 2005 with the goal of modernizing the state’s aging emergency communications infrastructure and creating a linked statewide network of radio and microwave relay stations. But as of the end of 2010, few of the projects planned through the program, which had an initial price tag of $414 million, had begun, and questions have been raised about OWIN’s future in light of the state’s ongoing budget crisis.
Perez said OWIN’s current troubles should not jeopardize its promised funding for the Warrior Hall project. The project will not proceed until the county has completed a memorandum of understanding with the agency.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
BOARD WITHDRAWS LNG APPROVAL; WILL REEXAMINE APPLICATION
The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners will withdraw last year’s approval of the land-use application from Oregon Pipeline LLC and reexamine the issue.
The board voted Nov. 8, 2010 to accept a hearings officer’s ruling granting approval to the consolidated application. The decision was appealed to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals by project opponents led by Columbia Riverkeeper.
The board, with three new members, voted Wednesday to file a notice of withdrawal with the Land Use Board of Appeals for reconsideration of the November 2010 ruling, which granted conditional approval for the construction of 41 miles of pipeline to serve a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal in Warrenton.
Jurisdictions have the authority to withdraw, re-examine and potentially reverse land-use decisions prior to completing and filing the record of the process with the Land Use Board of Appeals.
The deadline for the county to withdraw the November ruling was Friday, Jan. 14, which is the day that the record of the prior proceedings were due at the Land Use Board of Appeals.
The schedule for reconsideration will depend on the Board’s direction after a public hearing Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria to discuss and determine the scope of its review of the Oregon Pipeline application. That review may, pending Board action, take place at a public hearing March 9, 10 a.m. at the Boyington Building. The board can limit its review to the existing record, accept testimony from certain parties or re-open the hearing process.
The board voted 4-1 to approve the Oregon Pipeline application in November. Three commissioners who voted to approve the application were replaced by three new members, Debra Birkby, Peter Huhtala and Scott Lee, who were sworn in Wednesday. The three new members joined Commission Chairperson Dirk Rohne in supporting the withdrawal Wednesday. Commissioner Patricia Roberts voted no.
The board voted Nov. 8, 2010 to accept a hearings officer’s ruling granting approval to the consolidated application. The decision was appealed to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals by project opponents led by Columbia Riverkeeper.
The board, with three new members, voted Wednesday to file a notice of withdrawal with the Land Use Board of Appeals for reconsideration of the November 2010 ruling, which granted conditional approval for the construction of 41 miles of pipeline to serve a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal in Warrenton.
Jurisdictions have the authority to withdraw, re-examine and potentially reverse land-use decisions prior to completing and filing the record of the process with the Land Use Board of Appeals.
The deadline for the county to withdraw the November ruling was Friday, Jan. 14, which is the day that the record of the prior proceedings were due at the Land Use Board of Appeals.
The schedule for reconsideration will depend on the Board’s direction after a public hearing Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria to discuss and determine the scope of its review of the Oregon Pipeline application. That review may, pending Board action, take place at a public hearing March 9, 10 a.m. at the Boyington Building. The board can limit its review to the existing record, accept testimony from certain parties or re-open the hearing process.
The board voted 4-1 to approve the Oregon Pipeline application in November. Three commissioners who voted to approve the application were replaced by three new members, Debra Birkby, Peter Huhtala and Scott Lee, who were sworn in Wednesday. The three new members joined Commission Chairperson Dirk Rohne in supporting the withdrawal Wednesday. Commissioner Patricia Roberts voted no.
Heroin Arrests made in Astoria
At 7:21 pm on January 12, 2011 Astoria Police Officer Joe Symonds saw a vehicle exit the roundabout without signaling and stopped the vehicle on the traffic violation. During the stop he developed probable cause to believe there were drugs in the vehicle and searched it with consent of the occupants. During the search Officer Symonds located drug paraphernalia, and Heroin. Two of the occupants, Joanne Rice (age 22 and currently residing in Beaverton) and Timothy Carpenter, age 23, 1745 Jerome were arrested for possession of Heroin. During the processing at the Clatsop County Jail Rice disclosed that she had heroin secreted in her person.
Based on information that was developed on the stop, and the following morning, Officer Symonds obtained a search warrant to search a storage unit.
On Wednesday January 13, 2011 at about 3:45 PM. members of the Astoria Police Department, Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, and Clatsop County Inter-Agency Narcotics Team (CCINT), executed a search warrant at 92 Hamburg Ave. #E in Astoria, Clatsop County, Oregon.
Officers were able to park their patrol vehicles away from the area, but to keep covert surveillance. This was done to allow persons involved in drug traffic to approach the storage unit without knowing Police were searching it.
At approximately 4:50 PM. officers searching the unit were told there was a vehicle coming to the storage unit. A male subject knocked, and was detained inside. He was not arrested.
Officer Nicole Riley went outside to contact the driver of the vehicle the male subject had just arrived in. She recognized the driver of a red Honda Passport as Randall T. Haines, (age 24, 92649 Fernhill Road Astoria). She knew Haines was wanted on a Felony Warrant. Officer Riley attempted to enter the vehicle to arrest Haines. While she was still partially inside the vehicle, Haines drove away from the scene. Officer Riley was able to safely get out of the vehicle.
A witness told Officer Riley Haines’ vehicle had just about hit him. The driver pointed out where Haines’ vehicle was last seen driving, which was North on Pier II.
Officers were able to locate Haines’ vehicle after his vehicle crashed on Pier II. He was arrested on the warrant. The original charge on the arrest warrant was Delivery of Heroin. Haines was later charged with Eluding a Police Officer, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, Interfering with Police, and Hit & Run resulting in property damage. He was transported to the Clatsop County Jail and lodged.
The search warrant at 92 Hamburg Ave. resulted in the arrest of John A. Norris (age 36, 92813 Knappa Dock Road, Astoria. He was lodged at the Clatsop County Jail for Unlawful Delivery and Possession of Methamphetamine.
Based on information that was developed on the stop, and the following morning, Officer Symonds obtained a search warrant to search a storage unit.
On Wednesday January 13, 2011 at about 3:45 PM. members of the Astoria Police Department, Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, and Clatsop County Inter-Agency Narcotics Team (CCINT), executed a search warrant at 92 Hamburg Ave. #E in Astoria, Clatsop County, Oregon.
Officers were able to park their patrol vehicles away from the area, but to keep covert surveillance. This was done to allow persons involved in drug traffic to approach the storage unit without knowing Police were searching it.
At approximately 4:50 PM. officers searching the unit were told there was a vehicle coming to the storage unit. A male subject knocked, and was detained inside. He was not arrested.
Officer Nicole Riley went outside to contact the driver of the vehicle the male subject had just arrived in. She recognized the driver of a red Honda Passport as Randall T. Haines, (age 24, 92649 Fernhill Road Astoria). She knew Haines was wanted on a Felony Warrant. Officer Riley attempted to enter the vehicle to arrest Haines. While she was still partially inside the vehicle, Haines drove away from the scene. Officer Riley was able to safely get out of the vehicle.
A witness told Officer Riley Haines’ vehicle had just about hit him. The driver pointed out where Haines’ vehicle was last seen driving, which was North on Pier II.
Officers were able to locate Haines’ vehicle after his vehicle crashed on Pier II. He was arrested on the warrant. The original charge on the arrest warrant was Delivery of Heroin. Haines was later charged with Eluding a Police Officer, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, Interfering with Police, and Hit & Run resulting in property damage. He was transported to the Clatsop County Jail and lodged.
The search warrant at 92 Hamburg Ave. resulted in the arrest of John A. Norris (age 36, 92813 Knappa Dock Road, Astoria. He was lodged at the Clatsop County Jail for Unlawful Delivery and Possession of Methamphetamine.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
MEMORIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR RAINIER POLICE CHIEF ANNOUNCED
Memorial services for Rainier Police Chief Ralph Painter have been set for Friday, January 14, 2011, at l:00 pm at University of Portland Chiles Center, 5000 North Willamette Boulevard, Portland. A memorial procession is scheduled to begin 10 am at the Port of Longview in Washington and proceed across the Lewis and Clark Bridge to Rainier to take Chief Painter to Portland via US Highway 30. Hundreds of law enforcement officers and firefighters from across the country are expected to attend. Additional details on the procession will be announced later.
For citizens who wish to pay their final respects to Chief Painter, visitation has been scheduled from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm on Thursday, January 13, 2011, at the Rainier City Hall, 106 West B Street, Rainier, Oregon. A Public Safety Honor Guard will stand vigil during the viewing hours.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2011, at 10:00 am at Rainier High School, 28170 Old Rainier Road. This service is for local citizens, friends and family. Parking will be at the football and softball fields with shuttle service provided.
A toll-free telephone number has been established for citizens and public safety officers to call for information regarding services for Chief Painter. That phone number is 1-877-709-3331. The City of Rainier's web site, www.cityofrainier.com will also have up to date information.
Tax deductible donations to cover the cost of the memorial services may be made at any Columbia County Fire Station, Rainier City Hall or the United Way. United Way donations should indicate Columbia County Firefighters Association for Chief Ralph Painter.
An account has been set up at Bank of American for contributions to Chief Painter's family. Donations can be made at any branch. Condolence messages and cards for Chief Painter's family may be mailed to the City of Rainier, PO Box 100, Rainier, OR 97048.
Chief Painter was shot and killed January 5th in a confrontation with a man who was reportedly acting suspiciously at a car stereo installation shop known as Rainier Sound Authority. Twenty-one-year-old Daniel Armbaugh Butts of Kalama, Washington, is being held without bail in the Columbia County Jail in connection with the Chief's death.
For citizens who wish to pay their final respects to Chief Painter, visitation has been scheduled from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm on Thursday, January 13, 2011, at the Rainier City Hall, 106 West B Street, Rainier, Oregon. A Public Safety Honor Guard will stand vigil during the viewing hours.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2011, at 10:00 am at Rainier High School, 28170 Old Rainier Road. This service is for local citizens, friends and family. Parking will be at the football and softball fields with shuttle service provided.
A toll-free telephone number has been established for citizens and public safety officers to call for information regarding services for Chief Painter. That phone number is 1-877-709-3331. The City of Rainier's web site, www.cityofrainier.com will also have up to date information.
Tax deductible donations to cover the cost of the memorial services may be made at any Columbia County Fire Station, Rainier City Hall or the United Way. United Way donations should indicate Columbia County Firefighters Association for Chief Ralph Painter.
An account has been set up at Bank of American for contributions to Chief Painter's family. Donations can be made at any branch. Condolence messages and cards for Chief Painter's family may be mailed to the City of Rainier, PO Box 100, Rainier, OR 97048.
Chief Painter was shot and killed January 5th in a confrontation with a man who was reportedly acting suspiciously at a car stereo installation shop known as Rainier Sound Authority. Twenty-one-year-old Daniel Armbaugh Butts of Kalama, Washington, is being held without bail in the Columbia County Jail in connection with the Chief's death.
Commander William R. Timmons, of Sector Lower Columbia, (center left and holding paper) and (left) Lt. Derek Fine, Auxiliary Liaison Officer with Sector Lower Columbia swear-in Dave W. Phillips as Flotilla 64 Commander (center right) and Glen Wood as Flotilla 64 Vice Commander (right) at annual Flotilla Change of Watch and dinner.
At the annual Change of Watch and dinner of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Buoy 10
Flotilla 64 Astoria, Dave W. Phillips of Astoria was sworn in as Flotilla Commander, and Glen Wood of Longview, Washington, as Vice Commander. Commander William R. Timmons with Sector Lower Columbia, assisted by Lt. Derek Fine, Sector Lower Columbia Auxiliary Liaison Officer performed the swearing-in Ceremony.
Commander Phillips has been a resident of Astoria since 1972 and has served as Public Education Officer for Division 6 and Vice Flotilla Commander. He is presently retired from Clatsop Community College and serves as a board member of the Clatsop County Housing Authority, Columbia Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees and Board of the Columbia River Maritime Museum.
Vice Commander Wood is retired and has previously served in the US Coast Guard. He joined the Auxiliary two years ago and is a certified airplane pilot. He recently received Auxiliary certification as a boat crewman and an instructor.
David Philips shared his appreciation at the dinner for being elected the new Flotilla Commander.
He said, “ My overreaching goals for the new year are to create more opportunities for fellowship and fun within the Auxiliary, attract new members and improve the boating safety outreach to recreational boaters.
Commander Timmons praised the efforts of the Coast Guard Auxiliary particularly the extraordinary work done during the Buoy 10 Season.
For more information about or how to join the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, authorized by Congress in 1939 go to www.uscgaux.com or contact Matthew Carter, Flotilla Staff Officer for Public Affairs at (503) 481-6648.
APPLICANTS SOUGHT FOR RECREATION COMMITTEE
Clatsop County is seeking applicants for a vacancy on the Recreational Lands Planning Advisory Committee.
The citizen committee assists in developing long-range plans for county parks, and formulating amendments to the recreation lands element of the county’s comprehensive land-use plan. The committee meets once a month.
The opening is for a term ending in February 2013. The county board of commissioners will make the appointment.
Applications must be turned in by Jan. 21 to the County Manager’s Office to be considered for an appointment. Application forms are available from the office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, by calling (503) 325-1000 or online at www.co.clatsop.or.us
The citizen committee assists in developing long-range plans for county parks, and formulating amendments to the recreation lands element of the county’s comprehensive land-use plan. The committee meets once a month.
The opening is for a term ending in February 2013. The county board of commissioners will make the appointment.
Applications must be turned in by Jan. 21 to the County Manager’s Office to be considered for an appointment. Application forms are available from the office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, by calling (503) 325-1000 or online at www.co.clatsop.or.us
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