Larry Evenson

The meeting featured a public hearing concerning rate adjustments for Solid Waste Curbside Collection Services in unincorporated Columbia County, based on a Detailed Cost Report (DCR) review. Recommended rate increases were approved for several rural service areas, including Vernonia, Clatskanie, St. Helens, and Rainier, along with an allowable disposal pass-through adjustment. The consent agenda covered multiple items, including ratification of payments, determinations regarding rural fire protection district reimbursements, various insurance and financial acknowledgments, conveyance of real property in Scappoose to several parties, establishment of a temporary emergency speed limit on Gable Road, and the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 budget. Several Permit and Hold Harmless Agreements with the City of St. Helens for plaza use, and agreements related to tourism funds, public transit funds, and a collective bargaining agreement with FOPPO were approved. A contract amendment with Columbia Health Services was carried over to the afternoon work session. During commentary, commissioners discussed O&C forest lands, local community initiatives like Community Meals, the upcoming Columbia County Fair, and the completion of the Community Action Team housing project. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss bargaining, resulting in the denial of a Step 3 grievance filed by Taylor Deschamps.

Key discussions included a status update on the elevator project with options for interior panel design, where no decisions were made. The Board discussed the Citizens Transit Advisory Committee's recommendation to establish a special transportation district for CC Rider transit services, determining that the measure would be placed on the May 2016 ballot, with a directive to publicly discuss and approve the levy amount in the 20 to 25 cent range at the next session. The protocol for foreclosed property matters was held over. Discussions occurred regarding Emergency Management Performance Grants, requiring no immediate action. Additionally, the Board reviewed a proposal from Weyerhaeuser to place a gate on Whitney County Road right-of-way, evolving into a broader discussion about the relationship between Weyerhaeuser, the public, and the County concerning issues like Camp 8, CZ Trail, and Weyerhaeuser's permit program, resulting in a decision to schedule a general discussion to develop an acceptable plan.

The meeting agenda included the second reading of Ordinance No. 2014-1 regarding a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Zone Change, and Goal 2 Exception for the Port of St. Helens' Port Westward expansion. It also included the first reading of Ordinance No. 2014-2 to establish the Commission on Children and Families, followed by an Audit Presentation. The Consent Agenda involved ratifying a payment selection and addressing several orders/certifications, including acquiring Right-of-Way for JP West Road bridge improvements and certifying Title III Project Funds for various districts/programs. Agreements and Contracts included an amendment for food, commissary, and laundry services at the County Jail, as well as multiple easement and deed transactions related to utility access and right-of-way acquisition along JP West Road.

The meeting included an Executive Session conducted under ORS 192.660(2)(I) concerning Performance Evaluations, in which no action was taken upon exiting the session. A Parks Timber Harvest Proposal was carried over from a previous discussion. The Board unanimously approved Amendment #1 to the Public Services Contract with the ACT 1 Group, Inc. (dba Advanced Technology Information Management Services) for Jail Management System Software and associated support and maintenance services in the Columbia County Jail.

The key discussions included the review and required partner feedback on the re-write of the ESF-8 section of the County Emergency Operations Plan. The Board approved the COOP invoice and directed staff to research the appropriate funding source. Authorization was granted to fill one part-time Plans Examiner II position. The review of the draft Transit Facility Maintenance Plan focused on scope expansion to cover all county facilities, not just transit. Discussions regarding Courthouse and Transit Center concessions involved the procurement process, including requirements related to the Commission on the Blind, and feasibility studies for space conversion. Demolition bids for property on Deane Drive were reviewed, with a direction to prepare a contract with the lowest bidder, Riehl Excavating. Finally, the Board directed staff to proceed with the sale of a small parcel of county-owned property on Clatskanie Slough for $3,000.