Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Commission on Aging meeting scheduled for 4:30 pm Tuesday, Oct. 16, is canceled. The meeting will be rescheduled for 4:30 pm next Monday, Oct. 22, in the sixth-floor Hearing Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.
The Clark County Commission on Aging is focusing this year on transportation, especially for people 60 and older. Transportation allows residents of all ages and abilities to connect with others and maintain independence. It is a hallmark of a livable community.
At the Oct. 22 meeting, Matt Hermen, a transportation planner with Clark County, will describe how multiple modes of transportation; biking, walking, vehicles and buses; are planned for locally to meet the needs for present and future populations. He also will discuss the county’s transportation successes and challenges.
The Commission on Aging, supported by the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members.
For more about the commission, visit www.clark.wa.gov/community-planning/commission-aging.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is seeking applicants for the Portland International Airport Citizen Noise Advisory Committee, PDX CNAC. The county has one appointment to the 15-member committee.
The term begins Dec. 1, 2018, and expires on Nov. 31, 2021.
This committee is charged with:
• Acting on behalf of local jurisdictions as the official forum to address community PDX aircraft noise concerns;
• Monitoring and providing input on the implementation of the current PDX Noise Compatibility Plan;
• Reviewing aircraft noise issues and providing advice on issue resolution and follow-up action;
• Developing ideas and recommending proposals for consideration in future airport noise plans;
• Participating on advisory committees involved in long-range airport facilities and capital improvement planning;
• Enhancing citizen understanding of aircraft noise management through the work of the CNAC as a whole; and
• Periodically briefing the Port of Portland Board of Commissioners and other appointing jurisdictions on the work of the committee.
The committee generally meets 5:30-8 pm on the second Thursday of every odd-numbered month at the Portland International Airport. Dinner is provided beginning about 5 pm, and parking will be validated.
Given the technical nature of noise, it is not expected that any volunteer appointee be an expert on the topic. Port of Portland staff will take all necessary steps to on-board new committee members and help them be prepared to participate. CNAC appointments are asked to regularly report back to their appointing jurisdiction on the work of the committee.
To apply, please send a letter of interest and résumé to Alyssa Weyhrauch, Clark County Council, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or email to auch@clark.wa.gov">alyssa.weyhrauch@clark.wa.gov.
Application deadline is 5pm Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health’s Green Neighbors program is turning 6 this year, and the public is invited to help celebrate!
Green Neighbors is throwing a birthday party 2-4 pm Sunday, Oct. 28 at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way. Register to attend the free party at www.clarkgreenneighbors.org/birthday.
In addition to fun giveaways and prizes, the party will feature a special guest: Portland blogger Jenica Barrett of Zero Waste Wisdom. Jenica will talk about her “zerowaster” lifestyle and share how she fits all of her trash for an entire month into one pint-size jar. Then, party attendees will be encouraged to take the #onejarchallenge themselves.
Green Neighbors will distribute free jars to party attendees, who will try to fit all of their trash for the week into one jar and share their experiences on social media. Participants can minimize their waste by refusing, reducing, reusing, recycling and composting as much as possible.
Participants who complete the weeklong challenge will be entered into a drawing for an iPad.
The Green Neighbors program helps citizens create sustainable lifestyles. The program promotes green living through a variety of community events, such as WasteBusters, the Natural Garden Tour and the Recycled Arts Festival.
To stay up to date on green tips and local events, sign up for the Green Neighbors newsletter at: http://clarkgreenneighbors.org/newsletter-signup/modify.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is accepting applications for an open position on the volunteer Animal Protection and Control Advisory Board.
The opening is for a licensed veterinarian who practices in Clark County.
The term begins immediately and ends Oct. 31, 2022.
Advisory board members meet quarterly at 6:30 pm on the fourth Thursday of the month at Clark Regional Wastewater District Headquarters, 8000 NE 52nd Court.
Duties of the 10-member board include:
For more about the board or to download an application, please go to www.clark.wa.gov/community-development/animal-control-advisory-board.
Applications and a résumé should be mailed to Animal Protection and Control, PO Box 9810, Vancouver, WA 98666-9810 or dropped off at the department office on the third floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.
Application deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County’s Green Business program will hold a Morning Blend networking event 8-9 am Thursday, Oct. 18 at New Seasons Market, 2100b SE 164th Ave.
Morning Blend is an opportunity for business representatives to network and discuss green business efforts in an informal setting. The monthly event is held at different local businesses on the third Thursday.
For the October event, New Seasons staff will give a presentation about their green solutions and innovative, community-focused programs.
This free event is open to all Green Business participants and anyone who is interested in learning about the Green Business program. Please register for the event in advance at https://clarkgreenbiz.com/morning-blend/october-green-business-morning-blend.
Clark County’s Green Business program recognizes and celebrates the achievements of local green businesses. The program helps businesses develop and implement initiatives that can improve efficiencies and benefit the environment.
To learn more about the Green Business program, visit www.clarkgreenbiz.com.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health now is providing more permit services online, saving residents and business owners from making a trip to the department office.
Throughout the summer, Public Health has rolled out several new features on its website that allow users to submit permit applications, renewals and payments online. Beginning in June, people seeking permits for temporary food establishments could submit applications online. Since then, more than half of those applications have been submitted electronically.
Beginning Sept. 1, food establishment and mobile unit operators could submit information for their annual plan reviews and permits on the website. Website users now also can pay for annual health permit renewals and other existing fees on the Public Health website.
Public Health will continue to add website features throughout the rest of the year.
The website soon will have capabilities for submitting individual well and small drinking-water system applications. The review and permit processes for water recreation facility plans also will be available online in the coming months.
Later this year, website users will be able to submit applications for on-site sewage treatment system site evaluation, design, installation and releases. A portal for making vital records requests also will be available online, and Public Health soon will update its website features for submitting complaints and reviewing restaurant inspection scores.
For project updates, visit www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/online-permitting.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Permit Center will be closed for business Wednesday, Oct. 31, through Friday, Nov. 2, for remodeling. It will reopen 8 am Monday, Nov. 5.
The county’s online building permit system, Clark County Land Management System, will be available during the office closure. Anyone needing building permits during the closure is encouraged to use online system on the county’s website at www.clark.wa.gov/community-development/permit-center.
“Remodeling the Permit Center is one of the goals in our action plan in response to the evaluation of Permit Center operations published earlier this year,” said Community Development Director Mitch Nickolds. “Our objective is to enhance customer service by improving our permitting processes.”
“We are looking forward to having an updated, one-stop shop to take care of the needs of our customers,” said Mike Curtis, Permit Center manager.
The Permit Center in Community Development issues permits for residential and commercial construction. In 2017, staff in the Permit Center issued 2,800 buildings permits and served more than 19,000 walk-in customers.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is seeking applicants to fill three positions on the 13-member Clark Communities Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
Volunteer service will be a four-year commitment. Residents living anywhere in Clark County can apply. People with experience and expertise in advocating for biking, walking, transit, active transportation, mobility issues, public speaking or serving on boards and commissions are encouraged to apply.
Meetings typically are 6-8 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Center for Community Health, 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd. Committee meetings and other community-involved activities may require an additional four to six hours per month.
The committee serves as an advisory group to the Clark County Council on matters relating to bicycle and pedestrian planning and funding as well as implementation of the county’s bicycle and pedestrian master plan. The group reviews future road construction and private development projects to ensure safety for people who travel on foot or by bicycle.
Applicants should submit a letter of interest to Alyssa Weyhrauch, County Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000. Applicants also may send information by fax to 360.397.6058 or email to auch@clark.wa.gov">alyssa.weyhrauch@clark.wa.gov.
Application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Oct, 26, 2018.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is seeking applicants for three openings on the Clean Water Commission.
Terms are for three years, beginning in January 2019 and ending in December 2021.
The nine-member advisory group makes recommendations to the Clark County Council about clean water services, policies and financing needed to meet federal and state requirements for water quality and to improve county stormwater management.
Applicants can live anywhere in Clark County. Unincorporated residents and people with analytical skills and experience with environmental issues are encouraged to apply.
The commission meets 6:30-8:30 pm the first Wednesday of every other month, beginning in January. Meetings usually are in the sixth-floor Training Room in the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.
Interested residents must submit a letter and résumé by mail to Dean Boening, Clark County Clean Water Division, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or by email to oening@clark.wa.gov">dean.boening@clark.wa.gov.
Application deadline is 5 pm Friday, Nov. 16.
More information on the Clean Water Commission is available on the county's website, www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/clean-water-commission.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is accepting applications to fill two positions on the Clark County Arts Commission.
One position is for a member of the business community. The other position is for a commission member at large.
Both terms are four years in length. The commission meets at 5:30 pm the third Tuesday of the month on the sixth floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.
The Arts Commission is made up of 11 volunteer members. Each participating city appoints one member and the county manager appoints three members representing the arts, arts education and business communities.
The commission advises and collaborates with the county council and city councils and reports accomplishments to the community. Members advocate for the arts in the community, at public hearings, budget hearings and other public forums.
Anyone interested in serving should submit a letter and résumé to Alyssa Weyhrauch, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000. Applications also can be faxed to 360.397.6058 or emailed to auch@clark.wa.gov">alyssa.weyhrauch@clark.wa.gov.
Application deadline is 5 pm, Friday, Nov. 2, 2018.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Manager Shawn Henessee has named Ahmad Qayoumi director of the county’s Public Works department, effective immediately.
Qayoumi last month was hired as Public Works deputy director. He has served as interim Public Works director since Sept. 12, after former Director Heath Henderson accepted a job with Clark Regional Wastewater District.
Qayoumi has more than 29 years of public sector experience. He most recently worked as Regional Rail Division manager for the San Jose, Calif., Department of Transportation. His earlier positions include Pasco Public Works director and Vancouver Transportation Division manager.
Qayoumi earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Cincinnati and a master’s degree in civil engineering from Portland State University.
“Clark County is fortunate to have a Public Works director with the breadth of experience and knowledge that Ahmad brings to the position,” Henessee said.
Public Works provides many services to the community. The department has more than 300 employees who work in seven divisions: Administration and Finance, Clean Water, Engineering and Construction, Fleet Services, Parks and Lands, Road Maintenance and Safety, and Transportation and Development.
Learn more about Public Works on the county’s website at www.clark.wa.gov/public-works.
Vancouver, Wash. – Residents will have a chance next week to offer their thoughts before Clark County considers changing or setting speed limits on eight sections of county roadway.
The Clark County Council reviewed speed limit recommendations during a work session today. A public hearing has been scheduled for 10 am Tuesday, Oct. 9, in the sixth-floor Hearing Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.
In some cases, the council will be asked to lower speed limits. In other cases, the council will consider setting speed limits on roads that currently are unposted or have posted speed limits but the county does not have formal resolutions supporting those posted limits.
The maximum speed limit on unposted county roads is 50 mph.
Public Works routinely evaluates speed limits based on comments from residents, requests from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, observations by county traffic engineers and changes in development and road conditions.
State law prohibits driving at a speed faster than what is “reasonable and prudent” given conditions, commonly referred to as the “basic rule,” and sets a maximum 50 mph speed limit on county roads.
The county council next week will consider speed limits on the following road sections:
More information is available in the PowerPoint presentation prepared for today’s work session.
Vancouver, Wash. – Finding effective ways to meet the transportation needs of the increasing numbers of older residents will be critical for our local governments. Learn more about what goes into planning for all modes of transportation and how we can improve the mobility options for seniors who want to remain independent as long as possible at the next meeting of the Commission on Aging, 4:30 pm Tuesday, Oct. 16.
The meeting will be in the sixth-floor Hearing Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. It is open to the public.
Matt Hermen, a transportation planner with Clark County, will describe how multiple modes of transportation; biking, walking, vehicles and buses; are planned for locally to meet the needs for present and future populations. He also will discuss the county’s transportation successes and challenges.
The Oct. 16 discussion is the seventh meeting this year focused on transportation, especially for people 65 and older. Transportation allows residents of all ages and abilities to connect with others and maintain independence and is the hallmark of a livable community. For a schedule of topics, go to www.clark.wa.gov/community-planning/2018-transportation-speaker-series.
The Commission on Aging, supported by the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members.
For more about the commission, visit www.clark.wa.gov/community-planning/commission-aging.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Community Services is seeking applications for anti-poverty programs that help people reach self-sufficiency and programs providing Homeless Crisis Response System services.
There is approximately $390,000 available for Community Action anti-poverty programs in the following categories: health and social/behavioral health, income and asset building, employment, education and support services. Services provided must be in line with the Clark County Community Needs Assessment.
Approximately $1,500,000 is available for Homeless Crisis Response System services in the following categories: permanent supportive housing, rapid re-housing, targeted prevention assistance, interim housing, and outreach and engagement services. Applications also will be accepted to provide core system programs Rent Well and SOAR. All services provided must be in line with the Clark County Homeless Action Plan.
Applications and instructions are available beginning today, Oct. 1, 2018, through ZoomGrants on the county’s website at www.clark.wa.gov/community-services/applications. To be added to the stakeholders list, or if you need assistance or program information, contact Rebecca Royce at ebecca.royce@clark.wa.gov">rebecca.royce@clark.wa.gov.
Pre-submittal meetings will be:
Both sessions will be at the Public Service Center, room 679, 1300 Franklin St. Anyone interested in submitting an application is strongly encouraged to attend the pre-submittal meetings.
Other important dates:
Doug Lasher, Clark County Treasurer, stated that second-installment 2018 property taxes are due on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018. “If you have not received your 2018 second-installment tax statement or have lost it, you can visit our website at www.clark.wa.gov/treasurer or contact the Treasurer’s Office at 564.397.2252 for a duplicate statement.”
The Treasurer’s Office is located on the second floor of the Public Service Center at 1300 Franklin St. one block north of the Clark County Courthouse. Office hours are Monday – Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm.
Taxpayers may pay their property taxes online using a credit or debit card or from their checking or savings account. While credit and debit card payments are assessed a 2.39 percent convenience fee, there is only a $1 per transaction fee for using your electronic checking or savings account. To make a payment, go to www.clark.wa.gov/treasurer/payment-options, or call 1.877.778.4606.
To register to receive your tax statement electronically and manage your property taxes online, go to www.clark.wa.gov/treasurer and select “Make a Payment.” Payment transactions must be completed by midnight, Wednesday, October 31, 2018, to avoid interest charges.
Payments also can be mailed to Clark County Treasurer, Caller Box 35150, Seattle, WA 98124-5140. Tax payments must be postmarked by Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, to avoid interest charges. Taxpayers are encouraged to use the return envelope and payment coupon provided with their statement to mail their payments.
Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Fire Marshal Jon Dunaway will lift a burning ban for all land clearing fires on Monday, Oct. 1.
The risk of wildfires being caused by an escaped land clearing fire has significantly declined because of recent rainfall and the forecast for more rain and cooler temperatures. A regional ban typically is in place from July 15 to Oct. 1.
Residents must follow all local outdoor burning regulations and burning permit requirements. Recreational campfires are allowed in improved fire pits in designated campgrounds, such as those found in local, county and state parks.
On private land, recreational fires must comply with the following regulations:
The use of burn barrels is illegal in unincorporated Clark County.
For more information, go to www.clark.wa.gov/development/fire/burning.html.
These regulations pertain only to areas outside city limits. Residents in cities should check with their municipality for regulations on recreational fires and other outside burning.
Vancouver, Wash. ??' Clark County is accepting applications for two open positions on the volunteer Animal Protection and Control Advisory Board.
One position is for a member at large who resides in Clark County. The second position is for a licensed veterinarian who practices in Clark County.
The term begins immediately and ends Oct. 31, 2022.
Advisory board members meet quarterly at 6:30 pm on the fourth Thursday of the month at Clark Regional Wastewater District Headquarters, 8000 NE 52nd Court.
Duties of the 10-member board include:
For more about the board or to download an application, please go to www.clark.wa.gov/community-development/animal-control-advisory-board.
Applications and a résumé should be mailed to Animal Protection and Control, PO Box 9810, Vancouver, WA 98666-9810 or dropped off at the department office on the third floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.
Application deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is seeking a person with interest or expertise in early childhood education and services for young children to serve on the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board.
The three-year term begins immediately.
The advisory board makes recommendations to the county council relating to developmental disabilities services and issues. Members provide leadership to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of community programs.
Clark County values diversity and encourages people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to apply.
The advisory board meets at 5:15 pm the first Wednesday of every month at the Center for Community Health, conference room C210, 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd.
To apply, please send a letter of interest and résumé to Alyssa Weyhrauch, Clark County Council, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or email to auch@clark.wa.gov">alyssa.weyhrauch@clark.wa.gov.
Application deadline is 5 pm Monday, Oct. 24, 2018.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is accepting applications to fill three vacancies on the volunteer Planning Commission.
Two positions are for four-year terms; one position is for a six-year term. All three terms begin Jan. 1, 2019.
The Planning Commission is a seven-member group that makes recommendations to the council on land-use planning, zoning and development in areas outside cities and about issues such as growth management, roads, public facilities, development regulations and applicable county ordinances.
To apply, please submit a letter of interest and résumé to Alyssa Weyhrauch, Clark County Council, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000. Applications also can be emailed to auch@clark.wa.gov">alyssa.weyhrauch@clark.wa.gov.
Application deadline is 5 pm Friday, Oct. 26, 2018.
Vancouver, Wash. – An exhibition of Kobie Moore’s artwork Below the surface is on display at the Rebecca Anstine Gallery in the Clark County Public Service Center through November 2018.
Moore paints on wood and allows the grain, knots, and imperfections from that surface show through the paint. She uses a thoughtful color palette and creates texture by adding layers of paint and then scraping away areas.
Kobie Moore received a bachelor’s of fine art from Oklahoma State University where she discovered a love of painting. She has lived in the Pacific Northwest for 12 years and the natural landscape has been an influence on her work.
There will be a reception for the artist 11:30am to 1pm Friday, Nov. 16 at the Anstine Gallery is located in the Clark County Public Service Center sixth floor, 1300 Franklin St.
You can learn more about Kobie Moore at KobieMoore.com.
The Rebecca Anstine Gallery is named in honor of Rebecca Anstine, a local artist and founding curator of the public exhibit space in the Public Service Center. She served as a Clark County Arts Commission board member.
The Anstine Gallery is open 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.
Vancouver, Wash. – Rain and cooler temperatures have prompted Clark County Fire Marshal Jon Dunaway to lift the ban on recreational fires in unincorporated Clark County, effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday. The city of Battle Ground is set to do the same, and other cities within Clark County are considering lifting the ban as well.
The burn ban took effect on July 26 because of extreme fire danger due to dry conditions and hot temperatures.
Under the modified ban, burning yard debris and material from land clearing will continue to be prohibited until at least Oct. 1, if not longer, depending on fire conditions.
“Please keep in mind that just because we’ve had some rain, fires are still possible,” said Dunaway. “Don’t let down your guard.”
Beginning Thursday morning for the unincorporated county areas and those lands protected by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, recreational fires will be allowed in approved fire pits within designated state, county, municipal or other campgrounds.
On private land, recreational fires must comply with the following regulations:
The use of burn barrels is illegal in unincorporated Clark County.
These regulations pertain only to areas outside city limits. Residents in cities should check with their municipality for regulations on recreational fires and other outside burning.
Vancouver, Wash. – The county manager is seeking applicants to fill several vacant positions on the volunteer Community Action Advisory Board.
Positions are based on county council districts. Open seats include elected officials from the county’s second and third districts and a low-income representative from the county’s third district.
Term periods are three years, ending on a staggered basis. Incumbents have the opportunity for re-appointment to two additional three-year terms. Board members of agencies receiving money administered by the advisory board are not eligible to apply.
The twelve-member board makes recommendations about local government funding for basic needs, self-sufficiency, and housing programs. Members also advocate for services supporting low-income communities, families and persons.
Clark County is looking to diversify the board composition and encourages people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to apply, especially those from historically underserved communities.
Interested residents must submit an application and résumé to Rebecca Royce, Clark County Community Services, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or ebecca.royce@clark.wa.gov">rebecca.royce@clark.wa.gov.
Application information can be found at www.clark.wa.gov/community-services/community-action-advisory-board or by calling Rebecca Royce at 564.397.7863.
Deadline is Friday, Sept. 28.
Vancouver, Wash. – Mitch Nickolds Clark County Community Development director announced last week he has tapped Susan Anderson to manage the county’s Animal Protection and Control and Code Enforcement Services departments.
Susan began working in this new position Monday, Sept 17.
Most recently, Susan has served 13 years in the Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office as Senior Deputy Fire Marshal. She has 22 years of experience in code administration and 10 years in the local animal welfare community.
Susan earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Oregon State University and is currently pursuing a master of public administration.
“Clark County is fortunate to have found a member of our own team with the breadth of experience and knowledge that Susan brings to this position,” said Nickolds.
“I look forward to fostering partnerships that will support our agency in providing quality services to enhance the lives of people and their animal companions,” said Anderson.
Learn more about the county’s Animal Protection and Control and Code Enforcement offices on Community Development’s website at www.clark.wa.gov/community-development.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Board of Health is seeking applicants for a position on the volunteer Public Health Advisory Council.
The board is accepting applications from Clark County residents representing the educational community. The three-year term begins as soon as the position is filled and ends Sept. 30, 2021.
The council meets 6-8 pm on the third Tuesday of every month. The meetings are in the main conference room on the second floor of the Center for Community Health, 1601 E Fourth Plain Blvd.
The Public Health Advisory Council makes recommendations to the county councilors in their capacity as the Board of Health. The advisory council identifies needs and suggests ways to enhance community health. Among the council's top priorities are addressing adverse childhood experiences, community health improvement planning and support for healthy children.
Clark County Public Health protects the community’s health by preventing disease, responding to health threats and reducing health disparities. The department promotes healthy communities and environments, health equity, and disease and injury prevention. With community partners, Public Health works to promote healthier choices; ensure the safety of food and water; reduce environmental waste and contamination; and protect people from disease outbreaks through monitoring, early detection and swift response.
Those interested in an appointment to the advisory council should submit a letter and résumé to Alyssa Weyhrauch, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver 98666-5000.
Applications also can be faxed to 360.397.6058 or emailed to auch@clark.wa.gov">Alyssa.Weyhrauch@clark.wa.gov.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.