Departments meeting work demands

DAYTON–A brief Flood Control Zone District meeting was called ahead of the regular Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on May 16. County Engineer Jeremy Weiland provided an update on the Comprehensive Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan which is funded by grants from the Department of Ecology.

After soliciting bids for a consultant for professional services, he recommended the County begin contract negotiations with Perteet, Inc. The Commissioners authorized Weiland to negotiate the scope and fees of services.

The BOCC convened to hear updates from County heads of department. Superior Court now has a vacancy to fill for clerk with Sarah Boudrieau moving into the Civil Deputy position and a civil trial begins next week. Auditor Anne Higgins reported being busy with-it being candidate filing week for this year’s open positions. The County is seeking proposals for interested parties to serve the remainder of the year as one-half of the indigent defense contract for District and Superior Courts.

Weiland reported for Public Works and plans to meet with WSDOT for grant funding for Eaton and Baileysburg Bridges. Also, a meeting is planned with the County Road Administration Board (CRAB) for funding on four projects.

Dena Martin of Planning and Building gave updates during their scheduled segment that they are ready to enter a contract with Anchor QEA for a consultant for the Shoreline Master Program. She also presented as recommended by The County Planning Commission following holding a public hearing Zoning Ordinance ORD2022-01 which stated that the “Columbia County zoning code does not currently have a Chapter related to the siting and permitting of Wireless Communication Facilities” which proposed new Chapter 18.86 “for improved review and oversight in permitting wireless communication facilities.” It also included revisions and clarifications to sections of the Columbia County Code on the Use Matrix (land uses permitted) specifically for educational facilities and rock quarries, and Animal Units (land use for animals.)

Representatives from the Umatilla National Forest Service came to provide the Commission with County program updates. Forest Supervisor Eric Watrud talked about recovery efforts from last year’s fire season, as well as the upcoming season and projects.

Pomeroy District Ranger Susan Piper started by acknowledging the warm reception the fire teams received while fighting the Lick Creek and Green Ridge Fires last year. As part of the fire recovery work, they are performing area salvage focusing on high traffic areas and improving river flow. One way they do this is through commercial timber sales. Right now, they are conducting environmental analyses to meet requirements of various agencies for tree removal.

They have also filed for consideration for the emergency situation determination to expedite removal. An award of $400,000 fill fund work including on range lands, fish habitat and trail systems. The Turkey Tail Project had just begun before the fire hit which they plan to resume with some added restoration work. Thinning up on Godman is also planned around the trails. Work will continue on the Tucannon Bridge and Road 47 going up to Panjab. Federal highway funds were awarded, as well as funds from infrastructure disaster relief for this work.

Also, the collaborative effort with other agencies to obtain funding for the Tucannon Watershed work in 2023 was also accepted bringing the total funding to about $1.75 million. Walla Walla District Ranger Aaron Gagnon contributed to the discussion of plan in the County to continue the Upper Touchet Project in and around the ski area for non-commercial thinning with possible harvesting.

The Board of Health Administrator Katie Roughton reported they have had to interviews for the vacant Program Coordinator position and have two additional applications to review.

She also has been working to coordinate efforts with Columbia County Health System, the Fire District, and the schools for community health needs particularly with COVID including developing local protocols. Also, she is focusing on drug use in the community, specifically in the schools. Benton-Franklin County awarded $2,500 to Columbia County Public Health for the smoking prevention campaign which typically pay for the billboard advertisement of the poster contest winner from the schools. COVID booster clinics continue to be held every Wednesday giving 20-30 people each time first or second doses.