HOCKINSON COUPLE WIN $1 MILLION BEFORE MILESTONE

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

A change in stores and a goof-up by a clerk resulted in a Hockinson couple winning $1 million.

Bob Bafus, who turns 60 Dec. 11, and LaJohnna Reinhart, 57, gambled and won that amount Dec. 2 from the Washington State Lottery.

The couple won't receive that much, however.

An oversized check for $1 million as well as the cashable variety for $325,000 were presented Dec. 3 at the Lottery office in Hazel Dell.

Bafus opted to take the cash in one lump sum which reduced the winnings by half, minus 25 percent for tax.

Bafus and Reinhart are self-described Lotto and Mega Millions game enthusiasts. Twice weekly for the last 20 some years, each spends $10--putting $5 on one Lotto ticket and $5 on one Mega Millions ticket.

Bafus said he always buys tickets from a mini mart in Vancouver. But last week he stopped at Safeway on NE 162nd Ave. to make his purchases.

According to Bafus, the clerk wasn't familiar with the Lotto machine and gave him $10 worth of single tickets rather than placing $5 each on two tickets.

Lucky for Bafus.

One ticket had the winning combination of 2, 19, 22, 23, 40 and 43. They were randomly selected by the machine.

Bafus went to his usual mini mart store the evening of Dec. 2 to check the numbers. The clerk told him they lined up and that he was a winner, but didn't say for how much.

Sleep was evasive, and early Dec. 3 before breakfast, the couple went to the Lottery office in Hazel Dell. The numbers again lined up and they were declared million dollar winners by Jim Haro, regional sales manager.

Bafus will share the winnings with his partner, per their agreement.

A machinist at Columbia Machine in Vancouver for 20 years, Bafus plans to invest the money, drawing off the interest. He is "not sure" about retirement, which will come in a few years anyway, he said.

Reinhart is the owner of Johnnie's Jungle pet store in Washougal. She has no plans to sell the store, but will phase herself out of her involvement gradually, leaving three employees to run the place, she said.

Bafus said the money will not affect their shopping plans although Christmas is only two weeks away.

"The cushion's nice," he said. "It helps us mentally."

Bafus has already purchased their next round of Lotto and Mega Millions tickets, implementing two changes: he buys them at Safeway and in single tickets.

"You can't win if you don't play," Bafus said.

The biggest plans the duo have for spending are to take a long road trip to Alaska maybe next year, because it's something Bafus has always wanted to do, and fly to Arizona to visit one of Reinhart's daughters and some friends.

However, their first act as the newest Lotto winners was pretty ordinary.

"I want to go out and eat breakfast," Reinhart said to Bafus. "We haven't eaten yet and we're hungry. Let's go to Elmer's."

CLINIC OFFERS EYE EXAMS FOR LOW INCOME CHILDREN

Free vision tests for children and teens ages 5-18 in low income and uninsured families will be offered Sat., Dec. 13, 9 a.m.-noon, at the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, 4100 Plomondon St., Vancouver.

Doctors Gregory Barcus, Jarrod Oxford and Jamie Digiustino will conduct the examinations.

Claudine Walker, executive director of the Free Clinic, said students' vision problems are often not detected until high school. "The Free Clinic wants to do everything possible to increase early detection," said Walker.

Children who need glasses will be referred to the Lions Club and the Portland Needy Kid Fund. Children with vision problems that need medical attention will be referred to area doctors.

The Free Clinic is staffed by doctors, nurses and other professionals who volunteer their time.

Vision exams will be conducted by appointment only. For appointments, call 313-1390.

COWLITZ COUNTY HAS COMMITTEE VACANCIES

The Cowlitz County commissioners have announced vacancies on several boards and committees, and invite citizens to apply.

Members of the Board of Equalization are paid, but others are volunteer. Most meetings are held during the day, with the library board meeting in the evening.

A three year term is open on the Board of Equalization which makes decisions on property tax appeals and complaints. Applicants should live in District 3 and be knowledgeable about property values. This position pays $65 per day. Meetings are held once a week, July-September.

A five year term is open on the Rural Partial County Library District which manages library finances and prepares an annual budget. Applicants must live in the district which is west Longview area.

A three year term is open on the Developmental Disabilities Board which advises on matters pertaining to the needs of persons who have developmental disabilities. Meetings are held 8-10 times a year.

A three year term is open on the Substance Abuse Advisory Committee which advises on matters pertaining to people who have alcohol or other drug abuse problems. Meetings are held monthly.

A three year term is open on the Public Health Advisory Committee which advises on public health issues and programs. Meetings are held monthly.

A three year term is open on the Food Advisory Committee which advises on matters pertaining to health and public safety in preventing the spread of disease by food. Meetings are held quarterly.

A three year term is open on the Fair Board which is responsible for the general management and development of the fair. Meetings are held monthly.

A three year term is open on the Rodeo Board which is responsible for general management of the rodeo held during the annual fair. Meetings are held monthly.

Applications for any of these posts are available through the Cowlitz County commissioners' office by calling Vickie Musgrove, (360) 577-3020.

Applications are due by Dec. 19. Interviews will be held on a day and time to be announced.

GARY STUART HEADS COWLITZ FIRE 7

Gary Stuart was appointed Dec. 1 as acting chief of Cowlitz County Fire District 7 in the Ariel-Yale area.

The appointment came at a meeting of the Fire District commissioners.

Commission chair Ilene Black said the resignation of long-time chief Don Stuart led to the appointment of former assistant chief Gary Stuart as acting chief.

Don Stuart was elected as a District commissioner and will replace retiring commissioner Arnie Osmanberg in January.

On the recommendation of retiring chief Don Stuart, the commissioners discussed changing District policy and paying the chief, said Black.

A decision was reached to undertake a study of the cost of a paid chief, to include an analysis of available funding. The District secretary Judy Orloske will head a committee to perform that study, said Black.

In addition, an equipment study will be performed, leading to an analysis of the condition of current equipment and its replacement schedule and cost.

"Then we will be able to make an intelligent decision of whether we can afford to pay a chief," said Black.

The equipment study will be done by District equipment officer Ron Orloske.

Another resignation

District commissioner Dick Person announced his resignation at the Dec. 1 meeting, to be effective Dec. 31.

Person said he spends time in Alaska and Arizona, and is not available for meetings.

Letters of interest from anyone interested in replacing Person are being accepted through Mon., Dec. 15, said Black. The commissioners will hold a special meeting Wed., Dec. 17, 10 a.m., to select a replacement for Person.

Four years remain on Person's term. The individual appointed will serve until the November 2004 general election.

Letters of interest can be mailed to Cowlitz County Fire District 7, 11670 Lewis River Road, Ariel, WA 98603.

Black said the replacement procedure will assure a full board by year's end.

Black can be reached at 247-5966.

BG SCHOOL DISTRICT WANTS LAND INCLUDED IN CITY GROWTH BOUNDARIES

Officials of the Battle Ground School District want lands they own to be included in urban growth boundaries.

Attorneys for the School District have written to Clark County planners three times asking that two properties be included in urban growth boundaries.

Both properties now appear within urban growth boundaries--one inside the Battle Ground boundary and the other inside the Vancouver boundary.

The Vancouver property--about 40 acres near NE 165th St. and NE 40th Ave., Vancouver--was acquired in September 1994 for $1.4 million as a possible site for a new school. It was subsequently logged.

On May 5, 2003, a District attorney told senior Clark County planner Oliver Orjiako that inclusion of this property in the Vancouver urban growth boundary was supported by Vancouver officials.

Then on Sept. 16, 2003, a District attorney wrote again to Orjiako, urging planners to act on the request.

Attorney Denise Stiffarm of Preston Gates Ellis in Seattle suggested that exclusion of the site was an "inadvertent oversight."

Then on Oct. 2, 2003, Stiffarm wrote a third letter to county planners, again urging that the 40th Avenue property be included in the Battle Ground urban growth boundary. (She meant Vancouver urban growth boundary).

Stiffarm noted that Lynn Hicks, assistant superintendent for business and operations, had testified before the county planning commission on the issue Nov. 25.

Stiffarm wrote that growth plan updates occur every 5-7 years. The timing "makes it critical that the District's request be addressed during the current update," wrote Stiffarm. "Delaying inclusion at this time will present planning obstacles and add considerable expense to the District's planning process."

The Vancouver urban growth boundary was subsequently altered to include the site, and now appears on county planning maps.

David Gilroy, who lives in the vicinity of the school district property, alleged that the district planned to have the property rezoned for housing, then sell part or all of it for a profit.

Gilroy said he spoke with a District official who said selling the property was under consideration.

But Hicks said selling the site was discussed only by a citizen bond committee, not by the District board of directors or others in management.

Battle Ground School Board chair Fred Striker said the board has not had a specific discussion about selling the site or any portion of it. He said selling property is only an option in case of financial necessity.

Property owned by the District, said Striker, is worth keeping because of the higher future cost of land acquisition.

Two County public works employees injured

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Peak wind gusts at 60 miles per hour in Hockinson and Battle Ground Dec. 4 knocked down trees, tore shingles off roofs, tipped over barbecues and detached carports, and caused power outages for most of the day.

Outages surfaced as the wind picked up about 10:30 p.m. Dec. 3, with 600 homes near Battle Ground without power, said Mick Shutt, Clark Public Utilities spokesman.

Most outages were caused by felled trees and flying branches, he said.

At the peak of the windstorm, about 6,000 people were without electricity for several hours. By the morning of Dec. 5, fewer than 100 customers were still without power in isolated areas, he said, and by afternoon, there were none that he knew of.

"Generally speaking, the major problem areas were north Clark County," Shutt said, "especially Battle Ground and Hockinson."

According to National Weather Service officials in Portland office, Battle Ground suffered a widespread power outage at 1:30 a.m., with 60 mph winds and several trees down by 8 a.m., and more 60 mph winds with numerous power outages at 10:10 a.m. Hockinson experienced 60 mph gusts at 8 a.m. as well, most notably in the Finn hill area.

Bud Cave, operations manager for the County Public Works Department, said two employees were injured when trees fell on them while clearing trees on Westerholm Rd. in the Finn Hill area of Hockinson.

A tree hit one employee on the side of his head and damaged an ear, Cave said. He was taken to Southwest Washington Medical Center for stitches and a CAT scan then released. He has not returned to work.

Another employee was hit in the back by a falling tree. He was also treated and released at the Medical Center and was back at work the next day, Cave said. He declined to name the employees.

The incident happened about 10 a.m. when the crew was removing several trees along Westerholm where a couple was trapped in their home, Cave said.

"[The clean-up crew] noticed the winds were picking up," Cave said. "They were at a dead-end road and had to turn around to get out, but more trees had fallen across the road. They got out to remove them and that's when the accident happened."

Cave, who has worked at the Department for 20 years, said he doesn't remember employees ever being hit by falling trees, and called the incident "unique."

Cave surmised the treefall was great along that road because timber was recently harvested.

"There were some trees remaining along the right-of-way, which made them more susceptible," Cave said. "There were trees of all sizes."

Employees began about 6 a.m. removing trees and branch debris from roadways county-wide, Cave said, putting in "a lot of overtime."

Employees will likely remain in clean-up mode for the next two weeks, removing debris from right-of-way areas, Cave said, adding, "yhere's plenty of work."

LA CENTER POLICE HOST GIVING TREE

Gifts due by Dec. 18

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Jennifer S. is 2 years old, wears size 12-month-old clothing, and would like dolls or toys for Christmas.

The child is an example of 14 names of children on paper ornaments that decorate a Christmas Giving Tree in the La Center Police Department. Child Protective Services officials of Vancouver provided the Department with names of children who may find Christmas sparse this year.

Each ornament holds a name, age, clothing size and ideas for gifts from sponsors.

Wrapped gifts should be brought to the Department in one large bag by Thurs., Dec. 18. Department staff will deliver the goods to Child Protective Services officials.

For more information, call Danielle Lowry at 263-2783, extension 2.

SUBDIVISION PLANNED IN EAST LA CENTER

Bill Myers, staff reporter

A developer plans to build an 85-home subdivision on the east side of La Center.

La Center building officials issued a Mitigated Determination of Nonsignificance Nov. 26 on Lockwood Creek Park, a project planned by Ridgefield developer Columbia River Development, LLC.

The proposed subdivision site is near the La Center Post Office on 22 acres owned by Myron and Hope Prouty. The property is east of John Storm Rd. and south of NE Lockwood Creek Rd., and was annexed into the city last year.

Conditions in the Determination include construction of a stormwater facility and dedication of the facility to the city.

According to a state Environmental Protection Act checklist, a traffic analysis indicates that increased traffic caused by the new homes will require traffic safety improvements at the intersection of Pacific Highway and E 4th St. The developer proposes to change the intersection to an all-way stop.

Comments from citizens about the proposal are due at La Center city hall, 214 E 4th St., Tues., Jan. 6, by 4 p.m.

Jim Schlatter, owner of Columbia River Development, said a vacant home at the site will be removed and construction started in spring or early summer 2004, pending permit approvals.

Schlatter said homes at the site will be built on lots averaging 6,906 square feet. He estimated the homes be priced from $180,000 to $220,000.

DOLL HIGHLIGHTED 1923 CHRISTMAS

Amboy woman recalls horses, sleighs, popcorn

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Florence White, born 87 years ago near Amboy, recalls warm hearths, popcorn on Christmas trees and horses pulling sleighs on quiet lanes of snow.

White said her most memorable childhood Christmas experience happened in 1923. She recalled that on that Christmas morning 80 years ago, her parents presented her with an 18-inch, life-like doll.

When the doll reclined, its eyes would close. When someone rubbed its back, it would say, "mama."

White said the doll was a very special present in rural Clark County. It was a time when hard-working loggers, equipment operators and drivers like White's father were paid pennies per hour.

On that day, White's parents, Charley and Alice Moore, didn't know it, but they had presented their 7-year-old daughter with a gift that would last for 80 years.

White said she often played with the doll, but never gave it a name. She said her mother frequently reminded her to take good care of her doll.

"As I grew up, she would often ask me where I put the doll," said White.

Through the years, White kept the doll, periodically renewing its clothing. During the next eight decades, the doll was hugged by White's children and visiting grandchildren. It always had a special place at White's home.

White's parents, who homesteaded near Yale Bridge, lived in the Amboy area most of their adult lives. White was the sixth of seven children.

While recalling childhood holiday seasons, White said families would take rare shopping trips to Vancouver in horse-drawn buggies. Horses often pulled sleighs when snow fell in Chelatchie Prairie, she said.

Most children received practical gifts at Christmas time, often clothing, said White. Garments were sewn by mothers or grandmothers or purchased on those rare trips to Vancouver.

White said her family, like most pioneer families in the region, raised pigs for meat and had cows for milk.

Christmas dinners were special family feasts, normally built around a roasted turkey or beef roast.

Christmas trees were decorated with strings of popcorn, wood beads, or rolled and glued pieces of colored paper. There were no lights, said White.

Since receiving her doll 80 years ago, White married Charley White. They raised three children.

Charley White died in 1964.

Florence White still keeps her doll in a special place at her Amboy home. In her catalog of memories, the doll has a special place. But loved as it is, the still nameless doll takes a back seat to White's memories of her children, 19 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren.

BG'S 2004 BUDGET OFFICIAL: HANDLES RECORD GROWTH

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Five minutes.

That's what Battle Ground city council members took to unanimously approve the $50.2 million 2004 city budget that underwent "hundreds of hours of work" in review and public meeetings in a process that began last May.

"Thanks for all your hard work," said council member Lisa Walters to city staff at the Dec. 1 meeting. "This is a great budget and reflects what I'd like to see for our citizens."

The approved budget is up $6 million from $42 million in 2003. The beginning fund balance is just over $2 million.

The 2003 budget included more than $13 million for city improvement projects such as the West Main Street Project.

The 2004 budget allocates $15.5 million to keep up with the demands of growth, said city manager Eric Holmes.

Nearly $12 million of that amount will go toward buying sewer capacity in the Salmon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant facility and the Plant's expansion.

Other projects include a new police department building, water system improvements worth $1.5 million, and street improvements, including an intersection with a traffic signal at SR-503 and NE Onsdorff Blvd. That signal will cost $1.3 million.

Nearly $70,000 was set aside for parks.

General fund sees most change

Revenue for the general fund is based largely on new housing starts which could bring in more than $1.5 million in property tax in 2004.

This year's housing start estimate of 225 was doubled by mid-November to 500. City officials expect 300 in 2004.

Holmes said strategic financial forecasting anticipates a growth downturn. Key services that have no dedicated revenue stream in the general fund, such as parks and streets, will suffer without unanticipated money set aside for "one-time expenditures."

High growth this year offered a "unique opportunity" of one-time expenditures to serve the community, Holmes said.

Extra income was used in part to purchase a new pumper truck for the city's District 11 fire station, and will partially fund an intersection and traffic signal at SR-503 and NE Onsdorff Blvd. The extra income will also be put toward construction of a new police station.

Holmes said "record growth of 2003" pushed the population to more than 13,000 before the end of the year.

As a result, two officers will be added to the police department including one for traffic patrol, two maintenance workers and two engineering technicians. A clerk will be added to public works and one employee in the finance department.

"These changes will allow the city to respond more effectively to the demands of growth with a stable investment in internal staff capacity," said Holmes.

Goals and expenses laid out

Law enforcement takes the lion's share of the general fund budget with anticipated expenditures of more than $2.3 million, an increase of $163,716.

Expenses include new officers, two new police vehicles, and two mobile data terminals with furnishings.

The engineering/public works department will see $197,200, an increase of $84,024. The rise reflects adding staff members, vehicles and equipment.

Department goals for the next year include E Main St. improvements, park improvements, completing a new reservoir and creating a new water well.

Overall budget reductions include $18,000 for professional services because contracts will be handled in-house, Holmes said, and $17,000 less for building operation and maintenance without the old city hall and its equipment.

About $63,000 has been set aside for upgrades and maintenance on the Senior Citizen's Center at 116 NE 3rd Ave.

Council member Bill Ganley said the budget is in line with the population increase and that he is satisfied with the result.

However, he is concerned about funding for parks and streets, he said.

"There's been no increase in the water and sewer items, which I think is good," Ganley added. "I think the staff listened to council and the citizens."

Copies of the budget are available at the Battle Ground Community Library, 12 W Main St., and city hall, 109 SW 1st St.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

A school bus that was stopped at a stop sign was rear-ended by another school bus Dec. 1 as it approached the intersection at NE 131st St. near SR-503.

The incident happened about 3:20 p.m. with wet roads and overcast skies as children were being transported home from Glenwood Heights Primary School.

According to Battle Ground School District spokesperson Kelly Keister, 38 children were on the first bus, 42 children on the second.

Two other buses were brought in to transport children home. Both damaged buses were driven from the scene.

Keister said three children complained of injuries following the accident. One complained of a hurt leg and was examined by paramedics and the child's parents, and was transported home on another bus.

The other two children complained about neck pain and were transported back to the school and picked up by parents.

The school's principal and staff notified parents of the incident by phone.

State Patrol reports show Laidlaw bus driver Jack Lane, 50, was cited for speeds too fast for conditions. Lane drove the bus that rear-ended the other bus.

Laidlaw spokesperson Linda Cage said the driver's report indicated that Lane looked up momentarily due to "rowdy children" in the back of his bus. Lane was suspended and will be retrained.

"Safety is our number one concern," Cage said. "This was a preventable accident."

Cage said this is the first year Lane has driven that route. The previous driver had some health conditions and was unable to work. Substitute drivers had been used on the route before. Laidlaw maintains a pool of 20-25 substitute drivers.

Cage said accidents and citations have not risen from previous years.

Laidlaw has added 11 new routes this year in the Battle Ground and Hockinson districts due to increased enrollment.

CLARK COUNTY APPROVES BG SCHOOLS IMPACT FEE ADJUSTMENT

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Clark County commissioners have approved adjustments on school impact fees for the Battle Ground School District.

The fees affect people building new houses in Battle Ground, Yacolt and parts of unincorporated Clark County because the District lies in those three areas.

New fees are $3,000 for single family and $1,000 for multi-family structures in Clark County and Battle Ground, and $1,400 for single family and $560 for multi-family structures in Yacolt.

Yacolt city council members decided to keep the fees at previous levels.

Under state law, the District could have asked to collect as much as $4,351 single and $1,450 multi-family homes. However, school board members voted to recommend the lesser rate.

The rate change was initially recommended by an 11-member committee consisting of community members, school personnel, building industry representatives and neighborhood association members.

Why the change?

School impact fees one-time expenses paid by buyers of new homes and apartments. By state law, money collected from school impact fees can only be used toward school building improvements, not for other educational expenses such as more teachers, higher salaries or curriculum.

Most school districts use impact fees to buy portable classrooms because the amount is not close to the amount needed for constructing new school buildings, say District officials.

Battle Ground's new fees may add about $1.8 million to the District's purse annually, depending on how much new construction happens in the area.

To put the figure in perspective, Hockinson's new high school, which was financed mostly by bonds, cost about $15.7 million.

The Battle Ground School District's capital facilities plan calls for some $90 million to be spent on three new schools and various projects by 2009.

District officials say impact fees, collected over several years, could account for 5-10 percent of the District's total capital construction funding.

Area residents have expressed both support and disapproval for impact fee increases, say District officials. Some say fee increases are needed because newcomers to an area should pay their fair share toward new schools.

Others say the fees are an inequitable tax because only people who build new houses pay it, and people who buy new houses are not always people new to a community.

NEIGHBORS LAMBASTE ASPHALT PLANT PROPOSAL

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Neighbors rallied Dec. 3 against an asphalt plant proposed for development in Brush Prairie.

About 100 people jammed the sixth floor hearing room at Clark County's Public Service Center to give and hear testimony regarding a Draft Environmental Impact Statement issued by project applicant Lakeside Industries of Issaquah.

Lakeside's proposal calls for a hot mix asphalt plant to be built on a 16-acre site between NE Caples Rd. and NE 151st St.

Rock and asphalt cement would be brought in by trucks or railway car, heated with natural gas, mixed, stored and shipped out by truck. Current heavy industrial zoning allows a development such as the plant to be built.

Fifty people signed up to speak at the Dec. 3 hearing. None favored the proposed plant. Some advocated a need for increased mitigation measures if the plant is built.

County hearings examiner Larry Epstein facilitated the meeting which was held only to receive comments. No decisions were made. Epstein will not make a final decision on the plant either, which he joked he was happy about.

Neighbors and industry representatives have debated the merits of the plant for more than two years.

According to County Department of Community Development representative Teri Brooks, all comments received will be reviewed and addressed in a final environmental impact statement which will be issued at a later date.

Brooks said no timeline has been set for final issuance. The final decision about developing the plant will be made by County planning manager Michael Butts.

No way!

Attorney John Karpinski led the charge against the proposal, speaking on behalf of the Greater Brush Prairie Neighborhood Association.

Karpinski spoke at the meeting for about 20 minutes, emphatically and sometimes sarcastically criticizing the developer's environmental statement.

The 141-page document plus appendixes contains a detailed description of the proposed plant as well as reports on potential impacts to soil, water quality, traffic and pedestrian safety.

"It's amazing, for a document this thick, that it doesn't say anything," Karpinski said. "It looks like a generic [Environemental Impact Statement] for an asphalt plant that was downloaded from the Internet."

Karpinski critiqued the developers for showing "no real data," for using projections about air and water quality taken from data received at areas around southwest Washington including the Portland airport, and "very little site specifics."

Battle Ground School Board member and Brush Prairie resident Sam Kim read a letter written by Doug Ballou, chairman of the Neighborhood Association Council of Clark County.

Ballou wrote that the environmental statement underestimates impacts on neighboring properties, and that the range of alternatives considered is too narrow in the statement. Specific information in the statement is lacking in key areas, alleged Ballou, ground water impacts are not fully addressed, noise impacts would be significant, hours of operation would be excessive and bother neighbors, and transportation impacts have not been adequately addressed.

Ballou wrote that because the statement was prepared by the applicant "there was a tendency to use more favorable assumptions in selected areas of the assessment," rather than realistic or worse case assumptions.

Retired environmental engineer Richard Boughner, whose relatives live in Brush Prairie, provided a detailed critique of surface water runoff designs.

The meeting lasted about three and one-half hours. Brooks said the meeting wasn't cut short, and all 50 who signed up were given an opportunity to speak.

COUNCIL CONSIDERS SECOND CHUMBLEY ANNEXATION

Light industry, city park could be result

Michele Bloomquist, staff reporter

A Dec. 1 public hearing had Woodland council members pondering a second annexation request from the Chumbley family regarding 113 acres north of Dike Access Road.

The property is owned by James, Gary and Curtis Chumbley of Edmonds.

Skip Urling of Ecological Land Services presented the request on the Chumbly family's behalf and was the only person to comment during the hearing.

Urling told council members his clients would like 50 acres of the parcel zoned light industrial and the remaining 63 acres zoned low density residential and classified Public/Quasi Public/Institutional.

No houses are planned in the low density residential area, said public works director Rob VanderZanden.

Urling said the Chumbleys plan to convey 18 of the 63 acres to the city for a park.

The remaining 45 acres zoned low density residential is mostly wetlands or unsuitable for development and would be left as open space, said VanderZanden.

Council member Darryl Maunu asked why the proposed zoning is residential if no housing is planned.

Woodland's current comprehensive plan has no zoning designation specifically for parks, VanderZanden said.

The residential zoning with a Public/Quasi Public/Insitutional classification would allow the parcel to be developed as a park and open space, VanderZanden said.

Public works staff plan to revise the city's comprehensive plan and include zoning for park space sometime next year, he said.

VanderZanden advised the council to proceed rather than wait for the revising the plan. Zoning on the 63-acre parcel could be updated later, he said.

City attorney Pat Brock told Urling he would like to see the 18-acre conveyance made a condition of the annexation.

Council member Jim Tone asked whether the council should zone parcels with a specific use in mind, rather than zoning according to the growth plan.

"This makes it look like we're going after it for a specific purpose," Tone said. "We're putting the cart before the horse."

VanderZanden reminded council that the request for the annexation originally came to the city early in 2002, but was in limbo after a state Supreme Court ruling changed annexation procedures.

At that time, the council directed city staff to include zoning that would permit the conveyed property to be developed as a city park, he said.

Planning commissioners originally recommended against bringing the property into the urban growth boundary, VanderZanden said.

Council members did not make a final decision on the annexation request, but instead sent the matter to the Boundary Review Board for consideration.

WOODLAND COUNCIL PUTS OFF BUDGET

Michele Bloomquist, staff reporter

Woodland city council members requested more time to look over a proposed city budget for 2004 before adopting it.

Council member Bruce Summers said council members wanted to take a closer look at the document, which was updated four days before the Dec. 1 public hearing.

No specific concerns about the proposed figures were raised during the public hearing or council discussion.

The proposed budget is nearly $10 million, which is $800,000 less than 2003, a 7.3 percent decrease, said city clerk Mari Ripp.

Proposed general fund expenses were down over $100,000 to $2.5 million, Ripp said.

No additions or cuts are proposed in staffing this year, she said.

Administrative and exempt employees are slated to receive a cost of living increase of 1.7 percent while Woodland Public Employee Association members will get 3 percent. The Police Association's increase is still unsettled, Ripp said.

Copies of the proposed budget are available at city hall annex, 230 Davidson Ave.

Council members will again consider the budget a meeting on Mon., Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m., city hall, 100 Davidson Ave.

C-TRAN SEEKS WAY OUT OF BUDGET DEFICIT

Public comments sought on five service plans

Officials of C-Tran, Clark County's public bus transit system, are looking for a way to balance their budget.

The agency's board of directors approved a 2004 budget of $32.9 million on Dec. 3, an increase of about 11 percent over 2003. But about $8 million in revenues for the new year will come from savings.

The year 2004 will be the fourth in a row when C-Tran has used reserves to fund its operations.

Officials have proposed five service and tax options that would stabilize the C-Tran system financially, including cuts in service and increases in taxes.

Four of the five options would require voter-approved tax increases.

C-Tran spokesman Scott Patterson said C-Tran's funding was reduced by 40 percent when voters approved I-695 in 1999--the measure that resulted in the elimination of the motor vehicle excise tax.

Since then, said Patterson, C-Tran has made cuts in service and raised fares twice. But money has been needed from the agency's reserve funds to balance the budget.

Patterson said reserves will last through 2005 when they will dwindle toward a board-established floor of $17 million which is needed, he said, for bus replacement, self insurance and working capital.

Patterson said C-Tran had about $72 million in reserves in 1999, a fund that now stands at about $66 million.

Patterson said the C-Tran board of directors decided to maintain service with the use of reserve funds rather than make further cuts.

"The funding issue forced us to look at ourselves," said C-Tran executive director/CEO Lynne Griffith. "We have a more conservative public. Public services must be sensitive to that."

Budget balancing options

Patterson said five options are under consideration for balancing the C-Tran budget.

The options range from service cuts with no new taxes, to a tripling of the current sales tax rate.

The C-Tran board of directors is slated to approve a plan in March 2004, for implementation by the end of 2005, to balance revenues and expenditures.

Option 1: No tax increase

This option would eliminate bus services outside urban Vancouver, and decrease the level of service in Vancouver.

In Vancouver, buses would run less frequently and service would end one hour earlier in the evening. Dial-a-Ride and Vanpool services would stop.

The current tax in areas no longer served would be eliminated--Battle Ground, Camas and Washougal. But residents of non-served areas would pay the tax in Vancouver.

Weekday service in Vancouver would be reduced by 44 percent, and weekend service would be eliminated.

Option 2: Add three-tenths of one percent sales tax

With about $12 million in additional sales tax revenue, bus frequency would be increased during commute times, service would extend to 10 p.m. weekdays, and buses would run more frequently every day of the week.

Dial-a-Ride services would continue. New bus service would extend into Battle Ground neighborhoods, and new park and ride facilities would be built at 99th St., at 219th St./I-5, and at Padden and I-205.

Direct bus service would be provided to downtown Portland at a premium fare.

Option 3: Add three-tenths of one percent sales tax, cut non-Vancouver service

Similar to Option 1, service to Battle Ground, Camas and Washougal would end under this option, while service improvements would be made in Vancouver.

The current sales tax for transit would end for residents outside the Vancouver urban growth boundary.

Service would be similar to present levels, with Dial-a-Ride and Vanpools offered.

Direct service to downtown Portland would be offered at a premium fare. Commuter service would be less frequent than presently offered.

New park and ride facilities would be constructed at 99th St. and at I-205/Padden.

Option 4: Add six-tenths of one percent sales tax

This option would put the C-Tran tax at the legal limit.

This option contemplates a light-rail loop in Clark County, connecting to Portland over both the I-5 and I-205 bridges, and traveling east-west in the vicinity of SR-500 or Fourth Plain Blvd.

The new tax would not pay for light-rail construction, but would provide money to connect buses to the light-rail loop.

High ridership corridors would have limited stop/express service to reduce travel times.

Bus frequency would be increased, and Dial-A-Ride and Vanpools expanded.

Service hours would be doubled on weekdays and tripled on weekends. Service would continue until midnight. Direct commuter service would be offered to downtown Portland along I-5 with a premium fare.

New park and ride facilities would be constructed at 99th St., at I-5/219th St., at Padden/I-205, and at I-205/18th St.

Option 5: Add six-tenths of one percent sale tax; no light rail

Under this option, high capacity bus service would be added on high ridership corridors.

Bus service would be more frequent, with hours doubled on weekdays and tripled on weekends, and service extended to midnight.

Dial-a-Ride and Vanpools would be offered.

Direct bus service would be provided to downtown Portland with premium fare. Three new park and ride lots would be constructed.

Service would be offered to Battle Ground neighborhoods, and limited stop/express service would be added to high ridership corridors to reduce travel times.

Revenue sources

About 58 percent of C-Tran's annual budget comes from sales taxes.

C-Tran was formed by public vote in 1980, and receives three tenths of one percent of sales tax.

The C-Tran budget is also funded by rider fares (18%), grants (16%), and interest income (6%).

C-Tran receives about $3.6 million annual in fares, or about 56 cents per passenger.

Fare revenue per passenger is less than the $1 set fare because of monthly and yearly passes, paratransit and senior rates, and Clark College students, said Patterson.

Clark College pays C-Tran about $92,000 per year to cover the costs of all students who ride the bus at an estimated rate of 50 cents per ride.

Fare increases are also contemplated with each of the five service and tax options, said Patterson.

About $1.88 of sales tax revenue is used each time a rider boards the bus.

Ridership peaked in 1999 at about 8 million people, and then declined to about 6.4 million last year. Patterson said the decline in ridership was due to cuts in service made in 2000 to save money.

During the same period, the in-county, adult fare was increased from 60 cents to $1.

A new contract with the Amalgamated Transit Union (bus drivers( was settled in September 2003, increasing wages by 3-5 percent each year.

C-Tran has about 367 employees, 62 of whom are administrative and management personnel. Executive director/CEO Lynne Griffith currently earns $100,600 per year.

Service cuts made in 2000 resulted in the elimination of 70 positions, 34 of whom were administrative or supervisory positions.

Patterson said operating costs have risen over the last several years due to new union contracts, and higher costs of benefits and fuel.

Comments invited

Public comments on future tax and service options under consideration are invited.

Patterson said people can speak at each meeting of the board of directors, held the second Tuesday of each month, 5:15 p.m., at 2425 NE 65th Ave., Vancouver.

Comments can also be delivered by mail, P.O. Box 2529, Vancouver, WA 98668, and by email to c-tran@c-tran.com Rider profile

C-Tran survey data shows that 60 percent of all C-Tran trips take people to or from jobs. The actual number of people who use the bus to get to and from work is about 7,400. About a third of those travel to work in Portland.

The average age of C-Tran riders is 43, with a mean income of $30,000-$40,000. About 25 percent of riders are senior citizens or people with disabilities.

About 80 percent of C-Tran riders are frequent riders, taking five or more trips per week.

More than 60 percent of riders have a valid driver's license, are employed, and have an average of 1.2 automobiles available for their use, according to C-Tran survey data.

Developer wants to postpone road agreement

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Ridgefield city council members did not reach a decision Dec. 4 on a developer's request to reconstruct an intersection after homes are built rather than before.

Neighbors opposed the request and warned officials of potential lawsuits if cars crash at the intersection prior to being reconfigured.

Spearheading the controversy is the construction of some 150 houses anticipated during summer 2004 at the Bellwood Heights subdivision, located northeast of Ridgefield's downtown core off N Reiman Rd.

Bellwood homeowners will be expected to access the subdivision using the intersection at N Reiman Rd. and SR-501 (Pioneer Ave.). The intersection is currently a hodgepodge of three roads that includes a branch of N 22nd Place (formerly NW Hascall Rd.), a smaller road that leads into an established group of houses.

One estimate suggests Bellwood's first phase of development will push an additional 1,500 cars per day through the intersection.

Bellwood developer Mason Wolfe of Makim Enterprises signed an agreement with the city of Ridgefield on July 2003 to reconfigure the intersection prior to building homes and having them sold and occupied.

Wolfe said he ran into delays during a lengthy land acquisition process.

Ailsa Crawford, who owned the land that needed to be acquired for the project, submitted a letter to council members saying Wolfe did not submit an offer to buy the property until late October. The offer was accepted.

"At no time did we turn down offers or extend the acquisition process in any way," Crawford wrote.

After the meeting, Wolfe said state engineering plans actually caused the hold up. His company submitted plans to the state last spring but received approval December 1.

Wolfe said the property acquisition issue is irrelevant and originated from a misleading city memo.

The problem with doing work on the intersection right away is that state laws will not let paving work occur after November 1 during winter months. At present, work on the intersection is set to begin in late spring and be finished as late as August 2004.

Wolfe asked council members for an amendment to his agreement so construction crews would not be held up and to allow companies to sell homes during winter and spring.

Neighbors say postponing work on the intersection is a mistake.

Neighbor Karen Beall critiqued an analysis of Reiman Rd. prepared by the Portland-based Lancaster Engineering.

The analysis reads that although the current configuration of the intersection does not meet state safety standards, it is considered safe by national standards as indicated by the American Association of State Highways and Transportation Officials.

The analysis concludes, "the safety of the intersection would not be affected by the Bellwood Heights development."

Beall said she did not find the conclusion of the analysis and its conflicts between standards reassuring.

"A decision to allow occupation of homes prior to road improvements potentially endangers the lives of everyone who drives through this intersection," Bell said, "especially our new neighbors in Bellwood."

Neighbor Jean Burrell fears there would be no reason for Wolfe to complete the intersection once occupancy is established.

"If you believe Lancaster's assertion that [the intersection is safe], then there is no basis for requiring the developer to make any road improvements ever," Burrell said. "What is to stop Mr. Wolfe from knocking at city hall's door next week, asking for another amendment? Why should he have to spend his money since you would have just told him that his development won't affect the intersection?"

Wolfe said he understands neighbors' concerns about safety but believes postponing work on the intersection will pose no threat.

"The real issues with that intersection have always been operational, not safety," Wolfe said. "Work on the intersection will get done, it's better marketing, it's just a question of when."

Council members will weigh evidence and make a decision on the amendment at their next meeting, Dec. 18.

TYSON SILVA

Tyson Marshall Sylva, 21, died Nov. 28, 2003 in Woodland.

Silva was born May 10, 1982 in Denver, CO, and moved to Woodland at age two. He attended Woodland schools.

Silva worked as a pipe fitter to T.I.C., The Industrial Company.

Survivors include mother Kimberly Short of Alaska, step-father Ronald Short of Alaska, father Rodger Silva of Woodland, brothers Ian Silva, Keith Silva and Christian Short, all of Alaska, step-brothers Ronnie Short III and Justin Short, step-sister Amber Short, grandparents Linda Creamer of Vancouver, John Kornmann of Goldendale, and Robert and Leta Silva of Florida, and great-grandparents Vivian Smith of Vancouver and Jessis Kornmann of Oregon.

The Woodland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

MAUDE HECK

Maude Abby (Crawford) Heck, 92, died Dec. 4, 2003 in Vancouver.

Heck was born June 12, 1911 in Patroon, Texas, and lived in Clark County for 40 years.

Heck enjoyed china painting, antique collecting and selling, dancing and working in the yard.

Heck was preceded in death by her husband, John Heck, in 1976. Survivors include sister Mildred Brown of Battle Ground, nephews Larry Brown of Oregon and Jim Brown of Battle Ground, grandniece Kelly Brown of Oregon, grandnephews Jim Brown of Battle Ground, Larry Brown in the U.S. Army and John Brown of Oregon, great-grandnephew Andrew Steber, and great-grandniece Victoria Brown.

Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, was in charge of arrangements.

NATALIE SMITH-GOULET

Natalie Lynn Smith-Goulet, one day old, died Nov. 26, 2003 in Portland.

Smith-Goulet was born Nov. 25, 2003.

Survivors include parents Daniel Smith and Heather Goulet of Brush Prairie, grandparents Ty and Vickie Goulet of Brush Prairie, Rick and Rhonda Wilson of Amboy and Paul and Patricia Smith of California, great-grandparents William and Flora Charlson of Brush Prairie, Vernita Goulet of Vancouver, Ken Goulet of Chewelah, Gary and Dorothy Butler of Goldendale, and Jim Brock Sr. and Nora Smith, both of California, great-great-grandparents Esther Shorzman and Gloria Baggett, both of Vancouver, and Stephan Ragan of California.

Graveside services were held at Elim Cemetery, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

WYATT VADER

Wyatt Paul Vader, one day old, died Dec. 4, 2003 in Portland.

Vader was born Dec. 3, 2003 in Portland.

Survivors include parents Calvin and Leta Vader, at home in Battle Ground, grandparents Fritz and Kathy Kolb of Michigan, Frank Vader of Colorado and Anne Vader of Yacolt, great-grandparents Ed and Dotty Bartkus of Battle Ground and Paul Vader of Colorado, one cousin and several aunts and uncles.

Committal was at Elim Cemetery, Brush Prairie, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

ALBERT CHRISTENSEN

Albert Douglas Christensen, 78, died Dec. 6, 2003 in Portland.

Christensen was born Nov. 27, 1925 in Vancouver, worked as a finish foreman in the lumber industry, and lived in La Center for 60 years before moving to Portland.

Christensen was a member of the Highland Lutheran Church. He enjoyed reading, hunting, fishing, gardening and working outdoors. He liked being a handyman in construction work, carpentry and mechanical work. He loved music and sweets.

Christensen was preceded in death by his wife, Olivene Christensen, in 2002, and sister Dorothea Tryon in 1994. Survivors include daughters Ronna Johnson of Washougal and Caroline Colbert of Port Townsend, son Albert Christensen of Ridgefield, sister Shirley Krull of California, brothers Richard Christensen of California and Robert Christensen of Woodland, nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thurs., Dec. 11, 11 a.m., at Highland Lutheran Church, La Center, with committal following at Highland Cemetery, La Center. Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground is in charge of arrangements.

Charles Edward Howell, 85, died Dec. 4, 2003 in Lakewood.

Howell was born Jan. 29, 1918, worked in logging and drove a school bus, and lived in Clark County 1970-1994.

Howell served in the U.S. Army during World War II, stationed in Hawaii and England. He married Eliner Courtney after being discharged from the Army in 1945.

Howell lived in Vancouver, Battle Ground, Fargher Lake, Amboy and Wahkiacus. In 1994, he started traveling, moving to Lakewood three months ago.

Survivors include widow Wilma Howell of Lakewood, daughters Eva Knedlik of Renton, Frances Woodruff and Ellen Dean, both of Wahkiacus, Myrtle Abbott of Portland and Sara Malecka of Colorado, son Charles Howell of Wahkiacus, sisters Minnie McClellan of View, Jane Dunn of Vancouver, Eleanor Finn of Bremerton and Grace Shurley of Oregon, four step-children, 16 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, four step-children, 16 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Sat., Jan. 24, 11:30 a.m., at Mt. View Cemetery, Amboy, followed by a potluck at Mt. Valley Grange Hall, Amboy.

Pulles McKee Funeral Home, Tacoma, is in charge of arrangements.

Eugene Kenneth Nelson, 77, died Dec. 2, 2003, in Vancouver.

Nelson was born Aug. 20, 1926 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, worked as a cement mason, and lived in Washougal since 1948.

Nelson served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was very patriotic. He was a member of the Moose Lodge of Camas. He enjoyed playing bingo, Keno, hunting and fishing.

Nelson was preceded in death by his wife, Roberta, in 1989, son Michael in 1952 and sister Mally Shirley in 1981. Survivors include sons Kenneth Nelson of Washougal, Steve Nelson of Battle Ground and Rod Nelson of Vancouver, brothers Ray Nelson of Portland and Jack Nelson of Washougal, sisters Norma Clough and Nancy Carlson, both of Washougal, and Carol Ann "Tootie" Morris of Woodland, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family thanks Big Foot Inn in Washougal for providing breakfast for Nelson during his battle with cancer.

Burial was at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery, with Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, in charge of arrangements.

VIVIAN MIXTER

Vivian Ann (Bashaw) Mister, 64, died Dec. 5, 2003 in Vancouver.

Mixter was born July 16, 1939 in Rutland, MA, worked as a clerk at the Chevron in Ridgefield, and lived in Clark County for 38 years.

Mixter enjoyed crafts, painting, crocheting, and spending time with family, grandchildren and friends.

Survivors include widower Robert Mixter, daughters Robin Pauley of Vancouver, Rebecca Shafer of California and Rita Mixter of Ridgefield, son George Mixter of Ridgefield, sisters Mary Hatstat, Dorothy Paquin and Shirley Handy, all of Massachusetts, brother Charles Bashaw of Massachusetts, and four grandchildren.

Viewing will take place Wed., Dec. 10, 10-11 a.m., at Evergreen Staples Funeral Chapel, 4700 NE St. Johns Blvd., Vancouver, followed by a funeral service. Interment will be at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, at 1 p.m.

Evergreen Staples Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

PETE POULSEN

Valdemar Elmer "Pete" Poulsen, 84, died Dec. 6, 2003 in Vancouver.

Poulsen was born May 18, 1919 in Oberon, ND, moved to Woodland in 1963, and worked for 16 years with the Cowlitz County road department. He had previously worked as a wheat farmer in North Dakota.

Poulsen enjoyed spending time with his family and visiting with friends. He loved to work in his yard and garden. He enjoyed dancing, playing pinochle and gambling. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Poulsen was preceded in death by daughter Karen Leary in 1994, two brothers and two sisters. Sisters include widow Frances Poulsen, at home in Woodland, son Dennis Poulsen of Woodland, daughters Diane Balch of Idaho, and Pam Stevenson and Terri Smith, both of Woodland, brother Marvin Poulsen of Kalama, eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Wed., Dec. 10, 12:30 p.m., at Memorial gardens Funeral Chapel, with interment at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Gerald "Jerry" Allen Sutter, 59, Ariel, died Dec. 6, 2003 Portland.

Sutter was born Oct. 15, 1944 in Milwaukie, WI. He served in the U.S. Navy 12-13 years and served in Vietnam. He suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and was disabled. He loved fishing, gold mining and being with family and friends.

Sutter lived in Ariel for 17 years, having previously lived in Colorado.

Survivors include widow Judy Sutter, at home in Ariel, daughter Tammy Sutter of Indiana, son Tim Sutter of Colorado, seven grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and adopted family members.

A memorial service will be held Thurs., Dec. 11, 10 a.m., at Pleasant View Community Church in the Yale Valley. Autumn Cremation Services, Portland, handled arrangements.

CHUCK SNAILUM

Charles E. "Chuck" Snailum, 60, died Dec. 2, 2003 in Battle Ground.

Snailum was born March 3, 1943 in Munday, TX, and lived in Clark County since 1991.

Snailum served in the U.S. Army. He worked for Warner Brothers building sets. He was a member of the Hazel Dell Assembly of God Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and oil painting.

Survivors include widow Lorna Snailum of Battle Ground, mother Helen Felton of Vancouver, sons Donald Snailum of Vancouver and Duane Snailum of Battle Ground, daughters Danette Ueland and Danene Flower, both of Vancouver, and four grandchildren.

Burial was at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, with Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, in charge of arrangements.