LA CENTER OKAYS CASINO IMPACT STUDY

Bill Myers, staff reporter

La Center city council members on March 24 authorized spending up to $7,500 to identify potential economic impacts of a tribal casino at I-5 and NW 319th St.

The green light directs city attorney Daniel Kearns and/or members of a Citizens Committee to find and hire a consultant who can forecast economic, traffic and waste-water impacts of a nearby casino.

Council member Richard Curtis said the impact report must get to federal Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) officials before April 10, the reported expiration date of a public comment period allowed on an application for trust status on

land at the I-5 junction from the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.

After executing a Memorandum of Understanding with Clark County commissioners last month, Cowlitz tribal leaders applied through the BIA to ask the U.S. Department of Interior to take about 151 acres of land at the site into trust.

Tribal leaders continue to say they are uncertain how the land will be used, but federal approval could clear the way for development of a casino at the site.

Other actions

Council members voted to have Kearns immediately outline city concerns about a tribal casino in a letter to Clark County commissioners and governor Gary Locke.

Curtis said only Clark County and the State have jurisdictional standing on the Cowlitz request for trust status.

Curtis said the commissioners and governor should be asked to include the La Center concerns in packets containing potential impacts of a casino and trust application that are sent to the BIA.

Council members also authorized Kearns to ask that state senator Joe Zarelli, who chairs the Senate Ways and Means Committee, write a letter to Locke in support of the La Center position opposing gaming at the I-5 junction. Zarelli's letter to Locke should be included with the governor's response to BIA, said Curtis.

Council members also approved a letter asking BIA leaders to send an official

to La Center from the Office of Indian Gaming Management.

Curtis said congressman Brian Baird said the official could answer questions about processing the Cowlitz application.

State Rep. Tom Mielke (R-Battle Ground) announced last week that he will seek a position as Clark County commissioner and will challenge incumbent Betty Sue Morris (D-Vancouver).

Tom Armstrong (R-Battle Ground) said he also intends to enter the race.

"Our county commissioner has been out of touch with the people she is supposed to represent," said Mielke in defining the theme of his campaign.

"She continues to do unpopular things," added Mielke, "when she is supposed to be representing north Clark County."

Mielke, 62, has served in the state legislature for eight years. He said his various committee assignments, and other special appointments, have prepared him for the position of county commissioner.

"The people of Clark County have given me an education over the last eight years so that I can do a better job of representing them here," said Mielke.

Mielke itemized issues that he plans to champion during the campaign. Incumbent Morris responded; comments from challenger Armstrong were also solicited.

Amphitheater

Mielke said he opposed construction of the amphitheater at the Clark County fairgrounds. Now that it is built, Mielke said decisionmakers should "hold true to the people" and not let traffic go through the neighborhoods.

Mielke proposed that the southbound I-5 on-ramp be widened to two lanes with merging on the freeway south of NE 179th St.

Building the 219th St./I-5 interchange sooner would also relieve congestion at the fairgrounds, said Mielke.

Morris declined comment on solutions to the Amphitheater traffic problems, noting that the matter will likely be appealed to the commissioners and she can not legally discuss the matter before then.

Armstrong said county officials should have polled the public before allowing the amphitheater to be constructed.

Armstrong said traffic should not be channeled into neighborhoods west of the fairgrounds.

HOV lanes

Mielke said he has opposed the HOV lane on southbound I-5 from the beginning, while Morris supported the lane in three votes, and opposed in her last vote.

Morris said she supported the HOV lane while serving on the C-Tran board because it would be good for bus transportation. She said she opposed the lane while serving as a member of the Regional Transportation Council. "I don't go in on I-5 anymore," said Morris, "because of the HOV lane."

Armstrong said his research indicates HOV lanes do not move traffic faster. He remains opposed to the current HOV lane.

Septic pumping

Mielke said it is unnecessary to pump septic tanks every four years if they are working properly. He said Morris supports the new mandatory requirement.

Morris said she knew of no pumping requirement. She suggested that Mielke was thinking of a requirement for examination, not pumping.

Armstrong said periodic inspection of septic systems is a good idea.

Tax for parks land

Mielke said he opposes a proposed new tax to be used to maintain parks.

Mielke criticized county officials for buying tracks of parks land but doing nothing with them. He cited 112 acres of ground near Daybreak Park as an example of land removed from the tax rolls and yet not development for resident uses.

"In their haste to have a land grab, they're not taking care of today," said Mielke.

Morris said the county has money to buy parks lands and to develop them, but no money to maintain them. If voters approve a property tax to maintain parks, then development can proceed, she said.

"I'm for parks," said Armstrong. "And its okay to ask the voters" about parks funding.

Armstrong said government too often absorbs its available revenues in salaries and benefits, and then "runs short" on other needs.

Tax limitations

Mielke said he expects Initiative 864 to pass which is a reduction in property taxes. While Morris has itemized the losses such a measure would have on government services, Mielke said the cut would be only 1.4 percent of county revenues.

Mielke said Morris has criticized taxpayers for wanting to cut taxes. "That's not her job," said Mielke. "I don't think she's listening to the people."

Morris said the revenue loss from I-864 would cut 10-15 percent from the budgets of criminal justice, elections, assessment and other county services. She said 80 percent of county revenues "have strings attached."

Armstrong said he favors passage of I-864 which, he said, won't adversely affect existing school funding.

Lobbyists

Mielke said Clark County spends more public money than any other county in the state in trying to influence state government. He said the county is represented in Olympia by all three commissioners, a paid lobbyist and the Association of Washington Counties.

Armstrong said the county should send citizens as lobbyists to Olympia who might have more impact that paid lobbyists.

Rural businesses

Only when rural businesses expand with employees and other activities should they be forced to move to an industrial area, said Mielke. Otherwise home-based businesses should be allowed to continue.

In general, Mielke criticized Morris for applying new rules over varying circumstances. "They take a broad brush approach when they do things," said Mielke.

Morris said a rural business ordinance remains under development. She described the draft rural business ordinance as business-friendly.

"We don't need another layer of county government telling rural businesses what they can't do," said Armstrong, who said he supports the efforts of citizens to make a living.

Growth management

Mielke said the urban growth boundaries should be expanded to include large tracks of industrial lands so that 60,000 residents won't need to commute to Portland.

He accused Morris of having an anti-growth attitude rather than doing good planning for growth.

"We need more Legacy's over here so that we don't have to go over there," said Mielke.

"He got that one right," said Morris. Morris said she needs a second commissioner to vote with her on expanding growth boundaries for job-producing purposes.

Morris said the growth management process has been driven too much by numerical projects of population growth, homes per acre, and average family size.

Armstrong said he agreed with Mielke and Morris on expanding growth boundaries for job-producing lands.

Casino

Mielke said he opposes a possible Indian casino at the La Center/I-5 interchange because it would harm the communities of Woodland, Ridgefield and La Center. "We do not have the infrastructure for it," he said.

Morris said she signed a memorandum of understanding with the Cowlitz Tribe to gain agreement on various development issues and funding. She said the commissioners will not likely face the issue again.

Armstrong said citizens should have been polled on the casino issue.

"We need leadership at the county level to speak in the best interests of the people who live here," said Armstrong.

"I plan to run an issues campaign," added Mielke. "I refuse to smear and I won't respond to smear."

"He won't get any smear to respond to," said Morris, in agreeing to an issue-related campaign. "I think we are both honorable people."

COMMISSIONERS NARROW JAIL BIDS

The Cowlitz County commissioners rejected two late-arriving bids March 24, leaving the county with six bids on the construction of a new jail.

Project manager Nelson Graham said the apparent low bidder is Woodburn Construction of Woodburn, OR, with a bid of $9.5 million, excluding tax.

Nelson said county staff had estimated the project at $8.8 million. As a result, portions of the new building will be left unfinished to cut costs.

The jail will be constructed across the street from the existing jail on land purchased for the purpose, said Graham. The existing jail is over-crowded, he said.

Graham said the bid will be awarded April 13, and the new structure could be completed by August 2004.

Cowlitz County voters have twice turned down property tax measures to pay for construction of the new jail.

The work will be paid for, said Graham, with reserves held for the construction of a new landfill. County officials plan to export solid waste out of the county by rail and not build a new landfill when the current facility is full.

Graham said the existing 180-bed jail will be left unused when the new structure is occupied. The former jail could be used in the future if needed, said Graham.

The new jail will be one story. Graham said a drawing of the new building has not been prepared.

A court room for arraignments will be left unfinished to save money, said Graham.

COUNTY WILL WIDEN 179TH ST.

Planning is underway for the widening of NE 179th St. from I-5 easterly to NE 50th Ave.

Project manager Linda Small said NE 179th St. will be widened to five lanes from just east of I-5 to NE 29th Ave., and then to three lanes from 29th Ave. to NE 50th Ave.

Sidewalks and bike lanes will be included in the work. The road is on the edge of the city of Vancouver Urban Growth Boundary, but the widening will be done by Clark County.

Small said the project is currently ranked 15th on a county priority list. She said the work is estimated at $22.5 million, but is not yet funded nor scheduled.

The western terminus of the widening project will be NE 15th Ave., said Small, which is to extend south of NE 179th St.

Because some wetlands will be disrupted when the work takes place, county officials have purchased land at the intersection of NE 29th Ave. and NE 199th St. to mitigate the wetland losses.

Phil Gaddis of the county's Environmental Permitting section, said land purchases at the intersection were made in 2002 and 2003.

The county now owns about 30 acres at the southeast corner of the intersection, 15 acres in the northwest corner, and two acres in the northeast corner.

The county will gain more mitigation credits from work at this intersection than will be needed for the 179th St. widening project, said Gaddis, even though several hills will be removed from the existing roads and four stream crossings constructed.

Gaddis said an existing ditch on the northwest corner will be widened and rerouted to meander through the site.

Stumps and other woody debris have been placed on the southeast corner. Planning is still underway on further improvements, said Gaddis.

Gaddis said the logs and stumps will break down slowly and add organic materials to the soil. Those materials aid soil-dwelling organisms, he said.

Some logs were placed upright, said Gaddis, and will provide shelter to cavity-nesting birds as well as a food source of insects for birds.

Work will likely include planting vegetation, he said.

Lowell Weiss, manager of the county's Real Property Services section, said woody materials have been removed by firewood cutters at similar sites elsewhere in the county, leading county officials to place "Keep Out" signs at this intersection.

Such materials were taken in the vicinity of Andresen Road and Padden, said Weiss. No such activity has taken place a the 29th Ave.\199th St. site, said Gaddis.

"We have had trouble at that intersection (29th/199th) in the past," said Gaddis, with flooding during storm peaks.

Wetland mitigation work at the intersection of 29th Ave. and 199th St. is funded by both the Clean Water Fund and the pending 179th St. widening project, said Gaddis.

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Portland Police Bureau homicide detectives arrested Christopher Ray Cook, 20, March 22 for the alleged murder of Ridgefield resident Sierra Maldonado, 20.

Maldonado's body was found March 15 near the Willamette River beneath the Broadway Bridge in Portland. She was reported missing March 13 after vanishing about 1 a.m. from an underage nightclub in downtown Portland.

Maldonado left Up Front FX after telling friends she would "be back in a minute," leaving her purse, car keys and jacket behind. She took a friend's car keys with her.

Cook was arrested after being interviewed by Portland detectives as part of the investigation. He is currently being held without bail in the Multnomah County Detention Center on one charge of aggravated murder and one charge of murder.

Cook was arraigned March 23 and pleaded not guilty to both counts.

According to an affidavit of probable cause written by Multnomah County deputy district attorney James McIntyre, Cook was in the area of the crime scene during the early morning hours of March 13.

Cook reportedly appeared confused and disoriented and told police he fell off the Broadway Bridge but didn't know how. He was wet "from head to toe" and had several long, deep cuts on his neck, according to reports.

Cook first reportedly said he had no memory of contact with Maldonado, wrote McIntyre, but later admitted he left the dance club with her and drove her in his car to the area around the Broadway Bridge.

McIntyre's report describes physical contact between Maldonado and Cook which began with kisses and ended with punches.

Cook reportedly told detectives Maldonado "wasn't moving much," after the scuffle, at which point he threw her over the bridge railing next to where they were standing.

Cook reportedly told detectives he jumped in after Maldonado but panicked after realizing what had happened and ran away.

According to the affidavit, an autopsy revealed the cause of death is "more likely than not" strangulation, not as a result of injuries sustained in her fall off the bridge.

A witness later reportedly found a torn, bloody shirt identified as Cook's in a trash can near the crime scene.

Multnomah County Circuit Court records show Cook has no previous convictions. Cook has been diagnosed with depression for which he is reportedly on medication.

The affidavit also reveals Cook used marijuana in the last three months and last used methamphetamine in October last year. He reportedly stated he drinks alcohol about once weekly.

Cook grew up in Orchards where he reportedly last resided with his father. He was reportedly in the process of moving from his home on NW Naito Parkway in Portland where he lived with a girlfriend, to Vancouver.

Cook is unemployed and last worked in February at an auto service business.

During Cook's senior year at Heritage High School where he was a cheerleader, he transferred to Sequim High School and graduated in 2002. He later returned to Vancouver to attend Clark College.

Multnomah County Medical Examiner's office representatives said it may take several weeks until an exact cause of Maldonado's death is determined.

Family grieves

Sierra Maldonado's father, Clark County developer Dean Maldonado, issued the following statement March 24 on behalf of the Maldonado family:

"I cannot express the devastation this whole ordeal has caused my family. Just when I think it can't get any worse it does. From her disappearance to the finding of the body in the river to the murder charges, a parent's worst nightmare has become a reality.

"My wife and I now move forward to start the healing process with our remaining six children, four grandchildren, grandparents, aunts and uncles. This will be a long uphill battle for many of us, but we will persevere and endure. This family is our life and love.

"I would like to thank the detectives that worked relentlessly in their thankless job to get to the bottom of this case and the media for their efforts to help us find our daughter.

"While we have complete faith in our justice system and believe that justice will be served, I hope that any convictions or sentencing will be the maximum allowed by law.

"We would like to thank everyone for their support and concern for our family and the overwhelming display of love for our daughter, Sierra."

Anyone with more information about the case is asked to call Portland Police Bureau homicide detectives Brian Grose (503) 823-0757 or Barry Renna (503) 823-0255.

Some employees gone, some positions redefined

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Ridgefield citizens may be hard pressed to recognize city employee faces in a few weeks.

City manager Randy Bombardier's contract was suspended March 11 with termination effective April 11 if he does not appeal.

City attorney Brian Wolfe resigned March 4.

Several more changes will soon occur.

Interim city manager George Fox said one of his first goals since taking the position two weeks ago is to "streamline and solidify" city staff positions.

Council members passed a resolution March 25 giving Fox the authority to hire and fire city staff.

The resolution also gave city clerk Kay Kammer the authority to report budgeting issues directly to the council, not to the city manager, as previous policy mandated.

"It's good financial management," Fox said, "to have an independent reporting agent within the city."

Public works director Randall Jones resigned. His last day will be March 31.

The parting is amicable, Fox said, with no animosity between city officials and Jones. He will receive a $34,000 departure package that includes three months pay and 18 months medical benefits.

Fox said he asked Jones to consider his future with the city. Fox wants the public works director to be trained as an engineer, which Jones told Fox "he didn't see [himself] fitting into."

The city will also switch its engineering service provider. Current provider is consultant Dean Hergesheimer with Wallis Engineering in Vancouver.

"It's time for a change," Fox said. "We want to see what other service providers are out there."

Fox said the city may later add a full-time city engineer to its staff rather than a contracted one.

Fox is also shifting land use planning consultant Eric Eisemann's position to one where Eisemann guides policy more. Fox intends to hire a full-time planning director to do more of the "nuts and bolts work" Eisemann was previously doing.

Fox said Eisemann is "professional" and "running a good program."

Attorney Eileen Lawrence will continue to fill the void left by Wolfe. Fox and a panel of city officials will select a new city attorney by mid-April. The panel consists of Fox, Kammer, mayor Gladys Doriot and council member Gary Atkins.

A city administrative assistant position was eliminated. Fox said city staff does not need extra clerical help at this time.

Fox said his role as interim city manager will likely last at least six months through the city's budgeting process and solidifying staff positions.

Fox does not want the job on a full-time basis, he said, but is motivated by "turning a place with turmoil into a smooth-running operation."

RIDGEFIELD MAN FACES FEDERAL CHARGES

Larry Beaman on trial for fraud in Seattle court

Federal prosecutors at a Seattle trial are charging Ridgefield resident Larry L. Beaman, 62, with fraud.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Seattle, Beaman is charged with Securities Fraud, Wire Fraud, Mail Fraud, Conspiracy and Unlawful Sale of Unregistered Securities.

A federal grand jury in Seattle reportedly returned a 114-count indictment in March 2003 alleging that Beaman and several other Washington men were involved in a stock scam known as the Znetix case.

Beaman is alleged to have illegally sold securities of Health Maintenance Centers, Inc., Znetix, Inc. and Cascade Pointe, LLC. Federal prosecutors contend that Beaman engaged in money laundering in connection with funds he received through the fraudulent scheme.

Charges against Beaman and other defendants reportedly arose from a government investigation surrounding the illegal sale of over $80 million or more in securities.

A U.S. Attorney advisory said charges against Beaman and the other defendants are only allegations and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law before guilt is assumed.

On November 25, 2003, Kevin L. Lawrence, 37, Bainbridge Island, described by federal officials as the "ringleader" in the Znetix and affiliate companies' scam, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to three felonies involving security fraud.

Lawrence admitted intentionally defrauding thousands of investors out of up to $100 million by leading a conspiracy and scheme involving sales of stock in Znetix, Inc., Health Maintenance Centers, Inc., Cascade Pointe, LLC, and affiliated entities.

Eight other defendants, none from Clark County, also pleaded guilty in connection with the Znetix case. The case is reportedly the largest securities fraud case on record in the state of Washington.

Beaman's attorney, Michael Nance, was contacted March 25 at his Seattle office. Nance said the trial could last seven weeks, but said he and his client cannot comment on the allegations or trial details.

Beaman was released from custody on bond after his indictment.

INTERCHANGE PLAN GETS MIXED REVIEWS

Duluth business owners fear loss of traffic flow

Bill Myers, staff reporter

About 180 citizens milled around easels containing exhibits of interchange designs March 25 at an open house in Battle Ground.

The open house was a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) showing of alternative designs for a planned interchange at I-5 and SR-502 (NE 219th St.)

The star of the show, a recommended alternative that would relocate SR-502 about 600 feet north of NE 219th St. west of NE 22nd Ave., got the most attention--and mixed reviews.

WSDOT officials say the recommended design was left standing among 12 options after citizen comments and considerations of cost, environmental impactds, property acquisition, impacts on businesses and other issues.

"An option to continue and widen NE 219th St. would have forced relocations of five businesses," said WSDOT engineer Bart Gernhart.

Extending NE 219th St. would also require removal of trees and a mature forested area near Gee Creek, said a WSDOT brochure.

The preferred alternative would connect SR-502 at I-5 with northbound and southbound on-ramps, and include a southbound off-ramp west of I-5, and a northbound off-ramp skirting the Gee Creek rest area.

WSDOT engineers recently proposed a loop ramp on the west side of I-5, which would allow continuous traffic flows of SR-502 traffic to southbound I-5.

To divert westbound traffic onto SR-502 and prevent dangerous traffic conflicts, WSDOT engineers are mulling placement of a cul-de-sac or dead-end on NE 219th St. near NE 22nd Ave.

Outspoken critics of the re-routing of SR-502 own businesses or homes near Duluth. They say re-routing would adversely effect them.

Lance Benson, owner of the Z-Mart Texaco station and store in Duluth, said loss of through-traffic on NE 219th St. would bankrupt him and other area businesses.

"Leave NE 219th alone," said Benson, who said a new I-5 interchange should be located further north to accommodate future population growth.

Tom McCarthy, owner of the Volcano Gardens store in Duluth, said NE 219th St. should be kept open to through traffic.

Asked about the Texaco station at Duluth, Gernhart said gasoline service signs on I-5 are seen by about 34,000 motorists daily.

No one can say how many motorists would come to Duluth because of the signs, but the signs would help offset lost business, said Gernhart.

Area residents Gail Popple and Al Sheridan said the new state route would bring traffic noise too close to valuable homes.

Lee Jensen, owner of commercial property in Duluth, said the plan is acceptable if "a good, easy access" intersection is installed at the new SR-502 at NE 10th Ave.

Several Battle Ground area residents said the plan looked acceptable to them.

Rolling Hills Estates resident and Homeowners Association spokesman John Lower said, "It will work." Lower said WSDOT workers "are doing a wonderful job and listening to everybody."

Rolling Hills Estates resident Glenn Schmidt touted his own interchange design at the meeting.

Schmidt's concept would place southbound on and northbound off-ramps on I-5 near NE 209th St. to allow access to communities west of the interstate. The concept would include northbound on and southbound off ramps north of the Gee Creek Rest Area.

Schmidt's proposal calls for tunnel construction under portions of I-5 to facilitate traffic flows.

WSDOT spokesperson Amy Echols said public comment forms filled out at the public meeting will be evaluated.

Funding of the new, $35 million interchange will come from the five cent gas tax approved in 2003 for pay for state transportation priorities.

Construction is expected to start in 2007, with completion in 2009.

BRIA FINALIST FOR ARIZONA JOB

Dr. Shonny Bria, superintendent of the Battle Ground School District, is one of six finalists for the position of superintendent of the Scottsdale Unified School District in Arizona.

Bria and the other candidates will be interviewed in Arizona April 1-3. Scottsdale officials plan to have a new superintendent on duty by July 1.

Bria, 56, has been superintendent at Battle Ground since 1998. Before that she served for 10 years in the Pendergast School District in Phoenix, AZ, including nearly five years as superintendent. She holds bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from Arizona State University.

Roger Short of the Arizona School Board Association heads the search for a new Scottsdale superintendent.

Short said more than 20 applications were received in response to advertisements for the position. Those applications were reviewed for accuracy and completeness, he said, and then the Scottsdale school board selected the six finalists.

Following interviews, said Short, the board could reduce the list of finalists further. He said he will recommend that school board members visit the districts where the applicants currently work as part of the final selection process.

Sandra Zapien-Ferrero, president of the Scottsdale school board, said current Scottsdale superintendent Barbara Erwin has been with the district three years, and is moving to a school district in Illinois. Erwin earns a base salary of $165,000, said Zapien-Ferrero.

Bria said retirement income is her primary motivation for seeking the Arizona post.

Bria said after three years in the Scottsdale post, her retirement benefit would be about $5,000 a month.

If she remains in Washington and retires at age 65, said Bria, her retirement income would be about $1,800 a month.

In addition, the Arizona retirement program has better survivor benefit, said Bria.

"I really like Battle Ground," said Bria.

Bria said she told the Battle Ground school board two weeks ago that she had applied for the Arizona position.

Bria said that if she is selected for the Scottsdale superintendency, "I will probably take it."

Bria expressed pleasure with the Battle Ground school board. She referred to them as the "miracle board. I've never worked with a better board," she said.

Bria was uncertain what impact her departure might have on the upcoming construction bond election.

Five of the six finalists have ties to Arizona.

In addition to Bria, finalists for the Scottsdale position are Tacy Ashby, deputy superintendent of Public Instruction for the state of Arizona; Dr. John Baracy, superintendent of the Tempe Elementary School District in Arizona; Dr. Marjorie Kaplan, superintendent of the Shawnee Mission Unified School District in Kansas, a former assistant superintendent in Arizona who holds a doctorate from Arizona State University; Dr. Vickie Markavitch, superintendent of the Penn-Harris-Madison School District in Indiana; and Dr. Carol Wood, superintendent of the Maricopa County Regional School District in Arizona.

Short said the board selected the six best candidates without regard to their connection to Arizona.

Kelly Keister, spokesperson for the Battle Ground School District, said Bria was encouraged to apply for the Scottsdale position by friends and former colleagues in Arizona.

Sam Kim, president of the Battle Groudn School Board, said District attorney Bill Coates will examine financial options that might convince Bria to remain in Battle Ground. He expressed caution, however, that any compensation offer made to Bria would need to be acceptable to the community and must be legal.

Kim said the District might make a proposal to Bria that would be "worth her while" even though not a match for an offer from Arizona.

"Compensation is just one aspect," said Kim, who listed superintendent-school board relationships as another factor. "People come here to live," said Kim. "People go to Arizona to work."

If Bria leaves, Kim said the District's three options would be to employ an interim superintendent, search for a replacement immediately, or hire a replacement from current district staff.

Kim said the school district will continue to thrive even if Bria leaves because of the management philosophy and skilled people who remain in district employment. "Unlike other school districts," said Kim, "we don't have a single point of failure" even at the top.

Quincunx officials ask for change in traffic terms

Bill Myers, staff reporter

A Clark County Hearings Examiner will hold a public hearing Thurs., April 22, 7 p.m., on a proposal to allow traffic to head west after events in the Amphitheater at Clark County.

As proposed by Amphitheater officials, an amended agreement between the County and Amphitheater operator Quincunx would allow routing of 700 vehicles per hour for two hours on roads west and south of the Amphitheater 11 p.m.-1 a.m. following events. Westward exits would occur up to 20 times yearly when attendance exceeds 9,000, officials said.

Amphitheater officials hope the extra exit will keep patrons from sitting for hours in Amphitheater parking lots after events.

County Community Development and Public Works staff will assess the proposal and prepare a report in advance of the hearing.

Under the Quincunx proposal, exiting traffic would be routed west on NW 179th St., south on NW 11th Ave. to NW 149th St., east on NW and NE 149th Sts. to NE 10th Ave., and south on NE 10th Ave. to NE 134th St. and freeways.

The public hearing is required to amend a Conditional Use Permit approved in August 1999. In the Permit, County hearings examiner Larry Epstein ordered the Amphitheater operator to prepare and implement a Traffic Management Plan that restricts Amphitheater traffic to NW 179th St. and Delfel Rd., with limited use of other streets.

Epstein is scheduled to hold the hearing on the proposed amendment.

Currently, the primary route for exiting traffic is NE 179th St. to I-5.

County transportation specialist Steve Schulte said sluggish traffic occurred last year after well-attended performances because vehicle occupancies were less than expected and a higher percentage of patrons came from the south and anticipated.

The NE 179th St. on-ramp to southbound I-5 also slowed exiting traffic. The ramp has a maximum capacity of 2,000 vehicles per hour, said Amphitheater traffic consultant Marc Butorac of Kittleson & Associates.

For several weeks, Amphitheater, State and County officials have met to find solutions to traffic knots during Amphitheater events.

Preliminary strategies include a west exit option and using buses to bring patrons from Vancouver and Portland off-site parking areas.

At an Amphitheater traffic discussion meeting March 22, Vancouver attorney John Karpinski, representing Citizens for Transportation Safety, said it appears no one is considering a cap on ticket sales to solve traffic problems.

Karpinski asked what will happen if the Hearings Examiner refuses to allow a westerly traffic flow.

County Public Works director Pete Capell said curbing ticket sales is not currently under consideration. Capell said if the Hearings Examiner denies the proposed routing, Amphitheater officials will be forced to operate under current conditions, subject to the willingness of patrons to use transit options.

"Passive detours"

Butorac said signs reading "Amphitheater Event Today" along major routes would encourage non-Amphitheater motorists to steer clear of congestion.

"Passive detours" are alternate routes voluntarily taken by motorists, said Butorac.

The primary route to I-5 and Vancouver taken by motorists from Battle Ground is east on SR-502 (NE 219th St.), and then south on NE 10th Ave. to NE 179th St. and I-5.

Butorac said studies show the trip to the Fourth Plain exit on I-5 averages 18 minutes and 17 seconds.

Butorac said alternate routes could help non-Amphitheater motorists avoid venue traffic and delays 6-8 p.m. on days when events are scheduled.

Alternative 1 suggests use of SR-503 to SR-500, with an average drive time of 20 minutes and 21 seconds.

Alternative 2 suggests SR-502 to NE 72nd Ave. to NE 78th St. for freeway access, with an average drive time of 23 minutes and 15 seconds.

Alternative 3 suggests SR-502 to NE 29th Ave. to NE 134th St. and freeway access, with an average drive time of 23 minutes and 37 seconds.

Alternative 4 suggests using SR-502, then north on NE 10th Ave. to NE 259th St. and freeway access at the Ridgefield Junction. Average drive time was shown as 24 minutes and 42 seconds.

Alternative 5 suggests using SR-502 to southbound NE 10th Ave., then west on NE 199th St., and south on Delfel Rd. to freeway access at NE 179th St. Butorac said average time was 18 minutes and 39 seconds.

During Amphitheater events, traffic using Alternative 5 would be controlled and delayed at NE 179th St. to allow inflows of Amphitheater patrons. Officials did not include this control and delay in the calculated elapsed time.

The public hearing will be in the main-floor conference room, Clark County Licensing Building, 1408 Franklin St., Vancouver.

FIRST STEP TAKEN TO SECURE BG POLICE BUILDING

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

A Boise, ID architect company has been hired to design a new Battle Ground Public Safety Center.

Battle Ground city council members hired Lombard-Conrad Architects March 15 to draw plans for a combined police station and municipal court, and a separate operations center for administrative offices.

The contract will cost $217,850 out of the general fund to design both buildings, said public works director/city engineer Sam Adams.

The buildings will be constructed on 2 city-owned acres behind the current Police/Fire Complex at 505 SW 1st St.

In November, council members chose not to remodel the city's police/fire complex and authorized city staff to pursue the new Center in earnest.

According to city manager Eric Holmes, there is a "pressing need" for adequate office, interview, holding, storage, conference, training and locker space.

The department currently has 19 employees including administrative staff and officers, who operate out of about 3,441 square feet. Some of that space is also used for storage, broom closets, a break room, locker room and four offices.

The new police/municipal court building will be about 16,500 square feet. Estimated building cost is $1.9 million. The operations building will be about 2,500 square feet and cost about $250,000 to build, said Adams.

There is currently $500,000 set aside in the 2004 budget for the project, said Holmes. Other funding could come from the sale of about 5 acres on NW 20th Ave. and sale of the former city hall building on E Main St. and NE 3rd Ave. in Battle Ground, Holmes said.

The building may be open for business in 18 months now that an architect is hired, said Holmes, which would be fall 2005.

At the March 15 meeting, mayor John Idsinga said the community has nearly outgrown the current police station and its services.

"It's an investment in our future," he said. "This will keep Battle Ground the `aware' community that it is."

OBITS:

HOWARD RUFF

Howard Floyd Ruff, 65, died March 21, 2004 in Battle Ground.

Ruff was born June 2, 1938 in Long Lake, SD, worked as a burner for Freightliner, and lived in Clark County for 33 years.

Ruff was a member of the Dollars Corner Moose Lodge and Moose Legion. He was a life member of the Vancouver Black Cats motorcycle club. He was also a member of the American Motorcycle Association and the Ocean Park Eagles. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and RVing. He liked camping, travelling, going to the ocean, fishing and working in his shop. He loved his family.

Survivors include widow Sandra Ruff, at home in Battle Ground, sons Daniel Ruff of Yacolt and Timothy Ruff of Ariel, sister Ariene Armstrong of Olympia, brothers Wesley Ruff of Edmonds and Ralph Ruff of Texas, and 10 grandchildren.

Services were held at Crawford Cemetery, Battle Ground, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

MARGARET MCQUARRIE

Margaret "Maggie" Rose McQuarrie, 77, died March 22, 2004 at home in Woodland.

McQuarrie was born Nov. 19, 1926 in Seattle. She graduated from Queen Anne High School in Seattle. She served in the U.S. Navy WAVES as a petty office first class. She enjoyed an active life in the Navy as a pitcher for their baseball team, dental technician and basketball player.

McQuarrie attended Washington State University and graduated from UCLA in 1960. She earned a master's degree from Loyola Mary Mount in 1980. She taught school in California 1960-65, then served as a principal until retiring in 1984.

McQuarrie volunteered with a sheriff's department. She worked as an inspector patrol for wilderness areas in California. She was an avid golfer.

Survivors include sister Lorilee Oliver and special friend Michele Kuni, both of Vancouver. She moved to Woodland in 2001.

A memorial service will be held Wed., March 31, 6 p.m., at 304 Island Aire Drive, Woodland, with the Woodland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

HERBERT SCHLANSKY

Herbert Schlansky, 86, died March 26, 2004 in Battle Ground.

Schlansky was born July 17, 1917 in Brooklyn, NY, worked for Boeing for 11 years, and lived in Battle Ground for 11 years.

Schlansky retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1966. He graduated from Julliard where he studied the trumpet. He received a master's degree in psychology and education from Jackson College in Hawaii. He twice was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for World War II and Korea. He flew a B-24. He went on 75 missions during the Korean Conflict and 50 missions during World War II. He liked coins, antiques, guns, swords, gold and reading. He was an expert in Oriental antiques.

Schlansky was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Schlansky, in 2000. Survivors include daughter Beth Schlansky of Seattle, sons Steven Schlansky of Renton and William Schlansky of Battle Ground, and four grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at Acacia Memorial Park, Seattle, with Layne's Funeral Home, Battle Ground, in charge of arrangements.

David Lee Rochelle-Stephens, 54, died of liver cancer March 23, 2004 in Woodland.

Rochelle-Stephens was born Nov. 9, 1949 in Vancouver, worked as a CEO of Multi-Services Inc. in Portland for 24 years, and lived in Vancouver until moving to Woodland 10 years ago.

Rochelle-Stephens was a member of the Green Mountain School Board. He developed Ravens Kids Camp for area children.

Rochelle-Stephens had a terrific laugh and was famous for his sense of humor. He had an ability to make people smile. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, traveling and reading.

Rochelle-Stephens was preceded in death by his wife Helen Stephens in 2003. Survivors include widow Julie Rochelle-Stephens of Woodland, son Bryce Stephens of Woodland, daughters Maya Rochelle-Stephens of Portland, and Mariah Rochelle-Stephens and Taylor Rochelle-Stephens, both of Woodland, brother Robert Stephens of Vancouver, and one grandson.

Davies Cremation & Burial Services was in charge of arrangements. The family is planing a Memorial Garden in his honor. Plant or garden ornament donations can be sent to Green Mountain School, 13105 NE Grinnel Road, Woodland, WA 98674.

BARBARA SHOPE

Barbara L. Shope, 64, died March 23, 2004 at home in Camas.

Shope was born Dec. 11, 1938 in Orchards and grew up in Battle Ground.

Shope worked for Pendleton Woolen Mills. She loved the outdoors and was an avid wildlife and bird watcher. She loved antiquing, traveling and gardening.

Survivors include husband Vernon Shope, at home, daughter Debra Shope of Camas, sons Billy Shope of Montana and Clay Shope of Camas, mother Lois Julson of Battle Ground, sisters Sharon Dewey of Battle Ground and Kathy Elmer of Amboy, brothers Jerry and Lee Julson, both of Battle Ground, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at a later date. Straub's Funeral Home & Columbia River Crematory of Camas is in charge of arrangements.

FRANK COURTNEY

Frank Lester Courtney, 97, died March 21, 2004 at home in Battle Ground.

Courtney was born Aug. 27, 1906 in Shannon City, Iowa, worked in agriculture and then the lumber and building industry. He also worked for Shasta Trailers in Battle Ground and retired in 1973. He lived in Clark County since 1960.

Courtney was a member of the Meadow Glade Seventh-day Adventist Church. He enjoyed gardening.

Survivors include widow Olga (Ness) Courtney, at home, son Floyd Courtney of Texas, daughter Marcella Gearhart of Oregon, brother William J. Courtney of Minnesota, sister Mildred Peterson-Fillion of Minnesota, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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

META BAFUS

Meta Lillian Bafus, 97, died March 23, 2004 at home in Vancouver.

Bafus was born Sept. 11, 1906 in Blue Earth County, MN, and lived in Vancouver since 1943.

Bafus was a generous woman who loved being a homemaker and taking care of her family. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, singing and shopping. She made a wonderful pie.

Bafus was preceded in death by her first husband, George Schulte, in 1958, second husband Henry Bafus in 1991, four brothers and two sisters. Survivors include son Eugene Schulte of Battle Ground, daughter Barbara Knight of Ridgefield, seven grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

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

DAVID ROCHELLE-STEPHENS

David Lee Rochelle-Stephens, 54, died of liver cancer March 23, 2004 in Woodland.

Rochelle-Stephens was born Nov. 9, 1949 in Vancouver, worked as a CEO of Multi-Services Inc. in Portland for 24 years, and lived in Woodland.

Rochelle-Stephens was a member of the Green Mountain School Board and Ravens Camp.

Rochelle-Stephens was preceded in death by Helen Stephens in 2003. Survivors include widow Julie Rochelle-Stephens of Woodland, son Bryce Stephens of Woodland, daughters Maya Rochelle-Stephens of Portland, and Mariah Rochelle-Stephens and Taylor Rochelle-Stephens, both of Woodland, brother Robert Stephens of Vancouver, and one grandson.

Davies Cremation & Burial Services was in charge of arrangements.