POWER TO APPOINT TAKEN FROM RIDGEFIELD MAYOR

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

Ridgefield city council members voted Oct. 14 to reduce the mayor's authority to make appointments to the city's parks advisory board.

The council decided to put that authority in the hands of a committee.

Mayor Gladys Doriot and council member Tim Thompson opposed the change.

Parks board chairman Steve Kennon had earlier asked for a clarification of the board's duties saying that members did not have a clear idea of their responsibilities--which led to the action.

The new ordinance orders a committee of three, headed by the city manager, to appoint board members. The full council will confirm those appointments. The city manager has the authority to remove board members for moving out of the area, being convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, and for "failing to perform the duties and maintain the qualifications" of parks board members.

In addition, Ridgefield School District residents are now eligible for parks board membership. Previously, members had to reside in the city limits.

Ridgefield does not have a full-time city manager. George Fox, deputy director of the Port of Ridgefield, is the interim city manager, working two days a week.

Doriot appoints one last time

The council deliberated for four meetings before taking action on the ordinance.

Doriot used her authority in appointments for the last time during the council meeting Thursday when she appointed Marie Bouvier to the board.

Bouvier had applied in June to be a member, but Doriot said during an earlier meeting that she had not seen the application.

Bouvier met with Fox and community development director Kevin Snyder, and her application given to the police department for a background check to be conducted.

Ridgefield stands alone

The new ordinance puts Ridgefield at odds with other Clark County cities under a council-manager form of government.

In Vancouver and Battle Ground, volunteers to city boards and commissions report directly to elected officials.

In those cities, the councils and/or the mayor appoint volunteer planning commission and parks board members. The councils receive recommendations directly from those board and commission members.

"The city manager isn't involved at all," said Carol Hansen, community resources manager for Vancouver.

City staff members are assigned as liaisons to volunteer boards, Hansen said. The new Ridgefield ordinance assigns the city planner, Kevin Snyder, as liaison to the parks board.

The same holds true for Battle Ground.

"The parks advisory board is appointed by the mayor and the city council," said Eric Holmes, Battle Ground city manager. "The city manager provides staff and the advisory board gives advice to the council. It's almost identical with the planning commission."

In both cities, filling out application forms are required. In Vancouver the process can be lengthy, Hansen said.

"We have a lot of applications for boards," she said. "The committee may interview half or less at one time."

Appointed boards advise Vancouver and Battle Ground councils. The new Ridgefield ordinance removes most council involvement and states: "At the request of the city manager or the city council (the board will) provide advisory recommendations to the city manager and public works director on parks operations and maintenance...."

The ordinance further states: "All board recommendations to the city manager shall be in the form of a vote-on motion only."

In Vancouver, a committee of three council members interviews applicants for board positions. The full council makes the final approval.

About the Ridgefield proposal, Holmes said, "There are so many ways you can create a new process. It doesn't mean it can't be done or shouldn't be done. It's not the way we do it here [Battle Ground]."

Although the ordinance change was not requested by council, Fox and Snyder crafted it and brought it to council members to approve.

Originally, the proposed ordinance bypassed all city council involvement with the board and put total authority in the hands of a city manager.

The council amended that provision after Doriot and Thompson objected to city employees having total control over advisory boards. As approved, the ordinance requires the mayor and one council member to be members of the appointments committee.

Ridgefield and Battle Ground do background checks

Background checks are not required in Vancouver for potential members of volunteer boards and commissions.

However, Battle Ground and Ridgefield recently crafted applications that ask if the applicant has been convicted of a criminal offense and state that a background check will be done.

Ridgefield council members generally agree that background checks on volunteer applicants are needed for that city.

Council member Gary Holmberg, who supports the proposed ordinance, said that "questionable" appointments were made in the past by elected officials.

Superior court records show that Casey Brock, who was appointed to the parks board by Doriot in April, was convicted of stalking in 2003. He has a history of criminal charges dating back to 1981, including assault convictions.

Brock submitted a brief letter of resignation in May.

When Brock applied for a position on the parks board, the application did not ask for information about criminal records and convictions, Fox said.

But the application does include that verbiage now, and includes a portion that says the applicant will be subject to a criminal history background check which takes "a couple of days," he said.

Police chief Bruce Hall told the council in September that criminal background checks could take up to two weeks.

Dennis Osborn, deputy Battle Ground city manager and the new human resources and risk management director, said that he is not aware of any problems with volunteers, but Battle Ground crafted a new application and volunteer manual about two months ago.

"My job is to look for potential exposure and liability to the city and close those loops," Osborn said.

Hansen of Vancouver said that the city has had no significant problems with volunteer boards. She also that the council has not dismissed any members in recent years.

TEACHER UNDER INVESTIGATION AT CAPTAIN STRONG

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Alleged misconduct by a Battle Ground School District staff member has raised questions about what can be done to protect student, parent and staff member interests during the course of any investigation.

Lt. Roy Butler of the Battle Ground Police Department confirmed Oct. 12 that an unidentified male teacher at Captain Strong Elementary School is under investigation for alleged misconduct.

Butler said the police portion of the investigation began after a complaint was brought against the teacher from another staff member.

Butler said he is not at liberty to discuss the nature of the investigation, if it is criminal, or if it involves students.

District officials say they don't have details on why the current investigation is underway. They are unable to remove a teacher from a classroom until details of an investigation are confirmed.

The District asked the Police Department in an Oct. 18 letter for "any information discovered in [the police] investigation which would be germane to this pursuit."

Complicated history

District spokesperson Kelly Keister said the teacher currently in question was investigated and cleared last June for alleged inappropriate touching of a student in spring 2002.

Keister said the District asked police Sept. 11 this year if the matter was still under investigation because a District staff member was reportedly informed by an officer that it was.

Police confirmed the investigation was ongoing Sept. 20 via a letter to the District.

Keister said that when District officials put the Sept. 20 letter in the teacher's personnel file, another letter in that file was found regarding the 2002 situation for "which no investigative record could be found."

As a result, the letter was brought to the attention of the police, and the teacher was placed on paid administrative leave Oct. 11 while the matter was reviewed.

District investigators interviewed the parent and student who initially brought the letter. It was determined that the subject matter of the letter "did not warrant keeping the teacher on administrative leave," Keister said. The teacher was back in the classroom the following day.

Butler said District officials determines fitness for classroom placement.

Keister said a teacher can be removed if there is potential risk to students, with assistance of legal counsel.

Both Keister and Butler said matters of this nature are tricky when protecting interests of all parties involved.

When allegations are brought forward, teachers under investigation can be branded guilty even if they are innocent, they said, thus destroying careers and reputations while inviting lawsuits.

On the other hand, if a person is truly guilty, every effort must be taken to safeguard children and inform the public, they said.

District officials released a statement Oct. 18 saying "We are committed to providing a safe environment in which our students can learn. When we receive an allegation, such as inappropriate touch, we complete a thorough investigation. Depending on the nature of the investigation, we often solicit the services of an outside, independent investigator. When other agencies, such as law enforcement or Child Protective Services, are also investigating, we depend upon their assistance and cooperation in providing us with any information pertinent to the issue. It's only when agencies share information that we can best provide for the safety of our children."

YACOLT EYES MORE, KINDER BUMPS

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Yacolt town council members meeting Oct. 4 agreed to assess costs of installing 10 asphalt speed bumps in town.

Town public works director Paul Tester said asphalt bumps would incline more gradually than bumps on Yacolt Rd. and Railroad Ave. that were recently damaged by acts of vandalism.

At council direction two months ago, Tester installed five speed bumps. The only one yet unscathed by vandals is on Yacolt Rd. west of Yacolt Primary School.

Council members asked Tester to examine costs of installing four asphalt bumps on Yacolt Rd., three bumps on Railroad Ave., and one each on Hubbard, Parcel and Amboy avenues.

Tester said bumps on Hubbard and Parcel avenues are needed to discourage speeding through residential neighborhoods by motorists who want to avoid bumps on Railroad Ave.

COUNTY EYES RULES FOR MIXED USE AREAS

Commissioners form citizens advisory committee

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Clark County officials are planning rules for mixed land use areas that will be popping up in suburban areas of the county.

During work on the update of the county's Comprehensive Growth Management Plan early this year, county commissioners concluded that mixed use areas are important to accomplishing community development goals.

Commissioners recently appointed eight citizens to a Mixed Use Advisory Committee. The task force is charged with updating a mixed use district ordinance adopted in 1994.

Six suburban locations were identified by commissioners as future mixed use districts.

** Area 1 - North of NE 99th St. at Ne 137th Ave.

** Area 2 - North of NE 179th St. at NE 20th Ave.

** Area 3 - South of NE 199th St., west of I-5.

** Area 4 - South of NE 164th St. and Clark County Fairgrounds.

** Area 5 - South of Fourth Plain Blvd. near NE 164th Ave.

** Area 6 - North of SE 1st St. and east of NE 192nd Ave.

The original ordinance was crafted for urban areas with high-rises, and needs revisions to fit areas with one or two-story structures, said county long range planner Bob Higbie. Committee members will work from a new draft ordinance created from county workshops over the past two years.

The new ordinance will identify lot requirements, residential density limits and permitted and outlawed uses in mixed use districts.

As envisioned by county planners, mixed use areas will contain commercial, residential, recreational, educational and other occupancies.

Planners say properly planned mixed use areas will create a "sense of place that is convenient, visually attractive and pedestrian oriented."

Mixed use areas are intended to contain a mix of mutually-supportive retail, service, office and medium or high- density residential uses.

Periodic committee meetings are held in the 6th Floor Training Room, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The next meeting is set Mon., Oct. 25.

A public round table forum is scheduled Weds., Oct. 20, 6:30-9 p.m., at the Safety Complex, 505 NW 179th St., Ridgefield.

A county Planning Commissioner hearing on the revised Mixed Use District ordinance is set for Thurs., Nov. 18, 6:30-10 p.m., in the Public Services Center, 6th Floor Hearing Room, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver.

Clark County commissioners will hold a public hearing on the new ordinance Tues., Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to noon, in the 6th Floor Hearing Room at the Public Services Center.

Maps of proposed mixed use areas can be found at www.clark.wa.gov/longrangeplan/projects/mixed-use.html. Higbie may be contacted for more information at 397-2375, ext. 4113.

FLU SHOTS SCARCE, RESERVED FOR HIGH RISK CITIZENS

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Flu vaccines will be hard to get this year, especially for healthy people.

A disruption of vaccine supplies was caused by the recent suspension by United Kingdom officials of Chiron Corporation, a major supplier of the vaccine, Fluvirin.

Shortages are causing many pharmacies to cancel plans to provide immunization services.

Area pharmacies and medical practitioners who offer shots will follow guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The guidelines are intended to protect citizens considered most "at risk" if afflicted by influenza.

According to the guidelines, at risk individuals include:

** Adults 65 years of age or older.

** Persons ages 2-64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions.

** Women who expect to be pregnant during the flu season.

** Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities.

** Health care workers with direct patient care.

** Out-of-home care givers and household contacts of children less than 6 months old.

** Children 6 months to 18 years of age on chronic aspirin therapy.

The following stores plan immunizations within CDC guidelines, subject to vaccine availability, at $20 each:

Safeway Food and Drug Stores, 1725 Pacific Ave., Woodland, (360) 225-4375, Weds., Oct. 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 904 W. Main St., Battle Ground, 666-2230, Thurs., Oct. 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Safeway officials recommend telephone calls to verify supplies and schedules.

Fred Meyer Stores, 401 NW 12th Ave., Battle Ground, 666-5133, 7411 NE 117th Ave., Vancouver, 896-3533, and other locations, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Vaccinations will be given by appointment only.

Some pharmacies, including Hi-School Pharmacy in Woodland and at Albertsons Food Market in Battle Ground, have completed immunization programs.

Immunizations will not be offered at Battle Ground Pharmacy and area Walgreen or Long's Drug Stores because of vaccine supply shortages.

Kaiser Permanente is offering immunizations to their high risk health plan members. Information telephone is (800) 813-2000, ext. 6.

The Southwest Washington Medical Center canceled its fall public flu clinics because of a shortage of vaccine. Medical Center officials are attempting to secure additional supplies.

Personal physicians will have limited supplies of vaccine. Citizens in high risk groups should make arrangements for vaccines as soon as possible.

HEALTH OFFICER URGES RESPIRATORY ETIQUETTE

Bill Myers, staff reporter

The Clark County Health Officer, with tight supplies of flu vaccine ahead, is urging citizens to use "respiratory etiquette" during the flu season.

Health Officer Dr. Justin Denny said the county Health Department has no supplies of flu vaccine. He said Chiron Corporation, a vaccine producer suspended by British authorities, supplied vaccines to the county Health Department.

Throughout the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is limiting vaccines to citizens in "high risk" health categories, said Denny.

Denny said people afflicted with influenza can transmit the illness before symptoms are evident. Symptoms normally appear two days after patients are infected by a flu virus, he said.

"Respiratory etiquette should be practiced by everyone, even people without symptoms," said Denny.

Denny said respiratory etiquette includes covering coughs with the inside of one's elbow to protect others, sitting away from other people when possible, washing hands frequently and staying home when sick.

During the flu season, citizens in public places should wear masks covering mouths and noses, said Denny. This is a common, and wise practice in Asia, he said.

GLOWING "FIN" EMERGES FROM DOME

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

It took nearly three weeks for a red and white-hot feature of a new dome to emerge on volatile Mount St. Helens.

On Oct. 11, scientists discovered a "fin" outgrowth of pink-grey lava on the south side of the old 1980-1986 dome in a new lobe on the western part of the crater.

As of Oct. 14, glowing, orange lava could be seen from the air, nestled between cracks in the pinkish outgrowth.

The slab is about 200 by 200 feet and has a temperature of about 1,292 degrees Fahrenheit. Ashy streamers have risen around it in the last week, some only 32 feet in the air, others higher, scientists said. Steam emissions are constant with non-stop plumes over several days.

Small avalanches of hot debris are accumulating around the base of the new, fast-rising growth.

The entire uplifted area, including the old and new domes, is about 1,600 feet across and 400 feet high, scientists said.

As of Oct. 14, field work continued to confirm the presence of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide which are agents present in fresh magma, officials said. However, no carbon dioxide was detected.

Magma becomes lava when it reaches the surface.

Earthquake activity is at magnitude 1-2 every five or 10 minutes, down from thousands at 3 magnitude occurring three-four per minute when activity began Sept. 23.

Scientists believe the lessened quake activity signals an increase of water or steam in the system, with newer, liquid magma activity pulverizing old, hardened magma below the surface.

Explosion danger not over

The new arm of lava on the dome does not mean activity is over, or that the danger of an explosion is gone, scientists said.

Jon Major, a hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, said that even though lava has ruptured the surface, potential explosive activity is still a possibility.

Major said new magma will likely ooze into the crater, but an explosion of moderate intensity in the future isn't ruled out.

"We could get ash that rises a few tens of thousands of feet into the air," he said.

Although scientists say there is no evidence that a very large pool of gas-rich magma is below the surface of the crater, new magma in any amount can be explosive.

Tina Neal, scientist with Geological Survey, surmised that if the gas vent were to be shut off, sealed and capped by a colder, impenetrable top, pressure could build that could lead to an eruption.

If that happened, there is a possibility that the dome could erupt toward the south wall of the crater, scientists said. Lava could gush up and over the rim and down the mountain's south flank.

Although the new lava slab penetrated a bulge next to the old lava dome, an exact picture of the fin's shape and dimensions is not clear, said Neal.

"We have very hot bodies that are close together," she said.

"If this thing continues to grow, it will add on to the 1980-86 feature and enlarge it somewhat," Neal said. "If we have continued episodes, it is certainly possible that this new lava dome will enlarge and perhaps even dwarf the old dome."

Rapid glacier melt not likely

A 600-foot glacier that has formed for 20 years still cups itself in an ash-dirty, half-moon shape around the south part of the new dome.

The glacier has buckled and has several deep gashes that formed when the dome emerged. It is made up of about 120 million cubic yards of layers of ice, rock and snow, scientists said.

"Kind of normal glacier melt has taken place," said Major, and the fiery fin is likely "several tens of meters away from direct contact with ice."

Volcanic debris flows (lahars) could be triggered if hot material comes into contact and swiftly melts glacier ice, scientists said. But there is little hazard expected, because a sediment retention dam in place on the North Fork Toutle River would keep back most of the debris.

However, anyone working or recreating upstream may face conditions such as murky water, scientists said.

Some roads, trails, reopen

Although the Johnston Ridge Observatory remains closed, officials have reopened some roads and trails around the volcano for recreationists and hunters.

However, officials warn that visitors need to be aware the mountain is still in a "state of unrest" and that an eruption could occur with little warning.

The existing 5-mile radius closure is still in effect.

Forest Road 8303 is open, as are Ape Cave and Trail of Two Forests, Forest Road 81 between Kalama Horse Camp, and the 5-mile radius to non-motorized travel, but camping on Road 81 is not allowed.

Trails from Kalama Horse Camp are open to the boundary of the 5-mile radius closure area including trails 204, 231, 238 and 242.

For more information, contact the Mount St. Helens information hotline at (360) 891-5202 or visit www.fs.fed.us/gpnf or the Cascade Volcano Observatory website at http//vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/home.html

LITERACY PROGRAM OFFERS MORE THAN TUTORING

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

When she signed up for tutoring, Jeanette Rench got a bonus.

"I've found a friend," The Ridgefield resident said.

Jean Gard, also of Ridgefield, is Rench's friend, tutor and cheerleader.

The two women meet for three hours every Monday morning at the Literacy Center of Clark College in Vancouver.

At every opportunity, Gard praises Rench for her work and her ambition.

"I'm a cheerleader without the cute little skirt," Gard said.

Rench calls Gard and program manager Madeleine von Laue "my support group."

"At times when I wanted to give up, Jean supported me--Madeline, too," Rench said. "My father and my aunt think I'm wasting my time, but I don't think so."

The 81-year-old Gard is one of about 90 volunteer tutors at the Clark Literacy Center. Rench is her first student and the two have worked together since spring 2003, a few months after Rench began studying for her General Equivalency Diploma (GED).

Rench quit high school at the beginning of 10th grade, after shuttling through four high schools as a ninth grader.

She left school for "lots of reasons."

Rench spent some time on the streets, staying with friends. She returned to high school and dropped out again "because of a guy."

As a young teen, she dabbled in drugs, but switched to alcohol. She finally realized she was on the road to alcoholism and joined Alcoholics Anonymous.

Several years later, when she was nearly 25, Rench decided to get a GED, "mostly for my own self-esteem."

"I was going to graduations, seeing my little brothers studying, and wanting to help and I couldn't," she said. "I wanted to prove I could do it. Because I'd dropped out of school, people thought I was stupid. It was hard to get a job."

Rench's first few months at Clark were difficult. She discovered she couldn't retain what she was reading.

"I didn't accomplish anything," she said. "I talked to the teacher and he suggested a tutor."

Like several students, Rench had to wait a couple months for a tutor.

Literacy program manager von Laue said the program needs more tutors to work with students whose first language is not English, as well as with those who grew up speaking English but have trouble reading and comprehending.

About 75 percent of students in the literacy program speak another language and about half are enrolled in other Clark College classes, von Laue said.

The tutoring programs are free and anyone who needs tutoring may sign up, von Laue said.

"If you need help and we have enough tutors, you qualify," she said.

Some students are tutored during the evening after work. Several want to improve reading skills to apply for better jobs, she said.

"We get people who have been laid off from their job and find they need to learn to read and write," von Laue said. "We have young parents who need help, high school dropouts who need more education."

Rench is devoting all of her time to earning the GED. Single, she lives with her grandparents who drive her to the bus every weekday morning.

"They'll be proud of you when you walk in at graduation," Gard said.

Rench has completed one of four tests she must successfully pass to receive the GED. She hopes to take two more this year.

After she earns the diploma, Rench hopes to pursue a college education at Clark. She'd like to work with children, perhaps as a special education teacher, although she hasn't made final plans.

Student and tutor have found that each has something to teach the other.

"We contribute to each other," Gard said. "She's updating me on the present. We had a project where we had to learn the states and their capitols. That was a good review for me."

A school nurse with a master's degree in health education, Gard retired more than 20 years ago and moved to Clark County to be near her daughter.

Gard has helped Rench go from being almost a non-reader to a reader who occasionally peruses a news magazine and has learned the importance of voting.

"Jeanette has registered to vote," Gard said.

"And I voted the last time (in the primary)," Rench said.

People who want to become volunteer tutors are asked to call von Laue at 992-2750 or e-mail mvonlaue@clark.edu

BG BOND COMMITTEE DELIBERATING AGAIN

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Question: how can Battle Ground voters begin to agree about what sort of new schools are needed in the area?

Answer: first bring people together who don't see eye to eye, and let them hash it out.

That seems to be the philosophy driving the Battle Ground School District bond committee.

Because voters have different opinions, District officials believe it's best to have cross-constituent representation on any input-gathering committee, said committee facilitator Kelly Keister.

That means people representing all sides of an issue are brought together to be heard, Keister said, even if they don't always get along.

So far, bond committee members appear to be at odds about what should be done next.

One committee member has resigned over the issue.

The committee has met twice this fall to study what sort of changes, if any, should be made to a bond when it's presented to voters in February.

Voters turned down a $55 million bond request May 18 that would have helped alleviate overcrowding in area schools. The bond committee will meet another seven or eight times before the February vote.

Same or different?

Keister said two broader opinions have surfaced within the 26-member group. Eight members are new to the committee since the bond failed in May.

At issue is whether to present a bond to voters that is the same or similar to the failed May proposal, Keister said, or to take the first proposal apart piece by piece and start fresh. The majority of committee members appear to advocate a proposal similar to the one that failed in May.

Committee member Sue Cranke prefers the May proposal. She is frustrated with how slowly progress is being made this time around, she said.

"We went through a long process last fall and came up with a good package," Cranke said. "It has something that benefits each area of the District. The longer it takes to make a decision now, the shorter time we have to communicate the plan to voters. There's such a great need in our schools, we can't keep failing these bonds."

Committee member Lou Maurina understands frustration with the process, he said, but advocates more research into what type of bond should be presented in February.

Maurina circulated a nine-page memo to committee members advocating more study of the properties at Lewisville Middle, Captain Strong Elementary, Chief Umtuch Primary and Battle Ground High School.

Maurina's memo suggests the property has good commercial appeal and could be sold or traded to developers for as much as $87 million, potentially circumventing the need for a bond.

Critics allege several problems with Maurina's theory, including varying appraisal rates, where students would attend school while new schools are being built, strong nostalgic ties expressed by generations of graduates from the schools, and the value of having schools situated in central locations.

Committee member Michael Verity said varying opinions will always exist in any bond committee, but "unmanageable personality conflicts and the continued espousing of personal agendas" has hampered the process.

Verity recently resigned from his position on the committee out of frustration, saying the need for new schools is too great to deliberate any longer.

Because the May proposal failed by about 2 percent, having the February request as similar to the original will be the most effective use of time and resources, Verity said.

"If it failed by 10-20 percent, I can see going back and looking at it again in depth," Verity said. "But there are more people satisfied with the bond than not. It's a good package to begin with. We need new schools now."

Committee member Russ Wadleigh disagrees.

Wadleigh said the majority of residents in Amboy and Yacolt want a high school built in the northern area of the District by 2006 and not 2012, which was contemplated in the proposal last May.

Wadleigh said he won't support a bond in February unless it includes the building of a new north county high school.

Wadleigh created a petition that he placed at three businesses in Amboy. He collected 290 signatures advocating building the high school right away.

Critics say building a north county high school makes sense, but the plan needs to wait until the full amount of money contributed by the state is available, closer to 2012.

Also, voters in the south and central areas of the District wouldn't support building a north county high school by 2006 because tax rates would be higher than if voters waited for a few years, say critics of the plan.

HUNTING PLAGUED BY THEFTS, VANDALISM

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Theft and vandalism are real problems for hunters, said Battle Ground resident Randy Bowcutt.

Bowcutt has recent, first- hand experience.

For years, Bowcutt and hunting companions have hunted the Siouxon game management unit south of Yale Lake.

Several hunters in the mountainous Siouxon area, including Bowcutt, set up camps before hunting season while driving is permitted on area roads by state Fish and Wildlife officials. Hunters must then hike to their camps during hunting season.

In 2001, Bowcutt returned to his camp and found equipment missing and his large cabin tent severely slashed.

In 2003, someone burned his tent and its contents, including bunks and stove. Lanterns, tools and other camp gear were stolen. Bowcutt estimates the loss was at least $4,000.

Bowcutt said he attempted to safeguard against such activity in 2004 by setting up camp in a very remote area away from any forest roads.

Bowcutt said when he, his wife and young son hiked to the campsite on Oct. 9, they discovered that someone had dismantled and stolen their $1,000 tent.

Whoever took more than 300 pounds of tent and poles probably used a four-wheel vehicle, said Bowcutt. Rain had erased any signs of tracks.

Bowcutt, who has hunted the Siouxon area for the past 15 years, said he reported the recent incident to the Clark County Sheriff's Office.

Store owner hears frequent complaints

Jerry Lee, owner of L&L Guns at 7702 NE 219th St., Battle Ground, said he often hears complaints from hunters about theft and vandalism.

"It's not just the Siouxon area," said Lee. "It's a widespread problem."

Most complaints are about gear stolen from pickup trucks or vehicle windows being smashed, said Lee.

RIDGEFIELD CITY, PORT MAY SHARE BUILDING

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

City of Ridgefield and Port of Ridgefield officials have informally decided to look at the possibility of moving in together.

The discussion about sharing space came during a joint meeting Oct. 12.

The two groups met primarily to discuss issues facing the rapidly growing community.

George Fox, Port deputy director and Ridgefield interim city manager, asked officials from both entities if they were interested in exploring the concept of sharing a building.

"The city is leasing space for some of its offices," Fox said. "We will need a facility that meets our needs."

In addition, the Port office will have to be demolished as part of the environmental clean-up of a contaminated area adjacent to the building.

Port executive director Brent Grening said the soil under one end of the Port building is contaminated, and wells must be dug to allow for steam-cleaning. At least part of the building must be destroyed.

Council members informally indicated support for the concept of sharing space. Council member Gary Holmberg suggested that the Ridgefield School District be invited to join continued discussion.

Kevin Snyder, community development director, said he recently visited a state building shared by several agencies.

"It was an efficient use of space," Snyder said. "This is just a question to see if you're interested. It's not a simple task. We will look at needs, [financial] resources, the type of building."

Council member Tim Thompson said the location of any joint service building that contains the city hall will be important. A city hall should be in the older city limits instead of on the outskirts near the I-5 interchange.

"I guess this will be needed some day," Thompson said. "I don't know how high a priority it should be now."

Port commissioner Bruce Wiseman said the Port building's days are numbered.

"If things continue as they are, our building will be gone in two years," he said.

Holmberg stressed the importance of beginning planning now.

Sewer upgrade needed

During the more than two-hour meeting, most of the time was spent discussing the need for continuing improvement of the city's wastewater treatment system.

David Jensen of Gray & Osborne Inc. engineering firm said that the treatment plant's capacity must be increased by 2007, and if growth continues, further expansion will be necessary by 2010.

City staff are developing a general sewer facility plan to be finished by next March, said Justin Clary, public works director.

Low-interest loans should be available to help pay for the improvements, he said.

Buying water wholesale

Clary suggested looking at the possibility of extending its existing contract for water with Clark Public Utilities. An existing agreement allows the city to tie into the utility's water system for emergencies.

The city has already paid a $63,000 system development charge to the utility for water use, he said.

Fox said he supports buying water.

"If [the utility] has the facility developed, why not intertie and buy water wholesale?" he asked. "That's my approach--that we not be redundant."

Fox suggested that the city could save money by purchasing water for resale instead of digging additional wells. Three wells supply city drinking water.

Economic development

The Port and city have been meeting with La Center and Battle Ground officials to discuss common interests and plans for future development, Grening said.

"This is really a conversation that needs to be happening," he said. "It's not too early to look at the Growth Management Act."

Clark County officials recently approved changes to its growth plan. Port commissioner Roy Randel said he thinks north county communities will have greater influence on growth management in the future.

"The north county group will be a potent group," he said.

Mayor Gladys Doriot agreed.

"I think we'll see in the next several years that the muscle will have moved to north county," she said. "You can feel the change by talking to people from the other cities."

AMBOY HOUSE SAVED IN FIRE

Fire District 10 and 13 firefighters moved quickly to stop a house fire from getting out of control in an Oct. 11 incident.

Just after 6 p.m., the owners of the property at 38400 NE 226th Ave. saw smoke and flames coming from an upstairs bedroom window. They ran to a neighbor's house and reported the fire.

According to District 10 Battalion chief Gordon Brooks, firefighters made an aggressive interior attack by dragging hoses into the house and contained the blaze to one room. Only moderate smoke damage was done.

Chief Sam Arola said the good work of the firefighters saved the house and limited damage.

The District responded with three fire engines, a water tender, one squad and 14 volunteer firefighters. District 13 also provided a water tender.

The cause of the fire is believed to be an unattended burning candle.

BG CRACKS DOWN ON GARAGE SALE SIGNS

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Carol Blomquist is a self-described "garage sale queen" who attends and hosts neighborhood sales.

But a Battle Ground sign ordinance may affect how she does business, she said.

The rule prohibits signs attached to utility poles, located in rights-of-way, or located off the premises.

It also limits garage sales to three, three-day events per year.

Although the ordinance has been in effect for several years, the police department has mandated enforcement of the law.

Code enforcement officer Robert Scott said cleaning up illegally placed signs is a priority passed down from chief Ron Johnson, and has been effect the last two summers.

Signs posted on private property with permission are fine, Scott said, as long as they are not displayed for more than seven days.

In addition, the city needs to be notified before placing signs. The notice must include the sign size, purpose, and where and how it is to be displayed.

If the ordinance is not followed, signs will be removed and likely thrown away. Scott said if someone really wants a sign returned, they can come and get it after they pay a citation fee, usually about $101 minimum.

So far, Scott hasn't issued any tickets. Only a handful of people have asked for their signs back, he said, mostly after a sweep during Harvest Days in July when he collected "hundreds" of them.

Some people said they had a fairly expensive sign and would like it back, Scott said, but the citation cost more, so they declined.

Robert Maul, assistant city planner, said the policy is "education first, to let citizens know what is and is not allowed."

"The policy is to go on a complaint-driven basis and to remove those that are a danger or threat to the block," he said.

Dangerous signs are those that block sidewalks or right-of-ways, and are on the edges of streets.

The enforcement is not just by city law, Scott said. The Americans With Disabilities Act prohibits blocking sidewalks and access areas as well.

"The city has to abide by certain laws as well," he added.

Those placed along SR-503 through Battle Ground are removed by the state Department of Transportation, Scott said.

Jilayne Jordan, Transportation public information officer, said maintenance crews do "sweeps" which remove all signs--garage sale, political and otherwise--which are in the state's right-of-way.

"Confusing"

Blomquist said a newsletter sent by the city which addressed the garage sale sign issue is confusing.

The information given is a synopsis of the ordinance and explains the rules for placing signs and that the city needs to be contacted first.

"I feel like I never want to have another garage sale in Battle Ground again," she said. "Not that I know the rules, I don't feel right about placing my signs out there. There are a lot of people who don't know the rules and will keep putting them out."

Blomquist said she performs a service for citizens with garage sale-ing.

"I buy what I need, then introduce myself as someone who provides a service," she said.

Blomquist offers to take left-overs until her garage can't hold anymore, then she gives away the items. The Children's Home Society, Seventh-day Adventist Church Community Service Center and Salvation Army have benefitted from her collections.

What they don't want, she offers at a garage sale.

Not being able to follow signs to neighborhoods--or put some out for her own sales--will hamper her, she said.

To find out more about the ordinance, call Community Development Services at 342-5047.

For questions about placing signs on the state route, call Transportation at 905-2000 and ask for the real estate services office.

FREAK HAZEL DELL ACCIDENT INJURES ONE

A garbage truck with its tilt bed left in the "up" position snagged on an overhead power line Oct. 11 with such force that a utility pole broke off and landed on a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction.

The accident, which occurred about 1:40 p.m. in the 8900 block of Hazel Dell Ave., severely injured Barbara Johnson, 51, of Vancouver. She was driving the vehicle the pole landed on, said Clark County Sheriff's Sgt. Dennis Pritchard.

The Waste Connections truck driver, Paul Petersen, 37, of Vancouver, was not injured.

According to deputy reports, the pole bounced onto Johnson's car and crushed the top over the unoccupied passenger seat after first hitting another car. Another car rear-ended Johnson's when the driver swerved to avoid the pole.

Several power lines were down but not active because the electricity was shut off by the initial accident, the report said.

Johnson was extricated from her vehicle and transported to Southwest Washington Medical Center in critical condition. She was later upgraded to serious condition.

Pritchard said Petersen forgot to lower the truck's boom after delivering a roll-off trash bin.

Petersen was not cited, but information from deputy reports will be forward to the Clark County prosecuting attorney's office for review.

Power in the area was cut off briefly, and the roadway was closed for about three hours during clean-up.

COUNTY OFFERS DRIVE BY BALLOT BOX

Clark County officials have installed a "drive by" ballot drop box near the county elections office in the center of West 14th Street between Franklin and Esther streets, Vancouver.

Clark County auditor Greg Kimsey said the "drive by" box provides a convenient method for voters to return absentee and mail-in ballots.

Kimsey said the box measures about four feet wide, five feet long and four feet tall, and is installed on a raised curb.

Kimsey said the box was painted red and reflective materials added to avoid being struck by automobiles.

Kimsey said the box became necessary when the Elections Office was moved and parking was no longer convenient.

At the previous location of the Elections Office, said Kimsey, voters could pull into the parking lot, run in to deposit a ballot, and exit quickly.

No such convenient parking is available at the current location of the Elections Office, he said.

Kimsey said no additional ballot "drop boxes" are contemplated anywhere else in the county. He can be reached at 397-2078.

NEWS

EDITORIAL:

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ROUNDUP NETS BUNCH OF BARRELS

Clark County residents turned in 58 burn barrels in a roundup-exchange program conducted earlier this month by Southwest Clean Air Agency and Clark County Public Works.

Officials offered a free compost bin to every person who turned in a burn barrel.

Bob Elliott, executive director of the Southwest Clean Air Agency, said not everyone knows that burning garbage is both a health hazard and illegal.

"The added bonus for having this event was simply educating the public and illegal burning," said Elliott. "With the community benefits of this program, we hope to make this an annual event and expand it to other counties."

Burn barrels are still a common sight through southwest Washington, said Elliott, even though their used was banned in 2000. Garbage burning has been illegal since 1967.

Burning household waste produces toxic chemicals and is a known source of dioxin, said Elliott. Two households burning their garbage emit more cancer-causing substances than a state-of-the-art municipal waste incinerator serving tens of thousands of homes, said Elliott.

Pete DuBois of the Clark County Recycling and Solid Waste Program said the barrel roundup helps solved pollution problems.

"This event was a win-win for the environment and the people of Clark County," said DuBois. "This was a great opportunity for us to exchange recycling efforts while helping communities solve pollution problems."

"Composing is a good alternative to outdoor burning and creates a resource instead of air pollution," added DuBois. "It is an easy and inexpensive way to turn yard and garden refuse into a usable and valuable product. Compost turns organic matter like leaves, grass and wood chips into a rich soil conditioner."

More information about composting is available by calling 397-6118, ext. 4961.

VOTERS WILL DECIDE DIRECTION FOR C-TRAN

Voters in the Nov. 2 general election will decide whether to increase the sales tax to stabilize the C-TRAN transit system in Clark County, or allow the agency to cut service.

The ballot measure seeks to double the C-TRAN sales tax from three-tenths of one percent to six-tenths of one percent.

The increase would double C-TRAN sales tax revenues from about $13 million to $26 million annually.

C-TRAN lost about 40 percent of its revenues when the state eliminated the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax in 1999. Since then, C-TRAN has used reserves to balance its budget.

If voters approve the tax increase, C-TRAN would continue its 26 fixed routes, dial-a-ride service in Camas, eight routes into Portland, and 7-day a week service.

In addition, approval would mean an extension of service to about 10:30 p.m. weekdays instead of the present 9:30 p.m., and more weekend runs.

The added tax would allow the construction of a 99th Street Transit Center, service to Legacy Hospital and Washington State University, a 99th Street Express line, Park & Ride Shuttle, Fourth Plain Extension, and expanded service to Battle Ground.

C-TRAN officials would also consider service to Ridgefield, La Center, and Yacolt/Amboy area, although no specific plan has been announced for these locations.

If voters reject the expanded sales tax plan, C-TRAN would eliminate 14 routes but add two routes for a net loss of 12 routes.

Tax rejection would also result in an end to weekend service and the Dial-A-Ride program, and the service day would be shortened to 5 a.m.-8:30 p.m., officials said.

Service to Battle Ground and to downtown Portland would end, officials said.

Service cuts would be phased in, starting in January 2005, officials said.

C-TRAN spokesman Scott Patterson said that with or without the added tax, C-TRAN will provide service from Clark County to both the Parkrose and Delta Park light-rail stations in Portland.

With the added sales tax, C-TRAN officials predict a 2006 budget surplus of $1.7 million, whereas without the new tax, they foresee a budget surplus, after service cuts, of about $687,000.

A simple majority vote will decide the sales tax issue.

Reserves balance budget

About $10 million in revenues for the current operating year comes from C-TRAN's reserve account. About $4.2 million of that amount is being used for construction projects and the rest for operating expenses.

The C-TRAN budget is $32.9 million for 2004, an increase of 11 percent over 2003.

This is the third year in a row that C-TRAN has used reserves to fund its operations.

Patterson said the agency had about $72 million in reserves in 1999, a fund that stood at about $66 million in December 2003 and $59 million on May 31, 2004.

C-TRAN officials say they need reserves of $17 million for bus replacement, self-insurance and working capital.

Revenues from fares

Since 2000, C-TRAN has increased its in-county, adult fare from 60 cents to $1. Total revenues from fares in 2003 were about $3.6 million, or about 18 percent of total revenues.

About $1.88 in sales tax revenue is used each time a rider boards a C-TRAN bus.

Patterson said the fare from Vancouver to Portland is $1.75. A $52 monthly pass allows a passenger to travel anywhere in the system, including Portland.

Cost of the monthly pass has increased from $40 in 1999 to $52 today.

Patterson said a study of the fare structure is now underway and will be completed by December. He said a fare increase is expected in early 2005.

Patterson suggested that a "premium fare" might be charged on trips to Portland.

Rider profile

C-TRAN survey data shows that the average C-TRAN rider is 43 years old with a mean income of $30,000-40,000. About 25 percent of riders are senior citizens or people with disabilities.

About 60 percent of C-TRAN riders have a valid driver's license, are employed and have an average of 1.2 automobiles available for their use.

About 60 percent of all C-TRAN trips take people to or from jobs. About 7,400 people use C-TRAN to commute to work, about a third of whom travel to work in Portland.

C-TRAN ridership peaked in 1999 at about 8 million people, and then declined to about 6.4 in 2002 and then 6.9 million in 2003.

Patterson said the decline in ridership was due to cuts in service made in 2000 to save money.

Ganley supports cuts

Battle Ground city council member Bill Ganley, who is also vice chair of the C-TRAN board, said he will vote for service cuts to begin in January 2005 if the ballot measure fails.

The elimination of service to Battle Ground is slated to occur in September 2005 if the sales tax increase fails.

The elimination of service to Battle Ground "would be devastating for our area," said Ganley. Large corporations, he said, look for public transit when considering locating in an area. "Not all workers drive," said Ganley.

Ganley said the C-TRAN vote has nothing to do with light-rail.

Opposition to tax

Some elected officials in southwest Washington oppose the C-TRAN sales tax increase.

State senators Don Benton and Joe Zarelli, both campaigning for reelection, said increased sales taxes hurt businesses by sending customers to tax-free Oregon.

Benton urged last week that C-TRAN enhance its budget by increasing fares, and raising fees charged for on-bus advertising.

A fare increase equivalent to the proposed sales tax would be about $2 per rider if the increase did not deter ridership.

Benton said the overall goal of public transit is to provide a means of transportation for low income and other needy people. Otherwise, he said, riders should pay their own way.

"This is a bad time for any tax increase," said Benton. "We're just coming out of a recession. Public transit should be paid for by user fees, paid for by those people who use it."

Benton said a system could be developed to allow low income and other need people to obtain free or reduce-priced access to bus service.

Patterson said C-TRAN already has a system for allowing low income people to travel at reduced fares, along with special rates for senior citizens and Clark College students, plus the monthly pass.

Alternate plans

C-TRAN officials had developed five alternate ways for financial stability, one of which did not include a tax increase.

The no-tax-increase option would have drawn back the C-TRAN service boundary to the Vancouver urban growth boundary, and eliminated both bus service and the present tax in areas no longer served, including Battle Ground, Camas and Washougal.

Other options considered included a three-tenths of a cent sales tax increase along with the elimination of service and tax outside of Vancouver, and two options involving a six-tenths of a cent increase in the sales tax.

More information, Scott Patterson, 906-7306.

MELCHING TO RETIRE

After 31 years in public education, the last nine as superintendent of the Evergreen School District--Richard Melching has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2005.

"The decision was difficult because I genuinely believe in the work that we do and its importance for the student of Evergreen Public Schools," said Melching. "It was also a hard decision to make because I will miss the people who have made that work possible."

Melching, who was the district's deputy superintendent 1992-1996, has been credited with leading the district through a time of growth. During his tenure as superintendent, the district grew by nearly 7,000 students, exceeding the 25,000 student mark this year. It is now the largest district in Clark County and the fifth largest district in the state.

Evergreen schools passed construction bonds in 1999 and 2002, the latter the largest in the region's history.

In addition, the district is in its final year of a $9.3 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The district has recently been awarded a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

"Both of these grants are a strong indication that we are an extraordinary district and capable of even more," said Melching. "I know the board will continue this path of strength and find a successor who will continue to improve on each benchmark we set."

In retirement, Melching said he plans to work less, read, travel and spend time with his family.

Melching and his wife have one daughter and one grandson.

COUNTY TO STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL ORDINANCES

Clark County officials have undertaken a review of ordinances dealing with critical areas to determine if they are based on "best available science."

Officials are seeking public comment on the ordinances to determine what steps to take in the update process.

County planner Gordy Euler said the three ordinances under consideration deal with critical aquifer recharge areas, flood hazard areas and geologic hazard areas.

Euler said comments are especially invited from people who deal with the ordinances, including property owners and developers.

The goal is to show that the ordinances are based on the best available science, said Euler.

The ordinances can be viewed online at the county website, www.clark.wa.gov

Copies of the ordinances are also available by calling Euler, 397-2375, ext. 4968.