BG MAYOR: "WE'RE VERY FORTUNATE"
State of City speech draws about 165 citizens and notables
Heidi Wallenborn
news director
Residential growth, volunteerism, partnerships, economic development and good financial sense have all led to Battle Ground's success in the last year, said mayor John Idsinga during his Jan. 20 State of the City speech at city hall.
The city, rapidly approaching a population of 15,000, is one of the fastest growing cities of its size in the state, Idsinga said, and one of the most successful.
Idsinga held up a summary of 2005 State of the Cities
taken from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) website.
"Some cities' economic development conditions went from bad to worse," he said.
Several cities are falling behind in their ability to provide local services and transportation improvements and keep up with basic infrastructure needs, he said.
In the summary Idsinga held, Spokane mayor James West said, "We've been living on borrowed time." The city is cutting police, fire, library hours and parks programs.
Idsinga noted the AWC report said 73 percent of the state's 281 cities are less able to meet financial needs and provide basic services. Only 13 percent say they are better off this year.
"I am glad to report that we are not one of those cities at an economic standstill," Idsinga said. "We're very fortunate."
Big steps forward, big seats to fill
As the meeting began, Idsinga called seven people forward that he'd chosen earlier to sit in council member seats at the dais facing the jam-packed room.
Three Battle Ground High School seniors and four businessmen, including one person who graduated from the high school in 1952, were asked "how do you like the view?" from a council member's position.
They listened as Idsinga spoke of decisions made that year by seven citizen volunteers elected by residents.
Idsinga said council members are basically "seven relative strangers put together with no special training, no personal agendas, no silver bullets and no secret answer book. It's tougher than raising kids. We just volunteered for a huge responsibility--to represent you as being the Board of Directors of this corporation we call the City."
In 2004, city staff "burned the mortgage" on its sewer plant loan which saved taxpayers about $2 million in interest and lowered sewer utility rates. Property taxes were lowered for the 13th consecutive year.
Two miles of sewer and 4 miles of water and drainage lines were added to the city's system. A new well was dug, two others are underway, and a 2 million gallon reservoir was finished.
The Onsdorff signal and interchange improvement at SR-503 was finished after a 5-year process. Eleven lane miles were repaved and sealed, and 4 miles of new roads were added.
Nine and one-half acres of new parks were created in residential developments, most named after notable citizens.
City officials "socked away" enough money to make a 30 percent down payment on a new, 18,000 square foot police station that will be finished and ready to occupy by the end of this year.
In economic development, the city's assessed valuation grew by more than $72 million with more than 200 business licenses issued and construction of several commercial, industrial, and office spaces including a new cinema.
Idsinga forecasted another one million square feet to be developed this year, which is already in the planning stage.
Economic growth also spurs residential development. In the last three years the city grew by 5,000 people.
"The change brought on by this kind of growth has been monumental, and has irreversibly altered the face, posture, stance and direction of the community," Idsinga said.
"Further, it is unlikely Battle Ground will ever see change of this magnitude again," he said. "Because of this, today represents a milestone in what we have been and what we will become."
"Your government is about people"
"Everything we do is to serve you," Idsinga said, "the private and corporate citizens of this community. It's about creating opportunity and investing in our community."
Doing so will bring large and small businesses to invest in the city and create a place for citizens to live, work, play and prosper, he said.
"We invest so you will invest," he added.
Future partnerships include the possibility of a satellite Clark College campus and Southwest Washington Medical Center "presence" to serve north and central Clark County.
The partnership Idsinga most desires is with the community, he said.
"Not a day goes by that we don't influence the way you live your life," he said. "But we do it in a vacuum."
"We had literally no general public in attendance," when the council adopted a nearly $40 million budget in December, Idsinga said.
When the city adopted a growth plan that will set the pattern for the next 20 years, not many showed up.
"We the council volunteered for this responsibility, but we need your help," he said. "It is your responsibility to become engaged and involved in your government and your community."
Idsinga also touted volunteer opportunities at the city, schools, on the Rose Float committee, Chamber of Commerce events and North County Community Food Bank as avenues for people to make Battle Ground their own place.
The future knocks
"The secret is out," Idsinga said. "This is a great place to live. Twenty years planning ahead is not enough."
Idsinga encouraged other municipalities to follow Battle Ground's footprints by adopting 50-year vision.
"It's the greatest thing we've ever done," he said. "Think about it. In 50 years, Clark County's population could double to 600,000. We need to plan ahead."
Idsinga envisions a "beltway" to move traffic easily from I-5 to Hockinson to Camas to Battle Ground. He likened the foresight to a County planner who, 50 years ago, foresaw Padden Parkway and began buying rights of way along the corridor.
"If we plan for 600,000, we need to have a transportation beltway and preserve corridors for that," Idsinga said. "If not now, when?"
When looking to the future, one cannot leave out education.
Idsinga walked to where his family sat in the front row, scooped up his 5-month-old namesake grandson Jonathan Idsinga, and strolled back to the podium.
Propping his grandson on his forearm, Idsinga spoke about a school bond up for voter approval in March that needs to pass for the children of the community to have a future.
"It's important for [Jonathan] to have a place to go to school," he said. "Start today. Don't give up. Schools are important. Major corporations want to know about schools before they locate in a community as much as they ask about transportation and services."
"As I look to the horizon, I see the promise of opportunity in our future of a community incumbent on each and all of us to make the future a reality," he said.
Idsinga turned to the seven citizens behind him and asked, "How's the view from up there now?"
PETER GEORGE NAMED LEADING CITIZEN
Woodland Chamber installs 2005 officers
Bill Myers, staff reporter
Peter George, general manager at the Oak Tree Restaurant, was named 2005 Woodland Citizen of the Year at a Jan. 22 Woodland Chamber of Commerce banquet.
Chamber board member Darlene Johnson introduced George as a humble, significant citizen who for decades has quietly done nice things behind the scenes for fellow citizens.
Johnson said that George, while employed at the Oak Tree over the past 37 years,
helped to establish the restaurant as an area landmark.
But George always went far beyond business efforts, said Johnson. She said he stayed in touch with life cycles of people he came to know and was always where he had to be to comfort and lift others.
"Numerous citizens recommended George for the honor," Johnson said.
In his acceptance speech, George said all people in business have an obligation to treat their fellow citizens and clientele well.
George, whose selection was cheered by about 140 Chamber members and guests, is divorced and lives in Vancouver. His Citizen of the Year responsibilities will include serving as Grand Marshall at the annual Planters Days parade in Woodland.
Mayor Doug Monge was master of ceremonies at the annual Chamber event.
Chamber officers named
Chamber members installed 2005 officers and trustees during the banquet.
New officers are Mike Schouten, president, Debbie Kennell, 1st vice president, Bill Behrens, 2nd vice president, Karen Tarrant, secretary and Darlene Johnson, treasurer.
In an acceptance speech, Schouten, manager of Woodland Save-On-Foods, said his goal is to maintain the Chamber's high activity and membership levels.
Chamber trustees are Vivian Mosby, Jim Campbell, Rosa Cervantes, Kathie Griffin, Carol Rounds, Saundra Tone and John Randall.
VOTERS WILL DECIDE PLAN FOR PARKS TAXAlice Perry Linker, staff reporter
That vacant field or grove of trees in the middle of a new subdivision could provide a park where children can play and adults can walk or sit in the shade.
The Vancouver-Clark County Parks and Recreation Department has many such pieces of land in the midst of suburbia, but the land cannot be developed into parks until Clark County can provide funds for maintenance.
Residents of the unincorporated urban area surrounding the City of Vancouver will decide on Tues., Feb. 8, if they want to pay for parks maintenance. Parks inside the city limits are not affected.
The voters will be asked to decide whether to create a Metropolitan Park District that will allow the county to tax real estate 27 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for parks projects.
The funds would go to maintenance and development of existing park land, said Stephen Duh of the Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Department.
The money would not be used for acquisition and administration of parks, and would remain in the hands of the parks and recreation department.
"The park district is a funding mechanism only," Duh said. "It's not to add a layer of bureaucracy."
If the voters approve both issues, taxes on a $170,000 house will go up by $45.90 per year.
The district will not include the City of Vancouver or areas outside the Vancouver urban growth boundary.
The parks department says it has collected about $12 million to buy land for parks, but the county has no money for maintenance.
The acquisition funds have come from park impact fees charged on new residential development, and real estate excise taxes. The park impact fees were instituted about six years ago, and money not used to buy parks must be returned, Duh said.
Since 1996, the department has acquired 35 new park sites on 580 acres in the unincorporated urban area, but the sites have not been developed, Duh said.
The new tax would provide neighborhood and community parks, new trail segments and sports fields, Duh said.
The largest park would be developed on 240 acres on the Southeast corner of 172nd Avenue and 119th Street near Hockinson.
The park would be one of five community parks containing sports fields, picnic areas and other amenities, Duh said. The 30 remaining sites would become neighborhood parks.
"It would take between seven and eight years to build out the sites," Duh said.
If approved, the new district would extend north as far as 179th Street near the I-5 corridor and would include Salmon Creek, Felida, Orchards, Hazel Dell and Fishers Landing. Rural areas surrounding Battle Ground and Ridgefield would not be included.
SPEED FACTORS IN FATAL ACCIDENT
Heidi Wallenborn, news director
The driver of a heavily mangled pickup truck involved in an accident in Woodland may have survived if he had worn a seat belt, said Cowlitz County Sheriff captain Mark Nelson.
Alan Hull, 63, Woodland, died at the scene of a 6 p.m. accident Jan. 20 on Old Pacific Hwy. near Green Mountain Rd.
A witness said it appeared Hull was traveling northbound at about 80 miles per hour in his 1990s model four-wheel drive Chevy truck when he lost control on a slight curve, overcorrected and careened into a "very steep ditch," Nelson said.
The speed limit there is about 50 mph.
Hull was ejected out the passenger window. His body was found about 30 feet from where the truck landed after it either flipped or rolled, Nelson said.
It appeared Hull died from numerous traumatic head and internal injuries, Nelson said. Deputies are not sure whether alcohol was a factor in the accident, and are awaiting toxicology tests.
The road was closed for about three hours.
PELLETIER SET TO HELP TSUNAMI RELIEF
Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter
Battle Ground School Board member Dr. Mark Pelletier, 52, has met fundraising goals and is set to leave Feb. 1 to help with Tsunami relief efforts in Asia.
Pelletier and his wife, Cathy, will fly out of Seattle as part of a team from the International Technical Assistance Group.
Team members will fly to Bangkok, Thailand, and spend two weeks in various parts of Thailand working mostly with agency relief workers.
After two weeks, an assessment will be made on conditions, Pelletier said, and team members may stay another one to two weeks.
Pelletier works as executive director of Hi-Venture Ministries, a youth outreach and counseling program in Vancouver. He is also a trained therapist with a background in critical incident management. He said the thrust of his time in Asia will be spent debriefing rescue workers.
"This is the kind of thing that produces Post Traumatic Stress Disorder," Pelletier said. "We want to go and `take the pulse' of relief workers--see how they're doing and see what they need to make it through this time. Everyone is being exposed to a lot of tragedy and pain over there right now. Even professionals have a hard time in an overwhelming environment."
Pelletier and his wife have raised about $7,000 above travel expenses, which will be distributed in various ways in Asia.
Agency reports show emergency supplies of food and water are being received in certain areas, but clothing and housing supplies are needed now, Pelletier said.
Pelletier said he is not actively seeking to raise any more funds, but will act as a courier and carry funds over there if people or groups know him and want assurance that funds will reach disaster sites.
The Pelletiers are residents of the Manor area, which is the area south of Dollars Corner. They have four grown children and two grandchildren.
For more information, contact Pelletier at home 574-6214 or work 600-8916.
LA CENTER TO HIRE BUILDING INSPECTOR
Bill Myers, staff reporter
The city of La Center will soon employ a building inspector.
City council members voted Jan. 12 to create a full-time building inspector position in the Public Works Department.
The decision came after public works director Jeff Sarvis said it would be less expensive to hire a full-time inspector than to continue contracting for outside inspection services.
Sarvis estimated costs in 2005 for contracted inspection services on expected construction of 90 new homes at $218,000. Several inspections, including follow-ups, are necessary at each site.
A contract with building inspector service company International Building Code Consultants, Inc. will expire Feb. 3.
Salary and benefits for a full-time building inspector would cost about $71,500, said Sarvis.
Council members also approved initial employee-related expenses for an inspector totaling $55,000 to purchase a vehicle and office furniture.
More office space will be needed for the Public Works Department, now housed at city hall, Sarvis said.
Council members approved an expenditure of $21,000 to lease 1,300 square feet of office space at the Heritage Center across the street from city hall.
Sarvis said total 2005 costs of a contracted inspection services, including planning and engineering, would run $236,100. Getting the job done in leased space with a full-time building inspector supported by a permit specialist would cost the city about $143,122.
Sarvis expects the city to receive about $312,000 in building permit revenue during 2005.
COUNTY EYES CRITICAL AREA ORDINANCES
Public comment invited as rules updated
Bill Myers, staff reporter
Clark County officials at a Jan. 11 open house in Dollars Corner presented plans to update county Critical Areas Ordinances.
Critical Areas Ordinances spell out rules intended to designate and protect
wetlands, critical habitat, geologic and flood hazard areas and critical aquifer recharges areas.
Such ordinances can affect people who develop or build on property near designated streams, wetlands, steep slopes or other natural features protected by critical areas provisions.
County project manager Gordy Euler said periodic reviews and updates of such ordinances are required under the state Growth Management Act (GMA).
State law requires revisions of critical areas ordinances to keep up with "best available science," Euler said.
The county's wetlands ordinance was adopted in 1992. Habitat, geologic hazard and critical aquifer ordinances were adopted in 1997. The flood hazard ordinance was updated in 2002.
Drafts of recommended updates to ordinances should be ready for review by Clark County Commissioners in the first quarter of 2005.
Euler said revisions are expected on wetlands and habitat ordinances because a GMA provision requires that jurisdictions give special attention to anadromous fish such as salmon. Few changes are likely on critical aquifer recharge, geologic and flood hazard ordinances.
Wetlands and habitat ordinances
Euler said revisions to the Wetlands Ordinance are on hold pending receipt of new wetlands management information from state Department of Ecology officials.
Conclusions from the state report and new methods of modeling and identifying wetland areas will help steer wetlands recommendations, said Euler.
Joel Rupley at the county Endangered Species Act (ESA) Program Office and a Citizens Advisory Committee have worked since 1998 to refine the county Habitat Ordinance.
A letter to the board of commissioners last November from committee members urged more regulation of commercial, farming and livestock uses in fish habitat areas.
The letter also recommended habitat restoration, education and community outreach. County development codes, said the letter, should comply with the Endangered Species Act.
The committee recommended steps for protecting habitat. The letter suggested exceptions for reasonable use, fire hazard clearing, remodeling existing homes, overriding public interest, and provisions for buffer averaging.
Citizens on the ESA Advisory Committee members are Mary Ann Simonds, chair, Tammy Mackey, vice-chair, Jane Van Dyke, Marnie Allen, Don Bergren, Jim Malinowski, Jim Byrne, Lisa Hunter Schauer, Dean Longrie, Ron Rathburn and Vicky Ridge Cooney.
Public comments are urgently needed, said Rupley.
"If we write rules wrong, no one obeys then and they become useless," he said.
Rupley invites all points of view about preserving habitat, including how rule changes might effect people.
Rupley can be reached by e-mail at joel.rupley@clark.wa.gov. His mailing address is Joel Rupley, ESA Program, Clark County, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, 98666.
Comments on subjects other than habitat should be sent to Gordy Euler, Clark County Long Range Planning, PO Box 9810, Vancouver, WA 98666-9810. Euler's e-mail address is gordon.euler@clark.wa.gov.
KENNEDY SUIT WAITS 9TH CIRCUIT RULING
Bill Myers, staff reporter
A civil action brought against the city of Ridgefield by Kimberly Kennedy, now Kimberly Gorton, is on hold pending a ruling by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court on a civil rights issue.
The law suit was filed after death and injuries followed a 1998 armed attack at the Kennedy home in Ridgefield.
On Sept. 25, 1998 at about 1:30 a.m., Gorton, then 31, and her late husband, Jay Kennedy, 43, were shot as they lay in their bed, by then 13-year-old neighbor and family acquaintance, Michael Thomas Burns.
Jay Kennedy died immediately. Kimberly, shot five times, was severely wounded and partially paralyzed.
According to court records, Burns admitted shooting the couple after the Kennedys complained to Ridgefield police officers about inappropriate behavior by Michael Burns with their children.
Kennedy, who remarried and is now Kimberly Gorton, contends in the lawsuit that she was assured by former Ridgefield police officer Noel Shields, officer Cathy Doriot and Clark County Sheriff's detective Cindy Bull that she would be notified in advance of any contact that would be made with members of the Burns household.
Gorton contends advance notice would have allowed her family to take protective measures against retaliation from a boy she regarded as potentially violent.
In her filing, Gorton said police contacted the Burns family on or about Sept. 24, the day before the shooting, without giving advance warning to her or her husband.
Gorton alleged negligence by Clark County, city of Ridgefield, Shields, Doriot and Bull. Last year, Clark County attorneys paid $700,000 to settle their portion of the suit.
The case was moved from Clark County Superior Court to federal court in 2001 because Gorton's complaint alleged violation of her civil rights and "deliberate indifference" by police officers.
When a federal judge in Tacoma denied a defense motion contending that "deliberate indifference" doesn't apply to acts of police officers in the line of duty, defense attorneys appealed to the 9th Circuit Court in San Francisco.
Defense attorneys want the court to rule that Ridgefield police officers had "qualified immunity" in the course of their duties, said Gorton attorney Jack Connelly.
Connelly said it may take several months to get a ruling. Gorton is living with her family in rural Clark County. She is seeking unspecified damages from the city of Ridgefield, Shields, Doriot, Michael Thomas Burns and his parents, Angela and Matthew Burns.
Michael Thomas Burns was convicted of aggravated murder and assault charges in April 2000. He is serving a 58-year prison term. He is now 20 years old.
YACOLT FILLS COUNCIL VACANCY
Bill Myers, staff reporter
Yacolt town council members voted Jan. 18 to appoint Cindy Marbut to council position 5. She will be sworn in Feb. 7 at Yacolt Town Hall.
The position was vacated by Jim Weldon last October when council members appointed him to the mayor's post after former mayor Jim Robertson resigned.
Marbut, a corporate trainer for Walgreen's drug stores, lives in Yacolt with her husband, Bill. They have three grown children.
Marbut and Weldon, if they choose to retain their posts for remaining office terms of two years, must make a bid in the November general election.
FOUR TO APPEAR ON GAMBLING CHARGES
Bill Myers, staff reporter
Clark County prosecutors issued summonses Jan. 19 ordering four Vancouver citizens to appear in court on gambling charges.
Ordered to appear Jan. 27 were Tony Vu, 38, Jamie Bui, 40, Phu Tran and Hong Nguyen.
Vu and Bui were formerly licensed to work at the New Phoenix and Last Frontier casinos in La Center.
Action by prosecutors followed a year-long probe into alleged illegal bookmaking on professional sports events.
During the probe, Gambling Commission undercover agents placed bets both in and out of area card rooms, said Gambling Commission investigator Paul Swortz.
Additional evidence was reportedly gathered at the homes of suspects during executions of search warrants.
Clark County deputy prosecutor Mike Kinnie said Vu, Bui and Tran will appear on first degree professional gambling charges. Nguyen will be charged with second degree professional gambling.
Gambling commission spokesman Paul Swortz said the maximum penalty for a first degree offense, a class B felony, is 10 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.
The penalty for a second degree offense, a class C felony, is 5 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
Swortz said the investigation is still underway, with other arrests likely.
There is no evidence that indicates illegal activity by La Center casinos, Kinnie said. He said management of the card rooms cooperated fully during investigations.
HOCKINSON LEVY COMING UP FEB. 8Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter
Technology upgrades, additional teachers, expanded bus transportation and extracurricular activities are some of the items on the line as voters in the Hockinson School District decide the fate Feb. 8 of a three-year maintenance and operation levy.
Ballots will be accepted by mail and at the polls.
The levy is replacement tax, not a new tax, explained interim superintendent Dick Minarik. Levies, by law, run two to four years, then end, so voters can decide if they want to continue supporting items a levy pays for.
The Hockinson levy would run for three years.
Schools are mostly funded by state apportionment dollars, Minarik added. Some federal dollars are also used. Levy dollars are raised by communities to provide additional funds for student services. Levies are not the same as bonds, which are used primarily to build or renovate buildings or buy property.
If approved, the proposed levy would provide about $2.02 million to the school district in 2006, $2.2 million in 2007 and $2.4 million in 2008.
To put the levy in perspective, the District's general fund budget for 2004-2005 is about $13.1 million, said Hockinson business manager Donna Gregg, including about $1.75 million in levy funds. If the levy were not in place, the District would not be able to fund about one-sixth of what it does now, said Minarik.
The proposed levy is about $270,000 more annually than the existing levy, which will bring about $1.75 million to District schools in 2005.
The added funds would be used for vocational education programs ($125,000), K-8 music and choral programs ($50,000), textbooks ($100,000), and extra curricular programs, Minarik said.
Money from the existing levy is used to pay for extra bus routes ($230,000), and extra curricular activities ($240,000), and fund some certificated, remedial and learning specialist teachers, Minarik said, which helps keep class sizes smaller.
Gregg estimates the first year of the new levy would cost taxpayers $2.70 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Taxpayers currently pay about $2.45 per $1,000.
For owners of a $200,000 home, taxes would rise from about $492 annually or $41 monthly to about $540 annually or $45 monthly.
Rates are projected to rise to $2.78 per $1,000 in 2007 and $2.85 in 2008.
To compare levy rates around Clark County, Evergreen property owners pay $3.11, Vancouver $2.98, Washougal $2.84, La Center $2.50, Camas $2.32, Ridgefield $2.14, Green Mountain $1.91 and Battle Ground $1.89 per $1,000.
Hockinson voters pay the highest combined rates for area property taxes compared to the rest of the county because of a $2.61 per $1,000 bond rate in addition to the levy, for a total amount of $5.31 per $1,000.
Evergreen property owners pay a combined rate of $5.26, Vancouver $4.91, Camas $4.74, Washougal $4.67, La Center $4.29, Green Mountain $3.21, Battle Ground $2.59 and Ridgefield $2.56 per $1,000.
DOLPHIN DELIVERS UNUSUAL PROPOSAL
Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter
Most men deliver an engagement ring in person. But one Vancouver resident asked a dolphin to carry his message of love.
When Brendan Heath proposed to Angie Brandenburg, formerly of Battle Ground, at Sea World in San Diego, CA, on Oct. 27, a dolphin named Melanie, delivered the engagement ring. Dolphin trainers and park visitors watched and applauded.
Heath, 26, had planned to propose for nearly a year.
"I knew she loved dolphins, and I wanted it to have something to do with dolphins," he said. "I thought of Sea World. I wanted it to be original."
Brandenburg, 25, a second-grade teacher at Burnt Bridge Creek Elementary School and former Battle Ground Rose Float princess, said she was completely surprised by the proposal.
"I didn't know," she said of the event that took place near her birthday. "I was hoping, but when we got in the water with the dolphins, I forgot about it."
The two were among about 12 people who had signed up to swim with the dolphins that day. At one point, guests toss a bottle containing a message to a dolphin and the dolphin returns the bottle. The message usually names a treat for the animal.
The bottle thrown by Heath, however, contained a heart-shaped scroll wrapped around a ring. The scroll's message was, "Will you marry me?"
Even the dolphin Melanie was in on the secret.
"When I proposed, Melanie nodded her head, `yes,'" Heath said.
Heath, a sales representative for Kraft Foods, said he'd worked on the engagement plan for about four months.
"The last contact I'd had with Sea World had been about two months earlier and I wasn't sure if they had forgotten," he said. "But when I went to put on my wet suit, a male attendant came in and said everything was ready."
Heath and Brandenburg have been together for about 3 1/2 years. She grew up in Battle Ground. The couple live in Orchards and are looking for property in the north county area.
The story has a happy ending. Brandenburg said yes, and the wedding is set for Aug. 5 this year.
INQUIRY BEGINS AT BG POLICE DEPARTMENT
Changes take place as probe begins
Heidi Wallenborn, news director
Two attorneys from Sound Employment Solutions of Mukilteo have begun an investigation into management practices at the Battle Ground Police Department.
The probe, begun Jan. 19, is expected to take "at least a few weeks," said city manager Eric Holmes.
Holmes announced his intent for an inquiry Dec. 16 after two open records request letters from council member Lisa Walters regarding concerns over departmental policies and procedures, alleged low officer morale, and reported retaliation by certain managers.
At that time, Holmes said he would open the department to scrutiny by an outside agency to "put it [concerns] to rest."
At a Jan. 18 council meeting, Rob Tanner spoke during a citizen comment period and encouraged council members to "pursue the third party investigation regarding mistreatment of men and women who put their lives on the line every day."
Toward the end of the meeting, Holmes informed council the "operational inquiry/audit" would be performed by Sound Solutions, a company whose "experience matches the task."
"They are a respectable company and highly regarded by the [Washington Cities Insurance Association]," Holmes told council members, adding that Municipal Research and Services Center refers the company on their website.
Holmes said he expects good, constructive feedback to come up with a plan of action after the audit--if any action is needed.
Council members were invited to contact the firm directly, and that "they may call you if you don't call them," Holmes said.
Although "flushing out the scope of work" had not begun, Holmes expects the cost to stay at $20,000 or less, as that is all he is allowed by municipal code to spend without formal council approval in a meeting.
Holmes later said he expects to present council with precise costs and specifics on what the inquiry will entail at a Jan. 24 study session.
Sound Solutions attorney Janice Corbin has worked in the law enforcement field more than 22 years. She has worked in human resources with the Seattle Police Department and International Harvester Truck Company for more than 15 years.
As human resources director for the Seattle police, Corbin was on the chief's executive team and managed a full-service human resources bureau. She also directed the department's seven collective bargaining agreements which covered uniformed and non-uniformed personnel.
Corbin has a bachelor's degree in sociology and education and has completed post-graduate courses in human resources and labor relations studies. She is also a member of the Society for Human Resources Management.
Janet May is an attorney with Sound Solutions and has been in practice more than 10 years in the labor and employment law field. She has represented both management and labor.
May began her career as an associate in the Labor and Employment Law Group of the Bogle and Gates Law Firm in Seattle. They rank 183rd in the nation.
May also worked as the labor counsel for the state Nurses Association where she negotiated collective bargaining agreements on behalf of registered nurses, and represented the Association in arbitration and unfair labor practice hearings. She was also a Civil Service commissioner for the city of Des Moines, south of Seattle.
May has a bachelor's degree in finance and graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University. She earned a juris doctorate from the University of Washington Law School in 1990 and graduated with high honors.
Staff changes occur
Holmes also announced that on Jan. 13, Battle Ground police day shift Sgt. Carl Mullen rescinded his resignation that was turned in to chief Ron Johnson on Dec. 31.
Mullen's decision to step down to patrol officer was to take effect Feb. 1, coinciding with an annual shift change, so he could stay on day shift.
Holmes told council members that Mullen chose to stay on as sergeant after an article appeared in The Reflector about his resignation.
"He chose to stay on as sergeant until after the inquiry is finished [to avoid] inadvertent aspersions on his character," Holmes said.
In his letter to the chief, Mullen said the timing of the article and his stepping down to patrol officer "has caused confusion as to the reason for my decision."
"The article is inferring that I am stepping down as a result of the allegations made by city council person Lisa Walters, and that I am guilty of wrongdoing," Mullen wrote in his letter. "Therefore it is perceived that my resignation is a result of these allegations...that is not the case."
Mullen's decision to remain as sergeant was timely, Holmes said, as the following day, Sgt. Steve Urban, who was to step into the day shift slot, fell on ice and suffered a compound fracture on the wrist of his gun hand. He had surgery and is recuperating.
Urban's medical leave would have left only one sergeant on duty, Holmes said. Mullen will remain on day shift until Urban returns to duty. Afterward, Mullen will supervise a night shift squad, Holmes said.
The department is also moving forward in other changes, Holmes said.
A written Open Door policy is now in place where an officer can bypass supervisors and speak directly to the chief about concerns, Holmes said.
In addition, a Board of Inquiry has replaced internal affairs investigations on traffic accidents by officers, and minor citizen complaints will be handled by a staff sergeant rather than Lt. Roy Butler, "for appropriate remedial action if any."
COWLITZ COUNTY HAS VACANCIES
Officials of Cowlitz County are seeking residents to serve on various boards and commissions. Terms of appointment and meeting schedules vary. Most positions are volunteer, with compensation shown below where applicable.
Anyone interested in the following positions is urged to call Vickie Musgrove, clerk to the board of commissioners, (360) 577-3020.
Deadline for application is Feb. 11, with interviews to be held at a day and time to be announced.
Board of Equalization: deals with property taxation issues, hears property tax appeals and complaints about property assessments. Applicant must be knowledgeable about property values. Term is for three years. Meetings are held July-September during the day as needed. Pay is $65 per day, or $32.50 per day for alternates.
Planning Commission: reviews land use applications for development in unincorporated areas. Expiring terms are in district one--Kalama/Woodland, and district two--Longview/Lexington. Term is for four years. Meetings are third Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Public Facilities District: facilitates potential future development of sports, entertainment and convention facilities, promotes economic development, authorizes construction of regional centers. Member needed who reflects the interests of cities, towns and unincorporated areas to fill an unexpired term. Meets the second Wednesday, 3 p.m.
Mosquito Control Board: operates, maintains, supervises mosquito control program. Applicants must reside in District three. Terms is for two years. Meetings are five times yearly.
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee: advises on new lodging tax, increase in rate of lodging tax, change in use of revenues. Applicant must be involved in activities that can be funded by lodging tax. Meetings are twice yearly on no set schedule.
Solid Waste Advisory Committee: assists in the development of solid waste handling programs and policies, reviews polices and ordinances before adoption. Meetings are second Wednesday, 1:30 p.m.
Food Advisory Committee: advises on matters pertaining to health, safety, well being of public and prevention of spread of disease by food. Term is for three years. Meetings are quarterly on second Wednesday of January, April, July and October, 1:30 p.m. Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board: advises on matters pertaining to the needs of persons with developmental disabilities, review and evaluate needs and services. Term is for three years. Meetings are third Tuesday of April and October, 4 p.m.
Consolidated Diking Improvement District No. 1: Provides flood protection and drainage in Longview lowlands area, maintains dikes, pump stations, ditches, storm drains. Must be qualified voter in the district. Remaining five years of six year term. Stand for election in 2006. Meetings are second and last Tuesdays, 9 a.m. $70 per meeting.
Consolidated Diking Improvement District No. 3: Provides flood protection and drainage east and south of Kelso lowlands, maintains dikes, pump stations, ditches, storm drains. Must be qualified voter in the district. Stand for election in 2006. Meetings are first Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. $70 per meeting.
PAIR SENTENCED FOR DAMAGE AT RIDGEFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
Two Ridgefield youths were sentenced Jan. 20 for causing an estimated $24,000 damage at Ridgefield High School on Oct. 11, 2004.
Jordan Marsh Davis, 19, 2170 S 31st Court, Ridgefield, pleaded guilty to malicious mischief and was sentenced to two days in jail, and an 18 month deferred sentence after which charges could be dismissed if all sentencing terms are met.
Octavio Mendoza, 18, 21121 NW 17th Court, Ridgefield, also pleaded guilty to malicious mischief and was sentenced to one day in jail and a one year deferred sentence.
Both were sentenced to 60 hours of community service in the Ridgefield Public Works Department, and restitution and fines of about $5,000 each.
Both must write formal letters of apology and read them aloud at a Ridgefield School Board meeting, and both must not enter Ridgefield school grounds for three years. According to Ridgefield police chief Bruce Hall, Davis and Mendoza used a double-bladed axe to chop down five tress on school district property, including one special tree that was planted by a graduating senior class as a memorial to a classmate. The trees ranged up to 35 feet tall and two feet in diameter.
Davis and Mendoza poured and ignited a liquid accelerant on the school's football field, burning the numbers "04" into the grass field.
They also used spray paint to create the words "Skyview 04) and other graffiti on classroom buildings.
Hall said Davis and Mendoza made repeated trips from Davis' nearby home and dumped over 200 empty beer cans and other materials on the high school property.
Hall said the "Skyview 04" graffiti was an attempt to focus blame on students from Skyview High School.
Hall said police were led to Davis because Davis had been involved in previous cases of malicious mischief, and had been convicted of a felony for third degree assault for striking a Skyview High School student
Hall said Mendoza cooperated with the investigation and was truthful about his involvement in the crimes.
Hall said three search warrants were served on the Davis home where evidence was seized linking Davis to the crimes. That evidence included the axe, he said, and wood chips on Davis' clothing. DNA evidence from trees could have been used to prove the axe from the Davis home was used in the tree chopping crime, said Hall. That was not necessary when a plea agreement was reached, he said.
During the investigation, an arborist was hired to evaluate the dollar value of the loss. The arborist concluded that replacing the trees would cost almost $20,000. Cost of the arborist was $485.
Police believe the crimes were committed 1-6 a.m. Oct. 11.
Hall said a city drinking water facility, located at the high school, was also damaged.
BOND COST FIGURES REVISEDTaxpayer costs for the proposed Battle Ground School District construction bond have been clarified.
Instead of the previously-reported 65 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for Part A of the bond, new figures show the bond would cost 56 cents in the first year of payment, rising to $1.26 for years eight through 16.
District figures show that Part B would add 12 cents to the tax burden, not 39 cents as previously reported.
Officials said the original 65 cent cost of Part A and 33 cent cost of Part B were based on calculations from Northwest Securities Corporation of Seattle, as double-checked by financial advisor Alan Dashen of Bellevue-based A. Dashen & Associates.
Those figures show a Part A cost of 60 cents for one year, rising to $1.30. And with passage of both parts A and B, those figures show a total cost of about $1.62 per $1,000 of assessed value.
District business manager Mary Beth Lynn said she calculated the original 65 cent cost figure by subtracting a 2004 cost of existing bond debt from the total estimated cost of existing and new debt.
Lynn noted that as old bonds are paid off, more tax revenue is directed toward payments on new debt.
Earlier this month, Clark County officials released data showing that the assessed value of all property with the school district had risen by 9.8 percent in 2004. Increases in assessed value reduce tax rates.
New figures prepared more recently by the same two Seattle-area organizations show a Part A cost of about $1.26 per $1,000 for most repayment years, and a total for parts A and B of $1.38--12 cents higher.
District financial consultant Allen Dashen said the bond rate for Part B declined, in part, because bonds would be sold later and repaid later when the assessed value in the district is greater.
The more recent calculation used a higher estimate of growth in the District which reduced the repayment cost per $1,000 of assessed value.
Dashen noted that total interest paid would be higher under this plan, but the tax rate would be lower.
Lynn said effort was made to give taxpayers a constant tax rate rather than a rate that would spike up or down. "They (taxpayers) don't expect taxes to go away" when old bonds are paid off, Lynn surmised.
Lynn said she doubted that voters were interested in the level of detail pursued by Reflector staff.
Bond in summary
Area voters will be asked to decide both parts of the bond in a March 8 special election.
Part A is a $63 million package of construction and renovation projects similar in scope to a $54.9 million proposal that narrowly failed in May 2004.
The measure includes two new elementary and middle school campuses, remodeling and replacement of some school buildings, and repairs at certain locations.
State matching funds would contribute an additional $36.7 million toward Part A for total revenues of about $99.6 million.
Part B asks area voters for $19.5 million to build a high school in the north end of the District.
State funds would contribute about $11.6 million more to Part B for total revenues of about $31.1 million.
Voter approval of Part B is contingent on approval of Part A.
That means a north county high school would be built only if the rest of the package is approved. If voters say yes to only a new north county high school but not the rest of the package, both parts fail.
Several factors produce tax rate for property owners
According to District business manager Mary Beth Lynn, the amount that area taxpayers would pay if one or both parts of the bond passes depends on several factors:
** Face value of the bond
** Assessed value of the school district. In 2004, the assessed value of all properties within the district stood at $4.2 billion, a 9.84 percent increase over 2003. In calculating the cost of the proposed bond, officials have estimated the growth of total property values in the school district at 3 percent per year. Faster growth would reduce the tax to all property owners.
** Interest rate at which the bonds would be sold. Interest rate depends in part on the School District's credit rating. The District was last rated in 1997 as A-3. "Anything in the As is good, said Lynn.
** Number of years over which the bond will be paid off. Payment is generally scheduled for 15-20 years, with shorter pay off providing better rates, said Lynn.
** Whether bonds are repaid in equal installments or with a changing schedule.
District officials have proposed to pay a lesser amount on the new bond while making payments on existing indebtedness.
Thus taxes would be imposed at about 57-98 cents per $1,000 on Part A until existing bonds are retired in 2012, then taxed at $1.26 per $1,000 through 2022.
Current debt declining
The Battle Ground School District presently owes about $15.9 million in four existing bonds. One will paid off in December 2005, one in December 2007, and two in December 2012.
The tax rate on existing debt is about 70 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, declining until 2012.
Other school districts in Clark County currently assess the following tax rates on borrowed money: Hockinson, $2.44; Camas, $2.42; Evergreen, $2.15; Vancouver, $1.93; Washougal, $1.83; La Center, $1.79; Green Mountain, $1.30; and Ridgefield, 42 cents.
OBITS:
DONALD FERGEN
Donald (Don) L. Fergen, 82, died Jan. 20, 2005 at home in Ridgefield.
Fergen was born Feb. 23, 1922 in Parkston, SD.
Fergen entered the workforce as a teacher in "the Dakotas," and in Kennewick before heading to Seattle to work as a draft engineer for Boeing.
When the company down-sized in 1971, Fergen moved to Ridgefield where he again took up his love of teaching.
At Ridgefield High School, he taught industrial arts, math, woodshop and drivers' education. He was employed from 1971 until June 1987 when he retired.
Longtime friend Roy Garrison said not many people knew this about Fergen, but he frequented auction sales and businesses looking for woodshop materials for students to use who couldn't afford supplies.
Fergen also enjoyed teaching students how to drive. Garrison remembers a young driver "squirreling out" of a parking lot across from where Fergen and he were working on a project.
When Fergen "hollered" at the youthful driver, he yelled back, "It's okay, Mr. Fergen, you taught me how to drive." Fergen enjoyed the humor.
From 1992 until 1995, Fergen served on the Ridgefield city council. He was always thinking of ways to make Ridgefield better, including taking an in-depth tour of a sewer treatment plant in Hawaii while he was on vacation.
Fergen also enjoyed driving around Clark County taking in the sights.
Fergen stayed active in the community until just before his death. He was a fixture at Port of Ridgefield meetings, city council meetings and Ridgefield Junction Neighborhood Association meetings. He was active in the Lions Club, a member of St. Mary of Guadelupe Catholic Church, and a "hardcore" pinochle player.
For 30 years, Fergen and "a date" teamed up monthly with seven other couples over a period of eight months which gave everyone a chance to host pinochle games. Fergen never married.
Fergen also enjoyed attending auction sales and purchasing items he thought other people may be able to use.
Fergen bought "any kind" of thing, "he didn't care," Garrison said. He would buy something, take it to a friend's house, drop it off and say, "Here, I thought you'd have a use for this," then leave.
Fergen was also a Washington State University master composter and volunteered time at the extension center.
Garrison remembers Fergen experimenting with different compost ingredients, such as 2X4 mill ends, some as long as 6 inches. It took five years to decompose them all, even with Fergen driving his truck back and forth over them.
Fergen also enjoyed music and attended symphonies in Portland as well as music competitions around the area.
Fergen's trademark was simple. He often began conversations with "I have a question," Garrison said.
Fergen was known as "a very dear friend, a very dear man, an excellent individual in the community and just a great guy," said Garrison.
Fergen is survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Harold Jorgensen of Beaverton, and one niece.
A memorial service will be held Sat., Feb. 5, 11 a.m., at St. Mary of Guadelupe Church, 28309 NW 11th Ave., Ridgefield.
Fergen was cremated with the Neptune Society of Portland and his ashes disposed of at sea.
DARLENE AROLA