SWIFT POWER PROJECT BEHIND SCHEDULE

PUD officials expect power generation by early 2006

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Work on a new power canal at Cowlitz Public Utility District's Swift No. 2 Hydroelectric Project is behind schedule.

Utility spokesperson Dave Andrew said a contract with Vancouver contractor Kiewit Pacific called for completion by June 30 of a new 5,900-foot power canal about three miles east of Cougar.

A "best guess" by utility general manager Brian Skeahan is that work on the canal will be done sometime this fall, with a return to commercial operation of the Swift 2 project in early 2006.

Contractor misses targets

Andrew said that Kiewit bid $28.77 million in July 2004 to rebuild the canal by June 30, 2005.

In January 2005, citing lost time due to rain, revised quantities of work, differing site conditions and design changes, Kiewit officials proposed a contract adjustment of $13.6 million, said Andrew.

Skeahan said the original contract was accepted in good faith, with a price and completion date, and should be honored.

Andrew said the contractor provided a bid bond with the contract.

Utility construction project managers and engineers are attempting to resolve the matter with Kiewit Pacific officials. Mediation meetings are set Sept. 26 and 27.

"Our goal first and foremost is to protect interests of our ratepayers," said Skeahan.

The power facility, built in 1958, was severely damaged in April 2002 when a 250-foot section of the canal embankment failed about three miles east of Cougar.

The failure blasted water, soil and rock across the Highway 503-spur and damaged the project powerhouse and switchyard.

The powerhouse was capable of producing about 70 megawatts of low-cost energy and provided 10-15 percent of the power needed by 45,000 Cowlitz PUD customers.

Investigators concluded that water entered underground sink holes, causing erosion and eventually enough pressure to trigger the breach.

Utility officials decided to rebuild Swift 2 with improved designs and systems that would warn of canal leaks.

Andrew said the latest estimate to rebuild the project, which includes clean-up and work on power restoration, is about $113 million.

Lloyds of London insurers paid $70 million to Cowlitz PUD for the loss. Utility officials sold $43 million in bonds last year to fund what Lloyds coverage did not cover.

Andrew said PUD officials hope to pay the bond debt with recoveries from two other insurance carriers, Federated Rural Electric Exchange and TIG Insurance Co.

Both companies, which utility officials contend had combined property damage coverage on Swift 2 of $100 million, denied coverage.

A U.S. District Court rejected motions a year ago by the insurers asking the court to rule that no coverage existed.

A trial, originally set in May, is now scheduled for Jan. 3, 2006, before judge Ronald Layton at the U.S. District Court in Tacoma.

OFFICIALS PLAN TO BUILD NEW MOSQUITO CONTROL BUILDING

Officials of the Clark County Mosquito Control District plan to use money saved over the last 20 years to build a new building to house equipment, supplies, and their nine part-time employees.

The new building is to be constructed on property owned by Clark County near 78th St. and St. Johns Road. It will be about twice the size of their current 80-ft. x 32-ft. building which is located nearby.

Steve Kessler, crew chief of the Mosquito District, said he and eight others work six months each year to control mosquitoes, with an emphasis on killing mosquito larvae rather than fogging areas after mosquitoes have matured.

The District has no year-round employees, said Kessler.

The District has six trucks, one boat, and two ATVs, said Kessler. All vehicles can be housed in the current building only by parking some between bays and sideways behind other vehicles.

The new building carries a price tag of about $733,000. Some price and feature details are yet to be settled as officials work to fit a construction bid from Larry Collins into their budget.

The Mosquito District is governed by its own 10-member board and has direct taxing authority. The District operates with an annual budget of about $280,000.

The District was created in a 1982 ballot measure when voters approved a property tax of .009 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or about $1.80 on a $200,000 home. The amount collected in 1983 was $75,000.

The District contracts with the Clark County Health Department for administrative support, and presently pays 25 percent of the salary of an administrative assistant and 5-10 percent of an administrator's salary.

In September 2004, the Mosquito Board reduced the scope of support in its agreement with Clark County. The Mosquito Board now uses Clark County for payroll and administrative work only, and no longer for bill paying and other services.

The Board's 1990 agreement with the Clark County Health District called for services with insurance, billing, clerical work, and storage and maintenance of inventories and capital equipment.

The 2004 change reduced the mosquito board's annual obligation to the Health Department from about $36,000 to about $10,000.

The District spent virtually all of its revenue in its first year of existence, but had a surplus of $812 after its second year. The annual residual balance has accumulated to over $700,000 today.

The mosquito program enjoyed a surplus of about $17,000 in 2004, according to John Wiesman who heads the county's health department.

Some of those involved with the Mosquito Control District have served extended terms. Board member Mark Rees has served 25 years and Raul Moreno and Randall King 10 years each. Board members serve without compensation.

Kessler has been crew chief since 1985 and has worked in mosquito control in Clark County since 1978. Employee Warren Wyant joined the District in 1985, Ken McMillan in 1987, Sam Adams in 1988, Jim Martin in 1989, Chris Lyons in 1991 and Chuck Skov in 1992.

Members of the mosquito crew earn $21.54 to $25.58 per hour.

Board chair Steve Rees declined comment on plans for a new building.

Kessler said the District owns its current building which was moved to its present location, and then added onto in 1985.

The District works to control mosquitos throughout the county, said Kessler. For example, the District recently used helicopters to treat nearly 500 acres at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge as well as areas near Vancouver Lake.

Kessler said the District maintains a 24-hour phone line to field public complaints about mosquitoes. In addition to responding to public concerns, the crew carries out a control plan which includes placing larvacide in catch basins, and conducting abatement in waterways, retention ponds and green spaces.

Crews will treat mosquitoes on private property at no cost such as in advance of weddings and other family gatherings.

Mosquitos are trapped and examined in a lab to identify their type. Testing is done for West Nile Virus, said Kessler, adding that the Clark County Mosquito Control District is one of few in the state that is capable of such testing.

Kessler said that crews treated 14,000 catch basins in 2004. More and more detention ponds are treated annual as the area develops, he said.

In addition to Rees and Moreno, board members include Mike Ciraulo from Battle Ground, Randall King from Vancouver, Russell Marshall from La Center, and Joe Warren from Yacolt.

Information is available from Kessler, 574-7906.

FIRE DAMAGES PUBLIC WORKS STORAGE

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

An electrical short in the engine of a riding lawnmower caused about $12,000 damage to a storage shed owned by the city of Battle Ground Public Works.

The building, located at 20531 NE 112th Ave., suffered only burned wooden rafters, said Dan Yeager, assistant chief for Fire District 11. The building is mostly sheet metal.

One other riding lawn mower was damaged in the blaze. The two mowers were generally used to mow parks.

WOODLAND POLICE KEPT BUSY

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

Kip Kester of Woodland tried to run, but couldn't hide from Woodland police officer Terry Casey.

On June 25, officers located a stolen vehicle at 2412 Lewis River Rd. in Woodland. Evidence in the 1992 Acura Integra implicated Kester, 34, as the culprit, said a report.

When officers arrived at the residence, Kester reportedly fled and hid in nearby woods. Officers towed the vehicle.

Ten days later, Casey spotted Kester driving southbound on Old Pacific Highway near Green Mountain Rd.

After Casey pulled the vehicle over in the traffic stop, Kester reportedly fled again, with the officer hot in his heels.

Casey used pepper spray to subdue Kester, but the fugitive kept running. However, he was found a few minutes later in an outbuilding at a residence at 7053 Green Mountain Rd.

In addition to charges of stolen property, escape and resisting arrest, Kester had a felony warrant out of Clark County for violating conditions of release on another, unrelated incident.

Also on July 7, 35-year-old Kori S. Frederickson found herself facing multiple charges stemming from not having a driver's license.

The week before, Woodland officer Robb Lipp had cited her for not having a valid driver's license. So when he saw her pull into the Woodland AM/PM market, he pulled her over again.

Frederickson, a transient, gave officers permission to search the vehicle, and they reportedly found methamphetamine inside her purse. She denied it was hers, a report said.

Lipp took her to the Cowlitz County jail. In the booking process, a corrections officer searched Frederickson and reportedly found a stolen credit card in her bra that belonged to her mother.

A report said Frederickson stole the card while celebrating the Fourth of July at her parents' residence. Credit card information showed several unauthorized purchases had been made since then, officials said.

Frederickson is charged with operating a motor vehicle without a valid drivers' license, possession of methamphetamine, and second degree possession of stolen property.

TIME CAPSULE SHOWS BG'S PAST

Heidi Wallenborn, news director

In 1976, a group of Battle Ground citizens held a Bicentennial blowout for the community.

Don Umtuch, a great-grandson of Chief Umtuch who lost his life in Battle Ground's infamous "battle," rode a "horse" on the city's Rose Float in Portland's Grand Floral Parade, which placed first in cities outside Oregon with a population under 50,000.

Part of the grand celebration that summer was burying a time capsule encased in concrete, to be opened 29 years later on the 150th anniversary of the "battle" of Battle Ground--July 4, 2005.

Because of the holiday, city officials chose to schedule the opening during Harvest Days.

The unearthing will take place in the landscaped area of the new city hall, 109 SW 1st St.

Gloria (Cresap) Walck remembers very well the events surrounding the capsule burial, which was a project of the Battle Ground Bicentennial Council.

Her parents, Joe and Vicki Cresap, and uncle Everett Eaton, who was mayor then, "were a major force on that committee," she said, along with Louise Allworth, now Louise Tucker. Joyce Schubert was chairman of the Bicentennial Day celebration.

Walck's job was to help collect items to be placed in the capsule, which was provided by Alcoa Aluminum where her dad worked.

Inside, there are 37 items, Walck said, including business cards from area businesses, a cassette tape of the June 9 Bicentennial Council meeting, a copy of The Reflector, then owned by John H. (Jack) Dodge, and stories and photos of civic groups.

The items were carefully placed in the 1.5-foot capsule, then encased in concrete before being buried at the old city hall, located at 302 E Main St. A bronze plaque was placed over it, which states, This time capsule was dedicated to the Spirit of `76 by the Battle Ground Bicentennial Council on June 26, 1976 to be opened July 4, 2005, the 150th anniversary of Battle Ground.

When city staff relocated to the new building and put the old city hall up for sale, the time capsule was dug up and moved.

The concrete is being chipped off, said city employee Claire Warner, which is time consuming. When finished, the capsule will be reburied in time for a ceremonial unearthing Thurs., July 14, 3:30 p.m.

A booth will be set up during Harvest Days with a display of all the items, and comment cards as to what people would like to see in the next time capsule, Warner said.

Another time capsule will be buried sometime this year, she said, with an unearthing date in 2055.

Citizens can also call Warner at 342-5000 with time capsule suggestions.

NEW CONTRACT LIFTS SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Jailing more state Department of Corrections probation violators will fund 23 new positions at the Clark County Sheriff's Office.

Provisions of an amended accord between the agencies has doubled violators kept at Clark County jail facilities from 30 to 60.

The state will pay the Sheriff's Office about $1.3 million per year to fund the additional workload, enough to fund additional staff positions.

Undersheriff Joe Dunegan said 14 new hires will be in custody positions, six newcomers will be new deputies, and three others will be support services staff members.

The expanded custody staff will make it possible to reopen 60 beds in the main jail that were vacant because of funding shortfalls, said Dunegan.

Applicants for Sheriff's Office deputy and custody positions must be U.S. citizens, at least age 21, have verbal and written skill command of the English language, and have at least high school educations with no history of felonies.

Applicants for support staff positions must meet similar requirements but are eligible for hire at a younger age.

More specific information and updates on Sheriff's Office job-openings are found on the Clark County website, Clark.wa.gov or can be obtained from Sheriff's Office Human Resources staff at 397-2456.

Sergeants promoted

Sheriff's sergeants Mike Nolan and Don Polen were promoted to precinct commander positions.

Nolan will head the Sheriff's Office Central Precinct. Polen will head the West Precinct.

ROSE FAMILY DENTAL OPEN IN BATTLE GROUND

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Rose Family Dental opened July 6 at the Dental/Health Building, 15 SW 20th Ave., Battle Ground.

The new dental practice is in offices previously occupied by dentist Jim Classen.

The father and son team, dentists Robert and Karl Rose, known to patients as Dr. Bob and Dr. Karl, will manage the family practice.

Classen staff members, including dentist Jack Richard and dental hygienist Martha Lindberg, will continue to serve patients, said Robert Rose.

In many respects, locating their new business in Battle Ground was like a homecoming to Robert and Karl Rose. Both previously practiced at Permanente Associates, a Kaiser Permanente service.

Robert Rose, the son of a saw mill worker, was raised in Yacolt until age 10 when his parents moved to the Hillsboro, OR area.

After earning a bachelor of arts degree at Portland State University in 1966, Robert attended the University of Oregon dental school and graduated in 1971.

The senior Rose served as a captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps at Ft. Bragg, NC from 1971 to 73.

Robert and his wife, the former Rachel Ek, a 1967 Battle Ground High School graduate, moved to Vancouver after military service. They moved to Hockinson in 1977 and completed raising five children. Robert practiced family dentistry at Permanente Associates for about 31 years.

Karl Rose graduated from Prairie High School in 1991, completed a bachelor of science degree at University of Washington in 1995, and graduated from dental school at the University of Maryland in 2001.

Karl also served two years as a U.S. Army dentist at Ft. Bragg, NC. He then joined Permanente Associates.

Karl's wife, the former Sara Swaney, graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1992. They have three young children.

The Roses said all children should have a dental check up by at least age 3. They believe first check ups should be pleasant experiences that detect problems early and set a positive tone for future dental care.

Rose Family Dental will be open Mondays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Tues.-Fri., 7 a.m.-4 p.m. The practice may be reached at 687-5665.

NEW BG BUILDING HITS SNAG

A year of construction on a new mixed-use building in Battle Ground ended last fall with an unfinished building and no date certain when work will resume.

In fact, building owner Karen Lang has decided to sell the unfinished building rather than complete the work.

The building has similar uses to a building that previously stood at the site--the southwest corner of Main St. and Parkway Ave. in the old town area.

The previous building had commercial space downstairs and apartments upstairs, plus a companion apartment building. The new building has 2,000 square feet of commercial space on the main floor, set up with four entrances.

Three, one-bedroom apartments are nearly finished upstairs. The second apartment building has been torn down.

The apartments have vaulted ceilings, washer-dryer hookups, and "a new trendy look," said Lang, who is a real estate agent with Century 21 Cascade Pacific in Salmon Creek.

Lang said she encountered problems last fall when one of her contractors failed to perform and went bankrupt.

Lang said the apartments could be completed and occupied prior to finishing the commercial space because two permits cover the work.

Lang said the 700-square-foot apartments need cabinets, appliances, toilets, showers and floor coverings. She said the apartments could rent for $695 each.

Lang estimated the cost to complete the apartments, plus paving and landscaping, at $100,000. She has set a price of $575,000 on the building as is. All utility hook ups have been paid, she said.

Lang also plans to sell a nearby commercial building now occupied by Community Travel and Clear Choice Chiropractic. That building is about 10 years old and has about 3,650 square feet. Lang wants $550,000 for that building.

Information is available from Lang, 798-7988.

REPORT FINDS FAULT WITH FORMER HOCKINSON SUPERINTENDENT

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

Richard Minarik, former interim Hockinson School District superintendent, did not follow a District policy regarding sexual harassment, according to a report from an outside investigator hired by the District.

Minarik, 61, was placed on paid administrative leave April 11 due to allegations of sexual harassment brought by a District teacher whose name was not released.

The investigation was originally set to be resolved within 30 days of the complaint, or by about mid-May. Findings were delayed two weeks to the beginning of June, then to June 10, and finally to June 30, Miniarik's last employable day.

Assistant superintendent Maggie Bates, who was acting superintendent while Minarik was on leave, said District policy allows latitude in such matters. Delays were because the investigation was conducted "under the spirit of being thorough, impartial and fair."

Minarik's 11-month contract ended June 30, the same day the District released the report. Minarik will not return to the District.

Board chair Sheila Homchick said Board members did not review the investigator's findings until a June 28 meeting. The report was dated June 17.

Homchick said any continuances or delays in receiving the report were prompted by Minarik's legal council.

Questionable conduct alledged

Vancouver-based attorney Linda Frischmeyer conducted the investigation.

Frischmeyer's report states that Minarik and the teacher were willing to discuss the matter, but that their stories did not entirely correspond. About 15 other people were interviewed for the investigation. E-mail transcripts were also reviewed.

No employee reported receiving unwelcome or inappropriate attention from Minarik prior to the April 11 complaint, states the report, although an occasional remark was made that "pushed appropriate boundaries without rising to the level of meriting a complaint."

Substantial communication and personal interaction was reported between Minarik and the teacher, who is married.

Minarik's wife passed away from cancer about one year before he came to the District.

Initially, much of the communication was about school related topics, according to the report.

On some occasions the teacher went to the District office to speak with Minarik. Unlike other District staff, the teacher tended to stop by without scheduling a visit, states the report.

By invitation or agreement, Minarik reportedly went to the teacher's home on three occasions in March and April. Differences between Minarik's and the teacher's versions of events are greatest as they relate to these visits, states the report.

The investigator concluded "some physical contact occurred on at least two of these occasions that exceeded appropriate contact between a second year teacher and a superintendent."

Both fault the other person for "contact exceeding what would be appropriate," the report said.

Other events transpired throughout March that are in dispute, including more communication between the teacher and Minarik, and more physical contact which included kissing, states the report.

By about March 9, the teacher communicated that she was uncomfortable with the contact between herself and Minarik, and that her communication "most likely included confusion and/or mixed messages probably including attraction, wishing to continue friendship and communications, apologies, her desire to preserve her marriage, not hurt her husband, etc.," states the report.

The investigator concluded that the contents of a note allegedly composed by Minarik to the teacher in March "was probably not precisely as described in [the teacher's] complaint."

The investigator also concluded that a statement made by the teacher ("That I am naive and gullible") is "not consistent with the manner in which [the teacher] was observed by this investigator to communicate."

"Notwithstanding," Frishmeyer wrote, "the early March communication revealed or should have revealed the significant consequences and mixed emotions [the teacher] experienced as a result of her personal interactions with Mr. Minarik."

The teacher and Minarik continued to voluntarily interact with each other after March 9, according to the report.

A question of responsibility

As superintendent, Minarik was responsible to enforce the District's policy on sexual harassment. Policy prohibits behavior that "interferes with effectiveness or creates uneasiness in the school environment [and] consists of sexually-motivated physical conduct."

Frishmeyer concluded that "subsequent to March 8 and 9, Minarik was or should have been aware that the personal communications and physical contact had significant potential to and would interfere with effectiveness, create uneasiness in the school environment or substantially interfere with the work environment."

Frishmeyer also concluded that Minarik failed to sufficiently address the circumstances that existed between the teacher and himself, which "substantially interfered with the work environment, therefore violated [District] policy."

Minarik, who was last known to keep an apartment in Vancouver and a house in Montesano, could not be reached for comment.

Minarik's last full-time job was five years as Montesano School District superintendent, a position from which he retired.

Because of the state structure for retired superintendents, Minarik was hired in Hockinson under a reduced salary package of about $100,000.