PARK AGREES TO RELINQUISH MEDICAL LICENSE

Former Battle Ground physician Dr. Harry C.S. Park, who practiced medicine in Clark County from about 1960 until the mid-1990s, has voluntarily surrendered his license and agreed to cease the practice of medicine.

Officials of the state Department of Health accused Park of practicing medicine at his Battle Ground home in violation of a prior order.

That prior order, dated May 29, 1997, directed Park to take and pass the Special Purpose Examination, a test of general medical knowledge, before resuming the practice of medicine.

Park did not take the test, he said, because of failing sight in his right eye.

Park said that since 1997, he has treated only family members and close friends, primarily with alternative medical treatments.

Since 1997, said Park, officials of the state Department of Health have continued to renew his license. Park's licensing documents show his status as active and unrestricted.

Lisa Noonan, disciplinary manager with the state Department of Health, said the Department had continued to renew the licenses of some disciplined physicians to allow them retire with current and clear credentials. Noonan said this policy has been discontinued.

Noonan said Park's license could also have been routinely renewed in error.

Park said that, in recent years, he has treated family and friends with chelation, a series of injections designed to locate toxic metals in the body as a remedy for coronary artery disease, cardio-vascular disease, and other conditions.

Long-time physician

Dr. Park was first licensed as a physician and surgeon in Washington in September 1960. He maintained an office in Ridgefield for seven years with a branch in Yacolt where he worked 2 1/2 days a week.

Park then opened a clinic on W Main Street in Battle Ground in 1968, along with a clinic in Hazel Dell. He also maintained an office at his home in the Meadow Glade area.

Park's problems arose in 1996 when officials of the Department of Health disciplined him for his handling of medications. Park was accused of prescribing weight loss medications for patients over long periods of time. He was also accused of not properly supervising staff who handled medications, and other matters related to the distribution of controlled substances.

Officials suspended his license in February 1997, culminating in the May 1997 order that directed Park to not practice medicine without passing a test.

Park's wife, Lucille, who had worked as a nurse, said she "kept calling the Department of Health" about the license renewal issue and inquired about treating only family members.

"Who are we hurting," questioned Park. "If they didn't want us to do this, why did they renew our license?"

Park blamed his problems with state officials on his use of alternative medicine, a practice he says is frowned on by Department of Health officials.

"They don't like alternative medicine," said Park, who said he was the first to pioneer acupuncture in Clark County. "They see it as voodoo or witchcraft."

Park also employed magnetic therapy to cure bee stings. He advocates hair analysis as part of physical examinations.

Park also advocates the use of Oasis, a vitamin, mineral and herb supplement.

"I did not go into active medical practice," said Park. "I was merely helping a few of my past patients with chelation treatments. Many were at no charge."

Park said he believes he can continue to treat family members even though he has given up his license. Noonan said the issue of treating family members is unclear.

Lucille said that her husband has provided considerable free treatment over the years, offering services, for example, for which Medicare won't pay.

"He doesn't deserve this," she said.

BG SCHOOLS BUDGET REFLECTS BOND

Marcus Brotherton, staff reporter

The first group of construction projects funded in part by a $63 million bond passed by voters in March are included in the Battle Ground School District's proposed budget for 2005-2006.

A hearing was held July 26 to discuss the general fund portion of the budget. Two other hearings are set to address the budget on Tuesdays, Aug. 23 and 30, 6 p.m., Center for Agriculture, Science & Environmental Education, 11104 NE 149th St., Brush Prairie.

Board members are expected to approve the budget at the Aug. 30 meeting.

The following projects are set to begin this year, (costs do not reflect total amounts of all projects, but only what will be spent this year): $4.8 million will be spent on the new Cresap K-4 school, $4.8 million on the new Cresap 5-8 school, $355,000 on preliminary projects for another new K-4 school, $355,000 for another K-5 school, $2.8 million for new HVAC systems in several schools, $123,000 for a new track at Prairie High School, $13,000 for a new stage at Battle Ground High School, $2.3 million to begin the remodel of Amboy Middle, $1.5 million to begin the remodel of Captain Strong, $542,000 to begin the Laurin Middle remodel, and $2 million for more portables.

Portables are funded by impact fees, not bond revenues. About $2 million is generated annually by impact fees in the Battle Ground School District.

The District's general fund, which pays for most day-to-day operations of the District, is up slightly from last year.

Greater revenues this year are mostly due to increased state apportionment dollars because of more students in the District, said District business manager Mary Beth Lynn. More money has also come from the state for increased salaries. The District receives about 60 percent of its budget from the state.

Last year, the District brought in $84.6 million and spent $88 million. This year, the District proposes to bring in $89 million and spend $90.1 million.

The figures are approximations because they are based on projected enrollment numbers, explained Lynn. Also, figures don't show all the "carry-overs"--money that is not spent and held in an account--as the 2004-2005 budget year is not over yet.

Enrollment is projected at 12,033 students for 2005-2006, up 157 students from last year.

The District keeps 3-5 percent of its overall budget in reserves. This year, the District will have about $6 million in savings. About $4 million of that is designated for levy expenditures.

The District's three-year levy is up again for renewal at the end of 2006. A vote to approve or deny a replacement levy is expected to take place in spring 2006.

Transportation costs are projected to rise 10-15 percent this year due to rising fuel prices. The state has approved a transportation study this year which Lynn and District administrator Dr. Bruce Kelley will undertake.

The state approved a 1.2 percent increase for salaries of teachers, classified staff and most administrators. Principals will receive a 4 percent raise this year, but haven't received a raise in six years.

For complete details of the budget, contact the District business office at 885-5311, or communications consultant Kelly Keister, 904-1233.

RIDGEFIELD FEES JOLT SCHOOL OFFICIALS

District leaders seek lower fees, climate of partnership

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Ridgefield School District officials, jolted recently by fees charged for modular classrooms, want city leaders to reassess charges for expanding school facilities.

At a special school board meeting Aug. 15, district superintendent Mary Vagner said city officials appear willing to help.

Vagner said city manager George Fox and community development director Kevin Snyder recently agreed to allow future credits to the District equal to fees associated with placement of four modulars at District schools.

Credits to the District will occur when new, permanent construction replaces the modular units.

The city charged a System Development Charge of $26,688 for installation of a modular classroom at Union Ridge Elementary School that, unlike modulars for children in higher grades, required a sewer connection.

The fee is more than twice fees for similar modulars in other Clark County jurisdictions, according to a recent comparison study by Vancouver attorney Marnie Allen.

Vagner said Fox agreed to work with District officials to lower future sewer connection charges for modulars.

Vagner said Traffic Impact Fees charged by the city for the modulars won't be known until October when numbers of new students are counted. Such fees could reach $50,000, she said.

Traffic Impact Fees in Ridgefield are calculated for elementary and middle schools by multiplying the product of 1.02 times the number of new students by $203. For high school calculations, the 1.02 multiple is increased to 1.79.

Board members agreed to appoint members Chris Swindell and Raymond Warner to evaluate development fees and identify changes that could advance a city/school partnership.

Attorney's letter seeks help from city planners

Allen, representing the School District in an Aug. 10 letter to the Ridgefield Planning Commission, asked planners to weigh impacts of proposed Urban Growth Area (UGA) expansion on school facilities and update the city's comprehensive plan accordingly.

Allen asked planners to urge adoption of the school district 2005-11 Capital Facilities Plan and to recommend a continuation of maximum allowable school impact fees of $3,132 on single-family homes and $712 for multi-family units. She also asked them to recommend exempt or lower development fees on public school facilities.

Student growth projections

A 2005 Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) shows Ridgefield schools have capacity to serve about 1,634 students.

In October 2004, there were 1,889 students enrolled, and by 2011, district officials anticipate 2,353 students, said Allen. New and expanded schools are needed to serve them, she said.

The CFP calls for construction of a new high school, conversion of the existing high school to a middle school, and conversion of the middle school to serve elementary children. The improvements will serve more than 3,000 students, Allen said.

Construction of the new facilities is estimated at $112.6 million, said Allen. Over $110 million must come from bond proceeds, school impact fees and state school construction funds.

More than 6,000 students predicted with build-out of proposed UGA

Ridgefield schools serve Ridgefield, portions of the northern Vancouver UGA and rural lands in unincorporated Clark County.

Allen said District studies show that complete build-out of a proposed Ridgefield UGA will increase district enrollment to 6,136 students.

Because more than 75 percent of students will come from homes or apartments in Ridgefield and the Ridgefield urban growth area, the City and District must cooperate on strategies to build schools, Allen said.

Allen asked planners to recommend that the Ridgefield Comprehensive Plan be amended to include a "schools policy," wording that supports adequate school facilities and the permitting of K-12 public schools and facilities.

Allen also sought support for having the policy implemented with amendments to existing land use regulations. She said amendments favoring public schools should include a full or partial exemption from transportation concurrency, an exemption or reduction in traffic impact fees, an exemption or reduction in fees associated with portables, and an amendment to sewer regulations.

The city might also require owners or developers of newly-annexed residential property to mitigate school impacts, said Allen.

With the letter, Allen included a comparison of public infrastructure costs charged to schools by eight jurisdictions in Clark County.

The comparison showed partial or complete exemptions for public schools in Clark County, Battle Ground, Washougal and Vancouver.

Public schools are exempt from paying or have downward adjustments in traffic impact fees in Battle Ground, Clark County, Camas and Vancouver and Washougal, said the analysis.

The Allen comparison ranked Ridgefield highest ($6,950 per equivalent dwelling unit) for sewer System Development Charges (SDC) among eight jurisdictions.

The city of Battle Ground recently charged the Battle Ground School District $12,846 for a 50-student elementary school modular.

The city of Vancouver charges a $1,999 SDC for the same modular, said Allen's comparison.

The comparison lists Ridgefield as having the second-highest ($3,950) water system development charge.

Fees revised

School officials also worry about future costs associated with new city development fees.

New fees and rules for implementing them were adopted Aug. 2 by the Ridgefield city council.

On the recommendations of Fox and Snyder, council members, with member Gary Holmberg absent, unanimously adopted a resolution setting new fees and giving the city manager authority to adjust fees annually with current inflation.

Fee revisions previously required city council action.

Council members approved a Master Fee Schedule establishing new fees for planning, engineering, building, fire code, parks and recreation and administrative services.

After a deposit fee of $500, a majority of planning and all engineering services will be billed at hourly rates, with city workers using a time-tracking software program.

The Schedule sets flat rates for other building and code fees.

Hourly rates range from a high of $115 for the city manager, director of community development and director of public works, to $95 for senior planners or engineers, to $75 for planners, engineers and building officials, to $65 for building and development inspectors. Hourly rates for other staff members are $55.

A developer stopping by to ask a question won't be charged hourly, said Snyder. Answering questions is just good service, he said.

Snyder said building permit fees, based on the 1997 Uniform Building Code Fee Schedule, needed updating. The change increases rates established in 1997 by about 22 percent, he said.

Fox said his philosophy is that the city needs to recover all costs of development. He said the new fee schedule will off-set current costs of development services.

School board member Joe Leadingham said council members should attend school board meetings. "They would see that we're not a developer," said Leadingham. "We just react to reality."

"Every dollar we spend on fees is a dollar we can't spend on the kids," said Swindell.

SCORES ATTEND UNION RIDGE OPEN HOUSE

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Scores of citizens, including business and city leaders, attended an open house at Union Ridge Aug. 16, a 330-acre mixed use project east of the I-5/Pioneer St. interchange.

The event, hosted by developer Schuck Corporation, included tours of available industrial sites and future commercial, industrial and residential locations.

Visitors toured the Dollar Tree Stores Inc. distribution center and the Hinton Building, the first of four planned industrial activities. They also toured future commercial and residential sites.

Several job-creating land uses are planned at Union Ridge, including office, light industrial, distribution, destination retail, and commercial/retail businesses.

Port and city officials, including port commissioner Joe Melroy and city manager George Fox, and elected officials manned barbecues to serve guests at the event.

City officials recently issued a mitigated Determination of Non-Significance on the project with comments due to associate planner Sam Crummett, PO Box 608, 230 N Main Ave., Ridgefield, 98642, by Aug. 31.

The Ridgefield city Hearing Examiner will conduct a public hearing on the project master plan/subdivision application Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. in the Ridgefield Community Center, 210 N. Main Ave.

MAYORS, COMMISSIONERS TO DISCUSS URBAN GROWTH

The mayors of cities in Clark County will have an opportunity to discuss urban growth with the county commissioners on Wed., Aug. 30.

A two-hour meeting is set for 4 p.m. at Fire District 5 Training Facility, 11606 NE 66th St., Suite 103, Vancouver.

The cities will not get as much urban land as they've requested, said Rich Carson of the county's Community Development Department.

The Aug. 30 meeting gives the mayors a chance to talk about "what they really want," Carson said.

The county has determined that about 20 square miles will be added to urban growth boundaries under the proposed plan.

Carson said that planners cannot identify precisely how many acres can be used for development. Nearly half of the 12,500 acres proposed for inclusion is unbuildable because of steep slopes or environmental concerns, he said.

The number of acres proposed for development was calculated based on certain assumptions, such as the number of people expected to move into the county, the desired density and the number of jobs that must be created.

The county's growth rate for the next 20 years has been set at 2 percent.

The cities of Ridgefield and La Center are vying for property west of the I-5 interchange at La Center Road. A casino has been proposed for the land.

The commissioners will hold public hearings each Tuesday in September, Carson said.

"They will decide what the map looks like," he said.

At the end of September, the commissioners will begin deliberations. The final map is expected to be set by March 2006.

THIEVES RAID RIDGEFIELD FOOD BANK

Bill Myers, staff reporter

Thieves stole equipment, records and food on the night of Aug. 10 from the Neighbors Helping Neighbors food bank in Ridgefield.

Food bank manager Tom Humphrey said thieves punched a hole through a screen and pried open a main floor window in the building at 21814 NW 11th Ave.

Humphrey said the culprits took a new Hewlett Packard printer worth $350, a Hewlett Packard computer hard drive worth about $300, about 150 pounds of canned goods and meat, and food bank transaction records.

"Theft of records hurt most because they are hard to replace," said Humphrey.

Records included invoices, contracts with suppliers, health department inspection records, and names and addresses of food bank supporters.

Humphrey said the theft as the third in the past four years.

Humphrey said he won't report the claim to the building insurer because another insurance company doubled property rates on the building after settling a fire loss last year.

The Clark County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors, in operation since 1982, provides food and/or clothing help to about 1,700 clinets each month, said Humphrey.

Financial needs now include replacing stolen equipment, said Humphrey. He can be reached at 887-3354.

HEARING SET ON PROPOSED CHURCH CONSTRUCTION

Bill Myers, staff reporter

A proposal to build a church at 21720 NE 29th Ave., Ridgefield, will be aired Thurs., Oct. 6 in front of a Clark County Hearings Examiner.

Officials of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have applied to Clark County for a development review associated with construction of a 25,000 square-foot church.

The proposed 8.8 acre site of the church project, located at the southwest corner of the intersection of SR-502 (NE 219th St.) and NE 29th Ave., is in an R-5 zoning district.

Church officials are seeking approvals for conditional use and a site plan that will include about 2,000 square feet of wetland fill requiring a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit. Fill material is expected to be generated on site.

An on-site septic system is proposed for sewage disposal. Parking stalls are proposed for 283 vehicles.

County officials have concluded that the project will not adversely affect the enviroment.

Written comments must be received at the Community Development Customer Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., PO Box 9810, Vancouver, 98666, on the day of the public hearing by 1 p.m..

The hearing starts at 7 p.m. Information telephone number is 397-2375.

FED BILL ADDS TO INTERCHANGE FUNDING

$9 million earmarked for PioneerSt/I-5 project

Bill Myers, staff reporter

A $686 billion transportation bill inked by congress and recently signed by president Bush earmarks $9 million for replacement of the Pioneer St./I-5 interchange at Ridgefield.

Earlier this year, Ridgefield city manager George Fox and public works director Justin Clary urged senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, and congressman Brian Baird to support the project.

The elected officials came through for Ridgefield, said Clary.

Clary said a total of $21 million is now committed to the project, including $2 million from a state Economic Development Grant and $10 million from a 9.5 cent per gallon gas tax approved early this year by state legislators.

Ridgefield city and port officials say a new interchange is needed to safely accommodate increasing volumes of truck traffic from nearby industrial developments.

Washington Department of Transportation spokesperson Jilayne Jordan said state engineers estimate that design, purchases of rights of way and construction of the new interchange will be $30-$35 million.

Clary said the $2 million grant was received in July. Portland engineering consultant HDR Engineering was selected to start design work, he said.

Other funding sources are being sought, said Clary. He said he hopes construction can start in 2007 or 2008.

Passage of I-912 could set funding picture back

Passage of Initiative 912, a measure that would rescind the 9.5 cent gas tax approved by legislators and signed by the governor early this year, would strip $10 million from the intersection funding picture, said Jordan.

The initiative would not effect increases of motor vehicle fees targeted for public transit. But the measure would rescind incremental annual gas tax increases aimed at road projects, including the Pioneer St. intersection, widening of SR-502 and improvements on SR-14.

LA CENTER GAZEBO READY FOR PUBLIC USE

Alice Perry Linker, staff reporter

Many hands and a backhoe guided the granite obelisk into its place in front of the gazebo.

La Center city employees and Lions Club members worked cooperatively to move the 1,500-pound stone from Steve Fuller's pickup to its special location between the amphitheater and the new gazebo.

For awhile the procedure looked somewhat risky. The strength of a strap was questioned, and the four men and one woman pushed and pulled to replace the strap with chains.

Slowly, backhoe operator Vicky Hopkin lifted the stone and moved it from the truck bed to the ground, where Roger Myers, Aaron Wilkinson and Matt Hollenbeck wrestled the granite.

Finally, the obelisk honoring the late Jack Fillman was standing.

The back-breaking job was one of the last needed to ready the gazebo in Sternwheeler Park for the dedication ceremony set for Sat., Aug. 27, 10:45 a.m.

"We want to stress that this is the public's gazebo," said Lee Liston, chairman of the Lions gazebo committee. "We want the public to use it for weddings, concerts, whatever they want."

The structure belongs to the city. Suzanne Levis, financial director, said the city has not yet established rules for renting the gazebo.

"We are discussing a rental fee, much as we do for the community center," she said, "but nothing has been decided."

Levis said that La Center Mayor Jim Irish would like to schedule concerts in the gazebo.

"It's ideal for concerts," she said. "That's very much the mayor's goal."

The public gazebo, brainchild of Jack Fillman, has been 20 years in the making.

The La Center Lions was chartered in 1984, and the gazebo was its first major project, Fuller said.

Problems with funding, location, permits and other red tape slowed the project, but the Lions never lost sight of the goal.