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Major Road Construction Begins at Key Washougal Intersection

Washougal Construction Update:

According to the City of Washougal, at the intersection of 32nd Street and Evergreen Way, some big changes are happening this week, beginning Monday, January 15.

The following bullet points outline the various construction projects under way so you can plan ahead when traveling in/around this area.

– Sidewalks will be poured on the northeast corner
– Southbound traffic on 32nd Street will be closed between E Street and Evergreen Blvd; vehicles will be detoured around this section of 32nd Street
– Northbound traffic will be allowed on 32nd Street
– Drivers should use alternate routes to get to SR-14 if they are on southbound 32nd Street; either use E Street to Washougal River Road or use alternate routes to get to E Street/Evergreen Blvd north of town as 32nd Street south of Evergreen Blvd will be open to traffic.

The city has a lot of ambitious projects coming this year. City Council meetings are held every other Monday at 7 pm at City Hall. The next one is scheduled for January 22.

There is also a public Port of Camas-Washougal meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 16 at 5 pm at the Port offices, which are located at the marina (by Westlie Ford).

To learn more, visit cityofwashougal.us

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Camas Delivers at Kelso Invitational — Without 10 Swimmers!

Kelso, WA — Before Saturday’s Kelso Swim Invitational started, the Camas Boys Swim team weren’t as sure-footed as they usually are before a big meet. With 16 other schools competing, Hanford breathing down their necks, and 10 Camas swimmers missing (including several state champions), Co-Captain Finn McClone wasn’t exactly optimistic.

“So many swimmers are missing today, and Eric (Wu) is totally sick,” said McClone. “Plus I stayed up until 2 last night. Not good.”

They didn’t want to be the first Camas team in recent memory to lose Kelso.

“That would be really bad,” said McClone.

But when the first call to go on deck came, the light turned on. The Camas magic appeared.

During the first event, the 200 Free Relay, the Camas team (McClone, Wu, Chris Xia, and Luke Bales) delivered not only a first place victory, but also a State cut time. This is the first time Bales qualified for a State event.

“I think we have our State team decided now,” said Head Coach, Mike Bemis. “The boys really delivered today. I knew they had it in them. I never doubted it.”

They were just getting warmed up. And, they’d make some Kelso Invitational history before the day was over.

Bemis said the presence of Hanford is part of what keeps Camas on its toes. “Hanford is really good, and they have a lot of talent,” he added.

Kelso

From left: Junha Lee, Jake Duerfeldt, Zach Macia, and Luke Bales.

Evergreen’s Illia Zablotoviskii won the 200 Free (1:46.39) which is a State cut. He swims for CRST.

Hanford’s John Markillie won the 200 IM (2:00.09) which broke the previous meet record.

“It’s so great to do that after traveling so far today,” said Markillie. “We also love competing with Camas.”

Columbia River’s Josh Bottelberghe won the 50 Free event (21.47) setting a new meet record. Jaron Hamlik held that honor for four years (22.10).

And, bronchitis didn’t stop Eric Wu from breaking a meet record in the 100 Fly (51.19).

”I wasn’t feeling my best today since I’m sick (bronchitis),” said Wu. “But we all have adversities to overcome, and my  team just helped me through that! The energy the team provides can truly do wonders.”

Hanford’s Markillie (48.29) just barely beat McClone in the 100 Free, setting his second meet record of the day.

Camas didn’t compete in the 500 Free, which was won by Zablotoviskii (4:57.81), and Battle Ground won the 200 Free Relay. Camas placed sixth. Addison Pollick, of Richland, won the 100 Back (54.51) with McClone closely behind him.

Wu won the 100 Breast (1:00.41) coming extremely close to beating the meet record (1:00.19). Union’s Nick Wahlman placed second (1:04.28).

Kelso

Eric Wu won the 100 Breast. He came very close to beating the meet record.

And, in the meet’s final event, the 400 Free Relay, the Papermakers delivered the final blow. Hanford thought they could beat Camas, but the Chris Xia-Junha Lee-Finn McClone-Eric Wu machine was too much for them. The Papermakers won the event (3:19.20) setting a new meet record and beating Hanford by 8 seconds.

”Everyone dropped time and we broke two meet records,” said Wu. “Everyone swam so fast, and it’s just a great environment to compete in. We are back, better than ever — ready for State. Luke Bales has worked so hard. I look forward to having him compete at State. He’s a good addition to the team!”

Final Results

  1. Camas — 529
  2. Hanford — 383
  3. Richland — 362
  4. Union — 244
  5. Battle Ground — 226
  6. Mark Morris — 203
  7. Skyview — 201
  8. Kelso — 179

 

 

Kelso

This team broke the meet record in the 400 Free Relay (3:19.20). From left: Junha Lee, Chris Xia, Eric Wu, and Finn McClone.

 

Kelso Invitational Photo Gallery

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Crown Park Pool Closes Indefinitely; Officials, Citizens Ponder Its Fate

Camas, WA —  Following a detailed November 2017 inspection by the Clark County Public Health Department, it was determined that the Crown Park Pool in Camas would require more than $300,000 of significant repairs and equipment replacement to meet code requirements.

Given that information, the Camas City Council on January 2 opted to not open the pool this year.

City officials have been working with some proposed concepts with the Crown Park Master Plan, which was shown to the public last summer.

“We are planning on moving forward with something,” said Camas City Administrator, Pete Capell. “The pool is 60 years old and we’ve been discussing for some time replacement options. We’ve discussed a splash pad at Crown Park, and there’s the option to build a new pool at a different location. Possibly a community center with a pool, work out area, meeting rooms and the ability to host events.”

He noted a new state-of-the-art facility may be too expensive for Camas and Washougal — even if it was a joint venture.

”We can explore having a private partner in there that might be able to do something, so that’s also in the works,” said Capell.

The Camas City Council will address how to handle the issues with the Crown Park Pool at their Annual Planning Conference on January 26 and 27 at the Lacamas Lake Lodge. The meeting begins at 1 pm on January 26, and at 9 am on January 27. Those sessions are open to the public.

City Councilor Deanna Rusch said the full agenda for the two-day session will be available online by January 24. Visit  www.cityofcamas.us for details.

“We know the pool is full of meaning and memories for our Camas community,” said the City of Camas on their website. “Our hope is to provide continued opportunities for summer outdoor fun, whether at Crown Park or elsewhere. Please stay tuned!”

City Councilor Bonnie Carter said the city does understand that citizens desire an aquatics facility of some sort.

“Council voted roughly 10 years ago to put repair funds into the pool, which extended its life expectancy,” said Carter. “The repair cost today is much more with no guarantee that we would get more than one summer. It was a tough decision not to open the pool this year but as one door closes, another opens, and I feel confident the plan to add a splash pad and amphitheatre will be a great addition to Crown Park. There may be an opportunity to partner with another entity to build a pool, but that’s only talk at this point.”

Pool

Zach Macia at a recent competition. He’s a member of the State Championship winning Camas Swim Team.

 

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Washougal City Mayor, Councilors Take Ceremonious Oaths of Office

Washougal, WA — Mayor Molly Coston and City Councilors Paul Greenlee, Ray Kutch, and Julie Russell took their ceremonious oath of offices Monday night at the Washougal City Council’s first public meeting of 2018. They were all sworn in by Judge John Hagensen.

Coston had already assumed her duties, and Monday’s oath was a ceremonious one. Greenlee, Kutch, and Russell took their oaths together, and the the council went about its public meeting.

”I’m very excited to be here,” said Coston, who went on to address high residential growth, which she said brings “big benefits and challenges.”

Russell is new to Washougal, and won her first city council race in November. She has already been assigned her committee duties: Finance, Public Works, Cemetery, and Parks.

“Since I’m new on the council, Finance and Public Works are good places to start,” said Russell, “to get a feel of where the money goes, and how the Public Works Department works.”

Washougal

City Councilors Paul Greenlee, Ray Kutcher, and Julie Russell take the oath of office.

The council heard from the public on the following:

Port of Camas-Washougal Waterfront Plans: High level plans for the area will be unveiled later this month.

Proposed Washougal bike park: Ed Fischer and Jan Verander urged the council to keep the proposed bike park moving along, as it was recently halted. Coston said the project was discussed at Monday’s workshop and that the council wants to move forward with the bike park. Verander said the park “is a great place to have an imagination, and some kids are solo people.”

The council also voted on some resolutions:

  • Minutes
  • Major accounts payable and payroll claims
  • New personnel policies

Coston had a brief mayor’s report, and the council took turns welcoming it newest members.

To learn more, visit www.cityofwashougal.us

Washougal

Julie Russell signs her oath of office at the conclusion of Monday’s Washougal City Council meeting.

 

Washougal

Washougal Mayor, Molly Coston, takes the oath of office from Judge John Hagensen.

 

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Did You Know There’s a Special Election on February 13? Find The Details Here

A Special Election is being held on February 13 to address four measures across several Clark County cities.

Here are the four resolutions that citizens will vote on:

  • City of Camas Resolution No. 17-016: This concerns the renewal of the city’s expiring Emergency Medical Services (EMS) levy. The proposition calls for a levy each year for a period of six consecutive years beginning in 2019, and will be a general tax on taxable property within city limits — in an amount not to exceed $0.46 per $1,000 of assessed value of such property. The levy will provide funds for continued EMS services.
  • Battle Ground has a proposal to relieve overcrowding and improve infrastructure in its schools.
  • Evergreen Schools has a resolution concerting a general obligation bond to provide funds to construct, equip, renovate and make certain capital improvements throughout the school district.
  • La Center School District has a resolution concerning a proposition to relieve overcrowding and improve infrastructure in several schools.

Key Dates:

  • Military/overseas ballots mailed – January 12
  • Deadline to update your existing registration – January 15
  • Deadline to register online – January 15
  • Deadline to register by mail – Postmarked by January 15
  • Ballots mailed – January 26
  • Deadline for new Washington voter registrations (in person only) – February 5

There are three ways to register, if you haven’t done so:

  • Online if you have a Washington sate ID or driver’s license.
  • In person at the Clark County Elections Office at 1408 Franklin St. Vancouver
  • By mail with a voter registration form available by mail or download from the office of Secretary of State.

For registration information, visit https://www.clark.wa.gov/elections/voter-registration

More full details on the election, see https://www.clark.wa.gov/elections

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Attorney Deanna Rusch Sworn In As Camas City Councilor Tuesday Night

Camas, WA — During a Camas City Council meeting Tuesday night, Deanna Rusch was sworn into office by City Attorney, Shawn MacPherson.

Rusch was appointed to fill the seat left vacant by former City Councilor, Tim Hazen, who resigned his seat this Fall. Her committee assignments were also announced Tuesday night.

“I couldn’t be more excited to get to work for all of Camas,” Rusch said. “I learned tonight that I was appointed by Mayor Higgins to the Planning Commission, the Parks and Recreation Board, the Hotel Tax Advisory Commission, and I think the Joint Fire Task Force. I look forward to putting my skills to use and serving Camas.”

Her appointment makes the council fully complete, with 7 city councilors and Mayor Scott Higgins.

Rusch

Deanna Rusch takes the oath of office, which was administered by City Attorney, Shawn MacPherson.

“The process to appoint a council member is really rare,” said Higgins, “but when we do it’s really a defined process. The council interviews applicants, they have to live in the ward, and then the council members interview the candidates. We have rules to follow, and votes have to be done in public. The council did just that. We had really good candidates. And, they liked what they heard, and Deanna was sworn in tonight.”

During Tuesday’s council meeting, they approved a pre-annexation development agreement extension for property near Fisher Investments, and voted on an ordinance addressing animal noise.

The council also vote councilor Don Chaney as Mayor Pro Tem for 2018. That temporary position is to fulfill mayoral duties during the absence of the sitting mayor.

Rusch

The Camas City Council had just a few agenda items on Tuesday night.

To learn more, visit www.cityofcamas.us

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Camas City Council Appoints Deanna Rusch To Vacant Seat

CAMAS, WA — The Camas City Council, in a series of roll call votes Monday night at City Hall, appointed attorney Deanna Rusch to fill the seat left vacant by former councilman Tim Hazen.

Eight Camas citizens had applied for the seat, and the council spent time with each individual, asking them each five questions. The council then deliberated, voted, and their final decision was made late Monday. This is standard practice when an elected official leaves office prematurely.

“I had applied the first week of December,” said Rusch. “Then, I was contacted last week for the interview. The interview was in front of the whole City Council, the City Administrator, City Attorney, Police Chief, and several other city employees.”

During 12-minute interview, Rusch was peppered with questions about her priorities for Camas, what local issues interest her, what legal boundaries she would have as public official, and how she deals with conflict.

“As a divorce attorney, I deal with conflict daily and often have to deliver unfavorable news,” she said. “But, it was a nice interview, and I really didn’t expect to be appointed. There were so many other highly qualified applicants.”

Rusch will be sworn in January 2, and assume her duties representing Camas Ward No. 1, Seat No.1, which covers southeast Camas, including the downtown area. Her term will end December 31, 2018, so she will begin a campaign for a full term likely next summer.

“We had so many incredible applicants,” said Mayor Scott Higgins. “It’s really very fortunate. We also encourage people to come volunteer for open seats we have on various committees, such as the City of Camas Parks and Recreation Board. These are important positions and impact our future.”

As a councilwoman, Rusch wants to help the city manage growth issues, come up with creative ways to help Camas market its attractions, and continue to attract living wages jobs to the area.

Background

Rusch is single, grew up in Happy Valley, OR, and is the oldest of nine children. She is currently a divorce attorney for McKean Smith in downtown Vancouver, and has practiced law for 11 years. In 2003, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Law, Societies, and Justice from University of Washington, and went on to earn her Law degree from Gonzaga University in 2006.

She moved to Camas two years ago, and looks forward to serving her new hometown.

To learn more visit www.cityofcamas.us

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Washougal Water Maintenance Shop Damaged by Saturday’s Fire

WASHOUGAL, WA— At approximately 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 9 a fire was reported at the City of Washougal Water Maintenance Shop building located at 2247 Main Street. The Camas-Washougal Fire Department worked to extinguish the fire and secure the site. There were no workers present at the time of the incident and no injuries to report.

“We want to assure the public that the structure fire has had no impacts to the public water system and that there will be no disruption of service as a result of this event. Our water system is operating as normal,” says Trevor Evers, Public Works Director.

The building is used to secure utility maintenance vehicles and store equipment, tools and parts for the water system. At this time, officials are investigating the cause of the fire.

Camas-Washougal Fire Marshal Ron Schumacher said: “Upon gaining entry we found heavy smoke in the building with a small amount of fire. It took around 20 minutes for fire crews to knock down the fire and evacuate the smoke.” The damage that occurred was to the structure and contents within the facility.

The initial assessment of damage and losses from the fire indicate that the Shop Building will require extensive repair and that multiple vehicles, various tools, equipment and parts will need to be repaired or replaced. All properties are insured by Washington Cities Insurance Authority, a municipal organization of Washington public entities joined together for the purpose of providing liability and property financial protection to its members.

Fire

The Washougal Water Maintenance Shop was damaged by fire. Several vehicles will also need repair.

While the shop undergoes repair work, the City is reviewing options on alternative facilities.

A resolution declaring a local emergency and authorizing emergency procurements was approved by City Council on Monday, December 11.

The declaration will remain in effect until terminated by the Mayor when order is restored.

Mayor Guard explained that “this declaration allows us to make expedient and timely procurements for the contracts, equipment, tools and parts necessary to maintain services in our water system, and the ultimate repair or replacement of the building and equipment to return everything to normal status.”

The Mayor also expressed his gratitude to the Fire Department and City staff who responded to the scene Saturday, who have been working on this issue since, and the insurance claims adjusters for their efforts to ensure the uninterrupted provision of water services in the community.

 

 

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Join Wreaths Across America Dec. 16 to Honor Veterans

CAMAS, WA — Local leaders are asking for volunteers to place wreaths for National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, December 16, 2017, 11 am, at Camas Cemetery, where 847 veterans have been laid to rest. No signup needed. There will be a brief ceremony followed by the laying of wreaths, and finally cookies, coffee & cocoa for all.

More about the event: Each December, the Wreaths Across America organization carries out its mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as over 1,200 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad.

The organization encourages every volunteer who places a wreath on a veteran’s grave to say that veteran’s name aloud and take a moment to thank them for their service to our country. It’s a small act that goes a long way toward keeping the memory of our veterans alive.

“We are not here to decorate graves. We’re here to remember not their deaths, but their lives,” says Karen Worcester, Executive Director of Wreaths Across America. “A person dies twice: once when they take their final breath, and later, the last time their name is spoken.”

To learn more, visit http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

Camas Cemetery is located at 630 NE Oak St, Camas, WA 98607.

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Camas Strategic Plan: Resources, Finances, Infrastructure, Growth

The City of Camas has developed a three-year comprehensive strategic plan that covers four overarching priorities, nine key objectives, and 20 initiatives to help with city governance, citizen communications, and forecasting.

Over two years, City of Camas Administrator Peter Capell and his team met with city employees, external consultants, and conducted resident surveys to see where priorities should be to help Camas navigate the next several years.

The 2018-2020 Strategic priorities are:

  • Meet community needs with optimal use of resources
  • Build financial stability for the city of Camas
  • Ensure core infrastructure meets community needs
  • Proactively manage growth in line with vision and decision principles

Attached to each overarching strategic priority are several key objectives and initiatives.

“The effort was to get our house in order, and be in a good financial position,” said Capell, who has been with the city of Camas for nearly four years. “We’re dealing with a structural deficit as we manage the limitations of 1% annual increases in property taxes, but have to cope with other costs that are rising at higher rates, such as health care. Essentially, we have to do more with less. So we asked ourselves: are there tools we can used to work within our means? How many more firefighters, paramedics, and police officers will we need?”

The plan is very comprehensive, and for the purposes of this article, Capell addressed three major issues: Financial stability, aging sewer infrastructure, and Lacamas Lake North Shore protection.

Financial Stability

The city wants a balanced budget and seeks to improve its existing AA bond rating to a AAA rating.

“Having a AA rating isn’t bad, and we don’t really borrow very much,” said Capell. “But, if we can earn a AAA bond rating, we can get a lower interest rate on future projects.”

To meet this priority, the city plans to update all financial policies to meet Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) practices, have an open and transparent program-based budget, update utility rates and impact fees, re-examine the city’s revenue strategy (overall size and diversification), and develop a long-term financial plan.

Aging Sewer Infrastructure

The aging sewer system is a big problem the city is trying to overcome. The city has a high number of STEP system alarms going off seven days a week with a high level of claims, said Capell.

“All we’re doing is responding,” said Capell. “We really want to spend more time on preventative maintenance.”

The city also deals with major pipe bursts, such as the recent break on Brady Road. With so many pipes built in the 1980s, they are doing a thorough water and sewer level of service analysis.

Protecting Lacamas Lake North Shore

Lacamas Lake North Shore.

By law, the City of Camas has to follow the regulations mandated by the Growth Management Act, which is a balancing act between allowing housing development and keeping local green spaces.

“We are trying to prevent sprawl to the best extent possible,” said Capell. “We have an extensive public viewing process, and encourage citizens to participate.”

One highly sensitive area is the Lacamas Lake North Shore. Most citizens want the forested backdrop to remain despite the housing developments already starting in the area. As a result, the city has been granted funds from Conservation Futures, which is a bonded county-wide program that acquires critical property to keep lands beautiful. Camas has received $2.5 million from Conservation Futures, and is using $1.5 million to purchase forested areas along the Lacamas Lake North Shore.

“We want to monitor green space acreage in Camas,” said Capell. “And keep it beautiful.”

The city is also enhancing tools and processes to improve communications with departments, across departments, and with the City Council.

“Although a lot of these things in this strategic plan aren’t tangible now, they will build a better foundation for the city,” said Capell.

We plan to discuss other parts of the plan in future articles.

To learn more, visit www.cityofcamas.us

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