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No Delay: Lake-Everett Roundabout Construction Proceeds As Planned

CAMAS, WA – In compliance with Gov. Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation, which allows essential public construction projects to continue, the City of Camas will move forward with planned construction of the Lake-Everett roundabout in the coming days.

As communicated with the public through open houses and outreach, several trees will be removed at the start of the roundabout project. For full project details and ongoing construction updates, the public is invited to visit www.cityofcamas.us/lakeroadconstruction.

Why is this considered an essential project?

The City of Camas says the project is considered essential because without it, the intersection, which includes both City- (Lake Road) and State-regulated (Everett Street/SR 500) roadways, will soon reach failure. This means backups will reach a level where getting through the area will take considerable time and compromise motorist, pedestrian and bicyclist safety.

“We know these are difficult times, and we are continuously monitoring the COVID-19 situation and requirements, but we are also confident things will get better,” said City of Camas Public Works Director Steve Wall. “When that happens, the Lake-Everett intersection will once again be heavily used by the community, making this a necessary infrastructure improvement.”

Is funding for the project secure?

Yes, the City has confirmed that funding is still available and set aside specifically for this project by two programs administered by the State of Washington: a Transportation Improvement Board grant and a Public Works Board low-interest loan.

What if the City needs the money for something else?

The City cannot use these funds for anything else, including emergency aid, other projects or support services such as police, fire, parks or utilities. Likewise, the money that will pay back the low-interest loan can only be used for capital projects. It cannot be used for emergency aid, other projects or support services.

How was this decision made?

The City made this decision based on guidance from state and local agencies. Although most residential and commercial construction projects are on hold, the city said this public roundabout project is in line with similar essential construction projects proceeding throughout the county and state during the COVID-19 emergency. The Washington Department of Transportation will continue providing inspection support and oversight.

Parks
www.lilyatelier.com

The roundabout contractor, Clark and Sons Excavating of Battle Ground, Wash., is ready to begin work and understands its crew must follow all COVID-19 guidance provided by the Dept. of Labor and Industry and Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Additionally, suppliers are ready and able to provide the needed equipment and materials.

Three additional City of Camas public projects are continuing as scheduled: improvements to Brady Road, construction of the 18th Avenue Reservoir and construction of the Lacamas Creek Pump Station. Each project provides vital infrastructure for Camas residents and has dedicated funding. For details, see www.cityofcamas.us/projectsalerts.

Public Outrage on Inslee’s Order

When Washington Governor Jay Inslee declared most residential construction projects “non-essential” in his emergency order last week it sent shockwaves across the state, especially because other states (like California and Oregon) designated the construction industry as “essential.”

Local legislators and the local building industry advocates disagree with the order, and have made clear their opinions.

“Washington is the only western state to not include residential building as essential,” said Washington State Senator Ann Rivers. “Our governor’s order is puzzling, something just doesn’t add up. It’s safe for a crew to work on a low-income government supported housing project but not a private home site across the street or even next door? These are difficult decisions, but we must take into account the ramifications of our decisions and do the things that make the most sense. As leaders we must look out for everyone’s health and well being. But, it is also essential that we look out for the people we represent and at the same time empower them to take the steps to assure their own wellness.”

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) pressed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to make a determination about whether residential construction is deemed “essential” in light of the COVID-19 crisis.

On March 28, DHS designated residential construction as “essential infrastructure business.”

“Americans depend on a functioning residential construction sector to provide safe, affordable housing for our citizens, and this need is especially acute during this pandemic,” said NAHB Chairman Dean Mon. “Moreover, a healthy housing market is critical to maintain a sound economy. I commend DHS for heeding the urgent concerns of the housing community and taking this decisive action to assure the men and women of the industry will be able to stay on the job and serve the needs of the American people at this critical time.”

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COVID-19: City of Camas Closes Parking Lots at City Parks, Trailheads

Effective immediately, the City of Camas has closed the parking lots at all Camas parks and trailheads until further notice to reduce crowds, limit group interaction and encourage social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis.

Trails, open grass areas and green spaces remain open but may only be accessed by foot, bike or other means not requiring parking in the lot.

“I appreciate the many benefits of being outside, enjoying our trails and green spaces,” said Mayor Barry McDonnell, “but we must continue to social distance to slow the spread of the coronavirus.”

Individuals should not call 911 to report others in noncompliance and should avoid confrontations over enforcement.

The City is closely monitoring all COVID-19-related guidance from local and state agencies and has enacted several changes as a result. Last week, the City closed all parks facilities, including play structures, sports fields, sports courts, picnic shelters and restrooms.

Parks
www.lilyatelier.com

Earlier this month, Camas City Hall, Camas Public Library and all other municipal buildings have also been closed to the public.

“I know we will get through this,” stated McDonnell. “And if everyone does their part, we’ll get through it even faster.”

The City will continue to monitor newly released information to determine additional modifications as needed.

  • To access to city services, patrons can visit www.cityofcamas.us, call 360-834-6864 or use the CamasConnect app.

In order to meet public health recommendations for protecting citizens and employees, parks
maintenance crews have been split and are working every-other-week shifts. During this time, the
City’s park lawns will continue to be mowed, though potentially less frequently, and garbage will
still be collected to uphold the health and safety of public spaces. Other routine tasks will be
deferred.

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Clark Regional EOC Opens COVID-19 Critical Medical Supplies Warehouse

Healthcare workers and first responders serving on the frontlines to help people amid the COVID-19 outbreak are in desperate need of personal protective equipment and other specific medical supplies.  In the past week, hospitals, Public Health, the Emergency Operations Center, and community leaders have put out pleas into our community to locate any unused items. 

In response to businesses and individuals offering supplies, Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) and Clark County Public Health have opened a COVID Supply Warehouse  and a streamlined donation process to receive and manage those supplies of specific personal protective equipment (PPE). Volunteers of local Search and Rescue teams are staffing the supply warehouse and working closely with CRESA personnel.                                

“The response we are receiving is a reflection of the generous community wide support that exists in Clark County. We have such an extensive need for basic supplies in our medical facilities and for our emergency responders, and we cannot rely solely on state and/or federal sources to meet them. Corporate donors have taken stock of their own needs and are working with us to help fill the gaps,” said Robin Albrandt, Emergency Preparedness & Response Regional Coordinator and Program Manager, Clark County Public Health.

For the health safety and security of the warehouse volunteers and workers, they are asking people to email [email protected] to schedule their donations and deliveries.  Please include your contact information, the items and the quantity of your donation . The Supply Warehouse hours of operation are 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. 

They are seeking the following specific equipment, which should be new and unopened:

  • Latex free gloves
  • Commercially made procedural masks and surgical masks
  • N95 respirators and N95 filters
  • Other respirators (P100’s, PAPR’s, and PAPR supplies/parts)
  • Face shields
  • Splash shields
  • Gowns
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Disinfecting wipes

If you have any other items for donation, please contact one of the many community donation centers, organizations or charitable thrift stores in your area.

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COVID-19: State, Local Data — Clark County Critically Low on Testing Kits

New COVID-19 data (as of 5 pm today) from the Washington State Department of Health and Clark County Emergency Operations Center:

  • Statewide deaths increased to a total of 195. Positive tests in Clark County are at 110.
  • Overall statewide negative tests total 65,462, which are 92.5% of the total tests.
  • Overall statewide positive tests increased to 4,896, which are 7.5% of the total tests.
  • WSDOT Southwest Region data indicates that traffic in our area has decreased significantly since February. ​Traffic for Saturday, 3/28/20 was down on average of 59% on highways and state routes in Clark County.
  • Clark County is critically low on COVID-19 testing kits and Testing swabs.
  • Washington Governor Jay Inslee issued new guidance Monday on how Washingtonians can report people and businesses violating the “stay-at-home” order that’s in effect statewide. He said there are three tiers of enforcing the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order that will likely be extended beyond the initial two weeks:
    • Local authorities (police stations, sheriff’s offices, etc)  receive a complaint through the non-emergency line or through a form you can fill out on the state’s coronavirus response website. DO NOT CALL 911 to report a violation. Authorities will warn potential violators to comply.
    • If they don’t come into compliance, the state will start with citations or suspension notices of a variety of permits, including revoking business licenses if necessary.
    • If that’s still not enough, authorities will refer cases to state Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s office for either civil or criminal charges. 
  • Inslee was also challenged today on a conference call about why public construction projects are deemed “essential” while most other construction is “non-essential.” He ignored the question.

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23 WA Lawmakers Ask Inslee to Lift Temporary Ban on Recreational Fishing

The following letter, authored by 18th District Rep. Larry Hoff and signed on to by 22 other lawmakers, was sent to Gov. Jay Inslee on Friday, March 27.

Dear Governor Inslee:

Our state, along with the country and the rest of the world, is experiencing a challenge of immense size and scope that has radically altered the daily routine of life for so many.

Your task of balancing public safety with individual rights is not an easy one. However, we wonder if your Stay Home—Stay Healthy order might be a bit too narrow in what it allows Washingtonians to take part in over the next two weeks and perhaps longer. 

One of the four essential activities permitted under your order is: “Engaging in outdoor exercise activities, such as walking, hiking, running or biking, but only if appropriate social distancing practices are used.”

We were surprised to see recreational fishing not included on that list, and even more surprised when the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife closed the activity to the public altogether.

This is a time of deep anxiety and fear for Washingtonians, many of whom are struggling to find a way to decompress and enjoy life amidst the chaos. It’s a fact of life that very few activities are as relaxing as casting a line from the banks of a river or from a boat in the middle of a lake. It’s an escape, much like walking, hiking, running or biking.

It’s also a fact that many of our veterans recreationally fish, whether to simply clear their minds or to treat symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. As with all Washingtonians, we are concerned for their well-being during this time, and want to ensure they don’t suffer as a result of Stay Home—Stay Healthy.

We firmly believe there is a way to balance public health while also allowing folks to fish on Washington’s many rivers and lakes. We would ask you to consider adding recreational fishing to your list of allowable essential activities under Stay Home—Stay Healthy.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

Representative Larry Hoff, 18th Legislative District

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Camas Schools: Snell Provides Updated Learning Activity Timelines

In his Friday update, Camas School District Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Snell, said the following:

Dear Camas Community,

It may be overstated, but we are in the midst of extraordinary times. Our staff is committed to supporting students and families as we work through the state-wide school closures.

Our school system is built on human interactions. Relationships that staff members form with students are critical to the learning process.  It’s not just about technology access, but access to staff members in the moments of learning to monitor and adjust instruction. It’s a new world with a new context for learning. We cannot replicate the experience in the classroom, but we can provide content and learning experiences in different ways.  Shifting to a remote learning system in two weeks while in the midst of a public health crisis is a great challenge for all of us. For the class of 2020, our focus is ensuring they graduate. For all other students, the focus is on making the most of the opportunity we have.

We want to help students grow in meaningful ways and be ready for whatever the next stage of learning looks like. Our staff is creatively embracing this challenge. Please be patient with them as they embark on this journey with your students.  Please help us by supporting your students as they engage in remote learning opportunities safely, responsibly, and respectfully. We also greatly appreciate your support in helping students find some structured time at home. We are all learners in this together!

Below is our school year, organized into the different sections we’ve experienced and will be experiencing. In each section, there is a high-level description of the learning and assessment provided during that time.  On Monday, April 6, teachers will be starting the next section of our school year. They will be connecting with you and your student(s). Our goal is to use the three weeks for meaningful learning and then transition back to school on April 27.  We are doing our best to lead through this challenge with flexibility, grace, and heart. As we have all seen over the past month circumstances can change quickly, requiring us to adjust plans, and making those leadership qualities essential. 

Please take care of yourself and each other.  We will continue to regularly provide you with updates.

Sincerely,

Jeff Snell, Superintendent

2019-20 School Year: Learning Activities & Assessment

9/3/19 – 3/13/20: Traditional learning engagement and assessment/grading practices

3/16/20 – 3/27/20: Transition time with the announcement of state school closures; staff members exploring and learning more about remote learning options; continuing the learning that was planned prior to the closure; making connections with families to assess student needs.

3/30/20 – 4/3/20: Spring break

4/6/20 – 4/24/20: Staff members will deliver learning designed to continue student growth in all subject areas. The primary focus will be on providing learning opportunities and meaningful feedback for students rather than grading. Staff members will document the level in which each student is involved with the learning to monitor progress, not in a way that negatively impacts grades.

While technology will be a key resource used in this phase of learning, other options will be available to accommodate students who have limited access to the internet. Staff members will continue to develop opportunities for students to engage with learning and demonstrate their understanding.

Staff members may enter scores into Skyward for tracking and communication purposes. Those scores will not negatively affect a student’s grade.

4/27/20 – 6/19/20: If we are able to return to school, staff members will help transition students back to school with opportunities for students to re-engage with learning considering their ability to access instruction during the closure.  In order to assess student learning, staff members will blend pre-closure and closure learning experiences to determine proficiency and/or grades. Students will have multiple opportunities to demonstrate their learning.

IF THERE ARE CONTINUED SCHOOL CLOSURES BEYOND APRIL 24: Staff members will continue to provide learning experiences, and will begin to shift to a proficiency-based assessment system of prioritized learning standards for students through remote instruction.  Students will be given multiple ways to demonstrate their proficiency.

High School:  Teachers will consider overall assessment in two phases: prior to closure and during closure in determining credit.  For classes that require a grade, we will determine a process that accounts for the extraordinary circumstances. We will also develop a process for students to recover credit and learning opportunities if they were unable to access learning during the closure.

Camas
www.clarkcountyrelocations.com
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COVID-19 Outbreak In Washington: Looking at the DOH Data

The Washington Department of Health has now had several weeks of COVID-19 data, and here’s a look at the numbers DOH has provided, as of March 27, 2020.

  • 175 deaths
  • 3,700 confirmed cases
Cases
Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Washington.
Cases
COVID-19 deaths in Washington.

Counties with the most cases:

  • King: 1,760
  • Snohomish: 913
  • Pierce: 231
  • Whatcom: 92
  • Skagit: 91
  • Spokane: 86

Counties with deaths:

  • King: 125
  • Snohomish: 23
  • Clark: 6
  • Benton, Pierce: 5
  • Whatcom: 4
  • Yakima: 2
  • Grant, Island, Skagit, Chelan, Skagit: 1

Cases, deaths, and mortality rate by age:

Age      Cases (% of cases in WA)         Deaths (% of deaths in WA)                         Mortality Rate

<19:                    74 (2%)                                    0 (0%)                                                         0%

20s:                     370 (10%)                                0 (0%)                                                         0%

30s:                     557 (15%)                                0 (0%)                                                         0%

40s:                     518 (14%)                                2 (1%)                                                         .4%

50s:                     666 (18%)                                11 (6%)                                                       1.7%

60s:                     592 (16%)                                19 (11%)                                                     3.2%

70s:                     481 (13%)                                49 (28%)                                                     10.2%

80+:                    481 (13%)                                95 (54%)                                                     19.8%

Total:               3,700 (100%)                           175 (100%)                                                   4.7%

Tests:

  • Negative: 49,015
  • Positive: 3,700
  • Total: 52,715
Cases
COVID-19 tests in Washington.

Hospital Admissions

Cases
Weekly hospitalizations.

Personal Protective Equipment

Had success in obtaining this week:

  • 500 ventilators
  • 1,200 gowns
  • 500,000 N-95 masks
  • 130,000 surgical masks

Been able to purchase or have been donated:

  • 3,000 infrared no-contact thermometers
  • 10,000 disposable thermometers
  • 2.4 million N-95 masks, with an anticipated order of 2.2 million more.
  • 300 ventilators
  • 2,500 disposable stethoscopes
  • Varying numbers of coveralls and gowns sourced (ordered or donated.)
  • NOTE: It takes time for products and supplies to arrive and delivery schedules vary by item and by order. Arrival times an range from days to weeks. 

Having trouble obtaining:

  • Disposable gowns
  • Hand sanitizer
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Schools Donate Personal Protective Equipment to Legacy Salmon Creek

Washougal, WA — In times of great need, we often find ways to help in unexpected places.  Margaret Rice, Washougal School District (WSD) Career and Technical Director, heard about the critical need for personal protective equipment (PPE) for local hospitals, and she knew just where to look.

“I know I have boxes of gloves, masks and eye protection sitting in my classrooms not being used that could be of assistance to them,” said Rice.  “Our medical professionals are on the front lines working hard to help the sick, while trying to stay well themselves with supplies of PPE dwindling.”  

These items are used when instructing students in Health Sciences and other Career and Technical Education classes. Some of these classes include: Medical Detectives, Medical Careers & Terminology, BioMedical Anatomy & Physiology, and even Woods Technology and Visual Arts. 

After receiving the approval from WSD Superintendent Mary Templeton and Business Manager Kris Grindy, both stating that “it seems like the right thing to do during this crisis,” Rice reached out to Rene Del Donno, Legacy Health Logistics and Materials Manager at Salmon Creek Medical Center who has been working with the Emergency Operations Center to address this challenge.  He confirmed that the situation is dire.  

A list of needed items and donation delivery was coordinated with Rice by Tamara Uppendahl, Legacy Health VP of Philanthropy Services.  According to Uppendahl, needed items included Nitrile gloves, isolation gowns, isolation masks, N95 masks, P95 masks and dust masks.

The next step for Rice was contacting her regional CTE peers to see if they were willing and able to donate their programs’ PPE to these medical centers. 

“It was just a ‘Hey, this is what I am going to do, would you like to be a part of it,’” Rice said.  “I received an almost immediate positive response.” 

A shareable spreadsheet was created to log the inventory each district was willing to donate.  CTE Directors Mark Wreath, Vancouver Public School and Tiffany Gould, Ridgefield School District have been the first to step up to help.  

Dr. Nathan McCann, Ridgefield School District Superintendent, immediately reached out to Rice to extend his appreciation for making this donation possible.   

McCann said, “I’m very proud to see our school districts coming together to support the amazing health care professionals in Clark County.  Together, we will get through this and come out stronger.”  

The first wave of supplies was delivered on Friday, March 20 by Rice, Wreath and Gould. 

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“Between our three districts alone, we were able to contribute 166 pairs of protective eyewear, 141 boxes of Nitrile gloves, 1,930 masks of various types, 13 bottles of hand sanitizer, and 2 boxes of tech wipes,” said Rice.

“The response from our teachers was amazing,” said Gould. “Every teacher that was contacted had supplies ready within hours.  Additional teachers have since offered to donate materials and we are now working on another donation.”  

Liam Contino, Development Coordinator for Legacy Health Office of Philanthropy and Community Engagement, was at the receiving center and shared that his job has changed through all of this.

“Usually we are planning fundraising events and direct mail appeals, but with the need of supplies and increase in donations coming in, they needed people to be here to accept them,” he said.  “We are so grateful that these supplies arrived.” 

To expand the reach of this idea, Wreath, who is also the Southwest lead for WACTA (Washington Association for Career & Technical Administrators) the state CTE administrators’ organization, encouraged that this message be sent out statewide suggesting other school districts consider making similar donations locally.

“I am grateful for the strong partnerships that we have built in our community,” said Templeton. “During these times of great need, these partnerships are critical for as we work together to make sure our community is healthy and safe.  Although there are significant challenges as we face this virus, there are also significant opportunities for us to shine together and ‘lean in’ to the service of others.”

“Our businesses and communities are so supportive of the Career and Technical Education programs in our respective districts,” said Wreath.  “So it is a privilege to be able to give back in a small way during this time of tremendous need.”   

If you have PPE supplies that could help our local medical professionals, contact the Legacy Health Office of Philanthropy and Community Engagement at [email protected]or call 503-415-4700 for more information.

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Governor Inslee: ‘Construction is Not Considered an Essential Activity’

The Building Industry Association (BIA) released this statement today:

Today, Gov. Jay Inslee issued official guidance that “construction is not considered an essential activity” in the Stay-at-Home Order he announced on Monday. As a result, all construction – residential and commercial – must shut down during the two weeks in which the order is in place. 

Beginning at midnight tonight, Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2020, when the order takes effect, no construction will be allowed until at least April 8, 2020. The only exception for residential construction is for emergency repairs. The order could also be extended.  

Gov. Inslee is one of only two governors who have issued a statewide “Stay at Home” order that does not designate housing construction as “essential.”

Section 3 (Point d) of the Order does allow businesses to secure their jobsites and equipment following the order taking effect tonight:

“For purposes of this Proclamation, minimum basic operations are the minimum activities necessary to maintain the value of the business’ inventory, preserve the condition of the business’ physical plant and equipment, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, facilitate employees of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their residences, and related functions.”

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Lake/Everett Roundabout Contract Awarded; Start Date Likely Delayed

CAMAS, WA – At their last meeting, Camas City Council awarded a $5,269,500 contract to Clark and Sons Excavating of Battle Ground, Wash., for the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Northeast Lake Road and Northeast Everett Street (State Route 500). The low bid submitted by Clark and Sons Excavating came in approximately $435,000 under the estimated total.

“We are very pleased to have Clark and Sons Excavating working on this important project and thank all the contractors who took the time to submit bids,” said Jim Hodges, City of Camas Project Manager. “We would also like to thank everyone who attended community forums, completed project surveys and provided such valuable feedback.”

With the contract now in place, construction was anticipated to begin in late March or early April 2020 as planned, but that is likely delayed due to Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order. It affects the construction sector. The roundabout is expected to be functional by early September 2020. At the start of construction, several trees will be removed, as discussed extensively with the public during the planning phase.

The public is encouraged to check the dedicated webpage, www.cityofcamas.us/lakeroadconstruction, over the duration of the project for up-to-date traffic impacts and schedule changes, including those related to any relevant COVID-19 advisories.

Green
www.VixonCabinets.com

The construction contract represents about 70% of the total project cost. Making up the other roughly 30% of the total cost is approximately $1,200,000 for design and permitting during the preconstruction phase, which wrapped up last month, $758,000 for construction consultant support and an estimated $250,000 for
utility relocations and miscellaneous costs.

Available funding for this project includes approximately $2,830,000 in grant funds from the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB), $4,700,000 in low-interest loans from the Public Works Trust Fund and water utility funds of $600,000. The TIB grant amount, which was originally awarded to the City at $3,300,000, was slightly reduced as a result of the low bids submitted by the contractors and will vary based on actual construction costs.

The city has confirmed that all funding from state agencies is still in place and ready for use. Additionally, city staff are closely monitoring the current public health situation and are following the guidance of lead agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of all staff, contractors and residents.

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