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In The News: Crown Park and Pool Planning Public Hearings Set

Camas, WA — The City of  Camas is seeking public input on how to proceed with the Crown Park & Pool planning currently in progress.

City officials are asking citizens to read up at http://www.cityofcamas.us/parkshome/68-parkscat/819-parksprojects
and then attend a meeting and/or email city administration to: comments@cityofcamas.us

The Parks & Rec Commission will present potential development ideas at Lacamas Lake Lodge on January 24th at 5 pm. That following weekend the City Council and City administration will be holding their annual planning meeting, which will be open to the general public.

What you can do:

  • Submit public comment in person, by U.S. mail, or via email to comments@cityofcamas.us with “Crown Park” in the subject line.
  • Stay informed with media outlets, including social media (Facebook and Twitter).

Attend upcoming meetings:

  • City of Camas Parks & Rec Commission meeting at Lacamas Lake Lodge, on January 24, at 5 pm. A Crown Park & Pool presentation will be made and public comment accepted.
  • City of Camas Annual Planning Conference at Lacamas Lake Lodge on January 26, 1 pm,  and January 29 at 9 am. The public may attend to listen, but comment is not being gathered during the weekend planning meetings.

See the Brief for even more opportunities to learn and offer input.

“Our goal to be thorough and transparent in our communications and projects; we truly thank you for being engaged in our community. Your respectful, constructive feedback is appreciated!” said Tammy Connolly, of the City of Camas.

Pool

Crown Park during summer.

 

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Biz Spotlight: Heaven’s Best Carpet Cleaning — With Health Benefits

CAMAS, WA — When you get your carpet cleaned, it always feels good to get those dirty spots and stains off, but did you know there are also some additional health benefits?

Ammon Child, owner of the Heaven’s Best Carpet Cleaning franchise for the past 19 years in Clark County (based in Camas), has a few things to say about his company’s process.

“We want everyone to know that besides getting a clean carpet, there are some great additional health benefits, as well,” said Child. “We use a natural cleaning solution, which is water and citrus-based extract that dries in an hour. It’s a process that’s easy on your carpet — and the environment.”

In other words, no chemicals or residue left in your home. Their carpet cleaning also helps control allergens.

He said the quick dry means your carpet isn’t getting flooded, so it’s not doing any damage to the pads underneath. There’s not much waiting time until you can walk on your comfortable floor. Their technicians can operate around your furniture so there’s no need to do any heavy lifting — unless requested.

Child recommends that you get your carpets cleaned annually if you just have regular traffic in your residence, however, if you have pets he recommends cleaning twice a year.

Heaven’s Best offers the following additional services:

  • Upholstery cleaning
  • Tile and grout cleaning
  • Inspection, spot dying and repair
  • Carpet and fabric protection
  • Commercial services
  • Window cleaning

Their company is highly involved in the local community — Child’s wife, Kari, works for Camas school, daughter Madison attends Camas High School and runs Cross Country (ran with the State XC team), and son Lucas is in middle school.

To learn more, visit www.myheavensbest.com or call 360.606.2707 for a free estimate.

 

 

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Biz Spotlight: Gresham Roofing & Construction — Roof Inspection Time?

Winter here can wreak havoc on our rooftops, and sometimes a little leak can lead to severe damage — that’s where Gresham Roofing and Construction comes in.

The locally-owned company, which does 30 percent of their business in Clark County, was established in 1968, and was purchased several years ago by Camas resident, Jason Coe, whose children attend Camas High School. Coe is an active supporter of Camas athletic teams, and provided the food at one of the recent Papermaker football unity dinners.

“I really believe in supporting Camas and all that it has to offer,” said Coe. “This is our home and we want to do everything we can to keep it an amazing place to live and raise our family.”

His company also has an amazing crew.

From time to time, you may see Josh Nisbett and Andy Garcia working on a roof. The two work together frequently and ensure homeowners are fully comfortable and aware of the work they’re doing.

“This is your home,” said Nisbett, “and when we come to your house we explain everything upfront and answer any questions. Then, we do our best to get the work done before you come home from work. Aside from having a much better roof, you won’t even know we’re there.”

Roofing

Josh Nisbett and Andy Garza.

Whether you need a full replacement or a simple patch work, Coe’s team offers a full range of services:

  • Residential and steep slope roofing: Shingling, complete re-roofing, custom tile repairs, green roof design and installation, inconspicuous solar panel installation.
  • Roof maintenance and repair: Fixing everything from minor leaks to major damage.
  • Construction services: Need a new deck? Door or window replacement? What about a new shed in preparation for Spring?
  • Commercial and low slope roofing: Providing roofing solutions that help lower energy costs at your business. They work to understand your unique situation.

Gresham Roofing and Construction is fully licensed, bonded and insured — and they hold one of the best safety records in the industry.

If you think your roof may have a problem, or maybe it’s just time to replace it, please call Gresham Roofing and Construction at 503.512.5730. You can also visit www.greshamroofing.com

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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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Hoops For Pink Annual Fundraiser Game at The Warehouse Tonight

Camas, WA — The annual Hoops for Pink basketball game and fundraiser begins Friday afternoon at 3:45 (for Junior Varsity) and continues on at 5:30 for Boys Varsity and at 7 for Girls Varsity. All events are at Camas High School.

Camas will host Battle Ground.

The annual event raises money for the Kay Yow Foundation, which earmarks funds toward fighting breast cancer. Money is raised by selling T-shirts and through raffles to purchased donated gift baskets.

Every year, the community has shown their support by packing The Warehouse and stepping up their donations to the worthy cause of fighting breast cancer.

The event has been a real success in past years.

Referrring to past Hoops for Pink fundraiser games, Nadine Knight, a parent volunteer who’s had several daughters play for Camas, said: “The event was a real success. We’re so grateful for the support of our community. Cheers to all of the businesses and individuals who donated for our baskets. Could NOT have done any of this without them. Thank you Camas for coming through again!”

A lot of behind-the-scenes efforts goes into the planning the fundraiser. Volunteers plan for months to prepare the gift baskets and solicit the donations from local businesses and inviduals.

Basketball

Isaiah Sampson sinks a shot from long range. He scored 24 points Tuesday night, and grabbed 14 rebounds.

To learn more, visit www.chs.camas.wednet.edu

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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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