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.

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.”

Mayor Barry McDonnell returned early from his vacation in Spain, arriving late Tuesday night. According to Mayor Pro Tem, Greg Anderson, he will be under self-quarantine for at least two weeks, but he was able to issue this proclamation using a digital signature:

Whereas, Camas Municipal Code Section 2.48.020 provides that in the event an emergency occurs which causes or is tending to cause danger or injury to persons or damage to property to such an extent that extraordinary measures must be taken to protect the public health, safety and welfare then the Mayor may proclaim a civil emergency to exist; and

Whereas, in the interest of public safety and welfare, Washington state law under Chapter 38.52 RCW sets forth certain powers exercisable by municipalities in the event of emergencies; and

Whereas, Camas Municipal Code Chapter 8.56 sets forth additional procedures and powers related to Emergency Management; and

Whereas, on February 29, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency due to the public health emergency posed by the coronavirus 2019 (hereafter COVID-19); and

Whereas, on March 13, 2020, the Clark County Council announced a state of emergency resolution for Clark County regarding COVID-19. Similar emergency declarations have been issued in Washington, Multnomah, and Clackamas counties in the Portland metropolitan area; and

Whereas, on March 13, 2020, Governor Inslee ordered all K-12 public and private schools in Washington State to close by no later than March 17, 2020 and remained closed through April24, 2020, further ordering on March 16, 2020 a statewide emergency proclamation to temporarily shut down restaurants, bars and entertainment and recreational facilities and ban all gatherings with over 50 participants, with all gatherings under 50 participants to be prohibited unless previously announced criteria for public health and social distancing are met; and

Whereas, on March 13, 2020, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency in the United States ofAmerica related to the COVID-19 outbreak; and

Whereas, as of March 14, 2020, the Washington State Department of Health reported a total of 642 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 40 resulting deaths. As of March 14, 2020, at least 3 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Clark County; and

Whereas, as reported by the Washington State Department of Health:

Public health experts agree that the true number of people who have been infected with COVID-19 in Washington greatly exceeds the number ofCOVID-19 infections that have been laboratory-confirmed. It is very difficult to know exactly how many people in Washington have been infected to date since most people with COVID-19 experience mild illness and the ability to get tested is still not widely available; and

Whereas, as Mayor ofthe City ofCamas I have determined that it is necessary to proclaim the existence ofa civil emergency and to take such actions as may be required to effectively utilize city resources in the protection ofthe public health, safety and welfare;

NOW, THEREFORE I, Barry McDonnell, Mayor of the City of Camas, Proclaim as follows:

1. I declare there is a civil emergency caused by COVID-19 in the City o f Camas.
2. The civil emergency requires the implementation of those powers delineated in Chapter 2. 48
   and 8.56 of the Camas Municipal Code and Chapter 38.52 RCW.
3. To the extent of such powers as granted by law, the City may enter into contracts and incur
   obligations, and take any other appropriate action necessary to address and respond to the emergency to protect the health and safety of persons and properties and to provide emergency assistance to persons affected by this emergency.
4. These powers will be exercised in light of the exigencies of the situation without regard to the formalities prescribed by State statutes and rules, or by City ordinance (except for mandatory constitutional requirements). These include but are not limited to budget law limitations, requirements for competitive bidding, publication of notices related to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, incurring of obligations, employment of temporary workers, rental of equipment, purchase of supplies and equipment, and the appropriation and expenditure of funds.
5. I delegate to the Department heads and their designees the authority to solicit quotes and estimates for contracts necessary to combat the emergency. Department heads may enter into contracts in an amount not to exceed Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000). Contracts over this amount will be signed by the Mayor.
6. Department heads are further authorized to reassign staff from their ordinary duties to work deemed necessary to address the emergency outside their normal job duties and to require work beyond normal working hours in the performance of duties deemed necessary to respond to the emergency.
7. Pursuant to Camas Municipal Code sections 2.48.020 and 8.56.080 a copy of this Proclamation shall be filed with the City Clerk, a copy delivered to the Director of Emergency Management, State Emergency Management, and the Governor and the news media within the City shall be advised, with copies of this Proclamation posted at public places as may heretofore be designated.
8. This Proclamation will take effect upon my signature and will remain in effect until modified or terminated pursuant to Camas Municipal Code Section 2.48.040.
   DATED AND SIGNED THIS 18th DAY OF MARCH, 2020. City of Camas — Mayor Barry McDonnell.

Camas Mayor Pro Tem (and City Councilperson) Greg Anderson answers several questions regarding the city’s mitigation plans as the COVID-19 outbreak expands. Anderson and city department heads are running the city in Mayor Barry McDonnell’s absence while he is on vacation (and likely quarantined) in Spain.

What is going on with the Camas mitigation plan as the city prepare for the COVID-19? What needs to be finished at Monday’s council meeting?

It’s in place, but there is still work to do. At Monday’s workshop we will have a discussion about council meetings and workshops. There’s a provision in the code that we can have virtual council meetings. We can cancel some and still have some. There are many options. We can consider minimizing public attendance and implement social distancing. The Multnomah County Library is closing all facilities. Camas has not closed our library and we are needing to work our way through this. We will also discuss our upcoming town halls. The mayor has asked that we do this, but we are considering postponing them. One is scheduled for later this month. They are usually smaller affairs with 20-30 people. Those are the big ones we’re sorting through. Certain services are being changed. 

We are trying to improve our ability to communicate.

How long did it take to draft the Camas coronavirus response that was unveiled Friday?

It took two meetings with department heads and myself, and we put out our ideas and framed them, then we summarized them over two days. People need to be smart and use common sense. We didn’t want to cancel First Friday and the Easter Egg Hunt, but we thought it was necessary. It’s hard to find a balance. We’re trying to do the right thing. We all have different points of view.

Based on what we know now, we will continue looking for new data — good and bad. Nothing is locked in stone other than those things we already set. We are very sensitive to the fact that businesses require people. 

With Mayor McDonnell gone, who is running the city?

I am, along with senior staff. There are several department heads. Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Community Development, Finance, Police, Fire & EMS, HR and Admin, and Information Technology. We still don’t have a city administrator, but we do have an acting City Administrator. Her name is Jennifer Gorsuch.

How long has Mayor McDonnell been on vacation? Lacamas Magazine reached out to him on Monday, March 9 and we haven’t gotten an email reply from him.

He got on a plane March 6 and left the country March 7 (on a planned trip to Spain) and planned to be back in the United States on March 23. He may come back early, but he hasn’t given me any solid dates.

He is likely to be put in self-quarantine when he returns home. Everybody flying into the US is subject to medical screening and potential quarantine, regardless of citizenship, so he could be quarantined in Spain. I spoke to Mayor McDonnell yesterday (Friday, March 13) on the phone and he didn’t provide a return date. He could be quarantined in the US, as well at the port of entry city. There’s a high likelihood he will be quarantined, we just don’t know where.

Editor’s Note: While this story was being written, Spain went on a nationwide lockdown.

Is it prudent for a new mayor to leave on an extended vacation so early in his term, especially given he had no prior public service experience? Especially knowing that coronavirus at that time was already a growing problem.

He had this trip planned prior to him running for office. It’s a family reunion and vacation and it’s been in the works for a while. It’s not usual for a mayor to come in and take time off so quickly. He still cares. He’s not running away. It was one of those moments where he couldn’t do this without disappointing a lot of people, a lot of family members.

We have good staff. They are very experienced and very well rounded. They all have a long time being part of this community so they are relatively experienced and seasoned. So, they work well together as a team, which makes my job easier as Mayor Pro Tem. I am able to rely on them and have them provide me recommendations. 

It’s a growing point for any mayor to respond to media and I’m sorry he didn’t respond to media requests. He has been emailing staff and checking in with staff while he’s been in Spain. It’s an awkward question for me to answer. I think he’s made a mistake but it’s one he can correct going forward. He should have left a forwarding email and not left you hanging, to direct you to staff to answer specific questions in his absence. That’s unfortunate. It’s a rookie mistake. 

The press deserves a response. Not a black hole.

What does Mayor Pro Tem mean? What is the function of this position?

In the absence of the mayor or when he goes out of the country, which makes him unable to sign documents, I become the acting mayor on his behalf and that gives me in general terms the same power the mayor has. I can’t launch big projects, but I can sign documents on his behalf. I can hire people if there was an active process in place. I retain my full role as a council member, as well. I can still make motions and vote on motions. I run city council meetings. If something happens to Mayor Pro Tem the next most senior council member assumes the Mayor Pro Tem role, based on state law. The council also decided who that would be. For 2020, we appointed an alternate Mayor Pro Tem (Don Chaney).

I’m glad we did that in hindsight.

With the news Friday, there’s a lot to process right now. With the shooting, until the investigation is completed, no more news is coming out.

If Camas has an outbreak of COVID-19, will you have to declare a state of emergency?

RCW 38.52.070 (state law) is about declaring an emergency and allows us to bypass established regulations and processes and laws temporarily. We are likely not to do this. Governor Inslee’s declaration allowed the cities to piggy back on that.

In my role as Pro Tem to declare an emergency I need council to confirm it. Not sure if there are state mandated provisions to help out businesses, but I know President Trump’s declaration does help small businesses.