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Boards and Commissions Vacancies - Fall 2017

recruitment for December 2017 term expirations
News article
Release date: 10/10/2017
Sponsored by: Board of Commissioners

Per Board of Commissioners procedures, the County Administrative Office will solicit applications from individuals for a six-week period. Staff will keep the Commissioners apprised of applications received and of approaching deadlines.

As specified in the revised "Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Process," there will be an opportunity for the Board to discuss appointments at a worksession prior to scheduling any formal action.

Urban Road Maintenance District Advisory Committee (URMDAC) – 2 positions available now and 3 positions available after Dec 31, 2017

Description: The Urban Road Maintenance District Advisory Committee (URMDAC) will advise the board and staff on matters related to road maintenance provided by the URMD. They will review and make recommendations regarding service levels and annual work programs, assist in evaluating the cost effectiveness and efficiency of URMD, and advise on continuation of URMD and/or other long-range funding opportunities for road maintenance.
Member Description: The URMDAC is comprised of eight (8) residents of the Urban Road Maintenance District appointed by the Board. Two (2) alternate members are also appointed. This urban roads advisory committee is similar in function to the long-standing Rural Roads Operations and Maintenance Advisory Committee (RROMAC). Eligible candidates must be residents of the Urban Road Maintenance District.
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: Two to four hours of meeting and preparation time per month
Meetings: Third Wednesday of each month
Contact: Jennifer McCollum, (503) 846-7615


Rural Roads Operations and Maintenance Advisory Committee – 1 position available now and 6 positions available after Dec 31, 2017

Description: RROMAC studies rural road operations and maintenance concerns in Washington County, works with County staff to develop program and funding alternatives and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners.
Member Description: Ten members and two alternates who reside or have business interests in the county. The Board of Commissioners also appoints one of their members to be on the committee although they are not an official member. Members represent different groups that have an interest in rural roads.
Term: 4 years
Time Commitment: 2 hours per month
Meetings: Second Thursday of every month, 7:30 am
Contact: Jennifer McCollum, (503) 846-7615


Rainbow Lane Special Road District Board – 1 position available after Dec 31, 2017

Description: The Rainbow Lane Special Road District was formed to provide a representing body that could make decisions regarding road maintenance issues on Rainbow Lane and Patricia Lane. These two roads are public roads, as opposed to County Roads, and are not eligible for gas tax and road fund expenditures, consequently their road maintenance must be funded by the adjoining and benefiting properties.
Member Description: Three members who are residents of the Rainbow Lane Special Road District.
Term: 3 years
Contact: Todd Watkins, (503)846-7650


Public Safety Coordinating Council – 1 position available now and 1 position available after Jan 01, 2018

Description: Coordinates local criminal justice and juvenile justice policy. Makes recommendations for the use of state resources for public safety purposes.
Member Description: Includes members required by statute, including a State Court Judge, elected public safety and justice officials, other stakeholders from city, county and state agencies, and those members appointed by the Board of Commissioners.
Term: 2 years
Time Commitment: 4 hours or less per month; slightly more when involved with subcommittees
Meetings: Third Friday of every other month, 1:30 pm
Contact: Kirby Johnson, (503) 846-8685


Public Health Advisory Council – 5 positions available now and 5 positions available after Jan 31, 2018

Description: The Council advises the Board of Commissioners in its role as the Board of Health for Washington County, makes recommendations to the Board and the Public Health Division Manager on health matters, and serves as a liaison between the community and Board.
Member Description: Comprised of sixteen members, including state licensed health care practitioners and persons well-informed in public health matters; All members shall be residents of or working in Washington County. (Not included in this count is a non-appointed, non-voting position from the Washington County Board of Commissioners.)
Term: 4 years
Time Commitment: 2 hours monthly
Meetings: At least 10 times annually; to be determined by initial membership vote
Contact: Tricia Mortell, (503) 846-4745


Planning Commission – 2 positions available after Jan 31, 2018
Description: These nine appointed volunteers advise the Board of County Commissioners on land use and transportation planning issues. They conduct public hearings, make final decisions on some changes to land use plans, and convey recommendations to the Board on comprehensive plan and community development ordinances.
Member Description: Nine members who are residents of the county. Generally, two members are appointed by each Commissioner, and one by the Board Chair as an At-large appointment. No more than two members can be engaged principally in the buying, selling, or development of real estate. No more than two members can be engaged in the same occupation.
Term: 4 years
Time Commitment: 5 to 10 hours per month
Meetings: First Wednesdays at 1:30 pm and Third Wednesdays at 6:30 pm
Contact: John Floyd, (503) 846-8817


Housing Authority Board of Directors – 1 position available after Dec 31, 2017

Description: The Housing Authority of Washington County is the legal entity that owns properties; and the Department of Housing Services is the County agency that operates the programs, works with developers and provides services to meet the housing needs of low-income people in Washington County.

Facing ongoing reductions in federal housing support, the Housing Authority of Washington County and Department of Housing Services will continue to expand their entrepreneurial approach to funding low-income and affordable housing in Washington County. Partnerships are a key to the success of this work.
Member Description: The Housing Authority of Washington County Board of Directors is made up of the members of the Washington County Board of Commissioners plus two additional members: one member who is a resident assisted by the Housing Authority (Public Housing or Voucher program), and one At-Large position.
Term: 4 Years
Contact: Val Valfre, (503)846-4755


Homeless Plan Advisory Committee – 2 positions available now and 6 positions available after Dec 31, 2017

Description: HPAC shall provide oversight to the implementation of the plan and leadership in the development of additional resources to meet the ambitious goals of A Road Home: 10-year Plan to End Homelessness. Work will include reviewing the annual Work Plan, recommendations to the Housing and Supportive Services Network, increasing public awareness, recruiting community partners to implement the plan, advocating for additional public and private funding and resources to implement the goals of the plan.
Member Description: The 17-member committee includes a representatives from each of the following categories: Washington County Commissioner official, a mayor or city councilor, philanthropy, business, Housing Authority of Washington County, a nonprofit housing provider, a nonprofit service provider, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Community Corrections, state or federal entitlement/mainstream resource programs, a representative from the two major hospitals, a representative from the faith community, 3 citizens at-large and a homeless/formerly homeless consumer.
Term: 3 years
Contact: Annette Evans, (503)846-4760


Fairgrounds Advisory Committee – 3 positions available after Dec 31, 2017

Description: The Fairgrounds Advisory Committee provides input on the priorities and development of the Fairgrounds Master Plan, and other plans including: capital projects, maintenance, non-fair marketing and other strategic initiatives. As advocates, this committee works with local partners and the community at-large to communicate and encourage participation in Fairground developments.
Member Description: Nine members who represent the county geographically and in fields of interest or occupation. Two members are ex officio: a member of the Board of Commissioners and the President of the Fair Board (or designee)
Term: 3 Years
Contact: Leah Perkins-Hagele, (503)648-1416


Fair Board – 1 position available after Dec 31, 2017

Description: The Fair Board’s primary function is to oversee the planning, preparation and production of the County Fair. The Fair Board will develop both short and long-term plans for the promotion and production of the County Fair and provide input to the County’s Facilities Maintenance Plan of the Fairgrounds. The Fair Board meets bimonthly.
Member Description: The Fair Board is comprised of seven members that are selected from a variety of interests determined by the Board of Commissioners, including, but not limited to: Agriculture, Livestock, Youth/Education, Exhibitors/Vendors, Urban Agriculture. In lieu of a citizen representative, one member may be from the Board of Commissioners.
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per month
Meetings: First Wednesday of every other month, 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Contact: Leah Perkins-Hagele, (503)648-1416


Cultural Coalition of Washington County – 2 positions available now and 5 positions available after Dec 31, 2017

Description: CCWC administers state funds directed to Washington County from the Oregon Cultural Trust. The CCWC distributes funds through a competitive grant program to Washington County based arts, heritage and humanities organizations to address priorities identified in the Washington County Cultural Plan. The CCWC works to promote greater awareness of the cultural life of Washington County.
Member Description: Between nine and fifteen members who reside in Washington County or are members of a business or organization significantly involved in arts, heritage or humanities activities in Washington County.
Term: 3 years
Meetings: Typically meets the 3rd Thursday from 3 - 5pm of the following months: Feb, May, Sept and Nov. Additional meetings required for members participating in the Grant Review process, or serving on other committees such as Grant Celebration or Communications committees.
Contact: Eva Calcagno, (503) 846-3233

Other Current Vacancies

Park and Recreation Advisory Board – 4 positions available now

Description: Provides advice on the maintenance, operations, and capital development needs of County parks, including Scoggins Valley Park / Henry Hagg Lake.
Member Description: Nine members who are residents of the county. Traditionally members appointed from all Commissioner districts.
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: 3 years
Meetings: Third Thursday of every other month, 6:00 pm
Contact: Carl Switzer, (503)207-8760

Northwest Area Commission on Transportation – 1 position available now

Description: The Northwest Area Commission on Transportation (NWACT) is an advisory body chartered by the Oregon Transportation Commission. NWACT addresses all aspects of transportation (surface, marine, air, and transportation safety) with primary focus on the state transportation system. NWACT considers regional and local transportation issues in northwest Oregon that affect the state system. NWACT plays a key advisory role in the development of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which schedules funded transportation projects. NWACT establishes a public process for area project selection priorities for the STIP. Through that process, they prioritize transportation problems and solutions and recommend projects in their area to be included in the STIP
Member Description: Two Citizen-At-Large representing western Washington County (including Banks and Gaston), selected by the county’s commissioners. Members are non-elected citizens selected from private interests including but not limited to freight, trucking, bicycle, pedestrian, public transportation system, public interest advocacy groups, environmental, land use, local citizens, business, education, minority organizations, public safety providers, non-profit organizations, etc.
Term: 2 years
Meetings: Monthly Meetings
Contact: Sia Lindstrom, (503)846-8853


Metzger Park Local Improvement District Advisory Board – 6 positions available now

Description: Maintains a proud tradition of overseeing the only park in the County supported through a Local Improvement District. The Board plans and helps with park maintenance needs, deals with the administrative issues involved in running an active urban park.
Member Description: Nine members (seven regular and two alternates) who own property within the Metzger Park Local Improvement District.
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per month
Meetings: Fourth Monday of every month, 7:00 pm
Contact: Carl Switzer, (503)207-8760


Housing Advisory Committee – 7 positions available now

Description: Providing affordable housing in Washington County is a formidable job. It is the mission of the Housing Advisory Committee (HAC) to advise the Housing Authority Board of Directors on housing goals policies, to review and recommend actions on the budgets of the Housing Authority, to advise regarding the community’s needs for low-income housing, and to recommend resources and programs available to address those needs.
Member Description: Fifteen members representing various groups, to include:
• Two (2) Members being assisted by the Housing Authority;
• One (1) Member involved in the Finance profession;
• One (1) Member representative of the Elderly;
• One (1) Member representative of Minority Groups;
• One (1) Member drawn from officials of Social Service organizations;
• One (1) Member drawn from either Design/Architectural/Engineer professions;
• One (1) Member drawn from Real Estate/Development/Construction;
• One (1) Member involved in Urban and Regional Planning;
• One (1) Member involved in Property Management;
• One (1) Member representing Veterans; and
• Four (4) Members at large.
Term: 4 Years
Time Commitment: 2 hours (minimum) each month
Meetings: Fourth Thursday monthly at 9:00 a.m.
Contact: Val Valfre, (503)846-4755


Farm Board of Review – 3 positions available now
Description: The Farm Board of Review is an advisory panel to the County assessor. The Board meets once each year to inform the Assessor regarding farm land rents and other information pertaining to the valuation of farmland for property taxation as provided by Oregon law.
Member Description: Five members with a knowledge of agricultural land rents and current farming practices who are residents of the county. Three members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners, and two members are appointed by the County Tax Assessor.
Term: 2 years
Time Commitment: 1 meeting per year
Contact: Joe Nelson, (503)846-3947


Enhanced Sheriff Patrol District Budget Committee – 1 position available now

Description: Reviews the proposed budget developed for the Enhanced Sheriff's Patrol District in unincorporated Washington County.
Member Description: Board of Commissioners plus five residents of the county. Each County Commissioner appoints one member. The five residents must live within the ESPD boundaries.
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: Approximately six hours every May; some other meetings are possible
Meetings: One two hour meeting the second Tuesday in May to receive the proposed budget; staff does an overview of the via a PowerPoint presentation. The second meeting is a public hearing on a Thursday morning the week after the first meeting. This meeting typically takes the better part of the morning. The start time is 8:30, presentations from the Sheriff's Office and Land Use & Transportation are given and there is a time certain at 10:30 a.m. when the public can testify. Upon completion of the staff presentations and any public testimony, the Budget Committee is asked to consider approving the proposed budget. There are some years when additional meeting(s) with the Budget Committee take place prior to the May meetings. These meetings are publicly noticed.
Contact: Mary Gruss, (503)846-8756


Developmental Disabilities Council – 1 position available now

Description: The Council identifies community needs, recommends funding priorities, and helps select and evaluate service providers. The County's emphasis on contracting with community agencies for social services makes the work of this volunteer advisory council critical.
Member Description: Comprised of fifteen members including recipients of service, advocates, professionals in the field, key referral sources, provider representatives, and lay citizens. Members are residents of the county or have work interests in the county.
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per month
Meetings: First Wednesday, 10:00 am
Contact: Colin Fitzgerald, (503)846-3138


Budget Committee – 2 positions available now

Description: Reviews the proposed County budget submitted by the budget officer each fiscal year.
Member Description: Board of Commissioners plus five residents of the county. Each Commissioner/district is allocated an appointment, however the representative does not need to reside in the Commissioner's district.
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: Approximately six hours every May; some other meetings are possible
Meetings: One two hour meeting the second Tuesday in May to receive the proposed budget; staff does an overview of the via a PowerPoint presentation. The second meeting is a public hearing on a Thursday morning the week after the first meeting. This meeting typically takes the better part of the morning. The start time is 8:30, presentations from the Sheriff's Office and Land Use & Transportation are given and there is a time certain at 10:30 a.m. when the public can testify. Upon completion of the staff presentations and any public testimony, the Budget Committee is asked to consider approving the proposed budget. There are some years when additional meeting(s) with the Budget Committee take place prior to the May meetings. These meetings are publicly noticed.
Contact: Mary Gruss, (503)846-8756


Board of Property Tax Appeals – 1 position available

Description: State law established the Board of Property Tax Appeals to consider taxpayer petitions challenging real market value, maximum assessed, specially assessed and assessed value as determined by the County Assessor. The Board also considers requests to excuse penalties assessed for the late filing of real and personal property returns.
Member Description: Five members who are residents of the county and are not employees of the County or any taxing district within the county. Qualifications include knowledge of real estate, appraisal and assessment practices, patience, understanding and a sense of civic responsibility.
Term: 1 year
Time Commitment: typically 25 to 30 days of hearings February-April; Board Members must be able to commit a minimum of five to ten days, and a one-day training conducted by the Oregon Department of Revenue.
Meetings: TBA
Contact: Teresa Eakin, (503)846-3907


Behavioral Health Council – 1 position available now

Description: Identifies community needs, recommend funding priorities, and help select and evaluate service providers. The County's emphasis on contracting with community agencies for social services makes the work of this volunteer advisory council critical.
Member Description: Comprised of nineteen members including recipients of service, advocates, professionals in the field, key referral sources, provider representatives, and lay citizens. Members are residents of the county or have work interests in the county.
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per month
Meetings: Fourth Wednesday, 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Contact: Aika Fallstrom, (503) 846-3131


Audit Committee – 3 positions available now

Description: Independent oversight is critical to the effectiveness of financial statement audits. The audit committee monitors audits of the County's finances, in the belief that access to knowledgeable individuals help prevent an excessive reliance on the expertise of the external auditor.
Member Description: Five members who are knowledgeable of accounting and auditing as demonstrated by professional employment in accounting, auditing, or finance, including one appointee from the membership of the Board of County Commissioners.
Term: 2 years
Time Commitment: The two meetings are scheduled for 90-minutes each and can run shorter (most likely) or longer (less likely). So total time commitment is three hours.
Meetings: One meeting after the start of the fiscal year (July) and prior to the start of field work (October). The second meeting is in January after the CAFR is issued and prior to the Board accepting the financial statements at their first meeting in February.
Contact: Mary Gruss, (503)846-8756


Aging and Veteran Services Advisory Council – 7 positions available now

Description: Planning for future services and reviewing current programs are two key roles for these 13 volunteers. Their community ties and personal or professional familiarity with issues facing seniors and veterans make them an invaluable resource for Washington County Disability, Aging & Veterans' Services and the Board of Commissioners. The Council advises the department on policy, programs, and actions affecting the delivery of services and generally serves as an advocate for veterans and the elderly.
Member Description: Thirteen members including: consumers over age 60, Minority, an elected official, Veterans Healthcare Provider, Veterans Provider, General Public, under 60 veteran and Rural
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: 5 to 10 hours per month
Meetings: Usually the 3rd Thursday of every other month, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Contact: Janet Long, (503)846-3081

The application deadline is November 21, 2017 or open until filled. Applications may be obtained by visiting the Boards and Commissions website.

Boards, committees and commissions advise the Board of Commissioners on matters of interest to people who live and work in Washington County. Committees themselves do not pass ordinances to establish policy; their purpose is to study issues and make recommendations. Commission members are volunteers appointed by the County Board of Commissioners. In many cases, members must be residents of Washington County. Serving on an appointed board or commission is a great way for Washington County residents to participate in decisions that affect them and to learn more about how local government works.


Media Contact:

Ana Noyola, Management Analyst I
(503) 846-2940
[email protected]