Boards and Commissions Vacancies - Winter 2014

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Per Board of Commissioner procedures, the County Administrative Office will solicit applications from qualified individuals for a six-week period or until the positions are filled. Staff will apprise the Commissioners of applications received and of approaching deadlines.

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

Aging and Veteran Services Advisory Council (AVSAC) – 5 current vacancies

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.
Members: Thirteen: consumers over age 60, Minority, an elected official, Veterans Healthcare Provider, Veterans Provider, General Public, under age 60 veteran and Rural

Term: 3 years
Staff Contact: Janet Long, Aging & Veteran Services, (503) 846-3081

Behavioral Health Council – 8 vacancies (4 terms expiring 03/31/14; 4 current vacancies)

Description: The Behavioral Health 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.
Members: Fifteen: recipients of service, advocates, professionals in the field, key referral sources, provider representatives, and lay citizens; county residents or have county work interests
Term: 3 years
Staff Contact: Dawn Andresen, Health & Human Services, (503) 846-4555

Housing Advisory Committee – 4 terms expiring 03/31/14

Description: Nine representatives from real estate, banking, building, agriculture, employment, public housing and neighborhoods help the Housing Services Department and the Board of Commissioners to provide affordable housing in Washington County.
Members: Nine members representing various interest groups, including Housing Authority rental assistance program participants, elderly and minority, agricultural/farm worker community, real estate or finance, social service organizations, legal and two at-large members.
Term: 3 years
Staff Contact: Val Valfre, Director of Housing Services, (503) 846-4755

North Bethany County Service District Budget Committee– 4 current vacancies

Description: Reviews the proposed budget developed for the North Bethany County Service District in unincorporated Washington County.
Members: The Board of Commissioners plus five residents of the county. The five residents must live in NBSCD.
Term: 3 years
Staff Contact: Mary Gruss, Chief Finance Officer, (503) 846-8811

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) – 1 current vacancy

Description: Provides advice on the maintenance, operations, and capital development needs of county parks, including Scoggins Valley Park/ Henry Hagg Lake.
Members: Nine members who are residents of the county. Traditionally members appointed from all Commissioner Districts.
Term: 1 year (to keep term expirations in sync)
Staff Contact: Todd Winter, Parks Manager, (503) 359-5732

Planning Commission –1 mid-term vacancy for District 3

Description: The Planning Commission advises 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 or comprehensive plan and community development ordinances.
Members: 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 new estate. No more than two members can be engaged in the same occupation.
Term: 4 years
Staff Contact: Paul Schaefer, Sr. Planner, Land Use & Transportation, (503) 846-8817

Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) – 1 term expiring 03/31/14

Description: The nine-member Solid Waste Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on solid waste and recycling policy and program issues.
Members: Six members representing the public plus three members representing the solid waste industry. A representative of the County Health Department serves as a non-voting committee member.
Term: 5 years
Staff Contact: Theresa Koppang, Solid Waste Manager, Health & Human Services, (503) 846-3663

Urban Road Maintenance District Advisory Committee (URMDAC) – 2 alternate position vacancies

Description: URMDAC advises the Board and staff on matters related to road maintenance provided by the Urban Road Maintenance District (URMD). Members 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.
Members: 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 live in urban unincorporated Washington County (areas outside of cities, such as Rock Creek, Cedar Mill, Bethany, Cedar Hills, Raleigh Hills, Garden Home, Metzger, Bull Mountain, Hazeldale, Aloha, and Reedville).
Term: 3 years
Staff Contact: Stacia Sheelar, Land Use & Transportation Operations, (503) 846-7615

The application deadline is March 10, 2014 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, Sr. Administrative Specialist
(503) 846-2940
[email protected]