County adopts updated comp plan;
provides rationale for change

After adopting final changes in the Clark County Comprehensive Growth Management Plan yesterday, the board of commissioners issued the following statement:

The Board of Clark County Commissioners today formally adopted changes to the Comprehensive Growth Management Plan following an in-depth examination that began in 2005.

Board chair Steve Stuart said the county will now submit the local ordinance adopting the plan changes to state officials, along with the written plan, related planning and zoning maps, and development regulations. Changes to the urban growth boundaries and zoning within the new boundaries will take effect January 1, 2007. All other changes are effective September 26, 2007.

“This has been a long, challenging process and many people have contributed important information and perspective along the way,” Stuart said.

The county has now conducted a systematic and rigorous examination of demographic trends, public finance, development patterns, and environmental constraints. The outcomes include a capital facilities plan and overall plan to manage growth in a way that honors local values and priorities, Stuart said.

“Respect for all of our cities has been a key part of this,” said Commissioner Betty Sue Morris. “We have been committed to a fair distribution of land for homes and jobs throughout the county. It was extremely important to balance the potential tax base and put schools in the best possible position to do their jobs. This was absolutely necessary for our financial future to make sense.” 

Commissioner Marc Boldt indicated that the plan has a strong emphasis on providing areas for businesses to locate or expand, as requested by local citizens supporting more local jobs to reduce the need to commute to Oregon.

Further information is available by going to www.clark.wa.gov/longrangeplan/review/ or by calling the Community Planning Department, 397-2280, extension 4558.

Bank of Clark County promotes
Karen York to senior vice president

Karen D. York has been promoted to senior vice president and controller in the Bank of Clark County Finance Department.

York’s primary responsibilities include financial reporting, fixed asset and investment portfolio accounting, internal financial activity review, auditor relations, and overseeing accounts payable.

York, who has 28 years' banking experience, has been with the Bank of Clark County since it opened in 1999. She is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School and is a member of the audit committee of Columbia River Mental Health Services

County Meth Action Team holding
town hall meeting Thursday

A discussion of how methamphetamine is impacting individuals, families and services in Clark County is being presented by the county Meth Action Team from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, in the Skyview High School auditorium, 1300 NW 139th Street.

Presenters include Clark County sheriff Garry Lucas and Clark County commissioner Marc Boldt.

Vancouver chamber hosting
commercial real estate forum

Sponsored by Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, Norris, Beggs & Simpson and West Coast Bank, a panel discussion focusing on the overall climate for commercial real estate development in Clark County will be presented by the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce from noon until 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, in the Red Lion Hotel at the Quay.

Panelists will discuss specific market factors supporting and challenging development, the financing of mixed-of commercial projects, and legal issues involved in such developments.

Admission is $30 for Chamber members, $40 for non-members. For further information, call 694-2588.

FVTV replaying Portland Winter
Hawks hockey Sunday nights

Clark County’s public access television outlet FVTV, channel 11, is taping and replaying Portland Winter Hawks home weekend hockey games on Sundays at 9:30 p.m., reports FVTV spokesperson Ken McCoy.

Independent producer James Taylor, Vancouver, supervises a five-camera crew doing the taping, according to McCoy.

The Winter Hawks’ Saturday, Sept. 29, game with Tri Cities will be replayed on FVTV at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30.

Calendar

Port of Ridgefield commissioners meet in regular session at 6 p.m. this evening in port offices at 111 W Division Street. <> A free seminar and screening for stroke survivors is being presented by Southwest Washington Medical Center at 4 p.m. in the Health Education Center on the main campus on Mill Plain Boulevard. Under discussion is the SaeboFlex, spring-loaded therapy system. To register, call Sue Doyle, 514-2910.

Oops

Our apologies to Chanda Kroll, new Clark College international recruitment manager, for having misspelled her first name yesterday in our story about her appointment.  

Headlines Wednesday, Sept. 26