Two more city unions
forgo wage increases

The Vancouver City Council will consider approving collective bargaining agreements with two more city unions which include provisions for no cost of living increases or market adjustments in 2009 and 2010.

The Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 11, AFL-CIO, has approved the agreement. The Joint Labor Coalition, which is composed of Teamsters, Local #58, International Association of Machinists, Local #24, and Plumbers and Steamfitters, Local, #290, is scheduled to vote on the agreement by Monday, June 1. If the contracts are approved at the June 1 City Council meeting, the two-year agreements will save the city a total of $495,000 for 2009.

City Manager Pat McDonnell said, “Once again, I am grateful to our employees for making this financial sacrifice to help the city during a very challenging time.”

Rick Wilson, OPEIU business agent said “We are well aware of the city's budget situation and knew we would be asked to forgo pay increases for the biennium. I am pleased to say that our members overwhelmingly pledged their support for this agreement to help the city meet its financial challenges.”

OPEIU represents 172 employees. The Joint Labor Coalition represents 67 employees.

Earlier this year IAFF Local 452, representing 164 firefighters, agreed to waive a previously negotiated cost of living increase for 2009, which resulted in a savings of more than $700,000 to the city. Also, IAFF Local 452, Fire Marshal's Unit, and IAFF Local 4378, Fire Command, both waived their wage increases for 2009 and 2010. In addition, all city managers and non-union employees received no cost of living increases for 2009.

2009 election to see a bunch
of council members on ballots

A total of 28 city council positions will be on November 2009 ballots, according to Tim Likness, Clark County elections supervisor.

In Vancouver, voters will elect a mayor and three council members. Mayor Royce Pollard is being challenged by council member Tim Likness. Long-time councilwoman Pat Jollota has said she is retiring this year. Councilwomen Jeanne Stewart and Jeanne Harris are both expected to file for reelection.

Five council positions are open in Battle Ground. They are currently held by Mayor Mike Ciraulo, Phil Harberthur, Lisa Walters, Alex Reinold and Bill Ganley. The Battle Ground mayor is selected by the city council.

The three positions open on the Camas City Council are currently held by Melissa Smith, Steve Hogan and Scott Higgins.

Positions open on the La Center city council are currently held by Bill Birdwell Jr., Bob Smith and Troy Van Dinter.

In Ridgefield the office of mayor, currently held by Ron Onslow, and the council position held by Matt Swindell are both up for election.

The Washougal mayor’s office, held by Stacee Sellers, and city council positions held by John Russell, Paul Greenlee, Lou Peterson and Molly Coston are all up for grabs.

Six city council positions are open in the Woodland, currently held by the following: John Burke, Darwin Rounds, Marilee McCall, Susan Humbyrd, Benjamin Fredricks and Terri Mattison.

Week-long filing for elective office begins at 8 a.m. Monday. June 1.

Charter Review Committee
considering ward system

Meeting earlier this week the Vancouver Charter Review Committee decided to continue discussions of whether to recommend a ward system for the election of city council members.

A 1999 charter review Committee recommended that the council adopt the ward system (representation by place or area). The city council put the measure on the ballot as a nonbinding measure. It was defeated.

The Vancouver Charter Review Committee meets every five years to recommend changes in city governance.

Carrot planters sought

Clark County Food Bank is seeking help to plant a large community garden with carrots that will be grown and donated to the food bank for inclusion in emergency food boxes this fall. Groups and individuals are asked to help plant the carrots in Hazel Dell. For further information, call Bill Coleman, 798-0489.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters gathering

Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest is holding a fundraising awareness building luncheon at noon, Tuesday, June 2, in the Hilton Vancouver Washington, according to southwest Washington area director Randy Johnson. There is no charge for the luncheon; however donations will be accepted. For further information, call 891-8382.

News brief

The Washougal School Board has approved higher sports fees for next year. Middle School sports fees will become $50 per sport. High school sports fees will become $100 per sport, except for the third sport, which is $50.

Calendar

Vancouver’s Water Resources Education Center is celebrating the Jurassic heritage of the sturgeon during a two-day free children-centered event from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 30 and 31. The center is at 4600 SE Columbia Way. For further information, call 487-7111. <> The Southwest Washington Blood Program is holding a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 30, in the Mill Plain McDonald’s, 405 SE 131st Avenue. <> The board of directors of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library meets at 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 1, in the Vancouver Community Library, 1007 E Mill Plain Boulevard.

Community Calendar Links

• Southwest Washington Center for the Arts

• Greater Vancouver Chamber

• City of Vancouver Calendar