Vancouver earns performance award

The City of Vancouver was among 14 jurisdictions recognized this week, by the International City/County Management Association Center for Performance Measurement, with a Certificate of Excellence for "superior efforts" and results in performance. The Certificate of Excellence is the highest level of recognition.

“We are very proud of this recognition," said City Manager Pat McDonnell. “In our current economic climate, results-oriented management is more important than ever. Our emphasis on our performance management program has helped us manage our costs and prioritize programs while encouraging accountability and transparency.”

The City of Vancouver uses many performance management tools including developing annual goals and business plans to identify priorities, according to McDonnell. Community reporting and departmental "snapshots" are used to measure effectiveness, and community surveys assess how the community rates the city's performance.

Chambers meet to discuss
business issues with governor

The Battle Ground, Camas/Washougal, Clark County, Woodland, La Center/North Clark County and Greater Vancouver Chambers of Commerce, the East Vancouver, Hazel Dell/Salmon Creek, and Ridgefield Business Associations, and the Fourth Plain Business Coalition, are jointly hosting a question-and-answer session with Governor Chris Gregoire for Southwest Washington constituents from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Pearson Air Museum, 1115 E. Fifth Street. Check-in starts at 11:45 a.m., lunch is at noon and the governor takes the stage from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

For further information, call 694-2588 or visit www.vancouverusa.com and click Events/Registration. Registration closes on Monday, July 20, at 5 p.m. No registration will be taken at the door.

The cost is $45 per person and $320 per table of eight. Beaches Restaurant and Bar will cater a summertime buffet feast.

Gov. Gregoire announces federal recovery money to treat crime victims

Gov. Chris Gregoire announced today that the Washington State Crime Victims Compensation Program received approximately $938,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) funds to help about 1,000 crime victims and as reimbursement for services to about 570 health-care providers who treat crime victims. These funds provide benefits to crime victims such as medical care and wage replacement.

“These funds are easing the financial burden that victims of violent crime often face,” said Gov. Gregoire. “I am proud our state acted so quickly with this money, helping victims and their families cover unexpected costs in the aftermath of a crime.”

The Crime Victims Compensation Program, within the Department of Labor & Industries, was created to help victims with the many costs associated with violent crime. As a payer of last resort, the program provides financial compensation for expenses such as medical bills, loss of earnings and funeral expenses. The program also covers examinations after sexual assaults to gather evidence for possible prosecution.

For more information, visit www.Lni.wa.gov/ClaimsIns/CrimeVictims.

End of an era: So long, City Flyer

The final issue of the Vancouver City Flyer, a fixture insert in utility bills since 1999, went out to customers this month. During the 2009-10 budget update process, the decision was made to eliminate the City Flyer, which was delivered to 60,000 customers six times a year. Communication needs, have changed and a bi-monthly publication was no longer an efficient or suitable vehicle to deliver information. Instead of the citywide information normally found in the City Flyer, what utilities customers will see is information about water, sewer and stormwater.

The City is committed to finding fresh and interesting ways to get customers the information they need, when they want it. Please visit the web site at www.cityofvancouver.us to sign up for email updates about what is going on in and around in Vancouver.

Turtle Place to host Wednesday farmers market

Vancouver’s Downtown Association is opening a Wednesday afternoon farmer’s market  in the new Turtle Place Park at 7th and Main Streets. The market will be open from noon to 7 p.m. during the Wednesday afternoon concerts in Esther Short Park.

American Cancer Society
Relay for Life Saturday

The American Cancer Society is presenting a fundraising auction from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 18th, at
Columbia River High School, under "Big Tent", for sparkling cider, snacks and great company.

For further information, call Pam Dunnick, 513-3953, or Marilyn Dryke, 909-8671.

Calendar

The Vancouver City Council meets in workshop session at 4 p.m. today. <> The Neighborhood Associations Council of Clark County meets at 7 p.m. this evening in the Public Works Conference Room at 4700 NE 78 Street. <> Clark Public Utilities commissioners meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 14.

Monday on the air

Vancouver City Council (7-6)—7 p.m. CVTV 23

Vancouver Health Care Reform Panel Discussion (7-1)—9:15 p.m. CVTV 23

Clark County Planning Commission (6-18)—11 p.m. CVTV 23

 Community Calendar Links

• Southwest Washington Center for the Arts

• Greater Vancouver Chamber

• City of Vancouver Calendar

Monday, July 13, 2009 Headlines

Links to news of local & national significance