Advisory Board - Board Of Clark County Commissioners

More than 30 citizen advisory committees and boards help shape Clark County's future. From weed management to traffic safety, these groups advise county departments and the Board of Clark County Commissioners. To learn more about the work of the group contact the staff person. If you're interested in serving on a committee or board, write to Jennifer Clark in the Clark County Board of Commissioner's office, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver WA 98666-5000 or boardcom@clark.wa.gov. Indicate the committee or board you are interested in.

If you're not selected right away, remember that many people apply and that there are not always openings available. The county keeps all letters of application on file and reviews them whenever there is an opening.

Meeting times are subject to change. Contact staff for information
Note: All board members are appointed by the Clark County Board of Commissioners unless otherwise indicated.

1. Animal Control Advisory Board

Staff: Linda Moorhead
Phone: (360) 397-2375 ext. 4119
Number of members: 10
Role: Make recommendations to the Board on modifications to the Animal Control ordinances and policies. Review spay/neuter grant applications and recommend disbursement of grant funds. Make determination on appeals to notices of violation of minor offenses. Meeting times: Fourth Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m., Clark County Public Service Center, 6th floor, Conference Room 678, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver, WA. There are no meetings in November or December. Other meetings may be cancelled when there is not a quorum, or nothing significant on the agenda.

2. Assessor Advisory Committee

Staff: George Simpson, Assessment & GIS
Phone: (360) 397-2092 ext. 4547
Number of members: 6
Role: Serves in an advisory capacity to Assessor in implementing assessment guidelines as established by the Department of Revenue.
Meeting times: as needed

3. Assessor Farm Advisory Committee

Staff: Dennis Schodt, Assessment & GIS
Phone: (360) 397-2092 ext. 4628
Number of members: 5 members serving one-year term. Recommended by the Assessor and appointed by the Board of Commissioners.
Role: Members represent the active farm community within the county. They advise the Assessor in implementing the guidelines for the assessment of open space, farm, agricultural, and timber land classified under chapter 84.34 RCW.
Meeting times: annual

4. Bicycle Advisory Committee

Staff: Laurie Lebowsky , Community Planning
Phone: (360) 397-2280 ext. 4544
Number of members: various
Role: Bike related issues, development reviews and comments on road project impacts.
Meeting times: Third Tuesday each month, 6 p.m., 1300 Franklin St., 4th Floor, Vancouver, WA.

5. Board of Equalization

Staff: Darren Wertz
Phone: (360) 397-2337
Number of members: 5
Role: The Board hears and decides appeals concerning real and personal property valuations made by the Department of Assessment. In addition, "The Board may review all claims for either real or personal property tax exemption as determined by the county assessor and shall consider any taxpayer appeals from the decision of the assessor thereon to determine (1) if the taxpayer is entitled to an exemption, and (2) if so, the amount there of. "RCW 84,48,010
Reviewed exemptions include; senior citizen/disabled persons exemptions; home improvement exemptions; historic property; forest land exemptions; current use exemptions; destroyed property exemptions; and other claims for either real or personal property tax exemptions or deferrals. The Board also has the jurisdiction to equalize property values on its own initiative in accordance with WAC 458-14-046.
Meeting times: Convenes on July 15 of each assessment year and continues in session as authorized by the State Department of Revenue during regular office hours until all taxpayer appeals are heard or otherwise resolved. Hearings are usually conducted at 500 West 8th St., Suite 19, Vancouver, WA.

6. Building Code Board of Appeals

Staff: Jim Muir, Community Development
Phone: (360) 397-2375 ext. 2470
Number of members: 7
Role: Hears appeals of decisions of the county Building Division regarding the International Building Code and the Residential Code.
Meeting times: As needed.

7. Citizens ADA Advisory Committee

Staff: Tim McVicker, Risk Management: Dave Maret, Community Development
Phone: (360) 397-2025
Number of members: 6
Role: To examine and survey county facilities and programs to ensure all citizens, including citizens with disabilities, have access to county programs, services and activities.
Meeting Time: Third Tuesday of each month 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM Dragonfly Cafe, Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin Street Vancouver, WA. Facility surveys are scheduled on an as needed basis.

8. Camp Bonneville Advisory Group

Staff: Jerry Barnett, Public Works
Phone: (360) 397-6118 ext. 4969
Number of members: 13
Role: Help support community outreach and public participation during Camp Bonneville cleanup and discussion about future use of the site as a regional park.
Meeting times: The group meets quarterly from 6-8 p.m.at various locations announced in advance on the project web site www.campbonneville.org.

9. City/County Telecommunications Commission

Staff: Donna Mason, City/County Cable Television Office
Phone: (360) 696-8233 ext. 8042
Number of members: 8-4 members appointed by the Board of Clark County Commissioners
Role: As an advisory capacity to the board of county commissioners and the city council on matters related to cable television franchising. The commission establishes rules and regulations for cable television franchises and monitors compliance with franchise agreements.
Meeting times: Wednesdays, 7 p.m. on a quarterly basis, Vancouver City Council Chambers, 210 East 13th St., Vancouver, WA.

10. Clark County Youth Commission

Staff: Elizabeth Hill
Phone: (360) 397-2130
Number of members: 32
Role: Provide a youth perspective to the work of the Board of Clark County Commissioners and county departments while developing skills in leadership, civic engagement, public speaking and shaping public policy. The Youth Commission advises, makes recommendations to, and informs Clark County about issues important to our community, issues important to youth, and advocates effective youth - adult partnerships.
Meeting times: First and third Thursday of each month, 6:45pm, Clark County Youth House, 1112 Columbia, Vancouver, WA.

11. Clean Water Commission

Staff: Earl Rowell and Bobbi Trusty, Public Works
Phone: (360) 397-6118 ext. 5268
Number of members: 9
Role: To advise and make recommendations on the Clean Water Program's service levels, financing, and policies specific to protecting surface water and groundwater from the adverse impacts of stormwater.
Meeting times: First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Clark County Public Service Center, 6th Floor Hearing Room, 1300 Franklin Street, Vancouver, WA.

12. Columbia River Gorge Commission

Phone: (509) 493-3323
Number of members: 13 (one of the commissioners is a member appointed by the Board of Clark County Commissioners).
Role: The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act authorizes creation of an economic development program in the gorge area.
Meeting times: Second Tuesday of each month. Meeting times and locations vary.

13. Community Action Advisory Board

Staff: Karen Evans, Community Services Department
Phone: (360) 397-2130
Number of members: 9
Role: Serves in an advisory capacity to commissioners on matters pertaining to causes and consequences of poverty. Acts as an advocate for low-income citizens in promoting institutional and community changes which remove barriers to self-sufficiency.
Meeting times: Second Tuesday of each month, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m., 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd. , Vancouver, WA.

14. Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board

Staff: Mary Strehlow, Community Services Department
Phone: (360) 397-2130
Number of members: 10
Role: Serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Clark County Commissioners on matters pertaining to planning, coordination, administration, program development and financing for DD programs.
Meeting times: First Wednesday of every other month, 5 p.m., Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin Street, 6th Floor, Training Room, Vancouver, WA.

15. Development Engineering Advisory Board

Staff: Sue Stepan, Development Engineering Program Manager
Phone: (360) 397-6118
Number of members: 7
Role: To serve as a procedural step in reviewing new policy and code changes and to work with Public Work's Development Engineering Program.
Meeting Times: First Thursday of each month at the Public Service Center 6th Floor , 1300 Franklin Street, Vancouver, WA. 6th floor.

16. Disability Board

Staff: Maria Vergis, Human Resources Department
Phone: (360) 397-2456
Number of members: 5

One member from the County legislative body selected by the County legislative body (County Commissioner)
An active or retired fire fighter elected by the LEOFF I active or retired fire fighters;
An active or retired law enforcement officer elected by the LEOFF I active or retired law enforcement officers;
One member from the public at large who resides within the county to be appointed by the other four members of the Disability Board;
One member of a city or town legislative body, selected by a majority of mayors of such cities and towns located within the County, which city or town does not contain a Disability Board (Small city legislative member).
The Board also has a legal advisor, who attends these meetings.

Role: To establish rules and procedures and administrative policies regarding the conduct of business of the Clark County Disability Board in order to ensure compliance with the provisions of RCW 41.26 (Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Retirement System Act)..
Meeting times: Second Thursday of each month, 1:15 p.m., 1300 Franklin St., 5th Floor, Vancouver, WA.

17. Emergency Medical Service Administrative Board

Staff: Doug Smith-Lee, Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency
Phone: (360) 737-1911
Number of members: 5
Role: Administers the competitive process for procuring ambulance service in Clark County EMS District #2 and carries out the ongoing ambulance contract performance oversight on behalf of the participating jurisdictions.
Meeting times: The third Tuesday of pre-scheduled month, (January, February, May, June September, October, November) 12:00-1:30 p.m., Clark County Public Service center, 6th floor, Training Room, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver, WA.

18. Fairgrounds Site Management Group

Staff: Mark McCauley, General Services
Phone: (360) 397-2323, ext. 4960
Number of members: 5
Role: Vested with the authority to manage Event Center properties
Meeting times: First Tuesday of each month, 7:30 a.m., The location varies.

19. Fire Code Board of Appeals

Staff: Jon Dunaway, Fire Marshal
Phone: (360) 397-2186 ext. 3324
Number of members: 6
Role: To determine suitability of alternate materials and types of construction to provide for reasonable interpretations of the provisions of the International Fire Code.
Meeting times: Meets as needed

20. Fort Vancouver Regional Library Board

Staff: Bruce Ziegman, Executive Director
Phone: (360) 695-1561
Number of members: Seven board members jointly appointed by the Clark, Skamania and Klickitat County Commissioners. The board consists of one member each from Skamania and Klickitat Counties and five members from Clark County. Two of the Clark County members are recommended by the Vancouver City Council.
Role: Responsible for policy that ensures quality library services for all individuals and ensures broad access to information for the people it serves.
Meeting times: Second Monday of each month. Location and times vary.

21. Historic Preservation Commission

Staff: Jacqui Kamp, Community Planning
Phone: (360) 397-2280 ext. 4913
Number of members: 5
Role: This is an historical local review board with the following focus: review applications for tax valuation, maintain the local historic register, identify historic/landmark buildings and sites, and facilitate the process to nominate properties to the national historic register.
Meeting times: First Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m. General O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Officer's Row, Vancouver, WA.

22. Historical Promotion Grants Program Advisory Committee

Staff: Troy Rayburn, Sr. Policy Analyst
Phone: (360) 397-2232
Number of members: 7
Role: Serves in an advisory capacity to commissioners to promote historical preservation and historic programs in Clark County in order to increase knowledge, educate, and better preserve, exhibit, and interpret historical collections.

23. Jail Industry Advisory Board

Staff: Officer Dean Muth, Sheriff's Office
Phone: (360) 397-6490
Number of members: 8
Role: Oversees and makes recommendations to the Sheriff's Office regarding current and future Jail Industry program.
Meeting times: Monthly as scheduled or as determined by the Board. Location varies.

24. Law and Justice Council

Staff: Linda Lisenfelder, Sheriff's Office
Phone: (360) 397-2366
Number of members: 23
Role: Develop a community corrections plan for local and state correctional services in the county
Meeting times: Second Thursday each month. Meeting times and locations vary.

25. Mental Health Advisory Board

Staff: Connie Mom-Chhing, Regional Support Network Administrator, Clark County
Department of Community Services
Phone: (360) 397-2130 ext. 7838
Number of members: 13
Role: Serves in advisory capacity to Board of Commissioners and as an advocate for mental health services.
Meeting times: Beginning January 2010, public meetings are held the last Wednesday of every month, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Center for Community Health, 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Bldg. 17, Conference Room C210 B-C, Vancouver, WA.

26. Mosquito Control District Board

Administrator: Jonnie Hyde, Public Health Staff: Joanne Roberts, Health Department
Phone: (360) 397-8444
Number of members: 10
Role: Has authority to perform operations to control mosquitoes
Meeting times: Meets quarterly in February, May, August, and November, 7:00 p.m., second Tuesday of the month, Clark County Mosquito Control District, 8115 NE St. John's Bvld., Vancouver, WA

27. North Country Emergency Medical Administrative Board

Staff: Tom McDowell, North Country EMS
Phone: (360) 686-3271
Number of members: 9 - one county representative (a Commissioner) & alternate staff: County Administrator
Role: Make recommendations pertaining to operations of North Country Emergency Medical Services.
Meeting times: Bi-monthly, fourth Tuesday of each month, 10 a.m., Station One in Yacolt, 404 South Parcel, Yacolt, WA.

28. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission

Linda Clifton, Liaison/Support, linda.clifton@ci.vancouver.wa.us, 360-619-1110
Number of members: 13 Members, 5 City Appointed, 5 County Appointed, 2 School District Liaison (1 each from Vancouver & Evergreen School Districts), 1 Parks Foundation Liaison
Role: Advises staff, city council and county commissioners on parks and recreation-related needs, plans, programs, open space and facilities.
Meeting times: Third Friday of each month, noon to 3:00 p.m. Location may vary each month.

29. Planning Commission

Staff: Sonja Wiser, Administrative Assistant, Community Development
Phone: (360) 397-2375 ext. 4105
Number of members: 7
Role: Serves as advisory board to commissioners on matters related to physical development of county.
Meeting times: Third Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m., 1300 Franklin St., 6th Floor, Vancouver, WA.

30. Plumbing Code Board of Appeals

Staff: Jim Muir, Community Development
Phone: (360) 397-2375 ext. 2470
Number of members: 7
Role: To hear appeals and make decisions when someone wants to deviate from the Uniform Plumbing Code and International Mechanical Code.
Meeting times: As needed.

31. Portland International Airport Citizen Noise Advisory Committee

Staff: Lise Glancy, Port of Portland
Phone: 503-460-4018
Number of Members: 15
Role: Act on behalf of local jurisdictions as official forum to address community noise concerns; monitor implementation of current Portland International Airport noise plan; review airport noise issues and provide advice on issue resolution and follow-up action; develop ideas and recommend proposals for consideration in the future airport noise plans; participate on advisory committees involved in long-range airport facilities and capital improvement planning; enhance citizen understanding of airport noise management through work of the advisory committee as a whole.
Meeting times: Second Thursday of each month, 6 p.m. in Commission room, 121 NW Everett, Portland, OR.

32. Public Health Advisory Board

Staff: Julie Grimm, Public Health
Phone: (360) 397-8477
Number of members: 20
Role: Representing a variety of professional, medical, and community perspectives, council members provide recommendations on public health issues and priorities to the county commissioners, who also serve as the Board of Health.
Meeting times: Third Tuesday of each month, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Center for Community Health, 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Building 17, 2nd Floor, Conference Rooms B and C, Vancouver, WA.

33. Railroad Advisory Board

Staff: Fred Abraham, General Services
Phone: (360) 397-2323
Number of members: 15
Role: Will study ways to improve the economic stability of the railway along with exploration of recreational opportunities and other types of uses.
Meeting times: Second Monday of each month, 4 p.m., to 5:30 p.m., 1300 Franklin St., 6th Floor, Vancouver, WA.

34. Solid Waste Advisory Commission

Staff: Anita Largent, Public Works
Phone: (360) 397-6118 ext. 4484
Number of members: 9
Role: Advise Commissioners on all areas of solid waste programs, i.e., recycling, recovery of solid waste resources, etc.
Meeting times: First Thursday of each month, 6 p.m., 1408 Franklin St., Auto License Conference Room, Vancouver, WA.

35. Substance Abuse Advisory Board

Staff: Cyndi Smith, Community Services
Phone: (360) 397-2130 ext. 7835
Number of members: 11
Role: Advise and make recommendations to Commissioners relating to alcohol and drug abuse services.
Meeting times: Third Tuesday of each month, 5:00-7:00 p.m., Center for Community Health, 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Bldg. 17, Conference Room A, Vancouver, WA

36. Transportation Improvement Program Involvement Team (TIPIT)

Staff: Susan Wilson, Transportation Programming
Phone: (360) 397-6118 ext. 4330
Number of members: 18
Role: Assists Clark County in developing its Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program.
Meeting times: As needed.

37. Urban County Policy Board

Staff: Pete Munroe, Department of Community Services and Corrections
Phone: (360) 397-2130
Number of members: All city mayors (with the exception of Vancouver) and one Clark County commissioner
Role: Provides commissioners with CDBG funding recommendations, adopts procedures and criteria for allocation, and ensures county-wide benefit of CDBG funds to low and moderate income populations.
Meeting times: Second Friday of each month, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Center for Community Health, 1601 E. Fourth Plain Boulevard, Building 17, Vancouver, WA.

38. Weed Management Board

Staff: Phil Burgess, Director
Phone: (360) 397-6140
weed.management@clark.wa.gov
Number of members: 5 (elected by district)
Role: To control noxious weeds within the boundaries of Clark County in accordance with state law (RCW 17.10) and associated rules, regulations and laws.
Meeting times: First Monday of each month, 1:30 p.m. (if the Monday is a county holiday--the meeting is held the following Monday.) 11104 NE 149th Street, Building C, Suite 200, Brush Prairie, WA. No meetings August, November, December, and January.

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Advisory Boards