Boards and Commissions Vacancies - Spring 2020

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Per Board of Commissioners procedures, the County Administrative Office will solicit applications from individuals for a six-week period. Staff will keep the Commissioners apprised of applications received and of approaching deadlines.

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

Aging and Veteran Services Advisory Council – 2 positions available now; 3 available after Jun 30, 2020

Description: Planning for future services and reviewing current programs are two key roles for these 19 volunteers (13 regular and 6 alternate members). 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.
Member Description: Nineteen members (13 regular and 6 alternate) including: consumers over age 60, Minority, an elected official, Veterans Healthcare Provider, Veterans Provider, General Public, under 60 veteran and Rural
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: 5 to 10 hours per month
Meetings: Usually the third Thursday of every other month, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Contact: Janet Long, (503) 846-3081

Audit Committee – 1 position available now; 1 available after Jun 30, 2020

Description: Independent oversight is critical to the effectiveness of financial statement audits. The Audit Committee monitors audits of the County's finances, in the belief that access to knowledgeable individuals help prevent an excessive reliance on the expertise of the external auditor.
Member Description: Five members who are knowledgeable of accounting and auditing as demonstrated by professional employment in accounting, auditing, or finance, including one appointee from the membership of the Board of County Commissioners.
Term: 3 Years
Time Commitment: The two meetings are scheduled for 90-minutes each and can run shorter (most likely) or longer (less likely). So total time commitment is three hours.
Meetings: One meeting after the start of the fiscal year (July) and prior to the start of field work (October). The second meeting is in January after the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) is issued and prior to the Board accepting the financial statements at their first meeting in February.
Contact: Jack Liang, (503)846-8756

Board of Property Tax Appeals – 6 positions available after Jun 30, 2020

Description: State law established the Board of Property Tax Appeals to consider taxpayer petitions challenging real market value, maximum assessed, specially assessed and assessed value as determined by the County Assessor. The Board also considers requests to excuse penalties assessed for the late filing of real and personal property returns.
Member Description: Six members who are residents of the county and are not employees of the County or any taxing district within the county. Qualifications include knowledge of real estate, appraisal and assessment practices, patience, understanding and a sense of civic responsibility.
Term: 1 year
Time Commitment: Typically up to 10 days of hearings February-April; Board Members must be able to commit a minimum of five to ten days, and a one-day training conducted by the Oregon Department of Revenue.
Meetings: Typically a 2-3 month time commitment from February 1st to April 15th with Training & Hearings scheduled 2 days a week 8:00am to 4pm, Monday-Friday depending on appeal load.
Contact: Margarita Lopez, (503) 846-3913

Civil Service Commission – 2 positions available after May 31, 2020

Description: The Civil Service Commission is comprised of five volunteers, one from each of the Commissioner districts, who provide a third-party review of the County's implementation and interpretation of Civil Service rules, which relate to aspects of the County’s hiring and other employment practices. Employees in Civil Service positions and candidates applying for positions that are covered under Civil Service may appeal to the Civil Services Commission alleging adverse personnel management decisions such as appointments, disciplinary actions and classification allocations. The Commission hears and decides appeals by employees and candidates for employment.
Member Description: Five members who are registered voters within the county. No member of the Commission shall be a member of the governing body or an employee of the County or Clean Water Services except that any Commissioner may serve as a member of any other Civil Service Commission.
Term: 2 years
Time Commitment: Quarterly meetings, others as necessary
Contact: Eva LaBonte, (503) 846-4476

Columbia Pacific Economic Development District (Col-Pac) – 2 positions available now

Description: Col-Pac is a private non-profit organization established to assist in diversifying and strengthening the economy and livability of Northwest Oregon. The District covers all of Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook counties and the western part of Washington County (including Banks, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Gaston, and North Plains). Its mission is to promote and sustain healthy communities in the district through retention, diversification and expansion of the economic base. Col-Pac provides capacity building, coordination and establishment of basic economic development foundation building tools for NW Oregon.
Member Description: Governed by a 17-member volunteer Board of Directors, Col-Pac consists of local public and private leaders including representatives from county commissions, cities, ports, the private sector, workforce, and the minority community. Col-Pac also has a seven-member Loan Administration Board that oversees the District's Revolving Loan Fund.
Term: 2 years
Meetings: March of each year
Contact: Sia Lindstrom, (503) 846-8853

Cultural Coalition of Washington County (CCWC) – 5 positions available now and 3 positions available after Dec 31, 2020

Description: CCWC administers state funds directed to Washington County from the Oregon Cultural Trust. The CCWC distributes funds through a competitive grant program to Washington County-based arts, heritage and humanities organizations to address priorities identified in the Washington County Cultural Plan. The CCWC works to promote greater awareness of the cultural life of Washington County.
Member Description: Between nine and fifteen members who reside in Washington County or are members of a business or organization significantly involved in arts, heritage or humanities activities in Washington County.
Term: 3 years
Meetings: Typically meets the third Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. of the following months: Feb, May, Sept and Nov. Additional meetings required for members participating in the Grant Review process, or serving on other committees such as Grant Celebration or Communications committees.
Contact: Jodi Nielsen, (503) 846-3235

Enhanced Sheriff Patrol District/Urban Road Maintenance District Budget Committee (ESPD/URMD) – 4 positions available now and 1 position available after Jun 30, 2020

Description: Reviews the proposed budget developed for the Enhanced Sheriff's Patrol District in unincorporated Washington County.
Member Description: Board of Commissioners plus five residents of the county. Each County Commissioner appoints one member. The five residents must live within the ESPD boundaries.
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: Approximately two three-hour meetings every May that total 6 hours; additional meetings may be added.
Meetings: One three-hour evening meeting the second week in May to receive the proposed budget; staff does an overview of the budget via a PowerPoint presentation. The start time is 5:30 p.m., presentations from the Sheriff's Office and Land Use & Transportation are given. The second meeting is a public hearing on a Thursday evening two weeks after the first meetings. This meeting typically takes the better part of three hours and there is a time certain at 7:00 p.m. when the public can testify. Upon completion of the staff presentations and any public testimony, the Budget Committee is asked to consider approving the proposed budget. There are some years when additional meeting(s) with the Budget Committee take place prior to the May meetings. These meetings are publicly noticed.
Contact: Jack Liang, (503) 846-8756

Fair Board – 1 position available now and 1 position available after Dec 31, 2020

Description: The Fair Board’s primary function is to oversee the planning, preparation and production of the County Fair. It develops short- and long-term plans for the promotion and production of the County Fair and provides input to the County’s Facilities Maintenance Plan of the Fairgrounds.
Member Description: The Fair Board is comprised of seven members that are selected from a variety of interests determined by the Board of Commissioners, including, but not limited to: Agriculture, Livestock, Youth/Education, Exhibitors/Vendors, Urban Agriculture. In lieu of a citizen representative, one member may be from the Board of Commissioners.
Term: 3 years
Meetings: First Wednesday of every other month, 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Contact: Leah Perkins-Hagele, (503)648-1416

Fairgrounds Advisory Committee – 3 positions available now and 2 positions available after Dec 31, 2020

Description: The Fairgrounds Advisory Committee provides input on the priorities and development of the Fairgrounds Master Plan, and other plans including: capital projects, maintenance, non-fair marketing and other strategic initiatives. As advocates, this committee works with local partners and the community at-large to communicate and encourage participation in Fairground developments.
Member Description: Nine members who represent the county geographically and in fields of interest or occupation. Two members are ex officio: a member of the Board of Commissioners and the President of the Fair Board (or designee)
Term: 3 Years
Contact: Leah Perkins-Hagele, (503) 648-1416

Farm Board of Review – 1 position available after Jun 30, 2020

Description: The Farm Board of Review is an advisory panel to the County assessor. The Board meets every other year to inform the Assessor regarding farm land rents and other information pertaining to the valuation of farmland for property taxation as provided by Oregon law.
Member Description: Five members with a knowledge of agricultural land rents and current farming practices who are residents of the county. Two members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners, and two members are appointed by the County Tax Assessor. The other member is appointed by these four members.
Term: 2 years
Contact: Eric Olson, (503) 846-3932

Homeless Plan Advisory Committee (HPAC) – 2 positions available now

Description: HPAC shall provide oversight to the implementation of the plan and leadership in the development of additional resources to meet the ambitious goals of A Road Home: 10-year Plan to End Homelessness. Work will include reviewing the annual Work Plan, recommendations to the Housing and Supportive Services Network, increasing public awareness, recruiting community partners to implement the plan, advocating for additional public and private funding and resources to implement the goals of the plan.
Member Description: The 17-member committee includes a representatives from each of the following categories: Washington County Commissioner official, a mayor or city councilor, philanthropy, business, Housing Authority of Washington County, a nonprofit housing provider, a nonprofit service provider, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Community Corrections, state or federal entitlement/mainstream resource programs, a representative from the two major hospitals, a representative from the faith community, 3 citizens at-large and a homeless/formerly homeless consumer.
Term: 3 years
Contact: Annette Evans, (503)846-4760

Housing Authority Board of Directors – 1 position available now

Description: The Housing Authority of Washington County is the legal entity that owns properties; and the Department of Housing Services is the County agency that operates the programs, works with developers and provides services to meet the housing needs of low-income people in Washington County.
Facing ongoing reductions in federal housing support, the Housing Authority of Washington County and Department of Housing Services will continue to expand their entrepreneurial approach to funding low-income and affordable housing in Washington County. Partnerships are a key to the success of this work.
Member Description: The Housing Authority of Washington County Board of Directors is made up of the members of the Washington County Board of Commissioners plus two additional members: one member who is a resident assisted by the Housing Authority (Public Housing or Voucher program), and one At-Large position.
Term: 4 Years
Meetings: The first Tuesday of each month, as necessary
Contact: Melisa Dailey, (503) 846-4773

Metzger Park Local Improvement District Advisory Board – 4 positions available now and 2 positions available after Jun 30, 2020

Description: Maintains a proud tradition of overseeing the only park in the County supported through a Local Improvement District. The Board plans and helps with park maintenance needs, deals with the administrative issues involved in running an active urban park.
Member Description: Nine members (seven regular and two alternates) who own property within the Metzger Park Local Improvement District.
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per month, 4 times per year
Meetings: Fourth Monday at 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Carl Switzer, (503) 846-7001

North Bethany County Service District for Roads Budget Committee – 1 position available now and 2 positions available after Jun 30, 2020

Description: Reviews the proposed budget developed for the North Bethany County Service District for Roads in unincorporated Washington County.
Member Description: The Board of Commissioners plus five residents of the county. The five residents must live in the North Bethany CSDR.
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: Approximately two three-hour meetings every May that total 6 hours; additional meetings may be added.
Meetings: One three-hour evening meeting the second week in May to receive the proposed budget; staff does an overview of the budget via a PowerPoint presentation. The start time is 5:30 p.m., presentations from the Sheriff's Office and Land Use & Transportation are given. The second meeting is a public hearing on a Thursday evening two weeks after the first meetings. This meeting typically takes the better part of three hours and there is a time certain at 7:00 p.m. when the public can testify. Upon completion of the staff presentations and any public testimony, the Budget Committee is asked to consider approving the proposed budget. There are some years when additional meeting(s) with the Budget Committee take place prior to the May meetings. These meetings are publicly noticed.
Contact: Jack Liang, (503)846-8756

Northwest Area Commission on Transportation (NWACT) – 2 positions available now

Description: NWACT is an advisory body chartered by the Oregon Transportation Commission. NWACT addresses all aspects of transportation (surface, marine, air, and transportation safety) with primary focus on the state transportation system. NWACT considers regional and local transportation issues in northwest Oregon that affect the state system.
NWACT plays a key advisory role in the development of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which schedules funded transportation projects. NWACT establishes a public process for area project selection priorities for the STIP. Through that process, they prioritize transportation problems and solutions and recommend projects in their area to be included in the STIP.
Boundaries include: The entirety of Columbia, Clatsop and Tillamook counties and the western portion of Washington County including the cities of Banks and Gaston. The Washington County area includes Highway 47 to the southern city limits of Gaston excluding the city of Forest Grove, the east on US 26 and including the Dersham Rd interchange.
Member Description: Two Citizen-At-Large representing western Washington County (including Banks and Gaston), selected by the county’s commissioners. Members are non-elected citizens selected from private interests including but not limited to freight, trucking, bicycle, pedestrian, public transportation system, public interest advocacy groups, environmental, land use, local citizens, business, education, minority organizations, public safety providers, non-profit organizations, etc.
Term: 2 years
Time Commitment: 1 to 2 hours per month
Meetings: Fourth Monday, 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Sia Lindstrom, (503)846-8853

Park and Recreation Advisory Board – 5 positions available now; 3 positions available after Jun 30, 2020

Description: Provides advice on the maintenance, operations, and capital development needs of County parks, including Scoggins Valley Park / Henry Hagg Lake.
Member Description: Nine members who are residents of the county. Traditionally members appointed from all Commissioner districts.
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: 2 to 3 hours, 6 times per year
Meetings: Third Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Carl Switzer, (503) 846-7001

Planning Commission – 3 positions available now and 1 position available after Jan 31, 2021

Description: These nine appointed volunteers advise 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 on comprehensive plan and community development ordinances.
Member Description: 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 real estate. No more than two members can be engaged in the same occupation.
Term: 4 years
Time Commitment: 5 to 10 hours per month
Meetings: First Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. and third Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
Contact: Todd Borkowitz, (503) 846-3593

Public Health Advisory Council – 1 position available now; 7 positions available after Jan 31, 2021

Description: The Washington County Public Health Advisory Council (PHAC) has been appointed by the Washington County Board of Commissioners to fulfill any federal and state-mandated responsibilities and to advise the Board of Commissioners in its role as the Board of Health for Washington County. The Washington County Public Health Advisory Council will make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners and the Public Health Division Manager to improve the health and well-being of everyone in Washington County.
Member Description: The Council shall consist of a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 17 members representing many dimensions of the community and one non-appointed, non-voting position from the Washington County Board of Commissioners. The Public Health Advisory Council membership will seek to represent the whole community; members of communities that experience health and social inequities will be given preference for membership on the Council.
Term: 4 years
Time Commitment: 2 hours monthly
Meetings: At least 10 times annually; on the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7:30
Contact: Vivianna Lindley, (503) 846-8246

Public Safety Coordinating Council – 1 position available now

Description: Coordinates local criminal justice and juvenile justice policy. Makes recommendations for the use of state resources for public safety purposes.
Member Description: Includes members required by statute, including a State Court Judge, elected public safety and justice officials, other stakeholders from city, county and state agencies, and those members appointed by the Board of Commissioners.
Term: 2 years
Time Commitment: 4 hours or less per month; slightly more when involved with subcommittees
Meetings: Third Friday of every other month, 1:00 pm at the Washington County Community Corrections building 260 SW Adams Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97123
Contact: Erin Calvert, (503) 846-8685

Rural Roads Operations and Maintenance Advisory Committee (RROMAC) – 2 positions available now

Description: RROMAC studies rural road operations and maintenance concerns in Washington County, works with County staff to develop program and funding alternatives and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners.
Member Description: Twelve members who reside or have business interests in the county, all of whom serve as regular members and are appointed by the Board of Commissioners. In addition, there are two ex-officio members: one Commissioner appointed by the Board of Commissioners, and the LUT Operations Division Manager. Members represent different groups with an interest in rural roads.
Term: 4 years
Time Commitment: 2 hours per month
Meetings: Second Thursday, 7:30 a.m.
Contact: Sherri McFall, (503) 846-7615

Washington County and SDL No.1 Budget Committee – 2 positions available now and 2 positions available after Jun 30, 2020

Description: Reviews the proposed County budget submitted by the budget officer each fiscal year.
Member Description: Board of Commissioners plus five residents of the county. Each Commissioner/district is allocated an appointment, however the representative does not need to reside in the Commissioner's district.
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: Approximately two three-hour meetings every May that total 6 hours; additional meetings may be added.
Meetings: One three-hour evening meeting the second week in May to receive the proposed budget; staff does an overview of the budget via a PowerPoint presentation. The start time is 5:30 p.m., presentations from the Sheriff's Office and Land Use & Transportation are given. The second meeting is a public hearing on a Thursday evening two weeks after the first meetings. This meeting typically takes the better part of three hours and there is a time certain at 7:00 p.m. when the public can testify. Upon completion of the staff presentations and any public testimony, the Budget Committee is asked to consider approving the proposed budget. There are some years when additional meeting(s) with the Budget Committee take place prior to the May meetings. These meetings are publicly noticed.
Contact: Jack Liang, (503)846-8756

West Slope Community Library Advisory Board – 1 position available after Jun 30, 2020

Description: Help shape the future of the West Slope Library! The Board volunteers give insight and advice to the Director with a shared goal of creating a welcoming space for all community members to receive excellent library services. Meeting are open to the public.
Member Description: Five members who are registered users of the West Slope Library.
Term: 3 years
Meetings: 6 times per year: third Thursday of every other month, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Contact: Kristen Thorp, (503) 292-6416

The application deadline is April 7, 2020 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.

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