Commissioners plan meetings on junked vehicle law

Wahkiakum County commissioners will hold public meetings next month to gather input on a possible ordinance regulating junked vehicles in the county.

Over 10 years ago, the board of commissioners considered a junked vehicle ordinance but didn't adopt it because of adverse public comment.

However, Commissioner Dan Cothren, who was on the board at that time, said Tuesday that it may be time to consider again such an ordinance.

"I've had calls," he said. "Maybe we're back there again."

Callers have expressed concern over the proliferation of junked vehicles in places throughout the county and their affect on property values, among other things.

"You get into property rights issues, and I'm there, but there are effects on neighbors," he said. "I think we need to have another meeting. Maybe it's time we revisit this. It's getting to where it needs to be addressed. There's a lot going on."

Commissioner Mike Backman suggested the board look at existing ordinances to see how they could be applied.

Cothren commented that at least one property owner seems to play games with officials: One day he'll leave vehicles hanging over the road pavement; the next day, he'll have moved the vehicles back off the right-of-way.

Commissioner Blair Brady said he had discussed the issue with law enforcement officials. The county covers health or abatement issues. However, in other areas, such as those involving water, no state agencies will act until oil or something harmful enters the water.

Brady suggested holding at least two meetings on the topic, both in the evening, and one in the Westend and one on the east side of KM Mountain to make it easy for people to attend.

"We represent everybody," Cothren said. "When they have concerns, we have to bring them out."

Commissioners also discussed having sample ordinances from other counties for suggestions and possibly a proposed ordinance to discuss.