One step closer to junk ordinance

Wahkiakum County commissioners have outlined their next steps in development of a junk and nuisance ordinance.

Coming off two public meetings in which audiences show overwhelming support for development of an ordinance to address collections of junked vehicles and similar items, commissioners will work with the prosecuting attorney's office to create their own draft. They'll also consult with the county planning commission and the property rights advisory board, sheriff's office, public works department and health department.

"Let's look at ordinances for other counties and involve the planning commission and property rights advisory group," said Commissioner Dan Cothren.

"We need a workshop with the parties you mentioned and to check with ordinances from other counties," said commission Chair Blair Brady.

Brady suggested looking at road right-of-way law to see if that couldn't be applied to address some of the problems. Right-of-way widths vary, and if the county could achieve a standard width, that might be effective. Also enhanced environmental and health regulations should be considered, he said.

"Let's start there and see if we can avoid an ordinance," Brady said.

Commissioner Mike Backman said he had received comments from people concerned that old discarded vehicles would have no titles or other documentation.

That's not a problem, he was told. Cothren, who works as a forest security officer, and Mike Mouliot, whose family operates a towing business, said that in cases of vehicles with no titles, law enforcement officers can investigate and, if no owner can be found, declare the vehicle junk which can be removed.

Cothren said he had noticed changes in some of the collections since the two public meetings. The owner of one troubled site has started cleaning it up, he said, but junk continues to accumulate at another site and has encroached on the roadway.