Commissioners hear clinic, other business

Wahkiakum County commissioners on Tuesday heard the latest update in staffing at the Cowlitz Family Health Center clinic in Cathlamet and handled other business, including a discussion of the county's comprehensive plan.

Health center Executive Director Dian Cooper reported that one of the clinic's two physician's assistants, Kat Harshman, has resigned and will move out of the area for another job at the end of October. The other, Val Clark, who had been working on a temporary contract, has signed a full time contract.

The center has started recruiting to fill Harshman's position, Cooper said, and in the meantime, Dr. Gerardo Melgar, the health center's medical director, will take appointments.

The center has also hired Cathlamet resident Sandi Benbrook Rieder as clinic manager, a move which the commissioners welcomed.

"I'm pleased with the hiring of Sandi," said Commissioner Blair Brady.

Wahkiakum County Health and Human Services will host their second Annual Living Well In Wahkiakum County Health Fair on November 5 at the Grays River Valley Center.

Cameron said they would have double the exhibitors they had last year. To cover event expenses, they'll pay a fee; the Health Department will pay $500, and, if the commissioners agree, the county will pay $500.

Coordinator Terrie Howell said expenses include the facility cost, lunch, and utilities.

Commissioners voted to pay a $500 contribution.

Lily Kolditz, chair of the county Real Property Rights Advisory Committee, asked commissioners how the committee can have input on the county's draft comprehensive plan update.

Commissioners formed the committee about three years ago in response to citizen fears that including the county in a federal conservation area program would limit property rights.

Kolditz said committee members are very concerned about provisions in the proposed update. Much of the language comes from the federal Environmental Protection Agency and will limit rights of property owners, she said.

Brady commented that counties have successfully lobbied at the state and federal level to rein in the EPA and proposals that would increase the agency's control over wetlands and waterways.

Commission Chair Dan Cothren said the commissioners plan to get back to work on the plan, which has been shelved for several years, and Kolditz and the advisory committee could comment during public hearings which would be held prior to adopting the update.

In public comment to the board, Puget Island resident Harvey Jones said commissioners should be concerned about the suspension of constitutional rights within 100 miles of the coastline.

"It doesn't matter what state or federal officials say; we have the right to rule ourselves," he said.

Commissioner Mike Backman said the commission had received a copy of Jones's concerns and referred them to Prosecuting Attorney Dan Bigelow for interpretation.