Board approves regional housing work plan

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners held their weekly meeting Wednesday, April 1 at the John Gumm Building. Elected Commissioners Casey Garrett, Margaret McGruder and Kellie Jo Smith were in attendance. The meeting is open to the public and available online. During open comment, a resident questioned Commissioner Garret’s ongoing tenure as an acting commissioner given recent censures.

Executive director of SAFE of Columbia County Nithish Thomas was the meeting’s first speaker, presenting April as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and SAFE’s work to help local residents. “Nationally, one in three women experience sexual violence and someone is assaulted every 68 seconds,” said Thomas. “What's important to understand is that most survivors know the person who harmed them. This isn't something that happened somewhere else. This is happening in Columbia County. Behind each of these numbers is a real person often navigating this in silence. SAFE exists to make sure survivors don't have to go through this alone. We provide 24/7, crisis line, emergency shelter support with navigating the food process and connecting to legal resources and ongoing support through counseling and support groups. We also focus on prevention, working with schools and community partners to educate and raise awareness. All of our services are free and confidential, removing barriers for those who need help”.

Thomas noted in the last quarter SAFE served 197 individuals in Columbia County (183 women, 10 men) seeking help from domestic and sexual violence. “The need is real and it is growing,” said Thomas. The board read a proclamation formally recognizing April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Columbia County.

Public Health Director Jaime Aanensen sought approval regarding minor changes to two health specialist job descriptions and to begin open recruitment and hiring. Aanensen also noted the opening of a hospital specialist position. Discussion was held surrounding stipulations, requirements, and compliance needs. Aaenensen said these are challenging positions to recruit for because they require specialized experience and certification. A proposal was made to find part-time help or alternatives if the positions aren’t quickly filled, given the upcoming event season.

Consent agenda items included approving a variety of invoices and payments for March 25. The board also approved personnel action for Riley Baker, which was effective Wednesday, April 1, and authorized the board chair to sign. Approvals were given on the presented work plan document for Northwest Oregon Regional Housing Rehabilitation Program, Oregon Community Development Block Grant H23007. The project is forecasted to be complete by Thursday, Oct. 1. The board also approved a Six Remnant Defendant Combined Subdivision Participation and Release Form and authorized County Counsel Sarah Hanson to sign it.

A number of Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) items were on the docket, including approving the OLCC Annual Renewal Application #381316 for the Off-Premises Sales for the Scappoose Market; approval of OLCC special-event licenses for Wigwam Tavern, River City Speedway in St. Helens for: Speedway, Alternate Play Day Test & Tune Events Sunday, April 19 and Sunday, April 26; Speedway, Season Opener Event on Sunday, May 3; Speedway Event on Sunday, May 10; Speedway Armed Forces Night Event Sunday, May 24; and Speedway Ladies Night Event Monday, May 25. The 2026 Columbia Century Challenge Road Event was awarded a permit for the Saturday, June 13 event with the Public Works Director authorized to sign.

Contracts and agreements from Wednesday’s meeting included the approval of C37-2026 SAVNS Intergovernmental Agreement #7126 with the Oregon Department of Corrections; approval of C38-2026, indemnity agreement for the 2026 Columbia Century Challenge Road Event Permit for Sat, June 13; approval of C39-2026, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, County Opportunity Grant Program Agreement, and authorization for the chair to sign.