The Board of Clallam County Commissioners announces opportunities for residents to participate in county government with several advisory committees, including:
Agricultural Commission (five positions)
Established to act in an advisory capacity to research agricultural issues, provide information and convey the interests and desires of farmers and others in the agricultural community to the Board of Commissioners, positions are open for a farmer in Commissioner District I, a farmer in Commissioner District II, an at-large farmer and two non-farmers at-large to serve three-year terms.
Animal Issues Advisory Committee (two positions)
This committee serves as a liaison between the county and the contractor for animal shelter services and as an objective, fact-finding body when the board, the contractor or the Sheriff’s Office requests the advice of the committee. There are openings for a representative of tribal government and a representative of Friends of Forks Animals.
Board of Equalization (one position/expiring term)
The BOE receives appeals, holds hearings, evaluates evidence and issues determinations of the fair market value of property within the county in the case of disputes between the County Assessor and the property owner. Members are required to be U.S. citizens, residing in Clallam County for not less than two years. The District II (roughly Port Angeles) position is open.
Board of Health (two positions/expiring terms)
This board is responsible for all matters pertaining to the preservation of the life and health of the citizens of Clallam County, including: community health assessment, health status, preventable health risks, availability of resources; enacting rules, regulations, and policies to preserve, promote and improve the health status of Clallam County residents; assure high quality and effective public health services including control and prevention of any dangerous, contagious or infectious diseases; prevention, control and abatement of nuisances detrimental to public health; enforce public health statutes of the state and county; establish fee schedules for issuing and renewing licenses and permits or for other services authorized by the law and rules of the Washington State Board of Health. The hospital district commissioner and at-large positions are open.
Boundary Review Board (three positions)
Autonomous board that, upon request by any jurisdiction affected by a boundary change such as an annexation proposal, reviews the proposal and has broad powers to determine logical boundaries, transfer of services, and other matters. Operates under the authority of RCW 36.93. Public meetings are held as necessary. The county, city, and special districts positions are open.
Building Code Board of Appeals (one position)
The board hears and decides appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the Clallam County Building official relative to the application and interpretation of the codes. There is a position open for an alternate who must be either: a general contractor, civil or structural engineer or architect licensed in Washington with at least 10 years experience; an ICC-certified building official, building inspector or plans examiner; or ICC-certified fire marshal, fire inspector or fire plan examiner with at least 5 years of experience.
Chemical Dependency/Mental Health Program Fund Advisory Board (three positions)
This board advises the Board of Clallam County Commissioners on administration of the funding received from the imposed 1/10 of 1 percent sales tax allowed by RCW 82.14.460. There are openings for a designated representative of an agency delivering subsidized chemical dependency services, for a private provider of mental health services not contracting for funding and consumer/past consumer of chemical dependency/mental health services.
Civil Service Commission (one position because of an expiring term)
This commission makes suitable rules and regulations; gives practical tests to applicants; makes investigations regarding the operation of the Sheriff’s Office; and, upon the petition of a citizen after proper verification, conducts hearings and investigations; hears and determines appeals or complaints; certifies the person highest on the eligibility list; keeps records. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen with two or more years residency in Clallam County who does not hold any salaried public office or work for the county. There is a position open for a member affiliated with the Republican Party.
Clallam Bay/Sekiu Sewer Advisory Committee (three positions)
This committee is responsible for gathering accurate information regarding Clallam Bay/Sekiu sewer operations, rates and billing procedures, and making recommendations to the Board of Commissioners.
Fair Advisory Board (four positions/expiring terms)
This board acts in an advisory capacity to assist the county commissioners in planning, developing, organizing and operating the Clallam County Fair and fairgrounds. Positions are open for representatives of the Grange, at-large, home arts/hobbies and crafts and livestock.
Homelessness Task Force (three positions)
The board is responsible for advising the Clallam County commissioners on various matters related to homelessness in the county. There are openings for a representative of tribal government, the law and justice system, and an advocate for veterans’ issues.
Marine Resource Committee (four positions)
The Marine Resource Committee advises the county commissioners regarding issues related to the marine resources of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and its bays, estuaries and inlets within the borders of Clallam County. The current openings include a representative of the Makah Nation, Clallam Bay/Sekiu community, commercial fishers and sport fishers.
North Pacific Coast Marine Resources Committee (two positions)
Assists in understanding, stewarding and restoring the marine and estuarine ecological processes of the North Pacific coast of Washington within the boundaries of Clallam and Jefferson counties in support of ecosystem health, sustainable marine resource-based livelihoods, cultural integrity and coastal communities. Members represent conservation/environmental groups, recreational groups, economic groups and the scientific community. There are openings for a representative of conservation/environmental groups and for economic groups.
Noxious Weed Control Board (one position)
This board oversees the control and eradication of noxious weed infestations in the county. The five-member board, serving four-year terms, consists of representatives of each of the five geographic areas. Questions regarding geographic areas should be directed to Cathy Lucero, noxious weed coordinator, 417-2442. The Geographic Area 3 (the area west of Morse Creek including the entire City of Port Angeles plus the area around Lake Crescent and Lake Sutherland) position is open.
Park And Recreation Advisory Board (one position)
Assists the county in delivery of park and recreation services to its residents and visitors. Under the direction of the Board of Clallam County Commissioners through the Director of Parks, Fair and Facilities, the board holds public meetings as necessary, advises and assists the county in developing reasonable rules and regulations for the operation of county parks and other recreational facilities, and reviews park acquisitions and development strategies.
Peninsula Housing Authority (one position)
This is an autonomous, local entity created by state enabling legislation and operating under a contract with the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to provide and maintain low-income housing for residents of Clallam and Jefferson counties. The Peninsula Housing Authority commissioners function similarly to the Board of Directors of a private corporation. Its primary role is establishing policy for the public housing program including personnel, occupancy, lease, grievance and rent collection. The board also selects and employs the executive director of the authority who is responsible for the day-to-day operation and carrying out board policies.
Permit Advisory Board (advisory, five positions)
This board makes recommendations to the county commissioners for changes to the Clallam County Building Code. There are openings in the building trades, engineer (structural/civil), economic development council, environmental consultant and propane/wood stove contractor categories.
Public Health Advisory Committee (five positions)
This committee acts in an advisory capacity to plan for and make recommendations to the Board of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services regarding community assessment information, public health policy options and emerging concerns. Volunteers should have an interest in public health policy options, emerging health concerns, communicable diseases, environmental health and/or disease prevention.
Sheriff’s Citizens Advisory Committee (five positions)
Advises the Sheriff regarding issues related to the Sheriff’s Office and serves as an open link of communication between the office and community. Positions are open for representatives of the unincorporated area surrounding Sequim, the unincorporated area surrounding Forks, the Quileute Tribe, Makah Nation and Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.
Solid Waste Advisory Committee (two positions)
The committee assists in the implementation of programs and policies concerning solid waste handling and disposal, and reviews and comments on proposed changes to the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan. There are openings for a representative of Murrey’s Olympic Disposal and tribal government.
Trails Advisory Committee (10 positions)
This committee makes recommendations to the board and other appointed bodies of Clallam County government regarding non-motorized transportation and trail-related issues. Although the committee continues to meet, all terms expired in 2009. There are vacancies for representatives in the following categories: Sequim area trails advocacy group, Port Angeles area trails advocacy group, Western area trails advocacy group, Straits area trails advocacy group, Olympic National Park, Department of Natural Resources, large private forest company, City of Port Angeles, City of Sequim and off-road motorized user groups.
How to apply
Call the commissioners office at 417-2233, visit their office in the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles, or obtain the application online at www.clallam.net/Board/assets/applets/Boards_and_Committees_Full_Application.pdf.
Note: Current members with expiring terms who seek reappointment are asked to provide a written statement by facsimile (417-2493), by mail (223 E. Fourth St., Suite 4, Port Angeles, WA 98362), or by e-mail (tholden@co.clallam.wa.us). Applications must be received by close of business, March 1.
