The following information is in response to a media request for information regarding deaths investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Date of death: 01/21/2020
Location: Vancouver, WA
Decedent Name: Crepeau, Taylor, T.
Decedent Age: 14 Yrs
Resident of: Vancouver, WA
The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:
Cause of death: Multiple Blunt Force Injuries
Due to: Automobile-Pedestrian Collision
Manner of death: Accident
How injury occurred: Pedestrian struck by motor vehicle (pickup truck) in roadway.
Decedent Name: Friedt, Andrew A.
Decedent Age: 17 Yrs
Resident of: Vancouver, WA
The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:
Cause of death: Multiple Blunt Force Injuries
Due to: Automobile-Pedestrian Collision
Manner of death: Accident
How injury occurred: Pedestrian struck by motor vehicle (pickup truck) in roadway.
Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to the Vancouver Police Department.
Nikki J. Costa
Operations Manager
Vancouver, Wash. ??' The Clark County Audit Oversight Committee today met to consider a recent performance audit of countywide contract maintenance. The internal audit is available on the county website at: https://www.clark.wa.gov/auditor/audit-reports.
Audit Conclusion
Contract maintenance in Clark County is limited by a lack of vision, communication, coordination, and training.
In particular, current county policies and practices do not address data interdependencies between departments with shared responsibilities over fiscal management and external reporting requirements.
As a result of a decentralized structure and shared responsibilities, departments have implemented a variety of tools and systems to meet their needs. While necessary to address unique requirements, the decentralized structure with shared responsibilities also created some duplication as a number of systems attempt to meet different needs with similar information.
Our testing found data in departmental files and systems were generally inconsistent. Contract files required by county policy also lacked consistency or were incomplete. Reports from departmental contracting systems were not reliably on time. A lack of contract maintenance standards at state and county levels contributed to the inconsistencies. Limited training for contracting staff was a widespread issue.
Recommendations
County policy should be updated to acknowledge departments’ shared responsibilities and clearly define their roles. Policy also should address oversight, testing, and additional internal controls to implement standards. These standards should address issues such as the consistency and timeliness of access to contract maintenance data.
The county should develop a countywide index of all contracts and required supporting files. The index ideally would include standard financial contracts as well as non-financial documents. It would improve communication and increase opportunities for departments to coordinate shared responsibilities.
Lastly, the county should identify training requirements for staff with contract maintenance responsibilities and establish and implement a training program.
“This is an issue the County needs to address,” said Auditor Greg Kimsey. “We hope that by identifying core issues and suggesting potential solutions, we will help the county establish a capable and resilient contract maintenance process.”
The county’s Audit Services Department conducts performance audits, internal control reviews, and provides other services to county management. For more information, go to the county’s website at https://www.clark.wa.gov/auditor/internal-auditperformance-audit-services-overview.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Finance Committee is scheduled to meet at 9:30 am Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020. The meeting is open to the public.
The meeting will be held in Conference Room 243, second floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.
The agenda includes discussion of the Fourth-Quarter 2019 County Finance Report.
Vancouver, Wash. Clark County recognizes that older adults are valuable contributors to the vitality of this community. To encourage and support older adults for their contributions to their communities, the Clark County Commission on Aging has established a program to recognize older adults by means of an annual award presented at the State of the County event.
The award is open to any county resident 65 years or older who has enhanced the community through their life’s work, engagement of others, volunteerism or selfless acts of service to the community. Service in any field of endeavor will be considered (e.g., education, radio, television, business, healthcare, art, music, journalism, faith-based, athletics, politics, volunteer service). A couple may receive the award jointly when both have been involved in service and various community endeavors.
All nominations must be received no later than 5 pm, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020. Award criteria and nomination forms can be found on the Commission on Aging’s webpage at www.clark.wa.gov/aging.
The Commission on Aging, supported by the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members.
For more about the commission, visit www.clark.wa.gov/aging.
Vancouver, Wash. – Changes to property taxes impacting Clark County residents took effect beginning Jan. 1, 2020. Clark County residents will see continued changes in education property taxes, implementation of higher income levels for the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Exemption and Deferral programs and graduated Real Estate Excise Tax (REET).
The Clark County Assessor and Treasurer will host a Property Tax Town Hall at 6 pm Tuesday, Jan. 28, at the Battle Ground Community Center, in the Lewis River Reception Hall to explain these changes and answer questions. The Community Center is located at 912 E. Main St.
Prior to the town hall, the Assessor’s Office will hold an outreach event for seniors and people with disabilities at the Battle Ground Community Center from 2:30-5:30 pm. This event is designed to answer questions residents may have about the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Exemption and Deferral Programs.
The Clark County Assessor’s Office administers the exemption and deferral programs which are designed to provide tax relief to qualifying homeowners. It is estimated an additional 16,000 people may qualify based on data received by the 2017 U.S. Census Bureau-American Community Survey.
The Washington State Legislature approved changes to the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Exemption and Deferral Programs when it passed Senate Bill 5160 last session.
Starting with 2020 taxes, the qualifying program requirements are:
“With the new income levels now in effect, we want to try to reach as many seniors and people with disabilities as possible,” said Assessor Peter Van Nortwick. “We have fought for years to align income levels to the median incomes, and it is exciting to be able to deliver.”
Clark County Treasurer Alishia Topper is partnering with the Assessor’s Office to ensure notice of the new requirements reach as many qualifying people as possible.
“Collaboration and partnership between elected offices is the best way to have a positive impact on the people we serve. I’m committed to speak to as many seniors and veterans with disabilities as possible to ensure they have an opportunity to apply,” said Treasurer Topper.
The Assessor encourages anyone interested in learning more about the exemption or deferral programs to contact his office by:
To learn more about Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5160 as passed by the legislature visit: http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2019-20/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Passed%20Legislature/5160-S.PL.pdf
Vancouver, Wash. – There’s still time to respond to Clark County Community Services’ survey regarding the needs of low-income families. The survey, which can be completed online or on paper, will take approximately 15 minutes. It is strictly confidential.
The survey began in November and is available through Friday, Jan. 31.
An online version is available at www.surveymonkey.com/r/2020CNANeedsSurvey in English, Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese.
Paper copies in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese and Chuukese are available from human services providers such as agencies that offer housing, food, clothing, health services and employment assistance.
If you are unable to obtain a paper copy from a service provider, please contact Rebecca Royce at 546.397.7863 or ebecca.royce@clark.wa.gov">rebecca.royce@clark.wa.gov.
Community Services is required to conduct a needs survey every three years. The results are used to help prioritize which programs and services will be funded in our community with Community Service Block Grant awards.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is seeking applicants for two volunteer positions on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission.
One position represents Clark County at-large and is open to all residents. The other position represents Clark County agriculture. Applicants for the agriculture position should currently be involved in or have a background in one of the following areas:
The three-year terms begin as soon as the positions are filled and end Dec. 31, 2022.
Commission members act as representatives of their regions or stakeholder groups and advise the county council on solid waste issues, such as recycling, garbage collection, landfills, transfer stations and waste-reduction programs. Members also, at times, participate in solid waste-related projects and engage in the policy process.
The commission meets at 6 pm on the first Thursday of February, May, August and November. Meetings are at the Center for Community Health, 1601 E Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver.
Applicants should send a résumé and letter of interest to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver 98666-5000.
Applications also can be sent by email to Michelle.Pfenning@clark.wa.gov or fax to 360.397.6058.
The letter of interest should include:
Application deadline is 5 pm Friday, Jan. 24.
Visit the Solid Waste Advisory Commission website for more information.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Commission on Aging will present a summary of its seventh year of work to the Clark County Council on Wed., Jan. 15. The 4:30 p.m. meeting will be in the sixth-floor hearing room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. It is open to the public.
Commission members will present a report on the 2019 healthy community series and discuss plans for a Healthy Communities Summit scheduled for Apr. 9. They will make recommendations about cultivating healthy communities in Clark County for those who wish to age in place. Healthy, livable communities are safe, have walkable streets, accessible housing and transportation options, provide access to needed services, and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life. The commission will also outline their 2020 work program, which will focus on community engagement and advocacy.
The Commission on Aging, supported by the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members.
For more about the commission, visit www.clark.wa.gov/aging.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is requesting applications for two volunteer positions on the Mosquito Control District Board of Trustees.
Terms for the two at-large positions begin as soon as the positions are filled and run through Dec. 31, 2021.
The Board of Trustees oversees the work of the Clark County Mosquito Control District. The board establishes policy, manages expenditures and approves contracts for services. Clark County Public Health provides administrative services for the district.
The Board of Trustees is comprised of one member from each city or town in Clark County and three at-large members appointed by the Clark County Council.
The board meets quarterly on the second Tuesday of February, May, August and November. The meetings begin at 7 pm at the Mosquito Control Shop, 8115 NE St. Johns Road, Vancouver.
For more information, visit the Board of Trustees website.
Applicants should send a résumé and letter of interest to Michelle Pfenning, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver 98666-5000. Applications also can be sent by email to Michelle.Pfenning@clark.wa.gov or fax to 360.397.6058.
The application deadline is 5 pm Friday, Jan. 17.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is seeking community members with expertise in or experience with people with intellectual/developmental disabilities to serve on the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board.
Three positions, each with a different focus, must be filled.
One position is for a person representing customers and families of young adults with developmental disabilities, particularly those who use county and state services. The second position is for a person with knowledge of special education. The third position is for a person with interest or expertise in early childhood education and services for young children.
The advisory board makes recommendations to the county council relating to developmental disabilities services and issues. Members provide leadership to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of community programs.
Clark County values diversity and encourages people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to apply.
The advisory board meets at 5:15 pm the first Wednesday of every month at the Center for Community Health, conference room C210, 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd.
To apply, please send a letter of interest and résumé to Tina Redline, Clark County Council, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 or email to edline@clark.wa.gov">tina.redline@clark.wa.gov.
Application deadline is 5 pm Monday, Jan. 27, 2020.
Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council has approved the Historic Preservation Commission’s recommendation to fund eight projects for the 2020 Historical Promotions Grant program. The grants total $50,000.
The grant recipients are:
The council also awarded an additional $8,000 for a Historic Preservation Commission preservation project for an interpretive panel installation in downtown Camas.
The Historical Promotion Grants program is designed to increase awareness and education to better preserve, exhibit, and/or interpret local history and historic preservation.
Applicants must be either a non-profit organization or public entity within the boundaries of Clark County that promotes our local history. Applicants also must either operate or own a museum or similar historical institution or perform educative, interpretive, or similar activities.
Clark County’s Historic Preservation Commission reviews the applications and makes recommendations to the county council.
For more information on the Historical Promotional Grant program, go to https://www.clark.wa.gov/community-planning/historical-promotion-grants-program.