Vancouver, WA — Recent work by the Clark County Auditor’s Office found oversight and monitoring of the County’s Purchasing Card (P-Card) Program has improved since a 2013 audit. Also, the number of p-cards issued and the total dollar value of transactions in the program are growing which increases savings to the County. The Auditor’s 2013 audit determined the p-card program was built upon best practices, being used appropriately and achieving its objectives. However, gaps existed in County policy and the program’s oversight, monitoring, and controls could be improved.

Vancouver, WA – Clark County’s timber harvest activities garnered high marks for environmental protection and sustainability during a recent audit by a Washington-based non-profit dedicated to healthy forests. The audit documented sustainable forestry practices under a program administered by the county’s Environmental Services department. Forest stewardship plans for Camp Bonneville and Green Mountain target selective harvest, small patch cuts, habitat creation and understory planting to support diverse plants and animals.

Vancouver, WA – Documents covering proposed changes to the local growth management plan have been submitted to the Washington Department of Commerce for the state review required to update the plan.

Two binders of material on the county’s “preferred alternative” were transmitted last week. Topics include proposed changes to zoning, urban growth areas and county code. The package also includes:

Vancouver, WA -- Clark County and regional partners will look for new options to recycle block foam after the only processor in the Portland-Vancouver area stopped accepting the material. Clark County Environmental Services learned earlier this month that Far West Recycling in Portland is no longer accepting block foam for processing. Consequently, Empower Up, 3206 N.E. 52nd St., will no longer accept block foam. The county has contracted with Empower Up since 2011 to receive block foam and prepare it for processing in Portland.

Vancouver, WA – The Board of County Councilors is seeking applicants for an open position on the volunteer Animal Protection & Control Advisory Board. The position is for an at large member who lives anywhere in Clark County. The term ends Oct. 31, 2019. Advisory board members meet quarterly at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at Clark County Operations Division, 4700 N.E. 78th St.

Vancouver, WA – Ongoing work to improve the Northeast 78th Street-47th Avenue intersection in the Hazel Dell area will require three weekend road closures. Northeast 78th Street will be closed to all traffic at the intersection from: • 9 p.m. Thursday, May 14, to 6 a.m. Monday, May 18. • 9 p.m. Thursday, May 21, to 6 a.m. Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day). • 9 p.m. Friday, May 29, to 6 a.m. Monday, June 1. During the closures, drivers will need to use alternate routes such as Northeast Andresen Road, Northeast 63rd Street or 88th Street and Northeast St. Johns Road.

Vancouver, WA - The Clark County Law Enforcement Officers’ and Fire Fighters’ Disability Board is seeking applications from local residents to serve a two-year term as an at large member, beginning Aug. 1, 2015. The volunteer board meets the second Thursday of each month from 1:15-2:15 p.m. The five-member board establishes rules, procedures and administrative policies to ensure compliance with provisions of RCW 41.26, the Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters Retirement System Act.

Vancouver, WA – Nearly 1,000 Clark County residents participated in the first three recycling events where they properly disposed of household hazardous waste and recycled used electronics and other household items.

The events, in Yacolt, Camas and Ridgefield, netted 145,800 pounds of household hazardous waste and other items. In addition, residents donated 1,846 pounds of nonperishable food to local food banks.

Household hazardous waste includes cleaners, oil-based paint, solvents and other items that should not be put into the trash or poured down drains.

Vancouver, WA – With spring in the air, it is a great time to head outdoors for a hike. Clark County has many recreational sites, including scenic properties and habitat conservation areas within the Legacy Lands program. To encourage visits, Clark County will feature areas open to the public while celebrating the program’s 30th anniversary this year. Two events will showcase Legacy Lands this month at the La Center Bottoms Wetlands, just south of Sternwheeler Park. • 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6 – Join the Vancouver Audubon Society for a guided bird watching tour.

Doug Lasher, Clark County Treasurer, stated that first-installment property taxes are due on Thursday, April 30, 2015.

“If you have not received your 2015 first-installment tax statement or have lost it, you can visit our website at www.clark.wa.gov/treasurer or contact the Treasurer’s Office at 397-2252 for a duplicate statement.”

The Treasurer’s Office is located on the second floor of the Public Service Center at 1300 Franklin St., one block north of the Clark County Court House.