Camas City Workshop - April 20, 2026
Observer - Janet Hedgepath
Present in Person - Jennifer Senescu, Marilyn Boerke,, John Nohr, John Svilarich, Masha Eshghi, Mayor Steve Hogan
Excused: Martin Elzingre
Agenda and presentations at: https://www.cityofcamas.us/meetings#docaccess-c5a60cbf7e7c1a246d897fc5c289e2b9
Public Comment - two comments regarding the I-5 bridge replacement. One comment thanking the Council for the work they do.
Workshop Topics
1.Parks & Recreation Commission 2025 Review
Staff is stretched thin. With the opening of the splash pad, maintenance will have to go to a 7 day schedule as water quality is required to be checked daily. There is not enough time to collaborate with other groups, such as schools, to maximize capacity. The Community Center “needs help”. The department needs to develop a map of all assets for better management. They need a technology upgrade. Bottom line - they need money. They are putting together a proposal that will address the most pressing needs.
2. Professional Services Agreement for 2027 Harvest Unit Design
Agreement to map, permit, harvest and determine market value of the 2027 forest sale. Cost is $97,000 which they hope to recoup with the sale.This will be placed on the consent agenda May 4.
3. Professional Services Agreement with Annear Water Resources for Lake
Management Implementation Assistance
Camas is working with Clark County to manage the watershed. This will be placed on the May 4 agenda
4. Professional Services Agreement for Parallel STEP Main Design
The septic tank system was built in 1980. The material is worn in places and there is a lack of access. The service agreement will design a parallel main that will allow work on the present system. Item will be placed on the May 4 agenda.
5. Professional Services Agreement for Programming Logic Controller Upgrades at the WasteWater Treatment Plant (WWTP)
This project will replace worn gears at the water treatment plant. Item will be placed on the May 4 agenda
Staff comments - Well 13 will be turned on May 6 through the summer to meet summer water demand. Well 13 had higher levels of PFAs. Concern was expressed by councillors regarding the overall level of PFAs with the Well 13 introduction. Staff said they would be monitoring. If people were concerned they could purchase a water filter or bottled water. Councillor Svilarich noted that water filter systems that filtered PFAs were expensive and bottled water also contained PFAS. Staff said there were some brands that specified no PFAs (also more expensive)
Staff urged the need for lots of public outreach as the Council goes forward with a change of government
Public Works will do maintenance of cemeteries through the Parks and Recreation Dept.
There was a brief mention of a meeting with our congressional legislators who intimated that light rail may not be initially part of the bridge replacement but will come later.
Council Comments - moved to regular meeting
Public Comment - none
Camas City Council - April 20, 2026
Observer - Janet Hedgepath
Present in Person - Marilyn Boerke, Jennifer Senescu, John Nohr, Masha Eshghi, John Svilarich, Mayor Steve Hogan
Excused: Martin Elzingre
Agenda at: https://www.cityofcamas.us/meetings#docaccess-63aed5e4dcdae7313d840ddb78f0ed68
Public Comment - One comment from a representative of the Port of Camas-Washougal. The Port has a consultant and some funding for their airport master plan. Activities to come: 5/30 - fly-in, 7/31 Parkersville and music in the park kick-off, tabling at First Friday. The Port is sending a letter to the County Council supporting a Preferred Alternative that includes growth.
Consent Agenda - approved
Mayor - Proclamation of National Library Week
Council Assignments - Mayor Hogan announced Tim Hein for the planning commission and JPAC; Marsha Eshghi for the lodging tax commission. Councillors Nohr and Boerke raised questions about how assignments were made and the lack of discussion. A discussion ensued and it was hoped that future council assignments would be more transparent. The planning commission assignment went to Councilor Boerke.
Meeting Agenda
10.Public Hearing – Ordinance No. 26-002 Spring Omnibus Amending the 2026
Readopted Budget
Public Comment - one comment that Camas has more projects than it can afford. Sprawl contributes to the higher cost as the lower density requires more roads and utilities than the persons using them can sustain. Infill adds taxable property with out the greater infrastructure burden
Council closed public hearing and adopted the ordinance
11. Resolution No. 26-005 Revising the City of Camas Fee Schedule for 2026
Approved with removal of Section 2
12. Resolution No. 26-006 Setting a Public Hearing Concerning the Proposed Vacation of a Portion of NW Oregon Street
No public comment. Item approved and will be placed on the May 18 agenda
No public comment
No staff updates
Councillor Comments - kudos for the libraries and city events. In a joint meeting of the police and the homeless providers it was noted that what the police needed to better manage their interactions with the homeless was more DV training, mental health resources, shelters that accepted dogs, a central area to provide support services and more collaboration.