Submitted by Observer Janet Hedgepath
Agenda and meeting materials - https://clark.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/pc-work-session-agenda-for-06-26-2025_0.pdf
Members Present:
Jack Harroun - Vice Chair
Brian Halpert
Kyle Fadness
Mark Bergthold
Members Absent:
Jeremy Baker
Karl Johnson
Eldon Wogen
Comp Plan Policy:
Environmental Element (Chapter 4) https://clark.wa.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/2025-06/chapter-4-environmental-element-goals-and-policy-table.pdf
Staff presented their suggestions for modifications and rationales. They fell into four categories: (specifics are highlighted in the environmental goals table above)
1) language - minor edits
2) changes by subject matter experts - Dept of Energy (DOE) and partner community agencies
3) incorporating comments of Climate Action Group (CAG) - most of the policies are in the new (previously reviewed) chapter on climate. Some of them made more sense incorporated in this chapter
4) identifying specific applicable goals - notations to flag already existing policies that support resiliency or reduction of greenhouse gasses (GHG)
Commissioner Comments
C. Bergthold - called out a policy to acquire lands for conservation and restoration efforts. He asked if there were any budgetary restraints when this policy competed with other County priorities.
Ans - staff reminded commissioners that these policies were a “super high level view” rather than specific actions. The County already has a program (with state funds) to acquire lands for conservation and restoration
C. Fadness - noted that the policy called for incentivizing restorative landscape and asked what happened if there was no money to do that.
Ans - how successful the efforts are will depend on how creative the County is in devising incentives - also hope that state will help fund
C. Harroun - in soliciting reviews and community input why is the Cowlitz Tribe named. Do they have some special expertise?
Ans - it is common practice to coordinate and consult with tribes - some laws require it
Capital Facilities and Utilities (Chapter6) https://clark.wa.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/2025-06/chapter-6-capital-facilities-and-utilities-element-goals-and-policy-table_0.pdf
There were two new pieces covering climate change and solid waste - some policies are in the Climate Chapter. The waste management plan will incorporate composting and has a goal of reducing landfill waste.
Commissioner Comments
C. Fadness - was concerned about some of the language around storm water and then wondered why it had to be written out if it was law and non-negotiable.
Ans - document has to be consistent with laws
C, Harroun - was concerned about the language to integrate renewables. He asked if there is a clear definition of clean energy (there is in Chap 14 which was reviewed on June 5th). He asked if there was any protection for the public. He envisioned Waste Connections increasing garbage rates. He thought a consumer owned operation would be cheaper than a corporate one.
Ans - rates and fees are in the County managed contract. It is very challenging to site waste and recycling facilities. No neighborhood wants them
C. Halpert - back to clean energy definition. Staff cites state definition in RCW 14.17.3
Oliver Orjiako closed the meeting noting that all counties were told they had to get to net zero waste. The questions are - how do we get there? Can we afford it? How quickly can we move? All the answers take time, money and changed behaviors.