Columbia County appoints planning and transit advisors, directs contract planning hire and opens internal compliance recruitment

Columbia County commissioners on Wednesday approved several personnel and contracting items, appointing a new planning commissioner and two transportation advisory members, and directing staff to negotiate a planning contract and open an internal recruitment for a land-use compliance lead.

The actions consolidate short-term staffing gaps in the county’s planning and transit work after the county’s planning manager recently resigned and the transit advisory committee sought additional members. Commissioners voted by voice to approve the items during the Feb. 5 work session.

Brandon Hysowski, who told the board he has worked in planning and economic development and currently serves as assistant director of planning and sustainability at Portland State University, described his approach to Oregon land-use law and public service during his appointment interview. "Senate Bill 100 ... really outlined that we want to preserve and protect our natural resources," Hysowski said, adding he prefers in-person service and would recuse himself from votes where a conflict exists.

Commissioners moved to appoint Hysowski to a voting position on the Columbia County Planning Commission (shown in materials as position number 5). The motion passed by voice vote. The board also appointed Angela Rose and Brandy Johnson to open seats on the Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee; the board noted those appointments will help broaden area representation, including Deer Island and northern parts of the county.

On staffing and contracts, the board directed staff to negotiate a personal-services contract with Winterberg Planning (selected from an RFQ) to provide short-term planning services while recruitment and staffing are resolved. County staff said the county expects a ballpark not-to-exceed annual amount in the low tens of thousands of dollars and will return to the board with a final contract for approval after the required protest period.

Separately, commissioners approved a new job description for a Land Use Compliance Lead and voted to open an internal recruitment for that position for the minimum internal posting period. Staff said the move is intended to promote from within while the county manages a temporary staffing shortfall.

Votes at a glance: - Appoint Brandon Hysowski to Planning Commission (position presented as number 5). Outcome: approved by voice vote. - Appoint Angela Rose to Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (position shown in packet). Outcome: approved by voice vote. - Appoint Brandy Johnson to Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee, position number 7. Outcome: approved by voice vote. - Authorize staff to negotiate a personal-services contract with Winterberg Planning and return a final contract for board approval. Outcome: approved; contract to be presented on a future consent or regular agenda. - Approve job description for Land Use Compliance Lead and open internal recruitment. Outcome: approved.

County staff said Winterberg Planning was the recommended bidder from three responses to the RFQ; staff will finalize a not-to-exceed amount and present the fully executed contract for formal board approval. The board members who spoke encouraged prompt recruitment while emphasizing internal promotion where feasible.

The appointments and contracting steps come as the county seeks to maintain permitting and planning capacity while it fills a departing planning-manager job and increases outreach for transit service and planning work. Staff will report back with finalized procurement paperwork and recruitment timelines.