Human Services Advisory Council forwards seven applicants to Clatsop County Board for approval

At its meeting, the Human Services Advisory Council voted to forward seven advisory-council applications to the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners for final approval. Linda moved that the council "approve the 7 that were presented to go to the board of commissioners," and Amy Baker seconded; the motion passed with members verbally recorded as "Aye."

The package to be referred includes three incumbent members who reapplied ("myself, Julia, and Linda," as stated by the meeting facilitator) and four candidates recommended by staff and council members: Linda Whitney, Miranda Robinson, Kirsten Bergathon and Amber Bowman. Joseph Webb withdrew his application because of major health concerns, and Benjamin Gulby did not respond to outreach and is not being forwarded.

Monica told the council she will take the referrals to the Board of Commissioners' work session on July 24 and expects the board to consider final approval at its Aug. 14 meeting. Council members said they do not anticipate extended review but acknowledged the formal board process is required to complete appointments.

The council’s action was procedural: it referred candidates to the Board for a formal decision rather than making final appointments itself. The motion as recorded in the meeting passed; the transcript records three verbal "Aye" responses and no recorded opposition.

Next steps: the referrals will be placed on the commissioners' work-session agenda and then on the commissioners' meeting agenda for action in August. The council asked staff to circulate the meeting link to applicants and members who want to attend the board discussion.