Washington County staff recommend appointments to parks advisory boards; commissioners raise water‑user representation concern

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ore. — Carl Switzer, Parks Division Manager, told the Board of Commissioners on June 23 that several vacancies exist on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Metzger Park Local Improvement District Advisory Board and staff have recommended specific appointments and reappointments.

Switzer said the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board — originally formed in 1966 — has nine seats with four positions to appoint now (three existing terms expiring and one mid‑term vacancy). He reported the Parks board recommended appointing Barry Bolding to fill a mid‑term vacancy through June 30, 2028, and reappointing M. Jansen, Patrick McGee and Nico Geary to terms ending June 30, 2029. For the Metzger Park Local Improvement District Advisory Board (seven members and two alternates) staff recommended appointing Roy Beatty and Vera Johnson to fill mid‑term vacancies through June 30, 2028, and reappointing Thomas McGowan and Jordan Silk and appointing Aaron LaFollette to terms ending June 30, 2029. Switzer noted alternate seats were not recommended because no other applicants were available.

Commissioners asked about geographic and use‑type representation on the Parks board, specifically whether any applicants were proximate to Eagle's Landing and whether the board included active canoe/kayak or other water users. One commissioner said they were not opposed to the recommendations but urged future recruitment to target boats and water‑users for that portfolio. Staff acknowledged an omitted applicant profile for Victoria Fisk in the packet and said it was considered by the advisory board despite the materials error.

The board asked staff to place the appointments on a future business meeting agenda for formal action.

No vote was taken at the work session.