Planning Dept. Sees Personnel Changes

DAYTON-The Columbia County Planning Department's problem with being short-staffed hasn't improved in spite of adding a new Planner I/Administrative Assistant to the work force this week.

New employee Meagan Bailey began her first day on the job on July 5. Building inspector Jake Davis' last day at the planning department was July 8.

Bailey comes to the Columbia County Planning Department newly graduated from the University of Idaho. She has a bachelor of science degree in conservation planning and management, and minors in fisheries and communications. Bailey was born and raised in Coeur d'Alene, Ida., where her family still lives.

"This is my first position. I'm really excited and grateful," she said.

In the office Bailey said she will take over some record-keeping from Davis. She will also work on the budget and perform permitting.

Bailey is also being tasked with development of an inventory of the facilities at the fairgrounds, with an eye toward establishing a multi-use facility for events there.

Planning Director Kim Lyonnais said there is a committee looking into that and that Bailey will also work to bring rodeo, concerts, and races back to the fairground.

This all ties in well with the County Parks and Recreation Plan, according to Lyonnais, and grant money is available to help with those projects, he said.

Planning Department Inspector Jake Davis is leaving to take a job with Renewable Energy Systems, Inc, a company where he previously worked for eight years.

Davis, who has been instrumental in enforcing codes and ordinances in Columbia County, said he is pleased with his efforts. In particular, the books are finally closed on the South Touchet property owned by Darlene Savage, he said.

Eight travel trailers, two or three buses, various motor homes, trucks, and tractors have been removed and either recycled or taken to the transfer station over the past six weeks, said Davis.

"The last four weeks have been real smooth," Davis said.

Before he leaves, Davis wants people to know there are still three active code enforcement cases, and that seven have been turned over to the county prosecutor's office.

Davis said he is heading out for Minnesota as soon as he is finished at the planning Department.

"I've enjoyed my time here," he said.

Lyonnais brought the issue of how to replace Davis before the county commissioners last week. He told them that he is concerned about the possibility that several large commercial projects might happen simultaneously, and that the planning department would be overwhelmed.

He outlined two possible scenarios for the commissioners to consider. One is to simply replace Davis with another person responsible for inspection/code enforcement. Another is to hire a contract employee for the really big projects.

"We spend three quarters of our time on inspections," Lyonnais told the commissioners. "If we hire out it takes more county dollars, but projects move faster if you hire out. Either way, we have to replace an inspector," he added.

The search for a replacement inspector is currently underway.