2.20.010 Railroad advisory board.

There is established a Clark County railroad advisory board to provide advice on maximizing utilization of the Lewis and Clark Railroad and its associated right-of-way.

(1)    The advisory board shall provide recommendations to the director of public works and county council on achieving the maximum long-term return to the county from its investment in the railroad, including promotion of new uses and users such as freight, tourism, transit, open space, beautification, trails, water quality and utilities. In addition, the advisory board shall provide community-wide railroad and right-of-way advocacy, and shall promote public/private partnerships that will enhance the asset. The advisory board shall not, however, act as a forum for negotiating the business relationship between the railroad operator and the county.

(2)    The advisory board shall consist of up to fifteen (15) members appointed by the county manager and confirmed or rejected by the county council in accordance with the Home Rule Charter. Appointed members shall represent a variety of interests, including nominees from the following organizations: Burlington Northern Railroad; the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau; the Columbia River Economic Development Council; the Clark County parks advisory board; the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce; the Washington State University Extension Service; the Washington State Department of Transportation; and the United States Forest Service. Appointments shall also include representatives from trail organizations and other interested citizens.

(3)    Appointments shall be for staggered three (3) year terms; PROVIDED, that the terms of original appointments shall be determined by lot so that approximately one-third (1/3) shall be for one (1) year terms, one-third (1/3) for two (2) year terms, and one-third (1/3) for three (3) year terms.

(4)    The advisory board shall establish a regular monthly meeting time, may elect officers, and may adopt rules for the conduct of its business.

(5)    Public works shall provide staff support to the advisory board. (Sec. 1 of Ord. 1995-01-01; amended by Sec. 1 of Ord. 2008-06-02; amended by Sec. 1 of Ord. 2018-12-30)