Workforce housing, seismic monitoring, levies discussed at Hood River County commission

Rather than temporary housing or month-to-month rentals, many workforce housing efforts take the form of RV and mobile home lots. The port suggested temporarily amending land use terms for a housing park at the Lower Hanel Mill Site. The board was generally interested in the idea but wary of long-term land use and pushback.

Community Development Director Eric Walker provided two main options to commissioners: A zone change that would allow conditional or outright conversion of the Hanel Mill property, or changing the text of the zoning ordinance so that the provision allows for temporary land use in conjunction with a very specific project.

Commissioners requested Greenwood and Walker work with the port to rephrase the zoning ordinance and report back with options for the county soon before other steps are taken.

Warning system proposed

County Forest Manager Doug Thiesies presented alongside Nicholas Schlagenhaft, a specialist from Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN), about the need for a new seismic monitoring station in Hood River County. PNSN helps regions with earthquake detection, early warnings, and seismic wave monitoring.

The pair reported finding a space on county forestland that looks promising for a monitoring station south of Laurence Lake Road. The station is roughly the size of a picnic table and stands about 12 feet high. It requires a south-facing ridge due to solar panels.

PNSN would build and operate the station and said the longer stations are left in one place the more successful they are. Schlagenhaft mentioned they are most successful once stationary for 30 years or more, though it is a commitment renewed every five years and could be canceled at any time.

Thiesies confirmed the proposed station would not be intrusive for any county operations and is in an area that is naturally open natural without projected tree growth in the near future. PNSN requires a license to use the site and the board is considering their proposal.

Proposed levies

The board discussed getting together ballot language for certain levies that will run in either the May or November election. Commissioner Leti Moretti mentioned gathering a report of what the levies are supporting, like law enforcement efforts, since there are already so many issues on the ballot.

Commissioner Arthur Babitz stated that layoffs will have to occur if the funding does not come through. A food and beverage tax was proposed as a backup plan for funding, particularly if the levy does not pass.