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Observing Government

Clark County Charter Review Commission 1-14-2026
Posted By: Nancy A Halvorson
Posted On: 2026-01-15T21:46:55Z

Observer: Nancy Halvorson


Agenda: https://clark.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-01/01142026-cccrc-agenda_1.pdf


In attendance:

Patrick Adigweme, - Dist 1

Ann Donnelly – Dist 1

Eric LaBrant – Dist 1

Brandon Erickson – Dist 2

Kim Hamlik – Dist 2

Cathy Barber – Dist 2

Ben Christley – Dist 3

Janet Landsberg – Dist 3

John Jay – Dist 3

Liz Cline – Dist 4

Dorothy Gaske – Dist 4

Morgan Holmgren – Dist 4

Brad Benton – Dist 5

Duncan Hoss – Dist 5

Peter Silliman – Dist 5

Deputy PA - Katie

Chris Cook – PA


Request to approve bylaws before elections.

Motion to amend the agenda – approved (2 opposed)


Open Public Comment

**Chuck Green: Thank you to commissioners, offered his support. You are on par

With the County Council, adopt a work plan early on, do your research.

** Echo the previous speaker, wants guardrails on elected officials, particularly the PA’s office

**Candidate for Dist 3, echoed what Mr. Green said. Reminded Commission that it is not a requirement for them to do anything. Make sure what you are recommending will pass a legal challenge.

** Ms. Elbon. . . .ranted about our Governor and Washington being in a sanctuary status. Praised Trump as he follows the constitution.


OPMA Training: Slide deck presentation and all have taken the State’s training. A few tweaks to the training that apply to the Commission:

Specific meeting notice – 14 days public notice required

CRC is a public agency and also a governing body

  • Is the committee acting on behalf of the CRC
  • Does the committee take testimony?
  • IF YES, it is a governing body


Meeting means a meeting in which action is taken. (discussing, deliberating, voting

A quorum must be present (of the commission or the committee) – generally more than half of the members

No proxies

Can have a “serial” meeting. .-risky to do – do not do it!

All meetings of the governing body must be open and in public

No secret ballots

No voting in executive sessions

Do your best to provide for virtual attendance

No conditions for attendance – may not disrupt meetings, no open carry at meetings

14 days notice of meeting, 24 hour advance notice of agenda – regular meetings

Special meetings require specific instructions


Discussed what is a “public Record” -what is “writing!”

Record keeping and record keeping on a device – keep them organized!


Some members want meeting notices to go to other media. . the notices are legal requirements, not press releases and the notices cost money.


Ethics Review: Katie J. Deputy PA

Reviewed the state law on public officials RCS – Title 42

Go to local Charter first, if not clear, go to the State law.

Ethical and unethical behavior, many examples given

Looked at the State Law and at the Clark County Governing Code


Quick review about Robert’s Rules of Order

Keep in mind that the Chair presided

First, do a roll call, amend agenda (done by motion)

Then conduct your business

Motion must be seconded before further discussion

If a motion is amended, it is then asked if the original mover of the motion accepts the amendment

At end – without objection, we will adjourn (if you have an objection – speak up!)


Communications Protocols: introduced staff, who does what

Will not do press releases for every meeting

Commission has their own webpage

https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/charter-review-commission-2026-2027


Amended the agenda to discuss the meeting times now instead of bylaws


Move to meet weekly on Wednesdays, 5 – 7 pm except for the April 1st as that is the first day of Passover. (exception of next week, will be on the 22nd – Thursday – as it has already been published) PASSED


Much discussion around which version of bylaws to start review. The previous bylaws or the updated bylaws from the County – minor changes by staff.


Motion passed – 1 nay, will discuss bylaws at next meeting. If you have a suggestions for the bylaws, send those to Michelle at the County.


Meeting adjourned at 7 pm









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Ste C8 #1068
Vancouver, WA 98684