Original Notice.

     Exempt from preproposal statement of inquiry under RCW 34.05.310(4).

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Columbia River Gorge Commission Rules: 350-11 (Open Meetings); 350-12 (Public Records); 350-16 (Administrative Procedure).

     Hearing Location(s): Hood River County Administration Building, 601 State Street, Hood River, OR, on February 12, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. (Note this is the beginning of the commission's regular meeting. The actual hearing time may be later.)

     Date of Intended Adoption: February 12, 2008.

     Submit Written Comments to: Jill Arens, Executive Director, P.O. Box 730, White Salmon, WA 98672, e-mail crgc@gorge.net, fax (509) 493-2229, by February 5, 2008.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Nancy Andring by January 28, 2008, (509) 493-3323.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The purpose of the proposed amendments to Commission Rules 350-11, 350-12, and 350-16 is to conform these rules to the more restrictive of Oregon's and Washington's statutes as required by the Scenic Area Act. These proposed amendments are necessary due to changes made during the 2007 legislative sessions. There are no anticipated effects to the public from these changes; the changes are procedural to the commission.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: The proposed amendments would bring the commission's rules into compliance with the more restrictive of the states' statutes.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: 16 U.S.C. 544c(b); RCW 43.97.015; ORS 196.150.

     Statute Being Implemented: 16 U.S.C. 544b(c), 544d(h); RCW 43.97.015; ORS 196.150.

     Rule is necessary because of federal law, 16 U.S.C. 544c(b).

     Name of Proponent: Columbia River Gorge Commission, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Jill Arens, White Salmon, Washington, (509) 493-3323.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. These proposed amendments do not add substantive regulations. The affected portions of Commission Rules 350-11, 350-12, and 350-16 govern internal commission procedures.

     A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. These proposed amendments are exempt pursuant to RCW 34.05.328 [(5)(b)](ii), (iii), and (v).

November 1, 2007

Nancy A. Andring

Rules Coordinator

350-11-003. Meetings of commission to be open to public; location of meetings

     (1) All meetings of the commission shall be open to the public and all persons shall be permitted to attend any meeting except as otherwise provided by 350-11-001 to 350-11-010. A member of the public shall not be required, as a condition of attending a meeting, to give his or her name, other information, complete a questionnaire or fulfill any other condition precedent.

     (2) No quorum of the commission shall meet in private for the purpose of deciding on or deliberating toward a decision on any matter except as otherwise provided by 350-11-001 to 350-11-010.

     (3) The commission shall not hold a meeting at any place where discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, age, sexual orientation or national origin is practiced. However, the fact that organizations with restricted membership hold meetings at the place shall not restrict its use by the commission if use of a place by a restricted membership organization is not the primary purpose of the place or its predominate use.

     (4) Meetings of the commission shall be held within the geographic boundaries over which the commission has jurisdiction, or at the administrative headquarters of the commission or at the other nearest practical location. Training sessions may be held outside the jurisdiction so long as no deliberations toward a decision are involved. A joint meeting of two or more governing bodies shall be held within the geographical boundaries over which one of the participating public bodies has jurisdiction or at the nearest practical location. Meetings may be held in locations other than those described in this subsection in the event of an actual emergency necessitating immediate action.

     (5) Notwithstanding the requirements of section (4) above, committee meetings may be held in any location where the committee deems it useful.

     (6) Meetings of the commission shall be held in locations that are accessible to the disabled.

     (7) Upon request of a hearing impaired person who is deaf or hard of hearing, the commission shall make a good faith effort to have an interpreter for hearing impaired persons who are deaf or heard of hearing provided at a regularly scheduled meeting. The person requesting the interpreter shall provide the commission at least 48 hours' notice of the request, shall provide the name of the requester, sign language preference and any other relevant information the commission may require. As used in this subsection, "good faith effort" includes, but is not limited to, contacting the Oregon Disabilities Commission, the Washington Aging and Adult Services Administration, or other state or local government or community service agency that maintains a list of qualified interpreters and arranging for the referral of one or more such persons qualified interpreters to provide interpreter services.

     (8) It shall be considered discrimination on the basis of disability for commission to meet in a place inaccessible to the disabled persons with disabilities, or upon request of a hearing impaired person who is deaf or hard of hearing, to fail to make a good faith effort to have an interpreter for hearing impaired persons who are deaf or hard of hearing provided at a regularly scheduled meeting. The sole remedy for discrimination on the basis of disability shall be as provided in Commission Rule 350-11-008.

     (9) Voting by the commission shall take place in public and each member's vote shall be recorded as it is cast. Any vote taken in violation of this subsection shall be null and void, and shall be considered an "action" under this chapter.

     Reviser's note: The typographical errors in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

New Section

350-11-011 Regular Meetings to Include Time for Public Comment

     (1) At all regular meetings of the Commission, the Commission shall provide time for public comment for issues not on the Commission's agenda, and an opportunity for Tribal Nations to address the Commission.

     (2) The Commission may limit the time for public comment and opportunity for Tribal Nations to address the Commission in a manner that limits time for each speaker, or the number of speakers.

     (3) The Commission may exclude comment that concerns matters likely to come before the Commission in a hearing where the Commission must disclose ex parte communications and comply with the Washington Appearance of Fairness doctrine. The presiding officer may exclude other comment that is inappropriate.

     Reviser's note: The unnecessary underscoring in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

Amendatory Section

350-12-007. Fulfilling requests.

     (1) The Commission shall respond promptly to requests for public records. Within five business days of receiving a public records request, the Commission shall respond by (1) providing the record; (2) acknowledging that the Commission has received the request and providing a reasonable estimate of the time the Commission will require to respond and an estimate of the fees that the requester must pay as a condition of receiving the public records; or (3) denying the public record request. Additional time to respond to a request may be based upon the need to clarify the intent of the request, to locate and assemble the information requested, to notify third persons or agencies affected by the request, or to determine whether any of the information requested is exempt and that a denial should be made as to all or part of the request. In acknowledging receipt of a public record request that is unclear, the Commission may ask the requestor to clarify what information the requestor is seeking. If the requestor fails to clarify the request, the Commission need not respond to the original request. Denials of requests must be accompanied by a written statement of the specific reasons for denial.

     (2) The Commission shall make public records available on a partial or installment basis as records that are part of a larger set of requested records are assembled or make ready for inspection or disclosure.

     (3) The Commission shall not deny a request for identifiable public records solely on the basis that the request is overbroad.

Amendatory Section

350-12-008. Public records exempt from disclosure.

     (1) The following public records are exempt from disclosure under 350-12-001 to 350-12-008 unless the public interest requires disclosure in the particular instance:

     (a) Records of the commission pertaining to litigation to which the commission is a party if the complaint has been filed, or if the compliant has not been filed, if the commission shows that such litigation is reasonably likely to occur. This exemption does not apply to litigation which has been concluded, and nothing in this paragraph shall limit any right or opportunity granted by discovery or deposition statutes to a party to litigation or potential litigation;

     (b) Trade secrets. "Trade secrets," as used in this section, may include, but are not limited to, any formula, plan, pattern, process, tool, mechanism, compound, procedure, production data, or compilation of information which is not patented, which is known only to certain individuals within a commercial concern who are using it to fabricate, produce, or compound an article of trade or service or to locate minerals or other substances, having commercial value, and which gives its user an opportunity to obtain a business advantage over competitors who do not know or use it;

     (c) Investigatory information compiled for criminal law purposes, except that the record of an arrest or the report of a crime shall not be confidential unless and only so long as there is a clear need in a particular case to delay disclosure in the course of a specific investigation. Nothing in this paragraph shall limit any right constitutionally guaranteed, or granted by statute, to disclosure or discovery in criminal cases. For purpose of this paragraph, the record of an arrest or the report of a crime includes, but is not limited to:

     (A) The arrested person's name, age, residence, employment, marital status and similar biographical information;

     (B) The offense with which the arrested person is charged;

     (C) The conditions of release;

     (D) The identity of and biographical information concerning both complaining party and victim;

     (E) The identity of the investigation and arresting agency and the length of the investigation;

     (F) The circumstances of arrest, including time, place, resistance in apprehending fugitives from justice;

     (G) Such information as may be necessary to enlist public assistance in apprehending fugitives from justice.

     (d) Test questions, scoring keys, and other examination data used to administer a licensing examination, examination for employment, or academic examination before the examination is given and if the examination is to be used again;

     (e) Information relating to the appraisal of real estate prior to its acquisition;

     (f) The names and signatures of employees who sign authorization cards or petitions for the purpose of requesting representation or decertification elections;

     (g) Investigatory information relating to any complaint filed relating to unlawful employment practices until such time as the complain is resolved, or a final administrative determination is made;

     (h) Investigatory information relating to any complaint filed relating to unfair labor practices;

     (i) Information concerning the location of archaeological sites or objects, except if the governing body of an Indian tribe requests the information and the need for the information is related to that Indian tribe's cultural or religious activities. This exemption does not include information relating to a site that is all or part of an existing, commonly known and publicized tourist activity or attraction; and

     (j) A personnel discipline action, or materials or documents supporting that action.

     (k) Sensitive fish, wildlife, and plant data obtained. Sensitive fish, wildlife, and plant data may be released to the following entities and their agents for fish, wildlife, plant, and land management purposes, or scientific research needs: Governments agencies, public utilities, and accredited colleges and universities. Sensitive fish, wildlife, and plant data may be released to tribal governments. Sensitive fish, wildlife, and plant data may also be released to the owner, lessee, or right-of-way or easement holder of private land to which the data pertains. The release of sensitive fish, wildlife, and plant data may be subject to a confidentiality agreement, except upon release of sensitive fish, wildlife, and plant data to the owner, lessee, or right-of-way or easement holder of private land who initially provided the data. Sensitive fish, wildlife, and plant data does not include data related to reports of predatory wildlife posted on the Washignton Department of Fish of Wildlife's internet web site. Sensitive fish, wildlife, and plant data must meet at least one of the following criteria as applied by or created by the Gorge Commission. However, sensitive fish, wildlife and plant data may be released to government agencies concerned with the management of fish and wildlife resources. Sensitive fish, wildlife, and plant data includes:

     (1) The nesting sites or specific locations of endangered, threatened or sensitive species listed in the Management Plan or otherwise designated by the appropriate agencies in Oregon and Washington;

     (2) Radio frequencies used in or locational data generated by telemetry studies;

     (3) Other location data that could compromise the viability of a specific fish, wildlife or plant population and where one or more of the following criteria are met:

     (A) The species has a known commercial or black market value;

     (B) There is a history of malicious take of that species and the species behavior or ecology renders it especially vulnerable; or

     (C) There is a known demand to visit, take, or disturb, and the species behavior or ecology renders it especially vulnerable the species; or

     (D) The species has an extremely limited distribution and concentration.

     (1) Records or information that would reveal or otherwise identify security measures, or weaknesses or potential weaknesses in security measures, taken or recommended to be taken to protect:

     (1) An individual;

     (2) Buildings or other property; or

     (3) Information processing, communication or telecommunication systems, including the information contained in the systems.

     (2) The following public records are exempt from disclosure under 350-12-001 to 350-12-008:

     (a) Communications within a public body or between public bodies of an advisory nature to the extent that they cover other than purely factual materials and are preliminary to any final agency determination of policy or action. This exemption shall not apply unless the commission shows that in the particular instance the public interest in encouraging frank communication between officials and employees of the commission clearly outweighs the public interest in disclosure;

     (b) Information of a personal nature such as but not limited to that kept in a personal, medical or similar file, if the public disclosure thereof would constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy, unless the public interest by clear and convincing evidence requires disclosure in the particular instance. The party seeking disclosure shall have the burden of showing that public disclosure would not constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy;

     (c) Information submitted to the commission in confidence and not otherwise required by law to be submitted, where such information should reasonably be considered confidential, the commission has obliged itself in good faith not to disclose the information, and when the public interest would suffer by the disclosure;

     (d) Any public records or information the disclosure of which is prohibited by federal or state law or regulations;

     (e) Public records or information the disclosure of which is prohibited or restricted or otherwise made confidential or privileged;

     (f) Public records or information described in this section, furnished by the public body originally compiling, preparing or receiving them to any other public officer or public body in connection with performance of the duties of the recipient, if the considerations originally giving rise to the confidential or exempt nature of the public records or information remain applicable.

     (g) Information about review or approval of programs relating to the security of:

     (1) Generation, storage or conveyance of:

     (A) Electricity;

     (B) Gas in liquefied or gaseous form;

     (C) Hazardous substances as defined by Oregon or Washington state law;

     (D) Petroleum products;

     (E) Sewage; or

     (F) Water;

     (2) Telecommunications systems, including cellular, wireless or radio systems.

     (3) Data transmissions by whatever means provided.

     (h) Records of mediation communications that are privileged under the Uniform Mediation Act.

     (i) Information gathered for the purpose of preparing a small business impact statement or an analysis of significant rules as required by the states' rulemaking requirements that can be identified to a particular business.

     (3) If any public record contains material which is not exempt under subsection (1) or (2) of this section, as well as material which is exempt from disclosure, the commission shall separate the exempt and nonexempt material and make the nonexempt material available for examination.

     (4) An individual may submit a written request to a public body not to disclose a specified public record indicating the home address or personal telephone number of the individual. A public body shall not disclose the specified public record if the individual demonstrates to the satisfaction of the public body that the personal safety of the individual or the personal safety of a family member residing with the individual is in danger if the home address or personal telephone number remains available for public inspection.

     (a) A request described in subsection (1) of this section shall remain effective until the public body receives a written request for termination but no later than five years after the date that a public body receives the request.

     (b) A public body may disclose a home address or personal telephone number of an individual exempt from disclosure under subsection (1) of this section upon court order, on request from any law enforcement agency or with the consent of the individual.

     (c) A public body shall not be held liable for granting or denying an exemption from disclosure under this section or any other unauthorized release of a home address or personal telephone number granted an exemption from disclosure under this section.

     (5) Notwithstanding the exemptions in 350-12-008 (1) and (2), public records that are more than 25 years old shall be available for inspection

     (6) Notwithstanding 350-12-001 through 350-12-008, the Commission shall not disclose records in violation of a user agreement or license that prohibits the Commission from disclosing such records. The Commission shall refer persons to the creator of the record if the Commission has obtained the records through agreement or license, or for which the Commission was charged a fee, other than a nominal fee for reimbursement of duplicating costs, for the record.

     (7) Disclosure of information in violation of Rule 350-12-006(2) is grounds for assessment of a civil penalty pursuant to Rule 350-30 et seq.

     Reviser's note: The typographical errors in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

     Reviser's note: The spelling error in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

Amendatory Section

350-16-009. Notice, Hearing and Record in Contested Cases; Informal Dispositions; Hearings Officer.

     (1) In a contested case hearing, all parties shall be afforded an opportunity for hearing after notice of not less than 20 days, served personally or by registered or certified mail.

     (2) The notice shall include:

     (a) A statement of the party's right to hearing, or a statement of the time and place of the hearing with a description of the procedure and time to request a hearing, or a statement of the time and place of the hearing;

     (b) A statement of the authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held;

     (c) A reference to the particular sections of the statutes and rules involved;

     (d) A short and plain statement of the matters asserted or charged, and identifying the issues to be considered at the hearing;

     (e) A statement indicating whether and under what circumstances an order by default may be entered;

     (f) A statement that a party may be represented by counsel and that legal aid organizations may be able to assist a party with limited financial resources;

     (g) A statement that the party has the right to respond to all issues properly before the presiding officer and present evidence and witnesses on those issues as allowed by the applicable rules under which the hearing is held.

     (h) A statement indicating whether discovery is permitted and, if so, how discovery may be requested. A statement that a party who fails to attend or participate in a hearing or other stage of an adjudicative proceeding may be held in default in accordance with this chapter; and

     (i) A general description of the hearing procedure including the order of presentation of evidence, what kinds of evidence are admissible, whether objections may be made to the introduction of evidence and what kind of objections may be made and an explanation of the burdens of proof or burdens of going forward with the evidence.

     (j) Whether a record will be made of the proceedings and the manner of making the record and its availability to the parties.

     (k) The function of the record-making with respect to the perpetuation of the testimony and evidence and with respect to any appeal from the determination or order of the agency.

     (l) Whether an attorney will represent the agency in the matters to be heard and whether the parties ordinarily and customarily are represented by an attorney.

     (m) The title and function of the person presiding at the hearing with respect to the decision process, including, but not limited to, the manner in which the testimony and evidence taken by the person presiding at the hearing are reviewed, the effect of that person's determination, who makes the final determination on behalf of the agency, whether the person presiding at the hearing is or is not an employee, officer or other representative of the agency and whether that person has the authority to make a final independent determination.

     (n) In the event a party is not represented by an attorney, whether the party may during the course of proceedings request a recess if at that point the party determines that representation by an attorney is necessary to the protection of the party's rights.

     (p) Whether there exists an opportunity for an adjournment at the end of the hearing if the party then determines that additional evidence should be brought to the attention of the agency and the hearing reopened.

     (q) Whether there exists an opportunity after the hearing and prior to the final determination or order of the agency to review and object to any proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law, summary of evidence or recommendations of the officer presiding at the hearing.

     (r) A description of the appeal process from the determination or order of the agency.

     (es) Unless otherwise ordered by the presiding officer, the names and mailing addresses of all parties to whom notice is being given and, if known, the names and addresses of their representatives;

     (ft) The official file or other reference number and the name of the proceeding;

     (gu) The name, official title, mailing address, and telephone number of the presiding officer, if known; and

     (iv) Any other matters considered desirable by the agency.

     (3) Parties may elect to be represented by counsel and to respond and present evidence and argument on all issues involved.

     (4) The commission may adopt rules of procedure governing participation in contested cases by person appearing as limited parties.

     (5) Unless precluded by law, informal disposition may be made of any contested case by stipulation, agreed settlement, consent order or default.

     (6) An order adverse to a party may be issued upon default only upon prima facie case made on the record of the commission. When an order is effective only if a request for hearing is not made by the party, the record may be made at the time of issuance of the order, and if the order is based only on material included in the application or other submissions of the party, the commission may so certify and so notify the party, and such material shall constitute the evidentiary record of the proceeding if hearing is not requested. The commission shall serve a default order upon the defaulted party or the party's attorney, if any.

     (7) Within seven days after service of a default order under subsection (6) of this section, the party against whom it was entered may file a written motion requesting that the order be vacated, and stating the grounds relied upon. During the time within which a party may file a written motion under this subsection, the presiding officer may adjourn the proceedings or conduct them without the participation of that party, having due regard for the interests of justice and the orderly and prompt conduct of the proceedings. At the commencement of the hearing, the officer presiding shall explain the issues involved in the hearing and the matters that the parties must either prove or disprove.

     (8) Testimony shall be taken upon oath or affirmation of the witness form when received. The officer presiding at the hearing shall administer oaths or affirmatives to witnesses.

     (9) The officer presiding at the hearing shall insure that the record developed at the hearing shows a full and fair inquiry into the facts necessary for consideration of all issues property before the presiding officer in the case and the correct application of law to those facts.

     (10) The record in a contested case shall include:

     (a) All pleadings, motions and intermediate rulings.

     (b) Evidence received or considered.

     (c) Stipulations.

     (d) A statement of matters officially noticed.

     (e) Questions and offers of proof, objections and rulings thereon.

     (f) A statement of any ex parte communications on a fact in issue made to the officer presiding at the hearing.    

     (g) Proposed findings and exceptions.

     (h) Any proposed, intermediate or final order prepared by the commission or a hearings officer.

     (11) A verbatim oral, written or mechanical record shall be made of all motions, rulings and testimony. The record need not be transcribed unless requested for purposes of rehearing or court review. The commission may charge the party requesting transcription, unless the party files an appropriate affidavit of indigency.

     Reviser's note: The typographical errors in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

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