HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2003-062WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL
N0. 2D03 -341
CLEARANCES
Initial
I Date
Date Received in Council Office
Agenda Date
Assi nedro:
Originator:
Division Head,
SM
9/26
nn 2 /� pp p p 22
W E 0 V E L LS El
SEP 3 0 2003
i,WHATGOM COUNTY
COUNCIL
1017103
Introduction
10/27/03
Hearing
Dvt. Head:
Prosecutor
PurchasingiRadgea
a
Excessive:
SUBJECT: Resolution authorizing application for a Community Development Block Grant, General
Purposes Grant in the amount of $1- million.
ATTACHMENTS: Memorandum, Resolution, Project Summary and supporting documentation.
SEPA review required? ( ) Yes ( X ) NO
SEPA review completed? ( ) Yes ( X) NO
Should Clerk schedule a hearing ? ( X )Yes, ( ) NO
Requested Date. 10 -21 -03
SUMMARYSTATEMENT:
The Birch Bay Water & Sewer District is seeking Council support
of their application to The Washington State Department of
Community, Trade & Economic Developmentfor a Community
Development Block Grant, General Purposes grant This grant
would provide needed funding for a proposed sewer system
installation at the Birch Bay View Community in Whatcom County.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approval of Resolution
Distribution Request
indicate those who should receive a cops after Council
action.
Liu specific names to the right
ADS Facilities Management
ADSFinance
qO5 Human Resources
ADS Info services
Assessor
Auditor
Cooperative Extension
Disaia Court
Executive
Suzanne Mildner
Health
Hearing Examiner
Jail
COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN:
2003 -341 10RI03. introduction
10121103'. Hearing
10121/2003'. Approved 7 -0, Res #2003-062
Related County Contract #:
Juvenile
Parks
Planning
Prosecutor
Public Works
Sheri
Superior Conn
Treasurer
other
Related File Numbers:
Ordinance or esolufr N a ^,
(this item : (�
SPONSORED BY: Consent
PROPOSED BY: Executive
INTRODUCTION DATE: 10/07/03
RESOLUTION NO. 2003 -062
APPLICATION FOR A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)
WHEREAS, Whatcom County is applying to the State Office of Community Development for
funding assistance;
WHEREAS, it is necessary that certain conditions be met as part of the application requirements;
and
WHEREAS, County Executive Pete Kremen is authorized to submit this application to the State
of Washington on behalf of Whatcom County; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council authorizes
submission of this application to the state Office of Community Development in order to apply for a
$1,000,000 General Purposes grant to benefit the Birch Bay View Community Sewer Installation Project,
and certifies that if funded, it:
Will comply with applicable provisions of Title I of the Housing and Community Development
Act of 1974, as amended, and other applicable state and federal laws; and
Has provided opportunities for citizen participation comparable to the state's requirements (those
described in Section 104(a)(2)(3) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as
amended); has complied with all public hearing requirements and provided citizens, especially low and
moderate - income persons, with reasonable advance notice of, and the opportunity to present their views
during the assessment of community development and housing needs, during the review of available
funding and eligible activities, and on the proposed activities; and
Has provided technical assistance to citizens and groups representative of low and moderate
income persons that request assistance in developing proposals; and
Will provide opportunities for citizens to review and comment on proposed changes in the funded
project and program performance; and
Will not use assessments against properties owned and occupied by low and moderate income
persons or charge user fees to recover the capital costs of CDBG- funded public improvements from low
and moderate income owner - occupants; and
Will establish a plan to minimize displacement as a result of activities assisted with CDBG funds;
and assist persons actually displaced as a result of such activities, as provided in the Uniform Relocation
Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended; and
Page 1
Will conduct and administer its program in conformance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of
1964 and the Fair Housing Act, and will affirmatively further fair housing, (Title VHI of the Civil Rights
Act of 1968); and
Has adopted (or will adopt) and enforce a policy prohibiting the use of excessive force by law
enforcement agencies within its jurisdiction against any individuals engaged in nonviolent civil rights
demonstrations; and has adopted (or will adopt) and implement a policy of enforcing applicable state and
local laws against physically barring entrance to or exit from a facility or location which is the subject of
such nonviolent civil rights demonstration within itsjurisdiction, in accordance with Section 104(1) of the
Title I of the Housing and Community development Act of 1974, as amended; and
Will provide, upon request, and prior to any obligation of fonds being made, a complete and
accurate CDBG Federal Funds Disclosure Report detailing the required applicant / grantee information,
and as appropriate other government assistance provided or applied for, interested parties and expected
sources, and uses of funds.
Whatcom County designates Pete Kremen, County Executive, or his designee, as the authorized
Chief Administrative Official and authorized representative to act in all official matters in connection
with this application and Whatcom County's participation in the Washington State CDBG Program.
AND NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that following CDBG approval of
this grant application, the Whatcom County Council authorizes the County Executive to establish a
Subrecipient relationship with the Birch Bay Water and Sewer District (`BBWSD "), since they are
assisting the Birch Bay View Community in the application process and will be undertaking the bulk of
the infrastructure work required to complete the project.
AND NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that following CDBG approval of
this grant application, the Whatcom County Council authorizes the County Executive to enter into a grant
contract with CDBG, as well as a subrecipient agreement with the BBWSD.
APPROVEDthis 21 dayof October ,2003.
ATTM
ESTi
Dena Brown-Davis, Clerk of the Council
R)ASTO FORM:
FORM:
Civil tyCivil tyPr�utor
WHAT¢COpM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHO \ /�OiJNTy, W HINGTON
Dan McShane, Council Chair
SUBMIT THIS FORM WITH THE APPLICATION
PART A: GENERAL PURPOSE GRANT - PROJECT SUMMARY FORM
1. Applicant Jurisdiction:
2. Contact Person: Dewey Desler
Whatcom
County
Title or Affiliation: Deputy Administrator
Address:
311 Grand Ave
Address:
311 Grand Ave
Suite 108
Suite 108
Bellingham, WA 98225
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone:
360 676 -6717
Phone:
360 676 -6717
FAX:
360 676 -6775
FAX:
360 676 -6775
Tax ID #:
91- 6001383
Email:
ddesler(d)co whatcpm wa us
County:
Whatcom
3. Subrecipient Organization:
4. Consultant:
None
Birch Bay
Water & Sewer District
Address:
Contact Person: Roger M. Brown
Address:
7096 Pt Whitehom Rd
Birch Bay, WA 98239
Phone:
Email:
Phone: 360371 -7100 5. Fiscal Year from 1/01 to 12/31
Email: rbrown ()bbwsd.com
6. State Legislative District: 42nd Congressional District: 2nd
7. Project Summary:
See Attachment
B. Project Category (Please check the categories that apply. Refer to pages 11 -12 for information
regarding which category to choose.)
Housing X Public Facilities Community Facilities
Economic Development Comprehensive
9. National Objective Addressed (Please check the applicable objective.)
X Principally benefits low- and moderate - income households, 75 °/a
_ Prevents or eliminates slums or blight
Meets urgent community development needs which pose a serious & immediate threat to
public health or safety
10. Total Project Budget: CDBG $ 1.000.000
Other Federal
State
Local Public 746.000
Private
TOTAL $ 1.746.000
13. Certification of Chia Administrative Official
L :=G a— ,
Signature
Pete Kremen
Name (Please type or print)
24
11. Project Location:
Census Tract(s) 10402
Block Group(s) 1
12. Project Beneficiaries:
# Persons: 187
#LMI Persons: 140
#Households: 84
# LMI Households: 62
County Executive
Title
September 26, 2003
Date
# 7. Protect Summary
This project calls for Birch Bay Water and Sewer District (`the District ") to extend its
sanitary sewer system to serve the Birch Bay View neighborhood. Birch Bay View is
situated within the Short-Term Planning Area of the Birch Bay Urban Growth Area as
designated in the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan. This area has been growing
rapidly and is already characterized by urban densities in many locations. As shown in
the attached aerial photograph, the target area is just north of Birch Bay Village on the
upland that drains south to Birch Bay.
This area has 160 parcels, of which 126 are currently developed and served by on -site
septic systems. Conditions in the area are not favorable to long -term operation of septic
systems. Lot sizes are small, soils are comparatively poor and the seasonal water table is
high. In addition, many of the systems are over 20 years old. A number of septic system
failures have been reported and repairs required to those systems.
In July 2003, the State Department of Health and Puget Sound Action Team identified
Birch Bay as one of 20 threatened shellfish areas under their Early Warning System (see
attached announcement). Failing septic systems are generally recognized as a significant
risk factor for deteriorating water quality. In addition, septic systems are generally
considered substandard within densely populated urban areas. Hence, Whatcom County
Code (WCC 24.05.080) requires connection to public sewers when septic systems fail,
provided sewers are available within 200 feet. Please see the attached letter from
Whatcom County Health Department addressing public health and environmental
concerns.
There have been several efforts, beginning in 1989, to finance extension of sewers to this
area by forming a Utility Local Improvement District (ULID) using the petition method.
None of these attempts has been successful to date. The most recent effort was organized
by local property owners last year. Because a number of Birch Bay View properties are
owned by persons with low -to- moderate income, the current proponents have been active
in attempting to identify potential sources of grants and low interest loans to assist with
project construction and /or with the costs of assessments, connection fees and side
sewers.
The District is requesting that the County support a Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) application to assist the District with constructing a sewer system to serve
the Birch Bay View area.
The District estimates the total cost of building the public sewers at $1,560,000. The
estimate was prepared by the District's consulting engineers and includes construction,
contingency, taxes and engineering. The original layout was prepared in 1989 and was
updated in 1999 using then - current construction costs. The current estimate updated the
1999 estimate using the Engineering News Record Construction Cost Index (ENR CCI)
for Seattle and assumes the project will require 10,000 lineal feet of 8" to 10" sanitary
sewer pipe, manholes, 6" side sewer stubs to each lot and associated surface restoration.
The project will also provide CDBG funds to qualifying low -to- moderate income (LMI)
property owners to cover the costs of constructing side sewers to connect to the public
sewer system. It assumed that 62 properties will take advantage of this assistance for a
total cost of $186,000. The grand total for the estimated cost of the public sewer system
and construction of side sewers for LMI property owners is $1.746,000 (i.e., $1,560,000
+ $186,000).
Any costs not paid by outside sources such as CDBG (discussed below) must be financed
by the District or other sources.
This project meets eligibility criteria for the Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) General Purpose Program. This CDBG program can provide up to $1 million
per project[ for eligible activities, which include public facilities. Design and
construction of sewer systems are included within the definition of public facilities. In
addition, a survey meeting CDBG criteria indicates that the project would principally
benefit a population having 75% LMI households. This substantially exceeds the CDBG
eligibility standard stating that the project must principally benefit 51% LMI households.
Van tcom County is eligible to serve as recipient of CDBG funds and the District can be
designated by the County as "subrecipient" of those funds. County staff indicate that this
has been done in the past by means of an interlocal agreement (ILA) with the
subrecipient in which funds are passed through the County to the subrecipient, which
performs grant administrative duties to the extent feasible and practicable. County staff
indicate the ILA would be done after the State Office of Community Development
(OCD) has announced that the County is included in the list of CDBG recipients. That
announcement is scheduled for February 2004.
CDBG criteria emphasize that the project proponent most have the capacity to carry out
the project, which is a role only the District, the agency authorized to construct sewers in
the area, can fulfill. Moreover, the time requirements of the ULID process would make it
impossible to present the project as ready to proceed at the time application are due in
November 2003? In order to increase the likelihood of obtaining CDBG funds, the
District's Board of Commissioners has decided to extend the sanitary sewer system into
the Birch Bay View neighborhood without forming a ULID.3
Provided CDBG funding is received, the District will finance the project using Local
Facilities Charges (LFCs) instead of the ULID process. There me significant differences
between the ULID and LFC approaches to project financing.
' CDBG can provide up to $10,000 per household, excluding those occupied less than 51% of the time. For
Birch Bay View, this would provide a total budget of $840,000 (for 84 households), based on the income
survey done by community volunteers. The District is requesting that the County's resolution authorize up
to $1,000,000 for the application because the District will refine the household count during preparation of
the detailed application.
' Readiness to proceed is one of the major criteria used in rating CDBG applications.
3 This decision is contingent on receipt of CDBG funds.
With the ULID process, all properties— including undeveloped properties and those with
functioning septic systems— are required to begin paying assessments as soon as the
project is completed and assessments have been finalized. All developed properties pay
base monthly sewer charges as soon as the project is accepted, while the District's
General Facilities Charge (GFC) is not due until connection is made.° To meet legal
requirements, the ULID process necessitates significant administrative costs that increase
overall project cost by about 2 % -3 %. In addition, District bonds issued in a ULID
process (called "assessment bonds ") have higher issuance costs and interest rates that are
usually about 1% higher than other District bonds.
With the LFC process, administrative and financing costs are lower than with a ULID.
Under the LFC approach, the District will construct the project and charge a fee (the
LFC), which equals the project cost (net of grants) divided by the number of connections.
As is the case with the ULID process, sewer base charges will begin on project
acceptance. The LFC, however, will be handled like the GFC in the sense that both will
be due when connection is made. Because this procedure makes the District's recovery
of costs dependent on the rate of connection after the project has been built, the District
will take the following extraordinary steps to encourage property owners to hook up to
the new system.
All developed properties within the project area will be required to hook up within 90
days. However, the District will waive the hookup requirement, subject to signed
agreements with property owners to:
Not fix septic systems and hook up if they fail.
• Connect if properties are sold or transferred and recorded.
The agreements will establish liens against the properties for LFCs and GFCs and
will be recorded so they show up in a title search.
To provide an additional incentive to connect, the District will provide for payment of
both GFCs and LFCs in annual installments over 15 years for those who hook up
immediately.
CDBG General Purpose grants are designated as either Direct Benefit (i.e., projects on
private property that directly benefit LMI households) or Area Benefit (projects in public
right -of -way that benefit an area that has at least 51 % LMI households). As noted above,
the District will budget a portion of the CDBG funds as Direct Benefit for construction of
side sewers for LMI households, with remaining funds designate as Area Benefit and
allocated to payment the costs of constructing the public sewer system.
" The GFC is designed to recover an equitable share of the cost of District facilities - such as treatment
plant and pump stations— outside the project area.
The USDA Rural Development 504 Program is another source of funding that can be
made available to eligible property owners to assist with the cost of constructing side
sewers. Property owners must apply directly to Rural Development to be considered for
this assistance, which can come in the form of either grants or low interest loans. The
District will investigate DOE State Revolving Fund and the County's Economic
Development Investments Program as potential additional funding sources.
The Birch Bay View area is within the sewer service area identified in the District's
Comprehensive Sewer System Plan, but the extension of sewers to the area is not
specifically described. The District will amend its Comprehensive Sewer System Plan to
include Birch Bay View sewers as a specific project and to reflect the LFC approach as a
potential financing option.
There have been a number of expressions of community support for extending sewers to
Birch Bay View.
The District has received petitions from over 60% of the property owners in the
project area supporing a ULID. Although these petitions represent a substantial
majority of all the property owners, they still constitute slightly less than 51 % of
the area of property within the project service area (slightly less than an amount
legally sufficient to initiate the ULID process).
• In addition to the previously cited letter from the County Health Department, the
District has received letters of support from the Birch Bay View Community
Club, Birch Bay Village and Birch Bay Community Plan Steering Committee.
Copies of those letters are attached.
As indicated above, OCD expects to announce CDBG funding decisions at the end of
February 2004. However, no CDBG funds are released until the grant contract has been
fully executed with the recipient and required environmental reviews have been
completed. Assuming the environmental reviews take place in parallel with finalizing the
grant contract, funds may be released within 90 days after the announcement of funding
decisions. Following release of CDBG funds, the general timeline for completing the
project calls for Survey and Design (four months), Bidding and Contract (two months)
and Construction (4 months). Allowing an additional 90 days following project
acceptance for construction of side sewers, the project is expected to reach completion by
the end of the second quarter of 2005.
, f ..
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iu: eH '0c !':09Pr W„ ST ENVIRO HEF_Ti
N'ashingmn Scat Crywrtmn� t or
R. Sid
'DUGET SOUND
For Immediate Release: July 7, 2003 ACTION �yjvi
(03 -117)
Contacts: Wayne Clifford, Shellfish Programs. Dept. of Health
Bob Woolrich, Shellfish Programs, Dem. of Health 360 -236 -3307
360- 236 -3
Mary Getcbell, Puget Sound Action Team 329
Deamta Whitman, Communications Office, Dept of Health 360 -407 -7312
P 360- 236 -4022
Threatened shellfish areas widespread
OLYMPIA —The Department of Health has identified 20 threatened shellfish areas in a recozd
number of 12 counties, according to this year=s Barly Warning System.
"Almost e MY colmty that grows oysrcrs or clams has at least one area, or part of an area, that is
threatened with closure ," said Bob Woohich, Growing Area Section Manager. 'This is the first
time San Juan and Jefferson Counties have had a fhreatened shellfish growing area, 17
The Early blaming System ideatifies areas that are on the verge of failing public health
standards, or water quality is clearly deteriorating, se that problems can be addressed before
shellfish harvesting is restricted. Potentially 44 of the state's 314 currently licensed shellfish
companies could be affected if closures occur_ pollution sources threatening the areas include
nmoflfrom farm animal waste sewage systems and wildlife.
The threatened growing areas are:
• Anions Bay at the elbow of Hood Canal in Mason County
• Birch Bay in whatcom County
• Buck Bay in San Juan County
• Barley Lagoon near Purdy in pierce County
• Dungeness Bay in Clallam County
• Eld Inlet in Thurston County
• Grays Harbor in Grays Harbor County,
• Henderson Bay in Pierce County
Henderson Inlet in Thurston County
• Hood Canal — Lynch Cove in Mason County
rllucv Bay in pierce County
' WiII Pa Bay - Nahcotia in Pacific County
Naselle River growing area in Pack County
' North Bay in Mason County
17L -09 -03 WED 6 2257 TO:Eirch Bay Rater
.. - 10 :14 AM FRDM:360 23
_ _.. -nd Sawa PV,A 6
Shellfish areas threatened by pollution
July 7, 2003
Page 2
Oakland Bav in Mason Counn
• Port Gamble Bay's Cedar Cove in kitsap County
Pori Townsend Growing Area in Jefferson Cbunry
• Portage Bar in Whatcom County
• Rocky Bay in Pierce County
South Skagit Bay in Island and Snohomish Counties
'This is sad news for Puget Sound. We need to stop the pollution from getting into these shellfish
growing areas before we get to the point of closures;' said Brad Ack, chair of the Puget Sound
Action Team. "This is a call to action for all those involved with protecting our valuable shellfish
resources."
Ack higblighted a series of actions to stop manure and bacteria from getting into Puget Sound
where shellfish resources arc now being threatened These include homeowners and business
owners making sure their septic systems am working properly, managing stone water runoff
from developed land mid carefully managing farniands to keep manure from getting into nearby
streams.
Washington is the second leading producer of oysters and clams in the nation and the leading
Producer of farmed oysters and clams. Clean water is critical for both the industry and the public
who enjoy harvesting shellfish. Since 1997, three shellfish growing areas that had been listed as
threatened have been completely closed due to pollution and no longer appear on the list-
For more information on the state's strategy to protect Puget Sound area shellfish areas, visit the
Puget Sound Action Team's Web site (http: / /www.psat.wa.gov/). A map of the threatened
shellfish areas is posted on the Department of Health Web site
(httpJ /Www.doh.wa. gov/ehp/sf/PubsfrhimtareasO2.pdf).
0
Visit the Washington Department of Health web site at b=7/1wwv.�.doh.wa .gov for a healrhy dose of information.
JUi. -09-03
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Sep -23 -03 02:57P Env Health
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WHATCOM COUNTY ar ztiA
HEALTH DEPARTMENT 3`
P.O. Box 915
Bellingham, WA 98221x45 kq pS'
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September 23, 2003
360 6765771 P -01
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GREG STERN, M.D.
Health otfiter
Potl•ito Fax Note
7671
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Roger Brown, Director
Birch Bay Water and Sewer District
7096 Pt. Whitehorn Road
Blaine, WA 98230 -9675
Dear Mr. Brown:
The Whatcom County Health Department is pleased to hear that the Rimb Ray
Water and Sewer District will be applying for a Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) Block Grant for the construction of sewers in the
Birch Bay Vile Estates subdivision. As you know, the Health Department
recently completed a survey of the existing homes in this subdivision to
examine the adequacy of the existing and future on -site (septic) systems for
sewage treatment and disposal. We have known for some time that the soils in E.
this area are problematic for the construction and effective use of septic
systems. Past system failures have required the retrofitting of more complex
and expensive individual treatment devices. We have found that some owners
are financial unable to make the necessary repairs and will resort to making
mediocre temporary "fixes" in order to contain the sewage effluent under the
surface of the ground. The lots in this subdivision are small. Failures of
existing on -site sewage systems may expose nearby residents to pathogenic
organisms. The installation of sewers in this community will alleviate the
obvious health hazards and will be a more economical alternative for
homeowners faced with a septic system malfunction.
I would also like to emphasize that the tight soil and high ground water table
in this area coupled with the dense home development on septic systems
contributes to non -point sources of pollution to natural waters, including Birch
Bay, The Washington State Department of Health, Early Warning System,
identifies areas that are on the verge of failing public health standards- or
where water quality is clearly deteriorating. Unfortunately, Birch Bay is one
of those existing shellfish harvest areas that has been identified as threatened.
The construction of sewers for this subdivision will be one method to attempt
an early intervention for the restoration of the valuable shellfish resource.
509 Claw Strca
FAX (360) 676 -'646
1500 North State Street
FAX (360(676 -6729
1000 North Forest Street
FAX (960) 739-2490
SEP -23 -03 TUE 03:23 PM FAOM:360 6766771 TO:Blrch Bay Water and Sewe PAGE 1
Sep -23 -03 02:57P Env Health 360 6766771 P.02
September 23, 2003
Roger Brown
Page Two
Thank you for the opportunity to comment about the merits of yourpmposed project. The
construction of these needed sewers will enhance marine ecology, provide affordable -
sanitary utilities for current and future residents and most importantly, will provide the
highest level of public health protection for the commtmity. Please call me at (360) 676-
6724 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Donald J. Vesper, REHS, MPH
Environmental Health Services Manager
SEP -23-03 TUE 03:23 PM FROM: 360 6766771 TO:Birch Bay Water and Sewe PAGE 2
.c
9/23/03
To Whatcom County Council
From: Birch Bay View Community
Birch Bay View Community (BBVC) is located on 40 acres on a sloping hill directly
north of Birch Bay Village. Because of proximity to wetlands and bay tides, we are
located in an ecologically sensitive area. There are 159 plats, 35 of which are vacant. We
have 187 full time residents, and about 75 summer and/or weekend residents. The
community is plagued by failed on site septic systems and raw sewage discharge. This
problem has escalated in the past 10 years due to age of systems, demography resulting in
increased usage, lack of maintenance, topography unsuitable for septic systems, and
inappropriate drainfield location. During rainy periods and wet seasons, drain fields
become saturated, sewage and polluted surface water flow to open ditches, and then
down hill to the bay. Polluted surface water is causing foul odors and a serious health risk
for members of our community, particularly the young and the elderly.
BBVC Board and residents have researched all options to resolve this problem. Ten
sand mound systems have been installed to correct failed systems, however residents
have experienced problems with these systems. The population density and UR4 zoning,
and whitehom loam silt, the soil in BBVC, require a sewer system by current code. The
septic system density is unacceptable also.
Sewer installation has been an issue with BBVC the past 10 years, however the cost is
unaffordable to our low and fixed income residents, who make up over 70% of our full
time population.The BBVC Board of Directors has investigated various federal and state
programs for financial assistance in the form of grants and no interest loans.. Currently
our low income seniors, who make up 6% of our fun time population, are applying to
USDA Rural Development for a $7500 grant. The estimated cost from Birch Bay Water
& Sewer for sewer installation is estimated at about $12,000 per parcel. We are
requesting our County Council to endorse and support BBVC to obtain a general purpose
grant through the Community Development Block Grant Program, to benefit our entire
community by making sewer installation affordable. Sewer installation in BBVC will
very likelydecrease pollution in Birch Bay waters, and protect our shellfish growing area.
Thank you for assistance and effort with this matter.
Sincerely,
Birch Bay Board of Directors
and Grant Team Members
Pres. Earl Listteebarrge-r---
Sec. & Grant Team Coordinator
BIRCH BAY
VILLAGE
Community Club
TO:
Whatcom County Council
FROM:
Meg Grable General Manager BBVCC
DATE:
September 25, 2003
RE:
Birch Bay View /SEWER
8055 Cowichan Road
Blaine, WA 98230
Phone (360) 371 -7744
Fax (360) 371 -3254
Email bbvcc@bbvcc.com
1 am writing to you at the request of and on behalf of the
Birch Bay Village Board of Directors.
The BBVCC Board of Directors have discussed the sewer issues associated with
Birch Bay View, with 120 livable home sites directly north of Birch Bay Village
1. There is no question that water runs down hill
2. Birch Bay Village is located at the bottom of the hill and inter - connects
through ditches, roads and culverts to an area known as Rogers Slough
3. Ancient septic systems leak and poor quality of water travels down hill
both through the soil and through area ditches along Birch Point Road.
Birch Bay Villages Community Club Inc, Board of Directors representing 2300
persons living in Birch Bay Village endorse any correction of sewer and water
quality to Birch Bay View Community.
Respectfull ou
° rMeg Gra a or I
BBVCC Board of Directors
THE BERGS
7585 Sterling Ave., Birch Bay, WA 98230
kar /iy (3611) 37 1 -111 7 1 ___ Dick
September 25, 2003
To whom it may concern:
The installation of sewer collection in the Birch Bay View community is a most important
improvement for the health and safety of the fastest growing unincorporated urban growth area in
Whatcom County, Birch Bay. It is important for the people of Birch Bay and, most importantly,
for the health of our most precious natural asset, the Bay itself.
The Birch Bay Community Plan dated 25 June 2003 is a look at responsible growth in the Birch
Bay area and is being considered right now as the Subarea plan for the Whatcom County
Comprehensive Plan. Implementation of this Plan recognizes the need to improve and upgrade
old, outdated infrastructure to protect water resources and natural drainage systems by
controlling quality of stormwater runoff. A sewer system in Birch Bay View would be a positive
step towards accomplishment of that goal.
Your affirmative consideration of this matter will be greatly appreciated.
Yours in service,
Kathy Berg, Vice Chair
Birch Bay Community Plan Steering Committee