HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil August 5 20141
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Regular County Council
August 5, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
Council Chair Carl Weimer called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
Present: Barbara Brenner, Carl Weimer, Pete Kremen, Rud Browne and Barry
Buchanan.
Absent: Ken Mann and Sam Crawford.
FLAG SALUTE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
(From Committee of the Whole)
1. CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL OF A HEARING EXAMINER'S DECISION
(APL2014 -0001 & APL2014- 0002), FILED BY DAVID STALHEIM, REGARDING
A 180 DAY EXTENSION TO A LAND DISTURBANCE PERMIT (LD02011 -0054)
ISSUED TO PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL TERMINALS, INC. (AB2014 -208)
Browne moved to uphold the Hearing Examiner's decision.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Crawford (2)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 12.60 — ROAD NAMING
SYSTEM (AB2014 -270)
Roland Middleton, Public Works, gave a staff report. Allow an applicant to request a
road name change. The document includes housekeeping measures to make administration
and road naming more straight forward.
Weimer opened the public hearing and, hearing no one, closed the public hearing.
Browne moved to adopt the ordinance.
Whatcom County Council, 8/5/2014, Page 1
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Brenner asked if this has been through the Point Roberts Advisroy Committee.
Middleton stated it has not. The ordinance codifies the process by which they've always
administered the code.
Brenner referenced Whatcom County Code (WCC) section 12.60.120(C)(2) and
asked about accessory dwelling units. A separate address for an accessory cottage on
someone's property will cause great confusion. It will cause pressure on future councils to
divide the properties. Handle it differently. Create some sort of signage to direct
emergency vehicles instead of a separate address. Middleton stated this language was
requested by people who are doing the addressing. Delivery drivers, for example, are
delivering to the main unit when more than one home has the same address. The pressure
to subdivide doesn't come from an address.
Brenner stated it's up to the property owners to make it clear to delivery drivers. An
accessory dwelling unit doesn't refer to a rental unit. It is an accessory to the main house.
Some of the planning staff told her they didn't want detached accessory units because there
would be pressure in the future to create subdivision where they may not want it. She
asked that this be revisited by the proponent and held in committee.
Tyler Schroeder, Executive Office, referenced the section regarding permitted units.
If there are two permitted residences, they should have separate addresses. If the
structures are non - permitted, no address should be assigned. That was the concern that
planning staff had in the past. The Planning Department supports this language. The Public
Works staff requests this language to make it clearer when addressing requests are
received.
Weimer asked if accessory dwelling units can be rental units. Schroeder stated they
can be. The addressing as recommended would make it clearer for Planning staff and
emergency vehicles. Giving a separate address on a separate accessory dwelling unit on a
single parcel won't open the door for a subdivision. That would have to come to the Council
to do something silly like that. If the Council wants to allow a subdivision, the address isn't
going to make a difference. He doesn't understand the concern.
Browne stated allow an address on a structure if it makes it easier for emergency
medical services (EMS) to save a life.
Brenner moved to refer to the Public Works Committee.
The motion to refer to committee failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner and Kremen (2)
Nays: Browne, Buchanan, and Weimer (3)
Absent: Mann and Crawford (2)
Brenner moved to amend WCC section 12.60.120(C)(2), "One e (More than one
permitted detached accessory dwelling units on a separate driveway, then each unit shall
have a separate address."
The motion to amend failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner (1)
Nays: Kremen, Browne, Buchanan, and Weimer (4)
Absent: Mann and Crawford (2)
Whatcom County Council, 8/5/2014, Page 2
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Brenner stated this is just a way to get more money from people instead of solve a
problem. It will create a lot of confusion for people who come onto the property.
Kremen stated he is against the previous motion to amend since the accessory
dwelling units can legally be rented out to other individuals or families. This won't lead to
subdivided parcels. It's important for renters who are not related to the primary household
to have their own address for emergency reasons, credit card billing address reasons, and
many other legal reasons.
Brenner asked what the process will be if this passes and people have to have a
second address. Schroeder stated that in most situations, someone would have to request
an address from the Public Works Department.
Middleton stated that if the fire department brings forward an issue, a person would
be requested to do an existing accessory dwelling unit. For the most part, this applies from
now forward. It's not retroactive. If someone applies for and receives a permit for an
accessory dwelling unit, it will have two separate addresses. Existing accessory dwelling
unit owners aren't breaking the law because they were vested under their original approval.
Originally, the County reviewed one quarter of the addresses each year to make address
corrections. However, there is no staff to do that now, so that language has been removed.
The addresses are being corrected if someone brings an addressing problem forward. Staff
doesn't intend to look through all the accessory dwelling unit records and have everyone fill
out a change request.
Weimer asked if there is a fee for a second address. Middleton stated there is a fee
in the unified fee schedule to pay for the staff time it takes to put it together.
Browne stated the fee is $35. If addresses are out of sequence, they could request
assistance from EMS, the Postal Service, or courier companies. Middleton stated they've
done that. They are working on a handful they know about now. In the late 1980's, there
were several addresses out of sequence. A lot of work was done to establish a road naming
system. Staff administering the code on a daily basis have requested these changes to
make it better for the code and in concern of EMS.
Browne stated some empty lots on which people have parked their recreational
vehicles (RV) don't have addresses, and they're difficult to find if they call for EMS.
Brenner stated empty lots aren't required to have an address.
Brenner asked about allowing someone to not have to have a second address if the
accessory unit is never a rental.
Browne stated Mr. Middleton already explained there is no requirement to get a
second address.
The motion to adopt as presented carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (4)
Nays: Brenner (1)
Absent: Mann and Crawford (2)
2. RESOLUTION APPROVING RECOMMENDATIONS ON APPLICATIONS FOR
OPEN SPACE CURRENT USE ASSESSMENT ON LANDS LOCATED WITHIN THE
CITY OF FERNDALE (AB2014 -271) (7:32:42 PM)
Whatcom County Council, 8/5/2014, Page 3
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Erin Osborn, Planning & Development, gave a staff report. Staff recommends
approval.
Weimer asked if the City of Ferndale has to have a hearing, too. Osborn stated it
does. Both jurisdictions have to approve it.
Weimer opened the public hearing, and the following person spoke:
Craig Wright, applicant representative, stated he is available to answer questions.
Hearing no one else, Weimer closed the public hearing.
Buchanan moved to approve the resolution.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Crawford (2)
3. RESOLUTION APPROVING RECOMMENDATIONS ON APPLICATIONS FOR
OPEN SPACE CURRENT USE ASSESSMENT ON LANDS LOCATED WITHIN
UNINCORPORATED WHATCOM COUNTY (AB2014 -272) (7:36:49 PM)
Erin Osborn, Planning & Development, gave a staff report. Staff recommends
approval. The Planning Commission recommended approval for both applications, but
added a further recommendation on the Hemnes property. Staff recommends a condition
that they demonstrate within four years that they meet the qualifications, but not
necessarily that they need to be approved. The Planning Department staff also recommend
approval of the timber applications.
Brenner asked if open space designation stays with the property unless it's removed.
Osborn stated that the buyer has to sign a notice of continuance or the seller is liable for the
back taxes. In this case, the buyer signed the notice of continuance, but the Assessor
stated that it doesn't qualify for continuance because the seller couldn't demonstrate the
income required to maintain classification. Therefore, the Assessor approved the
continuance pending reclassification to a different open space application.
Brenner asked how long the previous owner had the property designated open space
agriculture. When an owner sells the property and can't show they met the qualifications of
the designation, they should still be liable. The County lost taxes because someone wasn't
farming. Osborn stated the statute allows for reclassification and this circumstance.
Brenner stated the Planning Commission minutes don't indicate how the
commissioners voted.
Weimer opened the public hearing, and the following people spoke:
Craig Wright, applicant representative, stated he is available to answer questions.
Max Hurlbut stated there were minimal tax benefits to the four lots. There is a public
benefit. The property is on a steep hillside and provides wildlife trail between the Stimson
Family Reserve and Geneva Lake. Also, there were three mudslides on the hillside due to
Whatcom County Council, 8/5/2014, Page 4
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neighboring development. They want to keep the property open with trees on it to anchor
the soil. Very little open space exists between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., which is
beginning to look like the area between San Diego and Los Angeles in the 1940's. Keep the
area in open space and keep the trail open for animals and hikers. The trail is available for
public access.
Matthew (inaudible) stated he supports the Hurlbut application. The Hurlbuts have
been good stewards of the land near the Stimson Reserve.
Wendy Harris stated she agrees with the previous speaker. The Growth
Management Act (GMA) obligates them to use open space in part for habitat and wildlife.
The County isn't doing a good job of that. This is a great plan. She supports the Hurlbut
application.
Hearing no one else, Weimer closed the public hearing.
Browne moved to approve the resolution.
Weimer asked for an explanation of staff's proposed changes. Osborn stated
approval is subject to the same conditions as the other applications. She read the
conditions in the proposed resolution.
Brenner asked if the property can get a lot line adjustment to include the timber
without violating the Shoreline Management rules. Osborn stated they've already done a lot
line adjustment. It's the same lot of record. It was just never classified.
Weimer stated this should have been scheduled in committee to work through the
issues and questions.
Kremen stated he supports referring to committee.
Weimer moved to refer to the Natural Resources Committee on September 16.
The motion to hold in committee carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Crawford (2)
OPEN SESSION
(7 :56:41 PM)
The following people spoke:
• Sally Harper spoke about the discussion of possible options for regulation of
vacation rental uses in Whatcom County (AB2014 -295).
• Ellen Baker spoke about the lack of public hearing on the Whatcom County
Coordinated Water System Plan (AB2014 -253).
• Yoshi Revelle spoke about climate change and ocean acidification concerns.
• Wendy Harris spoke about the proposed watershed improvement districts.
• Sherilyn Wells submitted information (on file) and spoke about a local lecture
event regarding war veteran post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on August 25.
• Ken Holmes spoke about there not being any scientific basis for climate change.
Whatcom County Council, 8/5/2014, Page 5
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Kathy McDevitt spoke about fireworks at Birch Bay.
John Steensma spoke about a neighbor rezone and requirement to widen the
road that has not been done.
Brenner asked how the Hearing Examiner's conditions were overruled by an
administrative decision.
Weimer stated he and Councilmember Mann have asked the administration to give
the Council a presentation on this issue in September. He doesn't understand how the
administration can overrule the Hearing Examiner's decision.
Jack Louws, County Executive, stated the Hearings Examiner's ruling gives the Public
Works Department the ability to modify the requirements for the road improvements. That
decision didn't make it to his level of the administration. The Engineering Division made the
decision based on requirements of other applicants in Whatcom County. The decision was
made by County staff, which had the legal authority to do so. Now, the County has a
conundrum. The Hearing Examiner clearly stipulated the six -foot widening of the road. The
Public Works Department made a decision to reduce the requirements. The County has
given the authority to the applicant. The County is in the position now that it would have to
pay for a wider road if it wants one, since the County already granted the developer an
exception. He understands the concern of Mr. Steensma. The County is going to have to
decide if it wants to uphold what the Hearing Examiner decided.
Weimer stated the issues are how to make these folks whole and whether they need
to review Hearing Examiner operations to make sure this type of thing doesn't happen
again. Maybe the discretionary language shouldn't exist. When the County makes other
decisions, there's usually an appeal process. At this point, there was no appeal process
because the residents didn't know a decision had been made.
Brenner stated this decision went beyond an allowed modification.
Steensma stated that the taxpayers are going to pay for the development if the
County chooses to widen the road.
Antonio Garcia spoke about prohibited boat mooring in Bellingham Bay.
(Clerk's Note: The Council took a break from 8:39 p.m. to 8:43 p.m.)
CONSENT AGENDA
1. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND NORTHWEST DATA SUPPORT
TO DEVELOP A STORMWATER INVENTORY AND MAINTENANCE TRACKING
DATABASE FOR THE MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $27,350 (AB2014 -280) (8 :43 :06 PM)
Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to approve the request.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Crawford (2)
Whatcom County Council, 8/5/2014, Page 6
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OTHER ITEMS
1. REPORT ON COMMITTEE DISCUSSION OF REQUEST TO HAVE COUNCIL SEND
A LETTER TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ASKING THAT WESTERN
DRAYTON HARBOR BE RE- OPENED FOR RECREATIONAL SHELLFISH
HARVESTING (AB2014 -278) (8:44 :23 PM)
Buchanan reported for the Natural Resources Committee and moved to approve
the request for a Council letter and approve the substitute version of the letter, which is the
letter as amended in committee.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Crawford (2)
2. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND RH2 ENGINEERING, INC. FOR
THE UPDATE OF THE WHATCOM COUNTY COORDINATED WATER SYSTEM
PLAN — REGIONAL SUPPLEMENT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $174,776 (AB2014-
267) (8 :46:05 PM)
Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to approve the request.
Brenner stated she is against the motion. It's premature to do this through a special
interest committee that does not represent all the water interests. They haven't received
the basic background information they need. This allows the committee to expand the
original charge. Taxpayer money will benefit certain water interests. The information won't
be objective, because this committee has a vested interest in a certain result. This
shouldn't happen now. She agrees with the letter received from Robert Carmichael about
what needs to get done before this. This is discouraging to the Planning Unit, which is
supposed to give the Council recommendations. Hold this request.
Weimer asked if the money for the contract reflects the changed scope.
Gary Stoyka, Public Works Department, stated two of the three items in the scope
were removed.
Weimer asked if the $35,000 is not included. Stoyka stated it is not.
Kremen stated he agrees with Councilmember Brenner. It would send a negative
message to the Planning Unit members and void their time and work. He moved to hold in
Council to a date no later than September 30.
Weimer stated holding it won't address Councilmember Brenner's concerns. This is a
tool that should move forward to get water demand forecasting and minimum design
standards. It doesn't take anything away from the Planning Unit. It will go to the Planning
Unit for review before and after. He will vote to hold because it's clear that it won't pass
this evening.
Whatcom County Council, 8/5/2014, Page 7
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The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Crawford (2)
3. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2014 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET,
FOURTEENTH REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,813 (AB2014 -273) (8:54 :38
PM)
Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to adopt the ordinance.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Crawford (2)
4. ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 3.06, GRANT
APPLICATIONS, TO CLARIFY REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANT APPROVAL AND
APPROVAL EXEMPTIONS (AB2014 -275) (8 :55 :22 PM)
Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to adopt the substitute version of the ordinance. He described the amendments.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Crawford (2)
S. REQUEST ACCEPTANCE OF PETITION AND PETITIONER'S SECURITY
RELATING TO THE FORMATION OF AN IRRIGATION DISTRICT (TO BE
KNOWN AS THE DRAYTON WATERSHED IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT) (AB2014-
224A) (8 :57 :02 PM)
Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to approve the request.
Brenner asked legal counsel if the Council is required by law to accept the petitions
and if the petitioners have met their legal burden to put this on the ballot.
Dana Brown - Davis, Clerk of the Council, stated it doesn't go on the ballot. The
Council Office runs the election. The Auditor's Office will provide assistance, but the Council
Office is responsible for running the election. It doesn't go on the ballot in November. The
Council Office hopes to send out ballots on October 3, 2014.
Weimer stated they will hold a public hearing on this in September. Tonight they are
just accepting the petitions. People can discuss wither the petitioners have met their legal
burden at the hearing. Brown -Davis stated the Department of Ecology will do a study,
investigate the source of water and a few other things. It will submit a report to the
Council. The Council doesn't decide whether or not to approve the districts. Tonight the
Council is officially receiving the petition and accepting the bond, which the office has
already taken in. This just starts the process moving forward according to the steps
required by State law to get them to the election.
Whatcom County Council, 8/5/2014, Page 8
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Brenner asked if they are allowed to send it the same time as the general election
ballot. More people would be inclined to respond. Approval is by majority of those who
respond. People who are opposed must vote no instead of not voting. There is an add -on
to the Bertrand district. The vote procedure isn't one person -one vote. Once someone
agrees to be a watershed improvement district (WID), the decisions are made by a minority
of people.
Henry Bierlink, Ag District Coalition, stated it's an elected representative system.
Votes are based on acreage rather than on one person -one vote. It's the same basic
principle. The representatives make decisions on behalf of everyone. If they don't make
good decisions, someone else can be elected.
Brenner stated the same process is in place for electing the board. That's not
democracy.
Weimer stated that's the way the State law set it up.
Brenner stated that someone in Eastern Washington made it more restrictive to allow
one person one vote. Bierlink stated that if that's true, it was probably done by the Bureau
of Reclamation districts. They are different from the State irrigation districts. These
statutes are about 100 years old, but they are the laws that exist. The petitioners are
following the laws. These districts have been formed twice before.
Brenner stated property can be added on by very few people who control the
process. Bierlink stated the owners of over 50 percent of the acreage have to ask to be in
the WID.
Brenner stated that is different from being over 50 percent of the property owners.
People who are voting need to understand that point. She asked about the amount
collected being more than $5 per acre. Bierlink stated the assessment is proportional to the
services provided. If the assessment is for more than what the landowners are provided,
they are vulnerable to a challenge.
Brenner asked the limit on how high the assessment can go. Bierlink stated the
statute doesn't specify a limit.
Weimer asked if all they are doing is affirming that the petitions are correct, that
there is the right number of signatures, and that the bond has been paid in the right
amount. Bierlink stated that is correct.
Kremen stated the Council is not supporting or condoning anything. Bierlink stated
that is correct.
Browne asked if the proposed districts follow the watersheds. Bierlink stated they
would like them to. They did do that pretty well with Bertrand and North Lynden. They
didn't have to draw the boundary around areas that are less farmed. In other areas of the
county, the agricultural area is more fractured. The boundaries are more jagged. They
don't want to include areas that are not intensively farmed. They would be vulnerable to
having no votes and to assessing people who would not receive a lot of benefit. This is
about more intense agricultural issues. The boundaries are not perfect. The four districts
are trying to be more representative by drainage area.
Whatcom County Council, 8/5/2014, Page 9
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Browne asked if these are all legally appropriate.
Karen Frakes, Prosecutor's Office, stated they seem to comply with the statute, but
there will be further investigation by the Department of Ecology, specifically about the
supply of water. At this point, they don't need to worry about that. The petitions appear to
be in proper form.
Weimer stated the hearings in September will be to determine if the boundaries are
correct and to accept the name. Bierlink stated the Council's role is to facilitate the
referendum, not to approve the referendum.
Kremen stated this entire process was adopted, conceived, and implemented before
there were charter counties. There were three commissioners, and there was more contact
with the affected landowners. This process doesn't lend itself to the home rule charter form
of government. The process is what it is. The Council must comply with the law.
Brenner stated the American form of government is nothing like what they are
setting up. She's never seen any kind of voting that way. Bierlink stated this isn't a
general purpose government. It's an irrigation district.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Crawford (2)
6. REQUEST ACCEPTANCE OF PETITION AND PETITIONER'S SECURITY
RELATING TO THE FORMATION OF AN IRRIGATION DISTRICT (TO BE
KNOWN AS THE LAUREL WATERSHED IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT) (AB2014-
225A) (9 :13:15 PM)
Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to approve the request.
Brenner stated the Council Office sends out an informational packet. She asked who
decides what goes into the informational packets.
Dana Brown- Davis, Clerk of the Council, stated the informational packet includes
general information about the election. Any detailed information about the irrigation
district, including what the district will do and how much it will cost, comes from the
proposers of the districts.
Brenner stated the informational literature doesn't indicate the assessment can be
more than five dollars. Brown -Davis stated councilmembers can make suggestions about
changing the information, and she will pass it on to the proposers. They will try to address
Councilmember Brenner's concerns.
Bierlink stated they want to be as honest and straightforward as they can.
Brenner stated clarify that the assessment can be more than five dollars. Bierlink
stated the board will decide the assessment, which it will present to the Board of
Equalization each year. Anyone can present evidence for why the assessment isn't fair.
There is a public process.
Whatcom County Council, 8/5/2014, Page 10
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Brenner stated her concern is to give people all the information when they vote.
Bierlink stated they will listen to her suggestions for changing the information.
Browne asked who would collect the money. Bierlink stated the Treasurer collects
the money. It's on the property tax.
Browne stated he would like there to be a pro and con statement of the initiative in
the information.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Crawford (2)
7. REQUEST ACCEPTANCE OF PETITION AND PETITIONER'S SECURITY
RELATING TO THE FORMATION OF AN IRRIGATION DISTRICT (TO BE
KNOWN AS THE SOUTH LYNDEN WATERSHED IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT)
(AB2014 -226A)
Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to approve the request.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Crawford (2)
8. REQUEST ACCEPTANCE OF PETITION AND PETITIONER'S SECURITY
RELATING TO THE FORMATION OF AN IRRIGATION DISTRICT (TO BE
KNOWN AS THE SUMAS WATERSHED IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT) (AB2014-
227A)
Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to approve the substitute version of the request.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Crawford (2)
9. RESOLUTION APPROVING A LOCAL AGENCY PARTICIPATING AGREEMENT
BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION (WSDOT) AND AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY
EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN AGENCY PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WSDOT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THREE
COMPACT ROUNDABOUTS ON SLATER ROAD (AB2014 -279) (9:20:27 PM)
Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to approve the resolution.
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The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Crawford (2)
10. RESOLUTION COMMENCING THE COORDINATED WATER SYSTEM PLAN
UPDATE PROCESS (FROM JULY 8 AND 22) (AB2014 -253) (9:21 :35 PM)
Brenner reported for the Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee, which moved
it forward to the Council. She moved to hold to September 30.
Browne stated the process should be to deal with the resolution before the funding.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Crawford (2)
EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
1. REQUEST CONFIRMATION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S APPOINTMENTS OF
JULIE MARTIN AND NANETTE DAVIS TO THE NORTHWEST SENIOR SERVICES
BOARD (AB2014 -282) (9 :23 :05 PM)
Kremen moved to confirm the request.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Crawford (2)
INTRODUCTION ITEMS
Buchanan moved to accept the Introduction Items.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (5)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann and Crawford (2)
1. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE INSTALLATION OF STOP SIGNS ON
NORTHWEST DRIVE AT SLATER ROAD (AB2014 -283)
2. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE INSTALLATION OF STOP SIGNS ON
AIRPORT DRIVE (AB2014 -284)
3. ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 8.13, TRANSFER SOLID
WASTE OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT FROM PUBLIC WORKS TO THE HEALTH
DEPARTMENT (AB2014 -285)
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COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
Kremen reported the National Association of Counties (NACo) annual conference was
in New Orleans. He did not attend. He was reappointed to the large urban county caucus,
which meets annually with officials at the White House.
Brenner reported she helped serve lunch at Project Homeless Connect on July 25.
She also attended a presentation at the new emergency operations coordination center
(EOCC) regarding the Oso mudslide disaster. She learned much from the presentation.
Browne reported that he got to ride on a berry picker and toured a berry processing
plant. He recommends that people watch a movie called Taking Chance, about returning an
Iraqi war casualty home to his final resting place. It was very moving.
Weimer reported that this is the last meeting until September 16. He's been invited
to the White House next week to talk about climate change.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 9:28 p.m.
The Council approved these minutes on October 14, 2014.
ATTEST:
Dana Brown- Davis, Council Clerk
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Carl Weimer, Council Chair
Whatcom County Council, 8/5/2014, Page 13