HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil June 17 20141
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Regular County Council
June 17, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
Council Chair Carl Weimer called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
Present: Barbara Brenner, Ken Mann, Sam Crawford, Carl Weimer, Pete Kremen,
Rud Browne and Barry Buchanan.
Absent: None.
FLAG SALUTE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Weimer announced there was discussion of Council Office 2015 -2016 budget
priorities (AB2014 -205A) during today's special Committee of the Whole meeting.
(From Council Committee of the Whole — Executive Session)
Weimer announced the following items were discussed in executive session during
the Committee of the Whole meeting.
1. Discussion with Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Liz Gallery (or designee) regarding
pending litigation filed in Federal District Court (AB2014 -018)
Weimer announced that Councilmember Brenner recused herself during review of
this case. The County Council members reviewed this matter pursuant to Whatcom County
Code 2.56 and affirmatively find the following:
• The official or employee was acting in a matter in which the County had an
interest,
• The official or employee was acting in the discharge of a duty imposed or
authorized by law, and
• The official or employee did act in good faith.
The officers, officials, agents or employees will have counsel pursuant to and
consistent with all the provisions in WCC 2.56.
2. Consideration of an appeal of the Hearing Examiner's decision on File No. APL2013-
010, filed by Dannon Traxler, attorney for Robert Wilson regarding applicant's
request for a hardship extension regarding the expiration of the short plat (AB2014-
137)
Mann moved to uphold the Hearing Examiner's decision.
Whatcom County Council, 6/17/2014, Page 1
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The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (7)
Nays: None (0)
3. Discussion regarding potential property acquisition for the Flood Control Zone District
(AB2014 -018)
(Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of
Supervisors.)
Crawford moved to authorize the County Executive, acting on behalf of the
Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors, to move forward with
and complete acquisition of the property as long as the purchase price of the parcel does
not exceed the amount discussed in executive session.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
Nays: Mann (1)
4. Discussion regarding potential park property acquisition (AB2014 -018)
5. Discussion with Senior Deputy Prosecutor Karen Frakes regarding appeal of Growth
Management Hearings Board Case No. 12 -2 -0013 (AB2014 -018)
MINUTES CONSENT
Weimer stated these items were withdrawn from the agenda.
1. REGULAR COUNTY COUNCIL FOR MAY 20, 2014
2. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE FOR JUNE 3, 2014
3. REGULAR COUNTY COUNCIL FOR JUNE 3, 2014
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 8.10 SOLID WASTE AND
RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING COLLECTION (AB2014 -217) (7 :07:26 PM)
Weimer opened the public hearing and, hearing no one, closed the public hearing.
Brenner moved to adopt the ordinance.
Weimer stated the reporting requirements have been removed. That information
used to be very important for the County, because it shows how much garbage is being
generated versus how much is being recycled. They know if the recycling rates are going
up or down and whether the program is working. He asked how they measure program
success if the County doesn't receive this information anymore.
Gary Stoyka, Public Works Department, stated change came from the Solid Waste
Advisory Committee (SWAC). The Public Works Department doesn't need the information
Whatcom County Council, 6/17/2014, Page 2
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for its operations. They were told by the Health Department that they normally did not
receive the information and never used the information. All the information the Health
Department received was information reported directly to the State to meet State reporting
requirements.
Weimer asked if the Council can amend the proposed plan to include the language.
The Public Works Department used to operate the waste reduction and recycling program.
That's where this information was used. It was a way to know whether things were getting
better or worse through the Solid Waste Comprehensive Plan. Stoyka stated the Solid
Waste Coordinator said they didn't use it for any Public Works Department purposes. The
Council can include the language in the plan. Staff isn't using the information right now.
Weimer suggested a friendly amendment to not delete the reporting language in
section 8.10.070(B) on Council packet page 302. The information can be used if they want
to start looking at recycling rates. The information may be valuable in the future for
contracts with waste disposal companies.
Brenner accepted the friendly amendment. She recalled that they could take out
the language because it exists somewhere else. However she doesn't have any problem
leaving it in. Stoyka stated that is correct. The information is also provided in a different
format to the State. The haulers asked if the County needed this information in this format,
which is duplicative of State requirements. There didn't seem to be a need for the
information by the Public Works Department or Health Department, so the haulers asked
that the requirement be removed if they didn't need it.
Weimer referenced section 8.10.060(C) on Council packet page 301. He asked why
the language about nonresidential collection is deleted and why they aren't encouraging
waste reduction and recycling for commercial use. Stoyka stated that recommendation
came from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) because the
federal government does not regulate recycling. Businesses are free to use whichever
collection company they want. They may use one company that they're required to use for
solid waste collection, but they may use a different company for recycling. There is no way
to tie those two rates together, and it's probably not legal according to the WUTC.
Browne stated there is no structural reason why they wouldn't require them to
encourage waste recycling and reduction for a business in the rate structure. He is opposed
to taking the incentive language out unless it is illegal. Stoyka stated the purpose is to
have the rate structure of the solid waste hauler set up to encourage recycling. In some
areas, people charge for recycling and solid waste. According to this system of curbside
recycling, the rate structure could not charge extra for recycling. In this case, if the solid
waste company and the recycling company are different, it's impossible for the solid waste
company to incorporate a rate structure that encourages recycling.
Browne stated he ran a business in the community that was recycling- centric. They
used Sanitary Service Company (SSC) for garbage, food recycling, and other products. SSC
was the only option for recycling food waste for the business. He is reluctant to remove the
language. He asked the difference between the data the County asked for and the data
provided to the State. Stoyka stated it was a different reporting schedule in a different
format.
Browne stated he supports not requiring someone to provide the same data in a
different format. If they are providing it in a State format, that's fine. He would like to see
what that format is. Stoyka stated he can get that information.
Whatcom County Council, 6/17/2014, Page 3
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Weimer withdrew his friendly amendment and moved to not delete the reporting
language in section 8.10.070(B) on Council packet page 302.
Mann stated the definition for "Certificated hauler" was deleted from section
8.10.030(B). He suggested a friendly amendment to the motion to amend to include
the definition, "'Certificated hauler' means solid waste collection companies."
Weimer accepted the friendly amendment.
The motion to amend carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (7)
Nays: None (0)
Browne moved to amend section 8.10.060(C) to reinstate the original language.
Weimer stated this is about rate structures. Neither the WUTC nor the County can
regulate rate structures on commercial hauling. They can't create an incentive in the rate
structure. It's a free market for commercial pickup.
Browne stated they can't dictate the structure due to a risk of price fixing.
Brenner stated that's what this would do.
Browne stated they aren't dictating the price or the differential. He's not sure it's
illegal.
Crawford stated the business he works at contracts for garbage service and also
recycles a lot of other things, such as steel, cardboard, and lumber wrappers. He asked
what Councilmember Browne is suggesting the County regulate in terms of the business
rates and how that would impact the County. He doesn't understand the connection
between the garbage rate and using that rate to create an incentive for recycling.
Browne stated the argument is that it's illegal, but the language says that rate
structures for multifamily garbage collection can be designed to encourage recycling.
Weimer stated it's because the WUTC sets the rates for multifamily garbage
collection.
Crawford stated multifamily waste is residential waste. There are benefits of
encouraging recycling. Many people won't go to the trouble of separating their recyclables
and taking them somewhere. He doesn't know how that would work with a business.
Browne stated that his business got to zero waste and 100 percent recycling because
they had services from SSC for food waste recycling and post- consumer packaging, which
aren't given to an industrial recycler because the volume is too small. A residential provider
would do that.
Crawford stated most businesses generate enough waste to create their own
incentive to minimize the amount of garbage. In the meantime, they separate certain
products that are recycled elsewhere and may even get paid for that material. They still
have a certain amount of garbage. He doesn't know how to tell the person who picks that
Whatcom County Council, 6/17/2014, Page 4
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up to structure a rate system that is going to somehow encourage the business to recycle.
The benefits of recycling are already evident.
Browne stated the key to recycling is remembering that there are multiple waste
streams, not a single waste stream, depending on the type of material being recycled. The
question is whether there is someone to take those multiple waste streams. In the case of
SSC, they were wonderful to work with to take each waste stream. He asked why they
don't want to do that for nonresidential waste.
Brenner stated the County doesn't have the authority.
Weimer stated he agrees that it's something businesses ought to want to do, but
there is a legal line.
Browne stated that if it's illegal, he's done arguing about it, but it's the principle.
He withdrew his motion. Stoyka read language from the WUTC that said the WUTC is
exempted from establishing rates for commercial recycling by the federal government, and
the WUTC requires all commercial recyclers to apply for and receive a common carrier
permit.
Browne stated that statement from the WUTC doesn't conflict with the language in
that section, because they aren't establishing the rates. They're just asking for a
differential.
The motion to adopt as amended carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (7)
Nays: None (0)
2. PUBLIC HEARING TO ALLOW AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO COMMENT
ON A PROPOSED GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM FOR THE PURCHASE OF BALLISTIC ARMOR
PLATES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,201 (PUBLIC HEARING IS A REQUIREMENT
OF THE GRANT) (AB2014 -228)
Weimer opened the public hearing, and the following person spoke:
Bill Elfo, Sheriff, gave a staff report and stated he is available to answer questions.
Hearing no one else, Weimer closed the public hearing.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (7)
Nays: None (0)
OPEN SESSION
(7:26:42 PM)
The following person spoke:
• Patrick Alesse spoke about property available for sale in Birch Bay that can be
used as a park.
Whatcom County Council, 6/17/2014, Page 5
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CONSENT AGENDA
(7:30:24 PM)
Crawford reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to approve Consent Agenda items one through nine.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (7)
Nays: None (0)
1. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND PIONEER HUMAN SERVICES
FOR OPERATION OF THE WHATCOM COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TRIAGE
CENTER, IN THE AMOUNT OF $545,140 (AB2014 -230)
2. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A FIVE -
YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND MERIDIAN
SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR SHERIFF'S OFFICE SUB - STATION, IN THE AMOUNT
OF $46,170 (AB2014 -231)
3. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WHATCOM FAMILY AND
COMMUNITY NETWORK FOR DELIVERY OF PREVENTION STRATEGIES TO
REDUCE RISK FACTORS FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$25,000 (AB2014 -232)
4. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND KULSHAN SERVICES, LLC,
FOR DRY WEATHER OUTFALL INSPECTIONS AND PRIVATE STORMWATER
FACILITY MAINTENANCE EDUCATION AND INSPECTIONS, IN THE AMOUNT
OF $45,949 (AB2014 -233)
5. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WILSON ENGINEERING, LLC,
FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR CORONADO- FREMONT STORMWATER
IMPROVEMENTS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $65,852 (AB2014 -234)
6. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND SARGENT ENGINEERS, INC.,
FOR DESIGN OF PAINTING SYSTEM AND CREATION OF PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE SLATER ROAD /NOOKSACK RIVER BRIDGE NO.
512 PAINTING PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,449.49 (AB2014 -235)
7. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #14 -21
AND ENTER INTO A CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE LOW
BIDDER, ANDGAR CORPORATION, FOR CENTRAL PLAZA HVAC UPGRADES, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $69,176,88 $69,176.68 (AB2014 -237)
8. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL FOR
PROGRAMMATIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH THE
Whatcom County Council, 6/17/2014, Page 6
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OPERATION OF THE HOUSING AND ESSENTIAL NEEDS PROGRAM, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $1,354,277 (AB2014 -238)
9. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
COMMERCIAL LEASE AGREEMENT TO RENT PARKING SPACES AT THE
CORNWALL CENTER FOR THE BELLINGHAM SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
(AB2014 -242)
OTHER ITEMS
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2012 -050 (AMENDMENT #1)
ESTABLISHING THE BIRCH BAY DRIVE AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITY PROJECT
FUND AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED BUDGET FOR THE BIRCH BAY
DRIVE AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITY PROJECT (AB2014 -216)
Crawford reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to adopt the ordinance.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (7)
Nays: None (0)
2. ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2014 -13 (AMENDMENT #1)
ESTABLISHING THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM REPLACEMENT FUND
AND RELATED CAPITAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION (AB2014 -218) (7:31:46
PM)
Crawford reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to adopt the ordinance.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (7)
Nays: None (0)
3. ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2008 -025 (AMENDMENT #5), PROJECT
BUDGET NO. 2, WHICH ESTABLISHED THE INITIAL EAST WHATCOM
REGIONAL RESOURCE CENTER PROJECT BUDGET (AB2014 -219) (7:32:11 PM)
Crawford reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to adopt the ordinance. He stated this is funded from the Economic Development
Investment (EDI) fund because the County's portion of the original project to build the
center was entirely funded by EDI funds. This item is part of the ongoing initial construction
to deal with issues that stem from the initial construction.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (7)
Nays: None (0)
4. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2014 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, TWELFTH
REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,312,053 (AB2014 -220) (7:33:22 PM)
Crawford reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to adopt the ordinance.
Whatcom County Council, 6/17/2014, Page 7
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The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (7)
Nays: None (0)
5. RESOLUTION IN THE MATTER OF THE SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY AND
SETTING OF A DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING PURSUANT TO WCC 1.10
(AB2014 -229) (7:34:06 PM)
Crawford reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to approve the resolution.
Brenner stated she would like to see the documentation include mileage for all items
in the future.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (7)
Nays: None (0)
Browne stated certain devices on the list don't have an odometer.
6. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #14 -31
AND ENTER INTO A CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE LOW
BIDDER, JANSEN, INC., FOR THE LOWER CANYON CREEK PHASE 2,
SCHEDULE B RESTORATION PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $888,963.29
(AB2014 -236) (7 :35:42 PM)
(Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of
Supervisors.)
Crawford reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to approve the request.
Mann stated he's opposed to this project. This is not a great use of County funds,
which benefits a few properties built in an obvious flood and landslide area.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
Nays: Mann (1)
7. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE LAKE WHATCOM WATER AND SEWER
DISTRICT'S 2014 COMPREHENSIVE SEWER SYSTEM PLAN UPDATE (AB2014-
223) (7 :37 :28 PM)
Brenner reported for the Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee and moved
to approve the resolution.
Weimer stated the plan policy is to require people with septic systems around the
lake to hook up to sewer, however that's not the County's policy, even though the Council is
approving the plan. Council approval of the plan also does not endorse the District's
financing ideas for dealing with the total maximum daily load (TMDL). The Health
Department assured him that approving this plan does not endorse the District's policies.
Whatcom County Council, 6/17/2014, Page 8
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The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (7)
Nays: None (0)
COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
1. NOMINATION AND APPOINTMENT TO FILL A VACANCY ON THE SOLID
WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPRESENTING A PUBLIC INTEREST GROUP
- APPLICANT(S): MARK PETERSON (AB2014 -222) (7 :38 :51 PM)
Browne moved to nominate and appoint Mark Peterson.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (7)
Nays: None (0)
EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
1. REQUEST CONFIRMATION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S APPOINTMENT OF
ELEANOR HINES TO THE WHATCOM COUNTY MARINE RESOURCES
COMMITTEE (AB2014 -239) (7 :39 :17 PM)
Brenner moved to confirm the request.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (7)
Nays: None (0)
INTRODUCTION ITEMS
(7 :39 :42 PM)
Browne withdrew Introduction Item one. He stated they should follow the
Council process by asking the recipients to make the 30 percent contribution to the
project as is normal and customary and defined in the Code.
vote:
Weimer moved to accept Introduction Items two through four.
The motion to accept Introduction Items two through four carried by the following
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (7)
Nays: None (0)
1. RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 2014 -2019 SIX -YEAR WATER RESOURCES
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM TO ADD THE SYRE PROPERTY BANK
STABILIZATION AND ADD ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR EMERGENCY REPAIR
WORK AT SWIFT CREEK (AB2014 -240)
(Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of
Supervisors.)
Whatcom County Council, 6/17/2014, Page 9
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Mann stated he argued against funding this, but he supports introducing it because
he wants to hear what people have to say at the public hearing.
Brenner stated she also supports introduction and the resolution. They appointed an
advisory committee. It's hard to get people to commit to this kind of work. A majority of
the members said they wanted to upgrade this project. If they had done this years ago,
they would have paid much less. The longer they wait, the more expensive it will get. This
is a huge burden on salmon habitat.
Browne stated that he would like to see or hear expert testimony on whether this
situation does or does not affect salmon habitat. Regarding boards and committees, the
expectation is that the advisory committees follow the guidelines of the code in their
decision - making. This decision is outside the criteria of the code. He doesn't support a
decision that is contrary to the code.
Brenner stated the code is clear that the Council has the authority to reprioritize
projects for other reasons.
Weimer moved to accept this item for introduction and stated he supports
introduction because he wants to hear what the public has to say.
Crawford stated Councilmember Brenner is referring to turbidity, and Councilmember
Browne is asking for evidence that turbidity in this situation is affecting salmon habitat.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (7)
Nays: None (0)
2. RESOLUTION AMENDING THE 2014 -2019 SIX -YEAR TRANSPORTATION
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM TO MODIFY THE TITLE AND PROJECT LIMITS OF
AN EXISTING PROJECT (AB2014 -241)
3. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY PURSUANT
TO WCC 1.10 (AB2014 -229A)
4. ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE TITLE 20 TO ALLOW
PACKINGHOUSES AND SLAUGHTERHOUSES IN THE AGRICULTURE (AG),
HEAVY IMPACT INDUSTRIAL (HII), AND RURAL AND INDUSTRIAL
MANUFACTURING (RIM) ZONING DISTRICTS (AB2014 -060D)
COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
(7:46:17 PM)
Brenner reported about a packet of information she received from Bob Carmichael at
Thurston Zender about the Joint Board, which does not have authority to authorize and
expend money without prior Council review and approval. Councilmembers should read Mr.
Carmichael's report.
Crawford stated the Executive and Prosecuting Attorney are reviewing it and intend
on discussing it with Council at a future date.
Whatcom County Council, 6/17/2014, Page 10
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Brenner reported she attended a VIP luncheon for the airport and waterfront plans.
She was very impressed with all the improvements and upgrades. She also attended the
Women in Timber Woods Tour. It was a good tour that focused on geology in different
parts of the county.
(From Natural Resources Committee)
UPDATE BY WHATCOM COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS AND PLANNING &
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES STAFF ON GEOLOGIC HAZARDS AND LANDSLIDE
AREAS IN WHATCOM COUNTY (AB2014 -169) (7:50:42 PM)
Buchanan reported for the Natural Resources Committee.
(From Finance and Administrative Service Committee)
(7:51:26 PM)
Crawford reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
stated the Executive has proposed scheduling an Executive update with the full Council
about what is happening in the Executive's Office. He asked if it should be scheduled before
the full Council or Finance Committee.
Jack Louws, County Executive, stated the Bellingham City Council has a Mayor
update scheduled at the beginning of the regular City Council meeting. He could present his
update at the Finance Committee or the beginning of the Council meeting.
Crawford stated that since changing the Council meeting format requires a change to
the code, it might be better to have the report in Finance Committee.
Weimer stated this is a way for the Executive to provide greater transparency, get
his message out to the community, and communicate more with the Council. Try an update
process in Finance Committee for awhile. If it works, they can update the Code and move it
to the evening meeting. However, a brief Executive update could easily turn into a lengthy
Council discussion at every meeting. They'll have to figure out how to receive an update
without creating a long discussion, which isn't the intent of the update.
Louws gave a brief summary of the report he presented during Finance Committee
today, including an update of recent events regarding an Executive Order reflecting State
law SBB 5173 that created two new unpaid calendar holidays per year for religious
purposes, a purchase and sale agreement on park property in Birch Bay, closing on the
State Street property in June, signing the contract for dolphin replacement at Gooseberry
Point, and completion of the Executive - authorized contract report through May.
Buchanan stated he prefers ultimately having the update at the evening meeting so
the public at -large can get the information. A concise summary is good information. At the
City Council, the Mayor updates were helpful. Once in a while the reports turned into
discussions, but not always.
Browne stated an option is to publish the report before the update.
Brenner stated the Executive can give a full report at the end of Finance Committee
and a brief summary at the full Council meeting.
Whatcom County Council, 6/17/2014, Page 11
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Kremen stated he supports scheduling the update in Finance Committee.
Additionally, he would like the Executive to post a written report on the County website.
Weimer stated he supports scheduling the update in Finance Committee and, if it
works well, moving it to full Council meetings in the future.
Crawford stated he will work with the Executive and add it to the committee agenda.
(8:02:35 PM)
Browne reported about the East County Regional Resource Center. There is a strong
sense of community and resilience in that area.
Browne also reported that there is insufficient time for review after people submit
their applications for consideration for Council- appointed committees. The public has said
they don't have enough time to see who those applicants are. He asked if they want to
change the application deadline to the same day as the packet deadline to give the
councilmembers and public enough time to review and contact all the applicants. In some
cases, they receive applications on the day of the meeting, which doesn't give them time to
review them. He moved to bring forward a change to the Code regarding Council- appointed
board and commission application deadlines.
Brenner stated she understands both sides of the issue. She doesn't like to receive
last- minute information, but sometimes it's hard to get people to apply.
Browne stated the worst case is that they vote on it at the following meeting. He
asked if the only potential problem is with the Planning Commission.
Weimer stated Planning Commission appointments are done the first meeting of the
year, and people ought to have that figured out.
Mann stated he agrees that last- second applications aren't helpful. He will support
the motion.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
Nays: Crawford (1)
(8 :05:54 PM)
Weimer reported he attended a water forum hosted by the Rome Grange last
Saturday. It was well- attended. There is a lot of interest in water issues around the
county.
Kremen reported on his trip with the National Association of Counties (NACO) in
Washington, D.C. Key issues discussed were a transportation bill, continuing to maintain
tax - exempt status for municipal bonds, the Marketplace Fairness Act regarding collecting
sales tax from commerce conducted over the internet, and other issues. The time was well -
spent.
Whatcom County Council, 6/17/2014, Page 12
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ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
The Council approved these minutes on July 8, 2014.
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Carl Weimer, Council Chair
Whatcom County Council, 6/17/2014, Page 13