HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil November 12 20141
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Regular County Council
November 12, 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, Ken Mann, Sam Crawford, Rud Browne, Barry
Buchanan, Carl Weimer, and Pete Kremen
Absent: None
FLAG SALUTE
CITIZEN BOARD AND COMMITTEE VACANCIES
Weimer announced vacancies on the Surface Mining Advisory Committee and Marine
Resources Committee.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Weimer announced there was discussion during the Special Committee of the Whole
meeting regarding formulation of recommendations related to a proposed ordinance
approving the 2015 -2016 Whatcom County Budget (AB2014 -205C) and County
staff and Executive seek input from Council on the proposed 2015 WRIA 1
Watershed Management Project Joint Board Budget (AB2014 -345).
Weimer also announced there was discussion with Senior Deputy Prosecutor
Karen Frakes regarding pending litigation, Whatcom County v. Western
Washington Growth Management Hearings Board, Skagit County Superior Court
Case No. 13 -2- 00211 -9 (AB2014 -018) in executive session during the Committee of the
Whole meeting.
Weimer finally announced there was also discussion with Senior Deputy
Prosecutor Karen Frakes regarding pending litigation, Hirst et al v. Whatcom
County, GMHB Case No. 12 -2 -0013 (AB2014 -018) in executive session during the
Committee of the Whole meeting.
Kremen moved for the County to request the Washington Association of Counties to
submit an amicus curiae brief in Hirst et al v. Whatcom County, Court of Appeals, Division
1, case number 70796 -5 -1 and 72132 -1 -1.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (7)
Nays: None (0)
Whatcom County Council, 11/12/2014, Page 1
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SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. RESOLUTION DECLARING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER "PANCREATIC CANCER
AWARENESS MONTH" IN WHATCOM COUNTY (AB2014 -379)
Kremen moved to approve and read the resolution. Mr. George Harell asked him
and Councilmember Brenner for this declaration. Mr. Harell is a leader in trying to foster
the pancreatic cancer awareness cause.
George Harell stated he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2012. Currently,
pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of death. It is projected to be the second
leading cause of death by 2020. However, there is hope due to getting word out about the
disease. Hopefully, the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act will help people. The National
Cancer Institute is directly responsible for fostering plans and directed to raise funds.
Young research workers and other healthcare professionals are entering a difficult field.
Their enthusiasm and new ideas will create breakthroughs. He thanked the Council for the
proclamation. Washington state has several good support organizations for people who
have pancreatic cancer. It's important to put newly- diagnosed patients in contact with
these organizations.
Kremen stated he commends the efforts of all who are involved in the fight against
pancreatic cancer, including Mr. Harell.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (7)
Nays: None (0)
MINUTES CONSENT
(7 :11:18 PM)
Brenner moved to approve Minutes Consent items one through three.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (7)
Nays: None (0)
1. REGULAR COUNTY COUNCIL FOR SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
2. BOARD OF HEALTH FOR OCTOBER 7, 2014
3. REGULAR COUNTY COUNCIL FOR OCTOBER 14, 2014
OPEN SESSION
The following people spoke:
• Joy Gilfillan spoke about the proposed new Whatcom County jail and jail
alternatives.
• John Belisle spoke about Whatcom County government key performance
measures.
Whatcom County Council, 11/12/2014, Page 2
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• Paul Akers submitted a handout (on
government key performance measures.
• Carol Perry spoke about Whatcom
measures.
CONSENT AGENDA
(7:25:03 PM)
file) and spoke about Whatcom County
County government key performance
Crawford reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to approve Consent Agenda items one through three.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (7)
Nays: None (0)
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND BECKWITH CONSULTING
GROUP FOR ASSISTANCE WITH THE 2016 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
TO THE HOUSING CHAPTER, IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,000 (AB2014 -346)
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO RENEW
INSURANCE FOR THE WHATCOM CHIEF FERRY FOR POLICY YEAR 01/01/15
THROUGH 01/01/16 (AB2014 -347)
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WASHINGTON
STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY TO FUND ADMINISTRATIVE AND ACTION
PROJECTS FOR THE WHATCOM COUNTY MARINE RESOURCES COMMITTEE,
IN THE AMOUNT OF $74,018 (AB2014 -348)
OTHER ITEMS
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2014 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET,
SEVENTEENTH REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $77,912 (AB2014 -341)
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)
INTRODUCTION ITEMS
Crawford moved to accept Introduction Items one through 33. He stated there is a
substitute ordinance for item 31, the Six -Year Capital Improvement Program (AB2014 -330).
Dana Brown - Davis, Clerk of the Council stated the proposed public hearing for item
23 regarding the Slater Road rezone request (AB2014 -331) is moved from November 25 to
December 9, 2014.
Whatcom County Council, 11/12/2014, Page 3
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Brenner asked about the parks and recreation level of service changes.
Mark Personius, Planning and Development Services Department, stated the number
of trail miles is 70. Item 22 regarding the Comprehensive Plan mineral resource lands
(AB2014 -344) is withdrawn from the agenda and will be rescheduled on December 9, 2014.
Weimer read an email from Matt Aamot dated November 12, 2014 detailing a revised
six -year capital improvement program (on file).
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (7)
Nays: None (0)
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 16.20, WHATCOM
COUNTY SHELLFISH PROTECTION DISTRICT (AB2014 -351)
2. ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2014 -011 (AMENDMENT NO. 1),
ESTABLISHING THE DAKOTA CREEK BRIDGE NO. 500 PROJECT FUND AND
RELATED CAPITAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION (AB2014 -352)
3. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2014 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET,
EIGHTEENTH REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $665,276 (AB2014 -353)
4. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE LAKE WHATCOM BOULEVARD RE-
SURFACING FUND AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED BUDGET FOR LAKE
WHATCOM BOULEVARD RE- SURFACING CPR #913002 PROJECT (AB2014-
354)
S. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE HANNEGAN ROAD /NOOKSACK RIVER
BRIDGE NO. 252 FUND AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED BUDGET FOR
HANNEGAN ROAD /NOOKSACK RIVER BRIDGE NO. 252 SCOUR MITIGATION
PROJECT (AB2014 -355)
6. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE SLATER ROAD /NOOKSACK RIVER BRIDGE
FUND AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED BUDGET FOR SLATER
ROAD /NOOKSACK RIVER BRIDGE PAINTING PROJECT (AB2014 -356)
7. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE 2015 COUNTY ROADWAY SAFETY
PROGRAM FUND AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED BUDGET FOR THE
2015 COUNTY ROADWAY SAFETY PROGRAM — CRP #915015 (AB2014 -357)
8. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE HANNEGAN ROAD STRUCTURAL OVERLAY
FUND AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED BUDGET FOR HANNEGAN
ROAD STRUCTURAL OVERLAY CRP #915010 PROJECT (AB2014 -358)
9. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE 2015 COURTHOUSE IMPROVEMENT FUND
AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED BUDGET FOR COURTHOUSE
IMPROVEMENTS (AB2014 -359)
10. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE 2015 GIRARD STREET BUILDING
IMPROVEMENT FUND AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED BUDGET FOR
GIRARD STREET BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS (AB2014 -361)
Whatcom County Council, 11/12/2014, Page 4
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11. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE COURTHOUSE BUILDING ENVELOPE
PROJECT FUND AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED BUDGET FOR THE
COURTHOUSE BUILDING ENVELOPE PROJECT (AB2014 -362)
12. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE 2015 CENTRAL PLAZA IMPROVEMENT
FUND AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED BUDGET FOR CENTRAL PLAZA
BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS (AB2014 -363)
13. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE 2015 SILVER LAKE PARK IMPROVEMENT
FUND AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED BUDGET FOR SILVER LAKE
PARK IMPROVEMENTS (AB2014 -364)
14. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE 2015 LIGHTHOUSE MARINE PARK
IMPROVEMENT FUND AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED BUDGET FOR
LIGHTHOUSE MARINE PARK IMPROVEMENTS (AB2014 -365)
15. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE SOUTH FORK PARK IMPROVEMENT FUND
AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED BUDGET FOR SOUTH FORK PARK
IMPROVEMENTS (AB2014 -366)
16. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE ACADEMY ROAD STORM WATER
IMPROVEMENTS FUND AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED BUDGET FOR
ACADEMY ROAD STORM WATER IMPROVEMENTS (AB2014 -367)
17. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE AGATE HEIGHTS ESTATE /BAY LANE STORM
WATER IMPROVEMENTS FUND AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED
BUDGET FOR AGATE HEIGHTS ESTATE /BAY LANE STORM WATER
IMPROVEMENTS (AB2014 -368)
18. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE BEAVER CREEK STORM WATER
IMPROVEMENTS FUND AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED BUDGET FOR
BEAVER CREEK STORM WATER IMPROVEMENTS (AB2014 -369)
19. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE CEDAR HILLS /EUCLID STORM WATER
IMPROVEMENTS FUND AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED BUDGET FOR
CEDAR HILLS /EUCLID STORM WATER IMPROVEMENTS (AB2014 -370)
20. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE INTEGRATED CASE
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS FUND AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED
BUDGET FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE INTEGRATED CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
PROJECTS (AB2014 -374)
21. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE INTEGRATED LAND RECORDS AND PERMIT
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FUND AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT BASED
BUDGET FOR INTEGRATED LAND RECORDS AND PERMIT MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM PROJECTS (AB2014 -375)
22. ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE TITLE 20 AND THE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REGARDING SURFACE MINE PERMITTING, THE
MINERAL RESOURCE LANDS DESIGNATION PROCESS, AND MINERAL
RESOURCE LANDS DESIGNATION CRITERIA (AB2014 -344)
This item was withdrawn from the agenda.
Whatcom County Council, 11/12/2014, Page 5
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23. ORDINANCE APPROVING A REZONE REQUEST FOR FIVE ACRES AT THE
INTERSECTION OF SLATER ROAD AND ELDER ROAD FROM NEIGHBORHOOD
COMMERCIAL (NC) TO RURAL GENERAL COMMERCIAL (RGC) (AB2014 -331)
24. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE LEVY OF TAXES FOR WHATCOM COUNTY
FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT FOR 2015 (AB2014 -377)
(Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of
Supervisors.)
25. RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2015 BUDGET FOR THE WHATCOM COUNTY
FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT AND SUBZONES (AB2014 -378)
(Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of
Supervisors.)
26. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE LEVY OF TAXES FOR COUNTY AND STATE
PURPOSES IN WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON, FOR THE YEAR OF 2015
(AB2014 -371)
27. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE LEVY OF 2015 PROPERTY TAXES FOR
COUNTY ROAD PURPOSES (AB2014 -360)
28. ORDINANCE LIMITING THE 2015 GENERAL FUND PROPERTY TAX LEVY
(AB2014 -372)
29. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE LEVY OF TAXES FOR CONSERVATION
FUTURES PURPOSES FOR 2015 (AB2014 -373)
30. ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2015 WHATCOM COUNTY UNIFIED FEE
SCHEDULE (AB2014 -376)
31. ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE SIX -YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
FOR WHATCOM COUNTY FACILITIES (2015 -2020) AND AMENDING LEVEL OF
SERVICE STANDARDS (AB2014 -330)
32. ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2015 -2016 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET
(AB2014 -205C)
COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A PROGRAM TO ENHANCE THE MONITORING AND
REPORTING TO THE PUBLIC ON THE PERFORMANCE OF WHATCOM COUNTY
GOVERNMENT (AB2014 -380)
Browne gave a report on the resolution and moved to approve the resolution.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (7)
Nays: None (0)
Brenner stated she has questions about how well this kind of effort translates to
government instead of business.
Whatcom County Council, 11/12/2014, Page 6
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Browne stated this effort increases transparency to make government accountable.
Crawford reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and stated
the Comcast franchise agreement has expired, and the Finance Committee requested the
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney make a presentation to the Council on the status of the
agreement.
Brenner stated she's contacted and talked to several experts, so the County can
review what other communities have done.
Browne stated the Comcast franchise agreement is non - exclusive, so another
provider can provide service. He reported on a meeting of business leaders regarding
incorporating lean practices.
Mann reported he served on the canvassing board for the recent watershed
improvement district (WID) elections. He commends Council Clerk Dana Brown -Davis and
the Council staff who did an amazing job running the elections efficiently and accurately.
Brenner reported she attended a Veterans Day ceremony at Mt. Baker High School.
There were quite a few veterans from as far back as World War II. Don't forget how
important veterans are.
Kremen reported he attended a recent veterans meeting hosted by Congressman
Rick Larson. It was very enlightening. There was the largest turnout of any other meeting
with Congressman Larson. Many veterans don't get the services they need. Whatcom
County has the highest percentage of Vietnam veterans per capita in Washington State.
The demand is significant, and more money is needed than the amount the federal
government is willing to fund. Programs have been put in place to serve the veterans, but
there has not been adequate funding for the programs. It takes up to 18 months to get in
to get served.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.
The Council approved these minutes on January 27, 2015.
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Carl Weimer, Council Chair
Whatcom County Council, 11/12/2014, Page 7