HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources May 6 20141
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
May 6, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Barry Buchanan called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
(9 :31:25 AM)
Present: Carl Weimer, Sam Crawford and Barry Buchanan.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Ken Mann, Rud Browne, Barbara Brenner and Pete Kremen.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. UPDATE FROM PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES STAFF ON THE
AGGREGATE RESOURCE INVENTORY STUDY (AB2014 -172)
Joshua Fleischman, Planning and Development Services Department, gave a staff
report and stated this is to update an aggregate resource inventory study that was done in
2003. The Comprehensive Plan calls for budgeting an update of the study. The study was
done by GeoEngineers to review various geologic data and other information to get an idea
of the quantity of resources within the county, specifically what is permitted and designated
in a mineral resource land (MRL). There is about 19 years of permitted aggregate,
assuming sand and gravel are equally used. They are 11 years into that estimated 19 -year
supply. More resources may have been permitted in that timeframe within existing
designations. Permitted bedrock reserves can be used aggregate, but it's not the most
efficient use of those reserves. The bedrock plus the sand and gravel total about 35 years -
worth of measured aggregate bedrock resources that can be used for construction
aggregate.
The scope of work from the Surface Mining Advisory Committee (SMAC) is to update
the report, look into what has been extracted over the last 12 years and what is available,
and determine how much is permitted or unpermitted in the reserve area.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of getting adequate information, such as
potential problems for water quality, for phase one and whether the Lummi Island mineral
resource land (MRL) should be included.
Weimer stated he supports the study overall. He asked and there was discussion of
how many years forward the Growth Management Act (GMA) requires the County to plan,
how intensely the consultant will look outside the current MRL areas, economic and other
variables that will skew the annual consumption rate, what alternatives are available, and
whether there is a reuse or recycling factor that will reduce the need for aggregate.
Natural Resources Committee, 5/6/2014, Page 1
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Crawford stated Whatcom County government is the biggest user of gravel. He
asked and there was discussion of the status of hiring a new County geologist, whether the
estimated cost is low, and how they determine the contract amount.
Kremen stated he is concerned about using a per capita basis for assessing the
amount of aggregate that is necessary.
Browne stated he supports encouraging recycling whenever possible.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of how the State Department of
Transportation calculates its need and whether more aggregate is required in more rural
areas.
Kremen stated consider using ground up tires mixed in concrete, which is being used
more as an alternative.
Buchanan stated the study should include a broad look at all available alternatives.
Mann stated he agrees that alternatives and recycling should be included in the
scope.
Crawford referenced goals and policies in the Comprehensive Plan and stated staff is
trying to meet the goals of the Comprehensive Plan. He asked and there was discussion of
whether the Council wants to change the Comprehensive Plan goals and policies for the MRL
supply. The scope of the study shouldn't include questions that are broader than what is
required in the Comprehensive Plan.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. RESOLUTION DECLARING THE WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL'S SUPPORT OF
THE AG DISTRICT COALITION AND THE FORMATION OF WATERSHED
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS TO ENCOMPASS AGRICULTURAL LANDS IN
WHATCOM COUNTY TO PROVIDE A VOICE FOR THE AGRICULTURE
COMMITTEE REGARDING WATER ISSUES (AB2014 -153) (10 :01:43 AM)
Jack Louws, County Executive, introduced the citizens making the presentation. The
Council resolution will encourage the citizens to move forward with the process. He
supports the agricultural community's efforts.
Randy Honcoop, Ag District Coalition Co- Chair, submitted and read from a
presentation (on file) and answered questions.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of why the agricultural community has been
absent in dealing with the Council and what the watershed improvement districts (WIDs)
can do that could not be done by working with the Council.
Mann asked and there was discussion of what it means that the WIDs are farmer -
controlled and whether only farmers or anyone will be elected to the WID. He supports the
goal of a unified voice for all these agricultural issues.
Kremen stated he agrees that members of the agricultural community are busy
farming and may also have a certain amount of apathy in terms of dealing with the local
Natural Resources Committee, 5/6/2014, Page 2
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and State legislatures. He is concerned about circumventing the Planning Unit and giving
more influence to one special interest group regarding water issues, but there is room for
something like this.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of the purpose of a WID, how they are
provided a voice, why the boundaries are located as they are, what is the County Council's
role in this process since the Council isn't required to be involved, whether the biggest
landowners get the most votes, and about concerns from the well owners about not having
any control.
Henry Bierlink, Farm Friends, answered questions about how the boundary lines were
drawn.
Crawford stated he supports this in principle, because local control is the best
control. He asked and there was discussion of how a small hobby farmer is protected.
Bill Clark, attorney, answered questions about voting requirements.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of whether small parcels are excluded from
the districts, whether the district has any power over those small parcels not included in the
districts, and whether landowners must be registered voters or residents of the United
States.
Kremen stated a concern is with gerrymandering, which is a problem in the federal
government.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of how the Bertrand WID is working and
how many acres each people on the Board owns. The first coalition meeting was
contentious. Don't preempt or circumvent Planning Unit efforts.
Browne asked if a landowner in the district boundaries who does not have a farm will
be assessed. It helps the Council have a mandate from the citizens that the
councilmembers serve, because the districts' board members are elected, unlike the
Planning Unit. He's concerned about people being assessed without benefit. He asked for
documentation that proves each group listed in the resolution actually supports the district.
Crawford moved to forward to Council with no recommendation. This is a good
idea in general, but the Council has no role in this process.
Weimer stated he supports the motion, but hopes the Council doesn't vote on it
tonight because of concerns from Planning Unit members and councilmembers. He supports
it personally, but other stakeholders should have an opportunity to consider it.
Crawford stated there is a timing issue for these folks. The Council's vote will not
change the process for the coalition. It's up to the landowners, not the Council, to make
this decision.
Weimer stated there is no reason to force a vote to the Council tonight if the Council
isn't ready.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford and Buchanan (2)
Nays: Weimer (1)
Natural Resources Committee, 5/6/2014, Page 3
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OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:03 a.m.
ATTEST:
, Council Clerk
-, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barry Buchanan, Committee Chair
Natural Resources Committee, 5/6/2014, Page 4