HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources April 23 20131
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
April 23, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Carl Weimer called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL (9:32:04 AM)
Present: Carl Weimer, Bill Knutzen and Sam Crawford.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Ken Mann, Barbara Brenner and Kathy Kershner.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING A PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM
COUNTY CODE 2.27A, AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES (AB2013 -145)
Chris Brueske, Public Works Department, gave a staff report on what types of boats
require registration and how it can be expanded in the next few years. He answered
questions.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of the fees being in the unified fee
schedule and whether this program as proposed mirrors the City of Bellingham program.
He stated he would support the program because it mirrors the City's program. However,
he's disappointed that the County program doesn't include an inspection. Small boats are
just as likely to have invasive species as the bigger boats, and they should have been
included. The program also should not be this heavily subsidized by taxpayers. He would
like to revisit this after the first of the year and maintain flexibility to reconsider those
items.
Brueske discussed including Lake Samish in the ordinance.
Crawford moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of the revenue that will be generated and
how it will be divided among the jurisdictions and of complaints about diverting staff time
from other noxious weed programs.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of whether they are taking the right actions
to reduce the most risks, such as not including small boats and kayaks; not making the
program countywide, and; if they will get more risk information in the future.
Laurel Baldwin, Public Works Department, answered questions.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of whether self- inspection is an option and
how an inspection process works for boat owners.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of making arrangements for an upcoming
bass tournament.
Natural Resources Committee, 4/23/2013, Page 1
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Brenner stated this is a huge waste of money that won't provide any results they can
measure. Someone who keeps their boat on Lake Whatcom should have an option to
purchase a one - time -only permit. The City didn't do a good job on its program. The
program should have to apply to all boats. She supports a fee, but there is no correlation
between the fee and what they ought to do. She asked and there was discussion of
whether certain invasive species are in aquariums.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of the amount the County is subsidizing the
program, whether the $55,000 includes anticipated fees collected, and if the State plans to
address the problem statewide. As the County develops its program, keep an eye on the
State program so the County won't have to do the program.
Weimer asked and there was discussion about whether the flood fund money can be
used for aquatic invasive species.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of coordinating with boat inspections at the
Canadian border.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of reducing the lake volume during bad
weather to prevent erosion.
Crawford withdrew his motion.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of whether or not the staff recommends
including Lake Samish this year.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of increasing money budgeted to do on -call
inspections at Lake Samish.
Crawford stated it would be appropriate to put this topic on the agenda at the next
joint Lake Whatcom meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:16 a.m.
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
official, signed copy:
360- 676 -6690 or council@�.o.w hatcom .wa.us
Natural Resources Committee, 4/23/2013, Page 2