HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources May 7 20131
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
May 7, 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
(9:30:57 AM)
Present: Carl Weimer and Sam Crawford.
Absent: Bill Knutzen.
Also Present: Kathy Kershner, Pete Kremen, and Barbara Brenner.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO WHATCOM COUNTY CODE
CHAPTER 20.51, LAKE WHATCOM WATERSHED OVERLAY DISTRICT;
PLN2011 -00015 (AB2013 -102)
Peter Gill, Planning and Development Services Department, referenced the staff
memo on Council packet page two, submitted and read from a presentation (on file), and
gave a staff report on Exhibit D.
Weimer asked for information on which changes are staff recommendations and
which are Planning Commission recommendations.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of whether the proposed new standards
conflict with new rural zoning regulations.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of eliminating tree canopy requirements
and whether the national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit
requirement does not require a phosphorous neutral standard, which is a requirement of the
total maximum daily load (TMDL). Changes one through five have to do with NPDES.
Changes six and seven are related to the TMDL.
Brenner asked for information on the cost of planned public stormwater facilities and
plans to work with the City of Bellingham.
Weimer asked the result of phosphorous removed from the planned public
stormwater facilities.
Kirk Christensen, Public Works Department, answered questions.
(9:55:14 AM)
Gill continued the presentation and staff report on Exhibit E.
Natural Resources Committee, 5/7/2013, Page 1
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Weimer stated he supports item one, stormwater manual references, in the update
to Exhibit E beginning on packet page 43. He asked if they will be out of compliance with
the NPDES permit if they don't approve the changes.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of whether the County will do periodic
inspections.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of making home buyers aware of
covenants placed on properties to require homeowners to maintain these systems.
Perry Eskridge, realtor, answered questions.
(10 :15 :53 AM)
Crawford stated section 20.51.420(3)(b)(v)(2) needs to be reworded.
Weimer stated he supports change two about recording.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of whether the Planning Commission
recommended against this.
Crawford asked Mr. Eskridge to comment on options for recording requirements.
Gill continued the presentation on changes three and four.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of encouraging community stormwater
facilities instead of individual facilities.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of whether the facilities have to be
installed, or just designed.
(10:28:04 AM)
Gill continued the presentation on changes five and six.
Weimer stated change six applies to larger lots that should have no problem with
phosphorous infiltration.
Crawford stated delay decisions on changes six and seven until the Council gets
more information on the recording requirements at the surface water work session on May
14.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of the Planning Commission
recommendation.
(10:38:28 AM)
Gill concluded the presentation with change seven and the meeting schedule.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of adopting the ordinance without exempting
small lots until questions are answered in the fall.
Natural Resources Committee, 5/7/2013, Page 2
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Crawford stated and there was discussion that a building permit has to be accepted
as complete before this is adopted for the current regulations to apply.
Larry Brown, Sudden Valley Board, stated Sudden Valley has flexibility to create
community facilities. He asked that the Council consider the issue of notice to property
buyers regarding covenants.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of stormwater facility restrictions on lots
that Sudden Valley has purchased.
Crawford stated Sudden Valley representatives should meet with County staff to
discuss the implications to Sudden Valley, then give a presentation to this committee.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:58 a.m.
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
j
3 Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
3 official, signed copy:
3
31 360- 676 -6690 or council@�omhatcomma.us
Natural Resources Committee, 5/7/2013, Page 3