HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources September 24 20131
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
September 24, 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 :10 AM)
Present: Carl Weimer, Bill Knutzen and Sam Crawford.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Barbara Brenner, Pete Kremen and Kathy Kershner.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. PRESENTATION ON THE PROPOSED NOOKSACK LOOP TRAIL (AB2013 -167)
Daniel Tepper, Whatcom Parks and Recreation Foundation President, submitted
handouts and submitted and read from a presentation (on file).
Weimer asked and there was discussion of what private property owners along the
trail are saying and whether parts of the trail are ready to be included in the County's six -
year transportation improvement program (STIP).
Jack Louws, County Executive, answered questions. Concentrate on the Bellingham
to Ferndale portion. The time is not right to work on establishing easements on the portion
from Ferndale to Lynden.
Tepper described an alternate plan for a trail that bypasses the Marine Drive railroad
bridge.
Louws stated he's given approval to the Public Works Department to go ahead with
the Marine Drive railroad bridge alternative. It's a great alternative that solves multiple
problems in the area.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of the status of the parks and trails fund
from the gas tax and whether they can develop a trail that would link from the end of
Kaemingk Trail to Berthuson Park.
Mike McFarlane, Parks and Recreation Department, answered questions.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of whether the County has an amount or
percentage set aside for non - motorized transportation in the STIP.
Crawford stated he agrees about doing the easy parts first. It's not likely the Council
will ever exercise eminent domain for a trail. He stated and there was discussion that the
County will be busy with the reconveyance land expenses and development. The County
must review all it's park assets to determine the best course for funding improvements in
Natural Resources Committee, 9/24/2013, Page 1
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the existing assets. There are possibilities for improvements to this trail plan along dikes,
for example. He may not be opposed to taking over and maintaining any infrastructure that
other groups develop. He stated and there was discussion that people interested in the
Lake Whatcom trail should raise money to complete that project.
Brenner stated and there was discussion that this is an appropriate long -term project
because it is a multi -use trail and an alternative to motorized transportation. The County
would be eligible for certain funds.
Tepper described the number of property owners along the proposed trail.
Kremen stated it will take 20 to 25 years before a project like this comes to fruition.
The Council can be short - sighted at times when it makes decisions. Regarding this
proposal, the Council should try to acquire what it can that is reasonable, understanding
that completion of the project won't be for decades.
Tepper stated the trail connects the communities, which is a different purpose from
the reconveyed land. Ultimately, the trail will save money by redoing the need for capital
expenditures.
(Clerk's Note: Discussion continued later in the meeting.)
OTHER BUSINESS
public.
Crawford asked for an update on the parking lot on Lake Louise Road.
Mike McFarlane, Parks and Recreation Department Director, gave a staff report.
Crawford stated and there was discussion of promoting the project to inform the
Jack Louws, County Executive, spoke about the project.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of work at the Samish Park by the State
Department of Fish and Wildlife.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:43 a.m.
ATTEST:
Council Clerk
- Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Carl Weimer, Committee Chair
Natural Resources Committee, 9/24/2013, Page 2