HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources May 8 20121
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
May 8, 2012
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 (9:31:29 AM)
Present: Carl Weimer, Bill Knutzen and Sam Crawford.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Kathy Kershner, Barbara Brenner, Pete Kremen and Ken Mann.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SOUTH FORK REGIONAL PARK CONCEPTUAL
PLAN (AB2012 -101)
The following people spoke and answered questions:
• Mike McFarland, Parks and Recreation Department Director
• Rand Jack, Whatcom Land Trust
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether the public can request documents from the Land Trust.
• The amount of money the County has given to the Land Trust over the years.
• A $500,000 cost for acquisition and trail easements.
• The nature of the Jensen family park.
Mann asked and there was discussion of process if the conceptual plan is approved
and whether the community can provide input on the design process.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of the reason for not installing a paved
parking lot and road.
Brenner stated and there was discussion of:
• Not using the real estate excise tax (REET) II funds on parks instead of
stormwater facilities.
• The ongoing costs of the park.
• The Sheriff's concerns about an increased need for enforcement.
• Waiting to see what will happens with the budget.
Mann asked and there was discussion of finding money in the budget to fund a traffic
officer who can patrol the area during the summer.
Kremen asked and there was discussion of the proximity of this park to the area of
the river allowed for inner - tubing.
Weimer moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Natural Resources Committee, 5/8/2012, Page 1
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Brenner stated and there was discussion of the reasons that Hutchison Creek didn't
work out.
Theresa Sygitowicz described the negative effects of the increased inner - tubing
activity on rescue services in and residents of the Acme Valley. Due to the difficult economy
and County budget, postpone this action.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Weimer and Crawford (2)
Nays: Knutzen (1)
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 9:59 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, 5/8/2012, Page 2