HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources November 20 20121
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
November 20, 2012
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Carl Weimer called the meeting to order at 9:33 a.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
(9 :33:27 AM)
Present: Carl Weimer, Bill Knutzen and Sam Crawford.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Pete Kremen.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO WHATCOM COUNTY CODE
20.51, LAKE WHATCOM OVERLAY DISTRICT (AB2012 -117)
Cathy Craver, Planning and Development Services Department, submitted and read
from a presentation (on file).
The following people spoke and answered questions:
• Steve Hood, Department of Ecology
• Linda Twitchell, Building Industry Association (BIA) of Whatcom County,
spoke about their involvement in the process.
• Mark Personious, Planning and Development Services Department
Knutzen asked and there was discussion about coordinating with other jurisdictions
and the private sector.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of:
• Being more restrictive on lots that impact basin one and less restrictive on the
Sudden Valley lots of basin three, which is less affected by phosphorous.
• How long phosphorus stays suspended.
• Allowing staff to work with BIA members on whether the best management
practices (BMPs) will work.
Kremen stated and there was discussion of the cause of the existing phosphorous
loading problem and emphasizing County work on existing development instead of a few
undeveloped lots.
file).
Craver referenced and gave a staff report on the proposed Exhibit A of the code (on
Natural Resources Committee, 11/20/2012, Page 1
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Knutzen stated the language in the last sentence of section 20.51.010 is
grammatically incorrect and should be fixed, "...results from land distuFbing disturbance or
conversion projects and reduced phosphorous loading...."
Craver continued the staff report on proposed Exhibit A.
Knutzen stated and there was discussion of adding electric vehicle rapid charging
stations as an accessory use.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of language eliminated by the Planning
Commission in section 20.51.330(2)(b)(ii) about not protecting an open space reserve area
via a public or private land trust dedication.
Craver referenced and continued the staff report regarding attachment #3 that
compares options (on file).
Weimer asked and there was discussion about impacts from removing the
impervious surface limitations and whether the County will have the resources to ensure the
standards are actually working.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of who are the watershed inspectors.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of going through section 20.51.420 once
they receive information on costs and phosphorous impacts.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of having off - the -shelf solutions for
homeowners to install without having to hire someone and identifying simple solutions for
homeowners.
(10:27:19 AM)
Laurence Brown, Sudden Valley Community Association Board, stated he is
concerned that the proposal to remove language about not protecting an open space
reserve area via a public or private land trust dedication would remove the Association's
ability to mitigate the impact of individual homeowners. Also, Sudden Valley lots add little
or nothing to the flow because they are already subject to Sudden Valley's requirements.
Instead of addressing lot sizes, another approach is to exempt lots that are already subject
to existing abatement programs. He looks forward to working with the City and County on
creative ways to mitigate and clean up problems without undue restrictions on existing lot
owners.
Twitchell stated stormwater control in the past has been a matter of installing
gutters and collecting water to send it off to wherever. This proposal treats stormwater as
the individual responsibility of the homeowner. She hears estimates from engineers that
engineered systems start at $20,000. The project allows different ways to address smaller
issues. This is a philosophical decision. The Planning Commission's end vote was to dump
this, and to choose a regional collection and treatment system. She's concerned that's not
being discussed. The proposed code is substantially different from what the Planning
Commission sent forward. Treating stormwater individually or regionally will affect
homeowners and is a consideration.
Wendy Harris stated move forward. Don't allow any phosphorus from new
development. The problem is bad in basin one because of development. Therefore, protect
Natural Resources Committee, 11/20/2012, Page 2
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basins two and three before they get worse. Imposing these standards are important in all
parts of the watershed, and are more important for areas that are ecologically intact. The
proposal is lot- specific, and doesn't address the problem watershed -wide. As someone who
lives right near the lake at the bottom of the hill, she has to treat the stormwater runoff
from others that runs onto her property. She can't address her excess phosphorous runoff
if more development occurs that sends more phosphorous to her property. Consider a zero
phosphorous runoff standard for new development. Don't allow a design standard that has
no restriction on impervious surface.
Clare Fogelsong, City of Bellingham, stated the City is looking at existing
development in the watershed. The City completed 30 projects and is committed to 70
projects. It's a voluntary program. At some point, the City and County will have to look at
all properties developed before stormwater standards were put in place. They are looking
at the success of Sudden Valley properties and standards. The City has an acquisition fund
for projects and programs throughout the watershed.
The following people answered questions:
• Eli Mackiewicz, City of Bellingham
• Kirk Christensen, Public Works Department
Crawford asked and there was discussion of the City's public stormwater drainage
system and individual homeowner treatment work in addition to the City's stormwater
system.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of the Lahti Drive stormwater facility and the
potential of forming a stormwater utility and a regional collection system.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:55 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.whatcom.wa.us
Natural Resources Committee, 11/20/2012, Page 3