HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works July 10 20121
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee
July 10, 2012
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Barbara Brenner called the meeting to order at 1:35 p.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
(1:35:34 PM)
Present: Barbara Brenner, Ken Mann and Pete Kremen.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Bill Knutzen and Sam Crawford.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. PRESENTATION BY SKIP RICHARDS, CONTRACT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE
NON - GOVERNMENT WATER SYSTEMS CAUCUS OF THE WRIA 1 WATERSHED
PLANNING UNIT, REGARDING WATER RIGHTS, INCLUDING
TRIBAL /FEDERAL WATER RIGHTS (AB2012 -203)
Skip Richards, citizen, submitted and read from a presentation (on file).
Brenner asked and there was discussion of specific ideas of what the County should
do. Richards stated engage the people who showed up today to address the major points in
a public venue. Invite participants to have a public discussion that would give the Council a
sense of where they stand.
Kremen stated he appreciates the work put into the presentation. He's been dealing
with the same issues for more than 25 years and is also frustrated. There has not been any
progress. He asked and there was discussion of what the people in Whatcom County do and
what authority they have.
(2:30:09 PM)
Mann asked and there was discussion of what a special committee would address.
Jack Louws, County Executive, stated he is absorbing the information.
Brenner stated and there was discussion that the County is not a water purveyor and
does not have any standing.
Tribes.
Kremen stated and there was discussion of not raising any expectations.
Mann asked and there was discussion of having a Lower Nooksack strategy with the
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee, 7/10/2012, Page 1
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Jon Hutchings, Public Works Department, answered questions.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of putting the WRIA 1 Planning Unit back
together.
The following people spoke:
• Roger Brown, Birch Bay Water and Sewer District General Manager and water
district caucus representative, stated he would like an opportunity to present
his view to the Council.
• Chet Dowe stated whatever is done should be done in a public format. Have
others present their perspectives to this committee.
• Patrick Alesse stated Roger Brown knows what he's talking about. Make sure
all real estate holders and agriculture participate.
Kremen stated this is a major issue for Whatcom County. More than half the
agricultural land doesn't have a water right. There was an agreement in 1985 that wouldn't
be enforced. Nothing has been done since.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING A PROPOSED RESOLUTION IN THE MATTER OF
THE WHATCOM COUNTY SIX -YEAR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM FOR THE YEARS 2013 THROUGH 2018 (AB2012 -243) (2:56 :32 PM)
Joe Rutan, Public Works Department, submitted attachment A to the memo in the
packet beginning on packet page 232 (on file). He gave a staff report and described
projects one, two, three, five, seven, 22, 23, and 39.
Jack Louws, County Executive, answered questions.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of the schedule when this resolution has to
be done. She has a lot of questions and may want to delay introduction.
Mann asked for more information on and there was discussion of project 12, the
Slater Road Intersections, and asking the City of Ferndale to contribute to the cost of the
project.
Kremen stated and there was discussion of a major retail development near Ferndale
at Interstate 5 that will impact County roads.
Mann stated and there was discussion of finding less expensive alternatives to
projects that benefit city and tribal residents, who don't pay into the road fund.
Brenner stated this item will be held in committee.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of a project at Horton Road and Aldrich
Road, item 16.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee, 7/10/2012, Page 2
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ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 3:27 p.m.
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
official, signed copy:
360- 676 -6690 or council(g-.o.w hatcom .wa.us
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee, 7/10/2012, Page 3