HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works June 5 20121
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works and Safety Committee
June 5, 2012
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Barbara Brenner called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL (1:33:39 PM)
Present: Barbara Brenner, Ken Mann and Pete Kremen.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Bill Knutzen, Kathy Kershner, and Sam Crawford.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. PRESENTATION REGARDING GOOSEBERRY POINT FERRY TERMINAL
QUEUING ALTERNATIVES ASSESSMENT ANALYSIS (AB2012 -189)
Chris Brueske, Public Works Department, gave a staff report.
John Pascal, Transpo Group, submitted and read from a presentation (on file).
The following people answered questions:
• Roland Middleton, Public Works Department
• Joe Rutan, Public Works Department
• Mike McKenzie, Lummi Island Ferry Advisory Committee
Brenner asked and there was discussion of vehicle queuing during morning hours,
who collected the queuing information, and whether the County must acquire more land.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of have a sign that is more explanatory than
the sign presented in option 1.
Kremen stated and there was discussion of installing lane numbers and vehicle
numbers, with signs that indicate which lanes and vehicles that load in order. He won't
support an automated system unless there seem to be problems with a less expensive
signage system.
Schroeder stated the staff intends to try the honor system first.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of accommodating motorcycles. Currently,
motorcycle riders don't know what to do.
Mann stated he likes option 1. He asked and there was discussion of whether they
need to spend $300,000 on terminal improvements to make it three lanes.
Kremen asked and there was discussion of using pervious concrete to avoid runoff
problems and whether the Ferry Advisory Committee has discussed this item.
Public Works and Safety Committee, 6/5/2012, Page 1
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Brenner stated she's not interested in spending money on an automated system.
Send the question to the Ferry Advisory Committee.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of the lease deadline for completing the
project.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of requesting an extension from the Lummi
Nation to get the project done right rather than quickly.
(2:07:32 PM)
Crawford asked and there was discussion of the pedestrians waiting area and the
lack of crosswalk at Lummi View Drive.
Kershner stated the Council should be clear about the advice it wants from the Ferry
Advisory Committee.
Brenner stated she supports option 1 and would like the Ferry Advisory Committee to
make recommendations that work regarding option 1.
Kremen moved to recommend that the full Council refer the traffic queuing
alternatives analysis to the Ferry Advisory Committee, and request the committee to review
and advise the Council on the operational aspects of option 1.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of the timeline for review by the Advisory
Committee and for completing the project.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of funding sources.
Mann asked and there was discussion of the lease agreement and the cost of paving
and striping.
Kremen stated and there was discussion of spending taxpayer funds on
improvements that they will have to dig up and change in the future. Get approval for
flexibility and latitude from the Lummi Nation to do the improvements right the first time.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of whether they could do the work during
dry dock.
McKenzie asked and there was discussion of whether the Transpo Group study
considered commercial truck traffic during the week and whether the study considered the
input from the ferry crew members.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann and Kremen (3)
Nays: None (0)
Public Works and Safety Committee, 6/5/2012, Page 2
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2. PRESENTATION REGARDING THE WHATCOM COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT'S
HOMELESS HOUSING PROGRAM (AB2012 -190) (2:33:25 PM)
Gail de Hoog, Health Department, gave a staff report and read through the Housing
Program document in the Council packet.
Brenner stated:
• She would like to know why the money collected is called a fee, not a tax, and
why it has been arbitrarily adjusted.
• She would like to know what the state taxpayers get from the money that goes to
the State.
• The Housing Interest pool is impressive, and should be needs - based.
• She would like to know how to implement a pilot project that links increased
income to housing. She doesn't know what that means. She referenced item four
on page eight.
• She would like to know if they can consolidate even more.
• She doesn't understand the HSC partnerships.
Kremen stated this project was daunting when the County undertook it four years
ago. Ms. de Hoog has accomplished much in four years. It's commendable that she's
eliminated the homelessness of two- thirds of the veterans.
Mann stated he likes the housing program document submitted for the packet,
including the acronym information.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 3:02 p.m.
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
official, signed copy:
360- 676 -6690 or council4o.w hatcom .wa.us
Public Works and Safety Committee, 6/5/2012, Page 3