HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works March 13 20121
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee
March 13, 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
Present: Barbara Brenner, Ken Mann and Pete Kremen
Absent: None
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING RAINWATER CATCHMENT (AB2012 -119) (1:36 :46
PM)
Kyle Dodd, Health Department, gave a staff report and read from the memorandum
on Council packet page 146.
The following people answered questions:
• John Wolpers, Health Department
• Regina Delahunt, Health Department Director
Brenner asked and there was discussion of whether the State Department of Ecology
allows everyone to have rain barrels.
Mann asked and there was discussion of why the Council cares what people drink
voluntarily.
Kremen asked and there was discussion of:
• Health Department water quality requirements.
• The potential for harmful chemicals from roof materials to contaminate the water
that runs off roofs.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of:
• How they know a public water system is more reliable than a cistern.
• How much of the requirement comes from the State and how much discretion the
County has.
Kremen stated and there was discussion of State standards for water quality of a
public water supply system.
Dodd continued his staff report.
Kremen asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether home owners get a credit for water efficient appliances and design.
• The source of the 100 - gallon per day designation.
Public Works and Safety Committee, 3/13/2012, Page 1
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Dodd continued his staff report on a specific request in Point Roberts and potential
revisions to the rainwater catchment approval process.
The following people spoke:
• Ron Jepson, Sandy Point Water Association Board Member, stated the Water
Association cannot serve 450 users. People have paid taxes, but can't use the
water. Their water right is limited. Those who don't have service can get a denial
letter from the Association and can use a catchment system. If all their
customers installed rainwater catchment, the Association has no revenue for the
lots. The Association provides water for fire protection. The Association prefers
to disburse the water it was recently awarded to serve its customers. Now, the
Tribe is planning required sewer service that will go to properties that can't
develop. They want a hybrid system that includes a guarantee of a limited
amount of water from the Association and a rainwater catchment system.
• Marlene Dawson, Sandy Point Water Association Board Member, answered
questions.
• Doug Campbell, Sandy Point Water Association Engineer, stated there isn't
enough water right for the Association. Standardize the collection systems. Also,
the Department of Ecology will become serious about collecting rainwater
regarding phosphorus at Lake Whatcom.
Mann asked and there was discussion of whether the Sandy Point Water Association
would allow a catchment system if it had all the water it needed to service its entire area.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of:
• Charging just for fire protection.
• Whether the Sandy Point water moratorium is the same as a denial.
Brenner moved to recommend that the Council request the Health Department to
bring forward options for hybrid and water efficiency credits through the design criteria for
rainwater catchment systems.
Mann suggested a friendly amendment to also get information on amending the
requirement for a denial of service letter. He withdrew his friendly amendment.
Brenner restated her motion to recommend that the Council request the
administration bring forward potential hybrid solutions for rainwater catchment and water
efficiency credit options.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann and Kremen (3)
Nays: None (0)
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE IN THE MATTER OF GRANTING A NON - EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE
TO THE GEORGIA MANOR WATER ASSOCIATION, INC., FOR A PERIOD OF 25
YEARS PURSUANT TO STATE LAW AND SECTION 9 OF THE WHATCOM
COUNTY HOME RULE CHARTER, TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN WATER LINES
AND FACILITIES ALONG CERTAIN ROADS AND HIGHWAYS WITHIN THE
UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF WHATCOM COUNTY (AB2011 -181)
Public Works and Safety Committee, 3/13/2012, Page 2
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The following people spoke and answered questions:
• Dan Gibson, Prosecutor's Office
• Dave Carpenter, Wilson Engineering, described the water association.
Mann asked and there was discussion of whether there is currently a franchise.
Gibson gave a staff report on potential County liability.
Mann asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether the County should plan for development in that rural area.
• The increased capacity.
Kremen stated it's a sound proposal, and he supports the request.
Brenner moved to recommend adoption to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner and Kremen (2)
Nays: None (0)
Abstains: Mann (1)
Kremen asked and there was discussion of whether the staff recommends adopting
the ordinance.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 2:44 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 &o.w hatcom .wa.us
Public Works and Safety Committee, 3/13/2012, Page 3