HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources August 9 20111
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
August 9, 2011
CALL TO ORDER (9:31 :58 AM)
Committee Chair Carl Weimer called the meeting to order at 9:31 a.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
Present: Carl Weimer, Bill Knutzen and Sam Crawford.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Tony Larson, Kathy Kershner and Ken Mann.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING A PROPOSED ORDINANCE ADOPTING
AMENDMENTS TO WHATCOM COUNTY CODE TITLE 17, FLOOD DAMAGE
PREVENTION (AB2011 -242)
John Hutchings, Public Works Department, described the history of the proposed
ordinance and the new directive from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He
received comments from the Building Industry Association (BIA) that should be considered
further. He recommends that the Council hold this item for a couple of weeks to allow staff
to address concerns. He submitted handout about what other counties have done as a
result of the directive from FEMA (on file).
Paula Cooper, Public Works Department, stated the handout shows the status of
other counties regarding the FEMA review. She described the options that other counties
have chosen and their approval status. The handout includes a chart showing the level of
permitting activities and a summary of the flood losses throughout the communities.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of:
• How Title 17 would integrate with critical areas and shorelines.
• The cost of a habitat assessment if they choose door three.
• Whether they can amend the ordinance after it's adopted.
Mann stated and there was discussion of:
• What happens if Whatcom County does not participate in the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP).
Knutzen stated and there was discussion of:
• Adding this new layer of regulations.
• Having an inaccurate map for the 100 year flood plain.
• The lack of a channel migration area map.
Larson stated and there was discussion of:
• Reviewing ordinances from other communities to help deal with Whatcom
County concerns.
Natural Resources Committee, 8/9/2011, Page 1
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Whether the County would default to door three if it does nothing.
Kershner stated and there was discussion of changes in the ordinance that would
improve a landowner's situation.
Crawford asked as there was discussion of how the proposed changes would affect
marine shorelines and be different from existing regulations.
Weimer moved to remove this from introduction tonight and hold it in committee.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Crawford, Weimer and Knutzen (3)
Nays: None (0)
(10:24:44 AM)
Mann asked if the BIA members like being part of the NFIP.
Terry Unger stated FEMA is to control and address flood damage. This regulation is
driven by the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which is a whole different thing. The BIA
concerns are that the environmental protection issues are being applied through FEMA and
flood damage. They are adjusting the critical areas ordinance to apply to marine habitat.
They agree with FEMA in terms of flood damage control.
Roger Almskaar stated he speaks for the BIA. This doesn't just apply to the
Nooksack River. It applies also to streams and lakes. The ordinance's special flood hazard
area means the 100 -year flood plain. Continue the dialog on this issue. He submitted a
handout to Councilmember Knutzen, and recommends all councilmembers read it. There is
a need for a science and mapping review and also a legal review. The shoreline map and
the critical areas ordinance frequently flooded areas map are different. The shoreline map
is based on a draft of the channel migration zone map. Do scientific peer review on which
map to use. They don't want people to build in the flood plain.
2. DISCUSSION REGARDING A PROPOSED ORDINANCE FINALIZING A
REVISED SYSTEM OF ASSESSMENT FOR DEMING DIKING DISTRICT NO. 2
(AB2011 -236) (10:35 :06 AM)
Paula Cooper, Public Works Department, gave a staff report. New technology has
given her the ability to create a more accurate assessment roles more quickly. These
proposed revisions are slight. The assessment is based on acreage and improvements. The
modification is minor and fairer. All district residents were notified of their new fees. The
diking district commissioners support the change.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of how this differs from other diking
districts.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
Natural Resources Committee, 8/9/2011, Page 2
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ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:38 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, 8/9/2011, Page 3