HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources June 21 20111
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
June 21, 2011
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Carl Weimer called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL (9:29:35 AM)
Present: Carl Weimer, Bill Knutzen and Sam Crawford.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Barbara Brenner and Tony Larson.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION OF A PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ELIGIBILITY
CRITERIA FOR APPLICATION TO THE COUNTY AGRICULTURE PURCHASE OF
DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS PROGRAM - AB2011 -215
Samya Lutz, Planning and Development Services Department, described the
Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Advisory Committee membership and the
Committee's recent work. She submitted and read from a presentation (on file) regarding
the PDR program and Advisory Committee recommendations for changes to the PDR
program. (9:31:49 AM)
Brenner asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether properties with the agricultural open space designation are a part of
the program.
• Whether this program would include two -acre parcels with barns.
• Focusing purchases on larger parcels with good soils instead of smaller
parcels.
• Purchasing development rights for buffer purposes.
• Amending the Right -to -Farm ordinance to give farm equipment right -of -way
on County roads.
• Dedicating a percentage of the conservation futures fund to agriculture.
Larson asked and there was discussion of the cost paid for the development rights.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether the advisory committee
parcels in the ordinance.
talked about addressing only the split
• Whether the PDR Advisory Committee unanimously recommends this
ordinance.
Natural Resources Committee, 6/21/2011, Page 1
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Crawford asked and there was discussion of:
• Restricting certain zones from the program.
• Conflicts between residential and farm uses.
• Whether they are lacking in good candidate properties right now.
• Not supporting the ordinance due to a lack of examples of conflicts and
allowing the purchases outside of target zones.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of inconsistencies in the State and federal
laws regarding farming activities.
The following person spoke and answered questions:
• Veronica Wisniewski, PDR Committee Member
Knutzen moved to recommend Introduction to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Weimer and Knutzen (2)
Nays: Crawford (1)
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. REQUEST COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE LILY POINT MARINE PARK
DEVELOPMENT PLAN (PROJECT FUNDED BY GRANTS AWARDED TO
WHATCOM COUNTY FROM THE WASHINGTON STATE RECREATION AND
CONSERVATION OFFICE) - AB2011 -214 (10:17:50 AM)
Mike McFarland, Parks and Recreation Department Director, stated he asks that the
Committee hold any action for two weeks, after a meeting with the State representatives.
After that, he will return to ask for approval of the park plan and the acquisition of the
restroom building. A number of State agencies have granted permits. However, the
original agency that oversaw the grant may not agree with the permits and plan.
Additionally, agencies have issues with public access. The long -term stewardship plan and
the conservation easement with the Land Trust are the guiding documents. They are
dealing with management issues related to some of the items in the development plan.
Rod Lamb, Parks and Recreation Department, submitted and read from a
presentation (on file). He described the property, funding sources, history, public
comments received, park and parking lot development plans, project status and timeline.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of:
• The distance to beach access from the trail.
• Whether a smaller parking lot is an option.
• Concerns from State resource agencies.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of trail counters.
Brenner stated and there was discussion of:
• Not installing a steep staircase on an eroding bluff.
• Narrowing the width of the trails.
• Making the parking area smaller and less developed.
Larson asked and there was discussion of funding sources.
Natural Resources Committee, 6/21/2011, Page 2
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Crawford asked and there was discussion of the possibility of charging a fee to out -
of- county park users.
Weimer stated this will be held in committee for two weeks.
OTHER ITEMS
There were no other items.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:52 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@�omhatcomma.us
Natural Resources Committee, 6/21/2011, Page 3