HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources October 11 20111
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
October 11, 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 (9:34:13 AM)
Present: Bill Knutzen, Carl Weimer and Sam Crawford.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Tony Larson, Barbara Brenner and Kathy Kershner
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. PRESENTATION OF THE AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES ACTION PLAN FOR
LAKE WHATCOM (AB2011 -319)
Laurel Baldwin, Noxious Weed Board, submitted and read from a presentation (on
file) and submitted a handout (on file).
The following people answered questions:
• Claire Fogelsong, City of Bellingham
• Jon Hutchings, Public Works Department
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of working with car washes.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of:
• Working with the State and Water District 10.
• The effectiveness of boat check stations.
• Sending information to private dock owners.
• Whether there was something that detracted from clam and mussels existing
due to Georgia Pacific's use of the lake water.
Crawford asked about shell size in the clams in Lake Padden.
Brenner asked whether natural nutrients and natural efforts could keep populations
down.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of the cost of prevention versus the cost of
control and maintenance.
(10:05:31 AM)
Weimer asked and there was discussion of whether other places around the country
have found effective prevention efforts.
Natural Resources Committee, 10/11/2011, Page 1
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Crawford asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether the County's response is sufficient at this time.
• The types of prevention and control measures the County could eventually
implement.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of:
• The age of the clams, given their size.
• Whether they excrete enough phosphorus that would effect phosphorus levels
in the lake.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether anyone considered contracting this service with an experienced
contractor rather than increasing staff.
• Whether the Asian clams encourage an associated algae growth.
2. DISCUSSION REGARDING A RESOLUTION APPROVING RECOMMENDATIONS
ON APPLICATIONS FOR OPEN SPACE CURRENT USE ASSESSMENT (AB2011-
328)
Erin Osborn, Planning and Development Services Department, submitted and read
from a presentation (on file). She asked the Committee to review two draft resolutions and
decide which to recommend for introduction this evening. She described the Planning
Commission recommended resolution, which begins on Council packet page 102. The
resolution that begins on Council packet page 110 is the staff recommendation.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of the reasons the Planning Commission
recommends denying the Poe and Kaplan applications.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of the Poe application and the reason for
staff's recommendation for approval.
(10:23:09 AM)
Weimer asked and there was discussion of:
• How the benefit rating system score has been applied in the past.
• Whether the Council can change the benefit rating system criteria.
Brenner stated and there was discussion of reviewing all the open space /open space
approved applications that don't have public access.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of who pays the taxes that are shifted.
Whatcom county has a lot of open space, and will approve only applications that have a
strong public benefit.
Knutzen stated he sees the logic of the open space designation, specifically
protecting natural resource land, such as timber land. The open space applications have
been approved too liberally.
(10:35:42 AM)
Weimer asked and there was discussion of the Kaplan application and the City of
Bellingham application.
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Kershner asked and there was discussion of why the City would not pay taxes on
property it owns outside the City limits.
Crawford stated approve the City of Bellingham application. Enable the City to get
this in a tax classification that works for the City.
Kershner stated and there was discussion of:
• Ensuring public access if the City application is approved.
• The taxing district of the property in the City of Bellingham application.
• The City's other options for changing its timber designation.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of whether the County has ever had to
enforce timber harvesting on land designated open space /timber.
Crawford moved to recommend introducing the Planning Commission
recommendation, which begins on Council packet page 102, with one amendment to
recommend approval of the City of Bellingham application.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Weimer and Crawford (2)
Nays: Knutzen (1)
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:55 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, 10/11/2011, Page 3