HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works August 9 20111
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works and Safety Committee
August 9, 2011
CALL TO ORDER (1:39:24 PM)
Committee Chair Barbara Brenner called the meeting to order at 1:39 p.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
Present: Barbara Brenner, Ken Mann and Tony Larson.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Kathy Kershner.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING A PROPOSED RESOLUTION APPROVING THE
WHATCOM COUNTY SIX -YEAR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
FOR THE YEARS 2012 THROUGH 2017 (AB2011 -267)
Joe Rutan, Public Works Department, gave a staff report.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of projects that are realistically doable in the
next five years. Rutan described the top five priority projects.
Mann stated the information should include money already spent on each project
that is in process.
Larson asked and there was discussion of:
• When he gets to decide the project priorities.
• Whether staff has reevaluated the projects and priorities given the economy.
• Having a field trip to look at the projects and talk to the engineers.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of which projects have changed.
Mann asked and there was discussion of putting projects on the list as placeholders
to enable the County to apply for project grants.
Larson asked and there was discussion of:
• The annual construction program.
• Including estimated costs for each project.
• Identifying the projects that are necessary versus projects that are wishful
projects.
Rutan described how the ferry projects and lease are represented on the program
list.
Kershner stated and there was discussion of projects that should be on the list to
enable the County to take advantage of any funding or grants that become available.
Public Works and Safety Committee, 8/9/2011, Page 1
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Rutan described project 10 at West Bakerview Road.
Dan Gibson, Prosecutor's Office, asked Mr. Rutan about projects associated with the
Lummi ferry lease.
Rutan stated that if the Council approves the lease with four votes, the Council can
amend the six -year program with a non - unanimous vote. The money associated with the
lease would be shown as part of the project that is identified by the lease.
Crawford said it is unlikely the money would be spent right away. There are
conditions on the money. The Tribe must match the money. The Tribe may choose to try
to obtain that money elsewhere. That process might take quite a while.
Rutan stated that timing is difficult for the ferry lease portion. The Council will have
to amend the program.
Brenner stated she likes some of the suggestions they've made. She asked and
there was discussion of holding this item in committee.
Brenner moved to forward the resolution to the full Council for introduction.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann and Larson (3)
Nays: None (0)
Rutan stated he can work with the Council Clerk to set up a field trip.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 2:27 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, 8/9/2011, Page 2