HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works May 24 20111
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works and Safety Committee
May 24, 2011
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Barbara Brenner called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL (1:30:30 PM)
Present: Barbara Brenner and Ken Mann.
Absent: Tony Larson.
Also Present: Sam Crawford and Carl Weimer.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. UPDATE ON SEWER PLANS IN THE VICINITY OF HARBOR SHORES - AB2011-
182
Craig Parkinson, Harbor Shores LLC, submitted a handout (on file). Described the
history and status of the project and plans for a septic tank effluent pumping (STEP)
system. They would form a private sewer association. Connection to the systems are
voluntary for new development. They are in the process of negotiating agreements with the
City of Blaine and Whatcom County. Only 65 connections would be available, and Harbor
Shores will use 43 of those connections. He described the plans for the sewer association
and how the systems will be developed.
The following people answered questions:
• Steve Hood, Department of Ecology
• Skip Jansen, Harbor Shores LLC
Mann asked and there was discussion of whether the systems function under
pressure or gravity.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of:
• Whether the connection fee, planned now for $5,000, could change.
• How well existing STEP systems function.
• Monthly costs.
• Whether the State and County accept STEP systems.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of:
• Why this system would be used rather than a standard sewer system.
• The installed, up -front cost for the entire system and for the individual home.
• Whether this impacts existing residents who didn't want to hook up to the
standard system.
• Whether any of these systems exist in Whatcom County.
• Why the County cares about what system is installed.
Public Works and Safety Committee, 5/24/2011, Page 1
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Weimer asked and there was discussion of:
• The differences between STEP system versus a traditional septic system.
• Whether this system qualifies as a regular sewer system in terms of urban
growth area (UGA) designation.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of the County's liability if the sewer
association becomes defunct.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of whether the area residents have enough
votes to become annexed into Blaine, if the area is put into the UGA.
The following people spoke:
• Dannon Traxler, Attorney, referenced an email and stated she has additional
questions for the developers regarding costs and a hidden mandatory
connection. She also wants more information from the City of Blaine.
• Deanna Hutchings asked under what circumstances they would be required to
hook up to a sewer system and whether annual inspection is taken out of the
operations and maintenance (O &M) account. She fears that the City of Blaine
will somehow annex the residents into the City against the wishes of the
residents.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of whether the sewer association would
have to have a comprehensive sewer plan.
Mann asked and there was discussion of whether citizens who have been opposed to
forced sewer connection would approve of this plan.
Weimer asked if this system can be installed if the area is not in the UGA.
OTHER ITEMS
There were no other items.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 2:41 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.whatcom.wa.us
Public Works and Safety Committee, 5/24/2011, Page 2