HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial Committee of the Whole July 12 20111
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Special Committee Of The Whole
July 12, 2011
CALL TO ORDER
Council Chair Sam Crawford called the meeting to order at 10:25 a.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL (10:25:45 AM)
Present: Barbara Brenner, Sam Crawford, Kathy Kershner, Bill Knutzen, Ken
Mann, Tony Larson and Carl Weimer
Absent: None
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. GENERAL UPDATE ON THE GATEWAY PACIFIC TERMINAL PROJECT -
AB2011 -129
Tyler Schroeder, Planning and Development Services Department, described:
• The recent work by staff on the project.
• The status of the project.
• The original 1992 permit.
• Work with the Department of Ecology and Army Corps of Engineers as co-
leads for certain aspects of the environmental impact statement (EIS)
processes.
The following person answered questions:
• Karen Frakes, Prosecutor's Office
Crawford asked and there was discussion of requirements to move the pier location.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of the purpose of the memorandum of
understanding.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of whether councilmembers can ask
questions about topics already in the public record.
Mann asked and there was discussion of the scope of the Council's decision - making
obligations.
(10:40:35 AM)
Weimer asked and there was discussion of how past permits and agreements would
flavor future decisions.
Kershner asked that staff continue to keep the Council updated on the process.
Mann asked and there was discussion of what the councilmembers are allowed to
hear while out in the public. Frakes stated that is a question to be answered in executive
session.
Special Committee of the Whole, 7/12/2011, Page 1
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Mann moved to go into executive session to discuss potential litigation.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Knutzen, Kershner and Larson (6)
Nays: Weimer (1)
Crawford stated executive session will conclude no later than 11:00 a.m. If the
meeting extends beyond the stated conclusion time, he will step out of the meeting to make
a public announcement.
(Clerk's Note: The Council came out of executive session at 11:00 a.m.)
(11 :00 :49 AM)
Crawford moved to respectfully request the Prosecuting Attorney's Office and
Planning Department work together to analyze the timeframes involved in the major project
permit process as related the Council's decision - making role, and to bring forward some
suggestions on how the Council may amend those to make a better process for the public,
applicant, and County Council.
Mann suggested a friendly amendment that the motion also include a review of
any inconsistencies between the County Code and State law and bring those forward.
Crawford accepted the friendly amendment.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Crawford, Knutzen, Kershner, Weimer and Larson (7)
Nays: None (0)
OTHER ITEMS
There were no other items.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:02 a.m.
The Council approved these minutes on August 9 , 2011.
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
official, signed copy:
360- 676 -6690 or council@-.o.whatcorn.wa.us
Special Committee of the Whole, 7/12/2011, Page 2