HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole July 27 20101
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Committee Of The Whole
July 27, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
Council Chair Sam Crawford called the meeting to order at 1:28 p.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL (1:28 :40 PM)
Present: Barbara Brenner, Sam Crawford, Kathy Kershner, L. Ward Nelson, and
Carl Weimer.
Absent: Ken Mann and Bill Knutzen.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2009 -071, THE OFFICIAL WHATCOM
COUNTY ZONING MAP, AND COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND MAPS, TO
IMPLEMENT CHANGES RELATED TO COMPLETION OF THE 10 -YEAR REVIEW
OF THE URBAN GROWTH AREAS REQUIRED UNDER THE GROWTH
MANAGEMENT ACT, SPECIFICALLY THE URBAN GROWTH AREAS OF BIRCH
BAY, FERNDALE, NOOKSACK, AND SUMAS (AB2010 -054C) (1:28:28 PM)
Crawford stated the Council will introduce a new ordinance at this evening's meeting.
Matt Aamot, Planning and Development Services Department, gave a staff report on
what has changed from the previous ordinance.
Discussion included whether they should have another public hearing, even if they
don't need it (1:30:33 PM); addressing all the concerns expressed by the public; whether
there is benefit to having another public hearing, and; holding the record open for written
comments.
The following people spoke:
• Gary Jenson, City of Ferndale Mayor, stated the City wants to move forward.
The City provided more information for the Council to justify it's position.
• Karen Frakes, Prosecutor's Office, answered questions and stated the Council
does not need to hold another public hearing. The Council could continue to
accept written comments for the public.
Committee of the Whole, 7/27/2010, Page 1
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COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE STATUS OF THE COUNCIL'S PLANNING AND
POLICY ANALYST POSITION (AB2010 -017)
Nelson stated change the title to a more generic term to allow flexibility to fill the
position for whatever they may need. They don't need to fill the position at this time.
Brenner stated don't fill the position at this time, given the budget situation. In the
budget process, set some money aside to hire a contracted analyst if a need arises.
Kershner stated she agrees with Councilmember Brenner. Don't lose the opportunity
to get help when necessary. Set aside budgeted money for assistance if necessary.
Weimer stated they all seem to agree. He would like to see where they're at through
the budget process. He liked having the position filled, but they must see where they are
with the budget.
Crawford stated Ms. Craven did well in the position, but the timing of hiring someone
isn't best. It is a tough time for the Planning Department, given staff shortages.
(1:46:29 PM)
Discussion included the process for contracting an analyst; the status of the County
Council's budget; amending the Code, and; the administration's removing all vacant
positions from the proposed 2011 -2012 budget versus the Council's desire to fill strategic
positions.
time.
Crawford asked if the Councilmembers concur with not filling the position at this
The Committee concurred.
Crawford stated it might be appropriate to have a discussion in the Finance
Committee about the administration's decision to eliminate all vacant positions rather than
doing a review to allow strategic positions. (1:52:46 PM)
Kershner stated reserve funds for hiring the position when they're ready. Don't let
the administration remove the salary for that position, and ask for another 2.5 percent
reduction.
2. DISCUSSION OF A PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY
CODE 2.03, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS (AB2010 -1438)
This item was withdrawn from the agenda.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
Committee of the Whole, 7/27/2010, Page 2
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ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 1:54 p.m.
Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
official, signed copy:
360- 676 -6690 or council@�omhatcomma.us
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
Sam Crawford, Council Chair
Committee of the Whole, 7/27/2010, Page 3