HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil January 12 20101
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Regular County Council
January 12, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
Council Chair Sam Crawford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
Present: Barbara Brenner, Sam Crawford, Kathy Kershner, Bob Knutzen, Ken Mann, L.
Ward Nelson and Carl Weimer
Absent: None
FLAG SALUTE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. ANNUAL REORGANIZATION OF THE WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL (AB2010-
021)
Crawford reported for the Committee of the Whole and announced the results of the
Council reorganization.
Crawford reported for the Committee of the Whole and stated there was discussion
with Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor Randall Watts regarding pending litigation
(AB2010 -018) and an update and discussion regarding Lummi Island Ferry dock
negotiations (AB2010 -018) in executive session.
MINUTES CONSENT
Brenner moved to approve the minutes.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Nelson, Crawford, Brenner, Weimer, and Knutzen (6)
Nays: None (0)
Abstain: Mann (1)
1. REGULAR COUNTY COUNCIL FOR NOVEMBER 10, 2009
2. SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE FOR NOVEMBER 24, 2009
3. REGULAR COUNTY COUNCIL FOR NOVEMBER 24, 2009
4. BOARD OF HEALTH FOR DECEMBER 1, 2009
S. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE FOR DECEMBER 8, 2009
Whatcom County Council, 1/12/2010, Page 1
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OPEN SESSION
The following people spoke:
• Bruce Diele, Bellingham, spoke on social issues and Council minutes.
• Stewart Rich, 3811 Constitution Road, Lummi Island, spoke about the Lummi
Island ferry.
• Mark Sexton 1253 Jamison Street, Lummi Island, spoke about the Lummi
Island ferry.
• Emma Hurling, 3854 Centerview Road, Lummi Island, spoke about the Lummi
Island ferry.
• Jim Dickinson, 209 West Shore Drive, Lummi Island, spoke about Lummi
Island.
• (Clerk's Note: The speaker following Mr. Dickinson requested that his /her
name and comments not be transcribed.)
• Jeff MacKay, Sucia Drive, spoke about actions taken at the December 8, 2009
Council meeting.
• Jack Petree, 2295 Sunset, Bellingham, spoke about challenges to the 10 -year
review UGA.
• Bob Wiesen, 3314 Douglas Road, spoke about challenges to the 10 -year
review of UGA and withdrew his name from candidacy for the Planning
Commission.
• Dennis Jones, 1487 Sudden Valley spoke about watersheds and new
councilmembers.
• James Underwood, 1219 Beach Avenue, Lummi Island, spoke about Lummi
Island issues.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. RESOLUTION REGARDING A PETITION FOR THE VACATION OF A PORTION
OF EDWARDS DRIVE, FILED BY DAVID DUNCAN, ET AL (AB2009 -260A)
Crawford opened the public hearing and, hearing no one, closed the public hearing.
Nelson moved to approve the resolution.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Nelson, Crawford, Mann, Brenner, Weimer, and Knutzen (7)
Nays: None (0)
2. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF WHATCOM COUNTY SURPLUS
PROPERTY BY PUBLIC AUCTION PURSUANT TO WCC 1.10 (AB2009 -475A)
Crawford opened the public hearing and, hearing no one, closed the public hearing.
Nelson moved to approve the resolution.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Nelson, Crawford, Mann, Brenner, Weimer, and Knutzen (7)
Nays: None (0)
Whatcom County Council, 1/12/2010, Page 2
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3. ORDINANCE AMENDING, ON AN INTERIM BASIS, WHATCOM COUNTY CODE
20.80.735 TO MODIFY THE DATES OF SEASONAL RESTRICTIONS ON
CLEARING ACTIVITIES AND ISSUANCE OF DEVELOPMENT PERMITS WITHIN
THE WATER RESOURCE SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS (AB2009 -314A)
Crawford opened the public hearing, and the following person spoke:
Dennis Jones, 1487 Sudden Valley, Bellingham, submitted a handout (on file) and
stated the October 2003 ordinance regarding land clearing in the Lake Whatcom watershed
had a number of issues, including Title 20 and zoning. There was a moratorium on building
in the Lake Whatcom watershed, limited to 35 houses, from 1993 to February 2003, until
the addition of the sewer areas. One of those areas is at Gate 1 of Sudden Valley. It is a
catch basin that is very effective and reasonably economical. He was against the
moratorium because it was illegal, not because it wasn't necessary. The County came up
with the policy of alternative means of the Lake Whatcom Management Plan and 21 goals.
It was a positive plan, although not fully funded. That is the way they get things done. It
includes property purchases, stormwater (inaudible), stewardship, and (inaudible).
Crawford stated the purpose of this ordinance is to align the County's seasonal
clearing dates with those of the City of Bellingham.
Hearing no one else, Crawford closed the public hearing.
Kershner asked where the City of Bellingham got their information to set their
seasonal clearing dates.
David Stalheim, Planning and Development Services Department Director, stated
Whatcom County originally passed the first seasonal clearing restriction ordinance. This was
the original date from the original ordinance. The date was amended by a month in 2005.
This amends the ordinance back to the original dates.
Crawford stated the original dates were October 1 through April 30. This new
ordinance prohibits clearing in the month of May. He asked if that's what their proposing
now. Stalheim stated the first restrictions were done in 2002. This date acknowledges that
the month of September is much dryer. The dates are based on rainfall.
Crawford stated the original ordinance began restrictions on October 1. Former
Councilmember McShane proposed a restriction beginning September 1 to allow the
groundcover time to take root and grow during the month of September, before the rainy
season started October 1.
Brenner asked the environmental reason to make the change. It doesn't seem
adequate to change the ordinance just because Bellingham did. She has talked to people in
the landscaping business who don't agree with the groundcover needing an extra month.
She asked for some environmental reason to change the date. Stalheim stated they are
moving the date back in the fall and allowing one more month in the fall. That was where
the complaints were. People wanted to do land disturbing activities in September, because
it's the driest month. A question may be what happens during the month of May. Rainfall
and clearing issues in the watershed have been vetted by the Lake Whatcom technical staff.
He could provide that information.
Weimer stated the Joint Lake Whatcom Committee talked about this. There are two
main reasons for this. First, align regulations so there is more consistency amongst
Whatcom County Council, 1/12/2010, Page 3
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jurisdictions. Second, Bellingham looked at a lot of weather data for the past ten years
when it passed its Silver Beach ordinance. The City came to the conclusion that September
tends to be dry, and May wet. To protect the watershed, they need to make that one
month switch on both ends of the season.
Brenner stated add rain statistics as a WHEREAS statement in the permanent
ordinance. Stalheim stated this is a renewal of an interim ordinance done six months ago.
The permanent ordinance will be introduced at the Council's next meeting. The permanent
ordinance can include that information.
Nelson stated he recalled discussing that May is wet. He would like to see that data
about the month of May.
Knutzen stated they restrict permits to two weeks prior to October 1. He asked if
September 15 would be the cutoff date in reality. Stalheim stated that is the cutoff date for
issuing permits, not for allowing the work to happen in the watershed. There's no way
someone can excavate a foundation and close the site in two weeks. They can continue the
work to the date, but staff doesn't want to issue a permit they know would become an
enforcement situation.
Crawford stated he will support this only because it's already in place. If they were
doing a permanent ordinance, he would want more evidence about rainfall and erosion.
Nelson moved to adopt the ordinance.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Nelson, Crawford, Mann, Brenner, Weimer, and Knutzen (7)
Nays: None (0)
CONSENT AGENDA
Nelson moved to approve Consent Agenda items one through nine.
Knutzen moved to hold Consent Agenda items one through five to the next
meeting on January 26, Committee until the Finance and Administration Services
Committee can meet to consider them.
over.
vote:
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated there is no problem to hold these items
The motion to hold Consent Agenda items one through five carried by the following
Ayes: Kershner, Nelson, Crawford, Mann, Brenner, and Knutzen (6)
Nays: Weimer (1)
The motion to approve Consent Agenda items six through nine carried by the
following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Nelson, Crawford, Mann, Brenner, Weimer, and Knutzen (7)
Nays: None (0)
1. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND BROWN AND CALDWELL
Whatcom County Council, 1/12/2010, Page 4
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ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERS & CONSULTANTS FOR LAKE WHATCOM
PHOSPHORUS AND BACTERIA TMDL ASSISTANCE, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$329,204 (AB2010 -035)
2. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN MOU
BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY TO
CONTINUE THE JOINT SHARING OF COSTS FOR A FACULTY POSITION FOR
WHATCOM COUNTY EXTENSION, IN 2010 IN THE AMOUNT OF $83,542
(AB2010 -036)
3. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND SUSTAINABLE CONNECTIONS
FOR PROVISION OF GREEN BUILDING AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION
OUTREACH SERVICES IN 2010, IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,000 (AB2010 -037)
4. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND BELLINGHAM FOOD BANK
FOR THE COLLECTION, WAREHOUSING, AND DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD TO
LOCAL FOOD BANKS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000 (AB2010 -038)
5. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WHATCOM VOLUNTEER
CENTER FOR THE PROVISION OF VOLUNTEER SERVICES, IN THE AMOUNT
OF $35,000 (AB2010 -039)
6. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
CHELSEA AND MARCOS GARCIA FOR THE LEASE OF 5305 NIELSEN AVE IN
HOVANDER HOMESTEAD PARK, IN THE AMOUNT OF $795 PER MONTH
(AB2010 -040)
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ACCEPT SUN
LIFE STOP -LOSS POLICY FOR INSURANCE PROTECTION FOR THE SELF -
INSURED MEDICAL PLAN IN 2010 (AB2010 -041)
8. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A LEASE
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE WHATCOM HUMANE
SOCIETY FOR THE PURPOSES OF PROVIDING ANIMAL CONTROL AND
SHELTER SERVICES AT 1661 BAKER CREEK PLACE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $10
PER ANNUM (AB2010 -042)
9. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND COMPU -TECH, INC. FOR THE
COMPLETION OF WENET PHASE I DEVELOPMENT BY IMPLEMENTING THE
WWU POLICE SERVICE POINT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $74,300 (AB2010 -043)
OTHER ITEMS
1. REQUEST CONFIRMATION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S NEW
APPOINTMENTS AND YEAR END RE- APPOINTMENTS TO THE BOARDS AND
COMMITTEES (AB2010 -044)
Whatcom County Council, 1/12/2010, Page 5
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Nelson moved to confirm the appointments.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Nelson, Crawford, Mann, Brenner, Weimer, and Knutzen (7)
Nays: None (0)
2. APPOINTMENTS TO FILL VACANCIES ON THE WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING
COMMISSION (AB2009 -3868)
District 1
Knutzen voted for Jeff Rainey.
Kershner voted for Rainey.
Nelson voted for Theresa Sygitowicz.
Mann voted for Rainey.
Crawford voted for Rainey.
Weimer voted for Barbara Dykes.
Brenner voted for Jayne Uerling.
The Council appointed Jeff Rainey to Planning Commission District 1.
Brenner stated there is an abundance of qualified applicants.
Crawford stated they received an overwhelming 33 applications this year, which the
Council appreciates.
District 2
Kershner voted for Gary Honcoop.
Nelson voted for Mary Beth Teigrob.
Mann voted for Honcoop.
Crawford voted for Honcoop.
Weimer voted for Wendy Harris.
Brenner voted for John Friberg.
Knutzen voted for Honcoop.
The Council appointed Gary Honcoop to Planning Commission District 2.
District 3
Nelson voted for Michelle Luke and Rod Erickson.
Whatcom County Council, 1/12/2010, Page 6
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Mann voted for Erickson and Alan Friedlob.
Crawford voted for Erickson and Luke.
Weimer voted for Friedlob and Wyanne Lee.
Brenner voted for Friedlob and Luke.
Knutzen voted for Erickson and Luke.
Kershner voted for Erickson and Luke.
The Council appointed Rod Erickson and Michelle Luke to Planning Commission
District 3.
3. DISCUSSION RELATED TO THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S VETO OF ORDINANCE
2009 -074 AND THE POSSIBLE AFFECT ON LEVY RATES (AB2009 -435)
Weimer stated he is concerned about levy rates being affected by the budget veto.
Keith Willnauer, County Assessor, stated the point Councilmember Weimer makes is
well taken. In this instance, the budget ordinances had public hearings and were adopted.
The ordinances served to set the upper limit of taxing authority. The role of the Assessor's
Office is to administrate to the limitations of property tax. They go about the process of
verifying what is the levy request from the taxing district, up to that limit. The Assessor's
Office administrates for approximately 60 individual taxing districts. The County is one of
those districts. In this case, a part of the budget was vetoed, but the ordinance was a
supplemental budget ordinance, not the actual budget. The budget is still in place. The
budget corresponds with the levy ordinances. The Assessor's Office receives an affidavit of
levy from each district. The County has supplied the Assessor with the actual figures, which
is anything up to the limit. The administration supplied the affidavit of levy and has a
budget.
Weimer asked if they are basing the 2010 taxes on the levy ordinances that the
Council passed that reduce the conservation futures fund and raise the general fund.
Willnauer stated that's correct.
Weimer asked if the rest of the budget, the biennial review that has been vetoed,
doesn't affect the Assessor setting the levy rate. He asked if they basically don't have a
balanced budget at this point. There is an Introduction Item to deal with that at the next
meeting, but now they've changed peoples' taxes in 2010 without the rest of the budget
ordinance being in place to balance the budget. Willnauer stated that is an administrative
question, but may be accurate.
Brenner asked if they can still bring back parts of the vetoed ordinance if they want,
because it still falls within the levy rate. Willnauer stated they can't do that. There is a
deadline for setting the budget and adopting the ordinances regarding the levy limitations.
Brenner asked about the budget amendments they get throughout the year.
Willnauer stated those don't affect the property tax levy.
Whatcom County Council, 1/12/2010, Page 7
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Brenner asked if parts of the supplemental that didn't pass can come back in a
different form.
Dewey Desler, Administrative Services Department, stated the veto of the ordinance
results in spending less money. The budget expenditures are more than the actual tax
levies. The County is using its reserves to cover the budget. Regarding supplemental
budgets, the administration has not been submitted budget supplemental requests that call
for spending more general fund money from the reserves. Once they've set the tax rates
and revenue projections, the administration would ask to spend money out of the reserves.
Over the last couple of years, the administration has not asked that.
Brenner stated there was a supplemental budget request that got vetoed. She asked
if none of those requests can come back to the Council during the year. Desler stated it
doesn't mean that at all. The Executive will propose some modifications that will reflect
many of those issues.
Weimer stated that Council will want to look at this over the course of the year.
According to State law, the County Charter, and the County Code, the biennial budget
review is talked about specifically, in terms of giving the Council a second review of the
budget. It's supposed to be dealt with as they would with any budget. That piece of the
budget should be tied to the levies. They've passed the levies that have taxed people
without attaching pieces of the budget that they also passed. It was slid into a
supplemental rather than a second year budget for 2010. He understands they now have
the money in there if they want to give the money to the Superior Court. Most of that is
addressed in what is being introduced this evening.
Pete Kremen, County Executive, stated the reason for the veto is because there has
been an historical practice on the part of the Council over the last few years of spending
more money than the County takes in. The Council and administration have been aware of
this, and have been working to balance the budget with these additional expenditures
approved by the Council that are above the recommended levels submitted or proposed by
the administration. They have come to a point where the administration can no longer
accept continued increases in spending, because the County is in a financial situation where
they have a significant deficit in revenues. That is the rationale for the veto. They need to
live within their financial means and still use the reserves so that we can glide into the
recession without too many cuts to services. This doesn't have anything to do with levy lid
lifts or spending more money here or there. They have come to a point where the Council,
with good intentions and laudable objectives, has spent more money and filled prior budgets
with one -time fixes from the reserves. It has not taken into consideration that those one-
time fixes with one -time money continue to grow. They can no longer afford to operate in
that manner.
Brenner asked if Executive Kremen will bring to the Council in a supplemental budget
request any of those things in the vetoed ordinance. Kremen stated he wants to work with
the Council.
They also have a situation wl-
officials and department heads, have
department heads about a year ago
that do not provide mandated service
the ordinance lightly. There was
Almost every single department and
with the budget cut. The ordinance
ire the administration, in working with other elected
engaged in a budget stabilization project. He asked
:o cut budgets by 3.6 percent. Certain departments
> have cut their budgets even more. He did not veto
reat consideration and input from the community.
office within Whatcom County government complied
that was vetoed had additional money for Superior
Whatcom County Council, 1/12/2010, Page 8
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Court in the amount of $250,000, which was on the backs of all the other departments that
achieved the goals of the stabilization plan. It spent money the County doesn't have, it
penalizes the various agencies, departments, and offices for achieving spending reductions,
and it rewards the department that has not achieved those objectives.
In running Whatcom County government, he must be fair and equitable with the
entire organization. He's asking the Council to revisit this issue. Take these ideas and
factors into consideration as they revisit the issue.
Crawford stated they haven't reconciled the situation with Superior Court yet. He
asked if there are ongoing discussions, and they're not in an intractable situation. Kremen
stated the current Superior Court is not solely guilty. Historically, the Superior Court has
spent more money than allocated every year. The current Superior Court staff has been
working hard to cut spending. He must stand firm against awarding $250,000 in excess of
the Court's budget, when everyone has been willing to and successful with meeting his
stabilization plan. The County's financial situation is still serious. They will be able to
overcome the situation, but not by spending more money than they take it. He will work
with the Superior Court. He is setting up a committee to work together to facilitate an
outcome to produce a more efficient outcome as soon as possible.
Mann asked how much money is in the reserve fund. Kremen stated he thought it
was about $10 million. It was $22 million about three years ago. They cannot continue to
run an organization on that money. They can only go down to about $7 million and still
operate Whatcom County government.
Desler stated he hopes the reserve is at $8.5 million by the end of 2009, once they
settle all the expenditures and revenues. They anticipate having a little less that $7 million
by the end of 2010.
Weimer stated he appreciates the comments from Executive Kremen. They do need
to work together, which they didn't have the opportunity to do. There are statutory
deadlines to pass the budget and levies by the end of November. The Council did its work
and got that done just in time. The Council didn't hear any objections the night it passed
those ordinances. In the middle of December, parts of it were vetoed, after their statutory
deadline to work with anyone to come up with a fix. His concern is how they avoid that in
the future, and whether they need to start the budget process earlier. The Council must
maintain its budget authority, rather than losing it because it passed the deadline. Desler
stated they have an opportunity to revisit it again in 2010. In 2009, the administration
presented the supplementary budget information to the Council over the course of
September and through to October 15. The budget wasn't passed until the last meeting in
November. Usually it's passed the first meeting in November. Ultimately, it didn't come to
the Executive's Office until well into December. The administration is willing to work with
the Council over the course of the Spring and Summer. They must work together closely to
accommodate those issues as they build the next budget.
Charles Snyder, Superior Court Judge, stated they are more than willing to work with
the Executive, Bar Association, and anyone necessary to see if they can find a resolution to
this issue. However, it's something that needs to be done soon. Out of their budget, 84
percent is spent on personnel or mandated legal expenditures they must do, but cannot
accurately predict. They don't know how many cases and jury trials they will have. They
need to get this resolved. As they stand, the 2010 budget amount is less than their actual
cost to do business in 2009. They've reduced expenditures by about $177,000 through the
course of 2009. The Council is faced with the need to find a way to pay for mandatory,
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legally- required services at the end of a budget year. He hopes they can get resolution
soon, that can be adopted to resolve the issue for 2010, and then they can work together
on the next biennium.
INTRODUCTION ITEMS
Mann moved to accept the Introduction Items.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Kershner, Nelson, Crawford, Mann, Brenner, Weimer, and Knutzen (7)
Nays: None (0)
1. ORDINANCE REPEALING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 2.125, UTILITIES
PLANNING AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE (AB2010 -045)
2. ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE ILLEGAL AND ILLICIT DISCHARGE OF
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND NON- STORMWATER RUNOFF TO THE
COUNTY'S MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM (MS4) (AB2009-
320D) (HEARING TO BE SCHEDULED)
3. ORDINANCE AMENDING WCC TITLE 20.80.636, 20.80.734, AND 20.04.076
REGARDING STORMWATER MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS, GENERAL
REVIEW THRESHOLDS, AND NPDES PHASE II BOUNDARIES (AB2010 -046)
(HEARING TO BE SCHEDULED)
4. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE WHATCOM COUNTY CODE, TITLE 20, TO
CLARIFY AND REVISE THE DEFINITION AND STANDARDS OF HOME
OCCUPATIONS (AB2010 -047)
5. ORDINANCE CLARIFYING AND REVISING THE DEFINITION AND STANDARDS
OF ACCESSORY APARTMENTS AND SECOND COOKING FACILITIES WITHIN
WHATCOM COUNTY'S ZONING CODE, TITLE 20 (AB2010 -048)
6. ORDINANCE CLARIFYING THE APPLICABILITY OF AGRICULTURAL
PROTECTION OVERLAY (APO) BY INCLUDING THE AREA OF ADJOINING
ROAD RIGHTS -OF -WAY IN THE CALCULATIONS OF PARCEL ACREAGE FOR
APO ZONE (AB2010 -049)
7. REQUEST FOR PUBLIC HEARING, AS REQUIRED BY THE STATE AUDITORS
OFFICE, ON THE RESULTS OF THE PERFORMANCE AUDIT REPORT (AB2010-
050) (HEARING TO BE SCHEDULED)
S. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2010 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, FIFTH
REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $599,233 (AB2010 -051)
OTHER BUSINESS
Knutzen stated he received a letter from a Flood Control Zone District Advisory
Committee member regarding his resignation. He asked about the appointment process.
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Frank Abart, Public Works Director, stated the vacancy has to be appointed by the
Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors. There is an application process.
Brenner stated she's received emails about whether the appointed special district
representatives actually represent the special districts. She asked if special district
representatives have to be officers of the district they represent. She would like more
information on who represents the special districts, and why. Abart stated Dan Gibson or
Jon Hutchings will probably be helpful.
REPORTS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS
Weimer stated he's been in Washington D.C. all week, and he is glad to be back in
Washington State, where government is much closer to the people.
Knutzen stated he thanks all County staff for helping him learn, especially Council
staff. He appreciates their accessibility and willingness to help him with any issue he may
have.
Mann stated he thanks all the Planning Commission applicants. There were amazing
applicants and incredible resumes. He wished good luck to the newly- appointed members.
Brenner stated there were more applications for Planning Commission than they've
ever had. There was a diversity of people who applied.
Kershner stated she thanks the Council staff for putting on a great Oath of Office
Ceremony yesterday.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 8:39 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
The Council approved these minutes on February 9 , 2010.
Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
official, signed copy:
360- 676 -6690 or council@-.o.whatcorn.wa.us
Whatcom County Council, 1/12/2010, Page 11