HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources Janaury 26 20101
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
January 26, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Member L. Ward Nelson called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
Present: Carl Weimer, Bill Knutzen and L. Ward Nelson
Absent: None
Also Present: Barbara Brenner, Sam Crawford and Ken Mann
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
1. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE CHAIR (AB2010 -021)
Nelson nominated Bill Knutzen.
Knutzen declined the nomination and nominated Carl Weimer by acclamation.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Weimer, Knutzen and Nelson (3)
Nays: None (0)
OTHER BUSINESS
Weimer stated they must appoint two members to the Lake Whatcom Policy Group.
Weimer nominated Knutzen and Weimer by acclamation.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Weimer, Knutzen and Nelson (3)
Nays: None (0)
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL
ZONE DISTRICT AND WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY FOR PASS
Natural Resources Committee, 1/26/2010, Page 1
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THROUGH FUNDS TO ASSIST WITH THE MANAGING OF SEDIMENT
DEPOSITED BY SWIFT CREEK (AB2010 -055)
(Clerk's Note: Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District
Board of Supervisors.)
Nelson moved to approve the request.
Jon Hutchings, Public Works Department, gave a staff report. The legislature funded
a request for a retention facility and setbacks at much less than requested. This allows the
County to receive those monies.
Discussion included whether the County is obligated to keep spending money for the
next two years; a video recording of the landslide for residents and agencies to keep track
of slide activity; whether the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will begin to contribute
money; continuing to request congressional and federal funding; whether the Council should
send a letter urging continued help and requesting matching funds to the delegation, given
the expenditures the County and State Department of Ecology (DOE) have already
provided; the presence of State legislative officials when the agreement was discussed; why
EPA isn't lobbying at the national level for this project; the role of the Army Corps of
Engineers regarding the levee work; liability; the level at which the asbestos is no longer
hazardous to humans; whether there is a level of asbestos to which they no longer have to
do cleanup; experiences regarding a site in Libby, Montana; the result that EPA wants from
Whatcom County, and; the missing regulatory framework to develop a solution.
The following person answered questions:
• Jeff Hegedus, Health Department
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Weimer, Knutzen and Nelson (3)
Nays: None (0)
2. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SOUTH FORK REGIONAL PARK CONCEPTUAL
PLAN (AB2010 -056)
Mike McFarland, Parks and Recreation Department Director, gave a staff report and
handed out paperwork (on file). The plan has not changed from when it was last presented.
Discussion included what the State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) would
do, according to an RCO representative, if the County doesn't do anything to this area,
because the County doesn't have any money; supporting the skateboard area in the
Foothills instead of this park; the reason the plan only includes trails and not something
more to economically benefit the community of Acme; State Recreation and Conservation
Office (RCO) grant requirements for public access; lack of support from a majority of the
community; whether there will be a financial impact to the Mt. Baker School District from
reconveying State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) trust lands; whether existing
public access meets grant requirements; how they are going to afford to develop the plan
and provide staff for the area; maintenance in the amount of five to six hours per week at
the trailhead; liability associated with a skateboard park, and; whether this action requires a
State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review.
Natural Resources Committee, 1/26/2010, Page 2
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The following people spoke:
• Galen Smith, South Fork Heritage Association and community member,
submitted and read from a presentation, submitted letters (on file) and spoke
on concerns and alternative designs. Delay approval until concerns from all
have been addressed.
• Harry Patz, South Fork Heritage Association, answered questions.
• Mike McGlenn, Back Country Horsemen, stated they want a more developed
trailhead. He is in favor of this park, as are many others.
• John Amante, resident, stated there is no public access.
• Russ Pfeiffer -Hoyt, Nesset Foundation, submitted and read from a handout
(on file). Satisfy the questions, but move forward.
• (Inaudible Name), stated the South Fork Heritage Association's current
proposal doesn't exclude the needs of the Backcountry Horsemen. The
County park plan doesn't meet most of those needs of the Backcountry
Horsemen. Consider everyone's' needs for the park, not just those of a
special interest group.
• Rand Jack, South Fork Valley resident, stated the South Fork Heritage
Association does not speak for the entire south fork valley. He has worked on
this plan for 23 years. Most people support the plan. A small, vociferous
group of people have intimidated others from speaking out. The County plan
conforms with the intent of the Nesset's and the reason for the purchase of
the Overby property. The proposed south access isn't feasible. The project
will provide many opportunities for children of the area to understand their
history. The Heritage Group ignored the fact that their proposal won't work.
The Parks Department plan is a good compromise.
• Natalie Everett, resident, stated her family owns the private property that the
conceptual park surrounds on three sides. The South Fork Heritage
Association represents three - quarters of the residents of the south fork
valley, and she takes exception to Mr. Jack's statement. The Backcountry
Horsemen, but not the residents, were invited to a visioning plan meeting in
2007.
Discussion with councilmembers included the feasibility of suggested alternative
access sites, and; whether DNR is willing to reconvey land.
Nelson moved to hold in committee. He is concerned about access for the Sheriff
and people who inner tube on the river, preserving forest lands, and reconveyance.
Knutzen stated he agrees that they need to further involve the Acme residents.
They are losing farmland. Work out a situation to allow the farmers to continue farming the
land.
Weimer stated he supports the motion. They must move forward on some kind of
development to provide access to taxpayers, but he would like to discuss the impact of
public access and the DNR access.
Brenner stated she would like to know about the Land Trust not allowing an
easement and general public access.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Weimer, Knutzen and Nelson (3)
Nays: None (0)
Natural Resources Committee, 1/26/2010, Page 3
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2 ADJOURN
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4 The meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.
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Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
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official, signed copy:
360- 676 -6690 or council@�omhatcomma.us
Dana Brown- Davis, Council Clerk
Carl Weimer, Committee Chair
Natural Resources Committee, 1/26/2010, Page 4