HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial Committee of the Whole May 25 20101
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Special Committee Of The Whole
May 25, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
Council Chair Sam Crawford called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
Present: L. Ward Nelson, Barbara Brenner, Sam Crawford, Kathy Kershner, Bill
Knutzen and Ken Mann
Absent: Carl Weimer
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. RURAL ELEMENT UPDATE - DISCUSSION OF GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT
REQUIREMENTS AND THE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS
(AB2010 -072)
Gary Davis, Planning and Development Department, submitted and read from a
presentation (on file) and presented alternatives to limited areas of more intense rural
development (LAMIRD) designation in certain areas. (3 :07:52 PM)
Discussion included the question of Hearings Board cases regarding adjacency to
urban growth areas (UGAs); why they need residential LAMIRDs if there isn't a bright line
and they have a density overlay; whether a Hearings Board can set a bright line; (3 :24 :17
PM) whether the 1990 threshold is in the law; lack of definition of certain key terms in the
law; perimeters that hold up against legal challenge; whether a 'built environment" has to
include houses, or can include platted areas with roads and services installed; whether there
is any case law on platted lots with roads and all utilities and services, but no houses;
(3 :42 :09 PM) the reason for the five acre recommendation; the existing character of the
natural neighborhood around Cain Lake; whether the development around Cain Lake should
be upzoned, and why they wouldn't apply those things to both sides of Cain Lake Road; the
availability of water and sewer in the Chuckanut area; getting more information about water
and sewer availability in all these areas; (4 :05 :47 PM) actual lot sizes at the Glen at Maple
Falls; how County zoning determinations line up with what the Lummi Tribe wants to do
with its properties; the reason for the recommendation to downzone the one legal LAMIRD
at Lake Samish, and; whether the Hearings Board would allow them to create a LAMIRD
adjacent to an industrial -only UGA.
Nelson stated that since the pattern of development has been rural, one unit per five
acres (R5A) on the east side of Cain Lake, it is reasonable to make that area R5A on the
east side and maintain the current pattern of development on the west side. It has been
based on the differing availability of water and septic systems on each side of the road. He
needs more information on available water service and Water District 7 at Emerald Lake.
The District can't expand without approval from the City.
Committee of the Whole, 5/25/2010, Page 1
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Crawford stated he suggests hearing from folks about the three options: the Planning
Commission recommendation, the overlays, or the residential -only LAMIRD, or any other
options. Address the Guide Meridian in two weeks. Revisit these residential issues and
make decisions in the future. The Council should make decisions at each meeting.
Brenner stated bring this back in two weeks and make specific recommendations,
rather than discuss the Guide Meridian.
Crawford stated he prefers to do both. He will sit down with staff and the Council
calendar to create a schedule. They can discuss that schedule at the next meeting.
Knutzen stated start with Eliza Island.
Davis stated he will post this information on the County website.
The following people spoke:
• Lauralee Brakke, Pleasant Bay Road, stated there was a situation when
people could not get out of the Chuckanut area either end of Chuckanut
Drive. It's not great to put a bunch of people on Chuckanut Drive. In an
emergency, there's no secondary access.
• Dominique Zervas, 1909 Broadway, Bellingham, asked that those
communications be posted on the rural webpage.
• Dannon Traxlor, 709 Dupont, stated one option is to retain underlying rural
zoning without a LAMIRD. Some areas can be justified as rural. Also,
Whatcom County can do its own thing and be upheld. It doesn't have to
follow Clallam County.
• Doug Campbell, 1401 Astor Street, stated define the built community. There
doesn't need to be a structure to have a built community.
• Sid Were, Guide Meridian, stated there are always new laws on his property
on the Guide Meridian. The laws are inconsistent and always changing.
2. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE DRAFT PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN FOR
THE PERIODIC REVIEW REQUIRED BY THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT
(RCW 36.70A) (AB2010 -210) (4:31:58 PM)
Kate Blystone, Planning and Development Services Department, stated the Council
Planning and Development Committee recommended approval two weeks ago. Changes
were made in response to comments from Councilmembers Brenner and Kershner.
Mann moved to accept the draft Public Participation Plan as the document guiding
public participation activities in the 2011 Update process.
Brenner stated communication with Planning Commissioners should not be limited to
email. Allow hard copy communication with Planning Commissioners. Blystone stated it's
addressed on Council packet page 137.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Crawford, Kershner, Knutzen, Mann and Nelson (6)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
3. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING
WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 2.02, COUNTY COUNCIL (AB2010 -143A)
Committee of the Whole, 5/25/2010, Page 2
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This item was not discussed.
4. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING
WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 2.03, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS (AB2010-
143B)
This item was not discussed.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 4:36 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, 5/25/2010, Page 3