HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil October 13 20091
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Regular County Council
October 13, 2009
Council Chair Seth Fleetwood called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
Present: Barbara Brenner, Laurie Caskey- Schreiber, Sam Crawford, Seth
Fleetwood, L. W Nelson and Carl Weimer.
Absent: Bob Kelly.
FLAG SALUTE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no announcements.
MINUTES CONSENT
Caskey- Schreiber moved to approve the Minutes Consent items.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Caskey- Schreiber, Crawford, Fleetwood, Nelson and Weimer (6)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Kelly (1)
1. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE FOR SEPTEMBER 15, 2009
2. REGULAR COUNTY COUNCIL FOR SEPTEMBER 15, 2009
3. BOARD OF HEALTH FOR SEPTEMBER 22, 2009
OPEN SESSION
The following people spoke:
Barbara Sternberger, 4540 Curtis Road, Bellingham, stated Rural Avenue
Neighborhood association Member, stated her association has gathered information. There
is a difference between process and processed. The public was supposed to be part of the
selection process. Last August, the site selection was narrowed to two sites, sites four and
five. In September 2008, a meeting with a consultant team reviewed the report from HDR.
She asked who was on that team. It would have been a perfect time to bring in the public.
She asked the findings of that team and for the report discussed during that meeting. She
asked where HDR is in the process now. She would like to be notified when those results
are available.
Whatcom County Council, 10/13/2009, Page 1
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Crawford asked if she is in contact with Mr. Desler and Executive Kremen and the
Sheriff, and is not getting the answers. Sternberger stated they want to be part of the
selection process. They hope to be in on the selection process when choosing between sites
four and five.
Crawford stated it seems a phone call to the Executive's office would provide her the
information she needs. He asked if she has called the EO, and isn't getting that
information. Sternberger stated they have received some information. Upon finding out
about the meeting on September 24, she doesn't know where that meeting was.
Crawford stated Ms. Sternberger can get answers to most of those questions from
the Executive's Office or the Council office.
Dewey Desler, DA, stated his office is happy to provide the information requested.
There will be lots of opportunity to engage in the process. The Council hasn't seen much of
the information yet. Many people are involved in narrowing the sites. Environmental
information is still being collected. Ms. Sternberger can contact his office.
Sternberger asked who is in charge of this process. Desler stated he oversees the
staff and contractors.
Brenner stated the Councilmembers received a packet of information that is public
information.
Fleetwood stated they can get a copy of that packet to Ms. Sternberger.
Bob Wiesen, 3314 Douglas Road, Ferndale, stated the Council has said it is into
saving farmland and farmers, but they are doing the opposite. His neighbors are selling
livestock because they don't want to conform or they want to keep their livestock in an
economic way. The farm plans mostly say that the farmers can't do what they want. Too
much land is coming off the table. Figure out how to allow the farmers how to use their
land effectively, while still meeting environmental standards. They may have to reduce
some of those standards. There is a difference between hobby farmers and commercial
farmers. The density of use isn't the same. Some of those guys are farming five -acre
zoned properties, but they're being driven off. Encourage these people to stay where
they're at, and make the farm plans more workable.
Bruce Diele, citizen, stated he talked at the last meeting about court- ordered
Alcoholics Anonymous, which is a religious organization. The Supreme Court will hear a
case this week that will further erode the barrier between church and state. He read from a
newspaper article. Citizens have the right to speak of religion. It is freedom of religion, not
freedom from religion. AA promotes a universal religion, but he can't express Christianity
specifically.
Patrick Alesse, 4825 Alderson Road, Birch Bay, submitted and read information (on
file). The County planners should calculate the true cost of servicing rural residents versus
urban residents. People in smaller areas subsidize growth in urban areas. Not many
farmers are in the rural areas.
Crawford asked if Mr. Alesse is for or against Birch Bay incorporation. Alesse stated
he is in favor of incorporation.
Whatcom County Council, 10/13/2009, Page 2
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CONSENT AGENDA
Crawford reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to approve Consent Agenda items one through four.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Caskey- Schreiber, Crawford, Fleetwood, Nelson and Weimer (6)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Kelly (1)
1. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING AND NOTICE OF HEARING OF THE SALE OF
COUNTY TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY NEGOTIATION — REQUEST #TR2009 -03
(AB2009 -389)
2. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING AND NOTICE OF HEARING OF THE SALE OF
COUNTY TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY NEGOTIATION — REQUEST #TR2009 -04
(AB2009 -390)
3. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING AND NOTICE OF HEARING OF THE SALE OF
COUNTY TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY PUBLIC AUCTION — REQUEST #TR2009 -05
(AB2009 -391)
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID
#09 -71 AND ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH LOW BIDDER, RTB
ELECTRICAL AND POWER, FOR SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF A
GENERATOR AT CENTRAL SHOP, IN THE AMOUNT OF $175,925.16 (AB2009-
392)
OTHER ITEMS
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE, ACTING ON
BEHALF OF THE WHATCOM COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT, TO
ENTER INTO A JOINT FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH THE U.S. GEOLOGICAL
SURVEY FOR ANNUAL OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE COUNTY'S
STREAM GAGE NETWORK IN THE AMOUNT OF $72,380 (FCZD SHARE IS
$58,820) (AB2009 -388)
(Clerk's Note: Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District
Board of Supervisors. Board Chair Weimer assumed the duties of the Chair for this portion
of the meeting.)
Crawford reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to approve the request.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Caskey- Schreiber, Crawford, Fleetwood, Nelson and Weimer (6)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Kelly (1)
2. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE ASSESSMENT ROLL OF PROPERTY WITHIN
THE BOUNDARIES OF WHATCOM COUNTY ROAD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
Whatcom County Council, 10/13/2009, Page 3
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NO. 2 (MARINELAND LIGHTING DISTRICT) AND SETTING THE DATE FOR
PUBLIC HEARING (AB2009 -360A)
Brenner reported for the Public Works and Safety Committee and moved to
approve the resolution.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Caskey- Schreiber, Crawford, Fleetwood, Nelson and Weimer (6)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Kelly (1)
INTRODUCTION ITEMS
Crawford moved to accept the Introduction Items.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Caskey- Schreiber, Crawford, Fleetwood, Nelson and Weimer (6)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Kelly (1)
1. RECEIPT OF APPEAL OF HEARING EXAMINER'S DECISION, FILED BY SIMI
JAIN ON BEHALF OF REIJO SALMINEN, REGARDING AN ADMINISTRATIVE
APPEAL OF NOTICE OF PENALTIES (APL2009 -0002) (AB2009 -362)
2. RECEIPT OF APPEAL OF HEARING EXAMINER'S DECISION, FILED ON
BEHALF OF WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES,
REGARDING A BOUNDARY LINE ADJUSTMENT APPLICATION BY RON AND
SHELLY JEPSON (APL2009 -0012) (AB2009 -385)
3. RESOLUTION TO SELL COUNTY TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY NEGOTIATION —
REQUEST #TR2009 -03 (AB2009 -389A)
4. RESOLUTION TO SELL COUNTY TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY NEGOTIATION —
REQUEST #TR2009 -04 (AB2009 -390A)
S. RESOLUTION TO SELL COUNTY TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY PUBLIC AUCTION —
REQUEST #TR2009 -05 (AB2009 -391A)
6. RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE ASSESSMENT ROLL OF PROPERTY WITHIN
THE BOUNDARIES OF WHATCOM COUNTY ROAD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
NO. 2 (MARINELAND LIGHTING DISTRICT) AND REMANDING ROLL TO THE
COUNTY TREASURER FOR COLLECTION (AB2009 -360B) (COUNCIL ACTING
AS THE WHATCOM COUNTY BOARD OF EQUALIZATION)
7. RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE WHATCOM COUNTY 2010 ANNUAL
CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM (AB2009 -393)
8. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2009 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, ELEVENTH
REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $287,325 (AB2009 -394)
OTHER BUSINESS
Whatcom County Council, 10/13/2009, Page 4
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There was no other business.
REPORTS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS
Brenner stated she attended a farm forestry tour last weekend. She submitted a
map of the tour area. They have done an amazing job of cleaning up the area and cutting
out diseased trees.
She also took a tour with Nancy Larsen from Whatcom /Skagit Self -Help Homes, and
recommends this tour to other councilmembers. The homes are extremely affordable. The
upkeep on the houses is incredible. It's a tribute to what they can do with affordable
housing.
Nelson stated he had a discussion with a Rome, Italy resident regarding growth
patterns during a recent vacation.
Caskey- Schreiber stated they often hear information from certain city planners,
which doesn't reflect the view and perception of their city council members. During the
special meeting on November 3, invite those city council members to attend. They need to
be brought into the process.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
j
3 Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
3 official, signed copy:
3
31 360- 676 -6690 or council &o.w hatcom .wa.us
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Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
Seth Fleetwood, Council Chair
Whatcom County Council, 10/13/2009, Page 5