HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil April 8 2008WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Regular County Council
April 8, 2008
Council Vice -Chair Seth Fleetwood called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present: Absent:
Barbara Brenner Carl Weimer
Bob Kelly
Sam Crawford
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber
L. Ward Nelson
FLAG SALUTE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Fleetwood announced that the following items were discussed during executive
session during the Committee of the Whole meeting:
• Discussion and negotiations update on expired collective bargaining
agreements and the Unrepresented Resolution (AB2008 -121)
• Discussion with Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor Randall Watts regarding
pending litigation (AB2008 -018)
• Discussion with Senior Deputy Prosecutor Karen Frakes regarding pending
litigation (AB2008 -018)
OPEN SESSION
The following people spoke:
Johnnie Grames, 1506 E. Maplewood Avenue, Bellingham, stated he's looking into a
new main jail at a cost of $100 million and it will hold 1,000 prisoners. It will cost about
$60 a day. They need more than the interim jail, but make sure the process is open. It's
difficult to get information. The sales tax doesn't provide enough money for that jail. They
will have to pass a vote.
Jails are schools of crime. Gangs are run oyt of prisons. More than two million
people are in jail. Russians will have to retaliate if the United States shoots missiles at
them by computer. Computers make mistakes. That's a disaster.
Peter Ilyin, 1044 Geneva Street, Bellingham, stated his family has a property issue.
His father has a three - quarter acre parcel at 1044 Geneva Street. It has been under a
building moratorium since January 2005. Nothing has changed since then. His father is
willing to give him half the lost, but the moratorium prevents them from dividing the lot.
He can only get a mortgage for $150,000. Lift the moratorium. He asked what's been done
since the moratorium was enacted.
Whatcom County Council, 4/8/2008, Page 1
1 Fleetwood stated many things have been done. The Council is committed to coming
2 up with a moratorium response to lift the moratorium. Ilyin read a portion of a letter from
3 Councilmember Crawford to the Council regarding the moratorium dated February 27, 2008.
4
5 Brenner stated the Council is supposed to receive something from the total
6 maximum daily load ( "rNIDL) study in a few weeks. If the Council doesn't receive anything
7 soon, she will no longer support the moratorium.
8
9 Art Thomas, 2620 Island View, Lummi Island, stated the state offered grant money
10 to the County for a new ferry boat. The ferry lanes are too narrow. People can't get out of
11 their cars, but the residents won't complain. He's concerned that if someone does file a
12 complaint, it will become a ten -car ferry. Use the grant money to fix the issues. Don't
13 throw the money out the door.
14
15 Robin Aspman - O'Callaghan, stated they should talk to the State about fiscal
16 responsibility before accepting the ferry grant. The new ferry design is not a good buy.
17 Foss Tug has the same engine, and it has problems. There are problems with the Whatcom
18 Chief. If it becomes a ten -car ferry, it will just make more runs. The grant is not bad, but
19 not if it locks them into paying millions of dollars more. Neither the island residents nor the
20 County can afford it.
21
22 Cynthia Dahlstrom, 4010 Arts Acres Drive, Lummi Island, stated she opposes the
23 new Lummi Island ferry. The Whatcom Chief has many more years on it. The new ferry
24 will use 3.5 times more fuel than the existing ferry. Fares, rates, and operating costs will
25 increase. It will be a burden on many families, who will be forced off the island.
26
27 Patricia Coe, 2877 N. Nugent Road, Lummi Island, stated she doesn't understand the
28 need for larger ferry. Two ferries the size of the Whatcom Chief running back and forth
29 would be better.
30
31 Mary Ross, 2544 Taft Drive, Lummi Island, stated she is very opposed to the new
32 ferry. She received an email about the new ferry requiring 3.5 times more fuel, given
33 escalating fuel costs. A new ferry is unwise. Don't make the new ferry rates even higher
34 than they have to be.
35
36 Bob Wiesen, 3314 Douglas Road, Ferndale, stated rural citizens won't be pleased
37 with how the Council is spending taxpayer money on Leadership Whatcom. Approve the
38 new ferry for Lummi Island. Look at Fred Kinney's research. This has been on the
39 transportation plan, and nothing is changed. A bigger boat will require less fuel per
40 capacity. It will have a more efficient hull and engines.
41
42 Robert Brownlee, 2896 West Shore Drive, Lummi Island, stated he questions the
43 summer ferry fare surcharge. He asked what that will do to the residents, whether the
44 County wants to discourage tourists, and who decides when summer begins and when the
45 surcharge goes into effect.
46
47
48 PUBLIC HEARINGS
49
50 1. RESOLUTION TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY PUBLIC AUCTION, REQ.
51 #TR2008 -03 (AB2008 -135A)
52
53 Fleetwood opened the public hearing, and hearing no one, closed the public hearing.
Whatcom County Council, 4/8/2008, Page 2
1
2 Caskey- Schreiber moved to approve the resolution.
3
4 Motion carried unanimously.
5
6 2. RESOLUTION TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY PUBLIC AUCTION, REQ.
7 #TR2008 -04 (AB2008 -136A)
8
9 Fleetwood opened the public hearing, and hearing no one, closed the public hearing.
10
11 Caskey - Schreiber moved to approve the resolution.
12
13 Motion carried unanimously.
14
15 3. RESOLUTION TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY PUBLIC AUCTION, REQ.
16 #TR2008 -05 (AB2008 -137A)
17
18 Fleetwood opened the public hearing, and hearing no one, closed the public hearing.
19
20 Brenner moved to approve the resolution.
21
22 Motion carried unanimously.
23
24 4. RESOLUTION TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY PUBLIC AUCTION, REQ.
25 #TR2008 -06 (AB2008 -138A)
26
27 Fleetwood opened the public hearing, and the following person spoke:
28
29 Rollin Harper, Sehome Planning and City of Nooksack Representative, stated he asks
30 the Council to not sell by auction. It is unbuildable property. The City of Nooksack would
31 like to purchase the property through a negotiated process. The City of Nooksack is willing
32 to pay back taxes and all expenses. It is a small lot that is landlocked by the Nooksack
33 Slough.
34
35 Hearing no one else, Fleetwood closed the public hearing.
36
37 Brenner moved to approve the resolution.
38
39 Fleetwood asked if the County is obligated to move this forward for public auction.
40 He asked if they have time to negotiate with the City of Nooksack.
41
42 Debbie Hayes, Treasurer's Office, stated a State statute allows government -to-
43 government negotiation.
44
45 Brenner stated she would like to amend the resolution to allow the sale by
46 negotiation rather than public auction. Since it's a resolution, it shouldn't have to go back
47 through the system. It has no force of law.
48
49 Fleetwood stated the other option is to not take any action on the resolution and let
50 the County negotiate.
51
52 Brenner withdrew her motion.
53
Whatcom County Council, 4/8/2008, Page 3
S. RESOLUTION TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY PUBLIC AUCTION, REQ.
#TR2008 -07 (AB2008 -139A)
Fleetwood opened the public hearing and the following person spoke:
Rollin Harper, Sehome Planning and City of Iooksack Representative, stated he asks
the Council to not sell by auction. The City of Nooksack would like to purchase through a
negotiated process. The City of Nooksack is willing to pay back taxes and all expenses.
Hearing no one else, Fleetwood closed the public hearing.
Fleetwood stated there is no motion to approve the resolution.
6. RESOLUTION TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY NEGOTIATION, REQ.
#TR2008 -08 (AB2008 -140A)
Fleetwood opened the public hearing and the following person spoke:
Roger DeSpain, 3517 Robinson Road, Bellingham, stated the Council received letters
from residents urging the Council to approve the resolution. He explained the history of this
matter, which includes the following agenda item (AB2008- 141A). It first came to the
Council a year ago. Approve this and the next resolution.
Hearing no one else, Fleetwood closed the public hearing.
Brenner moved to approve the resolution.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. RESOLUTION TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY NEGOTIATION, REQ.
#TR2008 -09 (AB2008 -141A)
Fleetwood opened the public hearing and the following people spoke:
Fleetwood stated that Mr. DeSpain's comments on the previous agenda item apply to
this item also.
Hearing no one else, Fleetwood closed the public hearing.
Brenner moved to approve the resolution.
Motion carried unanimously.
8. ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE CHAPTER 10.34, FERRY
RATES, AND CORRESPONDING FEES IN THE WHATCOM COUNTY 2008
UNIFIED FEE SCHEDULE (AB2008 -085A) (AKA " "THE CRAWFORD VERSION")
-AND-
9. ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE CHAPTER 10.34, FERRY
RATES, AND CORRESPONDING FEES IN THE WHATCOM COUNTY 2008
UNIFIED FEE SCHEDULE (AB2008 -085B) (AKA "THE WEIMER VERSION")
(Clerk's Note: The Council held the public hearings for items eight (AB2008 -085A)
and nine (AB2008 -0858) concurrently.)
Whatcom County Council, 4/8/2008, Page 4
Fleetwood opened the public hearings and the following people spoke:
Robin Aspman - O'Callaghan, 2284 N. Nugent Road, Lummi Island, stated she
supports the Weimer version of the ordinance. Ferries always have summer surcharges.
Lummi Island has become a tourist destination. She hates tourists, but she puts up with
them. A multi- ticket pass should have a discount.
Mary Ross, 2544 Taft Drive, Lummi Island, stated she supports Councilmember
Weimer's version of the ordinance because it is the lesser of two evils. A fare increase is
necessary to offset rising fuel costs and growing operating deficit.
(Clerk's Note; End of tape one, side A.)
Ross stated she and her husband make eight ferry trips per week at a cost of $1,904
per year. Both proposals will cost them $2,560 per year until 2010. Councilmember
Crawford's proposal will cost them $3,056 per year in 2010. She's also paying property
taxes, higher fuel costs, and higher food costs. She is a substitute teacher and provides a
valuable service to the community, but she can't support increasing costs even more.
Cynthia Dahlstrom, 4010 Arts Acres Drive, Lummi Island, stated she supports
Councilmember Weimer's version of the ordinance. However, the discount rate should not
be reduced. Walk -on passengers should be encouraged. It will reduce wait time and save
money for average- and low- income families. Large commercial trucks should not have
discounts, since they are making a profit. Food trucks provide a service to local residents
and the Islander store, and should receive a discount.
Robert Diehl, 2543 Taft Road, Lummi Island, stated a new ferry will cost money that
could be spent elsewhere. There will be cost overruns on the books. If they are going to
consider building a new ferry, consider costs. The people have to put up with the costs, but
it's the Council's decision. Do a feasibility study and consider the opinions of the island
residents.
Dave Dickinson, 4100 Legoe Bay Road, Lummi Island, stated the rate structure is
not equal. He explained the rate structure for trailers and trucks. He doesn't like either
proposal. Currently, whoever administers the ferry has a blank check. Now the docks are
part of the operating expenses, and they used to be paid by the road fund. The ferry
Captain used to do the ferry administration work, but doesn't anymore.
Bob Wiesen, 3314 Douglas Road, Ferndale, stated there are problems with living on
an island, mostly related to the high cost of transportation. It isn't fair that the rest of the
county residents should subsidize the residents of Lummi Island. Adjust rates during peak
time rush hours. Offer discounts during off -peak hours.
Mark Mech, 2897 Cedar Avenue, Lummi Island, stated the Washington State ferry
offers a Summer rate that is significantly higher, unless residents purchased their tickets
during the winter. The commuter population has increased considerably. If he had to
commute, he would not think about living on an island. The hassle of getting in and out of
town quickly is to be expected. The object for the Council to consider should not be how
quickly it can get people to and from work. Rates have gone up disproportionately. Docks
still probably have registered bridge numbers on them and should be considered bridges,
not parts of the ferry operation expense. Consider ways to make the multi -ride pass better.
Whatcom County Council, 4/8/2008, Page 5
Provide an annual pass. If they decide to build a new ferry, the cost will be twice what they
estimate.
Hearing no one else, Fleetwood closed the public hearings.
Brenner moved to adopt Councilmember Weimer's version of the ordinance
(AB2008- 085B). She moved to amend to remove the docks from the operating costs
formula and put that cost back into the road fund. No one from Lummi Island was at the
discussion the Council had at the time. The Council was told at the time that it must do this
to make the County ferry in sync with the State ferries, or it would be ineligible for funding.
It made sense to her at the time, but it's not a good idea. It frees up road fund money for
other things, but there is no difference between docks and roads. The dock has a road
number or a bridge number on it.
People should not have to move off the island just because they become commuters.
She understands all the issues. She doesn't agree with Mr. Wiesen. Ferries happen to be
the most expensive, but it is the only way on or off the island. There is no other choice.
Lummi Island should not be the home for just the wealthy. The County spends
money on an affordable housing task force to figure out ways to make things more
affordable for homeowners. The best thing is to keep people from losing their homes.
Motion to amend failed I -5 with Brenner in favor.
Crawford stated his ordinance and Councilmember Weimer's ordinance has
differences. He explained the differences. The primary difference is how they calculate 55
percent of the operating expenses. The issue is whether they want to supplant an
additional $90,000 or more out of the road fund annually.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she is in favor of Councilmember Weimer's ordinance.
Include the revenue the County receives from the State to offset ferry operation costs. It's
not fair to the citizens to not count that revenue toward their share of the operating costs
jointly with the County. Since they include docks and other expenses, they should also
include any revenue they receive.
Councilmember Weimer has put a lot of time into this and done a lot of outreach to
the community. Staff, including Mr. Abart, have been doing a great job for the County.
However, this ordinance is as fair as possible. This will change eventually. The ferry fares
have to be fluid. They deal with changing costs and unknown factors. Councilmember
Weimer has achieved a compromise.
Nelson stated he hopes they don't have to raise fares any more than this. He's
concerned about going too low. He's concerned Councilmember Weimer's proposal won't
recover the funds they need, and the County will have to force more of the costs onto the
consumers.
Motion to adopt AB2008 -0858 carried 4 -2 with Nelson and Crawford
opposed.
CONSENT AGENDA
Whatcom County Council, 4/8/2008, Page 6
1 Nelson reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved
2 to approve Consent Agenda items one through 12.
3
4 Brenner withdrew Consent Agenda items six, seven, and eight.
5
6 Motion to approve Consent Agenda items one through five and nine
7 through 12 carried unanimously.
8
9 1. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
10 CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND SENNETT ENGINEERING, LLC
11 FOR ON -CALL ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT
12 OF $21,200 (AB2008 -157)
13
14 2. RESOLUTION ORDERING THE CANCELLATION OF CHECKS MORE THAN TWO
15 YEARS OLD (AB2008 -158)
16
17 3. REQUEST COUNCIL RATIFICATION OF THE 2008 -2012 WSNA COLLECTIVE
18 BARGAINING AGREEMENT (AB2008 -121A)
19
20 4. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #08 -18
21 TO LOW BIDDER WESTERN REFINERY SERVICES, INC. FOR STREET
22 SWEEPING AND CLEANING SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $470,998
23 (AB2008 -159)
24
25 S. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AUTHORIZE USE OF
26 THE WASHINGTON STATE CONTRACT TO PURCHASE REPLACEMENT
27 COMPUTER EQUIPMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $62,611.57 (AB2008 -160)
28
29 6. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #08 -24
30 FOR ON CALL CONTRACTORS/ EQUIPMENT FOR PROJECTS FOR THE PUBLIC
31 WORKS DEPARTMENT IN AN AMOUNT THAT MAY EXCEED $35,000 (AB2008-
32 161)
33
34 Nelson reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
35 moved to approve the request.
36
37 Brenner stated this prevents the Council from looking at contracts. She supports
38 having a list of on -call contractors and equipment for projects. The second part of the
39 request allows the administration to unilaterally approve contracts once the Council has set
40 aside the money. It's a blank check for the administration to use as it wants. The Council
41 should be the check - and - balance by reviewing the contracts. This is not just for on -call
42 contractors. It's also for using money to do the contracts, which used to come to the
43 Council.
44
45 Motion carried 5 -1 with Brenner opposed.
46
47 7. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #08 -25
48 FOR ON CALL RENTAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
49 IN AN AMOUNT THAT MAY EXCEED $35,000 (AB2008 -162)
50
51 Nelson reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
52 moved to approve the request.
53
Whatcom County Council, 4/8/2008, Page 7
I Brenner asked the kind of Volvo rental equipment they use.
2
3 Frank Abart, Public Works Department Director, stated it's the name of a company.
4 There is a variety of equipment made by Volvo. This is a contract to rent the equipment to
5 use.
6
7 Motion carried unanimously,
8
9 S. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
10 AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND STEWART +KING
11 ARCHITECTS, INC. FOR MASTER PLANNING AT SMITH AND NORTHWEST
12 ROADS, PHASE I IN THE AMOUNT OF $285,970.08 (AB2008 -163)
13
14 Nelson reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved
15 to approve the request.
16
17 Brenner stated this is a lot of money. They can do this in ways to have the money
18 offset costs. The building there is an historic building. Preserve buildings that look that
19 unique. Put that requirement into the request, and the County will be eligible for a lot of
20 restoration funding for historic buildings. It's hypocritical of the County to bulldoze the
21 building and build over it when the County keeps saying how important it is to reuse and
22 recycle. The building is part of the county's history.
23
24 Crawford stated this item is just an analysis of what's there. The contractor will
25 present a recommendation. This is the most dysfunctional building the County owns. He
26 uses that building as a consumer often.
27
28 Brenner stated the building can be made much more functional. The building is
29 dysfunctional because there are too many people trying to do too many things and who are
30 crammed into an area that's too small. She is in favor of making the complex bigger, but
31 this would serve a wonderful purpose. A renovation would provide evidence that the
32 County does many of the things it says are important.
33
34 She tried to get design standards for the Smith Road at that location, rather than
35 cutting down old growth trees. Now, the school parking lot looks like a mall parking lot.
36 The County Council says areas should have character. No character is left in front of the
37 North Bellingham School. Don't take away this remaining piece of character in that area.
38 The people across the street have taken a lot of time and initiative to use the fagade of the
39 old Pynor's Market. They have an obligation to preserve history.
40
41 Include language about preserving the building in this agreement so the contractor
42 will evaluate the structure.
43
44 Caskey- Schreiber stated Councilmember Brenner can contact the Whatcom Historical
45 Society and find out if the building is valuable. She's not sure nursing homes and hospitals
46 hold that much value. The study does not condemn the building. They are going to explore
47 the viability of the building.
48
49 Brenner stated include that request in the agreement. This is part of the history of
50 Whatcom County.
51
52 Crawford stated Pynor's Market could not be torn down. In that location, nothing
53 could replace it. They have to keep the store there and call it historical, or they lose the
Whatcom County Council, 4/8/2008, Page 8
use. That corner is substandard. Whatcom County doesn't have to do that with it's
property. Don't use that as a symbol of the intersection.
Nelson stated he understands Councilmember Brenner's argument. There are times
when they should preserve historic buildings. He's not sure this building is one of them.
The study may show differently. Because things have to come into compliance with modern
day code, it may not be possible for the government or anyone to do that. This evaluation
will consider whether restoration is possible.
Brenner stated she just wants to know that this item doesn't preclude preservation.
The documents make it sound like the building will be torn down.
Fleetwood stated the County Council makes that decision, not Stewart+King.
Motion carried unanimously.
9. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
GRANT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY
FOR CONTINUATION OF HYDRAULIC ANALYSES OF PROJECTS
RECOMMENDED IN THE LOWER NOOKSACK RIVER COMPREHENSIVE FLOOD
HAZARD MANAGEMENT PLAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $133,334 (AB2008 -164)
10. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND NORTHWEST ECOLOGICAL
SERVICES, LLC FOR THE PRELIMINARY DESIGN AND PERMITTING OF THE
CHUCKANUT VILLAGE MARSH RESTORATION IN THE AMOUNT OF
$18,365.50 (AB2008 -165)
11. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND ASPECT CONSULTING, LLC
FOR THE PREPARATION OF A TECHNICAL REPORT THAT WILL SUPPORT THE
WATER QUALITY /QUANTITY AND STORMWATER COMPONENTS OF THE
FOOTHILLS SUBAREA PLAN SEIS IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,830 (AB2008-
166)
12. _ REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A JOINT
OPERATING AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
INTERFAITH COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER TO FORMALIZE A PARTNERSHIP
FOR THE PURPOSE OF OFFERING HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES TO LOW
INCOME AND UNINSURED RESIDENTS AT THE FUTURE EAST WHATCOM
REGIONAL RESOURCE CENTER (AB2008 -167)
OTHER ITEMS
1. RESOLUTION RE- AFFIRMING THE PDR OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE RANKING
AND AUTHORIZING WHATCOM COUNTY PURCHASE OF DEVELOPMENT
RIGHTS ADMINISTRATOR TO PROCEED WITH THE ACQUISITION PROCESS
FOR ROUND 6 APPLICATIONS (AB2008 -087A)
Fleetwood reported for the Natural Resources Committee and moved to approve
the resolution.
Whatcom County Council, 4/8/2008, Page 9
1 Brenner stated the VanderWerff property doesn't have any prime soils. However,
2 the map indicates it has LaBounty silt loam soil, which is a prime soil.
3
4 Crawford stated Whatcom LaBounty is not prime.
5
6 Caskey- Schreiber stated that soil designation is a pending Comprehensive Plan
7 amendment.
8
9 Crawford stated the Whatcom LaBounty soil is controversial.
10
11 Fleetwood stated only the top three ranked items will have a chance of going
12 through. This item is number six.
13
14 Caskey- Schreiber stated this is fund the County should bond. Buy them all. These
15 properties aren't going to get any less expensive.
16
17 Fleetwood stated the federal government is discontinuing the funding for this
18 program after this round.
19
20 Motion carried unanimously.
21
22 2. RESOLUTION UPDATING THE 2006 AMENDED APPENDIX OF THE 2002
23 WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
24 (CEDS) (AB2008 -099)
25
26 Fleetwood stated this item was withdrawn from the agenda.
27
28 3. APPOINTMENT TO FILL VACANCY ON THE DRAYTON HARBOR SHELLFISH
29 PROTECTION DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE - APPLICANT: JACQUELINE
30 GOODSIR (AB2008 -154)
31
32 Brenner moved to appoint Jacqueline Goodsir.
33
34 Motion carried unanimously.
35
36 4. APPOINTMENT TO FILL ONE VACANCY ON THE WHATCOM COUNTY
37 UTILITIES PLANNING AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE, DISTRICT 2 POSITION -
38 APPLICANTS: DAMON 3. GRAY AND RICHARD F. BANEL (AB2008 -155)
39
40 Fleetwood nominated Damon J. Gray and Richard F. Banel.
41
42 Caskey- Schreiber stated both applicants are great. She encouraged them to get
43 involved in other committees that have vacancies. She voted for Banel.
44
45 Nelson voted for Gray.
46
47 Brenner voted for Gray.
48
49 Fleetwood voted for Gray.
50
51 Kelly voted for Banel.
52
Whatcom County Council, 4/8/2008, Page 10
Crawford stated Mr. Banel is on the Water District Board, and he wants to deal with a
bunch of issues on this committee. He told Mr. Banel that he would support his application,
but didn't know that Mr. Gray was going to apply. In the meantime, he's been in several
locations with Mr. Gray, and he encouraged Mr. Gray to apply for vacant board openings.
Therefore, he has to vote for Mr. Banel because he said he would.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she would change her vote to Mr. Gray. He's sat through
this meeting.
Fleetwood stated that the Council appointed Damon Gray.
INTRODUCTION ITEMS
Caskey- Schreiber moved to accept the Introduction Items.
Notion carried unanimously,
1. RECEIPT OF APPEAL OF HEARING EXAMINER'S DECISION ON CUP07 -0013,
FILED BY PHILIP BURI FOR STEVEN WOLFF, REGARDING VERIZON
WIRELESS' REQUEST FOR ZONING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (AB2008-
152)
2. RESOLUTION ADOPTING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OPEN SPACE /OPEN
SPACE AND OPEN SPACE TIMBER APPLICATIONS (AB2008 -168)
OTHER BUSINESS
Nelson reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and stated
the committee is working on the road fund deficit.
Brenner reported for the Public Works and Safety Committee and stated the
committee had a presentation regarding public rights -of -way vacations. She will receive
information from legal counsel when quiet title actions come forward. Other
councilmembers may receive the information if they want.
REPORTS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS
Nelson stated he's attended comprehensive health planning meetings in the
community. Many concerns have come forward. The Lynden turnout wasn't good because
the wrong date was given out. The Bellingham meeting had over 20 attendees.
Pete Kremen, County Executive, stated Congressman Larsen put forward a request
for $16 million for the proposed regional command center for the 2010 Olympics,
emergency radio communications, and inter - operability. It looks positive, but there are
many hurdles and obstacles before them. Senators Cantwell and Murray are in favor of the
funding, also.
Fleetwood asked when the administration will know whether the center has been
funded. Kremen stated it's too early to tell.
Whatcom County Council, 4/8/2008, Page 11
1 (Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side 8.)
2
3 Kremen continued to state that Washington D.C. is primarily focused on politics right
4 now. Allocating funding for constituents back home is controversial. However, things are
5 progressing and encouraging.
6
7 Brenner asked if the County has discussed emergency management with the City of
8 Bellingham lately. The City of Bellingham Fire Department is interested in the medic
9 program. Work together to have a comprehensive medic program and emergency
10 management program. They can be more financially efficient, and it would look good to the
11 federal legislators. Kremen stated he's talked with the paramedic officials and City of
12 Bellingham officials. They are still considering a joint emergency response program. He
13 wants a unified emergency management system.
14
15 Caskey- Schreiber stated Congressman Larsen also put forward legislation about re-
16 introducing grizzly bears to the North Cascades. The Council's resolution carried some
17 weight.
18
19
20 ADJOURN
21
22 The meeting adjourned at 8:49 p.m.
23
24
25
26 Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
27 nii►� ,.
28 ,T44lSoVn oved these minutes on May 6 , 2008.
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
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eth Fleetwgdd, Council Vice -Chair
Whatcom County Council, 4/8/2008, Page 12