HomeMy WebLinkAboutHealth February 16 20101
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Health Committee
February 16, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Member Barbara Brenner called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at the
Whatcom County Civic Center Annex, Second Floor Meeting Room, 322 N. Commercial,
Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
Present: Kathy Kershner, Barbara Brenner and L. Ward Nelson.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Sam Crawford, Ken Mann, Bill Knutzen and Carl Weimer
OTHER BUSINESS
1. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE CHAIR (AB2010 -021)
Brenner nominated Councilmember Nelson.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Nelson, Brenner, Kershner (3)
Nays: None (0)
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 24.05, ON -SITE SEWAGE
SYSTEM (OSS) REGULATIONS, TO ALLOW FOR SELF EVALUATION OF OSS BY
HOMEOWNERS (AB2009 -135A) (COUNCIL ACTING AS THE WHATCOM
COUNTY HEALTH BOARD)
Brenner asked about the definition of "agent." There should be a definition, "A
person delegated by the homeowner to do his or her inspection, who has taken the class for
that type of system and who is not being reimbursed."
The following people answered questions:
• Regina Delahunt, Health Department Director
• John Wolpers, Health Department, stated there is.
Discussion included whether there is a fee system set up for inspector exams; fees
for taking the class; all the fees a homeowner has to pay related to the process; actual
costs not met by the filing fee; the definition of "repeatedly" in 24.05.160(C); the incentive
for a homeowner to be honest; targeting certain sensitive areas; the reason for the
language in section 24.05.160(A)(1)(i); repairing a system to functionality versus replacing
the entire system; not requiring a permit for replacement, addition, or modification of
certain broken or malfunctioning components; clarifying the language in sections
24.05.160(A)(12) and (13); when a report of system status (ROSS) is due during the
Health Committee, 2/16/2010, Page 1
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property transfer process; funding for financing a program to replace a failed system;
training Public Works Department staff to identify failed systems; the Auditor responsibilities
for recording documents; the inspection process for Glendon systems; whether the Health
Department and installers promote Glendon systems; why they would allow a friend or
relative to inspect on behalf of a homeowner;
Kershner moved to amend the language in 24.05.160 (C), "...If OSS owners are
discovered to be Fepeatedly noncompliant with this section, the health officer may
proceed...." It's unnecessary and subjective. Make sure program participants will
participate with good intentions.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Nelson, Brenner, Kershner (3)
Nays: None (0)
Brenner moved to amend to:
• add language to 24.05.160(C), "...until property transfer. In cases of
hardship, the health officer may approve the homeowner's selection of a
designee who has completed the appropriate class to perform the evaluation.
If OSS owners...." and
• delete "or their agent" in 24.05.160(B) and
• delete "or their agents" in both instances in 24.105.160(C).
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Nelson, Brenner, Kershner (3)
Nays: None (0)
Brenner moved to recommend approval as amended to the full Board of Health
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Nelson, Brenner, Kershner (3)
Nays: None (0)
Crawford stated they should reverse subsections (12) and (13) because they are out
of order.
Brenner stated she is fine with that. She moved to amend to switch
24.05.160(A)(12) and 24.05.160(A)(13).
The motion to amend carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Nelson, Brenner, Kershner (3)
Nays: None (0)
Wolper stated he will provide information on costs to homeowners associated with
the ROSS, as requested.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
Health Committee, 2/16/2010, Page 2
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ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
official, signed copy:
360- 676 -6690 or council@�.om hatcorn ma.us
16 Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
L. Ward Nelson, Committee Chair
Health Committee, 2/16/2010, Page 3