HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil May 8 2007WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Regular County Council
May 8, 2007
Council Chair Carl Weimer called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present:
Barbara Brenner
Dan McShane
Sam Crawford
Seth Fleetwood
Laurie Caskey - Schreiber
L. Ward Nelson
FLAG SALUTE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Absent:
None
Weimer announced that there was discussion and possible action on filling the
Council's vacant Planning and Policy Analyst position (AS2007 -018) in executive
session during the Committee of the Whole meeting.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
2. EXECUTIVE KREMEN TO PRESENT PLAQUES WITH MESSAGE OF
APPRECIATION TO THE SHORELINE /CRITICAL AREAS CITIZENS ADVISORY
COMMITTEE MEMBERS (AB2007 -017)
Pete Kremen, County Executive, read the names of the participants of the Citizens
Advisory Committee. He thanked them for their invo[vement and their collective effort,
which has been recognized statewide. The members have put many hours into this
committee.
Dick Gilda, Shoreline /Critical Areas Citizens Advisory Committee, stated the
administration and Council deserves as much respect for this as the committee members.
Executive Kremen's efforts trickle -down all the way to the staff that worked with the
committee. They went out of their way to include the public into the process. Give the staff
as much credit as the committee members.
Unidentified committee member stated the process was long, but very good. They
had very different interests. It was amazing to see what they could do when working
together.
Cathy Berg, Shoreline /Critical Areas Citizens Advisory Committee, stated she thanks
the staff and co- members for the education she gained. It was fun working with
knowledgeable people coming together on a good product.
Whatcom County Council, 5/8/2007, Page 1
1 Unidentified committee member stated a key to success was all the compromise
2 from everyone to ensure that Whatcom County continues to be an economically productive
3 community.
4
5 Aubrey Stargell, Shoreline /Critical Areas Citizens Advisory Committee, stated this
6 was a good opportunity to have influence on how they manage resources in the county.
7 The group was diverse. Staff did a good job organizing and mediating the committee. It
8 was a worthwhile effort.
9
10 Unidentified committee member stated she compliments the County on the process.
11 It was very worthwhile.
12
13 Weimer thanked the committee members for their efforts. Around the state, others
14 are amazed at their product. He also thanked Jeff Chalfant, the staff person who led this
15 effort.
16
17 Kremen stated they have avoided litigation because of this process. The product has
18 been held as the model statewide. He also thanks Mr. Chalfant, who made a monumental
19 effort also. He is very proud of Mr. Chalfant, and is an asset to this county. Unfortunately,
20 he will leave the County's employ next month. He is grateful for Mr. Chalfant. The people
21 of Whatcom County owe Mr. Chalfant a debt of gratitude.
22
23 McShane stated the Geologic Society of America recently referenced how well
24 Whatcom County did with volcanic hazards, of which this group was a part.
25
26 1. EXECUTIVE KREMEN TO READ THE PROCLAMATION FOR NATIONAL
27 CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS WEEK (AB2007 -017)
28
29 Pete Kremen, County Executive, stated he presents a proclamation to Teamsters
30 Local 231 Secretary/Treasurer Chuck Egert. He read the proclamation into the record. He
31 also presented a proclamation to Chief of Corrections Wendy Jones, on behalf of her entire
32 staff. What they do is very important, and unrecognized.
33
34 4. EXECUTIVE KREMEN TO READ A PROCLAMATION FOR FOSTER CARE MONTH
35 (AB2007 -017)
36
37 Pete Kremen, County Executive, read the proclamation into the record.
38
39 3. EXECUTIVE KREMEN TO PRESENT THE BUDGET PREPARATION AWARD
40 PLAQUES (AB2007 -017)
41
42 This presentation is postponed for two weeks.
43
44
45 MINUTES CONSENT
46
47 McShane moved to approve the Minutes Consent items.
48
49 Motion carried unanimously.
50
51 1. SPECIAL COUNTY COUNCIL FOR MARCH 20, 2007
52
53 2. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE FOR APRIL 24, 2007
Whatcom County Council, 5/8/2007, Page 2
1
2 3. REGULAR COUNTY COUNCIL FOR APRIL 24, 2007
3
4
5 OPEN SESSION
6
7 The following people spoke:
8
9 Johnnie Grames, 1506 E. Maplewood Avenue, stated information on the upcoming
10 campaign is obtained through advertising and television. People only hear one side of the
11 story, and the news is not balanced. People don't get both sides of the story. People get
12 turned off by double - speak, so they don't vote. The person with the most money gets
13 elected or gets an issue forward. The media is considered the fourth branch of government.
14 It should look more closely at the justice system. They are putting a lot of people in jail.
15 It's less expensive to educate these people. A healthy family results in a healthy nation.
16 They are taking families apart in the court system.
17
18 Dave Pros, 1466 Roy Road, Bellingham, stated infrastructure needs to happen at the
19 same time as development, through concurrency. They need 50- to 100 -year planning.
20 They need education. The first job of a County planner should be to contact citizens,
21 present a vision for the future, gather their input, and bring that input to the Council.
22
23 Bob Hollingsworth, 1877 Academy Road, Squalicum Valley Group and Academy Road
24 Group, stated lake quality is declining. He submitted photographs (on fl/e). The impacts at
25 Squalicum Mountain are adversely affecting the lake. They need to come up with a long -
26 term permanent moratorium on Squalicum Mountain. He asked how City water got up
27 there. No one is taking responsibility. He asked who is allocating the permits for this work.
28
29 Hal Hart, Planning and Development Services Director, stated he is signing a letter
30 tonight, on behalf of the County and Executive Kremen, that states building permits were
31 issued under an invalid water certificate, and those not already hooked up are suspended.
32 He read the letter. There will be a meeting on Friday May 15, 2007. Construction will stop
33 effective this evening. There was a pre - existing agreement between the City and District 7
34 that allowed the district to provide water service to the community. They were relying on
35 the information provided by the district on a water verification form, but that form doesn't
36 meet the intent of the agreement.
37
38 Crawford asked if the issue is between the City and the Water District, because of
39 the agreement. Hart stated that is one set of issues. The alternative for people to get
40 water is a well.
41
42 Jackie Hollingsworth, 1877 Academy Road, stated she is disappointed in the
43 communication among everyone. Lay people in Squalicum Valley are doing the ground
44 work for the City and County. That is unacceptable.
45
46 Francine Kincaid, 2015 - 24th Street, Bellingham, stated Project Lifesaver is a time
47 tested, national program to help people who have a propensity to wander, so they are
48 returned safely to their loved ones. The program supplies a bracelet that has a radio
49 transmitter. The transmitter sends a signal that can be picked up by emergency personnel.
50 Bellingham Harbor-view Lions Club is having a fund raiser for this program at 7 p.m. on June
51 6, 2007 at the Uptown Theater. Everyone is welcome to buy tickets.
52
Whatcom County Council, 5/8/2007, Page 3
I Dennis Jones, 1487 Sudden Valley, stated a logger made a new slash above Lake
2 Samish. That is an example of how to do it wrong. There are good examples of forestry in
3 the Lake Samish and Lake Whatcom watersheds.
4
5 They have a policy of Lake Whatcom cooperative management to support practices
6 that prevent further erosion of water quality within the Lake Whatcom watershed.
7 Unfortunately, the State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) also has a policy to
8 maximize income production on logging. There are ways to preserve water quality and
9 logging. Preserve the Chuckanut buffer zone using the Chuckanut Mountains Park District.
10 It will save them money in the long run.
11
12 Gwen Hunter, 2540 Applejack Lane, Bellingham, stated she approves of the letter
13 from the County to the developers on Squalicum Mountain. The aquifer is one of only two
14 clean recharge sources for the Lake Whatcom reservoir. The mountain is a major public
15 resource. It is under attack by developers who are trying to attract high -end buyers to a
16 gated community. The developers promise to do the right thing, but take advantage of the
17 lack of official oversight and choose to do the wrong thing. The water in the watershed
18 belongs to the City. It's the sole source of drinking water. It needs to be protected. The
19 City, County, and water districts must work together.
20
21 Marian Beddill, 3600 Seeley Street, Bellingham, stated she wears funeral clothes on
22 behalf of Lake Whatcom. Stop the development in the Lake Whatcom watershed. They
23 must protect the drinking water supply.
24
25 (Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
26
27 Beddill continued to state that the citizens have election power, community
28 involvement power, and lobbying power. Do everything they can, including influence the
29 administration to save Lake Whatcom.
30
31 Virginia Watson, 2729 Jensen Road, Bellingham, stated she would like a
32 councilmember to propose an emergency ordinance tonight to stop development on
33 Squalicum Mountain.
34
35
36 PUBLIC HEARINGS
37
38 1. ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 16.32, REGULATIONS
39 FOR FERTILIZER APPLICATION ON RESIDENTIAL LAWNS AND PUBLIC
40 PROPERTIES WITHIN THE LAKE WHATCOM AND LAKE SAMISH WATERSHEDS
41 (AB2007 -196)
42
43 Weimer opened the public hearing and the following people spoke:
44
45 Steven Harper, 121 Bear Creek Lane, Bellingham, stated he is in favor of the
46 ordinance. He is a member of the Concerned Neighbors of Lake Samish and the Lake
47 Samish Watershed Management Advisory Board. Phosphorus, mainly from residential
48 fertilizer, is a key element that affects growth of algae and eutrophic conditions in lakes.
49 Lake Samish is a drinking water source for the residents surrounding the lake. It is also an
50 important recreational lake. They are starting to see toxic algae blooms in the lake.
51 Oxygen is disappearing in the bottom part of the lake, which means more phosphorus is
52 released.
53
Whatcom County Council, 5/8/2007, Page 4
Jim Malin, 244 Summerland Road, Bellingham, stated he supports the ordinance.
Don't put any more chemicals in the water.
Joan Ellsworth, 156 Shallow Shore Road, Lake Samish Association President, stated
her Board of Directors voted to support the ordinance. They must develop strategies for
controlling external phosphorus loading.
Mark Herrenkohl, 321 Summerland Road, Bellingham, stated he supports the
ordinance. He thanks the Council, specifically Councilmember Caskey- Schreiber. He is a
member of the Concerned Neighbors of Lake Samish and of the Lake Samish Water
Advisory Group. They supported and worked on monitoring Lake Samish water quality over
the last couple of years, in coordination with Dr. Robin Matthews. The high levels of
phosphorus in Lake Samish is responsible for eutrophication and decreased oxygen. In
some places, 120 feet of water is dead, largely due to phosphorus. There have been
increases in algae blooms in the last few years. This is one small step to deal with external
loading of phosphorus into the lake. Other external loading is from all the clearing and
development that has occurred around Lake Samish. He will continue to fight against major
development around Lake Samish and continue to protect the water quality in this
watershed.
McShane asked if they have monitored sediment from Barns Creek or off drainages
due to recent logging road construction. Herrenkohl, stated they've done inflow water
sampling, but not sediment sampling. They've discussed sediment sampling for the inflows
and also in the lake itself, because of mercury levels.
Fleetwood asked if there has been substantial recent developments. Herrenkohl
stated there has not. The rezone was a great help. They continue to fight the Sleepy
Hollow project of more than 45 homes.
Dennis Jones, 1486 Sudden Valley, stated there is a plan with action plans for Lake
Whatcom. He asked why they are not doing the actions in the plan. Get the money for it
and do it. Consider the watershed as a whole.
Dave Pros, 1466 Roy Road, Bellingham, stated he thanks the Council for the
downzone a few years ago. He thanks the County Executive for not vetoing the downzone.
He supports this ordinance. Don't expand the Lake Padden and Lake Samish areas into the
urban growth area in the future. Correcting the problems are more costly.
Hearing no one else, Weimer closed the public hearing.
Caskey- Schreiber moved to adopt the ordinance. She brought this forward on
behalf of the community. She doesn't intend it to be the only solution. Officially, she has
never applied fertilizer on her lawn. Her husband does that, but he buys phosphorus -free
fertilizer. Those in marine areas should get nitrogen -free fertilizer, because phosphorus is
not their problem.
Crawford stated he supports the ordinance. A ban is more effective over a broader
area. The State finds that phosphorus is in lakes, rivers, and wetlands. It may be
beneficial to do a ban throughout Whatcom County. However, there may be a downside.
Phosphorus improves root strength in the turf. Poor turf grass health can result in
increased soil erosion and nutrient runoff into the surface water. Look at it as a more global
issue. Solicit the opinions of those who are expert in lawn care and that sort of thing to talk
about the erosion issue.
Whatcom County Council, 5/8/2007, Page 5
Caskey- Schreiber stated they should consider a broader area. However, do that at
another time. Don't put this off tonight. If they apply something countywide, different
jurisdictions will need education.
Brenner stated plants other than lawn turf do well with low amounts of phosphorus.
They should support the types of plants that do better in that kind of an environment.
Caskey- Schreiber stated the ordinance provides an exemption from the ban on a
newly established lawn or turf in the first growing season.
McShane stated this ban will help. Tree clearing could be another source of
problems for the lake.
Motion to adopt the ordinance carried unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA
Crawford reported for the f=inance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to approve Consent Agenda items one through five and seven through 12. The
administration withdrew item six.
Weimer withdrew item twelve.
Motion to approve Consent Agenda items one through five and seven
through eleven carried unanimously.
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A HIDTA
AWARD COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT; OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG
CONTROL POLICY TO SUPPORT THE NORTHWEST HIDTA BORDER TASK
FORCE PROSECUTION INITIATIVE AT THE NORTHWEST HIGH INTENSITY
DRUG TRAFFICKING AREA (FUNDING AMOUNT IS $166,271) (AB2007 -213)
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE BELLINGHAM HERALD,
TO PRINT REQUIRED PUBLICATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $11.89 FOR A
SINGLE COLUMN, PER COLUMN ONE -INCH FIRST INSERTION, AND $10.99
PER COLUMN INCH FOR THE SECOND AND ALL SUBSEQUENT INSERTIONS
(AB2007 -214)
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND KRAZAN &
ASSOCIATES, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $94,440 FOR CONSULTING SERVICES
FOR WHATCOM COUNTY COURTHOUSE, PHASE I CONDITION SURVEY
(AB2007 -215)
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE UNITED
STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, MT. BAKER- SNOQUALMIE
NATIONAL FOREST, TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR A DEPUTY TO PATROL THE MT.
Whatcom County Council, 5/8/2007, Page 6
BAKE R-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,000
(AB2007 -216 )
5. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY PUBLIC
AUCTION REG. #TR2007 -01 (AB2007 -217)
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE CITY OF
BELLINGHAM FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANNEXATION AND DEVELOPMENT
WITHIN THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM FOR APPROXIMATELY 125 ACRES IN
THE VICINITY OF ALDRICH ROAD AND HORTON ROAD (AB2007 -218)
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #07 -47 TO
LOW BIDDER, JESSEE ENGINEERING FOR THE FABRICATION OF BRIDGE
BEARINGS TO BE USED ON THE LUMMI ISLAND FERRY TERMINAL IN THE
AMOUNT OF $38,732.80 (AB2007 -219)
8. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A LEASE
WITH WHATCOM COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT #21, LAUREL FIRE
STATION, FOR OFFICE SPACE FOR THE WHATCOM COUNTY SHERIFF'S
OFFICE, DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (AB2007 -220)
9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT WITH FCS GROUP TO ASSIST WITH ESTABLISHING A FUNDING
MECHANISM FOR THE BIRCH BAY COMPREHENSIVE STORMWATER PLAN IN
THE AMOUNT OF $84,645 (AB2007 -221)
10. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH WILSON ENGINEERING, LLC TO PERFORM
ADDITIONAL WORK RELATED TO THE LUMMI ISLAND PARKING LOT
PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $38,449 FOR A TOTAL AMENDED AMOUNT OF
$143,303 (AB2007 -222)
11. REQUEST RATIFICATION OF THE 2007 -2009 SHERIFF'S SUPPORT STAFF
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT (AB2007 -223)
12. RESOLUTION TO SET HEARING TO DECLARE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2158
SOUTH NUGENT ROAD, LUMMI ISLAND, WA AS SURPLUS (AB2007 -153)
Caskey- Schreiber spoke against selling this property. They still need to figure out
some things. There was a promise made to the Lummi Island Land Trust, and they should
honor it.
Brenner stated there is no promise to the Lummi Island Land Trust. When this was
going on, the Land Trust hoped the County would buy the property.
Crawford stated this discussion is not about the real estate. It is surplus property.
This discussion is whether or not the Council should schedule a hearing.
Weimer stated the Council had talked about putting this in the Public Works
Committee for clarification. They haven't done that. He is concerned about the prospect of
scheduling this before all questions have been answered. Solving complicated issues
shouldn't be doge after the public hearing, because then they'll have to have another public
Whatcom County Council, 5/8/2007, Page 7
1 hearing. Issues have to do with road funds, Parks Department plans, plans to remove the
2 current waiting area and bathrooms.
3
4 Crawford moved to approve the resolution.
5
6 Weimer stated the Council has already approved a motion to put the issue in the
7 Public Works Committee.
8
9 Brenner stated she did her due diligence on the issue. She has researched all the
10 questions that have come back. The Public Works Department has answered questions that
11 the councilmembers posed.
12
13 Weimer stated there are other members of the Public Works Committee besides
14 Councilmember Brenner. He thought there was going to be a process to involve the public
15 to address those questions. That's what the Council said it would do.
16
17 Brenner stated she recalled that it was held in the committee so the councilmembers
18 could get answers.
19
20 Weimer stated they've waited a year and a half without getting answers to these
21 questions after the Council voted unanimously to allow the Land Trust the opportunity to
22 come forward with a proposal. He still has questions.
23
24 Caskey - Schreiber stated it was held in committee on March 27, 2007. She would
25 like to hold it in committee and ask for a recommendation from Prosecutor Royce
26 Buckingham.
27
28 There was discussion about scheduling this item in the Public Works Committee.
29
30 Brenner stated she will schedule this item in the Public Works Committee on May 22,
31 2007.
32
33 Motion carried 5 -2 with Caskey- Schreiber and Weimer opposed.
34
35
36 OTHER ITEMS
37
38 1. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE DRAYTON HARBOR SHELLFISH PROTECTION
39 DISTRICT RECOVERY PLAN 2007 UPDATE (AB2007 -230)
40
41 (Clerk's Note, End of tape one, side 8.)
42
43 McShane reported for the Natural Resources Committee and moved to approve the
44 substitute version.
45
46 Brenner stated they are taking more away from the administration. During the last
47 budget cycle, the Council budgeted money for the Drayton Harbor watershed. In addition,
48 the Council approved the onsite sewage regulations that they have yet to develop. The
49 State mandate refers specifically to marine recovery areas, of which Drayton Harbor is one.
50 Now, the Health Department says this will be for the entire county. They recommend that
51 the entire county be an area of special significance, which isn't appropriate. Make sure the
52 administration pays attention to the money the Council budgets. The Council should
53 continue to budget for these kinds of things. The Council should coordinate through the
Whatcom County Council, 5/8/2007, Page 8
onsite sewage (OSS) regulations. Otherwise, they are heaping more fees upon people for
duplication of efforts. She doesn't like the substitute version.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she is in favor of the substitute resolution. She is
impressed with their goals. This is the reason they went through the water resource
inventory area (WRIA) process. Councilmember Nelson said the Council needs to look at
this kind of concept for each watershed, then give them the taxing money to implement
efforts. That's what this is. This is exactly like what the Council did for Lake Samish. It is
probably what they're going to have to do for Lake Whatcom, Birch Bay, and Drayton
Harbor, The County won't ever afford to do it. The County must give the community the
tools and resources to do implementation. Developing a taxing district is the only way to do
that. She is in favor of the resolution. If there is a duplication of fees, it will be brought to
the Council's attention to resolve. In the meantime, go forward. The only way to recover
Puget Sound is drainage -by- drainage.
Nelson stated these early developmental years will be frustrating. Now that they've
developed programs, they have to pay for them. All programs will be expensive. This is a
resolution that says the Council will work toward that goal. They have to be aware that
many entities and groups can be impacted by the Council's decisions. Be aware of the
taxing measures and funding mechanisms already in place. The County must coordinate
those efforts. Get a process in place so citizen groups know the County supports all their
efforts. Get a process in place to identify revenue sources and how they help each other.
Brenner stated she agrees with their efforts. However, they must also protect from
the possibility of duplicating efforts. Some of their actions are the exact same things that
the Health Department is supposed to do, regarding onsite sewage.
Brenner suggested a friendly amendment to add to the last language, "Be It
Further Resolved, that the Whatcom County Council will begin exploration... or other
appropriate district without duplication of efforts and costs."
McShane read the first recommendation in the plan regarding securing funds for the
Shellfish Protection District authority. All this resolution does is emphasis that there may be
other means to collect funds. Coordinating those programs is important. A dedicated
funding source is also important for these programs to continue predictably. They need to
emphasis that they are committed to follow- through to make sure that funding source is
there, from wherever it comes. The district has had concerns about ongoing funding for a
long time. They are susceptible to the changes and whims of the Council and
administration. He accepted the friendly amendment.
Weimer stated he supports the resolution, which he brought forward. It highlights
the district's number one priority. It's good to call it out and say the Council will move
forward on it.
McShane stated he thanks Councilmember Weimer for bringing this forward.
Brenner stated she thanks Councilmember Weimer also.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND GALLATIN
GROUP IN THE AMOUNT OF $95,000 TO AID THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE WITH
Whatcom County Council, 5/8/2007, Page 9
INTERGOVERNMENTAL ADVOCACY SERVICES AT BOTH THE STATE AND
NATIONAL LEVEL (AB2007 -199)
Crawford reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to approve the request.
Brenner stated she is against the request. The County should work directly with the
legislative staff. The community votes for those people, and their jobs depend on keeping
track of the local issues.
Caskey - Schreiber stated lobbyist are an unfortunate necessity in the governmental
process. This contractor won't have a conflict with any of their other clients. The County is
also paying for their connections. People can work better with people with whom they feel
comfortable. That's not the councilmembers. The councilmembers don't hang out in
Washington D.C. or Olympia. The County needs a presence in both areas to represent
Whatcom County causes.
Crawford stated he supports the request. The contractor specialty is at the federal
level. The top two priorities on the list are Homeland Security and impacts from the 2010
Olympics. It is not about getting a bigger slice of the pie. It is about making sure that
Whatcom County's extraordinary costs, which are due to their geographic position in the
country and based on federal actions, comes back to Whatcom County. He asked that, over
time, they receive a financial analysis on the results of this contract.
Nelson stated he supports the request. This contractor has experience with other
municipalities and counties. Many councilmembers have been to Washington D.C. It is a
daunting task. Lobbyists are an essential part of the government system. They provide
information to the legislators.
Brenner stated the administration is supposed to stay in touch with what's going on.
The Sheriff and Prosecuting Attorney have both lobbied in Washington D.C. Whatcom
County is already doing a good job covering the issues. The County may receive funding
without the help of the lobbyists.
Weimer stated he is in favor of the request. He is convinced that it makes a
difference to have people lobbying in Washington D.C. When things happen there, they
happen fast. Having the right person there at the right time can make a big difference. The
County can't track those things here.
Motion carried 6 -1 with Bremner opposed.
3. COUNTY EXECUTIVE KREMEN REQUESTS CONFIRMATION OF HIS
APPOINTMENT OF SUSAN BURKE TO THE MARINE RESOURCES COMMITTEE
(MRC) (AB2007 -224)
Brenner moved to confirm the appointment.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. COUNTY EXECUTIVE KREMEN REQUESTS CONFIRMATION OF HIS
APPOINTMENT OF GREG HINTON TO THE COUNTY APPEALS BOARD (WCAB)
(AB2007 -225)
Whatcom County Council, 5/8/2007, Page 10
1 Caskey- Schreiber moved to confirm the appointment.
2
3 Motion carried unanimously.
4
5 5. COUNTY EXECUTIVE KREMEN REQUESTS CONFIRMATION OF HIS
6 APPOINTMENT OF CHARLES ALBERTSON TO THE WHATCOM COUNTY
7 MENTAL HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD (AB2007 -226)
8
9 Brenner moved to confirm the appointment. He has served on the board before.
10 She appreciates that he reapplied.
11
12 Motion carried unanimously.
13
14 6. RESOLUTION HONORING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE YWCA AND URGING
15 SUPPORT FOR ITS MISSION (AB2007 -233)
16
17 Brenner moved to approve the resolution. She read the resolution.
18
19 Motion carried unanimously.
20
21
22 INTRODUCTION ITEMS
23
24 Brenner moved to accept the Introduction Items, including a substitute version of
25 Introduction Item five.
26
27 Motion carried unanimously.
28
29 1. RESOLUTION TO SELL TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY PUBLIC AUCTION REG.
30 #TR2007 -01 (AB2007 -217A)
31
32 2. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2007 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, FIFTH
33 REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $373,771 (AB2007 -227)
34
35 3. ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2007 -023 TO REMOVE AN ADDITIONAL
36 STOP SIGN AND CLARIFY EXISTING TEMPORARY ONE -WAY DETOURS
37 RELATED TO THE CABLE STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT (AB2007-
38 169B)
39
40 4. ORDINANCE REMOVING, ON AN INTERIM BASIS, THE LOT
41 CLUSTERING PROVISION FROM WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 20.42,
42 RURAL FORESTRY DISTRICT (AB2007 -229)
43
44 S. RESOLUTION TO SELL SURPLUS PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2158 SOUTH
45 NUGENT ROAD, LUMMI ISLAND, WA (AB2007 -153A)
46
47
48 OTHER BUSINESS
49
50 There was no other business.
51
52
Whatcom County Council, 5/8/2007, Page 11
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REPORTS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS
Crawford stated a focal group is forming that will ask the Council to put on the
November ballot a proposition to add .01 percent sales tax for substance abuse funding.
McShane stated the Geologic Society of America Cordilleran took a field trip to Swift
Creek. They found another landslide that has begun to move again, and has big
implications for Canyon Creek, The geologists were impressed by the scale of the Swift
Creek landslide. They are seeing only about one -fifth of the entire landslide. It clearly
moves significantly farther down the valley. The upper part is really starting to move.
Weimer, stated he attended the Birch Bay community kick -off for the neighborhood
deputy.
Brenner stated she thanks Executive Kremen for the Emergency Management
Workshop for Senior Officials. She learned many things. It would be nice to have a
summary of the workshop for those who couldn't attend.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she attended the Foothills Subarea Plan meeting. They
would love to have a facilitator. She would like to have a meeting on what's next for the
project.
ADJOURN
The me ing adjourned at 9:07 p.m.
3ill Nixon, Minutes Transc iption
I d these minutes on June 5 , 2007.
••'t•••
ATT••'y1�`� D,�r•�� �'� WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
0.04 WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
O. 5
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Dana Izpwn -Dd-A outi lerk Carl Weimer, Council Chair
Whatcom County Council, 5/8/2007, Page 12