HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil January 31 2006WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Regular County Council
January 31, 2006
Council Chair Laurie Caskey - Schreiber called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. in
the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present: Absent:
Barbara Brenner L. Ward Nelson
Dan McShane
Sam Crawford
Seth Fleetwood
Carl Weimer
FLAG SALUTE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Caskey- Schreiber announced there was discussion with Chief Civil Deputy
Prosecutor Randall Watts regarding two cases of pending litigation (AB2006 -018)
and discussion regarding pending litigation - Ostrom (AB2006 -018) in executive
session during the Committee of the Whole meeting.
Fleetwood announced that the resolution initiating Comprehensive Plan and
zoning amendments for 2006 (AB2006 -082), docket # 2006 -K: Sudden Valley
Provisional UGA Rescission has been held and will not be discussed or voted on tonight.
MINUTES CONSENT
Brenner moved to approve the Minutes Consent items, including the substitute for
Minutes Consent item two.
Motion carried unanimously.
1. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE FOR JANUARY 17, 2006
2. REGULAR COUNTY COUNCIL FOR JANUARY 17, 2006
OPEN SESSION
The following people spoke:
Chris Ungern, 2095 Northshore Road, Bellingham, submitted and read from his
testimony (on file). He would like to hear from people in the farming community, not city
dwellers, on the issue of preserving farmland. The proposed classification of rural lands to
agriculture is arbitrary and without justification. Surplus property tax revenues from
agricultural, commercial, and industrial lands tend to subsidize the cost of services for
Whatcom County Council, 1/31/2006, Page 1
residential properties. Before considering impact fees for new construction, both costs and
benefits, not just costs, need to be considered.
Lincoln Rutter, 8373 Semiahmoo Drive, stated the amount of units that the Port of
Bellingham quantified, in terms of the amount of development it needs to sell to offset the
purchase prices of the waterfront futures project, is about 1,500 to 3,000 units. The
Bellingham Comprehensive Plan only allots 1,463 units for that purpose. If those two
numbers don't agree, and the urban growth area (UGA) is expanded based on those
projections, the UGA's will fill up with multi - family housing that would have otherwise gone
into the infill zone. The infill number has to agree with the numbers the Port projects,
which will be available February 9. Don't act on the Comprehensive Plan until the Port's
numbers agree with the Comprehensive Plan numbers. If the Port's numbers are not
achievable because the UGA was expanded, the taxpayers will be legally obligated for the
Port's debt issuance.
Dennis Jones, 1487 Sudden Valley, stated 72 people walked safely out of a
Minnesota mine where a member of Water District 10 worked as an agent for the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
A flood in 2001 showed the community what Lake Whatcom can't sustain and that
the real problems are phosphorus and growth. The lake has recovered from it.
He supports four Comprehensive Plan amendment docket items in the resolution
initiating Comprehensive Plan and zoning amendments for 2006 (AB2006 -082)
Docket items 2006 -K, L, M, and N. Sudden Valley should not be a UGA, according to the
County Code, the Growth Management Act, the State Environmental Policy Act, and
budgets. It may be a municipality.
Barbara Rofkar, 520 - 17th Street, stated she is the Whatcom Human Rights Task
Force Co- Chair. Pass a , resolution stronger than the resolution supporting
professionally trained public policing agencies and opposing armed militia
enforcing against border and other crimes (AB2005 -431) to prevent paramilitary
groups from patrolling the borders. Constitutional rights are threatened. Cities and states
will have to stand up for what is right and to uphold the law.
Delphia Merta, 495 Westerly Road, stated she speaks on behalf of the Cascade
Meadows apartments. She submitted and read her testimony (on file). The Whatcom
Transportation Authority (WTA) Cordata transfer station causes many problems. She
presented a petition to remove the station.
Brenner stated what's going on there is really gross. It's almost in the parking lot of
the apartments. There are outhouses sitting right there. Something like that belongs on a
main street. This is a neighborhood.
Crawford stated this station was at the mall. The people at the mall complained
about it and it was moved. He asked if it's in the city of Bellingham. The County has
zoning rules. Merta stated it is. Her street has not been rezoned.
Fleetwood stated this issue is coming up at the next operations meeting of the WTA
Board in two weeks.
Tanya Maria Rosario, Seattle, submitted information (on file) and stated she
represents the Washington State Hispanic Latino Democrats. She read from the second
Whatcom County Council, 1/31/2006, Page 2
paragraph in the resolution supporting professionally trained public policing
agencies and opposing armed militia enforcing against border and other crimes
(AB2005 -431). She doesn't want a volunteer vigilante group on the border when her tax
dollars are already paying staff to protect borders.
David Hunter, Bellingham, Whatcom County Planning Commission Chair, asked the
Council to consider two issues. First, there is confusion about the Commission's proposal
regarding building permit regulation in rural Whatcom County. The Planning Commission
voted to forward his proposal to the Planning Staff and asked for a staff recommendation.
Staff advised the Planning Commission that they don't have the authority to ask the
Planning Commission to work on this proposal. The Planning Commission doesn't believe
they should delay in raising the issue of regulating building permits in rural Whatcom
County. Parties regularly complain about continuing development in rural areas. He asked
the Council to forward his proposal to the Planning Commission for its review.
The second issue is the underlying tension between Whatcom County Code 2.31 and
Whatcom County Code 2.32, regarding the Planning Commission and Planning Department
staff. Staff is uneasy about who has authority to give orders to the Planning Department
staff. The Planning Department works for the Executive and the Planning Commission
works for Council. Therefore, the department must answer to two masters, even though
one master has little authority. The Council should think about whether or not it wants the
Planning Commission to act proactively and present new legislation.
Rosalinda Guillen, 1800 - 20th Street, Bellingham, stated requiring passports at the
border in order to gain entry in to the United States would have a negative impact on
Whatcom County, according to the Bellingham Herald. She agrees. In addition, disarm the
Minutemen who patrol the northern border. Their presence will cut off the cultural and
business connections to their Canadian friends. Militias and patriot organizations have a
long history of causing dissention and confusion in the community. They know the
Minutemen project is now a calm group, but they are worried about it evolving into the
Minutemen project appearing in other areas of the country. Tom Williams and his local
militiamen were recently discovered at the Peace Arch area of the border. Councilmembers
have not attended or worked with anyone who deal with the Minutemen project in public
forms. Call on Tom Williams and his Minutemen project and pass the resolution that she
has already presented to the Council opposing the Minutemen project.
Kalene Drummond, 16 Orchid Court, Sudden Valley Community Association Board of
Directors President, submitted and read from her testimony (on file). The Sudden Valley
Community Association Board would like a seat at the table during the Lake Whatcom Joint
Council meetings. The community association is not pursuing incorporation. They want
better communication with the City and County.
Caskey - Schreiber stated they are welcome to attend the meetings. They're trying to
figure out how big this board can get and still survive. It's difficult to manage right now.
Brenner stated the City of Bellingham wrote a letter to the County Council about
what is happening with the Sudden Valley Association.
Larry Estrada, 29 Lake Louise Drive, stated he is a member of the County Ethics
Commission and is a Vietnam veteran. He supports the other speakers who spoke in
opposition of vigilantism. Do a little bit of research on the history of the Minutemen. There
is a history of extremism and talk of violent overthrow of American society from the national
organizers. The County Council represents all ethnic groups in the community. Vigilantism
Whatcom County Council, 1/31/2006, Page 3
has a history of oppressing the people of color in the nation. The Minutemen is another
group that puts down certain populations. Take an ethical stance, reconsider the resolution,
and do some homework on the Minutemen.
Johnny Grames, 4478 Northwest Drive, stated the public must have information in a
democracy. Shine the light in the judicial branch of government. An immediate
improvement they can make to the system is to put cameras in the Superior Court rooms.
The transcripts are expensive to buy. People are against a government agency with
unlimited resources. There must be a line between public information and protecting
peoples' privacy. The Public Defender's Office and Prosecutor's Office competes for the
County's budget.
Charles Law, Bellingham, stated he asked himself the reason these people cross the
border into America, whether they are terrorists and drug runners, and whether they are
illegal aliens who want to overtake American government and take away their freedom.
The incomes in Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras are less than ten percent of American
incomes. HIV and AIDS kill many people in those counties because they cannot afford the
life- saving drugs. There is a basic need for antibiotics to fight malaria and tuberculosis, but
the people can't afford it due to free -trade agreements that protect pharmaceutical
company patents. The free -trade agreements take a toll on border people and have many
negative impacts.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. RESOLUTION TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY TO WHATCOM COUNTY PUBLIC
WORKS RIVER AND FLOOD DIVISION BY NEGOTIATION, REQ. #2006 -01
(AB2006 -049A)
Caskey- Schreiber opened the public hearing and, hearing no one, closed the public
hearing.
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, gave a staff report and stated this is a parcel in
the Marietta area. He proposes that the County acquire the parcel.
McShane moved to approve the resolution.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. RESOLUTION TO SELL TAX -TITLE PROPERTY BY NEGOTIATION, REQ. #2006-
02 (AB2006 -050A)
Caskey- Schreiber opened the public hearing and the following person spoke:
Scott Swanson, 900 DuPont Street, stated he represents property owners Mary and
Steve Reardon. They meet all the requirements for negotiation and want to clear up this
encumbrance on the property.
Hearing no one else, Caskey - Schreiber closed the public hearing.
McShane moved to approve the resolution.
Motion carried unanimously.
Whatcom County Council, 1/31/2006, Page 4
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2 3. RESOLUTION TO SELL SURPLUS PROPERTY, REQ. #PW2006 -01 (AB2006-
3 051A)
4
5 Jeff Monsen gave a staff report and stated the two parcels are Roeder Pit and Ultman
6 Pit. He submitted a map of the two properties (on file). The County has tried to dispose of
7 various parcels it no longer uses. Also, an area has been leased to the Skookum Chuck
8 Water Association for 50 years for water supply and well purposes. Sell the property to the
9 water association rather than continuing a lease. Both parcels have protective covenants
10 regarding County Code and wells.
11
12 (Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
13
14 Caskey - Schreiber opened the public hearing and the following people spoke:
15
16 Sherm Polinder, Skookum Chuck Water Association President, stated he is available
17 for questions.
18
19 Brad DeHaan, Skookum Chuck Water Association Board Member, gave a history of
20 the Skookum Chuck Water Association. Their wells are shallow. Wellhead protection is
21 critical. Buying this property will protect the water quality for Skookum Chuck customers.
22
23 Hearing no one else, Caskey - Schreiber closed the public hearing.
24
25 McShane moved to approve the resolution.
26
27 Motion carried unanimously.
28
29 4. INTERIM ORDINANCE AMENDING THE WHATCOM COUNTY SHORELINE
30 MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, SECTION 23.100.20.57, AQUACULTURE
31 REGULATIONS (AB2006 -058)
32
33 Caskey - Schreiber opened the public hearing and, hearing no one, closed the public
34 hearing.
35
36 Brenner moved to adopt the ordinance.
37
38 Motion carried 5 -1 with Crawford opposed.
39
40
41 CONSENT AGENDA
42
43 Crawford reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
44 moved to approve Consent Agenda items one through 15.
45
46 Motion to approve Consent Agenda items i through 15 carried unanimously.
47
48 1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #05 -116
49 TO LOW BIDDER, ZUMAR INDUSTRIES, INC., FOR THE ANNUAL SUPPLY OF
50 TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $115,756.67 (AB2006 -063)
51
52 2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #05 -117,
53 ANNUAL SUPPLY OF MINERAL AGGREGATES, BY ACCEPTING ALL BIDS FROM
Whatcom County Council, 1/31/2006, Page 5
THE SEVEN (7) BIDDERS AND PERMITTING SELECTION OF THE
APPROPRIATE VENDOR AS DICTATED BY THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF
THE PARTICULAR JOB, IN AN ANTICIPATED AMOUNT OF MORE THAN
$35,000 (AB2006 -064)
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #05 -118,
ANNUAL SUPPLY OF RIP -RAP ROCK, BY ACCEPTING ALL BIDS FROM THE
FIVE (5) BIDDERS AND PERMITTING SELECTION OF THE APPROPRIATE
VENDOR AS DICTATED BY THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE
PARTICULAR JOB, IN AN ANTICIPATED AMOUNT OF MORE THAN $35,000
(AB2006 -065)
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
PURCHASE OF LIGNOSITE, ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS, FROM CURT
MEENDERINCK LLC, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $70,000 (AB2006 -066)
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
PURCHASE OF THE FOLLOWING ROAD MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS USING
WASHINGTON STATE CONTRACTS FOR AS NEEDED MATERIALS IN THE
CURRENT YEAR — ROAD STRIPING PAINT AND BEADS $400,000;
HERBICIDES $80,000; TIRES $50,000; GUARDRAIL & MATERIALS $50,000;
AND RUBBERIZED ASPHALT $40,000 (AB2006 -067)
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A PROJECT
GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE INTERAGENCY
COMMITTEE FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE
MAJORITY OF THE INDOOR FIRING RANGE TARGET CARRIER SYSTEMS, IN
AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000, WITH A 50% CONTRIBUTION BY
WHATCOM COUNTY, FOR A TOTAL PROJECT COST OF $100,000 (AS2006-
068)
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND VID -SMITH FOR VIDEO
PRODUCTION SERVICES FOR THE WATERSHED - FRIENDLY GARDENING
EDUCATION PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,300, OF WHICH $15,000 IS
TO BE FUNDED THROUGH A CENTENNIAL GRANT WITH THE BALANCE
FUNDED BY THE COUNTY - APPROVED 2006 LAKE WHATCOM BUDGET
(AB2006 -069)
8. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND NORTHWEST YOUTH
SERVICES FOR OPERATING THE TEEN COURT PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$18,500 (AB2006 -070)
9. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND WHATCOM LAND TRUST FOR
THEIR CONTINUING ASSISTANCE IN THE WHATCOM COUNTY
AGRICULTURAL PURCHASE OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS PROGRAM, WITH A
MINIMUM FEE OF $3,000 PER EASEMENT OR A 60/b FEE ON THE FIRST
$150,000 OF EACH EASEMENT PRICE (WHICHEVER IS GREATER) AND A 4%
FEE ON THE PRICE OF EACH EASEMENT OVER $150,000 (AB2006 -071)
Whatcom County Council, 1/31/2006, Page 6
10. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND NORTH
SOUND REGIONAL SUPPORT NETWORK, DBA THE NORTH SOUND MENTAL
HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, FOR CONTINUATION OF FUNDING FOR A
COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM FOR SENIORS, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$18,309, WHICH IS FUNDED FROM A FEDERAL BLOCK GRANT (AB2006 -072)
11. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND NORTH
SOUND REGIONAL SUPPORT NETWORK, DBA THE NORTH SOUND MENTAL
HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, FOR CONTINUATION OF FUNDING FOR THE
ADMINISTRATION OF THE COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $73,982, WHICH IS FUNDED FROM STATE AND FEDERAL
SOURCES (AB2006 -073)
12. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND NORTH
SOUND REGIONAL SUPPORT NETWORK, DBA THE NORTH SOUND MENTAL
HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, FOR CONTINUATION OF FUNDING THE JAIL
DIVERSION PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $135,422, WHICH IS FUNDED AS
A PILOT PROJECT AS A RESULT OF SENATE BILL 5763 (HARGROVE BILL)
(AB2006 -074)
13. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A LEASE
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND COPPER BUILDING
ASSOCIATES, A WASHINGTON GENERAL PARTNERSHIP, FOR A THREE -YEAR
LEASE OF A 6,000 SQUARE FOOT SPACE IN THE COPPER BUILDING FOR USE
BY WHATCOM COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $269,635.60
PLUS $7,416.30 DEPOSIT FOR THE THREE -YEAR LEASE TERM (AB2006 -075)
14. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO
AGREEMENT ADDENDUM NO. 1 BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
RUSTAND, INC. FOR CONTINUING TO OPERATE THE OFFSITE WORK
RELEASE FACILITY FOR MINIMUM - SECURITY WORK RELEASE INMATES, IN
AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $562,500 FOR 2006 AND $638,750 FOR 2007
(A82006 -076)
15. RESOLUTION CANCELING UNCOLLECTIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES IN
THE AMOUNT OF $8,432.78 (AB2006 -077)
OTHER ITEMS
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND
PROMOTION OF THE ANNUAL SKI
$29,000 (AB2006 -038A)
THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
COUNTY AND BELLINGHAM WHATCOM
INDUSTRY FOR ADVERTISING AND
TO SEA FESTIVAL, IN THE AMOUNT OF
Crawford reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and stated
this comes forward with no recommendation.
Crawford moved to approve the request.
Whatcom County Council, 1/31/2006, Page 7
Brenner moved to hold this item in committee for two weeks. Councilmember
Weimer had asked some pertinent questions. Mr. Oplinger would like time to answer those
questions.
Motion to hold in committee carried 4 -2 with Caskey- Schreiber and McShane
opposed.
2. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2006 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, SECOND
REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,933,277 (AB2006 -055)
Crawford reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to adopt the ordinance.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE DEFINITIONS OF STANDARD MAP
AMENDMENT, SITE - SPECIFIC REZONE, AND CONCOMITANT REZONE IN
SECTION 20.90.020 OF THE OFFICIAL WHATCOM COUNTY ZONING
ORDINANCE (AB2006 -056)
Fleetwood reported for the Planning and Development Committee and moved to
adopt the ordinance.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. RESOLUTION INITIATING A COMPREHENSIVE CONCURRENCY MANAGEMENT
PROGRAM FOR WHATCOM COUNTY (AB2006 -060)
Fleetwood reported for the Planning and Development Committee and moved to
approve the resolution.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she commends Executive Kremen for bringing this forward.
The goal is for new development to pay its way so the citizens of the county don't have to
subsidize new development. A side effect of growth is that quality of life deteriorates. As
they grow, keep levels of service that are acceptable to all.
McShane stated he appreciates that this is a high priority for Executive Kremen. He
has concerns about the transportation element causing an impact to the projects that the
Public Works Department chooses to work on. For instance, there may be a desire to work
on projects that gather money for impacts from development and that could supercede
projects elsewhere that may not generate concurrency money. A couple roads in the
county should not be dropped off the project list because of the desire to spend money.
Also, this is a tough issue for the councilmembers and public to get their minds
around. There needs to be an educational process. Some people think this will be a
solution for the level of service problems on roads. It is part of a solution, but not the
entire solution.
He's not sure any other counties have done concurrency right, in his experience. It
is a mess in other counties. They are not doing a good job yet.
Whatcom County Council, 1/31/2006, Page 8
Brenner stated she doesn't agree with Councilmember McShane. They have a lot to
learn from the mistakes of other counties. There are off-the -shelf concurrency ordinances
that Whatcom County can fine -tune. She is not concerned that transportation concurrency
will hold up other projects. She agrees that concurrency is one small piece of the puzzle.
It won't correct the sins of the past. She hopes they will stop the slide into more problems,
through concurrency.
McShane stated he would like to have information on other jurisdictions that have
done concurrency.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she would like to engage the school districts in the
discussion. They need to serve the communities as they grow.
Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS and REPORTS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS
McShane reported for the Natural Resources Committee and stated the committee
discussed several docket items in the resolution initiating Comprehensive Plan and
zoning amendments for 2006 (AB2006 -082).
OTHER ITEMS
5.
CSI
S.
APPOINTMENT TO THE SOLID WASTE ADVISORY BOARD -- APPLICANT: LISA
FRIEND (AB2006 -061)
Brenner moved to appoint Lisa Friend.
Motion carried unanimously.
CONFIRMATION OF THE EXECUTIVE'S APPOINTMENT OF DIANA QUINN TO
SERVE AS THE ADMINISTRATION POSITION OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH
ADVISORY BOARD (AB2006 -078)
Brenner moved to confirm the appointment.
Motion carried unanimously.
CONFIRMATION OF THE EXECUTIVE'S APPOINTMENT OF BRADLEY D.
SWANSON TO SERVE ON THE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS TECHNICAL
ADVISORY COMMITTEE (AB2006 -079)
Brenner moved to confirm the appointment.
Motion carried unanimously.
CONFIRMATION OF THE EXECUTIVE'S REAPPOINTMENT OF ROD ERICKSON
TO SERVE ON THE PURCHASE OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS OVERSIGHT
COMMITTEE (AB2006 -080)
Brenner moved to confirm the reappointment.
Whatcom County Council, 1/3112006, Page 9
Motion carried unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE APPROVAL
1. LETTER PROPOSED BY COUNCILMEMBER BRENNER OPPOSING STATE SENATE
BILL 5787 (AB2006 -057)
Brenner moved to approve the letter and to support two other bills. State Senate
Bill 5787 seeks to streamline the process for certain fish farming projects. There is a lot of
evidence that fish farms cause harm to wild fish through transmission of disease and
pollution of the marine environment. That doesn't mean fish farms can't be done right.
She doesn't have a lot of confidence that it can be done right. Don't streamline a process
when there is evidence contributing to problems with wild fish.
House Bill 2054 is a bill to protect salmon and steelhead spawning beds from
disturbances that destroy or damage the spawning fish and eggs. The County Council has
done this locally to some degree. It would be encouraging to send that message forward to
State representatives.
House Bill 1543 would require identification or labeling of any wholesale or retail
fresh or frozen salmon. The label lets people know if they are buying fresh or farmed fish.
Consumers want adequate information.
Motion carried 5 -1 with Crawford opposed.
2. LETTER PROPOSED BY COUNCILMEMBER WARD NELSON SUPPORTING
SENATE BILL 6459 (AB2006 -057)
Fleetwood moved to approve the letter.
Motion carried unanimously.
INTRODUCTION ITEMS
McShane moved to accept the Introduction Items.
Motion carried unanimously.
1. ORDINANCEE AMENDING THE 2006 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, THIRD
REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,214,521 (AB2006 -083)
2. ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 82 -109 RECONSTITUTING THE
EMERGENCY MEDICAL AND AMBULANCE ADVISORY BOARD (AB2006 -081)
Whatcom County Council, 1/31/2006, Page 10
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OTHER BUSINESS and REPORTS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS
Crawford stated go Seahawks.
McShane stated 12t'' Man, no matter what Texas A &M says.
Brenner reported for Public Works Committee discussion of constituent
complaints regarding the lack of lighting at the corner of Northwest and Slater and
the corner of Smith Road and the Mount Baker Highway (AB2006 -084). They
discussed lighting at Smith Road and Mt. Baker Highway. Because the Mt. Baker Highway is
a state highway, the County has limited jurisdiction. She would draft a letter to the State
saying that intersection is in dire need of safety measures.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she has been fighting against the absence of lights in the
Kendall area along Highway 9. People walk along there. It is very dark and dangerous.
Address the broader issue of lack of lighting with the State.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
+`yF Agpgncil approved these minutes on February 28 , 2006.
OUN,
o
SDaria Bip% - N �Co gcil Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber, Council Chair
Whatcom County Council, 1/3112006, Page 11