HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial Council May 31 20051
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Special County Council
May 31, 2005
Council Chair Laurie Caskey- Schreiber called the meeting to order at 10:00
a.m. in the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present:
Barbara Brenner
Dan McShane
Seth Fleetwood
Sharon Roy
L. Ward Nelson
Absent:
Sam Crawford
1. PRESENTATION OF 2005 WA -CERT PROJECTS (AB2005 -232)
Jobs from the Waste Stream
Duane Jager, Reuse Works Executive Director, stated last year this project
ranked 11th on the Washington Community Economic Revitalization Team (WA-
CERT) list. He thanked the Council for its interest in the project last year.
Executive Kremen contributed funding. They have completed their planning and
objectives for 2004. In March, the Council received a waste audit and project
business plan. Today, they have a lease and money for start up in 2005. They are
ready to go. The request now is for the second and third year of operations in 2006
and 2007.
Many community partners are listed in the proposal. All will partner in the
training business by sending their clients to them for training. This project meets
all comprehensive plans and the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
(CEDS) document.
The 1995 County Comprehensive Waste Management Plan projects a 43
percent increase in solid waste over 20 years. That's not a good plan. They should
strive for zero waste, not increased waste. Look at models to reverse the current
trend.
Also, the unemployment rate in county is about 5.2 percent. That statistic is
based only on a percentage of the adult population. One -third of the adult
population is not employed and not counted in the statistics. There is a need for
more individualized attention and job coaching. This will provide a sheltered
environment and a job coach to prepare Work First clients for entry level jobs in the
community. This program addresses work force readiness, economic development,
affordable appliances, and protecting the environment. This is a way to use waste
to create jobs in the community.
Special Whatcom County Council - WA -CERT, 5/31/2005, Page 1
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
Roy asked if they follow up with job coaching in the community when people
leave the training. Jager stated they don't, but the agencies the program works
with do. The agencies work in partnership with the program. The program
provides a job reference and work experience for the client's resume.
Roy asked about the relationship with the appliance retail stores. Jager
stated there is only one appliance retail store in Bellingham. It's on James Street.
The market is wide open in comparison to other cities. They hope to help that
business by promoting the notion of buying used.
Roy stated high technology stores are taking back some of their used
products. They are becoming a part of that recycle circle. Jager stated all
appliance stores in town do take appliances back, but they recycle them. A lot of
the appliances they pick up still work.
Brenner asked why they are not working with a group like RESources. Jager
stated they are working with RESources. They looked at moving into REStore's
space. The program will retail its appliances at the REStore.
Brenner asked if they are working with Sanitary Service Company (SSC) and
other recyclers. Jager stated they are working with Z Recyclers because they
already work with the appliance retailer.
McShane asked if the program will use products that are still useable, and Z
Recycling will pick up the rest. Jager stated that is correct. Also, they will
experiment with what else can be used from appliance parts.
Brenner stated it sounds like an excellent project, but is low on the list for
the Economic Development Investment (EDI) Board. She asked the reason.
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, stated the EDI Board is becoming more
discerning about the projects it wants to promote. There was no specific discussion
on this project.
McShane stated two individuals on the board felt that this shouldn't be on the
list, via its ranking system. This was not ranked highly by the EDI Board last year,
either.
Jager stated there was no discussion by the EDI Board on the project. He is
curious about why two members felt the project shouldn't be on the list.
Nelson stated he looked at the economic impacts of each project. There is a
limited number of dollars. This looks like a good business venture, but it must be
considered in terms of its economic impacts. This project does not have a big
economic impact to communities.
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
Brenner stated it seems more jobs will be created and retained than what is
stated on the application. Jager stated the application was conservative on the
estimates. Those jobs created are inside his organization. It's hard to say how to
retain jobs. The program will put 40 people through the training program per year.
If half move on to unsubsidized employment, it may be considered a retained job.
Locals First Program
Michele Long, Sustainable Connections, stated this project is to strengthen
the awareness of the benefits of choosing local businesses and farm products. The
project has been successful since it started. The community provides great
participation. They work on a small budget. The objectives this year are to keep
high visibility and expand its work with the food and farming sector. They
distribute marketing kits to the businesses. More than 400 businesses get kits to
incorporate into their stores and advertising.
The program works with many seasonal and holiday community events.
They produce a farm map and are working on crop signage. They are doing a trade
meeting with food producers and processors, food buyers and retailers, and
restaurants. At that meeting, they will distribute the first Whatcom County
Wholesale Guide to facilitate greater trade of fresh produce. The economy is more
sustainable when there are many small businesses that can weather economic
shifts.
The geo- tourists want to visit Whatcom County. In this age of increasing
homogenization, people with investment dollars are interested in moving to unique
places. Locally owned businesses give more than two and a half times to local non-
profit organizations.
She's heard from many businesses that said they get two or three calls per
week from customers who ask if the business is locally owned. Local produce is
more popular than ever. Businesses are more often choosing local vendors.
Businesses have relocated here because of the tremendous community support of
local businesses.
Brenner stated it sounds like this project helps retain and create jobs, but
that is not listed in the project. Long stated her staff didn't put in the figures when
they filled out the application while she was out of town. She will provide that
information to the Council.
Roy stated this form does not capture the information and actual impact to
the economy. Keeping businesses here affects the economy. The application does
not get at that question.
Nelson stated he is concerned about the location. He's not sure it's a high
priority for him, but it's more important than how the EDI Board ranked it. He
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
asked if there was discussion about the broad impact to the community versus
Bellingham in particular.
McShane stated the EDI Board didn't discuss the WA -CERT projects as much
as the EDI brand and loan program. There was some non - positive comments
regarding the Local First program, which may have been because of the competition
for business service efforts between the Chamber of Commerce and the program.
The businesses community feels there is some competition between the two
groups. The Local First program has really taken off and become well known.
There may be some resentment in the business community.
Nelson stated the community concerns should be addressed some how. He'd
rather see a coordinated effort in the community, not a divisive effort. He asked
Ms. Long's organization to start coordinating with other agencies, including the
chambers and EDI Board so they don't end up competing. Long stated her
organization has coordinated with many groups that represent different agencies.
They do their best to be open and collaborative. They don't ask people to choose
their membership over other memberships. There is a need for different programs
of different organizations.
North Fork Community Resource Center
Georgina Head, North Fork Community Resource Center Association
President, stated they initiated the effort to get a resource center in the
community. Keep this on the top of the WA -CERT priority list. They are close to
funding. She submitted a handout (on file). The project recently received $1.75
million from the State. The County also granted EDI funds last week. The project
has a pending federal EDI grant of $750,000. In the fall, they will apply for a State
Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (CTED) community
development block grant (CDBG). The organization qualifies for other grants also.
David King, Stewert + King, stated he was hired to conduct a feasibility
study. He is working on phase two of the study now. They recently concluded the
site selection process and identified three priority sites. The County Executive's
office is working on the appraisals so property acquisition can take place. Some
things are put on hold until they decide on a site. When site selection is done, they
will meet with service providers to refine the design plan for facilities, management,
and operations and maintenance. All along, They have wanted to get input from
the public. However, they must first decide where the location will be.
Brenner stated these applications aren't giving her enough information. One
main purpose of the facility is to train workers. That isn't shown in the application.
Desler stated WA -CERT is an effort in which people say they want to be a
part of the list, and the local legislative authority is asked to rank the projects on
that list. People in the community can fill in their answers to the questions on the
Special Whatcom County Council - WA -CERT, 5/31/2005, Page 4
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
website. The Executive's staff gets the information it presents to the Council from
the website. The process isn't perfect, and County staff doesn't control it.
Nelson stated the outcomes of this will be tremendous, but they are
subjective. He looks at exactly how many people will be employed. Because some
services will be contracted, there will be a limited number of employees produced
directly, but the services provided will expand.
Roy stated the original purpose of the WA -CERT was to help economically
distressed areas that were affected by the reduced fishing and logging industries.
The idea isn't just economic development. The idea is to give a boost to the areas
of the community with economic struggles. That kind of support can be whatever it
takes to get people back into the job stream.
Perpetually Affordable Home Ownership
Paul Schissler, Kulshan Community Land Trust, stated his organization has
demonstrated that homes can be affordable at local wages. Affordable housing
means spending one -third of one's income for housing, taxes, insurance, and
maintenance. The median income in the county is about $48,000 to $50,000. Half
the households have an income less than that. An income of $50,000 is $25 per
hour at one job. Many people who work at not - for - profit agencies, local
government, school districts, and private for - profit employers have an income of
about $32,000 or less. Almost all full -time classified staff at Western Washington
University make about $32,000 per year. The U.S. Census says over 10,000
households spend more than 30 percent and over 5,000 spend more than 50
percent. Housing prices are increasing every year.
There are ways to deal with the problem. By working together, they can
make homes affordable. They will not affect low -wage trends, but they can make
the cost of living affordable. If they solve that problem, then it doesn't matter that
people have low wages because they will have quality of life. Help the community
deal with the problem of making quality of life affordable. For every $1 million they
can find, they can leverage $8 million. For every $1 million they raise locally, they
can raise another $2 million from the State and federal government. So far, they
have helped 29 homeowners who provide two -third of the home cost.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if they are getting many applications and how they
select people for the program. Schissler stated there are eligibility requirements.
Once met, they help people on a first come, first served basis. The public money
they use have some strings attached. The federal money has some strings
attached in terms of income. The waiting list is growing, but it is not as long as
demographics would show.
Nelson stated he loves this organization. He asked where the greatest
impacts are in the county. Schissler stated that of the 29 homes, all but three have
been in City of Bellingham, mostly because money from the federal government
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
was for housing in the City of Bellingham. They would love to do more work in the
county, but there isn't a pot of money like the City's money. People can afford to
live close to their jobs, which eliminates the rush hour traffic problems.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Nelson asked if they would work more in the rural areas if there was a grant.
Schissler stated they could. Make this a top three project on the WA -CERT list to
be considered for the CDBG Community Investment Community Investment Fund.
Nelson asked if Kulshan Community Land Trust has received that funding
before. Schissler stated they have not.
Wireless Communication System
Carole MacDonald, Mt. Baker Foothills Economic Development Association.
handed out maps (on file) and stated the project is to install wireless
communication through a public /private effort to serve the Mt. Baker corridor and
east county area. The area is hindered by reception from geography and lack of
interest by wireless providers, who assume that the population is lower than it is.
Improved service is a comprehensive plan goal, meets land use requirements, and
is supported by many agencies. The red area indicated on the map is where there
is no service. There is a tower and service at the Mt. Baker Ski Area.
The population is about 10,000 permanent residents who are affected by lack
of service. There will be more homes and businesses in the area. One reason for
the increased service includes the safety of school transportation system, road
travelers, and sheriff deputies.
For every dollar spent promoting and protecting tourism, there is an $29
return. Ten percent of the workforce is employed in the tourism business. State
and local taxes generated $838 million from tourism last year. At the height of
tourist season, the Foothills area has more than 5,000 guests staying in rented
facilities that do not have a land phone. Many people choose not to stay in an area
without phone service.
A Port of Bellingham's hired consultant presented a study to the Economic
Development Council's wireless committee, which has a meeting set up with
Verizon. Nextel has a plan for one tower on Sumas Mountain. They need four
towers in the area.
Nelson stated the application is obscure about how the project benefits the
community. If there will be economic development for the region, there must be
cell phone service for the tourists. Communication is essential in this day and age,
particularly for those who work and travel at the same time. The lack of available
communication is a big detriment for that region. This project has a big benefit.
He asked if they have looked at other mechanisms for funding. He asked if this
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
project can be funded through the real estate excise tax (REET) or other funding
mechanisms.
Desler stated communication systems are a possible project for REET
funding. There may be some other funding options.
MacDonald stated they are hoping for a public /private partnership to
complete the project. The wireless companies were surprised that people want the
cell towers and about the number of people in the east county area. With Nextel
now applying for a tower, the other companies may begin to take an interest in the
area. They would like this to be a public /private project.
Desler stated the EDI funds need to be owned by the public. This is not
something to provide a grant to the private community. In this case, the County or
Port could own the facility.
McShane stated he's heard there is a problem with land lines out there. He
asked how long it takes to get a land line repaired.
Dan Gray, resident, stated he came upon a serious car accident, but could
not call for service because of the lack of service. This service is not a luxury. It is
a necessity for safety reasons. Also, he noticed that a telephone pole, which was
knocked over when hit by a car a couple of days ago, is still not fixed.
Fleetwood asked about the lack of facilities being based on the assumptions
of the wireless providers.
Carol Sharp, resident, stated a petition is coming forward.
RE Store Redevelopment
Robyn du Pre', RESources Executive Director, stated the REStore is a salvage
organization. It provides 21 jobs in Bellingham and nine jobs in Seattle. It has an
annual revenue of $753,933. She submitted information (on file).
The location on Holly Street was originally to remediate the landfill on the
site. The plan is to demolish the building, complete the remediation, and build two
larger buildings as part of the Old Town redevelopment. REStore must find a new
home. The store may not be able to locate in the City of Bellingham. It is
challenging to find a central large site that is affordable in Whatcom County. They
are looking at a variety of options, including a public /private partnership for a lease.
The City or County could purchase land to allow them to build or renovate a site.
The City of Bellingham is talking with RESources about redevelopment of the
site they are on now. The City has stepped forward to do feasibility work. If it is
possible, the REStore would be located on that site. The REStore brings in 70,000
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
shoppers per year into Old Town. This scenario will include an affordable housing
component. The building they lease would include space for other small businesses
and offices, with housing on the top floor.
The REStore is beginning to develop new programs, so they need to hire
more staff. The existing 21 jobs will expand to 40 in the next five years.
They have begun to offer a deconstruction service. Folks will contract with
them to take down their homes. That is a growing sector of the industry. They
also have an electronics program that takes in and recycles used computers. She
foresees growth of that program as well. They also want to do site -based
environmental education. Give people the tools and education they need to act on
behalf of the environment.
Small Business Roundtable Program
Tom Dorr, Western Washington University Small Business Center, presented
handouts (on file) of the annual report. He gave background information on the
roundtable program. The program is a peer -to -peer program for non - competing
business owners to empower those business owners in areas where they might not
have any expertise. Each roundtable has ten to 12 participants plus a facilitator.
They meet monthly to deal with technical issues that affect the business. The
program lost its funding for one year. The current grant funding ends in August.
The WA -CERT request is to help with future funding of the program.
There are six roundtables currently in different industries. About 75
businesses participate monthly. It costs $25 to $150 per month to participate,
depending on the particular roundtable, which covers the cost of facilitators. He
hopes to use grants to cover management costs.
Whatcom Value -Added Dai
Henry Bierlink, Agricultural Preservation Committee, presented handout (on
file) and gave a history of the committee. The purpose has evolved to deal with
economic development questions in addition to issues with water and land. There
are high land and labor costs. They will have to be creative about how to do these
things. Dairy is the primary area they want to work on because it is about 77
percent of the farm economy in Whatcom County. They have been able to secure a
value -added producer grant to look at a feasibility study for a dairy processing
facility. He does not advocate for building a processing facility at this point. He will
talk with the existing dairy facilities about partnering.
The big picture of agriculture innovation is to become smarter about
producing and marketing products. An agricultural innovation center will set up in
Mt. Vernon. This issue is regional. Washington State University has invested $8
million and Skagit County is very involved. He would like Whatcom County to also
be involved in some way.
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if the result of the feasibility study was that it is a
viable option. Bierlink stated they are not done with the feasibility study yet. They
are still looking at the viability of a processing facility. Because of the geographic
location, this area has to fit into the larger distribution centers in Seattle, Portland,
and Canada.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if they are still considering organic products.
Bierlink stated they are. Organic milk must be shipped to Portland for processing.
Puget Sound Sustainability Center
Dodd Snodgrass, Port of Bellingham, stated this project predates some of the
waterfront redevelopment activity as part of the Georgia Pacific (GP) acquisition.
The Port of Bellingham was one of three ports selected nationally for a federal
program. The federal government identified ports that are doing model work in
environmental restoration, community redevelopment, and economic development.
Under this program, the Port is pursuing a number of projects. An early project
idea was to create a sustainability center that would be a real estate project with
market features including businesses tenants providing professional services and a
waterfront revitalization institute. The Port completed the feasibility work. The
facility would include a green building meeting Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) standards. The project may also incorporate
renewable energy applications. The Port and tenants will pick up a share of the
cost. They are also looking for federal funds.
McShane asked about the federal Port program. Snodgrass stated he can
provide more information
Bellingham Waterfront, Port of Bellingham
John Carter, Port of Bellingham, handed out information (on file) and stated
the Port and City of Bellingham are working to reclaim the waterfront. It acquired
the GP property. This is a once -in -a- lifetime opportunity to redefine the waterfront
area. The property is zoned heavy industrial. The Port will clean up the site and
allow a change to mixed use development. The Port will transform the aeration
lagoon into a large boat marina and transfer industrial site to a mixed use. The
goal is to get public ownership of the site so public access will make the waterfront
more accessible. The Port acquired the site in exchange for conducting
environmental cleanups, which will be finalized by the Department of Ecology. The
Port and GP purchased environmental insurance for unknown liability factors,
regulatory changes, and third party liabilities as they come forward. GP will do
demolition. The Port will lease the mill site back to GP for a number of years. The
City will provide infrastructure, parks, and trails to the site. The Department of
Ecology has committed to using Model Toxic Control Act funds, which is from
petroleum products brought into Puget Sound for environmental cleanups. They
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
minutes, as approved. However, unless an attested signature page is attached, they
are not the final approved minutes.
are also trying to get federal funding. The Port's commitment is to clean up the
property to a level above industrial standards.
Caskey - Schreiber asked about project cost. She asked if the Port would
contribute tax revenues. Carter stated it would. The Port has obligated itself to
pre -fund one half of cleanup cost, over three payments. The Port is paying $20
million into an insurance fund for those clean ups. The other half of the money will
come from Department of Ecology. Money will be reimbursed to the Port through
cash reserves and allocating part of its tax receipts.
McShane stated he would like the Council to have a meeting with the Port on
this project. There seems to be a lot of old views of where the Council is on this
project.
Caskey- Schreiber stated it would be nice to be more educated on the plan.
Snodgrass stated this is not the typical WA -CERT project, but they conformed
to the online questions. The numbers given were accurate at the time.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side 8.)
Industrial Land Development (Everson] and Water System & Mission Road
Improvements
Rollin Harper, Sehome Planning, stated both projects have to do with future
industrial development in the Everson urban growth area and Everson industrial
areas. Both are linked to critical infrastructure. The projects will also serve
growth. Everson feels the Industrial Land Development project is the second
priority of their two projects.
The Industrial Land Development project is in eastern Everson on Highway 9.
There are 80 acres the City designated for future industrial development. Many
people are coming to Everson. They must have a place to work. The necessary
infrastructure is a water line and an upgrade to the Everson sewage treatment
plant, which also serves the city of Nooksack. In four to six years, they will have to
seriously upgrade that treatment plant. The rate of growth in the area is
increasing.
McShane asked the specific location. Harper indicated the location near
South Pass Road.
Nelson stated the flood area is on the west side. Harper stated it floods on
both, but flooding is worse is on the west side.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if the upgrade to the treatment plant will address
the manganese problem. She asked if they will have to limit the amount of building
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if the problem goes on over time. Harper stated the manganese problem is related
to the second project.
The water system is the most pressing matter right now. If the City of
Everson were not able to increase its storage capacity and make use of its deep
well, there would have to be a development moratorium within two years. Many
plats have come through in Everson in the last few years. They are not built yet.
The City's plan is to build the additional water system capacity next year. The City
will leverage the money it has to do that. Besides the water system storage and
treatment, there are also road improvements to Mission Road. It's a very nice road
on the upgraded part, but then it winds through a residential neighborhood. Within
the last six months, they have found out that the old railroad right -of -way bypasses
the residential area. The City wants to own that railroad right -of -way and put in
the infrastructure. This is the top priority for the City.
Desler stated page two of his memo includes the timeline for WA -CERT. He
did not do a presentation on Lake Whatcom stormwater because the Council is
aware of the issue.
Fleetwood stated he would like to know precisely what the Public Works
Department is contemplating for stormwater. What the Public Works Department
proposes isn't clear. Also, he would like to see the WA -CERT expressed purpose
and State authority. Desler stated the information is on the WA -CERT website.
WA -CERT is in transition. The commitment to provide relief to the logging and
fishing industries isn't as profound now as it was when WA -CERT began.
WA -CERT wants to have a sense of the priorities for the general purpose of
local government serving counties. This process will include a local project
prioritization. Whether or not it has specific authorization from the legislature or
Congress is in question. There will be some government administrative support.
Caskey- Schreiber asked about some of these projects applying to the EDI
program. She asked why similar projects make it to the EDI loan application
process and other projects go through the WA -CERT process. Desler stated all
projects considered in the EDI process should also go through the WA -CERT
process, which is designed to be rather all- consuming. People apply on their own
choice.
Brenner stated she would rather look at the project's feasibility. Many
believe that WA -CERT provides more money than what really exists. Desler stated
the money doesn't come from WA -CERT. It comes from a number of federal and
State agencies. He is very impressed with the support given to the Blaine and Birch
Bay projects. If the County advocates certain programs to the federal and State
legislators and government agencies, those agencies become interested in helping.
Roy stated there are health and safety issues, community building issues,
and many other project categories that would be on the top of her list. For
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instance, the safety provided by the wireless communication project is very
important to her, but it doesn't fit with the economic development purpose of this
process. Several projects are like that. It will be frustrating to try and prioritize
these projects. She will consider the importance of this ranking on each project.
There are no bad projects on the list.
Caskey- Schreiber stated the councilmembers will submit their ranking forms
to the Executive's Office, then schedule a meeting for discussion.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:52 a.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
The Council approved these minutes on June 21 , 2005.
ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk Laurie Caskey- Schreiber, Council Chair
Special Whatcom County Council - WA -CERT, 5/31/2005, Page 12