HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning April 6 20041
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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
Planning and Development Committee
April 6, 2004
Committee Chair Seth Fleetwood called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. in
the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present: Absent:
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber None
Barbara Brenner
Also Present:
Sharon Roy
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
3. ORDINANCE ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE WHATCOM COUNTY
ZONING ORDINANCE, TITLE 20, TO SPECIFY WHERE PARKS AND
RECREATION FACILITIES ARE PERMITTED IN VARIOUS ZONING
DISTRICTS (AB2004 -137)
Sylvia Goodwin, Planning Division Manager, stated these are amendments
originally proposed by the County Parks and Recreation Department and amended
with Planning staff's input. It specifies in every zoning district what types of parks
and recreation facilities area allowed. It makes some uses conditional and others
permitted. Most residential districts allow public parks and recreational facilities if
they're included in an adopted city or County parks plan. They all allow trails,
trailheads, and restroom facilities with associated parking. Agriculture zones have
had problems in the past. They wrote a specific description for allowable parks in
the agricultural zone, which are limited to conditional uses for parks. The
agricultural zone allows only parks that offer interpretive, educational, or historical
experience related to agriculture to preserve the land for agriculture. There are
other minor clarifications, mostly related to the use of mountain bikes.
Fleetwood asked about the discussion of a trail system along the river in an
agricultural zone. Goodwin stated trails are allowed in the agricultural zone, but not
camping. The discussion was about having camping facilities along with the trails.
Staff recommended that they wait to see if there are areas where they want to have
camping facilities along with the trails, and then amend the text or County Parks
Plan. They don't want an incentive to convert agricultural land to a recreational
vehicle (RV) park.
Fleetwood moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
Motion carried 2 -0 with Brenner absent.
Planning and Development Committee, 4/6/2004, Page 1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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.
1. ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE BIRCH BAY COMMUNITY PLAN (AB2004-
121)
Lincoln Rutter, 8373 Semiahmoo Drive, stated he would like to speak
regarding the proposed Shea rezone for a spa facility.
Fleetwood stated that issue is not before the committee at this time.
Roy stated the Planning Commission removed it from the Birch Bay Subarea
Plan. The only way for it to come before the Council is for the Council to make a
motion to consider it, which hasn't been done.
Sylvia Goodwin, Planning Division Manager, stated the proposed spa was
never in the plan.
Fleetwood stated Councilmember McShane submitted his proposed
amendments to the committee (on file).
Caskey- Schreiber stated her sense to do right by the environment
overrides the community's desire. Exclude Birch Point from the urban growth area
(UGA). She walks the area frequently and continues to see erosion. There are
several other issues that are important, such as significant wetlands, an aquifer
recharge area, steep slopes, bird habitat, designated shoreline special status. Also,
it might be more costly for the Birch Bay community to service, given all these
wetland and erosion issues that are likely to occur as a result of development. She
moved to remove the Birch Point area from the UGA in figure 8 -4 on plan page 8-
22, everything south of Lincoln Road and west of the north -south boundary of Birch
Bay Village. If they increase the density in areas closer to commercial nodes, they
can compensate for lost density.
Fleetwood asked if the amendment would really have a significant impact in
reducing the population in the area, since it is zoned urban residential, four units
per acre (UR -4). Goodwin stated rezoning to rural, one unit per five acres (R5A)
would significantly decrease population because most of the area is not platted.
There is one fairly large plat called South Semiahmoo in that area that is a
preliminary plant and is already vested. Other preliminary plats in that area have
expired.
Fleetwood asked the effect on Trillium forest practices. Goodwin stated the
trees are already gone. Trillium could only develop at a density of R5A.
Roy stated that if they take this area out of the Birch Bay UGA, it would
automatically be a downzone to R5A. She asked if they would also have to do the
downzone. Goodwin stated they should do a rezone, or the zoning won't be
consistent with the Growth Management Act. If they don't put water and sewer out
there, the density would still be held at one house per five acres. To make it clear,
Planning and Development Committee, 4/6/2004, Page 2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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.
actually change the zoning on parcels that don't have vested plats. Leave the
vested plats in the urban growth area, or they will have urban density outside the
UGA.
Fleetwood asked the extent this was considered during the planning process.
Goodwin stated it was never discussed. Early on, the steering committee decided to
not reduce someone's property rights.
Caskey- Schreiber stated they have to first decide whether that area should
be in the UGA, and then decide on the density.
Fleetwood suggested a friendly amendment that if they do this, the
underlying zoning would be R5A.
Caskey- Schreiber accepted the friendly amendment.
Fleetwood stated he would support the motion, understanding there is
significant opportunity for comment at a public hearing.
Motion as amended carried 2 -0 with Brenner absent.
Fleetwood stated the area at of Point Whitehorn flows over Birch Point. It
seems easier to define Birch Bay as the area that is straight out from Grandview.
Presumably it was added in 1997 to the urban growth area. Goodwin stated the
entire urban growth area was established in 1997, but the area was zoned as urban
residential since 1979. Much of that area is platted into long, narrow lots. There
have been some exempt subdivisions that don't show on the map. Some of the lot
sizes are smaller than they show on the map.
Roy stated it's an established neighborhood. There are very active members
of that community. Keep that community intact.
Caskey- Schreiber referenced Councilmember McShane's proposal memo to
the Council dated April 5, 2004 (on file), which proposed amendments to this plan,
and moved to remove the area generally between Lincoln and Anderson roads,
• the Northeast quarter of section 19,
• the north half of the Southeast quarter of section 19,
• the west half of the Northwest quarter of section 20, and
• the Northwest quarter of the Southwest quarter of section 20.
She asked the projected housing of that area. Goodwin stated approximately
that area is approximately 220 acres. At a zone of UR -4, the density is 880
potential houses.
Caskey- Schreiber asked the existing development. Goodwin stated there is
generally five -acre parcels that have one house or trailer along Blaine Road and
Anderson Road. There is not a lot of development.
Planning and Development Committee, 4/6/2004, Page 3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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 the location of Blaine's UGA. Goodwin stated
Blaine's UGA is everything north of Lincoln Road, all the way out to the edge of the
Loomis Trail golf course, at Kickerville Road.
Fleetwood stated why they didn't create a buffer between the Blaine and
Birch Bay UGA's. Goodwin stated zoning was established 20 years ago at urban
residential. If there would be a buffer, it should be further over where the UGA's
abut each other. If they take out that portion of the UGA, the development of those
subdivisions won't pay for the extension of Lincoln Road. Creating a buffer between
the Birch Bay and Blaine UGA's would require that the road be built by the County
instead of the developments. That was one reason for accelerating the
development of that portion of the UGA. Those subdivisions should build that
connecting road. There are other ways to create a buffer between the two,
including creating publicly -owned open space and landscaping. Both the plan and
staff recommendation is to not downzone because of the historic zoning.
Roy stated that's 220 houses. They just talked about taking out 900 houses
out of Birch Point. Most people feel the population projections for the area are low.
That's a lot of housing to be absorbed by the UGA.
The other side of the issue is that it's critical to the traffic function and quality
of life that Lincoln Road goes through. If this inhibits that road going through, they
need to find other ways to get traffic off of Birch Bay Drive.
This area is in the Drayton Harbor watershed. It would be positive to remove
this area from the urban growth area. There is so much development along the
other side of that road, it has to have an impact on Drayton Harbor. Anything they
can take out of the buildable land supply to protect Drayton Harbor is a plus, but
they have to find someway to finance Lincoln Road.
Caskey- Schreiber amended her motion to remove only 160 acres from
the northwest corner. Give up that one section that's already sided by dense
development, but keep Blaine Road protected. Limit the denser development that
would have access onto Blaine Road.
Fleetwood asked the consideration to water quality concerns of Drayton
Harbor when they designated this area for this kind of density. Goodwin stated this
area was already designated for that kind of density. The Planning Commission
added a lot of policies on stormwater special districts, stormwater, and low- impact
development that would help regulate stormwater in this area. The density of four
units per acre is still a low density. If it's done well, water quality can still be
protected. Allow the wetlands to remain through design.
Fleetwood stated Councilmember McShane's memo includes a proposal to
remove from the UGA the north half of section 24 between Harborview Road and
Shintaffer Road, south of Lincoln Road. He asked if that would create a buffer
between the Blaine UGA and Birch Bay UGA.
Planning and Development Committee, 4/6/2004, Page 4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
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 stated there is an enormous wetland in that area. Goodwin
stated the north half of section 24 is still undeveloped wetland. There are a few
houses on the corner of Shintaffer and Lincoln roads and along Shintaffer Road.
There is also a gas station and nursery.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she supports altering the UGA in this area. There is
no point in designating that large of a critical area in the UGA. Goodwin stated the
area was zoned 20 years ago. The steering committee thought to preserve the
property rights of the people who bought the land at a UR -4 zoning.
Caskey- Schreiber stated that with that kind of critical area, the property
owners could not subdivide at UR -4. Goodwin stated they could not subdivide to
that density, but they could subdivide to a density greater than R5A by doing cluster
subdivisions in the upper portions.
Fleetwood stated water quality and maintaining rural character are the
reasons for removing this area from the UGA. However, maintaining rural character
in this area is just pretending. The area is already slated for urban development.
However, he would support removing this area from the UGA if he can be convinced
there is an appreciable water quality savings.
Roy stated this area drains into Birch Bay, which has water quality issues
right now. Any wetland they can preserve will help. There is an argument for water
quality. This area drains into Birch Bay, not Drayton Harbor. She would probably
support removing this area from the UGA, even though she would like to support
the steering committee's recommendations.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Roy continued to state that filling in the wetlands is not a good idea. She
doesn't know that the community thought this was a great area to build houses. It
was an area that just didn't get removed.
Caskey- Schreiber stated there is a lot of dense development surrounding this
area, which will filter all the stormwater from the impervious surfaces surrounding
this area. This is not an appropriate area for an urban level of development. Pull it
out of the UGA and explore whether a downzone is warranted.
Caskey- Schreiber withdrew her motion.
Fleetwood moved to amend the plan to remove the north half of section 24
from the UGA between Harborview Road and Shintaffer Road.
Motion carried 2 -0 with Brenner absent.
Planning and Development Committee, 4/6/2004, Page 5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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 referenced Councilmember McShane's memo to the Council
dated April 5, 2004 (on file), which proposed amending the plan on page 8 -18 to
delete the last full paragraph on that page, which begins "Further, the proposed
plan supports the GMA goal on property rights...." At some point, they have to look
at the overall welfare of the community versus private property. This binds the
County from doing any action to benefit the big picture.
Fleetwood stated that language is simply a statement of law. The question
always comes down to whether there is a legal taking.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she agreed, but the language gives people a false
sense of security.
(Clerk's Note: Councilmember Brenner arrived at 2:55 p.m.)
Fleetwood stated the statement in that paragraph is a constitutional right.
Roy stated they could eliminate the last sentence of that paragraph only.
Caskey- Schreiber moved to delete the last sentence of the last paragraph
on plan page 8 -18, "The proposed plan supperts thus geal by not dewnze i _
Motion carried unanimously.
Caskey- Schreiber referenced Councilmember McShane's memo to the Council
dated April 5, 2004 (on file), which proposed amending the first full paragraph on
plan page 8 -19 because Comprehensive Plan goal 2A was recently altered, and
language in this plan should reflect the change in the Comprehensive Plan. She
asked what the Council did to goal 2A. Goodwin stated the downzone just passed
would make the last two sentences inappropriate.
Fleetwood moved to delete the next -to -last sentence of the first full
paragraph on plan page 8 -19, "The pFeposed plan is designed to rfleet this geal by
Motion carried unanimously.
Caskey- Schreiber referenced Councilmember McShane's memo to the Council
dated April 5, 2004 (on file), which proposed amending the third full paragraph on
plan page 8 -19 because Comprehensive Plan goal 2H was recently changed, and
language in the plan should reflect the change.
Fleetwood moved to delete the word "private" from the quoted goal 2H in
the third full paragraph on plan page 8 -19, "Preserve mate property rights while
recognizing the importance...."
Planning and Development Committee, 4/6/2004, Page 6
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
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.
Motion carried unanimously.
Fleetwood referenced Councilmember McShane's memo to the Council dated
April 5, 2004 (on file), which proposed amending the first full paragraph in the
Water Consumption section on plan page 10 -2 because most of the Birch Point and
Point Whitehorn areas are above 100 feet in elevation. Goodwin stated that is a
true statement. They need to put in additional storage facilities to increase water
pressure.
Fleetwood stated he will let Councilmember McShane bring that proposed
amendment forward, for lack of clarity right now.
Caskey- Schreiber referenced Councilmember McShane's memo to the Council
dated April 5, 2004 (on file), which questions figure 10 -1 on plan page 10 -3
because a few areas that have been included within the UGA are outside the water
and sewer district boundaries. Goodwin stated the only area outside the district
boundary added to the UGA is the 100 acres on Alderson and Blaine Roads. The
rest of the UGA is exactly the same as the water and sewer district boundary.
Fleetwood asked if the Comprehensive Plan conforms to the water district, or
if the water district conforms to the Comprehensive Plan. Goodwin stated the water
district would have to annex the additional area it would serve. It expects the
district boundaries to be the same as the UGA. The two boundaries would be
reconciled.
Roy stated the Birch Bay Water and Sewer District representatives were
involved in the plan process. If it was a problem, the steering committee would
have heard about it.
Fleetwood referenced Councilmember McShane's memo to the Council dated
April 5, 2004 (on file), which questions change in water usage increase and the
stricken language in the third full paragraph on plan page 10 -6. Goodwin stated
these were comments provided by the Birch Bay Water and Sewer District. The
difference comes from adding additional storage. The district has an aggressive
water conservation education program. These comments were specifically
requested by the district.
Caskey- Schreiber stated this isn't a concern for her.
Fleetwood referenced Councilmember McShane's memo to the Council dated
April 5, 2004 (on file), which proposed amending plan page 10 -11 regarding the
stormwater management goals because the goal is overly- optimistic. They don't
need to identify a location.
Planning and Development Committee, 4/6/2004, Page 7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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 moved to add a policy to plan page 10 -11 regarding
Stormwater Management Goals and Policies, 'SSW -1d: Review zoning density and
development standards in areas where engineering solutions may not be sufficient."
Motion carried unanimously.
Caskey- Schreiber referenced Councilmember McShane's memo to the Council
dated April 5, 2004 (on file), which proposed amending plan page 11 -12 regarding a
bike and pedestrian connection in proposed road improvements.
Caskey- Schreiber asked if the Bicycle /Pedestrian Advisory Committee
commented on this plan. Goodwin stated the advisory committee looked at the
plan. It would not object to having another bicycle /pedestrian trail.
Fleetwood asked if there is a rational reason for not including it. Goodwin
stated because the road isn't there yet, the Bicycle /Pedestrian Advisory Committee
would not have thought of putting a trail there.
Brenner stated no one would object to this.
Fleetwood moved to amend the first paragraph in the Proposed Roadway
Improvements section, "...existing golf course. Provide a bike /pedestrian connection
between the west end of this road and Birch Bay Drive. The transportation plan
further proposes...."
Motion carried unanimously.
Brenner referenced Councilmember McShane's memo to the Council dated
April 5, 2004 (on file), which proposed amending plan page 11 -14 regarding the
Blaine Road. She won't touch this proposal.
Roy stated this is a State road, and the County doesn't have jurisdiction. In
addition, there has been a conditional use permit issued for ten acres of the
property at the end of Alderson Road and Blaine Road to develop a commercial
node. There has also been conversation from the developer with the State to
extend Alderson Road through that property all the way up to Kickerville Road. The
discussion about adjusting the road has been going on with the County's Public
Works Department.
Fleetwood referenced Councilmember McShane's memo to the Council dated
April 5, 2004 (on file), which proposed amending the Commercial Access Road
section on page 11 -16.
Roy stated this was discussed at length by the steering committee. There
were reasons that proposed road was not extended to Birch Bay Drive. They were
strongly held reasons. The community wants a connector to continue to a parking
area around the Trend West area so people don't all have to drive down to Birch
Planning and Development Committee, 4/6/2004, Page 8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
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.
Bay Drive. Adding another traffic lane coming to the middle of Birch Bay Drive is
dangerous.
Goodwin stated the proposal is to extend to Birch Bay Drive two dedicated
bike and pedestrian walkways, not auto lanes.
Brenner stated that because this proposal is vague, councilmember McShane
can make this motion himself.
Caskey- Schreiber referenced Councilmember McShane's memo to the Council
dated April 5, 2004 (on file), which proposed amending page 15 -10 to add language
regarding funding for a future police station. She agreed with the concern. As the
area grows, the community will be more disappointed in the level of service (LOS)
from the County. The Sheriff's Office is not set up for an urban level of service to
this area. The Birch Bay community should keep in mind that it will need it's own
police force into the future.
Fleetwood stated Councilmember McShane should propose his own language,
which is not included in his memo.
Roy stated she agreed that Councilmember McShane should come forward
with his own proposed languuge. There are people in the Birch Bay community who
have no intention of ever incorporating. This plan was not developed with
incorporation in mind. The County has an interest in incorporation.
Caskey- Schreiber stated one of the weaknesses of the GMA is to intensify
growth in certain areas so they get to be independent cities, but if the community
doesn't choose to incorporate, the County is burdened to meet the required to
service. The only reason for the community to incorporate is if the County can't
provide services, so the County is almost set up to fail in order to get the
community to incorporate.
Goodwin stated staff can work on language with Councilmember McShane
and Sheriff Elfo.
Goodwin stated there is a scrivener's error on plan page 7 -15 regarding the
Wetland Action Strategies - Proposed Changes section. Remove the last, underlined
sentence. The Planning Commission removed it and it should not be in this version
of the plan.
Fleetwood moved to remove language from the Wetland Action Strategies -
Proposed Changes section, "
(Clerk's Note: This item was not voted on.)
Planning and Development Committee, 4/6/2004, Page 9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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.
Bill Grant, Birch Bay Steering Committee, stated the steering committee will
want to discuss these proposed changes to the subarea plan during its meeting on
April 28. Have the hearing in two weeks, before the next steering committee, so
the steering committee can discuss the proposed changes.
Brenner stated she doesn't agree. If they have a hearing, and then the item
goes to the steering committee for more proposed changes, the Council will have to
have yet another public hearing. All the recommendations need to be done before
the Council's public hearing.
Pat Mulligan, Birch Bay, stated the logistics of compiling and distributing the
information to the community are difficult and can't get done in time for people to
address it at a public hearing on April 20.
Fleetwood stated the Council could have a public hearing during the first
regular Council meeting scheduled in May.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side B.)
Fleetwood moved to recommend the ordinance as amended to the full
Council.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN TEXT AND MAP REGARDING THE BIRCH BAY URBAN GROWTH
AREA (AB2004 -122)
Fleetwood stated this will be held in committee until the Birch Bay Subarea
Plan is done.
OTHER BUSINESS
Goodwin stated they received a letter from on 1,000 Friends of Washington
on land supply and density. She's asked if the Committee wants to have any
further discussion on land supply for Birch Bay. She made recommendations to the
Steering Committee and Planning Commission on how to change the land supply
description and calculations to be more logical. She's concerned they raised some
valid points, will challenge the County, and the County will lose.
Caskey- Schreiber stated the Committee reduced the UGA significantly, and
suggested that they increase density in the remaining UGA areas.
Goodwin stated the letter raised a lot of issues on how density was calculated
and how the consultant came up with the assumptions on planned unit
developments (PUD's) and non -PUD's for the land supply.
Planning and Development Committee, 4/6/2004, Page 10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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 stated she interpreted that as the driver for why they are
arguing against the UGA's size. They'll be pleased with the changes the committee
has made, even though pleasing them is not their goal.
Fleetwood asked if the letter argues that the urban residential, four units per
acre (UR -4) zone is not sufficient. Goodwin stated the letter argues that the
methodology used to calculate the infill capacity is flawed, and that it isn't 5.8 units
per acre and that it isn't 40 percent of the land in open space. She has concerns
about the land supply description.
Roy stated she would like the Planning Division to look into the concerns
expressed in the letter.
Brenner stated they should have any discussion regarding potential litigation
in executive session.
Hal Hart, Planning and Development Services Director, stated the March
monthly update shows a tremendous backlog of over 500 permits for the year. The
construction industry is having a hard time finding rebar, and prices have gone up.
He met recently with the County Executive and industry officials. He will bring
forward a way to deal with the backlog. He is reluctant to continue with overtime,
evening, and weekend work. By April 23, seasonal help will be on staff and they
should be caught up by June.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she talked about this issue with Executive Kremen
and hopes to get extra help with the position they allocated last year. She asked if
they have gotten new help on board. Hart stated they are going over the top
candidates right now. He hopes to have someone hired in a couple of weeks.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
ATTEST:
Dana Brown- Davis, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Seth Fleetwood, Committee Chair
Planning and Development Committee, 4/6/2004, Page 11
1
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.
Planning and Development Committee, 4/6/2004, Page 12