HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil April 22 20031
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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
Regular County Council
April 22, 2003
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Council Chair Dan McShane
in the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present:
Barbara Brenner
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber
Sam Crawford
Seth Fleetwood
Sharon Roy
L. Ward Nelson
FLAG SALUTE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Absent:
None
McShane announced that there was Consideration of an appeal of the
Hearing Examiner's decision on file no. APL02 -0009, filed by Lesa
Starkenburg - Kroontje for Mark Weinberg, regarding requested boundary
line adjustments (AB2003 -095) in executive session during the Committee of
the Whole meeting.
McShane asked if any councilmembers had any conflict of interest regarding
this issue.
Crawford stated he lives in the Emerald Lake property owners' area, but is
not a participant of that organization and has had no discussion with either side
about that issue. He feels comfortable with casting an impartial vote in this matter.
Nelson moved to uphold the Hearing Examiner's decision.
Motion carried 6 -0 with Roy out of the room.
McShane also announced that there was Consideration of an appeal of the
Hearing Examiner's decision on file no. CUP02 -0014, filed by Philip Serka
for Congregation Beth Israel, regarding a zoning conditional use permit for
the proposed construction of a synagogue (AB2003 -105) in executive session
during the Committee of the Whole meeting.
Whatcom County Council, 4/22/2003, 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.
McShane asked if any councilmembers had any conflict of interest regarding
this issue.
(Clerk's Note: No Councilmember responded.)
Nelson moved to deny the request to remand and to uphold the Hearing
Examiner's decision.
Motion carried unanimously.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Pete Kremen, County Executive, announced that this is the last County Council
meeting for Francine Kincaid as his administrative assistant. He will miss her, as will all.
He presented her with flowers.
1. COUNTY EXECUTIVE PETE KREMEN TO INTRODUCE ROB POCHERT,
PRESIDENT OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (AB2003-
017)
Pete Kremen, County Executive, introduced Rob Pochert from Grants Pass,
Oregon. He worked in economic development for several Oregon counties. He has
been awarded certifications from the National Economic Development Council and
International Development Council. His efforts helped contribute millions of dollars
of investment and hundreds of new jobs in Oregon.
Rob Pochert, Economic Development Council President, stated economic
development is about partnerships between business and government working
together to create an environment where businesses can grow and prosper.
Economic development has three parts that include business retention, expansion,
and attraction activities; community social systems, cultural and recreational
opportunities, the political climate, and the physical infrastructure, and; school -to-
work programs, entrepreneurial programs, skill development programs, and the
welfare -to -work programs. The opportunities are unlimited to work together to
create a vision and set measurable goals and objectives.
2. PRESENTATION BY THE COMMISSION AGAINST DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE (AB2003 -162)
Marty Snyder, Domestic Violence Commission Human Services
Representative, stated Mr. Kremen is very fortunate that Ms. Kincaid has not
decided to run for political office because there are many who are as fond of
Francine Kincaid as Mr. Kremen is fond of her.
The commission is thankful that local government agencies have supported
its work. It's exciting to report many new and different things that they've been
Whatcom County Council, 4/22/2003, Page 2
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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.
able to do.
Sue Parrott, Domestic Violence Commission Coordinator, stated domestic
violence work is about change for victims, offenders, system providers, and
community norms. The commission has an opportunity to make changes to the
big picture for the community.
The focus of the commission is in providing the big picture look at Whatcom
County's response to domestic violence. The commission's work focuses on victim
safety, accountability for offenders, improving the overall community response,
and changing community norms.
One program fits all of those categories. It is the community survey project,
which the commission completed about a year ago. The survey was of women in
Whatcom County about the kinds of factors that influence their willingness to
disclose abuse to a provider. From the survey, they learned that victims are most
willing to disclose abuse when a provider asks in a caring, nonjudgmental manner
and when the victim is ready to tell. A provider asked only 20 percent of the
respondents about abuse. Based on that finding, the commission recommends
that the community increase routine screening for domestic violence as a
preventative tool.
The barriers to disclosure have to do with internal beliefs about domestic
violence, such as feeling guilty, not knowing it was abuse, and feeling like the
victim could handle the situation herself. Another recommendation is for more
education about domestic violence. They are using the results of the survey to
work with service providers and healthcare providers about those
recommendations.
The commission has worked for a number of years with treatment providers
and courts to develop a more standard process for the evaluation of an individual
charged with a domestic violence assault. The recommendation is a standard
evaluation that the courts and treatment providers have adopted. This project
really focuses on offender accountability and also impacts victim safety.
A third project was the community safety and accountability audit. This is
the first community on the West Coast to do the safety audit, and are being used
as a model community for other communities. Police Chief Randy Carroll is
presenting the audit report at the Washington Association of Sheriff's and Police
Chiefs conference in May.
The audit looked at how criminal justice systems process domestic violence
cases. The commission audited the 911 system, Bellingham Police, Whatcom
County Sheriff's Office, and the jail. A consultant worked with the commission.
From the audit, they developed many recommendations to improve the response
of those systems to do a better job of ensuring victim safety and accountability for
offenders. It provides a better picture of the risk the offender poses to the victim
Whatcom County Council, 4/22/2003, Page 3
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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.
and children. The commission will ask the audited systems to report back on a
regular basis, so the commission can support and monitor implementation.
The commission has an outreach committee that works on changing
community norms by targeting certain audiences and key community leaders. Last
year, they targeted school districts, rotary clubs, and the medical association. In
total, the commission made nearly 30 presentations last year in addition to the
domestic violence awareness month.
The commission also serves as a resource to the community and
practitioners about best practices for domestic violence. She thanked the 26
volunteer commission members, the vision provided by Executive Kremen and
Mayor Asmundson, the support from the City and County councils, and the
community for its responsiveness to the issue.
MINUTES CONSENT
Brenner moved to approve Minutes Consent items one through three.
Motion carried 6 -0 with Caskey- Schreiber out of the room.
1. CORRECTION TO THE MINUTES OF THE WATER RESOURCES WORK
SESSION FOR MARCH 18, 2003
2. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE FOR APRIL 8, 2003
3. REGULAR COUNTY COUNCIL FOR APRIL 8, 2003
OPEN SESSION (20 MINUTES1
The following people spoke:
Leonard Lindstrom, Bellingham resident, stated people need to learn to talk
to one another. People cannot accomplish anything until they start talking. They
need to come to a meeting of the minds.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. RESOLUTION REGARDING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
APPLICATION FOR PLANNING OF THE KENDALL COMMUNITY
RESOURCE CENTER IN WHATCOM COUNTY (AB2003 -154)
Whatcom County Council, 4/22/2003, 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.
(Clerk's Note: The CDBG required handouts are included in the Council's
packet.)
Dewey Desler, Deputy Administrator, gave a staff report and stated this
hearing is a requirement as a result of the County's desire to submit an application
for a community development block grant. This is part of a larger program with the
Department of Community Development and the federal government. The
administration and Council wants to use more grants for internal County
government operations and also for projects that would assist the community. In
this case, the administration wants to look at a community resource center in
eastern Whatcom County.
McShane opened the public hearing and, hearing no one, closed the public
hearing.
Nelson moved to approve the resolution.
Motion carried unanimously.
COUNCIL "CONSENT AGENDA" ITEM
Crawford reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved to approve Consent Agenda items two through six. The committee
recommended approval of the substitute version of item one, with amendments.
The administration withdrew item seven from the Consent Agenda.
Motion to approve Consent Agenda items two through six carried
unanimously.
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
CITY OF BELLINGHAM FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES USING
FUNDS GENERATED FROM THE E.M.S. LEVY (AB2003 -165)
Crawford moved, on behalf of the Finance Committee, to approve the
substitute version of item one, as amended by the Finance Committee and
resubmitted by administration this afternoon. He was opposed to the Finance
Committee recommendation. There are differences between this and the version
that the City of Bellingham approved. He assumed that, should this be approved
tonight, it would need to go back to the Bellingham City Council for its approval.
One change is the date of the levy election from September to the November
general election. The Council already adopted an ordinance to set the election in
September, so the Council needs to adopt an amended ordinance to change the
date. That amending ordinance will be introduced tonight.
Whatcom County Council, 4/22/2003, Page 5
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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.
Crawford stated he is opposed to the motion. He supports the concept of an
EMS levy. The County is past due to move the EMS funding out of the County's
general fund. Whatcom County is the only county in Washington State to fund it
that way.
He is opposed to the levy amount, which is too much. It is a 71 percent
increase over the current levels of funding, which have already dramatically
increased in the last few years. This agreement essentially allows the City of
Bellingham to tax the entire county. The City will make all operational and
administrative decisions. This amounts to taxation without representation.
This agreement excludes the fire districts from the decision - making role.
This agreement creates a situation of liability for the County. The City, in its
ordinances, requires others who provide EMS services, such as a private
ambulance, to carry its own liability as well as underwrite the City's liability
simultaneously. Under this agreement, the City would have the County share any
liability that the City creates.
This agreement requires property owners outside the City of Bellingham to
pay for two - thirds of the cost of the system because it is a direct tax on the
property values. Currently, the County and City shares are split 50 -50. However,
more than 50 percent of the EMS calls are made inside the City of Bellingham.
It is time for the county fire districts to work together to form their own
separate EMS system, with the help of the County. The infrastructure already
exists. The County could provide the 50 percent of the assets owned through Medic
One. The County could also use the $1.4 million annually that Whatcom County is
already taxing and spending as seed money to get the system up and running.
They can accomplish this in the remainder of this year, and then propose a realistic,
cost - effective levy next year to the voters outside the City of Bellingham.
Caskey- Schreiber stated it puts the citizens of the county in jeopardy to go
to Councilmember Crawford's plan with no transition phase.
Brenner stated she didn't support the level of funding, which is higher than
appropriate. However, the Medic One system is excellent. This is a six -year
contract that will give the County time to determine how it wants to move in the
future. She's not willing to take a chance on not having something as critical as
emergency services not funded. Although the county fire districts do an excellent
job, it would be impossible for them to come up with an organized plan to provide a
service that is as adequate, throughout the county in that short of time. This will
give the county fire districts time to decide if that's the way they want to go.
Nelson stated they do need the six -year period to keep a system in place
that the public approves. The fire department has worked for two years to develop
Whatcom County Council, 4/22/2003, Page 6
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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.
a strategic plan that meets the objectives and criteria of the County and City. This
gives the voters an opportunity to look at the rate and see if it's appropriate. The
voters need to be the ones to evaluate this system. The agreement provides time
for a transition. Advanced life support is very different from basic life support. He
doesn't want one citizen to suffer because the Council was reluctant to support this
during the transition period.
McShane thanked the committee for working hard on this agreement today.
They made amendments to correct some oversights. They will have an emergency
medical response for the county that will be appropriate and done well for
everyone. Regarding the City generating less revenue and more emergency calls,
it's more cost effective to serve the city because it is more compact. There are
significant costs for Medic One to serve a spread out population in the county.
That's part of the extra cost of living in rural areas and expecting that level of
service.
Roy stated they all see certain points in Councilmember Crawford's
arguments that merit further discussion, but the citizens have the right to make
those evaluations. If the County Council does not act on this, it doesn't let this go
forward to a vote of the citizens, which is critical.
Caskey- Schreiber stated the County's budget situation is such that there will
be a $5 million shortfall in the general fund. That's why this is going to a vote. If
the people enjoy the service they now have, they need to make that decision with
their vote and support this level of service. If the citizens want to go to a lesser
service, then they should not vote for it. That is where the County is headed, down
the road.
Motion to approve carried 6 -1 with Crawford opposed.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY PUBLIC
WORKS AND THE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
(NRCS) OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR
ONGOING MAINTENANCE OF SNOTEL SITES IN THE NOOKSACK
RIVER BASIN AS PART OF THE EARLY WARNING SYSTEM IN THE
AMOUNT OF $25,000 (AB2003 -166)
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
COOPERATIVE GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY
PUBLIC WORKS AND WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND
WILDLIFE FOR VARIOUS WRIA 1- RELATED PROJECTS IN THE
AMOUNT OF $100,000 (AB2003 -167)
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
WHATCOM COUNTY AGRICULTURE PRESERVATION COMMITTEE FOR
Whatcom County Council, 4/22/2003, Page 7
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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.
CAUCUS SUPPORT FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND DIKING AND
DRAINAGE DISTRICTS CAUCUSES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,000 FOR
A TOTAL CONTRACT AMENDED AMOUNT OF $57,000 (AB2003 -168)
5. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
CATALYST CONSULTING FOR CAUCUS SUPPORT FOR THE NON -
MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEMS CAUCUS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,000
FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMENDED AMOUNT OF $34,000 (AB2003-
169)
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY — MARINE
RESOURCE COMMITTEE 2003 ACTION GRANT, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$70,000 (AB2003 -170)
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND PUBLIC
UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 1 FOR FIBER OPTIC SYSTEM INSTALLATION
NO. 1, IN THE AMOUNT OF $55,000 (AB2003 -171)
OTHER ITEMS
1. RESOLUTION AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY'S PURCHASE OF
DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS PROGRAM GUIDELINES DOCUMENT BY
RE- ADOPTING THE ORIGINAL TARGET AREA MAP (AB2003 -161)
Roy reported for the Natural Resources Committee and moved approval of
the resolution. Approval does not preclude future discussion of this issue with the
City of Lynden.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Crawford stated he is against the motion. There is a tremendous amount of
area that is eligible for purchases. More discussion and reconciliation could be
conducted with the City of Lynden. To allow those areas to be put in a non -
developable status that may become urban growth areas is not fair to the City of
Lynden. He would like to exclude the areas that Lynden has proposed until the
County can reach an agreement with Lynden.
Roy stated Lynden's proposal says that it has enough area for 20 years of
projected growth. They are talking about 60 years into the future. It isn't as if this
is a critical issue right now. It is critical to the farmers who want to know whether
or not they are included in the target areas. The Purchase of Development Rights
Whatcom County Council, 4/22/2003, Page 8
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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.
(PDR) Committee put a lot of work into this. The Council needs to respect the PDR
committee's decision.
Brenner stated it is not about how big an area the county has. It is about
the amount of area that has prime agricultural soil. There is no better soil in
Whatcom County than the soil in that area. During the last meeting, a farmer from
that area testified that the program gave him options, but since he was removed
from the program, his farm went under and he had to sell it. Every decision the
County Council makes has many consequences to people. At some point, there has
to be a line between development and agriculture for all the cities in the county.
Other areas in Whatcom County are suitable for growth. The county has an
obligation to absorb growth, but not to compromise its commitment to prime
agricultural land. The City of Lynden, through innovative planning, can grow for
more than twenty years. Maybe some of that growth needs to spread out to other
parts of the county.
Caskey- Schreiber stated she agreed with much of Councilmember Brenner's
comments. This is one of the last remaining stretches of prime agricultural land
that hasn't been divided into parcels. The reason it was targeted is because it faces
a pressure in the future for urbanization from Lynden. They can accommodate
growth in other areas of the county, but this is the last remaining contiguous blocks
of farmland on prime soils. If the Council is committed to this $247 million industry
that provide many jobs and a high quality of life for the residents, they have to
draw a line in the sand and be committed to the industry. The profits stay in the
county. This is one tool to give the farmers an option for their farms.
Nelson asked if the Growth Management Act (GMA) requires the County to
work with the cities to provide urban growth areas.
Kraig Olason, Senior Planner, stated the Growth Management Act requires
the County to be the final decision maker on where urban growth areas (UGA's) are
located.
Nelson stated the County has some UGA's surrounding the City of Lynden.
He asked if those areas are adequate to meet Lynden's future growth. Olason
stated the City has more than enough area for 20 years. Additionally, they have
additional acreage that wasn't included in target areas that provide other options
besides the UGA for additional expansion.
Nelson asked where the City could grow if the target areas near Lynden were
included. Olason stated there is an area to the west that is available.
Nelson asked if this would push the City into leapfrogging the target areas,
floodplain, or river. This isn't something they have to address right now, but think
about it when they go into the PDR program. Olason stated the core decision
tonight is to look at developing urban growth areas in a different way.
Traditionally, it is driven by landowners adjacent to the city limits. What the
Whatcom County Council, 4/22/2003, Page 9
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
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are not the final approved minutes.
County is saying is that it has to look at long -term protection of resource lands in
addition to urban growth, so they have to make some decisions.
Nelson asked if the proposed boundaries are legitimate. Olason stated they
are. They are looking at the resource base. There are other agricultural soils in the
county, but they are fragmented. The PDR Committee looked at the large -lot
agricultural areas most likely to be encroached upon. These areas are 85 to 90
percent agricultural open spaces being farmed. That is what they've been used for
historically. The East Badger Road was a critical line. It doesn't make for good city
development to have a highway through a town. The logical boundary is the East
Badger Road. The City has options that it can look at. In 60 years, the lifestyle
patterns may be very different.
McShane stated leapfrogging may occur in Lynden, but it should occur in
places that won't take away from the county's economic vitality. Olason stated
there might be significant parcels of land that don't participate.
Caskey- Schreiber stated that if Lynden truly wants to grow in this direction
in 60 years, farming may be so advanced that they can offer mitigation. Once
farmland is gone, it is gone forever.
Motion to approve carried 6 -1 with Crawford opposed.
2. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2003 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET,
FOURTH REQUEST (AB2003 -152)
Crawford reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved to adopt the ordinance.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. DISCUSSION REGARDING OPTIONS TO IMPROVE SAFETY FOR
PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS ON LAKE WHATCOM BOULEVARD IN
THE AREA OF THE AUSTIN CREEK BRIDGE (AB2003 -172)
Brenner reported for the Public Works and Capital Projects Committee and
stated the Engineering Division will move this up on the six -year road program
when it comes forward in July. They will reconstruct the bridge only next year, and
do the rest of the road project later. The bridge is like a funnel and is very
dangerous for people walking or bicycling. The area is one of the largest urbanized,
non -city areas in the county. Many people walk or bicycle over the bridge. It will
make the area much safer for people in that area.
4. CONTINUED DISCUSSION REGARDING THE POSSIBLE INSTALLATION
OF CITY -LEVEL SERVICES (SIDEWALKS) ON CERTAIN COUNTY
ROADS (AB2003 -155)
Whatcom County Council, 4/22/2003, Page 10
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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 reported for the Public Works and Capital Projects Committee and
stated the sidewalks are not necessary on West Smith Road. However, widening
the road will funnel more traffic over the Smith Road overpass into Ferndale, and
skip the Axton Road bridge that creates a bottleneck. The 1984 road standards are
not consistent with Growth Management Act, but the Technical Advisory Committee
is working on an update to the road standards. In those road standards, the
County is allowed to put in sidewalks where there is a density of one house per
acre. That is extravagant. Through growth management, urban lands are a
density of at least three or four units per acre.
Roy asked if they are talking about a sidewalk, but not enhanced shoulders.
Brenner stated she is talking about city sidewalks. On both sides of West
Smith Road, there will be a wider road, wider shoulders, and sidewalks. The look
will not be compatible with the area, but there may be some positive effects. She's
afraid it will encourage people to speed.
Nelson stated the committee also discussed the Smith Road access. Now,
there is not a freeway access. If the County improves the road, the State might
consider the area as an access, which would divert traffic away from Portal Drive.
Brenner stated the County will have to lobby the State if that is going to
happen.
S. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL WHATCOM COUNTY ZONING
TEXT, CHAPTER 20.40, AGRICULTURE DISTRICT (AB2003 -153)
Fleetwood stated the committee discussed the ordinance amending the
Official Whatcom County Zoning Ordinance, Title 20, Chapter 20.71 —
Water Resource Protection Overlay District, Chapter 20.80 —
Supplementary Requirements (Stormwater and Clearing), Chapter 20.85 —
Planned Unit Developments, and Chapter 20.97 — Definitions, to provide
additional regulatory protection for sensitive watersheds (AB2002 -222B)
(Amended Version). The committee made some amendments and took public
comment. It was held in committee.
Fleetwood reported for the Planning and Development Committee and
moved to schedule a public hearing in two weeks, without item #2 on exhibit 1.
(Clerk's Note: There was no vote on the motion.)
Roy asked if item #2 is off the table for consideration.
Fleetwood stated item #2 might be back. The proponent was going to work
on the language.
McShane stated this would be added to the introduction items.
Whatcom County Council, 4/22/2003, Page 11
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6. CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL OF THE HEARING EXAMINER'S
DECISION ON FILE NO. APL02 -0009, FILED BY LESA STARKENBURG-
KROONTJE FOR MARK WEINBERG, REGARDING REQUESTED
BOUNDARY LINE ADJUSTMENTS (AB2003 -095)
See Announcements.
7. CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL OF THE HEARING EXAMINER'S
DECISION ON FILE NO. CUP02 -0014, FILED BY PHILIP SERKA FOR
CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL, REGARDING A ZONING CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT FOR THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF A SYNAGOGUE
(AB2003 -105)
See Announcements.
S. APPOINTMENT TO FILL VACANCY ON DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT #20, UNTIL A PERSON IS ELECTED AT THE NEXT SPECIAL
DISTRICT GENERAL ELECTION IN FEBRUARY, 2004. APPLICANT:
DWAYNE MOLENDYK (AB2003 -142)
McShane moved to appoint Dwayne Molendyk to the Drainage
Improvement District #20.
Motion carried unanimous /y.
INTRODUCTION ITEMS
Brenner stated the first Introduction Item has been amended, and the
amended version should be introduced.
McShane moved to accept the Introduction Items.
Motion carried unanimous /y.
1. ORDINANCE CONTINUING THE INTERIM CONDITIONAL USE
CRITERIA ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE 2002 -068 FOR THE SITING OF
MUSHROOM COMPOSTING AS A CONDITIONAL USE WITHIN THE
AGRICULTURAL ZONING DISTRICT (AB2003 -158)
2. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF LIMITED TAX GENERAL
OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS (AB2003 -156)
3. ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE OFFICIAL WHATCOM COUNTY ZONING
ORDINANCE, TITLE 20, BY CLARIFYING EXISTING CODE LANGUAGE,
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DISCLAIMER: This document contains the Whatcom County Council or Committee
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ELIMINATING CONFLICT AND DUPLICATION IN THE CODE LANGUAGE
(AB2003 -173)
4. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE WHATCOM COUNTY BICYCLE PLAN
(AB2003 -174)
S. AMENDING ORDINANCE 2003 -005, CHANGING THE DATE FOR
SUBMITTING TO THE VOTERS OF WHATCOM COUNTY A
PROPOSITION IMPOSING THE LEVY OF AN ANNUAL PROPERTY TAX
FOR SIX YEARS TO FUND FIRE SERVICE PRE - HOSPITAL EMERGENCY
MEDICAL SERVICES (AB2003 -027B)
OTHER BUSINESS
McShane stated he wrote a draft letter regarding a State Map Program. The
State Map Committee will address where that State mapping will occur. There is
interest in mapping portions of Whatcom County, which geologists describe as the
least understood geological county in the State. A State map was done for the
Deming and Kendall quadrangles, which the Council has used in its decision -
making. He moved to send the draft letter.
Motion carried unanimously.
REPORTS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS
Crawford stated the Opportunity Council is meeting Thursday evening for its
annual Board of Director's meeting. He encouraged the public to attend. There will
be festivities scheduled.
Fleetwood stated he has a Western Washington University intern that needs
to keep busy. He's in the Law and Justice program through Fairhaven College.
Brenner stated she attended a meeting at Lummi Island regarding the ferry
and parking issues. The residents feel reassured that they will be part of the 20-
year ferry planning process.
LETTERS SENT BY COUNCIL
1. LETTER TO THE STATE BOARD OF HEALTH REGARDING PUBLIC
HEALTH FUNDING (AB2003 -164) (TIME SENSITIVE, APPROVAL TO
SEND RECEIVED A 6 -0 VOTE, WITH WARD NELSON ABSENT)
ADJOURN
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The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
These minutes were approved by Council on May 6 , 2003.
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Dan McShane, Council Chair
Whatcom County Council, 4/22/2003, Page 14