HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil October 8 20021
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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
October 8, 2002
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Council Chair L. Ward
Nelson in the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Present: Absent:
Barbara Brenner None
Laurie Caskey- Schreiber
Sam Crawford
Seth Fleetwood
Dan McShane
Sharon Roy
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Nelson announced there was discussion with a representative from the
Whatcom County Prosecutor's Office regarding pending litigation (AB2002-
018) in executive session during the Committee of the Whole meeting. The
Council gave direction on the matter.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Keith Lougheed, State Auditor's Office, stated they do an independent and
objective look at the County. The County has had two audits without audit findings,
and limited management letter comments. They do high risk audits, which is to
look for something bad and find a problem. They didn't find anything significantly
broken. There are three levels of reporting. The first level is the audit findings.
There are issues in the management letter that will become findings if the County
does not act on them. The third level is just the recommendations he makes to
County staff during the report process.
The County had one issue in the management letter about a ferry landing
lease. He has since met with the prosecuting attorney. At the time he released
the report, he didn't have some of the information that the prosecuting attorney
obtained. That extensive review has provided documentation to establish that
some of that property belongs to the Tribe. His recommendation for the County to
determine who owns the property is resolved to his satisfaction. His next audit will
state that.
The second management letter issue regards the County jail. He told the
County that, in spite of having these issues, the Sheriff's Office staff is very
Whatcom County Council, 10/8/2002, 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.
proactive in implementing his recommendations. The Sheriff's Office staff is
receptive to his recommendations. The recommendations dealt with internal
controls for cash receipting, which is common to these types of operations. It's not
a unique concern for Whatcom County. It's something he sees in most of the
counties in the state. During the review, he uses analytical procedures to look for
the effect of these controls being broken. He saw no indication that there are any
missing funds within the Sheriff's Office.
The third management letter issue is with the Parks and Recreation
Department. He is currently working with the staff to improve the cash receipting
and internal control. Again, the analytical procedures he performed did not indicate
any loss.
He read a congratulatory letter from State Auditor Brian Sonntag that is
addressed to Executive Kremen. This is the first letter that he has presented to any
county this year. It is a significant accomplishment.
Pete Kremen, County Executive, thanked Mr. Lougheed for coming from
Olympia to present the congratulatory letter to Whatcom County. He is extremely
proud of the County's directors, elected officials, and other staff. It doesn't happen
without a lot of work and dedication. He complimented the local division of the
State Auditor's Office. There used to be a strained relationship with the previous
County administration. The State auditor is here to help him serve the people of
Whatcom County more efficiently and better. It's that approach toward this annual
exercise that helps Whatcom County achieve these kinds of results.
MINUTES CONSENT
Brenner moved to approve the Minutes Consent items, including the
substitute page for item five.
Motion carried unanimously.
1. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (AFTERNOON) FOR AUGUST 13, 2002
2. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (AFTERNOON) FOR SEPTEMBER 10, 2002
3. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (EVENING) FOR SEPTEMBER 10, 2002
4. REGULAR COUNTY COUNCIL FOR SEPTEMBER 10, 2002
S. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE FOR SEPTEMBER 24, 2002
6. REGULAR COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING FOR SEPTEMBER 24, 2002
7. WATER RESOURCES WORK SESSION FOR SEPTEMBER 17, 2002
Whatcom County Council, 10/8/2002, 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.
OPEN SESSION
The following people spoke:
Dennis Jones, Sudden Valley Drive, stated he would comment on Lake
Whatcom silting and shoaling off Austin Creek. The lake is very low. This is a real
concern. There is a proactive plan to deal with the problem. There are advocates
who have been working hard for several years, including Linda Marrom. Next
Thursday at Bloedel Donovan Park there will be a State Department of Natural
Resources presentation of the plan for managing the Lake Whatcom watershed.
Mike Kaufman, 1620 Huntley Road, stated the Puget Sound Energy letter to
the County Council regarding the moratorium seemed like Puget Sound Energy was
trying to make it very complicated. The electric issue is not that hard to
understand. They talk about volts and watts. Volts are easy to understand. They
are talking about 55,000, 115,000, 230,000, and 500,000 volts. There is no
deviation among those voltages. The system doesn't work that way. Every
number they hear regarding power deals with megawatts. Sumas Energy 2 has
660 megawatts. The British Petroleum refinery has 720 megawatts. Georgia
Pacific used 40 megawatts, but is now down to 25 megawatts. Power moves
around the county in 115,000 -volt lines. Puget Sound Energy engineers their lines
at 330 megawatt capability. It operates with a double circuit, and plans not to
operate more than 165 megawatts on those lines at any time. If one of the lines in
the double circuit goes down, the other line can pick it up.
Eleanor Morgan, 3449 Redwood Avenue #9, distributed the addendum to the
report she wrote and gave to the Council on September 11, and stated that the
addendum covers the three -week sampling she did in the records department of
the Sheriff's Office. The results of the sampling are in the addendum. She's tried
to approach this problem in a professional manner. It's turning out to be a
personal nightmare for her. The deputies have visited her three times, one of
which was in the middle of the night. Other counties are requesting that Whatcom
County sheriff deputies do investigations for someone who doesn't live at her
house. She's been trying to address the problem professionally.
She's pleased with the report she's done. It is a very important issue. By
the end of the year, the records department is going to be about four weeks
behind. The problem is getting progressively worse. The reality is that it is more
likely they are going to be eight weeks behind. The County is working on a
computer system that will alleviate a lot of this problem. However, that system
won't go in for quite some time. One of the ways to solve the problem is to have
two full -time data entry clerks in the Sheriff's Office to specifically do the task of
getting and keeping this caught up until the new computer system is in place. The
funds can be specifically allocated to that purpose.
Whatcom County Council, 10/8/2002, 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.
Another problem is that she's only one person complaining about this.
Statistically, it's probably happening to other people. That data needed by the
crime analyst isn't available because it's not entered into the computer. The
number of incidents, events, and deputy reports is up 20 percent from the same
time last year.
Crawford asked if the Sheriff concurs with Ms. Morgan's conclusions that the
problem is a staffing issue. Morgan stated the Sheriff didn't say anything to her
about it.
Crawford asked if the Council could ask the Sheriff to talk about this at the
next Council meeting. He's surprised that this citizen has received a third visit,
after making everyone aware of the problem.
Nelson stated they can have a committee discussion to see if there is
something that the Council can do financially or administratively.
Brenner stated she talked to the Sheriff, who said it is an administrative
problem, and the problem is being fixed. She didn't get the message that they
need more staff to do it.
Roy stated she talked to the Sheriff also, who told her that he would
personally write a note to every single deputy saying not to respond at Ms.
Morgan's house again.
Eric McHenry, 644 W. Lake Samish Drive, stated he supports the rezone in
the Lake Samish area and he is a member of the Concerned Neighbors of Lake
Samish. The majority of the property owners residing at the lake support the
rezone. The past zoning was done in error during the Comprehensive Plan process.
He asked the Council to right that wrong and take the time to digest all the
information regarding this issue. Don't be swayed by the few who could have
developed in the past, but chose not to for financial reasons. Listen to the majority
of the lake's residents. The Planning Commission took two votes on this issue, and
now has second thoughts on that vote. He questions the amount of time the
Planning Commission took to digest the information. Support the rezone before it's
too late. It is the right thing to do.
Bob Gertz, 426 W. Lake Samish Drive, stated he supports the rezone in the
Lake Samish area. The residents are very concerned about over - development in
the area. The lake is his family's only source of water. They drink bottled water.
To over - develop the lake would burden the roads and local schools. Limiting
development is in the best interest of those who live at Lake Samish.
Bruce Preszler, 483 Summerland Road, stated he supports the downzone in
the Lake Samish area to prevent over - development and to correct the zoning.
What the Comprehensive Plan says and the current zoning don't match. The soils
in the watershed cannot support the density allowed under the present zoning.
Whatcom County Council, 10/8/2002, Page 4
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 There are a lot of flooding problems, and there is hardpan underneath. The
2 Planning staff recommended an even more restricted zone than what the neighbors
3 asked for. The Planning Commission recommends it.
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5 William Lee, 2171 Tuttle Lane, Lummi Island, stated he would speak about
6 the level of service by the Lummi Island Ferry. He represents the Lummi Island
7 Transportation Committee. He requests that the Council supports the Planning
8 Commission recommendation to not change the level of service. Any change
9 should not be done until after the subarea plan and the 20 -year ferry plan are
10 complete.
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12 Brenner stated the request for the change has been withdrawn.
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14 Richard Emerson, 3323 Northwest Ave, Building Industry Association, stated
15 he would speak on the proposed Lake Samish downzone. The Planning Commission
16 meeting held about the downzone was chaotic. It was filled with confusion and
17 misinformation. There is a difference between science and personal preference
18 versus property rights. He questions whether or not the meeting was in compliance
19 with the Open Public Meeting Act. Even if they were in compliance, he questioned
20 whether proper and ethical procedures were pursued. He believes there are
21 members of the Planning Commission who should have recused themselves from
22 the discussion because they unduly exercised influence that adversely affected the
23 outcome of the vote. He also questions whether or not the downzone complies with
24 the Growth Management Act regarding compensation of property loss. The issue
25 that swayed the vote for the Planning Commission was that there would be a
26 downzone as long as there would be a transfer of development rights (TDR)
27 program available to those who own property in the Lake Samish watershed. There
28 is no TDR program. He urged the Council to delay the downzone unless and until
29 there are assurances that landowners are compensated.
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31 Tom Noel, 180 Bear Creek Lane, stated he supports Lake Samish downzone.
32 He is not against responsible development. He would like the area to stay rural.
33 When the plan was developed, it was done without a lot of foresight. They can
34 leave a legacy to their children. Lake Samish environmental concerns have to be
35 addressed, such as spill response. There shouldn't be any compensation to
36 landowners. He won't receive any compensation because he lost his investment in
37 the stock market last year. Property is a speculative investment. He has to pay
38 the taxes on the wetlands on his property. He doesn't get compensation for that.
39 It's not all about the money. It's about what they will leave their children for the
40 future.
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42 Pete Kremen, County Executive, acknowledged the efforts of Deputy
43 Administrator /Administrative Services Director Dewey Desler and Finance Division
44 Manager Brad Bennett for the excellent audit the County received this year.
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46 In addition, this is mental illness awareness week. He will read a
47 proclamation at 7 p.m. on Thursday at St Luke's Educational Center. A legislative
Whatcom County Council, 10/8/2002, 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.
forum will be hosted by the National Alliance for the Mentally III. He invited all to
attend.
Cal Leenstra, 720 - 11th Street, Bellingham, stated he is opposed to the Lake
Samish downzone. It doesn't cost the residents any money if there is a downzone.
It causes all the upland owners money. This is a 90 percent downzone that will be
very costly to him, his family, and his upland neighbors. If the downzone is so
good for the lake, then the public should pay the cost. If the residents are
convinced that the proper zoning is rural, one unit per five acres, then the residents
should bulldoze all the existing houses and only allow one house per five acres.
There are 40 -foot lots backed up against his property. They can't downzone a
person's property that has paid sewer and public water. The Growth Management
Act requires that they develop areas that have these services or the potential for
these services. This isn't farmland. It is land unsuitable for farming. They can't
build on farms. They should build on places like this. It is near the freeway. It's
close to Mt. Vernon and Bellingham. This is an urban area, or at least a suburban
enclave. He's heard red herrings about Lake Stevens. There is no way that this
area will be zoned as densely as Lake Stevens. Buying zoned land that has sewer
is not speculation. There is a limited supply and increasing demand for real estate.
Price will go up. He's not taking a big profit on this. He's trying to mitigate losses.
Patty Zadeh, resident, stated she just moved back here from Atlanta.
Atlanta is a city where real estate rules and where growth is unbridled. It's a mess.
She came back here because of quality of life.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
Zadeh continued to state that this is a great area, and she's glad to be back.
CONSENT AGENDA
Crawford reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee
and moved approval of Consent Agenda items one, two, four, six, and seven. The
committee recommends that the trailer from item three be reviewed by the County
fire marshal and building staff, who would make a report back to the Council prior
to sale. The committee also recommends that the councilmembers wait on this
contract until it has an opportunity to get more information from the diking district,
consultant, and others during a field trip on a Saturday or Sunday.
Brenner withdrew item six.
Motion to approve Consent Agenda items one, two, four, and seven carried
unanimously.
1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID #02-
75 TO ACROFT COACHWORKS FOR A REPLACEMENT 15- PASSENGER
Whatcom County Council, 10/8/2002, 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.
BUS IN THE AMOUNT OF $53,156.42 (AB2002 -353)
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
PORT OF SEATTLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE PORT'S OFFICE
PRODUCTS AGREEMENT WITH BOISE OFFICE SOLUTIONS FOR AN
ANNUAL EXPENDITURE OF APPROXIMATELY $225,000 (AB2002 -354)
3. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY AND
THE SETTING A DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING THEREON PURSUANT TO
WCC 1.10 (AB2002 -355)
Crawford stated this item was held in committee. There are concerns about
the safety of the mobile home, and there was a question of whether or not the
County should sell a mobile home in that condition.
Brenner stated the mobile home model year is 1965. It would not get a
permit. She doesn't want to sell something and have it become an illegal mobile
home in the county with someone living in it. There are many dilapidated mobile
homes that don't meet code now. It is a problem. The County should be sure that
it doesn't end up being part of the problem. If the mobile home is not habitable, it
shouldn't be sold. Someone could say he or she is buying it for storage, however
someone might buy it to pass it on to someone else to live in. If it's an unsafe
building, they shouldn't sell it at all.
Nelson asked if the building was determined to be unsafe.
Brenner stated that's what they are going to find out.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH NICHOLLS ENGINEERING FOR
GEOTECHNICAL, HYDRAULIC AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
ASSOCIATED WITH THE DESIGN FOR THE HUTCHINSON CREEK
BRIDGE NO. 157 REPLACEMENT PROJECT, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$38,670 (AB2002 -356)
S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT AMENDMENT BETWEEN
WHATCOM COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS AND NORTHWEST HYDRAULIC
CONSULTANTS, INC. FOR PHASE II WORK ON THE NOOKSACK RIVER
BANK STABILIZATION PROJECT NEAR RITTER ROAD, IN THE
AMENDED AMOUNT OF $93,785.70 FOR A TOTAL AMENDED
CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $134,303.65 (AB2002 -357)
Crawford stated this item was held in committee. The committee
recommended not engaging in the contract now. They plan to have a field trip to
Whatcom County Council, 10/8/2002, 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.
this area.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND GEOENGINEERS, INC.
TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE CONSTRUCTION AGGREGATE STUDY
TO DOCUMENT THE SHORT AND LONG RANGE AVAILABILITY AND
LOCATION OF QUALITY MINERAL RESOURCES, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$40,000 (AB2002 -358)
Nelson restated Councilmember Crawford's motion for approval from the
Finance Committee.
Brenner stated the County has done a lot of aggregate studies. They have a
good understanding of where the aggregate is in general. Anything beyond that is
not in the public's benefit. It's in the interest of people who buy and sell aggregate.
There's no assurance that any of this aggregate will remain in Whatcom County.
They don't have an obligation to spend public money to do private business. The
Department of Transportation has used the existing studies because they are more
than adequate. The public won't receive any benefit because there's no
requirement that the aggregate stays local.
Motion carried 6 -1 with Brenner opposed.
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND LUMMI
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM FOR SUPPORTED
EMPLOYMENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SERVICES FOR
INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (AB2002 -359)
OTHER BUSINESS
Crawford stated the Finance Committee also discussed the coffee shop on the
second floor. The administration did a good job of explaining the costs that were
involved and the challenges of having a vendor work that. He's satisfied with
having vending machines right now.
Brenner stated she hoped someone could do catering and make it work. Just
because one provider didn't make it doesn't mean someone else can make it work.
There could be a profit in it for someone and it would be a good service for the
County.
OTHER ITEMS
Whatcom County Council, 10/8/2002, 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.
1. APPOINTMENT TO FILL VACANCY ON THE ADDRESS AND ROAD NAME
CITIZEN APPEALS COMMITTEE, APPLICANT DONALD BOYD (AB2002-
350)
Brenner moved to appoint Don Boyd.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. RESOLUTION APPROVING COUNCIL MEETING DATES FOR 2003
(AB2002 -352)
Crawford moved approval.
Roy stated the County Council is the only official body that has meetings
every other Tuesday instead of the first and third or second and fourth Tuesday. It
is crazy for the average citizen. It's easier to plan if it is the first and third or
second and fourth. She asked why they do it this way.
Nelson stated that every other Tuesday isn't hard to figure out.
Brenner stated it is if someone is not a councilmember.
Nelson stated the Council has a webpage, meeting announcements, and the
dates are posted. It's not rocket science.
Roy stated it's more traditional for most organizations to set specific days of
the month consistently. It helps people who have very busy schedules to organize
their lives. They know right away when another meeting comes up.
Nelson stated the County Council used to meet every Tuesday. They would
get bogged down without getting some of the work done. The councilmembers
began using the off - Tuesdays to get the work done and get prepared for Tuesday
meetings.
Roy asked if the every other Tuesday scheduled evolved from meeting every
Tuesday.
Nelson stated it did. They are part -time councilmembers.
Brenner stated Councilmember Nelson's argument supports having meetings
scheduled on the first and third or second and fourth Tuesdays. The Council could
still work on off - weeks. Assuming that people can look up the schedule on the
webpage is assuming a lot. It's ridiculous that the Council does it this way. The
Council is supposed to do what is easiest for the public, not what is most
convenient for the councilmembers. It's not convenient for her or the public.
Crawford withdrew his motion.
Whatcom County Council, 10/8/2002, Page 9
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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 moved to ask staff to develop a resolution that has the Council
meeting on the first and third Tuesdays in January through July, September, and
October; the first Tuesday only in August; the first Tuesday only in December, and;
any two good meeting dates in November to work around elections, budget work
sessions, and other holidays.
McShane stated he supported the motion.
Crawford stated he doesn't want to do this tonight because the County
Council is infamous for making decisions on the fly, and then staff finds problems
later. There's no harm in waiting for two weeks.
The Council concurred to hold in the Committee of the Whole for two weeks.
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS
1. PROPOSED WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT
TO EXPAND A MINERAL RESOURCE LAND DESIGNATION NEAR
MINAKER ROAD SOUTH OF SUMAS (BENNER SITE) (AB2002 -084L)
Roy reported for the Natural Resource Committee and stated this item and
the next item are held in committee until November 12 at the applicants' requests.
The committee took some testimony this morning.
2. PROPOSED WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT
TO EXPAND A MINERAL RESOURCE LAND DESIGNATION NEAR
TELEGRAPH AND MINAKER ROADS, SOUTH OF SUMAS (KILLAM SITE)
(AB2002 -084M)
See the above item.
3. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SIX -YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM, CAPITAL FACILITIES CHAPTER AND TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER OF THE WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
(AB2002 -084V)
Brenner reported for the Public Works and Capital Projects Committee and
stated this item was held in committee for two weeks. The committee had some
discussion. She asked councilmembers to submit recommendations for changes so
they are available to work on at the next meeting.
4. PROPOSED WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT
TO ADD 12 ACRES TO THE FERNDALE URBAN GROWTH AREA
(OLSON /NELLE SITE) (AB2002 -084D)
Whatcom County Council, 10/8/2002, 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.
McShane reported for the Planning and Development Committee and stated
the committee held this item in committee for two weeks, pending a
recommendation by the Ferndale City Council.
S. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL WHATCOM COUNTY ZONING
MAP FROM RR2, R2A AND 115A TO R2A, R4A, RF AND CF WITHIN
PORTIONS OF THE LAKE SAMISH WATERSHED AND AMENDING THE
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MAP DESIGNATION FROM
SUBURBAN ENCLAVE TO RURAL FOR AREAS WITHIN THE LAKE
SAMISH WATERSHED (AB2002 -084F)
McShane reported for the Planning and Development Committee and stated
this item was held in committee. There was some discussion about amendments
that might be suggested. He asked that the councilmembers think through those
amendments before the next meeting. If the Council approves amendments, it will
be required to have a public hearing on this item.
INTRODUCTION ITEMS
Nelson stated item three was withdrawn. There are two items to add, items
five and six.
Brenner moved to accept the Introduction Items.
Motion carried unanimously.
1. RECEIPT OF APPEAL OF HEARING EXAMINER DECISION ON API-2000-
0011, FILED BY VICTORIA LUHRS (AB2002 -384)
2. RECEIPT OF APPEAL OF HEARING EXAMINER DECISION ON API-2000-
0011, FILED BY WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES LAND USE DIVISION (AB2002 -384A)
3. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF WHATCOM COUNTY
SURPLUS PROPERTY PURSUANT TO WCC 1.10 (AB2002 -355A)
This item was withdrawn.
4. RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE WHATCOM COUNTY 2003 ANNUAL
ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM (AB2002 -360)
ADDENDUM ITEMS:
S. ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 20.38 TO ADD
NEW TEXT TO THE AGRICULTURAL PROTECTION OVERLAY DISTRICT
Whatcom County Council, 10/8/2002, Page 11
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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.
(APO) TO ALLOW AN ADDITIONAL EXEMPTION TO THE APO
REQUIREMENTS (AB2002 -361)
6. ORDINANCE TEMPORARILY AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE
20.40, ESTABLISHING ADDITIONAL CRITERIA FOR THE SITING OF
COMMERCIAL COMPOSTING AS A CONDITIONAL USE WITHIN THE
AGRICULTURAL ZONING DISTRICT (AB2002 -191D)
OTHER BUSINESS
Nelson mentioned that Mr. Lloyd Austin recently passed away. He will be
missed by many in the community for his joviality, levity, and consideration of Lake
Whatcom and other issues.
Kremen stated that Les Spanel, Senator Harriet Spanel's husband, passed
away this morning.
REPORTS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS
McShane stated the Thursday meeting at Bloedel- Donovan will be to take
comments on the preliminary draft environmental impact statement for the Lake
Whatcom watershed plan.
McShane stated he was appointed to the Puget Sound Water Quality Action
Team because he was the only County official who put his name forward. During
the first meeting, the issue came up regarding increased funding for certain types
of programs. They talked about prioritizing certain things that would not have
funding cut. One item that the State Department of Ecology is considering cutting
is the dairy waste management program. In Whatcom County, that has been a
very successful program. If there's an interest, the County could write a letter of
support for the program to the Department of Ecology and Governor. He could
take that letter to the December meeting. If the program doesn't exist, they will go
back to having the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) flying helicopters over
the dairy farms again.
Brenner stated three councilmembers agreed to be a subcommittee for the
transfer of development rights (TDR) program. She's concerned about the way
certain groups are controlling agendas. The County just contributed money for a
private group to do a presentation and workshop. She wasn't invited to some of
the presentations. Councilmember Crawford wasn't invited to any of it. It's time
that the County Council and administration take control of this and start working on
it. She's ready to go on it. She asked when the Council's subcommittee will begin
meeting on this issue.
Whatcom County Council, 10/8/2002, Page 12
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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.
Hal Hart, Planning and Development Services Director, stated that at this
point, everyone should have received the workload document he distributed
yesterday. It details the permits that come through the front door. His primary
focus now is handling the existing workload. This is an additional workload item
that is coming forward to the Council from the administration.
Nelson asked if the Planning Division staff works on building permits. Hart
stated that they do when it gets overloaded. He sends Planning Division staff to
the front counter to handle it.
Brenner stated she would volunteer to put together a bunch of ideas.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
These minutes were approved by Council on October 8—, 2002.
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
L. Ward Nelson, Council Chair
Whatcom County Council, 10/8/2002, Page 13