HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works July 24 20011
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works and Capital Projects Committee
July 24, 2001
The meeting was called to order at 1:50 p.m. by Committee Chair Barbara
Brenner in the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Also Present: Absent:
Marlene Dawson None
Dan McShane
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. COMMITTEE APPROVAL OF THE 2002 INTEGRATED ROADSIDE
MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (AB2001 -262)
Mike Roberts, Assistant County Road Engineer, stated the annual program
has been reformatted and adapted to new environmental policies.
Brenner stated the County is not adequately maintaining some of the rights -
of -way that are close to critical areas. This new plan specifically puts critical areas
at a higher level. She questioned what would really change if this is adopted.
A fourth advantage to vegetation maintenance is flood management and
habitat maintenance. They are acknowledging more of the critical area problems.
She questioned what model vegetation management practices are for a
salmon- bearing stream. The changes say what they can't do, but the plan doesn't
say what they can do.
Mission statement five on Council packet page 102 should be highlighted.
Objective three isn't specific. She would like to see examples. Roberts stated they
are in transition. They would like to identify individual sites first, and then have a
biologist look at each site to identify the proper maintenance methods for that
specific area. Some general practices will be the same, but there will be specific
practices for each site.
Brenner suggested contacting property owners of adjoining rights -of -way.
They are putting a lot of money into protecting habitat and flood management.
Provide advice and direction to property owners on maintenance. Regarding the
brush program, create a booklet of information on what a property owner can do to
maintain and restore critical areas.
McShane stated the State Department of Ecology might have a booklet of
information.
Public Works and Capital Projects Committee, 7/24/2001, Page 1
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Brenner stated that the page on guardrail treatments says one can't use
herbicides within 150 feet of sensitive areas or in critical areas. She was told that a
person could spray in those areas. Roberts stated it depends on the chemical that
is used.
Ken Hudson, Road Crew Leader, stated it is an interpretation of what
"critical" means. Not all creeks are critical. This plan refers to a mandated setback
limit.
Brenner asked that wording be added to clarify that page.
Roberts stated he would prefer to resort to means other than herbicides in
critical areas. A chemical spray that is allowed now may not be allowed tomorrow,
depending upon the results of a lawsuit. For the County, it is best not to use the
sprays in critical areas in the public right -of -way in the road system. They don't
want to go outside of the public right -of -way.
Hoag suggested adding a statement that only harmless sprays will be used if
spraying is done at all.
McShane stated these are best management practices (BMP's) for herbicide
spraying. If the staff needs to clear vegetation now, they use hand tools. Hudson
stated they use mechanical tools now until they designate what is actually a critical
area. A recent memo shows the fish - bearing creeks of Whatcom County. Each one
has to be looked at individually to determine what will be done at that place, in that
right -of -way.
McShane suggested a statement saying that spraying will be done only after
consultation with the Public Works biologist in critical areas and critical area
setbacks. Hudson stated that language is elsewhere in the plan.
Brenner asked what type of mowing of noxious weeds can't be done in a
critical area. Roberts stated that mowing is necessary if there is not an adequate
sight distance.
Hudson stated the long -arm brush program in the autumn might shoot debris
into the critical waterways.
Roberts stated there are issues of canopy and water temperature as well.
McShane moved to recommend approval with the addition that spraying
would occur after consultation with the Public Works Department.
Roberts stated he would clarify that BMP.
Motion carried unanimously.
Public Works and Capital Projects Committee, 7/24/2001, Page 2
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ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barbara Brenner, Committee Chair
Public Works and Capital Projects Committee, 7/24/2001, Page 3