HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works September 11 20011
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works and Capital Projects Committee
September 11, 2001
The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by Committee Member Marlene
Dawson in the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Also Present:
Dan McShane
Absent:
Barbara Brenner
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE POTENTIAL CLOSURE OF THE
MORGAN- COTTONWOOD INTERSECTION IN THE BIRCH BAY AREA
(AB2001 -303)
Bruce Mills, Assistant Director of Engineering, stated the Council received a
petition from citizens in this area on July 24, 2001. Residents near Birch Bay and
Birch Bay Village cut through Cottonwood Drive as a short cut to the Birch Bay -
Lynden Road. He performed a count that totaled 1,700 cars per day traveling on
that road. During peak hour traffic, 90 percent of the traffic is from people driving
through, not residents. The road was built as a local access road. The road was
not meant for this use. Cottonwood is fairly steep, and there is a tight turn where
Cottonwood and Morgan come together. There is a lot of pedestrian use in the
summer.
His recommendation is to close Cottonwood Drive at Morgan in a manner to
allow pedestrians their use. That will move the traffic to the corner store at
Harborview Road. He talked to the Sheriff and the Fire District. The closure is not
a problem for emergency response time. He prepared an ordinance to be
considered for introduction.
The houses on Cottonwood are close, and it is a residential neighborhood.
He does not recommend spending money to expanding the road.
McShane stated he approved of the recommendation. He moved to
recommend going forward with the proposed ordinance.
Motion carried unanimously.
Dawson stated this ordinance would be forwarded to the full Council.
2. DISCUSSION REGARDING AMENDMENTS TO THE WHATCOM COUNTY
SOLID WASTE SERVICE LEVEL ORDINANCE (AB2001 -304)
Dan Gibson, Senior Civil Deputy Prosecutor, stated the reason for discussing
this matter in this committee is a mystery to him. This item will be scheduled for
Public Works and Capital Projects Committee, 9/11/2001, Page 1
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introduction at the night meeting. The Utilities and Transportation Committee
(UTC) suggest changes. The UTC, as it read through the amendments as adopted,
expressed concern about the County's authority to set up rates and change the
definitions that are contrary to the UTC definitions. The changes being proposed for
introduction tonight are in response to the UTC concerns and to achieve the
Council's intent as during the Council's meeting in late July. It's a little premature
to talk about it at this stage of the game. A full discussion is appropriate at a
committee preceding the public hearing and at the public hearing.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Marlene Dawson, Committee Member
Public Works and Capital Projects Committee, 9/11/2001, Page 2