HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil February 9 19992
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Regular Council Meeting
February 9, 1999
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Marlene Dawson, Council Chair, in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Alpo Present-
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Kathy Sutter
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Robert Imhof
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L. Ward Nelson
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Connie Hoag
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Barbara Brenner
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Tom Brown
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Absent:
None
Dawson announced that Committee of the Whole executive session held a Discussion
with Senior Deputy Prosecutor Karen Frakes regarding pending litigation (AB99 -018).
Dawson also announced that Committee of the Whole discussed in executive session
Consideration of an appeal of the Hearing Examiner's decision on CUP98 -0031 (a sewer
line interceptor proposed by Water District 10), filed by Sherilyn Wells (also on behalf of
the Watershed Defense Fund, as President) (AB98 -427).
Imhof moved to uphold the Hearing Examiner decision.
Motion carried 6 -1 with Hoag opposed.
(Motion, upon reconsideration, to uphold.)
Motion carried 5 -2 with Hoag and Brenner opposed.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
PRESENTATION BY BILL GARING AND TODD HARRISON REGARDING THE
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'S SR 543 ROAD AND
BORDER PROJECT (AB99 -017)
William Garing, Senior Transportation Engineer from David Evans and Associates, Inc.
addressed the backup of trucks at the border. The Washington State Department of
Transportation (DOT) has been concerned about the safety and congestion along 543 for a long
time. $10.2 million has been earmarked from the legislature. He gave a slide presentation.
Usually there are three booths open for cars and one booth is open for trucks. Trucks represent
Regular County Council Meeting, 2/9/98, Page 1
1 about 40% of the total daily volume in the corridor. The way Canadian Customs operate is that
2 they wait until there is a significant back up of trucks before they open up a second inspection
3 booth. Many of the drivers have to walk to U.S. Customs, then to the Canadian Customs, then to
4 the brokerage facility, then go back to the truck.
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6 Imhof questioned the number of trucks that go through Customs per day. Garing
7 explained that about 1,600 trucks go through each day. The number of the cars crossing the
8 border has lessened. The number of trucks continues to grow.
10 Garing continued to state that the DOT suggested widening the highway to provide for
11 three lanes northbound and two lanes southbound. The northbound would allow for a lane to be
12 dedicated to trucks, a lane dedicated for Pace traffic, and the third lane being dedicated to general
13 car use. There has been some discussion of having a truck Pace lane. DOT proposed to install a
14 grade separation or a bridge to carry D Street traffic over 543 and would lower the elevation of
15 543 at D Street by 25 feet. There was no access from D Street to 543. During conversations
16 with the City of Blaine, it was determined that would not be an acceptable solution. Over the last
17 3 years, there have been 20 accidents at the D Street intersection. Due to a lack of proper
18 roadway lighting, most accidents have occurred during night or the early dawn. The Texas T
19 concept was introduced. They spread the northbound and southbound lanes of 543, and then
20 took the ramps down into the middle. This is a design that will operate safely. They have
21 created add -lane and drop -lane conditions in which the lane that comes on goes into its own lane,
22 with no merge. The off -ramp lane will go directly to the off -ramp. On line and off line ramps
23 will be implemented on the inside. The ramps would be on the inside instead of the outside. The
24 trucks would be brought into the border area without the conflict of the ramp. Trucks would be
25 in the right -hand lane, and the Pace lane would be in the left -hand lane.
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27 Brenner asked about the congestion at the booths. She would like to see negotiations
28 with the Canadians that more booths are manned. Garing explained that this has been in on-
29 going negotiations to increase staffing.
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31 Hoag requested an explanation about the flow of vehicles, which have to change lanes.
32 Garing explained that the on -ramp would go into its own lane. As it approaches H Street, it
33 becomes the left turn lane for H Street. It would require a one -lane change prior to the
34 intersection. The distance is about 1 /8th of a mile. The speeds are about 40 miles per hour and
35 the volumes are low. There shouldn't be a problem making the lane change in there. The right -
36 hand lane southbound at H Street would be a right -turn-only.
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38 Sutter suggested talking to Jim Miller at the Council of Governments (COG) regarding
39 the staffing at the borders.
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41 Hoag questioned what is currently at the H Street Road. Garing stated that there is a
42 right -hand turn lane and only one through lane currently. The projected volumes are 800
43 vehicles an hour. The capacity of the single lane would be double that amount.
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45 Garing stated that there is another alternative. They held a public open house in Blaine
46 last December, and the next open house will be March 23rd from 4 to 7 p.m. in Blaine. The
Regular County Council Meeting, 2/9/98, Page 2
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operators of the Duty Free and brokerage firms suggested that trucks be brought around the
eastern side of their businesses into the Canadian Customs compound to get the trucks out of the
area of the Duty Free operation. In response to that, they developed a truck roadway that would
come off of the right -hand lane and exit across. They are trying to retain that parking lot. This
plan addresses the truck issue and allows the truck congestion in an area away from the cars. It
goes smoothly into the Canadian Customs area. They also need to address parking issues for the
employees of the brokerage firms. Currently, Canadian traffic has been going directly into the
Duty Free parking lot, which is a problem. That movement will be prohibited under this plan.
They need to accommodate those people. Additionally, there will be signaling and channeling
work at the end of Boblett Street.
Imhof questioned the length to the border from I -5. Garing stated that it is just short of a
mile.
Brown questioned the timeframe for construction. Garing stated that the schedule is to
complete the preliminary design by the end of June 1999. They can complete the final design by
early in the year 2000. It is conceivable, depending on right -of -way negotiations, that
construction could start in the spring of the year 2000. They have funding for design and
construction.
Brown questioned who would handle the right -of -way. Garing stated that it would be
DOT.
Hoag questioned whether the Texas T design is the one that they have settled on. Garing
stated that they are still considering all of the alternatives. They are doing an environmental
assessment. The Texas T best addresses congestion and safety at D Street.
Brenner moved to reconsider the vote done in Announcements regarding the Hearing
Examiner's decision.
Motion to reconsider carried 5 -2 with Imhof and Sutter opposed.
(Clerk's Note: Council moved to Announcements)
OPEN SESSION
No one spoke.
CONSENT AGENDA
Nelson reported for Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved approval
of items one through eight.
Hoag requested that items 1, 4, and 7 be removed from the Consent Agenda.
Brown stated that he would abstain from voting on item number 6.
Regular County Council Meeting, 2/9/98, Page 3
2 Motion to approve items 2, 3, 5, and 8 carried unanimously.
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4 1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A 1999
5 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE CITY
6 OF BELLINGHAM FOR THE EXCHANGE OF CERTAIN SOLID AND
7 HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRAM SERVICES AND A COORDINATED COUNTY -
8 WIDE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN THE AMOUNT OF $253,000
9 (AB99 -066)
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1 l Nelson moved approval.
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13 Hoag stated that the January date on Council packet page 49 should be changed to
14 February.
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16 Motion carried unanimously.
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18 2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
19 CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE CONVENTION AND
20 VISITOR'S BUREAU TO PROVIDE VISITOR INFORMATION SERVICES AND
21 TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $77,525 (AB99 -067)
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23 3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO AN
24 AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND NORTHWEST SURVEYING
25 & GPS TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL SURVEYING SERVICES OF THE
26 EXISTING SYSTEM OF LEVEES AND HIGH BANKS ALONG THE NOOKSACK
27 RIVER BETWEEN THE EVERSON OVERFLOW AND, APPROXIMATELY, THE
28 GUIDE MERIDIAN IN THE AMOUNT OF 45,690 (AB99 -068)
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30 4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
31 PROPERTY INSURANCE RENEWAL WITH COMMONWEALTH INSURANCE TO
32 PROVIDE A PROPERTY LOSS LIMIT AND EARTHQUAKE AND FLOOD
33 COVERAGE IN THE PREMIUM AMOUNT OF $74,076 (AB99 -069)
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35 Hoag questioned the coverage total of $74,076 and the cost for insurance on the boiler
36 and machinery.
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38 Dave Wareing, Deputy Administrator, explained that the amount should be $77,295.
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40 Hoag moved to amend the amount to $77,295 to include the boiler and the machinery.
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42 Motion to amend carried unanimously.
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44 Nelson moved to approve the request, with the amendment.
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46 Pete Kremen, County Executive, stated that the premium amount for the boiler and
Regular County Council Meeting, 2/9/98, Page 4
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machinery does not exceed the $10,000 expenditure limit that requires Council approval. That
was probably why it is not included in the amount.
Hoag requested information on the type of coverage for the boiler and machinery.
Wareing stated that it is for the heating and cooling systems in all of the County buildings
Motion carried unanimously.
5. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID 98 -145 TO
A LIST OF LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDERS, TO ESTABLISH FIRM PRICES FOR
THE ANNUAL SUPPLY OF RIP RAP ROCK, BASED ON LOCATION,
AVAILABILITY AND LENGTH OF HAUL IN AN AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF
$35,000 (AB99 -070)
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID 98 -146 TO
A LIST OF LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDERS TO ESTABLISH FIRM PRICES FOR
THE ANNUAL SUPPLY OF MINERAL AGGREGATES, BASED ON SPECIAL
CIRCUMSTANCES SUCH AS ABILITY TO DELIVER, DELIVERY TIME,
AVAILABILITY OF MATERIAL, AND OTHERS IN AN AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF
$35,000 (AB99 -071)
Nelson moved approval.
Motion carried 6 -0 with Brown abstaining.
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID 98 -143 TO
THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER, AGGREGATES WEST, TO PROVIDE
SERVICES FOR AGGREGATE CRUSHING IN THE AMOUNT OF $906,780 (AB99 -
072)
Hoag questioned why such a large item wasn't included in the budget and whether they
are buying crushed rock for this amount of money, or is the County just paying to have rocks
crushed.
Dave Wareing, Deputy Administrator, stated that they are buying the crushed rock. It
was an oversight that it was not included.
Brown questioned whether they were buying crushed rock or hiring a contractor.
Brenner questioned whether the price includes the rock. Brown stated that it is County
rock.
Dick Prieve, Public Works M &O Manager, stated that the rock includes the rock crushed
and delivered. It is a three -year supply for the annual chip -seal program. It includes the
material, the crushing, and the hauling.
Regular County Council Meeting, 2/9/98, Page 5
I Nelson moved approval.
3 Motion carried unanimously.
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5 8. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID 99 -03 TO
6 THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER, CHEVRON PRODUCTS COMPANY, TO
7 PROVIDE ASPHALTIC EMULSIONS FOR USE IN VARIOUS COUNTY ROAD
8 MAINTENANCE PROJECTS IN THE APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $350,000
9 (AB99 -073)
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11 PUBLIC HEARING
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13 1. ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 2.75.030 OUTLINING
14 DUTIES OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND ESTABLISHING A
15 WATER RESOURCES FUND (AB99 -062)
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17 Pete Kremen, County Executive, spoke on the Comprehensive Water Resource Plan and
18 stated that the intent of the plan is to provide a firm working foundation upon which the County
19 will be able to preserve the water. It is a viable, realistic, comprehensive water resource plan for
20 Whatcom County. In addition to the work of the County's water team, the document has been
21 reviewed by a number of knowledgeable individuals and entities. He recognized the water team
22 members as Charles Benjamin of the Health and Human Services Department, Sue Blake of the
23 Planning and Development Services Department, Regina Delahunt of the Health and Human
24 Services Department, Barry Hill, Michael Knapp of the Planning and Development Services
25 Department, Craig MacConnell of the Cooperative Extension, and Jeff Monsen of the Public
26 Works Department. Kremen also explained that the document is also on the Whatcom County
27 Home Page at http: / /www.wa.govt /whatcomco/
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29 Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, explained that this is only starting a substantial
30 amount of work. The ordinance that is before the Council is a part of the administrative step of
31 pulling everything together. It is a work in progress.
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33 Sutter questioned whether this plan is going to be adopted by the Council or is an in-
34 house document. Monsen stated this is information to use for different future decisions. The
35 Council's responsibility is to review the expenditures.
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37 Sutter questioned how citizens with concerns address those concerns to the County.
38 Monsen explained that they can come to any of the members of the water team, or come directly
39 to the Public Works administrative offices. Every one of the tasks will include some element of
40 public participation.
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42 (Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side A.)
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44 Hoag questioned when the County is getting the Endangered Species Act (ESA)
45 coordinator. Monsen explained that the priority is to bring on the Water Resource Manager that
46 will make sure that public contact is consistent throughout the effort. An advertisement for a
Regular County Council Meeting, 2/9/98, Page 6
1 coordinator will be within a month or month and a half.
3 Brenner requested clarification on the purpose of the plan. She found that it is a
4 compilation of everything that they have talked about. There are not any specifics. It should be
5 more specific about what the County is going to do to alleviate water quality and quantity
6 problems. Monsen stated that this is a compilation where the County has been and what the next
7 steps are. It is meant to be enough information so that they can pose those questions as they
8 bring forward expenditure proposals. The document should be clear enough to address the items
9 in the supplemental budget request. They should expect more information. They want to move
10 ahead on the items that there is an agreement for doing. It is a work in progress and they want to
11 make sure that everyone is in agreement in the direction that they are heading, before moving too
12 far down the path.
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14 Sutter questioned whether future items, as they are developed, will become a part of this
15 plan. She wanted a single document that is a comprehensive Water Resources Management
16 Plan. That is where the detail and the specifics come in. Monsen responded that this could be
17 characterized as a summary of where the are. It is a coordinating document. There will be a
18 watershed plan developed under ESHB 2514. There will be salmon recovery efforts under
19 ESHB 2496, as well as some other activities. There will be a lot more detail in various locations.
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21 Sutter asked that all the different documents be brought together in a single plan.
22 Monsen stated that they could do that.
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24 Dawson opened the public hearing and the following people spoke:
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26 Robin Dexter, citizen, spoke in favor of the re- organization and funding for the water
27 resource plan. He asked that this whole burden not be placed on Administration. He urged the
28 Council to get involved in some of the meetings. Education is the most useful element, and it
29 will give the biggest reward.
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31 Hearing no one else, Dawson closed the public hearing.
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33 Imhof moved approval of the ordinance.
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35 Hoag stated that there was a memo from Barbara Cory, Treasurer, regarding the
36 dedicated funding source.
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38 Dave Wareing, Deputy Administrator, explained that the suggestions in the memo do not
39 apply in this situation. Legal counsel agreed. A key element of the water resources fund is that
40 it is a repository of funding from a variety of different sources. One of the sources for this fund
41 is the flood fund assessment. That was dedicated in Resolution 98 -078. She was not involved in
42 the discussions. There were two issues. One is that it doesn't have a dedicated funding source.
43 It doesn't need a dedicated funding source. It has several funding sources.
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45 Brenner questioned how they can use a flood tax for issues that are not related to
46 flooding. Wareing stated that the statute that addresses the flood fund says that they can. Also,
Regular County Council Meeting, 2/9/98, Page 7
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this is a comprehensive plan that brings together a number of different elements.
Nelson stated that a concern was about intermingling funds. That concern was the intent
of Cory's memo.
Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER ITEMS
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1999 BUDGET, REQUEST # 1 (AB99 -059)
Nelson reported for Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved approval
of items 1 through 8 of the supplemental budget request.
Motion carried unanimously.
ADDENDUM:
REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH OWENS,
DAVIES, MACKIE FOR LEGAL SERVICES FOR THE COUNTY'S APPEALS OF
THE DECISIONS OF THE WESTERN WASHINGTON GROWHT MANAGEMENT
HEARINGS BOARD IN CASE NUMBERS 94-2-0009,96-2-0008, AND 97- 2 -0030C
(AB99 -082)
Nelson moved approval of the contract.
Brenner stated that it is time for staff to be taking care of these items.
Dawson stated that was discussed during Finance Committee. This is the final part.
Hoag concurred with Brenner.
Brown stated that they are still dealing with a large volume of information in which he is
very familiar. This is to bring that to a conclusion. From that point on, County staff will handle
future appeals.
Nelson explained the importance of supporting the Comprehensive Plan and to tie up all
the loose ends so that the administration can handle the issues that come forward.
Hoag stated that she heard the same argument a year ago.
Brenner stated that they are never going to tie up the loose ends. The County can deal
with this at the local level and doesn't need an expensive hired gun.
Motion carried 4 -3 with Brenner, Hoag, and Sutter opposed.
Regular County Council Meeting, 2/9/98, Page 8
1 2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR PAYMENT OF COUNCIL MEMBER
2 TRAVEL/EXPENSES (AB99 -022A)
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4 Nelson reported for Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved
5 approval.
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7 Hoag questioned the need for the supply order to be approved.
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9 Dana Brown - Davis, Clerk of the Council, explained that Hoag purchased those items
10 herself and is asking for reimbursement. In that case, the items need to be approved. They won't
11 be coming out of the travel fund. The approval of the Council is needed for accountability.
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13 Motion carried unanimously.
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15 3. RESOLUTION ADOPTING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 1998 OPEN SPACE
16 APPLICATIONS (AB99 -075)
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18 Sutter reported for Planning and Development Committee and stated that the committee
19 also discussed the proposed docket for the Comprehensive Plan amendments, which will be
20 coming back to the Council at the next meeting in two weeks.
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22 Sutter stated that the committee recommended upholding the Planning Commission, with
23 one exception. The committee recommended that the Burke application be remanded to the
24 Planning Commission for re- evaluation. There was some question as to the scoring that they did.
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26 Motion carried unanimously.
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28 4. CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL OF THE HEARING EXAMINER'S
29 DECISION ON CUP98 -0031 (A SEWER LINE INTERCEPTOR PROPOSED BY
30 WATER DISTRICT 10), FILED BY SHERILYN WELLS (ALSO ON BEHALF OF
31 THE WATERSHED DEFENSE FUND, AS PRESIDENT) (AB98 -427)
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33 See "Announcements."
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36 5. COUNCIL APPROVAL TO REQUEST THAT THE FLOOD CONTROL ZONE
37 DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE SET NOOKSACK RIVER MEANDER LIMITS
38 AND CRITERIA FOR BANK STABILIZATION (AB99 -080)
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40 Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, stated that the issue is about moving ahead as
41 rapidly as possible to set boundaries along the river that would allow the County to get permits
42 for bank stabilization. The issue is avoiding locations to invest public funds and protecting the
43 bank from a course the river should be allowed to meander. This is a step that must be done to
44 be able to predict the availability of permits to do any work along the river.
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46 Sutter questioned the cost. Monsen stated that is not clear.
Regular County Council Meeting, 2/9/98, Page 9
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Sutter stated that they can request the Advisory Committee to look into the issue.
Hoag stated that this item was before the Natural Resources Committee meeting on
January 26th and the committee approved a recommendation to the Council.
Hoag moved to request that the Flood Control Zone District Advisory Committee set
Nooksack River meander limits and criteria for bank stabilization.
Dawson stated that the Department of Ecology has been working with the Advisory
Committee, so there is a lot of support for this.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPOINT AMORY
PECK TO HER FIRST TERM AS A MEMBER OF THE WHATCOM COUNTY
RURAL LIBRARY BOARD (AB99 -076)
Imhof moved to approve.
Hoag questioned Ms. Peck's opinion on the closure of the Newhalem library.
Pete Kremen, County Executive, stated that he discussed various issues with her and
found her to be competent and poised. She believed that the process used to come to the decision
of the closure was not the best process. She had attended the meeting.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO REAPPOINT ROBERT
NEALE TO A SECOND TERM AND FRED WEFER TO HIS FIRST TERM ON THE
WHATCOM COUNTY APPEALS BOARD (AB99 -077)
Imhof moved to appoint by acclamation.
Hoag questioned whether Neale was still the fire chief in Lynden, as his application
states.
Pete Kremen, County Executive, stated that he is now chief of Fire District #3. Prior to
going to Lynden, he was a captain with the Bellingham Fire Department.
Motion carried unanimously.
8. RESOLUTION SUPPORTING WHATCOM COUNTY PARTICIPATION IN
MENTAL HEALTH PLANNING (AB99 -078)
Brenner moved to approve.
Regular County Council Meeting, 2/9/98, Page 10
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Chuck Benjamin, Health and Human Services Director, stated that they have addressed
Hoag's grammatical and clarity issues. The fifth and sixth "WHEREAS "' have been cleaned up.
Brenner stated that Whatcom County was left out of the loop in not receiving information
that was supposed to be received. This is a resolution to make a strong statement that they do
expect to be included in all these decisions and County needs to have all pertinent information.
Benjamin stated that the lack of information was not from the North Sound Regional
Support Network, but from the contract provider of the Associated Provider Network (APN).
Dawson suggested having a presentation before the Council. Benjamin stated that the
Mental Health Advisory Board can determine a topic for the contractor to discuss.
Hoag questioned the movement of beds. Benjamin clarified that vacant beds could be
moved to another location where they would be used. It would make fewer beds available for
Whatcom County. There has been a report on the impact of that discussion.
Nelson stated that it would be appropriate to bring this forward to have a clear
understanding of how the APN operates within a regional concept, and how Whatcom County
fits into that, then to address the local needs.
Motion to approve the substitute carried unanimously.
REPORTS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS
Sutter stated that she called Gail Kelly, Administrative Services Safety coordinator
regarding the Newhalem library being closed.
(Clerk's Note: End of tape one, side B.)
Sutter continued to state that she would like to have a book drive within the County for
the citizens who would like to start another library. People can donate books.
Brenner would like to hear from the County Library Board about re- opening the Library.
Nelson stated that he had information regarding an opportunity for the Council to
purchase property along Lake Whatcom using the Conservation Futures Fund. He requested
support from the Council to purchase the property, before it becomes developed. It would help
protect Lake Whatcom and maintain the trail system that will be right below the property. He
will submit it to the County Executive to begin working on it.
Nelson moved approval of getting information from Administration regarding purchasing
the property.
Hoag questioned whether this would take up a lot of staff time.
Regular County Council Meeting, 2/9/98, Page 11
2 Dave Wareing, Deputy Administrator, stated that he has the information.
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4 Sutter stated that it is 53 acres for sale for $250,000, which is a little excessive.
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6 Brown stated that it has been logged.
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8 Wareing stated that it would need an appraisal, which would establish the price.
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10 Motion carried unanimously.
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12 Hoag stated that she and Marlene are going to Olympia and they asked Council members
13 if they had any issues that they wanted her and Marlene to take to the legislators. She has not
14 heard back from anyone.
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16 Nelson stated that he sent his comments and concerns to all of the legislators regarding
17 the water bill.
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19 Sutter stated that she would like to see the State legislators get behind Slade Gorton's
20 proposal to bring $310 million into the region for salmon recovery efforts.
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22 Dawson stated that it must have local direction.
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24 Brown stated that he is totally against closing the Newhalem library. Seattle City Light
25 makes money off of the County's water. The County should get revenue from it. The citizens'
26 in the area should at least get a library.
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28 Nelson clarified that they do pay for their own Sheriff protection.
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30 Dave Wareing, Deputy Administrator, stated that was a part of the library issue. Seattle
31 City Light was not willing to contribute as much money to the library's budget. By cutting back
32 that money, the Library Board decided to shut the library. Administration will be talking with
33 someone about negotiating a new agreement that will be more favorable to the County. Also, the
34 letter in the newspaper was not in reference to the person that was brought forth by the County
35 Executive for appointment to the Library Board. It was a different individual.
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37 Brenner suggested approving a resolution stating that the Council supports efforts to re-
38 open the library.
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40 Brenner moved approval of a resolution expressing the Council's support of efforts to re-
41 open the library.
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43 Motion carried 6 -0 with Imhof abstaining.
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45 Brown also brought forward information on old growth spruce. The owner has stated
46 that he will donate the value of the land and the other timber, if he could be reimbursed for the
Regular County Council Meeting, 2/9/98, Page 12
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old- growth conifer. He urged the Council to consider the offer.
Brenner suggested putting it into committee.
Dana Brown - Davis, Clerk of the Council, stated that there is a request from Sehome High
School for a Council Member to attend their class on Thursday or Friday. No one was available.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
These minutes were approved by Council on March 9 , 1999.
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Marlene Dawson, Council Chair
Regular County Council Meeting, 2/9/98, Page 13