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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works and Capital Projects Committee
April 20, 1999
The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by Committee Chair Barbara Brenner in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
Also Present: Absent:
Ward Nelson None
Tom Brown
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
REVIEW OF COUNTY TAX INCREASE ON GARBAGE COLLECTION (AB99 -144)
Brenner stated that she received a bill from a resident whose rate went up. She sent a
memo requesting that he refresh her memory about why the tax was raised. His response was
only that the County Council approved the tax. The Council never enacts solid waste taxes out
of the blue. She did not like the tax. There has not been any improvement.
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, stated that in early 1997, when flow control
disappeared, the County Solid Waste Division lost its primary revenue source. In mid -1997, the
administration proposed a replacement of the revenue, an $8.50 excise tax per ton on collection
services. At that time, the County Council approved a $6.50 per ton excise tax instead of $8.50.
Later in the year, it was recommended to be raised back to $8.50. The difference is a reactive vs.
proactive approach to solid waste activities. The $8.50 is in place, and they are in the process of
getting the recycling services back online.
Brenner questioned why the County is hiring a person to do recycling services instead of
contracting with a contractor. Monsen stated that they will contract for those services. The
increase in the full time equivalent (FTE) from half time to full time is to look for proactive
activities to supplement the education program that they have historically been contracting.
Brenner stated that there are organizations that do that. Monsen stated that it relates to
putting together an activity regarding organics and there are things that can be done internally.
The person's bill went up because of the increase of the haulers' fee, which is due to the
County's increase from $6.50 to $8.50. Previous to the increase on the bill, the hauler was not
charging the customer the full rate.
Brenner asked that Monsen explain that in writing so she can forward the information to
the person.
2. UPDATE ON SKATEBOARD PARK IN WHATCOM COUNTY (AB99 -147)
Roger DeSpain, Whatcom County Parks Department Director, gave a background on the
skateboarding issue. There are a number of criteria when evaluating facilities, such as proximity
to population centers, the location of the facility, utilities, neighborhood, signage, parking, and
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funding. There were also discussions regarding the creation of a BMX bike track. There is a
skateboarding facility in Mt. Vernon that they looked at. There was always a question of
liability, however that has not become the big issue. Whatcom County must be cautious if they
begin charging a fee. Insurance is not as big as he believed a few years ago. Today, the City of
Bellingham has a proposal they are working on. They are hoping to complete their park by late
summer. The skateboarders have spent a great amount of time and energy on this issue.
Brenner stated asked if County funds can help out on the park. DeSpain stated that all of
the Parks money has is accounted for this year. He could look into maintenance costs and see if
they can contribute in -kind services.
Adam Rode, stated that the park is a great idea. There needs to be places for the youth to
do skateboarding. It has mental and physical benefits. Skateboarders get removed from a lot of
locations, so they need a place to skate.
Craig Thomas, 1434 Iron Street, distributed information on skateboard parks in various
parts of the nation.
Matt French, stated that they have been waiting a long time for this. In the meantime, the
no skateboarding law downtown has been expanded. Some use it for transportation. He
questioned the total amount raised so far.
DeSpain responded that the amount is about $250,000.
French stated that he believed that there had been upwards of $276,000. Brenner stated
that was from the City government.
(Clerk's Note: Nelson left at 1: 50 p.m).
French asked if the money is in a separate fund and, if so, if it is gaining interest.
Brenner stated that he needed to contact the Bellingham Parks Department.
Bruce Guthrie, citizen, stated that Bellingham needs this project. He is unhappy about
the proportion of money being put up by the government vs. the amount put up by the
skateboarders. He challenged the skateboarders to come up with more money. They should
have concerts, fund- raisers, competitions, and other types of fund- raisers. If they raise more
money, then they would take more responsibility for keeping it up. Also, it could be built in
phases and there should be user donations.
Brenner questioned whether donations would not be the same as fees. DeSpain stated
that they would not be the same.
Samantha Susay, 1080 Telegraph Road, stated that this is an important issue. They
support all sports for children. People don't consider skateboarding a sport. Skateboarders are
not a minority any more. The County should help fund a park. The government supports what
the people rally for. Everyone who skateboards is willing to maintain the facility.
Rode stated that he is a small business owner selling skateboards. He would donate
money from his business.
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2 French stated that skateboarding is as popular as soccer. The money is available. Players
3 of other sports don't raise the money for their facilities. The governments pay for it. $250,000 is
4 more than enough for a park.
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6 Brenner stated that it is important to have ownership.
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8 Guthrie stated that stated that for the Bellingham Ice Rink, the city leases the land at $2
9 per year. There is no other governmental cash outlay. The ice rink organizations do a lot of
10 fund- raising. Those clubs don't get any subsidy from the government.
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12 Shelley Ness, 956 Puget Street, believed that City funding was already approved and
13 there was a site. The issue is where they are going to put the park.
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15 Brenner stated that Leslie Bryson from the Bellingham City Parks Department told her
16 that the park was going forward. They would do the geological work that is needed, rather than
17 find another site. The addition would cost $10,000 for geological work, and $30,000 for
18 landscaping. The organization is called the Whatcom County Skate Park Foundation (WCSPF).
19 Checks could be sent to the Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department. During the first year,
20 the skaters were really involved. They have put forth an effort.
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22 3. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE DRAFTING OF A LETTER REQUESTING
23 FEDERAL AND STATE RESPECT OF LOCAL JURISDICTIONS (AB99 -111)
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25 Brenner stated that Ben Hinkle would provide a summary. There is a proposed letter
26 from the County Council that she has drafted, which is on page 88 of the County Council packet.
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28 Hinkle read from a letter he prepared (on file).
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30 (Clerk's Note: End of Tape one, side A)
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32 Hoag suggested, in the proposed letter in the Council packet, removing all of paragraph
33 two except the first sentence, all of the third paragraph except first sentence, and add Metcalf s
34 Congressional Resolution #30.
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36 Brenner stated that she hasn't seen Metcalf's Resolution and won't support it without
37 reading it. She suggested Hoag add the parts of the Resolution that are appropriate.
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39 Hoag stated that they don't need to do that until Brenner sees the Resolution. Also, the
40 Council letter should be changed to a resolution.
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42 Hoag stated also wanted to address Dan Gibson's information. She read wording on page
43 2 of 4 of the Executive Order. Items listed in the Order can be used to justify too much. She
44 questioned item C on the last page of the Order, which revokes previous Executive Orders, and
45 what those orders were about.
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47 Dan Gibson, Senior Civil Deputy Prosecutor, stated that he didn't track that information
48 down, but assumed that they conflicted with the current Order. The current Order is suspended.
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Hoag asked if the previous orders, because of this Order's suspension, are in effect.
Gibson stated that technically they are.
Brenner stated that her intention was to bring forward a letter or resolution making a
statement from Council regarding the Presidential Order.
Hoag stated she wanted to ensure that all concerns are addressed.
Brenner stated that she didn't mind taking out the portions that Hoag recommended.
Brown asked Hoag to draft her suggestions and the information that she wanted included.
The committee concurred to hold this item in committee until Hoag drafts a letter or
resolution.
Hoag asked if everyone was comfortable removing the items she suggested.
The committee concurred that they are.
Brenner stated that it needs to go to full Council. Any further concerns should be
resolved prior to the discussion in the next committee.
Brown suggested that it go only before the full Council, not the Committee.
The committee concurred.
A DInI TR N
The meeting adjourned at 2:27 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
ATTEST:
Dana Brown- Davis, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barbara Brenner, Committee Chair