HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works December 7 19991
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works and Capital Projects Committee
December 7, 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:
Ward Nelson
Tom Brown
Absent:
None
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. RESOLUTION APPROVING POINT ROBERTS WATER DISTRICT NO. 4
COMPREHENSIVE WATER SYSTEM PLAN (AB99 -458)
Matt Aamot, Planning and Development Services Planner, stated that state
law requires approval of these plans by the legislative authority.
Brenner questioned whether the Council has approved one of these before.
Aamot stated he has not been involved with one before. He believed one was done
for Water District #10.
Nelson questioned whether it needs a public hearing. Aamot stated he didn't
think so.
Brenner stated it wouldn't need a public hearing because it is a resolution
with no force of law.
Nelson moved to recommend approval.
Brown stated he thought it included the potential for golf courses. The water
system plan identifies four potential large -scale development projects at Point
Roberts. Aamot stated they have a permit for the golf course and a clubhouse.
Their permit was not extended for the residential condominium portion of the
development. They would have to come back to the County and have a letter from
the water district. Irrigation might be a different issue.
Nelson questioned whether the water source was Tswassen. Aamot stated
there are three reservoirs in Canada.
Dan Burkes, Point Roberts Water District #4 Manager, introduced himself.
Brown questioned whether they have enough water to serve the additional
developments if they request additional water. Burkes stated they entered into a
contract with the Greater Vancouver Water District to purchase 84,000 US gallons
per day. When the contract was initiated in 1989, the State Department of Health
(DOH) blessed it because they were running out of water. They required a certain
amount for fire suppression and future growth. They pay for 307 million US gallons
per year. Last year they used 78 million gallons. They borrowed $2.5 million in
Public Works and Capital Projects Committee, 12/7/99, Page 1
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federal money. They wanted the guaranteed water source. No one foresaw all the
capital improvement costs and seismic upgrades. The water costs have increased
270 percent. When the golf course came in, the district wanted to sell the excess
water. Generally speaking, the state wants 800 gallons per day for each
connection. With that calculation, they have exceeded their intake. Because they
maintained their usage, they are using about 400 gallons per day. The details are
all in the plan. There is a concern about the major developments.
Brenner asked if the water is available. Burkes stated they don't have any
big projects pending.
Brown asked if their usage is seasonal. Burkes stated it is. The biggest
usage day was 720,000 gallons in the summer. They use 100,000 to 130,000
gallons per day right now.
Brenner questioned whether it would fill the gap if they get the build -out on
residential development to the maximum. Burkes stated Thielmann, the engineer
for the northwest region of the State Department of Ecology (DOE), approved the
district for 2,050 connections, based on their history. Any major development has
to go through them.
Brenner questioned whether complete build -out would use up the rest of the
water allocation with the zoning the way it is. Burke stated there are 4,400 platted
parcels. It would probably use the remaining allotment, but there is no sewage.
Brown asked if there is a renewal clause in the contract. Burke stated he
would find out and let them know.
Motion to approve carried unanimously.
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, 12/7/99, Page 2