HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil June 16 19981
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Regular Council Meeting
June 16, 1998
The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by Council Chair Robert Imhof in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue.
Alcn PrPCPnt• AhsPnt-
Barbara Brenner
Marlene Dawson
Kathy Sutter
Ward Nelson
Tom Brown
Connie Hoag
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Imhof announced that during Committee of the Whole executive session the Council was
briefed by legal counsel on an appeal of the Hearing Examiner's decision filed by Chester
Lackey, Attorney at Law, for Ralph Bennett, Bennett Woodland Farms, LLC (AB98 -183)
Nelson moved to uphold the Hearing Examiner's decision and stated that the decision
was not based on an error of law.
Motion to uphold carried 5 -2 with Brown and Hoag opposed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS: APRIL 4,
1997, COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WORK SESSION; FEBRUARY 10, 1998,
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Dawson moved approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
OPEN SESSION
No one addressed the Council.
CONSENT AGENDA
Dawson reported for Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved
approval of items 1 through 6.
Regular Council Meeting, 6116198, Page 1
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Hoag requested that item 3 be removed from the consent agenda for discussion.
Motion to approve items 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 carried unanimously.
1. RESOLUTION SETTING THE HEARING AND NOTICE OF HEARING TO SELL
TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY NEGOTIATION, REQUEST #98 -3 (AB98 -228)
2. RESOLUTION SETTING THE HEARING AND NOTICE OF HEARING TO SELL
TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY PUBLIC AUCTION, REQUEST #98 -4 (AB98 -229)
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
PURCHASE OF LIGNOSITE FROM GEORGIA - PACIFIC, A SOLE SOURCE, FOR
USE ON COUNTY ROADS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $60,000 (AB98 -
230)
Hoag expressed concern about dioxins from the lignosite. She moved to hold this item
until her concerns can be eliminated. Public Works Department staff stated that it was not urgent
that this item be handled immediately. A newspaper article from the Globe and Mail was
submitted and raised the concerns to her. The article discussed Quebec, Canada's regulations
for application. Spraying is allowed only if it is guaranteed not to rain in 48 hours. Calcium
chloride has been substituted on southern Vancouver Island. Dioxin is a suspected cancer -
causing agent and is dangerous to aquatic life.
Dick Prieve, Public Works Maintenance and Operations Assistant Director of Operations,
reported that he would be happy to provide Council with a MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
report and the report from Georgia- Pacific. In the past, other citizens have raised some concerns.
The information in the MSDS has satisfied the concerns of those citizens. This chemical is
presently being used. This item comes before the Council because the budgeted $35,000 may be
exceeded if there is a long, dry summer.
Brown spoke in favor of the use of lignosite because the MSDS information is available.
This is a substance that the US Forest Service endorses and allows. It has been in use for quite
some time.
Brenner stated that occasionally problems with chemicals could be found years after the
use of the chemical. Information on the chemicals may not be accurate.
Prieve confirmed that spraying does not occur when it rains.
Motion to hold for two weeks carried 4 -3 with Dawson, Imhof, and Brown opposed.
4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO MAINTAIN THE
CURRENT WHATCOM COUNTY FERRY RATES, WITH NO FARE INCREASE,
AS PREVIOUSLY ESTABLISHED (AB98 -231)
Regular Council Meeting, 6116198, Page 2
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5. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ACCEPT THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AWARDED BY THE
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY TRADE & ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT ENTITLED " WHATCOM COUNTY DISASTER RECOVERY
GRANT," IN THE AMOUNT OF $175,000 (AB98 -232)
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR PAYMENT OF COUNCIL MEMBER
EXPENSES AND /OR TRAVEL (AB98 -143C)
PUBLIC HEARING
1. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF WHATCOM COUNTY SURPLUS
PROPERTY, PURSUANT TO WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 1.10 (AB98 -221A)
Dave Wareing, Deputy Administrator, stated that there are two items available for sale.
The first item is a house that needs to be removed because it is in dangerous condition.
Administration recommended Council authorize the removal of the house, whether the house is
razed or burned to the ground.
Brenner questioned why the title of the resolution states that the property is to be sold
when the intention is to destroy the property. Wareing responded that disposing of the property
was handled through the normal process.
Wareing stated that this property has gone through the Property Management Committee
and the committee recommended destruction.
Imhof moved to amend the title of the resolution to state, "A Resolution Authorizing the
Disposition of Said Property by Any Means the Administration Deems Appropriate."
Hoag clarified that using the term "disposition" would leave open the option of selling
property if someone would want to purchase it.
Brenner stated that if the property is considered dangerous, she would not want the
liability involved in selling the property.
Motion to amend the language carried unanimously.
Wareing stated that the second item available for sale is the bullet trap removed from the
Plantation Rifle Range. Administration requested the item be designated surplus and made
available for sale.
Imhof opened the public hearing and, hearing no one, the public hearing was closed.
Sutter moved to approve the amended resolution.
Regular Council Meeting, 6116198, Page 3
2 Motion carried unanimously.
3
4 2. RESOLUTION IN THE MATTER OF THE WHATCOM COUNTY
5 COMPREHENSIVE SIX YEAR ROAD PROGRAM FOR THE YEARS 1999
6 THROUGH 2004 (AB98 -223)
7
8 Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, distributed a map showing the projects involved in
9 the Six -Year Road Program. The work being done this year does not show up on the map. This
10 work includes reconstruction of Austin Street, Northwest Drive beyond Axton, the beginning of
11 the West Badger Road project west of the Guide Meridian. The Everson - Goshen overlay has
12 been completed. An overlay on Lake Whatcom Boulevard will begin. This summer the
13 reconstruction of the Lummi Shore Road will begin. From an engineering point of view, Yew
14 Street and Park Roads will be designed this year. They are shown on The Six Year Road
15 Program as construction in the next 1 to 2 years. Also engineering work will finalize alignment
16 for the Whatcom Connector. There will be overlay work on Birch Bay- Lynden/Harborview
17 areas, and the Saxon Road and Wickersham Road bridges.
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19 The Six Year Road Program can be characterized in four categories. 1.) There is quite a
20 bit of work proposed for the next six years between the Lummi Shore Road and overlay work on
21 Haxton. This is in the Lummi Peninsula/Marine Drive vicinity. 2.) There are different types of
22 work planned for the Lake Whatcom area, both Yew Street and Yew Street Road. Completion of
23 overlay work on Lake Whatcom Boulevard is planned, which concludes the safety improvements
24 along the Boulevard and Park Road. 3.) There will be a lot of effort over the next few years in
25 the Cherry Point /Birch Bay area to create all- weather access to the industrial area. 4.) There are
26 a variety of spot projects in the County.
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28 Much of the north /northeast county are planning projects instead of projects to be
29 scheduled soon. They are seeking grant funding for those areas. Dashed areas on the map
30 indicate projects that have no funding available.
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32 Page 197 of the Council packet lists the total of the construction local match and project
33 State /Federal /Other construction grants. The two items added reflect the total amount in the Six
34 Year Road Program.
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36 Brown asked the amount of gas tax revenue received per mile of road. Monsen
37 responded that a typical road is $3500 per year depending on the classification. That is the direct
38 fuel tax distribution that the County receives for discretionary spending. There are some
39 construction grant programs that are driven by fuel tax, but that is a different category.
40
41 Brenner asked about a project from the corner of Smith and Northwest, west to the
42 Ferndale city limits. It does not seem that the project reaches the city limits. Monsen responded
43 that this area is planned once funding is found. It is not high priority compared to other
44 activities. If federal or state grant programs are received, it will be done. The Department will
45 work with Ferndale to make sure the project gets done.
Regular Council Meeting, 6116198, Page 4
2 Hoag stated that her road is the roughest road in the County. It has been patched in
3 places and not smoothed out. Monsen responded that she is describing a pre -level project that
4 leads into a chip -seal project. Asphalt is put down to level out the greatest sections of rough
5 road. It will be followed by a chip -seal. This is a maintenance activity that would not show up
6 on the Six Year Road Program. This program is a capital road program that shows new road
7 building activities or completely reconstructing existing roads.
8
9 Hoag asked if the County includes bike paths in new road construction. Monsen
10 responded that all arterial roads that are being reconstructed would include paved shoulders
I 1 adequate to be classified as bike routes. In the County's bike plan, a significant portion of the
12 arterial system states, in the Comprehensive Plan, that the application for bike paths are paved
13 shoulders four to six feet wide. There has not been an aggressive program for new construction
14 to create bike paths other than some of the trails the Parks Department have created.
15
16 Dawson clarified the dashed areas on the map. Monsen confirmed that those roads to not
17 yet exist. They include some level of engineering and planning. If opportunities arise to move
18 the projects along, he will. The Whatcom Connector is a planning route but not in the program
19 for construction. The Slater Connector would be driven when development occurs in the area.
20 The opportunity would arise through a development project or a future grant program.
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22 Brenner asked about the chances for the Pole Road Connector. Monsen responded that it
23 could be dealt with at some point in the future. It would be a very expensive project. Imhof
24 stated that it may become a priority when there is a great deal of industrial development in the
25 Cherry Point area. Monsen stated that a project of that cost could not be done with County
26 discretionary money. State and Federal money would have to be accessed. Pole Road east of the
27 Guide Meridian, and Grandview west of the freeway are state roads.
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29 Imhof opened the public hearing and the following people spoke:
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31 Ross Wood, 2011 E. Hemmi Road, Everson, stated that he is a Mt. Baker School
32 District bus driver. Park Road is the worst road in the County. He avoids the road
33 altogether. He has neck problems that are due to the road. A bus went into the ditch on
34 Park Road this year due to it being very narrow and winding. Buses travel the road 20
35 times per day hauling over 300 children. Trees and power lines frequently fall on the
36 road. He would like to see the road rebuilt. He asked for clarification on the funding
37 plan for Park Road. Imhof responded that the contract for the planning was done a month
38 ago for the engineering. The east half of Park Road is scheduled for next year. The other
39 half is scheduled for the following year. Monsen explained that the entire length of the
40 road is 2.8 miles. The project is in the planning process and funding is secured for next
41 year. He will seek state grants for the second half of the road project, but even if they
42 don't come through, Public Works will complete the project. The balance of the project
43 is not dependent on state grants, but there is an opportunity to receive grants.
44
Regular Council Meeting, 6116198, Page 5
I Barbara Tannis, 517 Hilltop Drive, Sedro- Woolley (Glenhaven) also spoke about
2 her concerns about the Park Road. She asked that the Park Road project be moved to the
3 number one priority rather than number two. 300 children and their parents drive that
4 route for school functions. It is a dangerous road for the children to ride on. Imhof
5 explained that it doesn't make a difference if the project is listed as number one or
6 number two. The project is planned and will be completed in the soonest timeframe
7 possible. By the time the engineering portion of the project is done, it will be fall and the
8 construction season is over. Construction would take place next year on the first half of
9 the road. There is not money available for the second half of the road. Nelson added that
10 there are as many concerns from the public about the Yew Street Road project, which is
11 rated number one. Monsen stated that the engineering work will be done quickly enough
12 to be out to bid very early next year. The only possible delay would be weather.
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14 Karen Snaveley, 727 West Road, Sedro- Woolley (Glenhaven), stated that her
15 child is concerned about the bus ride and does not want to ride the bus. Park Road should
16 be done sooner than one to two years.
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18 Hearing no one else, Imhof closed the public hearing.
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20 Nelson moved to approve the resolution.
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22 Brenner commented that the Council had been told that this is one of the first projects to
23 be done. It is being done as quickly as possible.
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25 Brown mentioned that the possibility exists that sometimes it is cheaper to maintain
26 county roads by applying a surface treatment rather than maintaining gravel roads with lignite.
27 He questioned whether it would be appropriate to discuss in Public Works Committee the
28 possibility. Imhof gave his approval for this discussion to be scheduled.
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30 Motion to approve the resolution carried unanimously.
31
32 OTHER ITEMS
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34 1. DRAFT MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE LUMMI NATION,
35 NOOKSACK TRIBE, WHATCOM COUNTY, CITY OF BELLINGHAM, AND
36 WHATCOM COUNTY PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 1 (AB98 -235)
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38 Pete Kremen, County Executive, stated that the draft Memorandum of Agreement
39 (MOA) needs to be scrutinized by the other parties to the agreement. He recommended that the
40 draft be put into Natural Resources Committee for further work and scrutiny. There are concerns
41 on the part of the Nooksack Tribe. The Council may have modifications to make as well. The
42 letter from Lummi Indian Business Council member Henry Cagey asks for review and comment
43 as soon as convenient. Once all parties to the agreement have reviewed and commented, a final
44 draft will be circulated to all parties. The parties are all moving forward with a spirit of
45 cooperation and collaboration.
Regular Council Meeting, 6116198, Page 6
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Imhof questioned whether this would be a duplication of efforts given the passage of
legislation 2514 and the efforts of the Council of Governments (COG) and the Water Resources
Management Council. This could be an issue discussed in committee.
Imhof moved to hold in committee.
(Clerk's Note: There was no vote on the motion)
Imhof stated that prior to the next Natural Resources Committee meeting, all
Council Members should review the document and submit comments to Council Member Hoag
as chair of the committee.
Hoag stated that the agenda for the next Natural Resources Committee is very full and
questioned whether the item could be scheduled in another meeting. Nelson responded that this
issue should take priority over any other issue. Kremen concurred. He stated that he would not
want the Lummi Nation to get the impression that the County was in any way stalling. Hoag
responded that she would schedule the item on the committee and reschedule the other items.
2. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1998 BUDGET, REQUEST NO. 6 (AB98 -227)
Dawson reported for Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved to
adopt the ordinance.
Brenner stated the two positions requested by Juvenile Court would be ideal for
contracting outside of the County government. There are plenty of people in the community that
have expertise in this field. She stated her support for the positions, but not to be hired as two
more County staff positions. Dawson and Brown concurred.
Dave Wareing, Deputy Administrator, stated he was unsure whether these positions
would be allowed to be contracted out per the grant requirements. It is fortunate for the County
to be given additional resources to provide additional services to the community that are funded
by the State.
Dawson stated that the people that would fill the positions would lose their positions
when the grant money ended. Those people would then be first in line to transfer to other
positions available within the County and may not be as qualified.
Wareing stated that one position would be for a Community /Court Liaison. Someone
who would fill that position would traditionally work within the criminal justice system. The
second position is for an assistant/support staff person.
(Clerks Note: End of tape one, side A)
Regular Council Meeting, 6116198, Page 7
I Wareing continued to state that the people filling the positions would work under the
2 authority of the court within the courthouse and within the process. These positions are best
3 suited to be staffed by County personnel.
4
5 Hoag asked if it would be possible to remove this item from the ordinance until it is
6 determined whether the positions could be contracted out according the grant requirements.
7 Wareing stated that the administration would not support removing this item from the budget
8 modification request.
9
10 Brown stated that the focus of the request is to implement the Victim Restoration Project
11 to provide advocates for victims of juvenile crime, provide education, training to community
12 members on conflict resolution and mediation services, and provide the Court with accurate and
13 complete information about the impact of juvenile crime. Contractors would be able to provide
14 these services.
15
16 Imhof stated that the grant takes effect the first of July. The position would work with
17 juveniles and victims, and attempts to get reimbursement for victims. It is appropriate for the
18 positions to remain in- house.
19
20 Brenner commented that other counties contract out these types of services.
21
22 Nelson quoted from the section of the grant application that requests information
23 regarding the implementing agency. The question specifically lists contractor information, if
24 applicable. The County could contract for these services, however it would have been done
25 before the application was done. Contracting out at this stage would be similar to a sublease. An
26 RFP should have been done prior to this step in the process.
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28 Wareing stated that the grant was awarded to Whatcom County. Administration would
29 have to subcontract to someone else or refuse the grant.
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31 Dawson moved to review the application to see whether the positions could be contracted
32 out.
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34 Nelson stated that the state grant is a multi -year grant due to their biennium budget
35 schedule. He suggested it may be possible to approve the funding for the first portion of the
36 budget schedule and then go back to the state for the last half of the funding, using contractors.
37
38 Hoag made a friendly amendment to Dawson's motion to amend the language to state
39 that it is the intent of the Council that, if at all possible, these positions be contracted out.
40
41 Motion to amend carried unanimously.
42
43 Brenner requested reasoning for not contracting out these services if they remain in-
44 house.
45
Regular Council Meeting, 6116198, Page 8
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Motion to adopt the ordinance carried unanimously.
3. ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 8.28, LITTER AND
ILLEGAL DUMPING ENFORCEMENT (AB98 -211) (FROM 6/2)
Brenner reported for Public Works and Capital Projects Committee and moved to hold in
committee for two weeks. There were many amendments and suggestions. Ravyn Whitewolf,
Public Works Solid Waste Division Engineer, will return in two weeks with the suggested
changes.
4. RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 92 -015, ESTABLISHING A FLOOD
CONTROL ZONE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (AB98 -234) (COUNCIL ACTING AS
THE FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT BOARD OF SUPERVISORS)
Brenner reported for Public Works and Capital Projects Committee and moved approval.
Motion to approve carried unanimously.
5. CONFIRMATION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS FOR THE WHATCOM
COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (AB98 -
234A) (COUNCIL ACTING AS THE FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS)
Brenner reported for Public Works and Capital Projects Committee and moved approval.
Motion to approve carried unanimously.
6. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL WHATCOM COUNTY ZONING MAP
FROM RURAL TEN ACRES (R10A) TO RURAL FIVE ACRES (R5A) FOR
APPROXIMATELY 229 ACRES IN THE BIRCH BAY - BLAINE SUBAREA (AB98 -
224)
Sutter reported for Planning and Development Committee and moved to adopt. The
purpose of this ordinance is to make the zoning concurrent with the current land use patterns of
the area.
Hoag spoke about her concerns about more R5 zoning in the area. She asked for
confirmation that this zoning will only apply to three parcels and everything else is already
zoned R5. Michael Knapp, Planning and Development Services Director, stated that this is a
pattern that currently exists. The acreage in the proposed ordinance was narrowed down by more
than half, to 229 acres. There are only three parcels in that acreage that would be affected.
Motion to adopt carried unanimously.
Regular Council Meeting, 6116198, Page 9
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6A. RESOLUTION INITIATING ZONING TEXT AMENDMENTS (AB98 -241)
Sutter stated that this is regarding eliminating the lot size requirement for public facilities.
The resolution puts this issue on the fast track to get the zoning text amendments done as an
emergency measure. It comes forward from Planning and Development Services Committee
with a recommendation for approval of the resolution.
Motion carried unanimously.
6B. ADDITION OF ITEMS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION DOCKET (AB98 -242)
Sutter reported that the Planning & Development Committee would like to add the
following three items to the Planning Commission docket and moved their approval: 1.)
Development Regulations for the Lake Whatcom Watershed in response to the suggested
moratorium, 2.) Commercial forestry that is adjacent to rural zoning, and 3.) Gateway industrial
zoning in the Bellingham urban fringe area in order to bring into compliance with the County's
urban fringe plan. A two - thirds vote of approval from the Council is required to add these items
to the docket.
Motion carried unanimously.
7. CONSIDERATION OF THE APPEAL OF THE HEARING EXAMINER'S DECISION
ON APL98 -0003, FILED BY CHESTER LACKEY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, FOR
RALPH BENNETT, BENNETT WOODLAND FARMS, LLC (AB98 -183)
See "announcements."
8. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO REAPPOINT CLIFFORD
HENSEL, FRANK SHELTON, AND ADRIANNE HUNTER TO THE NORTHWEST
SENIOR SERVICES BOARD (AB98 -236)
Dawson moved approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
INTRODUCTION
Dawson moved to accept the introduction items.
Imhof stated that, regarding the last introduction item regarding the pest control board,
documentation was received today and all Council Members should review before the next
meeting.
Motion carried unanimously.
Regular Council Meeting, 6116198, Page 10
2 1. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF WHATCOM COUNTY TAX TITLE
3 PROPERTY BY NEGOTIATION, REQUEST #98 -3 (AB98 -228A)
4
5 2. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF WHATCOM COUNTY TAX TITLE
6 PROPERTY BY PUBLIC AUCTION, REQUEST #98 -4 (AB98 -229A)
7
8 3. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 2.28, CREATING THE
9 WHATCOM COUNTY HORTICULTURE PEST AND DISEASE BOARD (AB98 -237)
10
11 REPORTS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS
12
13 Request for Proposals (RFP) regarding waste reduction and the
14 Recycling /Household Hazardous Waste Education Program (AB98 -167): Dave Wareing,
15 Deputy Administrator, stated progress was being made on the recycling and education program
16 Request for Proposal (RFP) that the County issued. The administration reviewed the new
17 proposal put forth by Public Works. After review and determination that Ravyn Whitewolf,
18 Public Works Solid Waste Division Engineer, is the key person in that program and she is being
19 transferred to a different division, Administration has withdrawn that option. There has been a
20 review of the three proposals received. Those proposals will come before the Council with a
21 recommendation for a decision in two weeks.
22
23 Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District status report and recommendations
24 prepared by the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committee (AB98 -
25 185): Imhof stated that the Natural Resources Committee recommended sending letters to the
26 State Departments of Ecology (DOE) and Health (DOH) and also to County Executive Pete
27 Kremen requesting the DOE to do a total maximum daily load (TMDL) study sooner that the
28 study scheduled for the year 2009. This request is due to the problems with the shellfish beds.
29 Imhof suggested also sending a letter to the Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team
30 (PSWQAT). They have just re- opened two shellfish beds on Hood Canal and three more are
31 being considered for upgrade. They may be able to provide help to Whatcom County.
32
33 Hoag stated that the State Department of Health (DOH) is being asked to increase
34 monitoring in the area. They previously decreased monitoring efforts because they felt no
35 progress was being made. The County will provide proof that actions to upgrade have been
36 taken and monitoring should be increased to determine whether those actions have had a positive
37 effect on water quality.
38
39 Hoag also requested Administration appoint a County department to act as lead agency
40 because the Shellfish Protection Districts are very much in need of lead from the County.
41
42 Pete Kremen, County Executive, suggested that Regina Delahunt, Health and Human
43 Services Environmental Health Services Manager, be contacted for other appropriate individuals
44 who should be contacted. Hoag responded that Delahunt attended Natural Resources Committee
Regular Council Meeting, 6116198, Page 11
I and these suggestions came from her as well as other County Staff. Delahunt will also submit a
2 list of other actions that the County should proceed to take.
3
4 Nelson stated that there have been discussions about a Water Resources Coordinator staff
5 person being established in the County. These issues demonstrate the need for this position to be
6 filled. He requested that administration go forward with this as soon as possible. It was
7 mentioned during the Natural Resources Committee meeting that many people have confidence
8 in the Health Department. It may be the department appropriate for this. Kremen explained that
9 a highly qualified person has been hired to lead the water resources effort for Whatcom County
10 on a trial basis.
11
12 Hoag clarified that the request from the advisory committees and other people who
13 testified at the Natural Resources Committee was for clarification as to whom was to act as lead
14 agency for the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District. The request is not for additional
15 staff, but for a lead department to oversee the activities taking place.
16
17 Brown stated that a grant would be available to fund administrative support for the
18 Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committee.
19
20 Brenner stated that she is concerned that the water resources staff person should be based
21 in the Health Department, not the Executive's office.
22
23 Information from the State of Washington (AB98 -001): Sutter stated that she spent
24 time in Ellensburg for the Stream Corridor Management Symposium sponsored by the State
25 Department of Ecology and it was very informative. It covered a wide range of subjects, such as
26 bridges destroyed by floods. She would be willing to provide more information to anyone
27 interested.
28
29 Dawson reminded the Council Members of the budget meeting scheduled for Monday
30 June 22 at 9:30 a.m.
31
32 Intergovernmental Tribal Relations Committee (AB98 -140): Nelson announced that
33 he and Council Member Dawson will be meeting with a representative of the Lummi Nation
34 after the budget meeting on Monday. Also, he invited everyone to a farm purchase through the
35 Conservation Futures Fund. This tour is July 7.
36
37 Brown stated that he toured The Glen and the flood repair project done in 1990. Included
38 in the tour was an innovative fish habitat and spawning channel that was installed behind it. The
39 entire project was done for $880,000. The first year it generated 40,000 fry and it is still
40 functioning. People involved with floods may want to duplicate the effort.
41
42 Brown further announced that he received several inquiries about the need for a flood
43 advisory liaison.
44
Regular Council Meeting, 6116198, Page 12
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Brenner commented on the workshop held at Western Washington University was a good
workshop. She received a lot of good contacts through the program regarding shared
water /shared stewardship.
Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District status report and recommendations
prepared by the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committee (AB98-
185): Hoag moved to approve sending the letters to DOE, DOH, PSWQAT, and others as
mentioned.
Motion carried unanimously.
Information from the State of Washington (AB98 -001): Imhof announced that he
attended the Association of Counties meeting. During the meeting another county directed a
question to the National Marine Fisheries Service asking what number of fish returning up the
river is considered successful. The National Marine Fisheries Service stated that they are not
concerned with the fish, their focus is the habitat.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Transcriptionist
These minutes were approved by Council on , 1998.
ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk Robert Imhof, Council Member
Regular Council Meeting, 6116198, Page 13