HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources January 27 1998WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
January 27, 1998
The meeting was called to order at 9:35 a.m. by committee member Tom Brown in the Council
Committee Room, 311 Grand Avenue.
Also Present:
Connie Hoag
Staff Also Present:
Regina Delahunt, Health Department
Chuck Benjamin, Director, Health Department Director
Ward Nelson, Council member
Marlene Dawson, Council member
Dan Gibson, Prosecuting Attorney =s Office
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
ELECTION OF COMMITTEE CHAIR (AB98 -023)
Brown moved Connie Hoag.
Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
Absent:
Kathy Sutter
DISCUSSION REGARDING CLOSURE RESPONSE STRATEGY AND CREATION
OF A SHELLFISH PROTECTION DISTRICT AT PORTAGE BAY (AB98 -046)
George Boggs, District Coordinator, Whatcom County Conservation District, gave a presentation
regarding response strategy. He also gave background information. Topics discussed included
monitoring analysis; agriculture; sewer treatment plants; stormwater runoff, failing on -site septic systems;
education to commercial /hobby farms; recommendations; enforcement; funding mechanisms; technical
assistance for best management practices; and various solutions that can be implemented by the Council.
Those speaking included Mak Kaufman, Department of Ecology; Joan Pelley, Department of
Ecology; Chuck Benjamin, Health Department Director; Ward Nelson, Council member; Dan Gibson,
Prosecuting Attorney =s Office; George Boggs, Whatcom County Conservation District; and Marlene
Dawson, Council member.
(Clerks Note: Tape 1, side B)
Regina Delahunt, Health Department, gave a presentation on the requirements for the creation of
a shellfish protection district. Topics discussed included timelines; compliance; definition of a district;
and options (a comprehensive clean water district vs a localized shellfish protection district). These two
options were explained; she also reviewed the pros and cons of each of them.
Natural Resources, 1/27/98, Page 1
Dan Gibson, Prosecuting Attorney =s Office, suggested this afternoon =s presentation on
endangered species will discuss federal legislation, which ties into clean water. Carl Weimer, People for
Puget Sound, commented and suggested the inclusion of marine waters. Mak Kaufman, Department of
Ecology, also commented.
As time was of the essence, the Health Department requested direction from committee. Brown
suggested further review in committee. Timelines were discussed and committee process was reviewed.
Committee was encouraged by Joan Pelley, Department of Ecology, to take the time necessary for review
and action of this issue. Dan Gibson, Prosecuting Attorney =s Office, encouraged committee to Ado what
needs to be done and do it right`. Discussion followed on the availability of the Conservation District =s
draft of the closure response summary. There was further discussion on various issues related to this
item.
(Clerks Note: Tape 2, side A)
Hoag suggested a follow up committee meeting next week for further review. It was agreed that
committee will meet Tuesday, February 3, at 9 a.m. for review and discussion of options and an
ordinance. Hoag requested staff bring ordinances from other areas with pros and cons.
OTHER BUSINESS
In the future, Finance and Administrative Services Committee will meet at 9:30 a.m. and Natural
Resources Committee will meet at 11 a.m.
I\ 139111 ,99 01
The meeting was adjourned at 11:10 a.m.
Elizabeth Bennett, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
W14ATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk Connie Hoag, Council Member
Natural Resources, 1/27/98, Page 2