HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole May 6 1997WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Committee of the Whole
May 6, 1997
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Council Chair Ward Nelson in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue.
Also Present:
Marlene Dawson
Tom Brown
Alvin Starkenburg
Kathy Sutter
Robert Imhof
Absent:
Barbara Brenner
DISCUSSION REGARDING HEALTH DEPARTMENT LEASES (AB97 -124)
Nelson stated the meeting should adjourn at approximately 7 p.m. to discuss the Health
Department leases and possibly solid waste issues.
Sutter moved to go into executive session.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. DISCUSSION REGARDING SOLID WASTE ISSUES (AB97 -018)
Nelson announced the Health Department leases was the only issue discussed in
executive session. Further information was received from Administration. No discussion was
held on the issues of solid waste.
3. PRESENTATION BY TOM ANDERSON, NOOKSACK BASIN WATER
USERS STEERING COMMITTEE, REGARDING OPTIONS FOR THE
FORMATION OF A WHATCOM COUNTY RESOURCE ALLIANCE (AB97 -
158)
Steve Jilk, Nooksack Basin Water Users Steering Committee, announced a proposal
regarding a local water resource management body and then turned the presentation over to Tom
Anderson.
Tom Anderson, Chair, Steering Committee, spoke to the focus of this meeting, which
was how this management body could assist Council in its decisions and Whatcom County in
general. The Steering Committee is the focal point of this proposed body. He stated this process
began with the Department of Ecology (DOC) Nooksack Watershed Task Force, which produced
the proposed body--s mission statement. This mission statement basically declares the
COTW Minutes, 5/6/97, Page 1
development and implementation of a comprehensive management strategy to protect, sustain,
preserve and foster the provision of safe, clean water for all beneficial uses. He discussed water
problems, the necessity of cooperation for resolution of these problems, and the consequences of
a lack of a resolution. Anderson pointed out there is no mandate to form this body; however,
there is a potential opportunity for limited funding and approval of the situation, which his
committee would like to take advantage of the yet unsigned legislation.
He then addressed structure- -the workings of this proposed body -- discussing various
methods on how this body might possibly function.
He stated Council input was needed regarding the formation of this body, its functions,
and how it could assist Council and the County. Survey forms were distributed to all Council
members. Anderson hoped a proposed would be able to be formed by the end of June for public
scrutiny.
He then answered questions. Topics discussed included: using Council of Governments
(COG) as a pattern; and whether COG has been approached on this matter.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7 p.m.
Dana Brown - Davis, Recording Secretary
These minutes were approved by Council on , 1997.
ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk L. Ward Nelson, Council Chair
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