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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil April 15 1997WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL Special Council Meeting PRESENTATION April 15, 1997 The meeting was called to order at 10 a.m. by Council Chair Ward Nelson in the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue. Also Present: Marlene Dawson Tom Brown Kathy Sutter Barbara Brenner Robert Imhof Also Present: Delores Rounds Kathy Bovenkamp, BIA Bob Andersen, Land Use Consultant Skip Richards Elizabeth Currant Jan Willing Doug Tuttle Todd Jones Herman Almoj era Dan Gibson, Prosecuting Attorney =s Office Absent: Alvin Starkenburg PRESENTATION BY TODD JONES, A PRIVATE CONSULTANT, REGARDING A FISH ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM AND WATER QUALITY MONITORING THROUGH THE NOOKSACK TRIBE (AB97 -136) Todd Jones, a private consultant, gave a history of this program, followed by a U.S. Forest Service (Alaska) video on equipment designed and patented by Jones used to assist in fish enhancement regarding the hatchery release process. Discussion followed. Topics discussed included the survival of hatchery vs wild fry; how planted fry are marked; survival rate; augmentation of the planting effort; and the results of the Ten Mile Creek program. Concern was expressed regarding various processes of meetings in that nothing was really being accomplished, Ajust talk -. Citizens need to become proactive. Economic growth is also needed. The issue of water quality must be dealt with. Also of concern was the length of time for resolution of an issue. Council support of this item was requested. It was pointed out water rights will not be solved, but a bridge will be built between the Nooksack tribe and the Special Presentation, 4/15/97, Page 1 community. What was proposed was examination of the regulation datum for that particular stream when the study is done on this proposed project. Questions followed. Topics included tests of this system in various water qualities; a collaborative effort; (Clerks Note: Tape 1, side B) accountability; timeframe; the requested budget; differences in information (Alaska vs Washington); coordination of various groups and the need for a central depository of information; and tribal participation in various meetings. Deb Dobinson commented about the stream restoration, endangered species, and politics. Jan Willing inquired what was being requested. Also, coordination of information was a concern. Nelson noted many questions remained unanswered that need to be answered. He requested this item return to the Natural Resources Committee for drafting of a plan. He suggested someone from the Department of Ecology and Fisheries be present so that everyone would have an opportunity to respond. If this issue were to move forward with Council endorsement, Council members would then be given both sides of this issue. This needs to be scheduled soon to take appropriate action, as there is a timeline. Sutter pointed out a process of a County -wide water resources management committee is being established, which would tie in with this program. Skip Richards inquired about getting this on the next agenda. He encouraged Council consider that this project needs to go forward as soon as possible. In conclusion, Jones stated he patented this process and the device both in Canada and the U.S. He has a contract with the Nooksack Tribe to represent its use and promotion in the state of Washington. ADDENDUM 1. DISCUSSION REGARDING HEALTH DEPARTMENT LEASE (AB97 -018) Present: Ward Nelson Kathy Sutter Barbara Brenner Tom Brown Marlene Dawson Special Presentation, 4/15/97, Page 2 Absent: Alvin Starkenburg Robert Imhof Brown moved to go into executive session to discuss this issue. Motion carried unanimously. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11 a.m. Elizabeth Bennett, Recording Secretary These minutes were approved by Council on 11998. ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL W14ATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk L. Ward Nelson, Council Chair Special Presentation, 4/15/97, Page 3