HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil April 8 19971
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Regular Council Meeting
April 8, 1997
The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by Council Chair Ward Nelson in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue.
Also Present: Absent:
Marlene Dawson None
Barbara Brenner
Tom Brown
Alvin Starkenburg
Kathy Sutter
Robert Imhof
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Nelson announced the Committee of the Whole discussed in executive session Health
Department contracts and gave direction to staff (AB97 -018).
Animal control Request for Proposal (RFP) was also discussed in executive session
(AB97 -018).
OPEN SESSION
The following people addressed Council:
William A. La Freniere, 641 Kelly Road, spoke about the vacancy on the Solid Waste
Advisory Committee (AB97 -094). He asked the Council to appoint him to that vacancy. He
listed his qualifications and stated how he would represent people on the committee.
Sherilyn Wells, 1020 Geneva, spoke on the Comprehensive Plan regarding Lake
Whatcom Watershed (AB97 -051). In the Lake Whatcom watershed, planning has to be so good
that they cannot make a mistake. There is no backup system for the water supply. The planning
process is backwards. Bad planning from the past has been covered. Instead, they should do
analysis to give the information to make the best decisions regarding the costs to the public and
the protection of public health and safety. They should look at the mass loading presently, and
into the future. The County, with this plan, has allowed four times the existing level of
development around the lake. Next, they should figure out how to control mass loading in the
future, and attach a cost that the public will have to pay to control that pollution. Then they
would have the information to move forward. Protection is cheaper than treatment. The County
is choosing treatment, in violation of policies that this County jointly adopted with the City of
Bellingham regarding protection.
Regular Council Minutes, 4/8/97, Page 1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
Joe Elenbaas, 600 E. Smith Road, spoke regarding the lot line adjustment adjacent to his
property. He thanked the Council for their intent to review the issues. There was debate
between the County Planning and himself regarding the issue being a short-plat adjustment,
which is more costly. People are being held in limbo until this issue is cleared up.
Michael Knapp, Planning Division Director, explained that a lot line adjustment is not
the legal way to handle this particular problem.
Lynn Barton, 2006 Iron Street, spoke regarding the Cable Access Television Board
(AB94 -572). She questioned whether Council Members Sutter and Brenner had been invited to
the board meeting. She wanted to see that government access and evening programming are
discussed.
Sutter and Brenner stated they had.
CONSENT AGENDA
Imhof reported for Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved approval
of items 1 - 6.
Motion to approve carried unanimously.
1. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING CRP 997003, THE STRUCTURAL
OVERLAY OF BIRCH BAY - LYNDEN ROAD AND APPROVAL OF AWARD
OF CONTRACT TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER, WILDER
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $682,504.00
(AB97 -125)
2. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING CRP 995010 THE RECONSTRUCTION OF
WEST SMITH ROAD, NORTHWEST DRIVE TO SR539, AND APPROVAL
OF AWARD OF CONTRACT TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER,
WILDER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF
$2,449,142.48 (AB97 -126)
3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH SEAMAR COUNSELING SERVICES FOR MENTAL
HEALTH SERVICES (AB97 -127)
4. REQUEST COUNCIL RATIFICATION OF TEAMSTER SHERIFF SUPPORT
STAFF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT FOR THE YEARS
JANUARY 1997 THROUGH DECEMBER 1999 (AB97 -128)
5. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD THE BID
FOR PRELEVELING PROJECTS TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER,
Regular Council Minutes, 4/8/97, Page 2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
WILDER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. (AB97 -129)
6. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD THE BID
FOR AGGREGATE CRUSHING TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER,
AGGREGATES WEST (AB97 -130)
7. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO AWARD THE BID
TO THE BELLINGHAM HERALD AS WHATCOM COUNTY'S OFFICIAL
NEWSPAPER BEGINNING JULY 1, 1997 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 1998
(AB97 -131)
This item was brought forward without a recommendation to approve.
Imhof moved to hold in committee to review the resolution regarding the need for a daily
newspaper as the County's official newspaper.
There was discussion on the motion. Shirley Forslof, Auditor, addressed Council.
Motion to hold in committee carried 5 -2 with Nelson and Brenner opposed.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. REQUEST BY MARGARET CURTIS, P.E. (FOR P. J. MURRAY- JONES) FOR
A ONE YEAR EXTENSION OF PRELIMINARY PLAT APPROVAL (AB97 -
115)
Nelson opened the public hearing, and the following person spoke:
Margaret Curtis, Wilson Engineering, 805 Dupont.
Hearing no one else, Nelson closed the public hearing.
Imhof moved approval of the request.
Motion to approve carried unanimously.
OTHER ITEMS
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1997 BUDGET, REQUEST #3 (AB97 -122)
Imhof reported for Finance and Administrative Services Committee and moved approval.
Regular Council Minutes, 4/8/97, Page 3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
Motion to approve carried unanimously.
2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO SIGN AN
APPLICATION FOR A 04 ANNUAL LIQUOR LICENSE FOR THE
HAMPTON INN LOCATED AT 3985 BENNETT DRIVE, BELLINGHAM
(AB97 -132)
Imhof moved approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. REQUEST CONFIRMATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE TO APPOINT
EDWARD PLATZ AND DAVE ASHTON TO THE MENTAL HEALTH
ADVISORY BOARD (AB97 -133)
Nelson moved approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. RESOLUTION DECLARING APRIL 7 -13 PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK (AB97 -134)
Dawson moved approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
5. APPOINTMENT TO FILL A VACANCY ON THE SOLID WASTE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE (AB97 -094)
Imhof nominated Arthur Wikowski.
Nelson nominated William La Freniere.
Nelson requested the vote on each candidate by a show of hands; Wikowski received four
votes and La Freniere received three votes.
Arthur Wikowski was appointed.
Nelson stated that the Council would address the remainder of the items and then address
the Comprehensive Plan as the last item on the agenda. The Council moved to the Introduction
items.
6. POSSIBLE ADOPTION OF THE WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN (AB96 -051 THROUGH 051K)
Regular Council Minutes, 4/8/97, Page 4
I Michael Knapp, Planning and Development Services Director, addressed Council
2 regarding an oversight that needs correction on page 8 -34, second paragraph, last sentence:
3
4 "...available research and data indicate. Designation as "Resource Protection Zone"
5 " may be one tool to implement this
6 recommendation."
7
8 Nelson moved approval of the language change.
9
10 Motion carried unanimously.
11
12 Sandy Mackie, Whatcom County legal counsel, spoke from a document titled " Whatcom
13 County Draft Comprehensive Plan, Lake Whatcom Management Recommendations ", dated
14 April 8, 1997. This document is a combination of recommendations from Council, staff and the
15 cities. He pointed out Lake Whatcom is recognized as an environmentally sensitive area.
16 Mackie reviewed this handout and addressed "focused on" in #2. He then spoke to #3. They
17 will do a lot of work with regard to stormwater, particularly in the development regulations.
18 This strengthens the policy base for that. Nelson inquired if this would be more appropriate as
19 an action item rather than a policy. Mackie responded this provides a policy base for an interim
20 development regulation that is coming forward. It could be a new action item. Nelson stated he
21 proposed it as an action item, and questioned which would be more appropriate. Mackie stated it
22 is really an action item. In response to this, the development regulations are coming forward.
23 Nelson stated it would be action item #34, which would be new. The Council concurred.
24
25 Mackie requested help with the item regarding working with the Technical Advisory
26 Committee and the Lake Whatcom Management process.
27
28 (Clerk's Note: beginning tape 1, side B)
29
30 It was decided #4, regarding utilizing professionals in the community for engineering
31 would also be an action item, as well as #6, regarding coordinating the review process. Number
32 11 is substitute language. Sue Blake, Water Resource Manager, commented on this language,
33 which is the City of Bellingham's.
34
35 Nelson moved to add language on #12:
36 "Eliminate any density bonuses otherwise allowed under Whatcom County
37 regulations for development within the Lake Whatcom Watershed."
38
39 Imhof seconded.
40
41 Motion carried unanimously.
42
43 Mackie stated numbers 13 and 14 are added language. Item # 15 was a holdover from the
44 Planning Commission draft, regarding initiating subarea planning, which is not the next step that
Regular Council Minutes, 4/8/97, Page 5
I they are dealing with. They are at the development regulation stage. There is a recommendation
2 they strike initiating subarea planning. They are using subarea plans to accomplish certain
3 development regulations. It is not the intent to have another chapter in the Comprehensive Plan
4 called Subarea Plan for Lake Whatcom. Nelson questioned whether that would also include #5,
5 regarding revising the County subarea plans to incorporate urban growth area boundaries, as
6 identified in the Comprehensive Plan. He continued to read that item. Mackie stated the policy
7 direction is to not use the subarea plans as a major component of the Comprehensive Plan.
8 Therefore, there is no additional Comprehensive Planning process that involves the subarea
9 plans. That language ought to be reflected. Nelson questioned whether that would be included
10 with item #16, to be looked at. Mackie agreed. In Lummi Island and other places where the
11 Subarea Plan provides very important guidance for conditional uses and other specific land use
12 activities, the Subarea Plan should be picked up and used as a development regulation. It may
13 be that people would decide to take a look at the Lake Whatcom Subarea Plan and decide to use
14 it as a basis for framing additional development regulations. That would be fine and is not
15 precluded by what they are doing.
16
17 Brenner questioned why they have to take out item #16, page 2 -110, regarding subarea
18 planning processes. Nelson stated they would not use the subarea plans after they adopt the
19 Comprehensive Plan. They can utilize them as a tool. Mackie stated the objection is the subarea
20 planning process, which carries a connotation that is different with development regulations,
21 including development regulations that may directly speak to the Lake Whatcom watershed.
22 Brenner stated there is a subarea plan for the Lake Whatcom watershed and questioned whether
23 it should be mentioned. Imhof stated it might conflict. Brenner stated they already decided the
24 Comprehensive Plan would take precedence where they conflict. Mackie stated the objective
25 with that item was to initiate a subarea planning process, which they don't intend to do. Brenner
26 agreed. Mackie stated there is a planning process with the development regulations. They could
27 initiate a planning process for the Lake Whatcom watershed to implement this plan. He didn't
28 have any objection to that, because that is what they would be doing. The reason this would be
29 coming out is because the Planning Commission had a philosophy that the subarea plans would
30 be a second round of Comprehensive Planning. They've been trying to shed that notion from the
31 plan. Nelson stated it is how they traditionally did it in the past. Mackie suggested they strike
32 "subarea" and substitute "watershed." The rest of it is part of the development standards.
33
34 Mackie addressed #16 and spoke to the monitoring program. Concern was expressed
35 over pipeline analysis. Council agreed to remove "pipeline" from that sentence: "...Include an
36 analysis of the diversion pipeline from the Middle Fork... ".
37
38 Continuing on, Mackie and Blake explained #17 was a subset of the density bonus
39 provision the Council approved earlier. It is redundant, and he suggested they delete it. The
40 Council concurred.
41
42 Blake stated, regarding #18, that Water District #10 is a major purveyor of water and
43 sewer in the unincorporated area of the watershed. They have a policy to provide 80% of the
44 underlying zoning. This comes from a recommendation the County Council made in an earlier
Regular Council Minutes, 4/8/97, Page 6
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
ordinance. The problem with the 80% policy is that the people are trying to develop at full
development levels. They are not always consistent. When they passed District #10's
amendment, which is what this ordinance was about, it stated the County and Water District #10
need to sit down and work the issue out because it is not good joint planning. They are now
bringing it back to the table and saying it does need to be worked out and is an appropriate action
item to put in the Comprehensive Plan. Mackie stated the purpose of this is a recognition that
the District needs to be advised and understand the County's new regulation, to be consistent
with the Comp Plan and the plans of other jurisdictions. That is mandated by Growth
Management.
Nelson moved to amend #19 as follows:
"Place a high priority on integrating impervious surface reduction incentives into
policies, regulations, and standards for the Lake Whatcom watershed."
There was much discussion on the motion.
Motion carried 6 -1 with Brenner opposed.
Sutter pointed out the Addendum on top of page 19 needs to be dealt with. It is a new
Action Item #15. Nelson read the item, "As a high priority, pursue voluntary density reduction
through incentives to achieve voluntary lot consolidation." The Council concurred to add that
item to the Lake Whatcom section.
Blake.
Nelson moved to approve as amended the amendments included in the handout from Sue
(Clerk's Note: A five- minute break was taken)
Motion carried unanimously.
Mackie gave a presentation, speaking about expected population growth for the next 20
years; adoption of a critical areas ordinance; right to farm ordinance; resource lands; mineral
resource lands; and development of parcels greater than 20 acres.
Dawson moved to keep language under Policy 2R -3, third bullet, as follows:
"All development on parcels greater than 20 acres shall be clustered on no more
than 20 percent of the property."
Imhof seconded.
Nelson requested a friendly amendment stating this item would go before the Planning
Commission for evaluation of 30 percent of the property depending on restrictive constraints.
Regular Council Minutes, 4/8/97, Page 7
2 Motion carried unanimously.
3
4 Mackie then addressed timber production; the timber industry, timber resources in the
5 rural, commercial and forest lands; DNR (Department of Natural Resources) lands; and timber
6 designation. Gibson clarified stats.
7
8 The next topic discussed was MRL designations. Items discussed included: Comp Plan
9 designation; policy; appropriate buffer; setting standards; aquifer impacts; and reclamation.
10
11 Mackie then spoke about Bellingham, stating it has completed all its activities as of
12 February. Its environmental review was not challenged. The most recent land needs analysis
13 was completed February 10, 1997, which supports current urban growth boundaries. The land
14 needs analysis shows that inside the city there is room for approximately 8,800 additional units;
15 in the northern UGA, 5,500 units; Geneva, 400; and WWU, 400. Inside the city, there is a
16 potential demand for 16,000 units. Bellingham has done an outstanding job of updating its land
17 needs analysis with commercial and light industrial. Questions from Council members followed.
18 Topics discussed included Curtis Road; commercial and industrial studies; Port of Bellingham
19 and the airport as stationary facilities and their zoning; Geneva included in Bellingham's Comp
20 Plan; and Summit View.
21
22 (Clerks Note: beginning tape 2, side B)
23
24 Blaine was the next area of discussion. Mackie noted its Comp Plan has been completed;
25 its environmental review was not challenged. The initial land analysis was not covered in detail;
26 a revision process is being currently undertaken. As a part of this revision process, a lands needs
27 assessment was developed explaining Blaine's criteria used in justifying the Comp Plan, which
28 very closely supports the urban area boundaries. Land for residential growth is approximately
29 1,300 acres; city land available, 790 acres; UGA land required, 500 acres; UGA lands available
30 for residential development, 2,000 acres; open space, 345 acres; and of the 1,155 acres available,
31 510 acres are needed to accomplish the OFM population assessment. He pointed out that 60% of
32 the housing development taking place - -the ownerships in Semiahmoo and that area - -are not the
33 permanent Bellingham residents but rather Canadian, out -of -town, tourist, and transient. Mackie
34 stated Blaine's Comp Plan was reasonable and the urban area boundary projected is also
35 reasonable. He felt Blaine - -as a responsible jurisdiction -- should be responsible for Drayton
36 Harbor. The land in question is not needed for ag resource use; not currently contributing a
37 significant amount to ag resource use; and the development there is unlikely to revert to ag
38 resource use.
39
40 Other topics discussed included sewers vs septic tanks and short-term boundaries.
41 Mackie stated the recommendation was to accept Blaine's urban growth boundary, impose the
42 short -term boundaries except the western area, and wish it well on its well fields and aquifer
43 protection areas.
44
Regular Council Minutes, 4/8/97, Page 8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
Ferndale was discussed next. The city has adopted a Comp Plan and has done much
work regarding critical areas and a land needs analysis. He stated the adopted Plan included
urban area not on the County Comp Plan map, which is a scrivener error. The County's map
should be coordinated with Ferndale's Comp Plan map (page 23, dated April 8, 1997). Nelson
asked for concurrence to have this corrected, which was given.
Continuing, Mackie stated Ferndale's density is 3.5 units per acre. There are 965 acres in
the UGA. The land needs analysis identified the ability to accommodate future growth. The
UGA analysis supports the Comp Plan. Ferndale short-term boundaries are designed to
encourage infilling and assure development when facilities become available, especially
regarding residential areas. He pointed out an anomaly was the gravel pit, which was devoted to
the Park Service on the boundary between North Bellingham and Ferndale. The County felt this
area is much like a neighborhood park and recommended management by the local municipality
(Ferndale).
Imhof moved to leave the park (Ferndale Flame) in the Ferndale UGA.
Dawson seconded.
Motion carried unanimously.
Sutter moved to amend Policy 2V -1 (Ferndale UGA) by deleting the policy and referring
it to the Planning Commission for more information:
Motion carried unanimously.
Birch Bay was then discussed. This is an area meeting Council's objectives regarding
use and enjoyment. He asked if it should be a continuation of Blaine or its own city, and stated
Blaine and Birch Bay citizens are to decide this issue. The current level of growth is not
imposing any strain on the capital finances of the County.
Mackie noted the Cherry Point Comp Plan designates the same industrial zone rather
than two different zones.
(Clerk's Note: A five- minute break was taken)
Mackie began the next section with the recreational communities: Columbia Valley,
Point Roberts, Sudden Valley, Eliza Island, and Lummi Island. In the first three areas, the
development regulations limit existing plats to the platted lot and not the underlying density. If
the zoning is different than the plat, the plat prevails. Concern was expressed about a UR zone
no longer UR in nature.
Regular Council Minutes, 4/8/97, Page 9
I Mackie identified the historical areas: the suburban enclaves, North Bellingham,
2 Chuckanut Drive, Lake Samish, and Fort Bellingham. Most of these areas have been parcelized
3 out and have significant physical constraints limiting additional parcelization.
4
5 (Clerk's Note: beginning tape 2, side B)
6
7 The final area Mackie spoke to was the voluntary farm area, which he defined as a farm
8 in an area zoned R1, R2 or R3 and is beginning to be pressured by urban development. There
9 are 100,000 core lands being protected. Additionally, currently there is approximately 25% of
10 ag activity taking place on small farms, which tend to be the specialty farms, nurseries, etc. The
11 current trend is for more cows on less land regarding dairy land. Berries are more stable, along
12 with the mixed crops. Nurseries tend to be stable and growing. The Comp Plan Findings
13 suggest critical mass has been protected.
14
15 The development regulations, which are a part of the Comp Plan, are the key to success
16 of the Plan. The GMHB cited the inability of the County to take steps to stop the segregation of
17 important farmland into smaller and non - farmable parcels. This inability led to the GMHB's
18 decision the County's ordinance and activities were inappropriate. These development
19 regulations, along with the Comp Plan, are needed to put the resource lands into effect. The
20 regulations will be interim and are designed to protect the resource lands from incompatible
21 activities. Development regulations stipulate clustering on 20% of the larger tracts in the R5 and
22 R10 areas (resource protection lands); setbacks are set at 200' for wells and 100' for residences;
23 and covenants and easements on the subdivision ensure consent to ag activities as long as
24 operated with best management practices. Mackie responded to a question about the right to
25 farm by stating the development regulations take this right a step further in that the right will be
26 strengthened. The easements and covenants provide fair notice that these are the rules.
27
28 Discussion followed on 20% vs 30% of clustering of the larger tracts in the resource
29 protection lands. Mackie recommended this percentage remain at 20 for the present time. He
30 pointed out Council must make a firm statement on the issue of protection of resource lands, as
31 that was one of the reasons the GMHB chastised the County.
32
33 Dawson moved to keep the clustering at 20% at this development regulation stage and
34 that 30% would be a recommendation to the Planning Commission for its review of the
35 circumstances under which 30% would take place.
36
37 Imhof seconded.
38
39 Motion carried unanimously.
40
41 Mackie then spoke to the timber lands, noting they must be protected. Topics discussed
42 included buffers and DNR lands. He pointed out the DNR lands meeting the criteria for being
43 managed for timber harvest should be included in the long -term commercial significantly timber.
44 Gibson pointed out to Mackie that combined rural and commercial forestry zoned acreage is
Regular Council Minutes, 4/8/97, Page 10
I approximately 223,000, making the total approximately 428,000 acres. Mackie then explained
2 why federal lands are being designated. Under the National Environmental Policy Act, the
3 government must consider the local comprehensive plan should it decide to make a significant
4 change.
5
6 Mineral resource lands have been covered in much detail (Map 23), which Mackie then
7 summarized. He also summarized Bellingham's stats (as stated above, page 6). Regarding
8 Summit View, he stated Bellingham considered and then excluded this area. This parcel is
9 backed up by forest lands and is in the Lake Whatcom Watershed, but there is no access to it
10 other than by driving through the city of Bellingham. Under these circumstances, it appears
11 most appropriate for this parcel to be served by the city of Bellingham. By putting this parcel in
12 the UGA, it is not intended to adversely affect the rights the owners presently have for
13 development.
14
15 (Clerk's Note: beginning tape 3, side A)
16
17 A zoning change from R3 to R2 was proposed for Governor's Point, which is the same as
18 the other "Rs" in the area and is compatible and consistent with an existing vested development
19 proposal.
20
21 Mackie spoke very generally to the methods of defining boundaries; rural areas;
22 development regulations; and examination of storm water rules.
23
24 He then discussed capital facilities plans (handout on file). The legislature has informed
25 the counties they must examine their land use plans. Based on these plans, each county must
26 decide if it can then afford the community it would like to become. He then reviewed the
27 process of reaching this decision. If the decision is the ability to afford the planned community,
28 growth management has met one of its objectives, which is to bring the planning together with
29 the overall financial consequences. Then there is the six -year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP),
30 which has already been adopted and will be made an appendix to the Comp Plan.
31
32 He then listed projected (1997 -2002) population figures and projected costs for various
33 services.
34
35 Nelson moved to keep Policy 4G -4, page 4 -7, in place and remove the strike outs except
36 for the parking space.
37
38 Motion carried unanimously.
39
40 Mackie continued with his presentation on projected budgetary figures.
41
42 Nelson moved to change the level of service (LOS) for trails to 0 .75 miles per thousand
43 and remove the 6 and 20 -year amount (Policy 4G -2, page 4 -6):
44
Regular Council Minutes, 4/8/97, Page 11
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
"...trails (6 ) .................. 0-.7-7 0.75 of a mile per 1,000 population
trails (2 .................. 1.6 miles per 1,000 population"
Motion carried unanimously.
Discussion followed about parks and the beginning process of establishment of a capital
facilities plan.
Next discussed was the Guide Meridian Corridor, which studies show this will be the
most used transportation corridor in the future. The land use plan must be examined to ensure it
addresses a road which may be a major arterial in the future (4 -6 lanes). "Strip development" is
meaningless, so Mackie recommended this language be removed.
After some discussion, Nelson and Council members concurred with Mackie's
recommendation and instructed staff to delete strip language in Policy 2 -MM8 (page 2 -86):
Mackie then discussed Gateway Industrial, which is a historically -based area. He
recommended no extension of general purpose urban zones. Discussion followed.
Nelson moved the 32 acres adjacent to the Interstate 5 in the northeast corner of Birch
Bay - Lynden Road, as well as the short piece in the north between the Gateway Industrial and the
Loomis Trail area, be examined by the Planning Commission regarding how it fits with Gateway
Industrial.
Motion carried unanimously.
Imhof moved to approve the table (Capital Facilities, on file) with the amendment to the
activity center totals.
Motion carried 6 -1 with Brown opposed.
Mackie then spoke to adoption of the Comp Plan, stating Council can approve the
document as presented and request it be returned in ordinance form. The document must reflect
consistency in all the internal changes that have been made. Staff will take care of scrivener
errors. The Interim Development Regulations need to be adopted in the next 60 days. With that,
the Plan would go to the GMHB for removal of the invalidity declarations. Gibson stated there
will be extensive Findings based from Council input.
Sutter noted the deleted language needs to be put back in on page 2 -108, Action Item #4:
"...such innovative techniques as transfer- of development rigl #s cluster
development... ".
Regular Council Minutes, 4/8/97, Page 12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
Nelson instructed staff to do so.
Sutter moved to create a new policy on page 7 -16, Action Item #16:
"Actively participate in the efforts to establish a County -wide water resources
County management body."
Dawson seconded.
Mackie stated this addition was consistent with the other item already approved, and
Nelson stated it was understood.
Dawson moved to create a new policy on page 8 -29, Goal 8P -6:
"Allocate gravel extraction so it would be consistent with historic rates of
extraction in proportion to population."
Brenner seconded.
(Clerk's Note: beginning tape 3, side B)
There was discussion on the motion.
Motion failed 2 -5 with Brenner and Dawson in favor.
Dawson moved to add language on page 8 -31, 13.g.:
"...resource availability in the region of the County."
Sutter seconded.
There was discussion on the motion.
Motion carried 5 -2 with Imhof and Brown opposed.
Sutter moved to put the Korthuis property into a resource protection zone from ag land.
Motion failed 2 -5 with Sutter and Brown in favor. This will be sent to the Planning
Commission for review.
Brown moved to strike the wording "instead of becoming" to the end of the paragraph on
page 9.2, fifth paragraph, Background Summary:
Regular Council Minutes, 4/8/97, Page 13
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
"In years past, the primary responsibility of Whatcom County Department of
Parks and Recreation has been to offer recreation programs and manage park
facilities. With the need to preserve and manage open space, the department
could soon become a steward of the land.
with managing the ustial paA areas, the park staff will also be itweived with
Sutter seconded.
Motion carried 6 -1 with Brenner opposed.
Mackie suggested a motion to approve the Comp Plan in the form presented and for staff
to bring forward the final Plan in ordinance form with its appendices and Findings to be adopted
hopefully in two weeks. Knapp requested 28 days.
Imhof moved approval of the Comp Plan with a 28 day period allotted for Planning and
Development Services to return the final version for final adoption.
Nelson requested Mackie present an enabling ordinance with the final Comp Plan.
Motion carried 6 -1 with Brenner opposed.
INTRODUCTION ITEMS
Imhof moved to accept the introduction items.
Sutter asked that the resolution creating a Whatcom County Water Resource Alliance
(AB97 -113) be included in the introduction items. It is a proposal that will go forward for public
review. The Council members received a copy earlier in the day. Nelson stated it could be
included on the next meeting's agenda. Sutter concurred to do it that way.
Motion carried unanimously.
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1997 BUDGET, REQUEST #4 (AB97 -135)
The Council began discussion of Other Items #6, the Comprehensive Plan.
REPORTS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS
None.
Regular Council Minutes, 4/8/97, Page 14
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 p.m.
Elizabeth Bennett, Recording Secretary
Jill Nixon, Recording Secretary
These minutes were approved by Council on August 10 , 1999.
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
L. Ward Nelson, Council Chair
Regular Council Minutes, 4/8/97, Page 15