HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources February 25 1997WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
February 25, 1997
The meeting was called to order at 11:05 a.m. by Committee Chair Marlene Dawson in
the Council Committee Room, 311 Grand Avenue.
Also Present: Absent:
Tom Brown None
Kathy Sutter
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. RESOLUTION REGARDING WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (AB97-
081)
Dawson turned the meeting over to Sutter, who distributed proposed amendments (on
file) to this resolution. Sutter explained that the Nooksack Users Steering Committee is
currently engaged in developing its Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of
Ecology to form, establish and implement a water resources management team. The resolution
is a statement of support of this idea from Council, as well as an intent of involvement in this
process. Furthermore, the Steering Committee will be examining alternative structure and
function options for this formation. If this resolution is approved by Council, Sutter will proceed
with developing a proposed alternative to submit to the Steering Committee. Public input will be
taken also.
She reviewed the amendments.
Brown moved to recommend approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
Sutter noted all Council members already have a copy of the amendments.
Dawson then asked for public comment. Skip Richards supported the general intent of
the resolution. However, he was concerned about a narrowing of the structure regarding
decision making.
Bob Andersen also spoke regarding the limiting language, specifically on page 1,
lines 24 -28.
Doug Campbell spoke to language on page 1, lines 21 -23, regarding water associations
also being included.
Natural Resources Minutes, 2/25/97, Page 1
Dawson moved to rescind the prior motion.
Motion carried unanimously.
Sutter moved to change language on page 1, line 21:
A ... Tribal, Local or Special Districts, and private water purveyors having been
granted ... =.
Motion carried unanimously.
Sutter moved to change language on page 2, lines 1 -4:
ANOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Whatcom County Council
shall be an active participant in the formation of a vehicle to develop and
implementation--ef a coordinated County -wide Water Resources Management
Beaf Tea eensisting of Strategy
Motion carried unanimously.
Sutter moved to add language on page 2, immediately after the above new language:
ABE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council shall propose
that the formation of said vehicle consists of a Water Resources Management
Team consisting of a Board-of elected officials from local jurisdictions and an ... =.
Motion carried unanimously.
Steve Jilks, City of Lynden, was concerned whether the County can designate
representation on the Steering Committee so one position is brought forward by the County.
Doug Campbell requested clarification on page 1, line 35, regarding the words Aall
jurisdictions =. Sutter verified this includes all cities in the County.
Tom Anderson, P.U.D., was concerned about the opportunity for more public input
regarding this resolution. There is much need for public education. Sutter pointed out the more
appropriate time for education would be after the resolution has been approved by Council and
the development process begins. Further discussion took place regarding the Council taking
leadership to create opportunity to develop the specific alternatives. Anderson suggested
alerting the newspaper to alert the public, which will begin the input process.
Sutter moved the following language be inserted on page 2 following line 7:
Natural Resources Minutes, 2/25/97, Page 2
ABE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Council shall engage in a public
process in the development of the proposed amendments.=
Motion carried unanimously.
Steve Jilks restated his earlier concern and suggested general language that the County
Council direct a strategy representing the County--s position and that this position would be
coordinated at Council =s direction between Council and Administration. The resolution should
include Administration.
Bob Andersen commented this discussion falls back on why the Home Rule Charter was
created, which is the separation of powers. The intent was to have a locally elected legislative
body creating policy.
Brown moved to recommend approval of the resolution as amended.
Motion carried unanimously.
FI 13 Lei It 20
The meeting was adjourned at 11:36 a.m.
Elizabeth Bennett, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Dana Brown- Davis, Council Clerk Marlene Dawson, Council Member
Natural Resources Minutes, 2/25/97, Page 3