HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources January 14 1997WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
January 14, 1997
The meeting was called to order at 11 a.m. by Committee Chair Marlene Dawson in the
Council Committee Room, 311 Grand Avenue.
Also Present: Absent:
Tom Brown Kathy Sutter
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION ONLY
DISCUSSION REGARDING THE FORMATION OF AN AEXECUTIVE
NATURAL RESOURCE COMMITTEE= (AB97 -035)
Dawson stated the idea for the formation of this committee was discussed at the last
Natural Resources Committee meeting. There are a number of advisory groups, but what is
lacking is a legislative group representing the affected cities which could help coordinate policy,
not only for funding implementation of management strategies but political lobbying and
coordinated County -wide legislation. This executive committee would consist of the mayors
from the affected areas to create a water resource group for accountability to the public.
Some of the activities of this committee would be: help coordinate stormwater runoff,
coordinate legislation for flooding issues and mitigation regarding water, flood, and fish and
wildlife; and coordination on the formation of a comprehensive ballistic interrelated water
resource group -- members would be from the P.U.D., federal and state agencies, and the fish and
timber industries. This group would take the concerns from all existing resource groups and
work on a consensus - building process to be presented to the Executive Committee -- consisting of
elected officials - -to process the agreed upon consensus - building process.
Bob Andersen, land use planner, spoke to some of his concerns, which included: locating
a model allowing effective implementation; and accountability of the elected officials.
Jim Kaemingk, mayor of Lynden, commented briefly. He stated consensus was
necessary and important.
Andersen clarified that the language of the agreement regarding the advisory approach
would not involve direct discussions of water rights. The purpose is to Aget ahead of the game =.
Bob Mitchell, mayor of Sumas, also commented, stating there must be a clear legislative
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responsibility for this committee and was concerned about this issue in the agreement. Dawson
spoke to uniform legislation. Discussion followed.
Robin Dexter, Purse Seine Vessel Owners Association, agreed with Brown =s statement
of the difficulty of this entire executive process, which would allow an additional body to be
created with executive authority.
Ward Nelson, Council member, also commented, as did Bob Andersen. Nelson thought
the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) would be essential for state compliance. Andersen
spoke to the draft resolution and its generalities.
Tom Anderson noted the Water Resources Advisory Committee is in the process of being
formed by the Nooksack Steering Committee.
Sue Blake, County Water Resource Manager, commented that the challenge has been
how to get participation from the County Council and the cities from a policy and funding
direction. She was concerned about water supply and water rights issues, which she felt must be
addressed on some level. Discussion followed on the holistic approach (Bob Andersen). Nelson
addressed the issue of funding, stating it cannot be accomplished at a local county level. A
commitment from the state needs to be obtained.
It was pointed out that three tribes - -the Lummi, the Nooksack, and the Samish - -would be
involved in any negotiations.
Anderson stated Chandler would introduce legislation for the formation of this committee
on the state level.
Dexter pointed out this committee will require a great deal of state funding. Council
needs to capitalize for the sake of funding on the ability to exercise one MOU that states this
legislative body will do what is required of it and that this jurisdiction is a solution to a problem.
Discussion followed on funding.
Skip Richards stated the real question was accountability. He wanted to have those who
are elected sign the MOUs. Anderson agreed there was limitation regarding accountability.
Henry Bierlink also commented regarding the resolution, which he supported.
Nelson spoke to the process of formation of this committee. Brown spoke to funding and
stated he was concerned about the County maintaining control instead of being dictated by out -
of- County sources.
Steve Jilk, city of Lynden, wondered if the County understood what it would be
undertaking and how that relates to how the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAG)
Executive Committee relates to the County Council and the effectiveness of the decisions of the
SWAC Executive Committee. He suggested Council should be the Water Resources
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Management Board. He thought the proposed process would not expedite anything. Bob
Andersen addressed that issue, as did Michael Knapp, Planning and Development Services
Director. Knapp spoke in support of the concept of the proposed committee, stating it focuses on
multipurpose problem solving, which framework is much broader. The representation would be
expanded, and there would be more local control.
Bob Andersen requested this committee issue be introduced at tonight =s Council
meeting.
(Clerks Note: Tape 1, side B)
Blake suggested having a joint presentation by someone from both the Nooksack Initiative and
the Steering Committee explain more fully this history and process at the next Natural Resources
Committee meeting. She felt this would clarify issues. Kaemingk stated he would be willing to
discuss and work with various parties regarding this issue.
Next discussed was a date for the presentation, as well as the specific subject matter. The
next committee meeting will be January 28. A joint presentation will be given by the Water
Users Steering Committee and the Nooksack Initiative Task Force on the concept of the
proposed water resource ordinance. Time will be made for input by the various cities.
Brown recommended introduction of this item in order to get it on the agenda. He
inquired about the city discussion timeframe. Nelson discussed the agenda with Dawson.
Brown moved to recommend accepting this for discussion purposes.
(Clerks Note: No vote was taken on the motion)
Dawson stated this item will be held in committee.
Nelda Sigurdson, County resident, noted the County water associations have been left out
of this process. Dawson pointed out the Non - Municipal Water Purveyors would be part of the
Natural Resources Oversight Committee.
The cities will organize their own meetings and report to Dawson--s committee. Bob
Andersen suggested all agreed upon structures need to go into a resolution for each city =s
approval.
Mitchell suggested the Natural Resources Committee extend an invitation to all small
cities to hear the joint presentation.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 12 p.m.
Natural Resources Minutes, 1/14/97, Page 3
Nadean Hanson, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk Marlene Dawson, Council Member
Natural Resources Minutes, 1/14/97, Page 4