HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources May 6 1997WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
May 6, 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 None
Kathy Sutter
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE NOOKSACK TRIBE SALMON
RESTORATION PROJECT (AB97 -136A)
Skip Richards, sponsor of this resolution, noted he edited one of the paragraphs for
clarification purposes only (handout on file). He addressed the confusion regarding the proposal
about the budget in particular. Administration has not yet had the opportunity to review the
figures. Also, the Nooksack Tribe has not reviewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU),
which addresses the finances. The resolution states the Tribe and Council will work together on
the development of a MOU.
Richards stated Mr. Almajaro, Nooksack Tribe member, had conversations with the
Building and Industry Association (BIA) regarding this issue. In order to obtain the maximum
amount of funding, a high level, professional version of the proposal is needed, incorporating the
lay and technical language into one. This will be a sixteen year project; the majority of the
expenses will occur in the first year. Ward Nelson, Council member, inquired of the mechanism
for funding.
Brown was concerned the agreement may be used against the citizens to prohibit any
further river uses or access so as not to disrupt the fish. A commitment is needed from the Tribe
that states they will work to help eliminate the excess flooding. Dawson replied these concerns
will be addressed in the MOU.
County jurisdiction was discussed. Bob Andersen, land use consultant, commented
briefly about Nooksack Flood Advisory Committee discussions.
Tom Anderson, PUD and Nooksack Steering Committee chair, encouraged the County to
Natural Resources Minutes, 5/6/97, Page 1
become proactive in its contact with the Tribe. He cautioned that the resolution needs to allow
negotiation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife policies, as well as the other involved
entities.
Discussion followed regarding language in the last paragraph of the resolution. Sutter
did not view the resolution excluding anyone from the MOU negotiations. Nelson was
concerned that other entities need to become involved to express any of their concerns and
requested a staff report. Sue Blake, County Water Resources, stated she had not pursued any of
the details in this document because the changes discussed had not been made; however, it will
be reviewed when the amended document reaches her office. Discussion followed on which
agencies should be included. Richards commented regarding other entities= involvement. Clare
Fogelsong also commented. Blake suggested adding language in the resolution to consider input
from parties of interest.
Sutter moved to recommend such language be added to the resolution to consider input
from parties of interest.
There was discussion on the motion. Brown was concerned that wording is needed
stating the Tribe will work to solve problems on the river system.
Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
DISCUSSION WITH CONSULTANT BOB ANDERSEN REGARDING A
HABITAT MITIGATION PROPOSAL (AB97 -144)
Bob Andersen, land use consultant, addressed committee (handout on file). He reviewed
the proposed ordinance (Exhibit A, on file).
Sue Blake, County Water Resources, commented about the cost of the Geographical
Information System (GIS). This cost could be quite large and needs to be defined. Clarification
of habitat enhancement is needed, as that could include species other than fish.
Ward Nelson, Council member, inquired if this process could be used as a banking
mechanism for other agencies. Andersen replied that was not the intent of the proposal.
Tom Anderson, PUD and Nooksack Steering Committee chair, requested clarification on
areas for wetland mitigation in Section 4 of the document. Andersen explained the intent of
ARegulated Activity =. Discussion followed. Topics discussed included digitalization of
mapping; which mitigation areas should be included; types of habitat enhancement projects that
should be documented; and a data base providing a resource for information when applying for
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state funding.
(Clerks Note: Tape 1, Side B)
Dawson recommended changing the ordinance to a resolution and striking the reference
to Attachment AA=. There was discussion.
Brown noted fees should be applied to more formidable restoration projects and not
school /community -type projects.
Steve Fox wondered if there were any value in including this in the Critical Areas
Ordinance rather than having a separate ordinance. Discussion followed.
Sutter moved to add Aexpress= before purpose, Section 2, line 2, packet page 139:
A ... hydrologic, or plant cover characteristics are modified for the express purpose
of enhancing, restoring, or ... =.
Motion carried unanimously.
Discussion followed on incentives; a fee schedule; and the level of documentation.
Sutter moved to strike Section 3.3, packet page 139: APIan and see design
specifications for the wed activity; =.
There was discussion on the motion.
Motion carried unanimously.
Brown moved to add to Section 3.4, packet page 139: ASketch Aas built= and /or
photographic representations of completed work activity.--
Motion carried unanimously.
Sutter pointed out a couple of scrivener errors.
Sutter moved to recommend this be forwarded as amended for scheduling as an
introduction item for tonight =s Council meeting.
Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN
Natural Resources Minutes, 5/6/97, Page 3
The meeting was adjourned at 12:25 p.m.
Elizabeth Bennett, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Marlene Dawson, Council Member
Natural Resources Minutes, 5/6/97, Page 4