HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works June 3 19971
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works and Capital Projects Committee
June 3, 1997
The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by Committee Chair Barbara Brenner in the
Council Committee Room, 311 Grand Avenue.
Also Present: Absent:
Marlene Dawson None
Tom Brown
Staff Also Present:
Kathy Sutter, Council Member
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Department Director
Ed Henken, Engineering Division Manager
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE NOOKSACK RIVER FLOODING
EROSION ISSUE IN THE HOPEWELL ROAD VICINITY (AB97 -196)
Brown gave background on this issue.
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, stated that the County's role in bank protection has
been as emergency management and the 70/30 program. The County has financed 70% of bank
stabilization and other similar activities. The remaining 30% has been financed by private
individuals. This issue needs to be dealt with more comprehensively than the 70/30 program.
The Army Corps of Engineers may help fund activities. Some work needs to be done as soon as
possible to slow the rate of erosion. His department is currently putting together design options.
Brenner suggested going forward by applying for the permits and, if other funding
becomes available, the County would then be ready to proceed. If other funding does not come
through, funding could come from the Flood Fund.
Ed Henken, Public Works Department, Engineering Division Manager, stated that there
are currently many projects other than the 70/30 program. However, there are staffing
limitations. Canadian deterrents have also been a problem.
Monsen stated that he wanted it to be clear that a project funded 100% by the County is a
change in County policy direction.
Sutter stated that there needs to be assurance that handling this problem will not move the
Public Works Minutes, 6/3/97, Page 1
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problem up or down stream. She inquired if the County would be liable if handling the problem
creates problems elsewhere, and if this work requires EIS and SEPA review. Roland Middleton,
Planning and Development Services, discussed the SEPA requirements. This project would
receive an emergency exemption.
There was further discussion. Topics included shoreline requirements; permitting;
deflectors; and lack of compensation by state and federal governments if flood funds are used.
Doug Davis, 2988 Hopewell Road, stated that erosion has been significant for many
years and is worsening. There has been little work done on the river system. Funding is
available. The County should create a flood plan for the entire system.
Bob Mitchell, Sumas Mayor, stated that for every foot of bank that is eroded away,
elevation is lost, which puts more water in the drainage system. The cities of Sumas, Nooksack,
and Everson will experience problems. There will not be any permitting problems. A subflood
funding mechanism should be formed.
Ron Bronsema, Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Advisory Committee,
gave background on the work the committee has done since its inception.
Dawson asked what Council would need. Monsen commented that a resolution would be
appropriate to state that this project is unique and would not set a new direction for County
policy. There was discussion regarding the amount of funding needed to stop erosion.
Sutter questioned whether the repairs proposed would be temporary and what other
measures have been taken to restore the bank in this area. Monsen responded that this is more
than a one -year fix. This would slow erosion.
Brenner moved to request staff come forward with a resolution to be presented to Council
at the meeting scheduled for this evening.
Henken stated that a property owner has stated there will be no entry to his property
unless there is a solution coming forward. Representatives from that property owner, David
Syre, spoke regarding the property access.
Motion carried unanimously.
A DJnlTRN
Public Works Minutes, 6/3/97, Page 2
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The meeting was adjourned at 2:20 p.m.
Jill Nixon, Recording Secretary
NaDean Hanson, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barbara Brenner, Council Member
Public Works Minutes, 6/3/97, Page 3