HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works November 18 1997WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works and Capital Projects Committee
November 18, 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
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
DISCUSSION REGARDING TCI'S POLICY OF CHARGING A $5 LATE FEE
FOR SERVICES NOT YET RECEIVED ON A BILL OF APPROXIMATELY
$25 (AB97 -037A) (FROM 10/21)
Brenner referred to a memo (on file) from Dan Gibson, Prosecutor's office, regarding
County authority on this issue. Gibson spoke to the topic of late charges and rates, as well as the
agreement's dispute resolution provision. Brenner then referred to a letter from Dan Crocker,
TCI (on file).
Discussion followed on a committee /Council meeting with TCI. Gibson suggested
conferring with the Executive to set up a discussion on this issue
Dawson moved to recommend meeting with the Executive to set up a procedure for
discussion on this issue.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. DISCUSSION WITH RECYCLING AND DISPOSAL INDUSTRY
PERSONNEL REGARDING HEALTH DEPARTMENT PERMIT FEES (AB97-
386)
Those speaking included:
Chuck Benjamin, Health Department Director
Regina Delahunt, Environmental Health
Dave Bader, County Construction Recyclers
Frank Moscone, RECOMP
Herb Barker, Barker's Woodchipping
Alvin Starkenburg, Council member
Chuck Benjamin, Health Department Director, addressed this issue by speaking briefly to
Public Works Minutes, 11/18/97, Page
the permit fees. Topics discussed included: paying for services provided; other funding
resources; interlocal work with the tribes; application of political pressure; staff vs Department
of Ecology (DOE) inspections; County regulations vs. state regulations; high fees; violations;
and further discussions.
The Health Department agreed to write to the tribes with a copy to legislators to explore
their concern on this issue.
Benjamin suggested the formation of a committee consisting of Health and Human
Services staff, and solid waste industry people and try to come to a consensus about what fees
should be. Also, the Health Department needs to track the number of hours spent on inspections,
etc. Brenner suggested perhaps incentive for people who do a good job recycling. Would rather
see a reduction in fees if a health official will be in the area anyway.
Brenner moved to recommend requesting the County Executive to form a committee to
discuss this issue.
Dave Bader, SSC, spoke
Brenner moved to ask Executive to set up a committee of Health and Human Services
personnel and solid waste industry people to develop the concerns regarding permitting fees and
which solid waste handlers should be included in the system.
Motion carried unanimously.
Brenner moved to recommend requesting the County Executive set up a meeting with all
concerned in January 1998.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. DISCUSSION REGARDING SAFETY ISSUES ON SLATER ROAD (AB97 -387)
Brenner requested staff from Public Works address the next committee meeting to
present a summary of the issues and suggested solutions.
OTHER BUSINESS
Brenner remided committee members of the Utilties and Transportation Commission
meeting at 7 p.m. on November 24 at the Everson Senior Center.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 2:42 p.m.
Public Works Minutes, 11/18/97, Page 2
Elizabeth Bennett, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk Barbara Brenner, Council Member
Public Works Minutes, 11/18/97, Page 3