HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works November 25 1997WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works and Capital Projects Committee
November 25, 1997
The meeting was called to order at 1:35 p.m. by Committee Chair Barbara Brenner in the
Council Committee Room, 311 Grand Avenue.
Also Present: Absent:
Marlene Dawson None
Tom Brown
Staff Present
Ed Henken, Engineering, Public Works
Mike Donahue, Engineering, Public Works
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
DISCUSSION REGARDING ROAD NAMING AND ADDRESSING
CONCERNS (AB97 -403)
Tom Fields, Fire District #2 Fire Chief referred to the letter mailed to the Council. The
County is mapped in one mile square grids. Committee viewed a current map in which the grids
were all addressed. He pointed out some problem areas in the Lake Whatcom Boulevard area.
The signs are marked with "S" for South, and many of the residents do not even know the
potential problems. One solution would be to resequence the area, which would be difficult but
must be either attenoted or stop the situation. He addressed specific streets as being problems
and out of sequence.
The process to obtain a house number was briefly discussed. It was pointed out in order
to develop a good coordinating system, accuracy is the key. Placing a post with a number at the
driveway entrance was suggested as one solution.
Ed Henken, Public Works Engineer, pointed out the lack of staffing is a deterrent.
Summer help has been of assistance. Duplication or similarity of street names presents a
problem.
Discussion followed regarding why these problems have occurred. Fields pointed out the
fact that the County maps are outdated.
Other topics discussed included: $40,000 additional for ongoing costs; having owners on
the private roads pay extra; reimbursing owners for changing their address; Enhanced 911 (E-
911) concern regarding coordination of addresses; "lanes" and "Court" uses; alpha coordinator
not picked up by E -911; ordinance regarding regulations of signage; hiring the right person for
Public Works Minutes, 11/25/97, Page
this job; "Private Drive" names; and enforcement as a main issue.
Brenner requested staff work on a compromise method of accomplishing sequencing and
information regarding the enforcement policy.
Mike Donahue, Planning and Development Services, commented. He stated a policy is
needed. Discussion followed on the type of policy and which addresses should apply to the
policy.
Suggested amendment language was also discussed for tonight's Council meeting.
2. DISCUSSION REGARDING SAFETY ISSUE ON SLATER ROAD (AB97 -387)
Mike Donahue, Engineering, Public Works, addressed the recent fatal accident in this
area. Discussion followed. Driver attention and nearby trees were mentioned also, as well as the
three and four way stop signage.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 2:35 p.m.
Elizabeth Bennett, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Dana Brown- Davis, Council Clerk Barbara Brenner, Council Member
Public Works Minutes, 11/25/97, Page 2