HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works September 23 1997WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Works and Capital Projects Committee
September 23, 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:
Marlene Dawson
Tom Brown
also wn /ks
Absent:
None
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
RESOLUTION IN THE MATTER OF ADOPTING THE NOOKSACK RIVER
COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM FLOOD MANAGEMENT PLAN (AB97-
308A)
Brenner noted this item has been pulled from the committee agenda, as it will be
discussed at tonight's meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
PROPOSED REGULATION OF MOTORIZED WATERCRAFT ON LAKE
WHATCOM (AB97 -317)
Committee discussion topics included: sufficient regulations and rules in place already;
complaints regarding Sheriff's craft being noisy;
Kevin Bowhay, Sheriff's Office, commented regarding this issue. Most of the
complaints have involved adults, not teens. He spends much of his time on Lake Whatcom. He
also spoke to enforcement. A suggestion would be an extra unit at special times; i.e., holiday
times. Safety courses were briefly discussed, but Bowhay noted his office only has common-
sense information only. Nelson asked about citizen patrol; no information was known.
Brenner requested further information on citizen patrol and wanted more than one unit
available for patrol. She also wanted to post course information for the public. Nelson asked
about limiting /restricting areas. County vs non - County residents was also discussed regarding a
differential fee. Launches clarified. Dan Gibson, Prosecuting Attorney's Office, commented
regarding the legalities of fees in this specific area. Discuss with the city of Bellingham and
Sudden Valley?
Will be on next committee's agenda regarding more ideas and information.
Public Works Minutes, 9/23/97, Page 1
2. DISCUSSION REGARDING EXTENDED AREA LOCAL PHONE SERVICE
(AB97 -324)
Brenner discussed the background on this issue.
Barbara Schultz, 7897 Santa Fe Trail, Sumas, commented regarding her experience.
Brenner pointed out many areas continue to be long distance.
Brenner wanted perhaps to hold an evening public meeting about this issue within a
month. She wants to request the UTC to revise its system so as to be more fair to all.
Raven Whitewolf also commented.
Vikki Baker commented to U.S. West's lack of help in this situation.
Dawson suggested a letter be sent from full Council. Brenner stated one of her reasons
for a public meeting was to get people united and organized to speak to this issue.
Committee was in support of a public hearing in the County. Gibson pointed out the
concern for ADA.
issue.
Brenner moved to recommend a public hearing in the County within a month on this
Motion carried unanimously.
Nelson questioned the UTC people being at this meeting. Brenner noted phone
companies will be notified of this meeting.
3. UPDATE ON SIGNALIZATION AND OTHER SAFETY PROPOSALS FOR
LAKE WHATCOM BLVD. (AB97 -272)
Kathy Sutter, Council member, gave a brief summary of the handout (on file) regarding
the September 23, 1997 memo from Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director.
Jeff Monsen, Public Works Director, also commented to his memo, noting that the
growth is continuous and that drivers are becoming more aggressive. The recommendations are
that more traffic be diverted to Lake Louise Road and increase traffic enforcement patrols.
Sutter had specific suggestions. There was discussion regarding these suggestions.
Kay Ziels, 975 Grand Boulevard, commented regarding safety concerns between Cable
and Strawberry Point.
4. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING
Public Works Minutes, 9/23/97, Page 2
WHATCOM COUNTY CODE CHAPTER 8.28, LITTER CONTROL (AB97-
325)
Raven Whitewolf, Public Works, commented regarding her handout (on file) regarding
enforcement. She addressed the areas currently lacking in the WCC, Chapter 8.28.
Regina Delahunt, Environmental Health, discussed private property dumping.
Centralized dumping and enforcement is needed. She wondered about the legality of use of the
WCC for enforcement. She requested Gibson investigate which County agency has the main
responsibility for enforcement. The Litter Committee recommended the use of state law for
enforcement. There is a discrepancy between the Sheriff's Office and state rules, so this needs to
be clarified.
Brenner wondered as to the feasibility of coordination of efforts. She further noted this
would be a continuing agenda item on this committee. She expressed her opinion about this
being more of a Sheriff's Office item vs a Health Department item. Currently, the Health
Department enforces only if it is a public health issue.
5. DISCUSSION REGARDING PROPOSED PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE FIELD
TRIP TO LAKE WHATCOM BOULEVARD (AB97 -328)
The tour will be Friday, September 26, at 8:15 a.m.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 3 p.m.
Elizabeth Bennett, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barbara Brenner, Council Member
Public Works Minutes, 9/23/97, Page 3