HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial Public Works October 28 1997WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Special Public Works and Capital Projects Committee
October 28, 1997
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Committee Chair Barbara Brenner in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue.
Also Present:
Marlene Dawson
Tom Brown
Absent:
None
DISCUSSION REGARDING EXTENDED AREA LOCAL PHONE SERVICE (AB97-
324)
Brenner spoke to forming a non -profit corporation and requested the audience consider
volunteering to be officers of the corporation. Brown gave background information.
Brenner stated that the corporation will need a director, a treasurer, and a secretary; she
passed around a sign up sheet for audience members to list their name, address, and whether they
are interested in serving as an officer.
Brenner opened the discussion. Those speaking included:
Barbara Schultz, 7897 Santa Fe Trail, Sumas: Concerned with the low turnout at the
meeting. Suggested the committee wait to discuss this issue after more public notice could be
given.
George Astler, 4817 Alderson Road, Birch Bay: Stated that more than just the officers
were needed, and people should mark "working member" on that sign up list.
Ravyn Whitewolf, 3224 Bay Road, Ferndale: Suggested that the committee begin
working tonight instead of waiting. Also suggested having meetings in different areas.
Neila Stewart, 6483 Mt. Baker Highway: Discussed her phone bills and what percentages
go calling Bellingham vs. other areas.
(Clerk's Note: Tape 1, Side B)
Vikki Baker, 3218 Peabody Street: Discussed her phone bills.
George Astler: Stated all in- County calls should be toll free.
Special Public Works Meeting, 10/28/97, Page 1
Pat Alesse, 4825 Alderson Road, Birch Bay: Discussed setting up a meeting in Blaine at
the Senior Center. He also spoke to rates and service.
Edward Schultz, 7897 Santa Fe Trail, Sumas: Spoke to the cost of calling from
Leavenworth to Bellingham vs. in- County toll calls.
Dawson stated there may need to be a bill drafted to send to the legislature. A meeting
between committee members and the legislators might be beneficial.
Deborah Crowley, 2930 Young Road, Custer: Stated she had done some advertising on
her own for this meeting and was very surprised that there were so few people present. She also
talked about the creation of an organizational body and lobbying legislators. She inquired about
the petitions previously collected.
Ravyn Whitewolf. Suggested boycotting the phone company (GTE) for a short time.
Brenner moved to recommend to Council that Dan Gibson, Prosecuting Attorney's
Office, or other legal staff do research into the creation of the UTC and its authority regarding
the phone companies.
There was discussion on the motion. It was decided no motion -- direction only - -was
needed.
Brenner moved to request Council approval for research by Dan Gibson, Prosecuting
Attorney's Office, or other legal staff to obtain the state law that created the UTC and the state
law that gave authority regarding the phone companies.
There was further discussion.
Motion carried unanimously.
Deborah Crowley inquired about a meeting date. Brenner will contact people on that
sign up list. Centralized locations were mentioned for meetings.
Pat Alesse: Pleased the legislators will be lobbied.
Deborah Crowley: Suggested the creation of a preliminary "phone tree" so one person
does not make all the calls.
Ravyn Whitewolf: Suggested a representative from each phone prefix.
ADJOURN
Special Public Works Meeting, 10/28/97, Page 2
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.rn.
Dana Brown - Davis, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk Barbara Brenner, Council Member
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