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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial Public Works September 30 1997WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL Special Public Works and Capital Projects Committee September 30, 1997 The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. by Committee Chair Barbara Brenner in the Senior Activity Center, Point Roberts, WA. Also Present: Marlene Dawson Tom Brown Absent: COMMITTEE OPEN - SESSION DISCUSSION REGARDING VARIOUS CITIZEN CONCERNS (AB97 -334) Kevin Brown stated his concern about uncontrolled development and illegal cutting of timber. He thinks there should be guidelines that are actually enforced as opposed to the guidelines we now have that are never enforced. Fines against landowners and loggers, who violate their permits, are $1,000 which, given the high cost of timber, are minor. He was also concerned about water and erosion. Brenner asked if increasing the fines would help. Jay Drew asked how a logging permit could be given for unsurveyed property. Brenner commented that the state recently passed a bill, 57.14, which asks the county to start processing conversions. Each county is to adopt it's own forest practice rules or conversions over the next several years. The present situation is governed by the State. Helen Cunningham expressed her concern about erosion because of logging. She suggested the fines should be increased and expressed concern about any delay. Brenner replied that the problem is enforcement, which the Council does not deal with. The Executive has not sent, as yet, a presentation concerning this issue Dawson suggested approaching the department head of Planning and Development Services to schedule the conversion issue for discussion at a later date. There was further open discussion on logging concerns. Brenner stated that the Council needs to know if the County, through an agreement with the Department of Natural Resources, has the authority to impose regulations on logging. Special Public Works Minutes, 9/30/97, Page 1 There was further discussion on logging permits and conversion. (Clerk's note, end of side A, tape #1) A citizen inquired about the border crossing computer. Henry Rosenthal stated that it was within the Council's province to write very strong letters to Senate Judiciary, Immigration and Congress in regard to the situation along the border. Brenner moved to draft a resolution and a letter to be presented and recommended to the full Council supporting the position of citizens of Pt. Roberts that new border requirements will be a hardship for Pt. Roberts tourism and send the letter to the Congressional Judiciary Committee. The motion carried unanimously. Michael Ross stated that in the process of logging 10 acres adjacent to his property, an eagle's nest was lost. It has also affected other wildlife in the area. Brenner reiterated that this question will be put on the agenda to have a discussion as to whether or not the County does have any involvement in the logging permits issue. Michael Ross suggested that some of the taxes on gasoline, tobacco, alcohol and gambling that is going to Whatcom County be returned to the Pt. Roberts area to acquire park land to develop more recreational areas. There was an open discussion on the suggestion. Brenner moved that the Council recommend, through the budget process, to look at the Pt. Roberts park system, see what taxes are generated and whether or not some money can be put into the area for parks. There was an open discussion on the motion. Brenner revised her motion to read: the Council recommend, through the budget process, to look at Pt. Roberts park system, see what taxes are generated and whether or not some money can be put into the area for parks and that during the budget process, the Council will bring up for discussion the issue of bike pathways at the Point. The discussion continued. (Clerk's note, end of side 2, tape 1, some conversations very difficult to hear) Special Public Works Minutes, 9/30/97, Page 2 Brenner in answering a comment from a citizen stated, for the record, that the Council does not have an anti park policy. It is more costly to maintain smaller parcels. Brenner addressed the question of maintenance in winter for Maple Beach and having litter pick up at the beach. The issue will be brought up in the Public Works Committee. The discussion on parks continued Brenner asked for a vote on the motion. The motion carried unanimously. The discussion on parks continued. Brenner invited comments to the Council after the close of the meeting. (Clerk's note, end of side 1, tape 2, some conversations very difficult to hear) OTHER BUSINESS ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Valery W. Anderson, Transcriptionist ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk Barbara Brenner, Council Member Special Public Works Minutes, 9/30/97, Page 3