HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial Council January 4 19962
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
January 4, 1996
The meeting was called to order at 11 a.m, by Council Chair Robert Imhof in the
Council Committee Room, 311 Grand Avenue.
Also Present:
Marlene Dawson
Barbara Brenner
Alvin Starkenburg
Larry Harris
Ken Henderson
Absent:
Ward Nelson
1. COUNCIL TO MEET IN EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS A
PERSONNEL MATTER (AB95 -510)
2. COUNCIL BRIEFING ON THE JANUARY 3, 1996 MEETING WITH
THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT
REGARDING GROWTH MANAGEMENT (AB95 -336)
Imhof stated interim urban growth boundaries and critical areas were discussed in
executive session and that a recommended plan of action needed to be voted on.
Henderson commented that there are two items: Critical Areas Ordinance and
the Interim Growth recommendations. He asked that those recommendations be spelled
out. He stated that he feels there's a fundamental flaw in the way the Critical Areas
Ordinance was done on the question of appeal; he would not support it.
Brenner stated she would support it.
Imhof suggested two separate motions. One would be to follow a plan of action
outlined earlier in executive session regarding the interim urban growth boundaries.
Dan Gibson, Council's counsel, summarized by stating Council is prepared to
state that they will pursue the process for adopting new interim urban growth area
Special Council Minutes, 1/4/96, Page 1
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boundaries and staff, based on that understanding, will communicate with the board
asking for additional time to be certain that this will be accomplished in an appropriate
manner.
Imhof called for a vote on the motion as restated by Dan Gibson.
Motion carried 6 -0 with Nelson absent.
Imhof stated that the second item was the appeal of the Critical Areas Ordinance.
Gibson explained that the ordinance really needs to be examined in two parts.
The first is the basic finding that the County is out of compliance. Secondly, the
determination of the board is that our ordinance is invalid; that is to say, that it is so far
out of compliance that it substantially interferes with the achievement of the goals of the
act. Staff has recommended that appeals be filed to make certain that we do not
foreclose our options, particularly as it relates to the finding of invalidity.
Imhof requested comments.
Starkenburg stated that this goes with the understanding that they will be able to
meet with the DOE (Department of Ecology) in the near future.
Imhof called for the vote on the motion as stated by Dan Gibson regarding the
Critical Areas Ordinance.
Motion carried 4 -2 with Harris and Henderson opposed and Nelson absent.
Bob Woods, Council Budget and Program Analyst, explained that he wanted to
make the Council aware that the demands on staff have become more and more
substantial.
Dawson requested policy direction from the Council regarding county business.
She wondered whether or not it is county business for Council members to be involved
in what is transpiring on county roads and easements. She stated she is involved in
Small Claims Court with Puget Power. The consensus of the Council was that in this
particular instance it would not be appropriate to use staff time for a lawsuit she is
personally and individually involved in unless the County is also involved as a party to
the lawsuit.
Special Council Minutes, 1/4/96, Page 2
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The meeting was adjourned at 1 p.m.
- 7) �A"
M a McAllister, Recording Secretary
These minutes were approved by the Council on January 23, 1996.
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCEL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Special Council Minutes, 1/4/96, Page 3