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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil April 13 1993WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL Regular Meeting April 13, 1993 The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 1000 N. Forest St., 2nd floor, by Marge Laidlaw, Chair. Also present: Absent: Barbara Brenner Larry Harris Ken Henderson Bob Imhof Dennis Vander Yacht Dan Warner READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the February 2 and 9, March 2, 9, and 23 Council meetings were approved as presented. EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS 1. DECISION ON APPEAL ON HEARING EXAMINER FILE #SHS92 -0013, FILED BY AL NORTON (AB92 -384) WARNER MOVED TO UPHOLD THE HEARING EXAMINER'S DECISION. The motion carried unanimously. 2. DECISION ON APPEAL ON HEARING EXAMINER FILE #SHS92 -0022, FILED BY JOSEPH & MARY KOVALIK (AB93 -066) WARNER MOVED TO UPHOLD THE HEARING EXAMINER'S DECISION. The motion carried unanimously. 3. DECISION ON APPEAL ON HEARING EXAMINER FILE #SHS92 -0028, FILED BY JIM & MARIETTA RITCHIE (AB93 -065) WARNER MOVED TO UPHOLD THE HEARING EXAMINER'S DECISION. The motion carried unanimously. 4. DECISION ON APPEAL ON HEARING EXAMINER FILE #SHS92 -0026, FILED BY LARRY NICHOLSON (AB93 -067) WARNER MOVED TO UPHOLD THE HEARING EXAMINER'S DECISION. The motion carried unanimously. 5. DECISION ON APPEAL ON HEARING EXAMINER FILE #SHS92 -0027, FILED BY RONALD NIELSON (AB93 -068) WARNER MOVED TO UPHOLD THE HEARING EXAMINER'S DECISION. The motion carried unanimously. OPEN SESSION John Sibold, 1622 Euclid: Resident of Lakeside and Euclid Avenues and is here to speak on the traffic problem in his area. He stated that his road is being used as a high speed shortcut to Lakeway. This issue has been discussed with at length with many agencies, both City and County. He asked that the Council provide some direction. Laidlaw stated that this issue should be assigned for discussion in Public Services Committee and that the Council will get back to him. Fred Kennedy, Home Builder: Spoke to the issue of the permit process at Buildings and Code. He spoke in favor of the Ordinance amending the 1993 Budget (AB93 -120), Building and Codes. He is working with a task force comprised of seven persons currently working with Buildings and Code to improve the permit process. He stated that the slow turn around time for permits it greatly affecting the building industry. Mike Roberts, Member of the task force mentioned by Fred Kennedy: The new department head of Building and Codes is a breath of fresh air, but he is unable to speed up the permit turn around time due to lack of staff. The Council is not being asked for taxpayer funds; however, it is being asked to allow some of the money that is paid for permits to be funded back into the Department. Buildings and Code is self funding and should be given the resources it needs to do its job correctly and timely. Lois Garlick, 297 Chuckanut Point Road: Spoke to the bids for the County's official newspaper and said that she feels the County needs to award the bid to a daily paper to avoid problems. She hopes that the County continues to use the Bellingham Herald as its official newspaper. Everett Thompson: Member of the seven person task force mentioned by Fred Kennedy and reiterated the statements of Kennedy and Roberts. Rick Carroll, U.S. Savings Bank: He was asked by the Building Association to speak on the effects of slow turn around time for building permits on the lending industry. He stated that in order to lock in an interest rate with the majority of lenders in town, the longer it takes, the more it will cost. He quoted various costs for different lengths of time. Dick Skeers: Member of the seven person task force. He reiterated the statements of Kennedy, Roberts, and Thompson, and added that Whatcom County is ranked as one of the worst in the State in regards to building permit time lines. Fred Kennedy: Thanked the Council for taking the time to listen to the members of the building community. He wanted to leave the Council with one last thought and stated that it is estimated that about 17% of the people in Whatcom County have some relationship to the building trade industry. He added that the Executive is in favor of this budget amendment and hopes that the Council will vote in favor as well. Laidlaw stated that the current Council supports most of what has been said tonight regarding the budget amendment for Building and Codes. She added that the system is not running the way it should and that it is certainly not responsive to the public, nor is it fair or consistent to all. Council minutes, 4113193, Page 2 Vander Yacht stated that in the past few years, requests for funding of additional staff by Buildings and Code have been granted, but has not appeared to make much of a difference. Laidlaw added that in 1990 and 1991, over and above Buildings and Code's normal budget, the Council appropriated over $300,000 to permit tracking systems and a number of other things that apparently did not have the effects that some had hoped. Doug Smith: He deals mainly with buildings that are used for manufacturing. He feels that if the permit process is slowed down much further, there could be many negative impacts to this County. The problems with the Buildings and Code Department are not as bad as some people would like the Council to believe. He would like to see the Council take action to continue to enhance the Buildings and Code group and not do something that would take things away. Martin Keeley: Spoke to the Ordinance amending the 1993 Budget (AB93 -099) Building and Codes. He stated that the new management at Buildings and Code is like a breath of fresh air. He is in support of the budget amendment and added that the additional help is greatly needed for the department. Sam Ryan: Spoke in support of the additional staff requests for Buildings and Code. She passed out a sheet showing where the help is needed and stated that the funds are available in the system to pay for these positions. She stated that a reorganization proposal has been forwarded to the Executive and Public Works and that the goal of this reorganization is supposed to be an improvement in service to the people of Whatcom County. She continued that in order to process permits in a timely manner, it is necessary to have the people to do the job. If adequate staffing levels are not funded, no amount of reorganization will improve processing time. Brenner asked how Whatcom County's staffing levels compare to other counties. Marilyn Bentley, Land Use Technician: Answered that it would be hard to come up with a fair comparison because other counties have not experienced the growth that Whatcom County has. Henderson reported further on some of the information that was discussed in Finance Committee earlier. Bentley continued that the present staff members at Buildings and Code cannot work any harder; they are working at well over 200 %. She stated she has trained six people since 1989, only to have to start over again when his /her contract ran out. When Nate Brown took over as Manager of Buildings and Code, it was the first time in years that many of the staff members were treated as professionals. Brown's agenda is not only to provide good service to the public, but also to turn an intolerable work situation into a decent working environment. She added that the Council has at its disposal a group of hard working, dedicated employees, and that it is time that the Council backs them up. She asked that the Council please support the budget request. Laidlaw replied that the Council is on the side of the employees and thinks they do a great job; therefore, it has supported supplemental budget requests as mentioned earlier. Lloyd Austin: Commended the Council on the great job they are doing. Council minutes, 4113193, Page 3 Patrick Allese 4825 Alderson Road: He is not part of the "gang of seven" and feels that a lot of what they say is true. Part of the reason that Birch Bay wanted to incorporate was that many people in Birch Bay build without permits. He would like to see a system where people can get the permits they need so that when structures are built, they are built properly. He has been dealing with Buildings and Code for years, and has seen nothing but improvement in recent months. He would like to see fees collected from folks who have built without permits. Lesa Starkenberg, representative for Whatcom Sand and Gravel Association, 1843 Main St., Lynden: Spoke in support of the additional staff for Buildings and Code and stated that the Sand and Gravel Association wants to see regulations in place and have them enforced uniformly. The County needs to be adequately staffed to carry out this enforcement, and the Association is willing to pay their fair share to fund this. The concern is that this is not a full time position. Henderson asked if Starkenberg was concerned that this is not a full time position because of the scope of the oversight or because of the number of mines. She replied it was due to the number of mines; they don't believe it will be a full time position forever. She said they will pay what it takes to enforce what is out there. Ed Good, Hearing Examiner: He supports the request for additional staffing for Buildings and Code. He feels that the turn around time at every level, especially in an appeal, would be shorter. Rita Foley, Blue Canyon Road: She would like to go on the record as saying she does not condone, acknowledge, vouch, or associate with Susan Struthers. She also stated that Buildings and Code is very understaffed and she supports additional staff. 1. ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE 92 -050 TO REFLECT THE INCREASED COST OF PROVIDING THE REPUBLISHED COUNTY CODE (AB93 -084) Laidlaw opened that public hearing. Hearing no one, Laidlaw closed that public hearing. IMHOF MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ORDINANCE. The motion carried unanimously. OTHER ITEMS 1. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH VALERIE DAY FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE CHILD CARE, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $11,700 (AB93 -110) Henderson reported for Finance and recommended approval. HE SO MOVED. The motion carried unanimously. Council minutes, 4113193, Page 4 2. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH MARYALLYN PLAUGIC- FISHER FOR CHILD CARE DEVELOPMENT AND COORDINATION IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $11,700 (AB93 -111) Henderson reported for Finance and recommended approval. HE SO MOVED. The motion carried unanimously. 3. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,658 (AB93- 112) Henderson reported for Finance and recommended approval. HE SO MOVED. The motion carried unanimously. 4. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH LAKE WHATCOM RESIDENTIAL & TREATMENT CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $11,733.33 (AB93 -113) Henderson reported for Finance and recommended approval. HE SO MOVED. The motion carried unanimously. 5. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH MAPLE ALLEY INN (OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL) FOR PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES /FREE MEAL PROGRAM IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $10,710 (AB93 -114) Henderson reported for Finance and recommended approval. HE SO MOVED. The motion carried unanimously. 6. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH SUN COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $36,400 (AB93- 115) Henderson reported for Finance and recommended approval. HE SO MOVED. Council minutes, 4113193, Page 5 The motion carried unanimously. 7. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH SEAMAR COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $31,178 (AB93 -116) Henderson reported for Finance and recommended approval. HE SO MOVED. The motion carried unanimously. 8. BID AWARD RECOMMENDATION FOR REPAIR OF CONCRETE PILES AND REPLACEMENT OF DOLPHINS AT THE LUMMI ISLAND FERRY DOCK TO THE LOW BIDDER, HURLEN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR $158,980 (AB93 -117) Henderson reported for Finance and recommended approval. HE SO MOVED. The motion carried unanimously. 9. BID AWARD FOR WHATCOM COUNTY OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER (AB93- 130) Henderson reported for Finance and recommended the bid be awarded to The Bellingham Herald. HE SO MOVED. The motion carried unanimously. 10. BID AWARD RECOMMENDATION FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF HAMPTON ROAD TO THE LOW BIDDER, WILDER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, FOR $1,080,416.60 (AB93 -118) Henderson reported for Finance and recommended approval. HE SO MOVED. The motion carried unanimously. 11. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING COUNTY ROAD PROJECT #992208 AND THE AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF HAMPTON ROAD (AB93 -119) Henderson reported for Finance and recommended approval. HE SO MOVED. Council minutes, 4113193, Page 6 The motion carried unanimously. 12. RESOLUTION SETTING THE HEARING AND NOTICE OF HEARING ON SALE OF COUNTY TAX TITLE PROPERTY, REQUEST #76 (AB93 -120) Henderson reported for Finance and recommended approval. HE SO MOVED. The motion carried unanimously. 13. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1993 BUDGET (AB93 -099) B &C REQUEST Henderson reported for Finance and recommended approval. HE SO MOVED. Topics discussed: Nate Brown being a very positive addition to County staff; reasons why these positions need to be funded; evolution of Building and Codes; complexity of the work done by the Building and Codes staff; the need for better enforcement; the concerns of the gravel industry and the impacts to the position that will be dedicated to dealing with this industry; surface mining fees; the development of the job descriptions; the hiring time frame; the reorganization plan which was delivered to the Executive and Public Works earlier in the day; reasons why budget requests that have been granted in the past have not affected the turn around time; where the money will come from; revenue dependency; what the expected cut in turn around time will be if these positions are funded (estimated at 50 %); streamlining the process; why fatal flaw in the process are not dealt with right away; parallel processing; not using additional funds. Persons speaking: Buildings and Code Manager Nate Brown; Brenner; Laidlaw; Imhof, Vander Yacht; Harris; Warner; Henderson. Harris stated that he would like to add another amendment to the Ordinance amending the 1993 budget. HARRIS MOVED TO TRANSFER $5,000 FROM THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM, ACCOUNT 15301- 6630 -902 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES /ATTORNEY, TO THE COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S ACCOUNT 260 -6630 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TO FUND OUTSIDE CONSULTING REGARDING THE CRITICAL AREAS ORDINANCE REFERENDUM. There was discussion on the motion. Topics discussed: Verbal agreement with the Prosecutor; not needing to identify the funding source; the need specify which line of the Health Department budget these funds will come from; concerns of Dr. Frank James; budget cut concerns; the need identify the line item. HENDERSON MOVED TO AMEND HARRIS' MOTION AND TAKE THE MONEY FROM THE GENERAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT BUDGET WITHOUT IDENTIFYING A SPECIFIC LINE ITEM. The motion failed 6 -1, with Henderson in favor. Council minutes, 4113193, Page 7 Harris' motion carried 5 -2, with Imhof and Vander Yacht opposed. The motion to adopt the amended ordinance carried unanimously. 14. ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE 93 -004 TO AMEND THE 1993 PATHS & TRAILS FUND BUDGET (AB93 -001A) Henderson reported for Finance and recommended approval HE SO MOVED. The motion carried unanimously. 15. RESOLUTION CANCELING WARRANTS OVER A YEAR OLD (AB93 -105) Henderson reported for Finance and recommended approval HE SO MOVED. The motion carried unanimously. 16. RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MAY 2 THROUGH MAY 8, 1993 AS MUNICIPAL CLERKS' WEEK (AB93 -129) Henderson reported for Finance and recommended approval HE SO MOVED. The motion carried unanimously. 17. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING FINANCIAL ASSURANCE FOR POST - CLOSURE OF CEDARVILLE (AB93 -122) Henderson reported for Finance and recommended approval. HE SO MOVED. The motion carried unanimously. 18. DISCUSSION OF ENFORCEMENT OF ORDINANCE 90 -96 SETTING UP THE UNIVERSAL SOLID WASTE RECYCLING AND COLLECTION DISTRICT (AB93 -121) This item was held in Public Services and Solid Waste Committee. 19. APPOINTMENTS TO THE ADA COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (AB93 -124) WARNER MOVED TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENTS AS OUTLINED IN THE Council minutes, 4113193, Page 8 APRILS MEMO FROM COUNTY EXECUTIVE SHIRLEY VAN ZANTEN AS FOLLOWS: MICHAEL J. MOYNIHAN, SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE; BARBARA CORY, COUNTY TREASURER; JO ANN MANCINELLI; GLEN BOCOCK; JOSEPHINE DAVIDSON; WILLIAM DITTRICH; CAROL MC NERNEY MAHER The motion carried unanimously. 20. NOMINATION AND POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT TO FILL VACANCY ON THE OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (AB93 -104) IMHOF MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES AND NOMINATE AND APPOINT IN THE SAME EVENING. The motion carried unanimously. LAIDLAW MOVED TO NOMINATE AND APPOINT LEO S. SYGITOWICZ TO FILL THE VACANCY ON THE OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE. The motion carried unanimously. 21. APPOINTMENT TO FILL A VACANCY ON THE CEMETERY DISTRICT 10 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS (AB93 -131) WARNER MOVED TO NOMINATE AND APPOINT BURT LARSON TO THE CEMETERY DISTRICT 10 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. The motion carried unanimously. 22. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING COUNTY STAFF TO RESEARCH IMPLICATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY'S TRUST WATER RIGHTS PROGRAM FOR WHATCOM COUNTY (WR)(AB93 -106) Harris reported for Water Resources and recommended approval. HE SO MOVED. Topics discussed: Trust Water Rights; losing rights if the water is not used; water banks; lack of information on the Water Resource Rights; the need to have staff look into this item. The motion carried unanimously. 23. COUNTY -WIDE PLANNING POLICIES DISCUSSION /POSSIBLE FINAL ACTION (AB93 -080) WARNER MOVED THE APPROVAL OF THE COUNTY -WIDE POLICIES RESOLUTION. Laidlaw read the location of a scriveners error: Page 247, C, #2, the shaded line, third word from the last, says "will' and minutes show that it was "may." Agreement by consensus. WARNER MOVED THAT THE LANGUAGE "AND EXISTING PLATTED LOTS" BE DELETED ON PAGE 248, FOURTH LINE FROM THE TOP. Council minutes, 4113193, Page 9 There was discussion on the motion. Topics discussed: Concerns with the language changes; what the issues here are; possibility of not allowing people to build on their property if this language change is allowed; platted lots having access to water if it goes by; zoning changes. The motion carried 4 -3, with Vander Yacht, Laidlaw, and Imhof opposed. BRENNER MOVED TO REINSTATE "SHALL" ON PAGE 245, #3, LINE 2, REPLACING THE "SHOULD." There was discussion on the motion. The motion failed 5 -2, with Henderson and Brenner in favor. Warner reported on C.1.; the recommendation was that it should read as originally written. BRENNER MOVED TO REVERT C.1. TO ITS ORIGINAL LANGUAGE. There was further discussion on this item. Henderson pointed out that on the next page, the cities have given the county the authority to down zone the properties in question, which means that development in those areas will not be discussed until the cities determine that they wish to annex. Laidlaw said that number 12 requires Bellingham to address a sequence in timing; Dan Taylor stated that state law will require this sequence in timing everywhere. Brenner withdrew her motion Warner explained the concerns with C.6., particularly the problems of punching in new wells. Brenner further clarified. BRENNER MOVED TO ADD "THIS IS NOT TO BE INTERPRETED AS PRIORITIZING PUBLIC WATER EXTENSIONS OVER OTHER OPTIONS" AFTER THE WORDS "OUTSIDE URBAN GROWTH AREAS." There was considerable discussion on the item. The motion failed 5 -2, with Brenner and Vander Yacht in favor. Henderson questioned section L, number 2, on the handout from Planning. Vickie Matheson, Planning Department, explained the differences between policies numbers 1 and 2 in that section. The cities were so concerned that this would be such an overwhelming task that they didn't want to write it in as a required policy. 253. Laidlaw asked about inclusionary zoning, page 49, number 5, and the definition on page Taylor stated that inclusionary zoning is just a review, not a requirement. The implication Council minutes, 4113193, Page 10 is that a developer might be required to dedicate part of the development to affordable housing. Both Brenner and Laidlaw said they had understood that this was to be an option, not a requirement. The motion to approve the amended resolution carried 6 -1, with Imhof opposed. Henderson gave his compliments to the Staff and to the Oversight Committee on the professional manner in which they've dealt with this issue, the sensitivity they've shown to public input, and added that this has been one of the better planning jobs he's seen done; he's very impressed. Laidlaw agreed, and thanked the Council of Governments for their eighteen months of hard work and coordination. INTRODUCTION 1. ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 91 -002 CLARIFYING MEMBERSHIP ON THE SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE A SECOND ISSUE WILL BE DEALT WITH BY MOTION THAT COULD REVERSE TWO MEMBERS' CATEGORIES PER 3/31 LETTER FROM SWAC (AB93 -108) (REFERRAL TO PUBLIC SERVICES) 2. ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 1993 UPDATE OF THE WHATCOM COUNTY SHORELINE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (AB93 -109) (REFERRAL TO PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT) 3 REQUEST #76 (AB93O OA) (HEARING TO OF E � TITLE PROPERTY, 4. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1993 BUDGET, NO. 7 (AB93 -125) (REFERRAL TO FINANCE) 5. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN INTERFUND LOAN NOT TO EXCEED $300,000 FROM THE WHATCOM COUNTY EQUIPMENT RENTAL AND REVOLVING FUND TO THE WHATCOM COUNTY CONSERVATION FUTURES FUND FOR THE PURPOSE OF TEMPORARY FUNDING FOR A LAND ACQUISITION ON CHUCKANUT MOUNTAIN (AB93 -126) (REFERRAL TO FINANCE) 6. ORDINANCE. AMENDING ORDINANCE 88 -63 AUTHORIZING INVESTMENT OF EXCESS CASH IN CERTAIN FUNDS TO BENEFIT THE SAME (AB93 -127) (REFERRAL TO FINANCE) REPORTS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS 47 Henderson: Requested a time and date for the budget retreat. 48 49 Henderson suggested Finance and Personnel Committee review the positions that have 50 been vacated, whether or not they should be refilled in light of budgetary considerations and 51 the reorganization, and report back to the full Council. 52 53 HENDERSON MOVED TO REVIEW THE POSITION OF THE INTERNAL -4 AUDITOR. 55 Council minutes, 4113193, Page 11 The motion carried 5 -2, with Vander Yacht and Brenner opposed. Imhof reported that RECOMP wants to do a test for leachate on the RECOMP site. IMHOF MOVED TO ASK OUR HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO OVERSEE A RECOMP -OWNED SITE PLAN TO BE DEVELOPED BY A GROUP CONSISTING OF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT, SWAC, A REPRESENTATIVE FROM WATCH AND RECOMP, AND THAT THEY ALSO OVERSEE THE ENGINEERING FIRM HIRED TO DO THE MONITORING OF THE PROJECT, WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM SWAC AND WATCH. There was discussion on the motion. The motion failed 3 -4, with Imhof, Warner and Vander Yacht in favor. IMHOF MOVED TO RECONSIDER THE TRULL-LECLEZIO REZONE IN CUSTER AT A DATE IN THE FUTURE WHICH ALLOWS ENOUGH TIME FOR EACH COUNCIL MEMBER TO HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO STUDY THE RECORD, TO FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH THE FINAL DECISION, PREFERABLY WITHIN 60 DAYS. There was a brief discussion. The County Attorney advised that this is not possible due to the proponents law suit. IMHOF WITHDREW HIS MOTION. Laidlaw reported that the Council had received a letter from Marlene Jensen regarding the tribes collecting utility taxes on non - Indian residents Jensen specifically asked the Council to issue a statement similar to what Kitsap County has done. Laidlaw asked for direction form the Council. BRENNER MOVED TO PUT THIS ISSUE INTO PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE FOR DISCUSSION. Brenner withdrew her motion It was agreed to put this item on the agenda for Council discussion on April 27. Laidlaw reminded Council of the SWAC meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening. Laidlaw also reported that a memo was sent out regarding the Lake Whatcom Goals, scheduled for the 28th. She said she had received a phone call today from the City of Bellingham informing her that the Chair of the City Council is not sure that they want to schedule it that night. Details are being worked out, so the meeting may not be held on the night of the 28th. Laidlaw asked if the Hearing Examiner will be involved in batching, a task that, up to Council minutes, 4113193, Page 12 1 now, has been handled by the Planning Department with the Council occasionally requesting 2 that an item be moved up. 3 4 IMHOF MOVED TO HAVE THE HEARING EXAMINER ACCELERATE THE 5 HEARING DATE FOR THE BEACON GROUP PROJECT TO WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE 6 COMPLETION OF THE E.I.S. ON THEIR P.U.D. 7 8 Warner suggested change 30 days to "expedite" and add "staff report" and appropriate 9 documentation. 10 11 Imhof accepted that as a friendly amendment. 12 13 The motion failed 4 -3, with Warner, Imhof, and Laidlaw in favor. 14 15 Warner stated that he will be attending a meeting in Seattle on Thursday. He added that 16 he will be attending a two day conference on Water Rights and Resources. Also at the Health 17 Department Advisory Committee meeting Frank James is going to be presenting a proposal for 18 reorganization of the Health and Human Services functions of the County. In attendance will 19 be other County department heads who provide for services in that area. 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 Brenner stated that she has been counting noses regarding people interested in exploring accessory units. This will be sent to the Planning Commission. Brenner reported that she is requesting the Planning Department explore the potential for allowing accessory uses in mineral resource zoning areas. Brenner added that Virginia Cooley had called and requested that the County pass an ordinance containing stricter and more immediate enforcement for drinking drivers. Brenner will look into this. Laidlaw suggested that the Criminal Justice Working Group members be consulted Harris reported that the Army Corp of Engineers has come up with a proposal to form a levy and dam around Everson and parts of Sumas to keep water from going into Canada. The Executive, Engineering Department and the Flood Control Committee have agreed to refuse the Army Corps' plan. There will be an international meeting on this at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 16, at the D.I.S. building. Woods said he will be in Seattle Thursday afternoon to attend training. The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m. ATTEST WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON D'a-nw-EVi ��&t e3erk Marge 121idlaw', - Council minutes, 4113193, Page 13