HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Services July 13 1993WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
PUBLIC SERVICES AND SOLID WASTE COMMITTEE
July 13, 1993
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 1000 N.
Forest St., 2nd floor, by Bob Imhof, Chair.
Also present: Absent:
Dennis Vander Yacht None
Barbara Brenner
1. DISCUSSION ON THE LUMMI SHORE ROAD (AB93 -147)
Jeff Monsen reported as county staff member on this issue. He 'stated the desire
is to have both councils work together to modify language to begin Phase II. He
discussed the design criteria, and the options of taking 20 -80 feet of beach, or moving the
road inland from 20 -80 feet. It is important to create a stable tow. He discussed the
factors of loss of beach, cost, closeness to houses. Imhof said that cost was very
important as there is a limited amount of money provided for this in the six-year
program.
Andy Kamkoff, 2900 Smokehouse Road: He said there had been no engineering when
the original interlocal was signed. He said he believed it should be done with the most
cost effectiveness which would be moving the road in and the beach out slightly. Moving
the beach out or the road in would cost over $8 million but the mix would probably be
less.
Monsen said he would like to have enough money to match the amount of funds
available. It would probably be a 20 -80 split. Monsen said he would like to have
discussion of the elements that needs to included on the agreement itself.
2. DISCUSSION ON OUTDOOR BURNING BAN RELATING TO LAND
CLEARING (AB93 -258)
Imhof explained the issue, stating he was not in favor of it. It would add a cost to
clearing wooded lands and there is a hope of alternative methods of clearing.
Brenner said she had had complaints about burn barrels but not clearing fires.
Tom Fields, Fire Chief, District 2: He said this is in effect at this time. He said
he is not sure where the urban service areas are. Most fire districts have different
boundaries than the urban service areas so there would be an enforcement problem.
This would require a massive education program to enforce it and there is not the
money to do this. Who would enforce this? The fire districts are there to assist people
not police them. Vacant areas would soon be dumping grounds if burning is not
permitted. He again said he could not support this.
Jack Weiss, Solid Waste Division: He thought this would go before the Solid
Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) before Council so there could be more information
given before a decision was made.
There was discussion about referring it to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee.
Cindy Ptluger, 804 Salmon Berry Road: Urges the Council to take the time to
get all facts before making a decision. She said North West Air Pollution Authority
(NWAPA) has an excellent presentation.
Fire Chief Gerry Crawford, Fire District 8: Spoke to Terry Nieman, NWAPA,
today. He said there are some legal problems involved; before any decision is made,
Council should speak to their legal staff.
BRENNER MOVED TO RECOMMEND AGAINST SUPPORTING THIS
NOW BUT WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IT REFERRED TO SWAC FOR
GATHERING MORE INFORMATION AND MAKING A RECOMMENDATION TO
COUNCIL BEFORE COUNCIL TAKES ACTION.
The motion carried unanimously.
3. RESOLUTION DECLARING LEGISLATIVE INTENT REGARDING
CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS FOR STRINGING CABLE
TELEVISION LINE ON EXISTING POWER POLES (AB93 -271)
Dan Crocker, TCI Cablevision: Need some information on stringing fiber optic
lines in the Deming area. He said they use Puget Power poles to string lines; could they
not use Puget Power's conditional use permit rather than go through the process
themselves.
Nate Brown, Buildings & Code, said that Puget Power would have to have
conditional use permits if they upgrade their present system.
Brenner said if a permit is not required, could this go for keeping senior citizen's
rates low.
Crocker said it is fine for cable operators to have discount packages for hearing
impaired and low income users. He said he would like to keep their services operator
friendly.
There was discussion of the late fee charged on cable users.
BRENNER MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CABLE COMPANY
ONLY CHARGE A LATE FEE UNTIL PEOPLE HAVE SERVICE.
Public Services Minutes, 7113193, Page 2
The motion failed 2 -1 with Brenner in favor.
4. UPDATE ON B &C PROCEDURES WITH NATE BROWN (15
MINUTES)
Brown handed out information to the committee members. He said there is a
complaint that they are inaccessible to the County so they tried to institute a process so
that people could come at certain times and get immediate answers. They have issued 9
permits, in the two days it has been effect, at the time they were asked for because the
conditions were right. That would not have happened before even if the conditions were
right. They are trying to have self help zoning aids so people can look up some answers
on maps on the wall. The initial response has been very positive so far.
They are doing fairly well in their new home although still dealing with parking, etc.
Land Disturbance form is being changed; people moving earth with machinery over
2000 lbs. need to go to Buildings & Code to see if they need a permit. The information
is used to meet other requirements as well as the Land Disturbance issue.
Vander Yacht said the exemptions have been left out. Brown said that without a
strong enforcement situation this is necessary.
Brown said people were getting permits from the Health Department without
going to B &C and were found to be not in compliance.
Brown suggested he would change his form and bring it back to the Council.
IMHOF MOVED TO HAVE THE PROPOSED REVISIONS TO THE LAND
DISTURBANCE PAMPHLET AND APPLICATION FORM FORWARDED TO
COUNCIL AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
The motion carried unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:48 p.m.
ATTEST:
PUBLIC SERVICES & SOLID WASTE
COMMITTEE
Public Services Minutes, 7113193, Page 3