HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Council November 24 1992WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
November 24, 1992
The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 1000 N. Forest
St., 2nd floor, by Dan Warner, Chairman.
Also present: Absent:
Barbara Brenner None.
Larry Harris
Ken Henderson
Bob Imhof
Marge Laidlaw
Dennis Vander Yacht
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Warner briefly detailed some of the upcoming meetings that the Council would be
having in the next few weeks.
EXECUTIVE ITEMS
1. BID AWARD RECOMMENDATION FOR SPECIFIC SITE
IMPROVEMENTS - GUARDRAILS - TO THE LOWEST BIDDER,
PETERSEN BROTHERS, INC., FOR $119,868.13 (AB92 -446)
Deputy Administrator Tom Sutberry was present to introduce each bid award item,
and he did so. Laidlaw reported that Finance and Personnel Committee. reviewed this item
and recommended approval.
LAIDLAW MOVED APPROVAL OF THIS ITEM.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. BID AWARD FOR THE NOR -BELL FACILITY VENTILATION
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ONLY BIDDER, DIAMOND B PLUMBING,
INC., FOR $152,800, INCLUDING SALES TAX (AB92 -447)
After an explanation from Sutberry, Laidlaw reported that Finance Committee
reviewed this item and recommended approval.
LAIDLAW MOVED APPROVAL OF THIS ITEM.
Motion carried with Laidlaw opposed.
Council Minutes, 11124192, Page 1
3. BID AWARD RECOMMENDATION FOR A NEW FUELING SYSTEM
FOR CENTRAL SHOP FROM BOSMAN FUEL FOR $44,144.87 (AB92-
448)
After an explanation from Sutberry, Laidlaw reported that Finance Committee
reviewed this item and recommended approval.
LAIDLAW MOVED APPROVAL OF THIS ITEM.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. BID AWARD TO MULTIPLE BIDDERS FOR LARGE TRUCK TIRES
AND SERVICE FOR AN AMOUNT THAT MAY EXCEED $20,000 PER
VENDOR (AB92 -449)
After an explanation from Sutberry, Laidlaw reported that Finance Committee
reviewed this item and recommended approval. There was minor discussion.
LAIDLAW MOVED APPROVAL OF THIS ITEM.
Motion carried unanimously.
5. BID AWARD RECOMMENDATION FOR A LOWBOY TRAILER TO
THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER, SAHLBERG EQUIPMENT, INC.,
FOR $38,378.54 INCLUDING TRADE -IN AND SALES TAX (AB92 -450)
After an explanation from Sutberry, Laidlaw reported that Finance Committee
reviewed this item and recommended approval. There was minor discussion.
LAIDLAW MOVED APPROVAL OF THIS ITEM.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. BID AWARD FOR THE FABRICATION AND INSTALLATION OF JAIL
BUNKS TO THE LOWER BIDDER, ANDGAR CORPORATION, FOR
$26,058.51 (AB92 -451)
After an explanation from Sutberry, Laidlaw reported that Finance Committee
reviewed this item and recommended approval. There was minimal discussion.
LAIDLAW MOVED APPROVAL OF THIS ITEM.
Motion carried unanimously.
Council Minutes, 11124192, Page 2
1 7. NEW APPLICATION FOR A CLASS H LIQUOR LICENSE BY JOHN
2 PAUL FLETT FOR BELLINGHAM ICE HAWKS, 1801 WEST
-3 BAKERVIEW ROAD,. BELLINGHAM, WA 98226 (AB92 -453)
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5 After an explanation from Sutberry, Imhof reported that the Public Services and Solid
6 Waste Committee did not meet earlier in the evening, but because it appeared all involved
7 agencies recommended approval of the application, he was comfortable bringing the item
8 forward.
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10 IMHOF MOVED TO APPROVE OF THIS ITEM.
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12 Motion carried unanimously.
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14 8. EXECUTIVE'S REPORT
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16 Sutberry said there was no report this evening.
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18 OPEN SESSION
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20 Warner listed the hearing items and urged people to speak on those topics when the
21 hearings are opened.
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23 Lloyd Austin, 1838 Lakeside: Wanted to alert the Council that the cities are taking
24 over the county through various annexations; spoke to a need in the Assessor's Office for
25 more employees (to help increase dollars on the tax rolls).
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27 Hap Watkinson, 1037 Coronado (AB92 -362): Talked about a dock he is trying to
28 get a permit for (a Hearing Examiner issue); he was referring to an appeal that had already
29 been decided by the Council, and said he felt slighted. Warner explained the appeals
30 process, particularly why the Council meets in closed session with its attorney to discuss
31 appeals prior to making a decision in open session.
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33 Donna McAllister, owner of Schnauzer Crossing Bed and Breakfast (AB92 -366):
34 Also spoke about a Hearing Examiner appeal that had been decided at an earlier meeting;
35 urged the Council to reconsider her appeal; she, too, felt slighted and discussed her feelings
36 extensively. Warner responded to McAllister's concerns, and said they would be taken into
37 account.
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39 Sherilyn Wells, 1020 Geneva: Said Hearing Examiner Ed Good was fair, and spoke
40 about this; described a permitting problem with Buildings and Codes.
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42 Vermont McAllister, co -owner of Schnauzer Crossing (AB92 -366): Spoke about
43 Good's process of limiting testimony, and a "flip -flop" in his decision; feels they have been
44 abused. Warner responded again, saying that it would be extremely inappropriate for Good
Council Minutes, 11124192, Page 3
1 to indicate to people prior to the issuance of his decision what it may be; he also said it is
2 inappropriate for Council Members to talk about what was discussed in executive session.
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4 Mark Weinberg, Box 1272, Bellingham: (AB92 -371) Another person who spoke about
5 perceived injustices perpetrated in the Hearing Examiner process. His appeal had recently
6 been denied by the Council. Warner responded again.
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8 Ian McAllister, Schnauzer Crossing (AB92 -366): Disappointed with treatment of the
9 appeal; spoke about the arguments that had been made. Warner asked where the
10 McAllisters got the information regarding what Council had been advised to do in executive
11 session; Watts said he did discuss the matter with the McAllisters. Warner told Watts not
12 to do that again.
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14 OTHERS ITEMS A
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16 1. DECISION ON APPEAL OF HEARING EXAMINER'S DECISION ON
17 HEARING EXAMINER FILE NO. SHS92 -6, SHC92 -2, AA92 -9, HYDRO
18 WEST FILED BY JOHN WILLIAMS (AB92 -374)
19
20 Warner reported that the Council had discussed this item in executive session with
21 its attorney earlier in the evening.
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23 HARRIS MOVED TO DENY THE MOTION TO DISMISS, FILED BY THE
24 APPELLANTS, AND TO UPHOLD THE HEARING EXAMINER.
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26 Motion carried unanimously, with Brenner abstaining (because she had not been
27 present for the discussion in executive session).
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29 2. DECISION ON APPEAL OF HEARING EXAMINER'S DECISION ON
30 HEARING EXAMINER FILE NO. LCR 92 -2, BC SOUTH FILED BY B.C.
31 SOUTH, LTD. (AB92 -383)
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33 Warner reported that the Council had discussed this item in executive session with
34 its attorney earlier in the evening.
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36 LAIDLAW MOVED TO REMAND THE MATTER TO THE HEARING
37 EXAMINER SO THAT HE MAY SPECIFICALLY ADDRESS WHETHER THE LOTS
38 IN QUESTION ARE ENTITLED TO RELIEF IN COMPLIANCE WITH WHATCOM .
39 COUNTY CODE TITLE 20.83.072 (1) THROUGH (4).
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41 Laidlaw commented that the Buildings and Codes Administrator can not grant relief
42 from lot consolidation but that the Hearing Examiner does have that authority.
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44 Motion carried unanimously.
Council Minutes, 11124192, Page 4
7.40 p.m.
HEARINGS
1. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE LEVY OF TAXES FOR COUNTY
AND STATE PURPOSES IN WHATCOM COUNTY FOR 1993,
PURSUANT TO HOME RULE CHARTER SECTION 6.10 (AB92 -414)
Laidlaw explained this item. Warner commented, and opened the hearing. No one
spoke and the hearing was closed.
LAIDLAW MOVED THAT THE ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED.
Brenner spoke against the ordinance.
Motion carried 6 -1 with Brenner opposed.
2. RESOLUTION ADOPTING A MULTI -YEAR CAPITAL FACILITIES
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (AB92 -416)
Warner explained this resolution and the fact that it includes the one -year road
program. The hearing was opened.
Dan Levy, Point Roberts Transportation District . Citizens .Advisory Committee:
Spoke in support of the one -year road program, particularly item 10 (widening of Tyee
Drive).
Warner asked if others wanted to testify; he briefly went through items on the list.
The hearing was closed.
IMHOF MOVED TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION.
Imhof commented on the Lake Whatcom Boulevard and Slater Road projects.
Engineer Ed Henken spoke to some of the items. Henderson asked Henken about
improvements near Red River Road.
Brenner asked about State grant money possibly not being available; Henken
responded. Imhof asked who dropped the ball in seeking the grant; Henken said it was not
his office, but he would rather not say who it was.
Warner commented on number 18, the Lake Louise Road project.
Laidlaw asked Henken when the Council would be able to find out who dropped the
ball on the grant application; Henken said he would prefer to give a written response, or
the Council could ask the Executive or the Public Works Director. Warner said he would
ask the Administration to have Henken respond in writing.
Laidlaw commented on real estate excise tax funding.
Council Minutes, 11124192, Page 5
1 Warner reopened the hearing.
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3 Pat Stoddard, 5574 Salish Rd., Birch Point Village: Interested in the Birch Point
4 Road project. She said she didn't like to hear that the project may be put on hold; Warner
5 explained that real estate excise tax funds can't be spent on the project until the County
6 completes some planning. Warner assured Stoddard that every effort would be made to get
7 the work done this next year.
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9 The hearing was again closed.
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11 Motion carried unanimously.
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13 3. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING 1993 HEALTH DEPARTMENT FEES
14 (AB92 -391C)
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16 Warner briefly explained this ordinance; Laidlaw and Henderson commented.
17 Warner opened the hearing.
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19 Pat Stoddard, 5574 Salish Rd., Birch Point Village: Asked about the swimming pool
20 fees. There was some discussion.
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22 The hearing was closed.
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24 LAIDLAW MOVED TO ADOPT THE ORDINANCE.
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26 Motion carried unanimously.
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28 4. ORDINANCE INCREASING THE GAMBLING TAX (AB92442)
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30 Warner gave some background. Laidlaw said there were no new changes proposed
31 to the ordinance. Sheriff Dale Brandland was present, she said, to speak to the ordinance.
32 _ Vern Pruss, Vice President Washington Licensed Beverage Association, was present, and
33 Warner noted that Mr. Pruss had spoken to this issue at the November 19 meeting. The
34 hearing was opened.
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36 Pruss: Has a letter from the previous Sheriff and chiefs of police of several small
37 cities regarding tax increases of the past. He briefly discussed his position on the issue.
38 Henderson commented on information provided by Treasurer Barb Cory (on file)
39 regarding gambling taxes charged state -wide.
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41 Sylvia Wood, the Sea Links Golf Course and Restaurant, Birch Bay: Spoke against
42 the pull-tab portion of the tax increase.
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44 Nick Kinisld, Kiniski's Reef Tavern, Point Roberts: Spoke against the gambling tax;
Council Minutes, 11124192, Page 6
1 read a letter from the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce (did not provide a copy to the
2 Council).
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4 Larry Champigny, Larry's Oyster and Pasta Bar in Birch Bay: Agreed with the
5 previous speakers. Spoke about the hardships that could result if the increase on pull-tabs,
6 in particular, was adopted.
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8 Katie Casey, 4110 Sucia Dr.: Works with Whatcom County Crisis Services. Spoke
9 about the difficulty of increasing the taxes for social service agencies (which sometimes
10 depend on revenues from gambling activities). Henderson commented. Warner
11 commented.
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13 John Lowmon, 2908 Lincoln, distributor of gambling supplies: Spoke against the
14 gambling tax increase. His experience in other counties has been that such tax increases put
15 people out of business.
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17 Dick Dickerboom, 9093 Frost Rd., Sumas: Gambling is doomed, he said, due to the
18 loss of gross profits. He authored and collected information that had been presented to the
19 Council (on file).
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21 Pat Alesse, 9865 Harvey Rd., Birch Bay: Spoke about the gambling tax.
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23 Dale Brandland, County Sheriff. Spoke about enforcement issues (or the lack
24 thereof). In the` 10 months since Brandland took office, he does not believe the Sheriff's
25 Department has responded to a call at a gambling house. Other impacts of the gambling
26 activity, however, are immeasurable. Laidlaw asked what some of the money would be used
27 for. Brandland said more people could be hired, raising response time to any calls at
28 gambling establishments. Imhof spoke to the State law which says tax revenue from
29 gambling must be used for law enforcement, and asked if Brandland could justify the money
30 being collected at this time. Warner spoke about gambling complaints being difficult to
31 quantify and identify.
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33 Jeff Carrington, general manager of the Sea Links: Spoke about the restaurant
34 industry's problems, and expected bad impacts of the gambling tax.
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36 Jim Do ley, 974 Valley Highway, Ranch Tavern, Acme: In his 16 years in business
37 has never call6d the Sheriff and never had a problem.
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39 Jim Fuller, manager, The Breakers in Point Roberts: Spoke about problems with
40 the economy.
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42 Dave Swanson, 9361 Swanson Rd., Sumas: Spoke against the tax; other counties have
43 lowered taxes and actually increased their revenue because more operators emerged.
44
Council Minutes, 11124192, Page 7
1 The hearing was closed.
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3 HENDERSON MOVED TO ADOPT THE ORDINANCE.
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5 Henderson noted that he so moved just to get the item on the floor for discussion.
6 Warner asked if the Finance Committee had based some of its budget assumptions on the
7 potential revenue from this tax increase; Laidlaw said yes. Imhof said the two issues should
8 be kept separate. Brenner asked why this was factored in. Laidlaw responded. Brenner
9 commented on Imhof s earlier observations and the impact on small business. Warner noted
10 that the ordinance should be changed to indicate that the Finance Committee, rather than
11 Laidlaw, is the sponsor. Henderson commented, stating his concerns about impacts on small
12 business. Laidlaw stated her reasons for voting against the ordinance.
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14 Motion failed unanimously.
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16 8:55 p.m.
17
18 5. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING FEES TO COVER THE
19 ADMINISTRATION OF OPEN BURN PERMITS (AB92 -437)
20
21 Warner explained the proposed ordinance. The hearing was opened.
22
23 A.J. Gould, 190 West Lake Samish: He asked for clarification of the extent of the
24 ordinance and asked how it could be enforced. Warner commented that he believed these
25 permits would be for trash fires.
26
27 Jerry Joubert, Whatcom County Fire District 13: Urged Council to not pass the
28 ordinance, said fire districts' concerns had not been adequately addressed. Also spoke about
29 permitting problems that exist within County government. Henderson asked Joubert some
30 questions. Gould commented on a survey he took of volunteer firemen.
31
32 Gary Crawford, Fire District 8 Fire Chief. His fire district took over permitting for
33 burning, as allowed by law, because they were so discouraged with the County's.performance
34 in this area. By using permits as an educational process the district has had some success;
35 other districts don't do this because they lack full time staff.
36
37 Gary Russell, Fire District 7: Administers fire permits for the district and for the
38 City of Ferndale. Spoke in support of Jouberfs comments, and said the ordinance would
39 create an enforcement problem.
40
41 Duncan McLean, District 11, Lummi Island: Majority of firefighters are non -paid
42 volunteers; to force them to enforce an ordinance like this would tend to undermine the
43 pride taken by the volunteers, he said.
44
Council Minutes, 11124192, Page 8
1 The hearing was closed.
2
3 LAIDLAW MOVED TO TABLE THE ORDINANCE INDEFINITELY UNTIL,
4 THE FIRE MARSHALL'S CONCERNS ARE ADDRESSED.
5
6 Brenner said she would like to see a little more thought go in to the kinds of
7 ordinances that are brought forward for the Council's consideration. Laidlaw also said it
8 would be good to know why this issue was not included as part of the proposed uniform fee
9 schedule. Warner said the Administration would be asked to comply with Brenner's request.
10
11 Motion carried unanimously.
12
13 OTHER ITEMS B
14
15 1. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING COUNTY ROAD PROJECT NO. 99229
16 AND THE AWARD FOR THE CONTRACT FOR GUARDRAIL SITE
17 IMPROVEMENTS, VARIOUS LOCATIONS (AB92 -452)
18
19 LAIDLAW MOVED TO APPROVE OF THE RESOLUTION.
20
21 Motion carried unanimously.
22
23 2. RESOLUTION TO ADOPT A SALARY SCHEDULE FOR THE
24 UNREPRESENTED WHATCOM COUNTY EMPLOYEES FOR THE
15 YEAR 1993 (AB92 -415)
26
27 Laidlaw noted that a scrivener's error regarding the medical examiner should be
28 corrected, and said Finance recommended approval.
29
30 LAIDLAW SO MOVED.
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32 Henderson commented.
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34 Motion carried unanimously.
35
36 3. ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 1993 BUDGET (AB92 -391A)
37
38 1 Council Budget and Program Analyst Bob Woods listed documents that had been
39 distributed to the Council earlier in the day (on file, formerly marked "confidential'). He
40 gave a presentation on the changes to the budget, including technical corrections, correction
41 of scrivener's errors, and other changes to the Finance Committee's earlier revenue
42 projections. Laidlaw spoke about the addition of an approximately $18,000 grant- funded
43 expenditure; on page four of the ordinance, beginning on line four, changes as indicated:
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44 "Personnel ositions
Council Minutes, 11124192, Page 9
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IMHOF MOVED TO ADOPT THE ORDINANCE AS RECOMMENDED FOR
ADOPTION BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, SUBJECT TO ANY TECHNICAL
CORRECTIONS THAT MAY BE NEEDED.
Imhof commented that since $350,000 in revenue from the gambling tax would not
be included, perhaps cuts should be made to the Finance Committee's recommended
additions. He cautioned against dipping into the fund balances. Brenner, Woods and
Warner commented.
Warner ordered a brief recess at 9:30 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 9:40 p.m. Brandland noted that red ribbons had been
distributed to each Council Member, and asked that they place them on their car antennas
in honor of the efforts of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Discussion of potential budget cuts continued. Topics covered included: The Council
mailings appropriation for $15,000; the Auditor's van; admissions tax; contingency for costs
of moving in to the Courthouse, relocations of departments, etc.; one -year quarter percent
real estate excise tax (REET); possible revenues resulting from the proposed reorganization
of certain County departments; the additional secretary for the Public Defender's Office.
IMHOF MOVED TO REMOVE THE $26,041 FOR THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S
ONE STAFF PERSON.
Motion to amend failed, with Imhof in favor.
There was discussion by Warner, Laidlaw, Brenner, Imhof. Sutberry said the estimate
of a $500,000 ending fund balance is not significantly secure that such small expenditures
will really matter.
Discussion ensued on the following issues: Revenue projections; getting the cities to
contribute more for their share of courts usage; budget provisos.
Persons speaking: Sutberry, Brenner, Brandland, Henderson, Imhof, Warner, Woods,
and Laidlaw,
WARNER MOVED TO DELETE THE $15,000 FOR TREASURER
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES; MAIlV'TAIN THE $175,000 IN REVENUE; ELIMINATE.
THE $51,670 INCREASE IN THE FUND BALANCE; ELIMINATE $15,000 TO
COUNCIL OFFICE.
Council Minutes, 11124192, Page 10
Motion to amend carried unanimously.
WARNER MOVED TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE ON PAGE 4, PROVISO H,
TO STRIKE "NO LESS THAN 2.14 PERCENT' AND REPLACE IT WITH "NOT LESS
THAN $500,000."
Motion to amend carried unanimously.
Henderson asked which additional services requests included by the Executive in the
proposed budget could be cut. Woods commented; Imhof said these had been closely
scrutinized by the Finance Committee.
Motion to adopt the ordinance as presented by the Finance Committee and amended
by the Council carried unanimously.
5. ORDINANCE AMENDING A 1974 WHATCOM COUNTY
COMMISSIONER'S RESOLUTION REGARDING PATHS AND TRAILS
FUND 131 (AB92 -438)
Laidlaw asked that the next two items be taken out of order on the agenda. She
commented briefly on AB92 -438.
LAIDLAW MOVED TO ADOPT THE ORDINANCE.
Motion carried unanimously.
ADDENDUM:
7. RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE NON - MOTORIZED ELEMENT OF
THE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (AB92 -458)
Laidlaw explained the purpose of the resolution.
LAIDLAW MOVED APPROVAL OF THE RESOLUTION.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. RESOLUTION REGARDING BUDGET- RELATED
RECOMMENDATIONS OR POLICY STATEMENTS FOR 1993 (AB92-
391D)
Comments were made by Warner, who read through the proposed recommendations.
WARNER MOVED TO ADD: "THE COUNCIL URGES THE
ADMINISTRATION TO PLAN FOR CONSOLIDATION IN A SINGLE BUILDING
Council Minutes, 11124192, Page 11
FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS, PLANNING, BUILDING AND PERMITTING
DEPARTMENTS IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA."
Warner said he was talking about "post- Nor -Bell days." Laidlaw suggested amending
"h" instead. Warner agreed. He restated the motion:
WARNER CHANGED HIS MOTION, SO THAT IT AMENDED SECTION "H"
TO INCLUDE AT THE END OF THAT PARAGRAPH: "... THE COUNCIL
ENCOURAGES THE ADMINISTRATION TO PLAN FOR CONSOLIDATION OF
WHAT IS NOW PLANNING, BUILDINGS AND CODES, ENGINEERING, ETC. IN A
DOWNTOWN LOCATION."
Motion to amend carried unanimously.
Brenner said she would like to see some kind of recognition that the Council would
like departments to tone down future budget requests. Laidlaw commented.
BRENNER MOVED TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION BY ADDING THE
FOLLOWING: "THE COUNCIL RECOGNIZES THE POTENTIAL FOR DECLINING
REVENUE IN 1994, AND ENCOURAGES THE ADMINISTRATION TO CONTINUE
TO BE FRUGAL AND EXERCISE RESTRAINT IN RECOMMENDING
EXPENDITURES."
Motion to amend failed with Henderson and Brenner in favor.
Harris asked for clarification of its intent for section "E." Vander Yacht commented
as did Henderson, Harris, Laidlaw, and Imhof.
HARRIS MOVED TO AMEND ITEM E. TO READ, '"THE COUNCIL
ENCOURAGES THE ADMINISTRATION TO REVISE ZONING REGULATIONS IN
THE LAKE WHATCOM SUBAREA PLAN."
LAIDLAW MOVED TO AMEND THE AMENDMENT TO CHANGE THE
WORD REVISE TO REVIEW.
Motion carried with Harris and Henderson opposed.
Motion to adopt the revised amendment carried unanimously.
Motion to adopt the resolution as amended carried unanimously.
6. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LYNDEN NOOKSACK VALLEY
SUBAREA COMP. PLAN MAP AND THE OFFICIAL WHATCOM
COUNTY ZONING MAP FROM RESIDENTIAL RURAL (RR2) TO
Council Minutes, 11124192, Page 12
GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GC) FOR A 0.41 ACRE SITE (AB92 -439)
Henderson explained this item and reported that the Planning and Development
Committee recommended approval.
HENDERSON MOVED TO ADOPT THE ORDINANCE.
Laidlaw and Henderson commented.
Motion carried unanimously
INTRODUCTION
The following items were introduced by the Council and scheduled for consideration
at a later date:
1. ORDINANCE DESIGNATING "THE WHATCOM DISPUTE
RESOLUTION CENTER" A DISPUTE RESOLUTION CENTER IN
WHATCOM COUNTY AND IMPOSING CIVIL FILING FEE
SURCHARGES TO FUND CENTER (AB92 -441) (HEARING TO BE
SCHEDULED DEC. 1 OR 8)
2. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1992 BUDGET FOR VARIOUS
DEPARTMENTS (AB92 -444)
3. INTERIM ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH CONFORMITY WITH THE
COUNTY ROAD ADMINISTRATION BOARD POLICY FOR
ACCOMMODATION OF UTILITIES IN THE COUNTY ROAD RIGHTS
OF WAY (AB92 -445)
4. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE WHATCOM COUNTY CODE
REGARDING INDECENT EXPOSURE (AB92 -406A)
5. RECEIPT OF PETITION FOR VACATION OF A PORTION OF
COUNTY ROAD #131, FILED BY WESTERN WASHINGTON
UNIVERSITY (AB92 -443)
REPORTS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS
Computer Steering Committee (re: budget discussions) (AB92 -391): Harris reported
that he met with Sutberry and discussed the Computer Steering Committee. He said he felt
the Council and /or the Executive should either affirm the Committee, reconstitute it, or
drop it. The Committee is beginning a five -year plan, and departments need to be made
more aware of its function. Henderson noted that there seemed to be some difficulty in
Council Minutes, 11124192, Page 13
1 coordinating the Geographic Information Systems projects. Warner suggested Harris write
2 a memo to the Executive asking what the Council can do to assist in promoting the
3 effectiveness of the Committee. Harris agreed to do that.
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Cowden report (AB92- 311B): Brenner commented. Warner said he would write
McEachran to get input prior to 12/1 regarding what the next step should be.
Columbia Aggregates (AB92 -152): Laidlaw reported the Department of Natural
Resources apparently has issued a permit for surface mining on the north edge of the
county. The Hearing Examiner will need to have a conditional use hearing separately.
Superior Court Furniture Request (AB92 -456): Laidlaw explained why the Finance
Committee held this request in Committee.
Thanks to Council Staff. On behalf of the Finance Committee, Laidlaw thanked Bob
Woods, Council staff, Executive staff, and the Finance Committee members for their hard
work during the budget process.
Hearing Examiner concerns (AB92 -463): Warner said Good will make a presentation
to Council on 12/8, Council may inquire of him then what he thinks the problem will be.
Council reorganization: Warner alerted the Council to the upcoming reorganization
and the process. There was discussion.
Schnauzer Crossing appeal (AB92 -366): Vander Yacht said he thought the Schnauzer
Crossing people may need to have a reconsideration of their appeal.
VANDER YACHT MOVED TO HAVE THE COUNCIL RECONSIDER THE
SCHNAUZER CROSSING APPEAL DECISION, REVIEWING THE ARGUMENTS IN
EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Motion carried 6 -1 with Harris opposed.
Warner asked Watts to carefully review the file before the December 8 meeting,
when this item would be discussed.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
ATTEST:
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44 Ramona Reeves, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
aniel M. Warner, Chairman
Council Minutes, 11124192, Page 14