HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Council February 12 1991WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
February 12, 1991
The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by Council Chairman Dan Warner in the
Council Chambers, 1000 N. Forest Street, Bellingham, WA.
Present Absent
Dennis Vander Yacht None
Emily Jackson
Don Hansey
Bob Imhof
Marge Laidlaw
Mary Vanderpol
READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the December 11 and 18, 1990 and January 11, 1991 meetings were
approved as presented.
EXECUTIVE ITEMS
1. BID AWARD RECOMMENDATION FOR THREE 90 HP PTO TRAC-
TORS TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER, FARMERS' EQUIP-
MENT COMPANY FOR THREE CASE INTERNATIONAL 5140
TRACTORS AT A NET BID OF $98,445.50, INCLUDING THREE
TRADE -IN TRACTORS AND SALES TAX (AB91 -037)
Vanderpol reported Finance recommended approval to Council.
HE SO MOVED.
The motion carried unanimously.
2. BID AWARD RECOMMENDATION FOR HDPE DRAIN PIPE TO THE
LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER, H.D. FOWLER CO., FOR 480 FEET
PF 24 -INCH INSIDE DIAMETER DRAIN PIPE AT A TOTAL COST OF
$17,459.19, INCLUDING PIPE WELDING MACHINE RENTAL AND
SALES TAX (AB91 -038)
Vanderpol reported Finance recommended approval to Council.
HE SO MOVED.
The motion carried unanimously.
3. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR EXECUTIVE TO ENTER
INTO A CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
SERVICES NORTHWEST ADDING $35,000 IN STATE GRANT MONEY
FOR THE CHAP PROGRAM AND $24,355 IN CURRENT EXPENSE
(AB91 -039)
4. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR EXECUTIVE TO ENTER
INTO A CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH WHATCOM COUNSELING
AND PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC ADDING $16,700 IN STATE GRANT
MONEY AND $35,420 IN CURRENT EXPENSE (AB91 -040)
5. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR EXECUTIVE TO ENTER
INTO A CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH LAKE WHATCOM
RESIDENTIAL AND TREATMENT CENTER ADDING $35,200 IN
STATE GRANT MONEY TO INCREASE WAGES TO EMPLOYEES
(AB91 -041)
Vanderpol reported Finance recommended approval of items 3,4, and 5 to Council.
HE SO MOVED.
The motion carried unanimously.
6. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR EXECUTIVE TO ENTER
INTO A CONTRACT AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREE-
MENT FOR THE NORTH SOUND REGIONAL SUPPORT NETWORK
TO ALLOW THE NETWORK TO CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AND EMPLOY OR CONTRACT FOR STAFF (AB91 -042)
Van Zanten explained the need for this contract amendment to the interlocal
agreement. Vanderpol reported Finance recommended approval to Council.
HE SO MOVED.
The motion carried unanimously.
7. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR EXECUTIVE TO ENTER
INTO A CONTRACT WITH B- TWELVE ASSOCIATES, AN ENVIRON-
MENTAL CONSULTING FIRM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $51,000 (AB91-
043)
Van Zanten explained this group would complete a paper inventory and develop an
ordinance on the critical areas for Whatcom County. This will be funded by grant money.
Vanderpol reported Finance recommended approval to Council.
HE SO MOVED.
The motion carried unanimously.
Minutes, 2/12/91, Page 2
8. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR EXECUTIVE TO ENTER
INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT 1
FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COORDINATED WATER SYSTEM
PLAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $199,000 (AB91 -044)
Van Zanten explained this item; this is designed more to bring all the diverse systems
and purveyors together in a unified fashion to show some unification in the delivery of the
system. Vanderpol reported Finance recommended approval to Council. Vanderpol
nominated Laidlaw to serve on the committee; Laidlaw said she felt it should be someone
from the Water Resources Committee to serve and that committee will be formed later in
the meeting.
HE SO MOVED.
The motion carried unanimously.
9. REAPPOINTMENT OF MICHAEL TEN KLEY TO A SECOND FULL
THREE -YEAR TERM ON THE COUNTY APPEALS BOARD. TERM
RUNS FROM 1/1/91 TO 12/31/93 (AB91 -045)
10. REAPPOINTMENT OF ROLF BECKHUSEN TO A SECOND FULL
THREE -YEAR TERM ON THE COUNTY APPEALS BOARD. TERM
RUNS FROM 1/1/91 TO 12/31/93 (AB91 -045)
11. APPOINTMENT OF DAVID SIMMS TO A FIRST FULL THREE -YEAR
TERM ON THE BOUNDARY REVIEW BOARD. HIS TERM WILL
RUN FROM 2/2/91 TO 2/1/94 (AB91 -045)
12. REAPPOINTMENT OF MARIE USITALO TO A SECOND FULL THREE -
YEAR TERM ON THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE BOARD. TERM RUNS
FROM 1/1/91 TO 12/31/93 (AB91 -045)
13. REAPPOINTMENT OF VELMA WENDT TO A SECOND FULL THREE -
YEAR TERM ON THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE BOARD. TERM RUNS
FROM 1/1/91 TO 12/31/93 (AB91 -045)
14. APPOINTMENT OF HARRY REKERS TO A FIRST FULL THREE -YEAR
TERM ON THE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES BOARD, TO RUN
FROM 1/1/91 TO 12/31/93 (AB91 -045)
15. APPOINTMENT OF DAVID HUTCHINSON TO A FIRST FULL THREE -
YEAR TERM ON THE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES BOARD, TO
RUN FROM 1/1/91 TO 12/31/93 (AB91 -045)
16. REAPPOINTMENT OF RICHARD PERRY TO A SECOND FULL
THREE -YEAR TERM ON THE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Minutes, 2/12/91, Page 3
BOARD, TO RUN FROM 1/1/91 TO 12/31/93 (AB91 -045)
LAIDLAW MOVED CONFIRMATION OF THE APPOINTEES.
The motion carried unanimously.
17. EXECUTIVE'S REPORT
Van Zanten explained the handouts which included the Building and Code monthly
permit and fee total, the report of solid waste activities and 1991 projections, and the annual
program report of waste reduction and recycling activities.
Van Zanten said she had brought copies of the draft Flood Control document; if
Council members don't read the whole document, she asked that they please focus on
Chapters 7 and 8. There will be a summary of this plan at the meeting in Lynden tomorrow
night at the Lynden Middle School. Van Zanten said she hopes the final document will be
adopted in the second meeting in May.
OPEN SESSION
Maggie Marceau, 392 E. Axton Road: Spoke on surface mining and the rash of new
applications. She asked that a moratorium be placed on the acceptance of new applications
until this gets passed. It has been stated that there are enough surface mining sites to
provide for the next 15 years. She said she is really concerned and thinks that surface
mining is a little bit of destruction of our whole world and we all need to be judicious about
scraping off our topsoil indiscriminately.
John Tyler, Buildings & Code: He said most applications have been for taking gravel
out of the river, but there is one application on an existing pit.
HEARINGS AND FINAL CONSIDERATION
1. ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 87 -41, TO INCREASE LAND
USE PERMIT FEES BY 20 PERCENT (AB90 -452) (HEARING CONTIN-
UED FROM 1/22)
Hearing no further comment, the public hearing was closed.
Vanderpol explained this issue; he reported for Finance and recommended adoption
of this item.
HE SO MOVED.
The motion carried unanimously.
FINAL CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
Minutes, 2/12/91, Page 4
1. ORDINANCE IMPOSING A MORATORIUM ON PROCESSING
BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE
GENERAL COMMERCIAL ZONE BETWEEN WISER LAKE AND THE
BARTLETT ROAD ON GUIDE MERIDIAN, PENDING STUDY OF
APPROPRIATE OFFICIAL CONTROLS (PROPOSED BY JONATHON
STIKIN OF LANGABEER, TULL & COLLIER) (AB91 -023A)
Laidlaw explained this issue; she reported Planning & Development recommended
adoption to Council.
SHE SO MOVED.
The motion carried unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
1. NOMINATIONS TO COUNCIL - APPOINTED POSITIONS ON BOARDS
AND COMMISSIONS (AB91 -035) (PLANNING COMMISSION -- DIS-
TRICT 3)
The applicants are as follows:
Martin Keeley
Barbara Brenner
Gerry Landcastle
Tom Durham
Wayne Larson
IMHOF PLACED ALL FIVE APPLICANTS NAMES FOR NOMINATION.
JACKSON MOVED NOMINATIONS BE CLOSED.
The motion carried unanimously.
LAIDLAW MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES AND MAKE THE APPOINT-
MENTS.
The motion carried 5 -2 with Warner and Jackson against.
JACKSON MOVED TO RECONSIDER THE MOTION.
Hansey said there is a vacancy on this commission and there is a heavy workload;
the sooner someone is appointed the better as they are starting meetings on the South Fork.
The motion failed 6 -1 with Jackson voting for it.
Warner asked for a balanced representation of development and environmental
Minutes, 2/12/91, Page 5
people so resentments do not develop because of a perception that things are not fair.
Imhof spoke for Landcastle.
Jackson said Keeley would be excellent, but in the interests of balance she is
supporting Durham, saying he is not from the development or the environmental camp.
He would bring a great deal of problem solving to the table; he lives on Aldridge and knows
the problems out there.
The vote was taken as follows:
Vanderpol
for
Gerald Landcastle
Laidlaw
for
Martin Keeley
Imhof
for
Gerald Landcastle
Warner
for
Tom Durham
Haney
for
Gerald Landcastle
Jackson
for
Tom Durham
Vander Yacht
for
Gerald Landcastle
Gerald Landcastle was declared the appointee for the Planning Commission.
2. APPOINTMENT OF THREE COUNCIL MEMBERS TO NEW WATER
RESOURCE COMMITTEE (AB91 -001)
Jackson, Imhof and Hansey volunteered to be on this committee.
WARNER MOVED TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF JACKSON, IMHOF
AND HANSEY TO THE WATER RESOURCE COMMITTEE.
The motion carried unanimously.
It was decided the committee would nominate a representative to the P.U.D. Joint
committee when it meets. This is a standing committee of the Whatcom County Council;
an ad hoc citizen's committee will be appointed as needed.
3. *RECEIPT OF APPLICATION FOR OPEN SPACE, FILED BY LELAND
MONROE AND MARGARET ALEX (WILL BE REFERRED TO THE
PLANNING COMMISSION)(AB91 -046)
This item will be referred to the Planning Commission.
INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES (*CONSENT ITEMS)
1. RESOLUTION IN THE MATTER OF RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE
GOVERNOR'S ADVISORY COUNCIL ON INVESTMENT IN HUMAN
CAPITAL REPORT "INVESTING IN WORKFORCE EDUCATION AND
TRAINING" (AB91 -047)
Minutes, 2/12/91, Page 6
Vanderpol reported for Finance and recommended approval to Council.
HE SO MOVED.
Russ Van Buren of the Bellingham School Board attended the Finance Committee
and said it would not be a good idea to have the tech schools and the community colleges
put under the same plan under one auspices. Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute
(BVTI), the Chamber of Commerce and the school boards are all in favor of leaving the
tech schools under the school boards.
Laidlaw said she had an amendment to add to line 36 of page 141 which would then
read... extension of the K -12 school district structures ... (new wording) "including the
continuation of the existing governance board ",
Vanderpol accepted Laidlaw's friendly amendment to his motion.
Patti McKeown, Program Supervisor, BVTI: She said the major concern is that they
are a single mission institution to train, retrain and upgrade persons for employment. She
said originally the uniqueness of vo -techs was to be protected but the senate bills have not
come out that way. Tech schools are currently under the school board which is elected but
community colleges are under an appointed board. It was noted that there is friction in
some areas between the two entities but that is not the case in Whatcom County.
Jackson said she would support it but wondered if the Council should really be taking
a stand on it.
Vander Yacht said the system works well and he would hate to see it change.
The motion carried unanimously as amended.
2. *ORDINANCE REVISING SECTION 3.08.180 OF THE WHATCOM
COUNTY CODE TO ALLOW PASS - THROUGH CONTRACT AMEND-
MENTS (AB91- 048)(FINANCE)
3. *ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1991 BUDGET, REAL ESTATE
EXCISE TAX FUND THEREIN, TO MAKE A TRANSFER PAYMENT
TO WHATCOM COUNTY PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT 1 FOR
PREPARATION OF THE WHATCOM COUNTY COORDINATED
WATER SYSTEM PLAN (AB91- 049)(FINANCE)
4. * ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TEXT OF THE OFFICIAL WHATCOM
COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE, TITLE 20, REGARDING SOLID
WASTE FACILITIES AND SITES IN THE RURAL, AGRICULTURE,
FORESTRY, HEAVY IMPACT INDUSTRIAL, GENERAL MANUFAC-
TURING, AND LIGHT IMPACT INDUSTRIAL ZONES (AB91- 050)(PLA-
NNING & DEVELOPMENT)
Items 2, 3, and 4 were introduced and will be referred to the appropriate commit-
tees. Jackson asked that a public hearing be set for item #4 as requested by the Planning
Department.
Minutes, 2/12/91, Page 7
REPORTS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS
Chamber Resolution: Warner read the Chamber of Commerce resolution thanking
everyone for their efforts during the recent floods, high winds and snow storms.
HANSEY MOVED THE COUNCIL RECEIVE THE CHAMBER RESOLUTION
AND FORWARD IT TO THE APPROPRIATE PARTIES.
The motion was carried unanimously.
Growth Strategies Conference: Jackson said she, Hansey and Laidlaw attended the
growth strategies conference in Mount Vernon sponsored by Preston Thorgrimson. She
suggested those in attendance thank them for the well organized conference.
Alternative Solid Waste Regulatory Regulation: Jackson said she has a copy of the
solid waste document which may eliminate the G permits. The haulers received a card
saying Waste Management would be introducing. a bill into the legislature. This would give
counties the same authority as cities to regulate rates. It is important that the Council look
at these regulations and at the UTC getting out of the regulatory business. She said she
would like this to be reviewed and reported on by the solid waste committee so the Council
will have the information.
Transportation: Laidlaw said the Council of Governments is proceeding with various
aspects of the growth management act in cooperation with the Planning Department and
cities. They have formed a regional transportation policy organization with a tech
committee and a board. The board will meet for the first time in early March and a public
meeting will be held in late March.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
ATTEST:
Bar ara Maher, Depu erk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
C
WA'
DanieYM. Warner, Chairman
Minutes, 2/12/91, Page 8