HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Services March 12 1991WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
PUBLIC SERVICES AND SOLID WASTE COMMITTEE
March 12, 1991
The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. by Committee Chair Bob Imhof.
Present Absent
Mary Vanderpol None
Dennis Vander Yacht
1. RECOMMENDATION REGARDING RESOLUTION DECLARING
THAT CREATION OF A DIKING DISTRICT IN DEMING IS FEASIBLE
AND APPROPRIATE, AND SETTING AN ELECTION (THE RESOLU-
TION WILL BE CONSIDERED FOLLOWING A PUBLIC HEARING
LATER IN THE EVENING) (AB91 -020A)
Ed Henken said this is at the point he has been asked to report. The Engineering
department is recommending that it be passed.
Imhof asked if passing this would get the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
off the hook; Henken said no.
Imhof asked how the assessment would be done. Nothing will be finalized until after
the district is established. It has to be on a special benefit basis and not on an Ad Valorem
basis; part is on acreage and part on improvements. It is based on category rather than
assessed value. Henken said Mr. Hayden worked up the figures on this.
Van Zanten asked if there is any compromise between this and any future county-
wide diking district. People in this district are willing to consider becoming part of a county-
wide district if one is established.
Imhof asked if this states that all maintenance will be done through the engineering
department so it will not affect others. Henken said they work with the three district
commissioners rather than a private owner. He was surprised at the Snohomish County
presentation and he said he feels Whatcom County is ahead in some areas of dealing with
regulations. He said he thinks the Shorelines Management Act would govern the raising
and lowering of dikes.
2. RESOLUTION STATING THE COUNCR:S INTENT TO ADOPT AN
ORDINANCE FORMING A COUNTY -WIDE FLOOD CONTROL ZONE
DISTRICT AND REQUESTING AND AUTHORIZING COUNTY
OFFICIALS TO UNDERTAKE CERTAIN RELATED ACTIONS (AB91-
071)
Haney said this is before the Council to provide time for review. He said he had
no problem with the Deming Diking District unless it causes a problem. In speaking with
people who are both for and against they seem to be more interested in the County -wide
district. This will get the process moving and he hopes it will be passed tonight. Vanderpol
said he is favor of examining the County -wide district but does not like the wording of this
resolution.
VANDERPOL MOVED TO AMEND THE TITLE TO SAY ...INTENT... "TO
STUDY THE FEASIBILITY ".
Van Zanten asked if this was to limit it to flood control only. She wholeheartedly
endorses taking an in -depth look and would work hard on time lines, etc. Imhof said he
would prefer to have the administration look at the broader flood control issue. In reading
through this Imhof said he found it hard to imagine the city residents would want to pay for
county dikes; he said in his diking district they want local control. Hansey said he was not
against making it broader but he wants it to keep moving. Hansey said it had to be county-
wide or local as it could not be both. He said he is in favor of a county -wide program
rather than a fragmented junior taxing district.
Vanderpol asked Van Zanten what wording she would prefer. She said she imagined
the Council would have a higher comfort level if there was a total comprehensive approach.
The motion was carried unanimously.
3. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY'S
OFFICE TO PROCEED WITH LEGAL ACTION TO ACQUIRE
FRONTAGE FROM SEVERAL PARCELS OF LAND ALONG SOUTH
PASS ROAD FOR RIGHT -OF -WAY PURPOSES, BY CONDEMNATION
(AB91 -103)
Henken said this is county plan to construct a 32 foot road to an all- weather
standard. There are 25 parcels; they have reached agreement with seven, partially
settlement with six and there are 11 that will not be settled unless by condemnation. The
owner of nine of these parcels is a very nice person but money is the issue; he has a basic
difference in what the road is worth. Henken said he sees no way of settling this without
going to a condemnation suit. He explained the process that would have to be followed.
VANDERPOL MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL ON THIS ISSUE TO
COUNCIL.
The motion carried unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barbara Maher, Deputy Clerk Bob Imhof, Member
Minutes, 3/12/91, Page 2