HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Council for May 1 1979WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING
MAY 1, 1979
Whatcom Council Meeting convened at 10:00 a.m. with
Joan Ogden, Auditor, presiding. After opening remarks, Judge
Marshall Forrest administered the Oath of Office to members,
Van Zanten, Hansey, Muenscher, Johnson, Roehl, and Thompson,
along with Council Executive Louws. Council member McIntyre was
absent.
Elected County Officials, Treasurer Bowen, Superior
Court Clerk Graham, Assessor Turner and Auditor Ogden -then took
the Oath of Office. Remarks by Judges Forrest and Kurtz were
given after which Auditor Ogden opened nominations for Council
Chairperson - Shirley Van Zanten and Will Roehl being nominated.
Mr. Roehl respectfully withdrew his name. Shirley Van Zanten was
unanimously voted First Chairperson of the Home Rule Council.
Chairperson Van Zanten stated while the Council was willing to work
hard, they also needed the people's help to get things moving in
a meaningful fashion.
Election for Vice Chairperson nominations included
Don Hansey, (who respectfully declined) and "Corky" Johnson, who
was elected by unanimous ballot. Mr. Johnson expressed appreciation
of confidence. Mr. Johnson was excused by the Chair to travel to
Spokane - to be gone through Thursday evening meeting - in the
interest of Whatcom County for State jail monies.
John Louws, County Executive, stated this was a great
day for him - and the people of Whatcom County for the opportunity
to work together for the benefit of Whatcom County. "I have
been made to feel at home. Looking forward to the task ahead."
Motion for recess until 1:30.
Page 2.
May 1, 1979
Meeting called to order at 1:3A by Chairperson Shirley
Van Zanten. PP
Roll Call: All members of Council present except Corky
Johnson, who was excused.
Introduction of Ordinance #1 on Rules and Procedure of
Home Rule Council. Mr. Roehl moved to accept Ordinance which
was seconded by Conrad Thompson. During discussion, Bill Gardiner,
County Attorney, stated that with regard to form, there should be
a space for approval of form on the bottom for Prosecuting Attorney.
•Revised motion made - to adopt Ordinance with addition
of space for approval on bottom of form. Question called.
Chairperson Van Zanten suggested a change of Agenda order
placing Mr. Louws and his statements before adoption of rules
and procedures. It was so moved.
Mr. Louws presented each Council member with printed sheet
regarding.Revised Budget on a 4 -month for Commissioners and
8- months for Council form, pointing out that the amount of
presently budgeted monies was the budgeted amount, no new monies
added.
Personnel Director Position, to be vacated June 1, 1979,
was suggested,, be a combination position of Personnel Director
and Administrative Assistant. Council to place policy for
combined position on Thursday, May 3 Agenda. As time is short,
Mr. Louws asked Council to consider this budget.
Bill Gardiner stated: "I would feel better about this
if you could consider this next meeting." Van Zanten stated
Personnel Director - Administrative Assistant would be considered
on Thursday.
Bill Gardiner: "Do it on Thursday as an Emergency Ordinance"
The Chair so ruled.
Mr. Louws discussed appointments to boards with Board of
Equalization being discussed at length. Because there will be
r only two experienced people left after June 1, 1979, namely:
U
Page 3.
Gordon McGillvary and Joyce Bauman in District 2. There is
need to act as future people need training period.
Suggestion: Each Council member present three names from
District. Meanwhile, reappoint McGillvary, Bauman and Matzen -
bacher on Thursday evening, May 3 - leaving last two appoint-
ments for a week from Thursday, May 10, 1979.
So moved to appoint three positions on Thursday, May 3, 1979.
On July 1, 1979, the Sheriff Contract is running out. The Chair
will appoint Ad Hoc Committee to report back on May 10.
Bonds for County Officials: Gardiner stated Bonding was part of
the Job, amount established by Ordinance. Do bond at present
Commissioner's rate - which include four new Council people and
the Executive. It was so moved. Motion carried.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION REGARDING RULES AND PROCEDURE:
ITEM 1. A vote to delete "no vote by proxy" was defeated.
ITEMS 2, 3, 4, 5, all passed as written.
ITEM 6. Strike line 14 "shall be conducted" and insert "May include
but not be limited to" Amendment carried.
ITEM 7. Carried as written
ITEM 8. Amend line 9 to read: "appropriate standing or special
committee" Amendment passed
Amend line 12 to read: "Except for emergency ordinances
at least 13 days shall pass" Amendment passed
ITEM 9, 10, 11, no changes
ITEM 12. Amendment: "Finance and Planning Comtnittieo to be all
Council members" Failed
Amendment: "No Council member shall serve for more than
three consecutive full terms" Failed
Amendment: "Council Chairperson shall not serve as
committee chairperson and shall not serve on more than
one standing committee" Failed
ITEMS 13, 14, 15 - no changes
ITEM 16. Amendment to strike first stentence beginning: "All
communications to and from Council shall be public records"
Amendment carried.
Page 4.
ITEM 17. Amendment - strike Section 17 in full - passed.
Motion to adopt Resolution as amended - passed.
Motion to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted
.J - F,- 4-LL14 -
D. Fowler
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