HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Council July 10 1990WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
July 10, 1990
The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers by Council
Chairman Don Hansey.
Also Present: Absent:
Mary Vanderpol None.
Dennis Vander Yacht
Bob Imhof
Emily Jackson
Marge Laidlaw
Dan Warner
Hansey explained the order of business; with the consent of the Council, he
moved the hearing on the South Fork development moratorium to the first item
under 'Public Hearings."
READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE JUNE 26 MEETING 1 -14
Haney noted that the Clerk requested the presentation of the final paragraph
on page 14 be corrected. There was consensus, and the minutes were approved as
amended.
EXECUTIVE ITEMS
1. BID AWARD RECOMMENDATION FOR PARTIAL HEALTH
DEPARTMENT ROOF REPAIR TO LOWER BIDDER, WESTERN
ROOFING COMPANY, INC., FOR $17,679.20 (AB90 -227) 15 -16
Executive Shirley Van Zanten presented the item. Warner reported that
Finance reviewed the item and recommended approval.
WARNER MOVED THAT THE ITEM BE APPROVED.
Motion carried.
2. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE ONE -YEAR
FERRY HULL INSURANCE FOR $18,940 FROM T. W. RICE &
CO., INC. (AB90 -228) 17 -18
Van Zanten presented the item. Warner reported that Finance reviewed the
item and recommended approval.
WARNER MOVED THAT THE ITEM BE APPROVED.
Imhof asked questions about hull coverage. Van Zanten responded.
Minutes, 7/10/90, Page 1
Motion carried.
3. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH KATHLEEN DWYER, EDUCATIONAL
SPECIALIST IN JUVENILE DETENTION, FOR $26,670 (AB90 -229) 19 -26
Executive Shirley Van Zanten presented the item. Warner reported that
Finance reviewed the item and recommended approval.
WARNER MOVED THAT THE ITEM BE APPROVED.
Motion carried.
4. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH NORTHWEST INDUSTRIES, ADDING STATE
MONEY TO AN EXISTING CONTRACT (RAISING TOTAL
CONTRACT AMOUNT TO $270,889.96) (AB90 -230) 27 -33
Van Zanten presented the item. Warner reported that Finance reviewed the
item and recommended approval.
WARNER MOVED THAT THE ITEM BE APPROVED.
Motion carried.
5. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICES (AMENDING
TOTAL CONTRACT TO $79,336.20) (AB90 -231) 34 -40
Van Zanten presented the item. Warner reported that Finance reviewed the
item and recommended approval.
WARNER MOVED THAT THE ITEM BE APPROVED.
Motion carried.
6. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH RITTENHOUSE -ZEMAN & ASSOCIATES, INC.,
TO PERFORM ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ON G -1 COUNTY
YARD (POSSIBLE GRAND TOTAL OF $18,142) (AB90 -232) 41 -47
Van Zanten presented the item. Warner reported that Finance reviewed the
item and recommended approval.
WARNER MOVED THAT THE ITEM BE APPROVED.
Laidlaw said although she serves on the Whatcom Transit Authority Board,
Minutes, 7/10/90, Page 2
legal counsel said her participation in the vote will not be a conflict of interest.
Motion carried.
7. REQUEST FOR CONFIRMATION OF BOARD AND COMMISSION
APPOINTMENTS: (AB90 -233) 48-49
-NEW APPOINTMENT OF THOMAS A. WALSTROM TO THE CIVIL
SERVICE COMMISSION TO FILL AN UNEXPIRED TERM (UNTIL 12/31/91)
- NORTHWEST SENIOR SERVICES BOARD APPOINTMENT:
REAPPOINTMENT OF GLEN HAI i,MAN TO A THREE -YEAR TERM;
- NORTHWEST SENIOR SERVICES BOARD APPOINTMENT:
REAPPOINTMENT OF CATHERINE MAY TO A THREE -YEAR TERM
- REAPPOINTMENT OF CHERYL BITI`NER TO A FIRST, FULL, FOUR -
YEAR TERM ON THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
Executive Shirley Van Zanten presented the requests for confirmation of her
board appointments. Warner reported that Finance reviewed the item and
recommended approval.
WARNER MOVED THAT THE FOUR APPOINTMENTS BE
CONFIRMED.
Motion carried.
8. EXECUTIVE'S REPORT
Road Construction Monthly Report: Van Zanten distributed a packet of
information detailing the status of various projects and discussed them briefly.
Litter control Program: The Executive distributed paperwork updating the
Council on the progress of the program.
Landfill Siting Update: In May, the Executive was informed that two of the
three final sites for the landfill are located on wetlands. In the initial paperwork
wetlands were not listed by the state Department of Ecology as a "fatal flaw" in any
sites. Also, she said, the soils found in wetlands generally are those most favored by
the state for the location of landfills, she said.
For the past few weeks, the Executive has been meeting with Harper and
Owes, trying to get a feel for how large the problem is. The second document in the
packet she distributed offers options for the Council to consider. Both of the Cherry
Point locations are wetlands. The Stewart Mountain location was found to have
underground coal mine shafts and a high groundwater table. The Corps of Engineers
and others met to discuss the importance of wetlands, but the meeting was
inconclusive, she said. Work needs to be redirected: (1) The county could apply for a
404 permit from the Army Corps of Engineers; (2) Select another site as the
preferred alternative from the remaining five sites identified in the siting analysis; (3)
start the entire process again; (4) terminate the landfill siting process.
Minutes, 7/10/90, Page 3
Van Zanten said option one is not desirable, because the preferred site has 20
acres of forested wetlands on them. Items two through four all have their undesirable
features. Harper and Owes is gathering information about potential time and cost for
each option; it will be presented to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee; the
Committee will send a recommendation to the Council. Laidlaw asked the Executive
to estimate the time this would take; the Executive said she could not.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
AUDITOR SHIRLEY FORSLOF: ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT (AB90 -23 0 -51
Laidlaw said Darlene Metcalf, Chief Deputy Auditor, prepared the report,
which was distributed to the Council. She brought along a copy of the report from
1968, which was only a few pages long. The 1989 report was about an inch thick, an
indication of the more complex information available within. The report takes about
six months to prepare, Forslof said. The report is audited, and for 1989 the county
received a good rating in terms of complying with generally accepted accounting
principles. Because of the complete format and the full disclosure involved, Whatcom
County could possibly receive a higher rating in attempting to get bonds.
Forslof thanked the Treasurer's Office, the Executive's Office, Purchasing, and
her own staff for the work involved in preparing and presenting the report. Warner
asked if the reports always had been in compliance with the general accounting
principles; Metcalf, who was in the audience, said no. Forslof said it was a recent
development. Warner said he was impressed.
OPEN SESSION
Mike Kaufman, Neighbors Opposing Power Encroachment: He noted
signatures had been received in a sufficient amount to place the initiative regarding
Puget Power's plans for a power line on the ballot. He said the County has twin 500
power lines running through it with two major substations. The substation at Custer
directs power to Intalco. The Bonneville alternative suggests upgrading a small power
line that already exists, rather than creating a new corridor.
Warner asked if that as Kaufman's favored suggestion. Kaufman said yes; it
would be a good way to solve the problem. Unfortunately, the Bonneville alternative
still calls for bringing a large amount of power into Bellingham and routing it back to
the Cherry Point area. Jackson asked if a Presidential Permit also would be required
for the Bonneville alternative; Kaufman said he was not certain.
No one else spoke, and open session was closed.
HEARINGS AND FINAL CONSIDERATION
7. ORDINANCE IMPOSING A MORATORIUM ON VARIOUS
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SOUTH FORK VALLEY (AB90 -203) 76 -77
Warner made a few introductory comments. He said people who live in the
Minutes, 7/10/90, Page 4
South Fork area (Acme, Van Zandt) are concerned major development could occur
before the comprehensive zoning process is completed for that region. The ordinance
would put a moratorium on major development. Warner said he felt a majority of
the Council favored the proposal, although there was some opposition. Hansey
opened the hearing.
Greg Dunby, Fisheries biologist with Lummi Tribe: Brought a letter to the
Council; it was addressed to the Executive, and was signed by Samuel Cagey,
Chairman of the Lummi Indian business Council. He read the text into the record.
Essentially, the Tribe was concerned about the water quality of the South Fork. He
spoke in favor of the moratorium, saying the temporary measure would be in keeping
with their goals of preservation. He requested the Tribe's fishery department be
added to the mailing list for people interested in studying the comprehensive plan.
Paul Costello, member and representative of Nooksack Indian Tribe: Spoke in
favor of the moratorium. He said the preservation of fish and wildlife is essential to
the lifestyles of Tribal members. He spoke of the Tribe's concerns about watershed
protection. He read a letter into the record.
Virginia Naef: Very concerned about preservation of farmland, wildlife and
wetlands. All of these things are incompatible with heavy population density. The
vast majority of people who signed the petition very readily did so.
Amy Margolis, business woman in South Fork Valley: She said she would like
the valley preserved the way it is, in spite of her business interests. When people
come to the Everybody's Store, they say they feel refreshed by the scenery. The area
should be preserved for everyone in the northwest, she said.
Julie Carpenter, 3235 Hillside Road, Deming: Likes the idea of a moratorium.
Urged the Council to think of the county as a greenway, a haven for wildlife and
recreation. She said people need to take the "critters" into account in designing
zones. Water availability should be taken into consideration because water is short in
many areas.
Margie Dickey: (Did not identify self until end of comments) Her
grandparents homesteaded in the valley in 1884, and she still owns some of the
homestead. She's had the property for sale for many years, without success. She said
she wondered how many of those in favor of the moratorium have lived in the valley
all of their lives. She said long -time residents have some rights, too. She has since
moved out of the valley, and while she favors five acre zoning, she doesn't want
anything more restrictive. She said her grandmother named Acme and operated the
first post office.
James L. Johnson, lived in the valley 15 years: Concurs with much of the pro -
preservation talk. He said he assumes the ordinance merely makes sure the zoning
process will proceed unimpeded.
Minutes, 7/10/90, Page 5
The hearing was closed.
Laidlaw said the Planning and Development Committee reviewed the ordinance
and recommended approval with one change.
LAIDLAW MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ORDINANCE.
LAIDLAW MOVED TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE BY ADDING "OR
UNTIL JUNE 30 1991, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST' TO THE LAST LINE.
Warner said it was discussed whether a date should be included because the
Planning Department may not be able to meet that deadline. A better approach
would be to leave the language as it is, and ask the staff for periodic reports to keep
track of the progress. Laidlaw said Planning staff made the suggestion. Warner said
the Planning staff also recommended a deadline for the Point Roberts Comprehensive
Plan, and the deadline had to be extended several times. Jackson said the advantage
of a date is that it gives the Planning Department and the public a target or goal.
She said it is easier to support a moratorium when an end date is included.
Motion to amend carried unanimously.
Imhof commented, noting that the abuses to the short plat system encountered
during the Point Roberts planning process convinced him to favor a moratorium in
the South Fork. Laidlaw asked if Planning Director Dan Taylor wanted to comment;
he did not. Jackson commented further. Vander Yacht said he had some concerns
initially, particularly as in the case expressed by Mrs. Dickey. When someone wants
to short plat, it would bother him to see someone get caught in a bind if they had
planned on that short plat for a number of years and could not do so. Such a move
could affect their retirement income. He said he would support the moratorium,
although he noted that if there is a rush for people to file the short plats it's because
of the threat of a moratorium.
Motion to adopt the amended ordinance carried 6 -1 with Vanderpol opposed.
Hansey called a five minute recess; the meeting reconvened at 8:20 p.m. (note:
During a portion of the comments made by Jackson and Vander Yacht, and during
the roll call vote, the tape was not running).
1. PETITION FOR VACATION OF COUNTY ROAD, BROADWAY
BETWEEN WOOLRIDGE AND SUNSET, FILED BY JAKE
SIMPSON AND PAM FOX (AB90 -176) (CONTINUED FROM 6/26/90
MEETING) 52 -59
Arman Wahl: He said he has some problems with the financial arrangements
and the easements and asked that the hearing be postponed.
Wayne Courtliver: Said he and other neighbors are in the process of vacating
a road and he complained about the financing arrangements. He asked for a two
Minutes, 7/10/90, Page 6
week delay in deciding the fate of the vacation request.
Engineer Ed Henken said some additional questions have come up, and if
more time were allotted some of the things could be worked out. Haney asked if
anyone else wished to testify; no one did. The hearing was continued to the July 24
meeting.
2. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF PROPERTY AC-
QUIRED BY COUNTY ON TAX FORECLOSURE (REQUEST NOS.
36, 37, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47)(AB90 -235) 60 -62
The hearing was opened; no one testified and the hearing was closed. Warner
reported that Finance reviewed the requests and recommended approval. Most of the
properties are located in Peaceful Valley.
WARNER MOVED TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION.
Motion carried unanimously.
Warner said a typographical error would be corrected administratively.
3. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF REAL ESTATE
BELONGING TO THE COUNTY, REQUEST NO. 40 (AB90 -236) 63 -65
The hearing was opened; no one testified and the hearing was closed. Warner
reported that Finance reviewed the requests and recommended approval. The
property is fee simple rather than tax title.
WARNER MOVED TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. ORDINANCE REVISING HEALTH DEPARTMENT 1990
SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES (AB90 -221) (FINANCE) 66 -67
The hearing was opened. No one testified and the hearing was closed.
Warner reported that Finance and the Health Board Advisory Committee
recommended final adoption.
WARNER MOVED THAT THE ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED.
Motion carried.
5. ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 11 OF WHATCOM COUNTY
CODE, WATER SAFETY AND BOATING (AB90 -237) 68
The hearing was opened.
Minutes, 7/10/90, Page 7
Lloyd Austin, 1838 Lakeside: The section dealing with jet skis is fine, except
that jet skis should be required to be numbered and licensed. He said he thought
state law required that they be numbered and licensed. As for mufflers, he said he
doesn't know if many motors have baffles. He said an exception should be made for
antiques, classics and boats involved in racing competitions. He thinks the testing of
open stack motors and other devices with the permission of the Sheriff is okay; that
section should remain, and not be stricken. He also said he would like to sit down
with whoever makes the public information booklets for boaters and help with their
preparation and distribution.
No one else testified and the hearing was closed. As a matter of explanation,
Haney addressed some of Mr. Austin's questions. Mufflers: The language put into
the ordinance is exactly as it is worded in state law. Jet Skis: The same rationale
applies here. The existing boating regulations are exceedingly long and in need of in-
depth revision, Hansey said. A lot of the state and Coast Guard regulations could be
cited by reference, instead of verbatim. The aim of the regulations was to address
immediate problems, he said. The so -called drag boats without mufflers are a terrible
problem on the lake, and that's why the amendments were proposed. Warner said
that jet skis may need to be numbered.
Haney suggested that the ordinance be referred to the Public Services and
Solid Waste Committee for refinement, taking into consideration the comments made
at the public hearing. No one objected to referring the ordinance to Public Services
on July 24.
6. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ... OFFICIAL ZONING
ORDINANCE TO ... INCLUDE ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON
OFF - PREMISE ADVERTISING SIGNS (AND POSSIBLE
AMENDMENTS THAT WOULD PHASE OUT BILLBOARDS
WITHIN A FEW YEARS) (AB90 -164) 69 -75
The hearing was opened.
Ted Livingston, Euclid Avenue: A newcomer to Whatcom County, from Hawaii
by choice. In Hawaii limitations were placed on billboards many years ago because
of their unsightliness. Many visitors comment on the "signless beauty" of the islands,
and express a wish that their own hometowns had been so farsighted. He spoke in
favor of guidelines that would phase out or restrict billboards. He also urged
limitations for signs on- premises.
Linda Hardy, East McCleod: Lived in Hawaii and California. She took an
informal survey on billboards within the City of Bellingham. She agrees with
restricting or phasing out billboards; among the people she talked to, almost everyone
said they would like fewer or no billboards in the City of Bellingham. Bellingham
City Council has restricted billboards.
She has since updated her survey to include Whatcom County in general. To a
person they said they would like to see zero billboards. There is a sincere willingness
to preserve the beauty of Whatcom County, she said.
Minutes, 7/10/90, Page 8
Cynthia Anderson, Van Wyck: Favors the ban on billboards. Her two
children catch a bus under a double billboard, and she hopes the drivers are paying
more attention to her kids than to the billboards. As for promoting tourism,
billboards are not attractive; and first impressions are lasting impressions.
Barbara Brenner, Northwest Road: She doesn't like billboards, but opposes
completely eliminating them. They should be restricted to industrial areas, since those
areas aren't very pleasant anyway. She said she hopes Warner continues with his
efforts regarding aesthetic issues; however, perhaps it would be sufficient to restrict
the size and location of billboards. She would much rather see things that are
dangerous to a person's health restricted.
Dion Davis, Advertising Manager for Ennen's Foods: She said Ennens has
been in the area since 1910, and it is interesting to her that most people opposed to
billboards seem to be new to this area. Supports billboards.
Kathy Beatty, Taylor Avenue: Commented on Brenner's comments; believes
they may be a safety hazard because they distract drivers. Properties surrounding and
close to the placement of billboards probably are adversely impacted in terms of
value. She also believes billboards mar the natural beauty of the area, a detriment to
the tourist trade. Several cities in Whatcom County are phasing out billboards, which
mean they would be moved into the unincorporated areas. Strongly urged the
Council to proceed with the billboard phase out, and said the Council's proposed
phase out is very fair.
Greg Anderson, 347 Van Wyck: A third generation Whatcom County resident
who opposes billboards and favors the phase out.
Corky Smith Sr., 1015 Hilton, Bellingham: When he was a child, one of the
main attractions on roads were the Birma Shave billboards. He thinks they should be
legalized and brought back.
Lloyd Austin: He asked what is considered to be a billboard; he doesn't
believe that all signs should be banned, that some small signs should be allowed.
Matt Minninger: Is in the billboard business. He said the arguments brought
out by those opposing billboards are not new. He distributed some paperwork about
the banning of billboards. He has about half of the billboards in the County. He
spoke extensively about the types of billboards he has placed in the County.
Robert Tull, Attorney: Tull spoke extensively on behalf of his client, 3M. He
opposes the ordinance. His main legal points were that there are constitutional
questions, vested rights questions, and the standards for changing zoning are being
ignored. He commented further on the implications of the Council's decision. He
said he would have liked to go through all of the findings of the Planning
Commission, but said he would simply say they do not support the action proposed by
the ordinance. He suggested the matter be referred back to Committee for further
Minutes, 7/10/90, Page 9
review. His extensive discussion continued.
The hearing was closed. There was discussion of the procedure for moving
and adopting the ordinance.
LAIDLAW MOVED ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE AS PROPOSED
BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
WARNER MOVED ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENTS THAT ARE
UNDER DISCUSSION, AS PRESENTED IN THE COUNCIL PACKET.
LAIDLAW MOVED TO AMEND PAGE 70 OF THE PACKET, LINE 27,
THE LAST WHEREAS, TO MENTION THE JULY 10 PUBLIC HEARING.
Motion to amend the substitute ordinance carried.
VANDERPOL MOVED TO AMEND PAGE 71 OF THE PACKET, LINES
35 AND 36, BY DELETING THE WORDS "WHICH WERE NON - CONFORMING"
AND ADDING THE WORDS "FOR WHICH NO PERMITS WERE OBTAINED."
Vanderpol explained the purpose of the amendment. Jackson asked Taylor to
explain the proposed change. Taylor said the language would cover the non-
conforming, but if signs had any type of permit it would be okay. Discussion ensued.
Motion to amend the substitute ordinance carried.
Haney spoke against substituting the amended ordinance. He said the
Planning Commission's recommendations are adequate. For many of the reasons
brought forth during the public hearing, he said he felt the amended ordinance would
not be in the best interests of the County. He quoted an editorial opposing a
billboard ban that appeared in the Bellingham Herald.
Jackson said she is voting for the Planning Commission's version, but not the
amended ordinance. She said billboards are being used as an indicator specie, an
attempt to slow all development in the County. She discussed her reasons further.
Warner said the issue is not the challenge to existing billboard businesses, and
the arguments Bob Tull made are the similar to the arguments made when the
minimum wage was imposed. The fundamental aesthetic appearance wanted in the
county is the issue, he said. He continued his arguments. He said he understood the
County may be sued over this matter, and it may lose. However, he does not believe
the courts can make this kind of policy decision. The proposal is reasonable, only
off - premise advertising is impacted.
Vanderpol said he seconded what Warner said, noting that usually he is on the
opposite side of the fence from Warner. However, he said there are other things at
stake. The ten year delay in eliminating the signs seems reasonable. If what Tull
argues is true, the Council may have to revise its decision and adopt what the
Planning Commission suggests. That decision would be second -best, however.
Vander Yacht said he thought the issue was overblown and that the threat is
Minutes, 7/10/90, Page 10
imaginary; he does not support the amended ordinance.
Motion to substitute the amended ordinance carried 4 -3, with Jackson, Vander
Yacht and Hansey opposed.
Motion to adopt the substitute ordinance carried 4 -3, with Jackson, Vander
Yacht and Hansey opposed.
FINAL CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
1. ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR AN APPROPRIATION IN THE
CURRENT EXPENSE FUND, NON - DEPARTMENTAL, TO
PURCHASE THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM'S INTEREST IN THE
PUBLIC HEALTH BUILDING (AB90 -220) 78 -88
Warner explained the historical basis of the request, and complimented Budget
Director Tom Sutberry on his efforts in negotiating the settlement. Finance
recommended approval.
WARNER MOVED ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. ORDINANCE REVISING THE PUBLIC HEALTH FUND (AB90 -222) 89 -90
Warner explained the item, noting that the Health Board Advisory Committee
had reviewed it and Finance Committee recommended approval.
WARNER MOVED ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE.
Imhof commented, as did Dr. Frank James. Health Officer.
Motion carried unanimously.
3. ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 2.55.010
(BONDS COMBINED TREATMENT SVCS EMPLOYEES) (AB90 -223) 91 -93
Warner explained the item, saying that Finance recommended approval.
WARNER MOVED ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. ORDINANCE RE- ESTABLISHING THE DRUG TASK FORCE
FUND AND ITS APPROPRIATION (AB90 -226) 94 -112
Warner explained the item, saying that Finance recommended approval.
Minutes, 7/10/90, Page 11
WARNER MOVED ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE.
Motion carried unanimously.
5. ORDINANCE FORMALLY ESTABLISHING THE
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES DEPARTMENT AND BOARD
AND SETTING FORTH VARIOUS RELATED POLICIES (AB90 -208)
Vanderpol reported that Public Services reviewed the ordinance and
recommended approval.
VANDERPOL MOVED ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE.
Motion carried unanimously.
6. ORDINANCE AMENDING COUNTY CODE SECTION 5.22,
CHANGING THE PROCEDURE FOR GRANTING PERMITS TO
SOLICITORS AND CANVASSERS (AB90 -207) 118 -125
. Vanderpol reported that Public Services reviewed the ordinance and
recommended approval.
VANDERPOL MOVED ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE.
Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
1. APPOINTMENT TO PUBLIC DEFENSE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
(AB90 -238) 126
Vanderpol reported that Public Services reviewed the ordinance and
recommended approval.
VANDERPOL MOVED ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE.
Motion carried unanimously.
INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES ( *CONSENT ITEMSI
1. RESOLUTION FINDING THAT THE PUBLIC INTEREST WOULD
BE SERVED BY THE CREATION OF A SOLID WASTE
COLLECTION DISTRICT (AB90 -239) 127 -131
Vanderpol reported the Administration requested a delay of action on this item
for two weeks. The new Council members were urged to listen to the comments
made at the January 4 hearing on the solid waste collection district. Clerk was
Minutes, 7/10/90, Page 12
directed to make a copy of the tape of that meeting for that purpose.
2. RESOLUTION TO SURPLUS A COUNTY -OWNED VEHICLE USED
FOR ANIMAL CONTROL PURPOSES AND TRANSFERRING
TITLE TO THE HUMANE SOCIETY (AB90 -240) 132 -133
Warner said there was some dispute over the selling price, and that Finance
recommended approval with one amendment.
WARNER MOVED APPROVAL OF THE RESOLUTION.
WARNER MOVED TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION, SO THAT IN THE
PARAGRAPH THAT BEGINS "NOW THEREFORE..." A PERIOD WOULD BE
PLACED AFTER "SOCIETY" AND THE PRICE WILL BE DELETED.
He said it would be left to the Administration to determine the selling price.
Motion to amend carried.
Imhof and Warner discussed the matter further.
Motion to pass the amended resolution carried unanimously.
3. RESOLUTION CANCELLING WARRANTS MORE THAN ONE
YEAR OLD (AB90 -241) 134-136
Warner explained the item, saying that Finance recommended approval.
WARNER MOVED APPROVAL OF THE RESOLUTION.
Motion carried.
4. *ORDINANCE REVISING THE CURRENT EXPENSE FUND, COUNCIL
OFFICE BUDGET APPROPRIATION THEREIN (AB90 -242) (FINANCE) 137
5. *ORDINANCE REVISING THE COMBINED TREATMENT SERVICES
APPROPRIATION TO CONTINUE NORTH SOUND REGIONAL SUPPORT
NETWORK PLANNING STAFF ASSISTANCE (AB90 -243) (FINANCE) 138
6. *ORDINANCE REVISING 89 -110, EXTENDING THE SUNSET DATE FOR
ESTABLISHED FUND (AB90 -244) (FINANCE) 139
7. *ORDINANCE REVISING THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FUND
APPROPRIATION FOR REMODEL AND OVERTIME (AB90 -245) (FINANC100
8. *ORDINANCE REVISING THE CURRENT EXPENSE FUND, NON
DEPARTMENTAL APPROPRIATION THEREIN FOR MISCELLANEOUS
Minutes, 7/10/90, Page 13
PURPOSES (AB90 -246) (FINANCE) 141
9. *ORDINANCE REVISING THE COUNTY SUPPLY FUND AP-
PROPRIATION FOR ITEMS FOR RESALE (AB90 -247) (FINANCE) 142
10. *ORDINANCE REVISING THE NORTHWEST WASHINGTON FAIR
FUND APPROPRIATION FOR LAND PURCHASE AND VARIOUS
CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS (AB90 -248) (FINANCE) 143
11. *ORDINANCE TO REVISE THE CURRENT EXPENSE FUND,
BUILDINGS AND CODE BUDGET THEREIN (AB90 -249) (FINANCE) 144
12. *ORDINANCE REVISING THE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES FUND
APPROPRIATION FOR ADDITIONAL STATE GRANT MONIES AND MOVING
EXPENSES (AB90 -250) (FINANCE) 145
ADDENDUM ITEMS:
13. *ORDINANCE REVISING THE CURRENT EXPENSE FUND, PLANNING
DEPARTMENTS APPROPRIATION THEREIN TO RESPOND TO INCREASED
WORK LOAD AND ACCEPTING TWO STATE DEPT OF ECOLOGY
CENTENNIAL CLEAN WATER FUND GRANTS (FINANCE) (AB90 -252)
14. *ORDINANCE REVISING THE CURRENT EXPENSE FUND, JUVENILE
ADMINISTRATION APPROPRIATION FOR ADDITIONAL STATE GRANT
FUNDING AUTHORITY (FINANCE) (AB90 -253)
15. *ORDINANCE REVISING ROAD FUND BUDGET(FINANCE)(AB90 -254)
16. *ORDINANCE AMENDING THE NEWLY ADOPTED ANIMAL CONTROL
REGULATIONS (FINANCE) (AB90 -255)
Items 4 through 16 were introduced by consent and will be referred to the
appropriate committees.
REPORTS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS
Solid Waste Collection District Resolution: Jackson asked for clarification of
the fate of the resolution, and for an explanation of its purpose. She referred to the
letter in the Council packet on this subject. Haney commented. Jackson said Chief
Civil Deputy Prosecutor Randy Watts indicated a public hearing is necessary prior to
approval of the resolution. She wanted to know if the resolution complies with the
RCWs and the procedure that must be followed.
Haney recommended that at the July 24 Public Services Committee
information be presented that addresses those concerns. The appropriate method of
having these answered, Imhof said, is to put the questions into writing and ask the
Administration to respond by the July 24 meeting.
Jackson commented, as did Hansey. Jackson said the record should reflect that
Minutes, 7/10/90, Page 14
she spent some time researching this matter, and that such questions should be
answered prior to the Council taking action. Warner said the reason the resolution
was withdrawn was in response to Jackson's concerns. Jackson said the presumption
that by listening to tapes Council members would be able to vote on the resolution is
not valid.
Imhof said if Jackson would submit her questions in writing, he will personally
make sure the questions are answered by the next meeting.
Solid Waste Disposal Tax: Vanderpol commented on the various efforts
toward educating the public about the disposal tax. Vanderpol said the Council has
requested that more information be distributed to the public on the implementation of
the new solid waste disposal tax. Since that time, Dan Warner has written a letter as
a guest editorialist in the Herald; the Executive has appeared on Impact; several
Council members have prepared letters, and Laidlaw wrote a letter that could be
distributed to several organizations for use in their newsletters. Vanderpol said he
would like for the Committee to present the letter to the Council as a means for
getting the information out, inviting as many Council members as possible to sign the
letter, then send it to various organizations. Imhof said he thought the letter conveys
that the Council members are available to speak on the issue at various public
forums. He said the public seems to have a lot of questions that haven't been
answered, and he suggested this sort of letter should have been distributed several
months ago.
He said the letter will be left with the Clerk, and he would request that as
many Council members as possible review and sign the letter. Imhof announced that
a forum would take place Saturday regarding the disposal tax.
Jackson said the draft letter the Council received was not clearly addressed;
she also asked about the appropriateness of spending public funds on a letter that
opposes an effort to place an issue on the ballot. Most of the comments in the letter
are subjective and best and not accurate, she said. Watts said he had not read the
letter. Haney asked him to review it.
Vander Yacht said he supports the concept of the letter, but he does not care
for the particular letter and would not sign it.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Ramona Reeves, Council Clerk
Minutes, 7/10/90, Page 15