HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning and Development September 25 1990WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
September 25, 1990
The meeting was called to order at 2:15 p.m. in the Council Meeting Room by
Committee Chairperson Marge Laidlaw.
Also Present: Absent:
Don Hansey None.
Emily Jackson
1. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING WETLAND POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
TO BE USED UNTIL SUCH TIME AS WHATCOM COUNTY HAS A WETLANDS
ORDINANCE (AB90 -317) 114 -119
Laidlaw asked for comments from Jerry Mixon, of Buildings and Code, and Dan
Taylor, Planning Director. Mixon said the version in the Council's packet was not the
version signed by John Tyler, Buildings and Code Director. Hansey requested that copies
be made for the Council members to consider. Jackson left the room to get this done.
Discussion took place.
Mixon said after HB 2929 was adopted, it became apparent the County was operating
without any policies to deal with wetlands. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers does have
regulations in place, and encouraged cities and counties to be alert to the presence of
wetlands. Mixon explained how the proposed policy came about. It is written to provide
consistency among the Public Works division, but is not meant to serve any other purpose.
A more comprehensive policy will be needed to meet state standards. Laidlaw said earlier
in the summer it became clear to her that some policies were needed at least as an interim
measure because the public did not have any way to know what the County's policy was.
This policy will help people work through the existing process, and revisions will come
forward in the future to better address critical areas of the County.
Mixon noted differences between the two versions of the policy; Mixon said number
two adds reference to a map. Page 117 of the packet is a draft memo directing people to
consult with the Corps of Engineers. A newer draft is available; Jackson left the room to
make copies.
Doug Campbell, 1401 Astor Street, addressed the Committee. He noted some
confusing language in item number 9B on the third page. Mixon explained the intent of the
language.
Mixon asked the Council to throw out the wetlands policy that was not signed by
Tyler. Laidlaw said she had prepared questions based on the old draft of the policy.
She asked about item 1 and item 3; Mixon noted again this policy was created for
use by Public Works staff, a stop -gap measure. Therefore, there may be in- consistencies
present in the Department's wetlands policy.
Tyler arrived. Laidlaw noted the inconsistency between the draft in the packet and
the draft provided by Mixon. Jackson said she did not think the policy helped uncomplicate
issues. She felt County employees may be assuming too much responsibility. Mixon
P &D Minutes, 9/25/90, Page 1
responded. Jackson commented. Mixon said this policy would be used until the Planning
Department develops more formal policies; whether the County adopts the resolution or not,
Public Works would use the policy, he said.
Laidlaw said she had some amendments prepared for the resolution. A copy of her
proposed changes are on file. She said it makes sense to acknowledge the existing
procedure as an interim measure. Jackson commented. Discussion took place among
Taylor, Jackson, Laidlaw.
HANSEY MOVED THE COMMITTEE RECOMMEND ADOPTION OF THE
PROPOSED RESOLUTION TO THE FULL COUNCIL, WITH AMENDMENTS
PROPOSED BY LAIDLAW.
Jackson and Laidlaw discussed the matter. Haney commented. It was agreed that
a procedure was being established, not a policy, and it will be an interim measure.
Art Castle suggested correction of a typo under item 4, putting a "d" at the end of
proposed. He asked a question of Mixon, and Mixon responded.
Motion carried 2 -1, with Jackson opposed.
2. OTHER BUSINESS
Bakerview: Taylor presented a memo indicating the Bakerview rezone is on hold;
a copy is on file. Discussion ensued.
The meeting was adjourned at 3 p.m.
ATTEST:
Ramona Reeves, Council Clerk
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Margaret C14. Laidlaw, Member
P &D Minutes, 9/25/90, Page 2