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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Council August 17 1989B WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL August 17, 1989 .L The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by Council Chairman Don Hansey in the Council Chambers. Other Council Members Present: Absent: Emily Jackson Tom Burton Corky Johnson Will Roehl Dan Warner Mary Vanderpol READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of the July 20 meeting were approved as presented. EXECUTIVE ITEMS 1. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF STATE CONTRACT PURCHASE OF A PERSONAL COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR THE . PARKS DEPARTMENT FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $16,704.04 INCLUDING SALES TAX Warner reported that Finance recommended approval of this item. WARNER MOVED THAT THE ITEM BE APPROVED. Motion carried. 2. REQUEST FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF EGBERT MAAS, MAYOR OF LYNDEN, AS REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SMALL CITIES ON. THE SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE Johnson noted that Maas already has been attending SWAC meetings, and seems eager to serve on the Committee. JOHNSON MOVED THE APPOINTMENT BE CONFIRMED. Motion carried. 3. EXECUTIVE'S REPORT Presentation by Salik Associates - Personnel Study: Don Suford, Bill Pack of Salik Associates were present to answer any questions. Copies of the study had been distributed to department heads and Teamsters Union in the morning. Van Zanten said Minutes, 8/17/89, Page 2 she hoped that the Council could have an in -depth discussion of this study within a couple of weeks. The proposed pay grid was not included in these copies, because they may be used in union negotiations. The consultant gave a presentation, describing how the classification study was done. Hansey suggested a Committee of the Whole meeting on September 14 would be the best place to discuss details of the study. He said the Council would like to have the Executive's recommendations and to know what the union members and other employees do not like about the proposal. Solid Waste Report: Solid Waste Manager Bob Jurica was on vacation, so no written report was given. Van Zanten said the SWAC had recommended three potential landfill sites, and that by September 7 the consultant should have a scoping program for the environmental impact statement done. The scales at Cedarville are operating. Paul S. Running and Associates are working on the County's hazardous waste management plan. Lake Whatcom Connector: Distributed a memo, read it aloud to Council members (on file). She said the Transportation Improvement Board staff told her they were dubious about Whatcom County's chances to qualify for the grant that Hansey had mentioned. Haney asked if the Administration planned to apply for any TIA grant, and Van Zanten said yes, for Bakerview from the Guide Meridian to the` Airport, and possibly also for Curtis Road. Court Commissioner: She said the Administration needs an indication if the Council endorses the concept before any work can start. Sound System: Van Zanten requested explicit direction from the Council. INTRODUCTION ... 4. RESOLUTION(S) OF APPRECIATION TO THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HEPATITIS IMMUNIZATION EFFORT (PAPERWORK AVAILABLE BEFORE MEETING) Johnson asked that Rick and Don Haggen step forward, along with Dr. Frank James, Health Officer, to receive resolution praising their efforts in the recent Hepatitis outbreak. Johnson read the proposed resolution aloud, moved passage of each one, and they each were adopted. The audience responded with standing ovation in each situation. *SPECIAL DEPARTMENT REPORT* PRESENTATION BY GEORGE REID, JR., MANAGER, INFORMATION SERVICES Reid talked about the many responsibilities and projects taken on by the Minutes, 8/17/89, Page 3 Information Services Department since its beginnings in 1987. Computer systems are. being upgraded, personal computer usage is increasing dramatically in the Courthouse, and title companies can have direct access to Courthouse records through computers `in i their own offices. Microfilming is being done by Info Center, the new telephone system is under its management, and a new document recording system, completely computerized, is being installed in the Auditor's Office. The Center also has the Courthouse's only fax machine, which is being used more and more by departments. Warner noted that working with word processing and other personal computer programs can be very frustrating, and it is nice to be able to call Reid and have him or a staff member iron out the difficulty. He said the department is doing a good job. Reid praised Carmen Westman and Patty Seaman, the other Info Center staff members. OPEN SESSION Haney said he would allow comment from 8 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Jackson interjected and said that Sen. Patty Murray had been present, but had to leave. She left a packet of information relating to the mobile home tax collection issue, and Jackson said it should be given to Treasurer Barbara Cory for review. Murray had urged Jackson to ask the Council to carefully consider collecting the tax. Diane Smith 1234 Chuckanut Crest Drive Asked that the goal of beach access to Governor's Point be specifically named in the Comprehensive Park and Recreation Plan, rather than leaving general references to the Chuckanut Bay area. Lois GarlicK 297 Chuckanut Point Road Spoke in favor of specifically naming Governor's Point as a possible beach access area. Bernice Miller Mount Baker Highway Lives at foot of Stewart Mountain. Wants that area withdrawn from consideration as a possible landfill location. Julie Mahoney Whatcom Assn. of Kayak Enthusiasts The association favors the possible acquisition of beach access to Governor's Point, a popular spot for kayakers. Martin Keeley Point Roberts Spoke on behalf of the heron preservation committee, endorsing the Park Comprehensive Plan's recognition of the heron colony. Minutes, 8/17/89, Page 4 y Shelley Damewood No address given Speaking to the comprehensive plan: She doesn't favor attracting transient i daytime visitors to the Point. Point Roberts should not 'become a tourist destination area for Canada's lower mainland. Open session ended at this point. HEARINGS AND FINAL CONSIDERATION 1. RESOLUTION IN THE MATTER OF THE SALE OF WHATCOM COUNTY SURPLUS EQUIPMENT AND THE HOLDING OF A PUBLIC AUCTION PURSUANT TO RCW 36.34 Several Council members commented on the sale's popularity. Roehl noted that Council members, unfortunately, are not allowed to buy surplus property. The hearing was opened; there was no public comment and the hearing was closed. Warner reported that Finance recommended approval of this item. WARNER MOVED THAT THE ITEM BE APPROVED. Motion carried. 2. REQUEST FOR VACATION OF A PORTION OF DESOTO AVENUE, FILED BY ALTMAN AND GRIFFIN The hearing was opened; there was no testimony and the hearing was closed. Johnson reported that Public Services had no objections to the vacation. JOHNSON MOVED THAT THE VACATION BE ORDERED. Motion carried. 3. REQUEST FOR VACATION OF AN ALLEY WITHIN BLOCK 27 OF PLAT OF WEST GENEVA, FILED BY ALTMAN The hearing was opened; there was no testimony and the hearing was closed. Johnson reported that Public Services had no objections to the vacation. JOHNSON MOVED THAT THE VACATION BE ORDERED. Motion carried. FINAL CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES 1. RESOLUTION IN THE MATTER OF DELAY OF COLLECTION OF Minutes, 8/17/89, Page 5 y NEW MOBILE HOME ASSESSMENT (KEPT IN COMMITTEE 7/20 AND 8/3) i This item was kept in committee again, in light of Jackson's comments at the start of open session. 2. ORDINANCE REVISING THE 1989 CURRENT EXPENSE FUND, DISTRICT COURT APPROPRIATION THEREIN FOR JUDGES' SALARY INCREASE The increase reflects the recommendations of the Washington Citizens Commission for Elected Officials' Salaries. Warner reported that Finance recommended approval of this item. WARNER MOVED THAT THE ITEM BE ADOPTED. Motion carried unanimously. 3. ORDINANCE REVISING THE 1989 CURRENT EXPENSE FUND, SUPERIOR COURT APPROPRIATION THEREIN, FOR JUDGES' SALARIES AND CONTRACTS Warner noted that the state pays for half of these salary increases; also, the money owed by Whatcom County due to the Guardian Ad Litem dispute of last year is included. Warner reported that Finance recommended approval of this item. WARNER MOVED THAT THE ITEM BE ADOPTED. Motion carried unanimously. 4. ORDINANCE REVISING THE 1989 CURRENT EXPENSE FUND, CLERK'S APPROPRIATION THEREIN FOR CONTINUED MICROFILMING Warner said 635 more boxes will be microfilmed under- this proposal. Warner reported that Finance recommended approval of this item. WARNER MOVED THAT THE ITEM BE ADOPTED. Motion carried unanimously. 5. ORDINANCE REVISING THE 1989 CURRENT EXPENSE FUND, NON - DEPARTMENTAL APPROPRIATION THEREIN FOR AMBULANCE SERVICES Warner reported that Finance recommended approval of this item. Minutes, 8/17/89, Page 6 WARNER MOVED THAT THE ITEM BE ADOPTED. Motion carried unanimously. 6. ORDINANCE REVISING THE 1989 PUBLIC HEALTH FUND APPROPRIATION FOR IMMUNIZATIONS Warner reported that Finance recommended adoption of the substitute ordinance. WARNER MOVED TO ADOPT THE ORDINANCE. Motion carried unanimously. 7. ORDINANCE TO REVISE THE 1989 COMMUNITY ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION BOARD FUND Warner reported that Finance recommended adoption of the ordinance. WARNER MOVED TO ADOPT THE ORDINANCE. Motion carried unanimously. 8. ORDINANCE TO REVISE THE 1989 EQUIPMENT RENTAL & REVOLVING FUND BUDGET There was some discussion of this item. Warner reported that Finance recommended adoption of the ordinance. WARNER MOVED TO ADOPT THE ORDINANCE. Motion carried unanimously. 9. ORDINANCE REVISING THE 1989 CURRENT EXPENSE FUND, JAIL APPROPRIATION THEREIN FOR NURSING SERVICES Warner reported that Finance recommended adoption of the ordinance. WARNER MOVED TO ADOPT THE ORDINANCE. Motion carried unanimously. 10. ORDINANCE TO REVISE THE 1989 CURRENT EXPENSE FUND, BUILDINGS AND CODE BUDGET THEREIN There was discussion of the staffing increase that would result from adoption of this ordinance. Warner reported that Finance recommended adoption of the ordinance. Minutes, 8/17/89, Page 7 WARNER MOVED TO ADOPT THE ORDINANCE. Motion carried unanimously. 11. ORDINANCE ADOPTING A COMPREHENSIVE PARK AND RECREATION OPEN SPACE PLAN AND ADOPTING A SIX -YEAR PARK AND RECREATION OPEN SPACE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM FOR 1990 TO 1996 There was discussion of the ordinance. ROEHL MOVED THAT THE ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED. ROEHL MOVED TO DELETE REFERENCES TO UPPER AND LOWER CHUCKANUT, REPLACING THEM WITH "FROM THE SKAGIT COUNTY LINE TO THE BELLINGHAM CITY LIMITS, SPECIFICALLY INCLUDING GOVERNOR'S POINT" Motion to amend carried. ROEHL MOVED TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE BY INCLUDING THE RECOMMENDED CHANGES IN ROGER DESPAIN'S MEMO DATED AUGUST 17 UNDER SUBPARAGRAPHS A, B, C (GREEN- HIGHI.IGHTED SECTIONS) EXCEPT THAT ON PAGE 3 OF THAT MEMO, A SENTENCE WILL BE ADDED TO SECTION 1 THAT SAYS, "DEVELOPMENT OF POINT. ROBERTS SHALL BE DESIGNED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE NEEDS OF WHATCOM COUNTY RESIDENTS." Motion to amend carved. JACKSON MOVED TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE BY INCLUDING UNDER SECTION 6.4 OF THE REVISED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT: "UNDER THE RECOMMENDATIONS AREA AND POLICY STATEMENTS, 7.1 (ROGER STATED LATER THAT PERHAPS 6.4 WOULD BE THE APPROPRIATE PLACE), THAT WE ADD THE PROGRAMMATIC SIDE OF THE PARKS PLAN BE SUPPORTED IN THE PARKS ANNUAL BUDGET TO CONTINUE EXPANDED USAGE TO OUR WHATCOM COUNTY USERS." Motion to amend carried. The ordinance, as amended, was adopted unanimously. 12. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL WHATCOM COUNTY URBAN FRINGE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MAP FROM URBAN RESIDENTIAL TO RURAL AND AMENDING THE OFFICIAL Minutes, 8/17/89, Page 8 f ZONING MAP FROM URBAN RESIDENTIAIA TO RURAL-5 ACRE FOR APPROXIMATELY 12 ACRES SOUTH OF MOUNT BAKER HIGHWAY AND WEST OF OLD BRITON ROAD i Roehl said the people asking for this rezone want to put in a stable and arena. There was discussion. ROEHL MOVED THAT THE ORDINANCE BE ADOPTED. Motion carried. OTHER BUSINESS 1. *RECEIPT OF APPEAL OF HEARING EXAMINER DECISION #LS- 2-89, CHUCKANUT TRAIL ESTATES (ON FILE; AWAITING TRANSCRIPT) There was no discussion of this item. ADDENDUM ITEM: 2. MOTION REQUESTING THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO TEST THE LEGALITY OF THE MEDICAL WASTE ORDINANCE (INITIATIVE) BY DECLARATORY JUDGMENT ACTION (NO PAPER) HANSEY MOVED THAT THE COUNCIL REQUEST THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO TEST THE LEGALITY OF THE `MEDICAL WASTE IMPORTATION BAN ORDINANCE - INITIATIVE 89 -1,' BY DECLARATORY JUDGMENT ACTION. Jackson asked what the motion meant, and if the Prosecutor's Office would first explain the ramifications of filing for declaratory judgment. Haney said yes, they would. JACKSON MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION TO STATE: "I MOVE THAT THE COUNCIL REQUEST THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO REPORT BACK TO THE COUNCIL ON DECLARATORY JUDGMENT ACTIONS." The intent was for the Council to get more information from the Prosecutor's Office about what such actions involve, and the implication of taking such actions, prior to any authorization to proceed with the declaratory judgment process. The amended motion carried; Johnson was opposed. ADDENDUM ITEM: 3. *RECEIPT OF PETITION TO VACATION PORTIONS OF COMMERCIAL STREET AND FIFTH AVENUE, FILED BY R.E. HABENICHT (ON FILE; HEARING TO BE SCHEDULED ON Minutes, 8/17/89, Page 9 ENGINEER'S REPORT) ADDENDUM ITEM: 4. *RECEIPT OF PETITION TO NAME AN UNNAMED COUNTY ROAD AS "FLAMBEAU ROAD ", FILED BY ROGER BOETTCHER (ON FILE; HEARING TO SCHEDULED ON ENGINEER'S REPORT) Items 3 and 4 were accepted; there was no discussion. INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES ( *CONSENT ITEMS) 1. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDING ASSISTANCE FOR AN OUTDOOR RECREATION PROJECT TO THE INTERAGENCY FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION AS PROVIDED BY FEDERAL LAND, WATER AND CONSUMPTION ACT One of the projects provided for under this Interagency for Outdoor Recreation grant is the refurbishment of the restroom at Lighthouse Park. Warner reported that Finance recommended approval of this item. WARNER MOVED THAT THE ITEM BE APPROVED. Motion carried. 2. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR FUNDING ASSISTANCE FOR AN AQUATIC LAND ENHANCEMENT ACCOUNT PROJECT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Warner reported that Finance recommended approval of this item. WARNER MOVED THAT THE ITEM BE APPROVED. Motion carried. 3. RESOLUTION IN THE MATTER OF THE SALE OF WHATCOM COUNTY SURPLUS EQUIPMENT AND THE HOLDING OF A PUBLIC AUCTION PURSUANT TO RCW 36.34 This item was on the agenda twice; it was handled under Hearings. There was no item 4. Items 5 and 6 were introduced by consent and referred to the appropriate committees. Minutes, 8/17/89, Page 10 y 5. *ORDINANCE REVISING THE 1989 COMBINED TREATMENT SERVICES FUND APPROPRIATION FOR REGIONAL PLANNING AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SUGGESTED REFERRAL i TO FINANCE & PERSONNEL) 6. *ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH THE AUDITOR'S OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE FUND FOR IMPROVED DOCUMENT RECORDING SYSTEM AND TO PROVIDE AN APPROPRIATION THEREIN (SUGGESTED REFERRAL TO FINANCE & PERSONNEL) REPORTS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS THE NEXT REGULARLY - SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE AT 7 P.M. SEPTEMBER 7, 1989. Court Commissioner /Sound System: WARNER MOVED THAT THE COUNCIL ENDORSE THE PROPOSAL IN PRINCIPAL, AND THAT THE ADMINISTRATION BE ASKED TO BRING BACK FINAL CAPITAL COSTS AND A SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR THE COURT COMMISSIONER AND THE NEW SOUND SYSTEM. Motion carried. Roehl asked for an explanation of why it takes 1 -1/2 clerks to take care of one court commissioner. The meeting adjourned at 9:44 p.m. ATTEST: Ramona Reeves, Council Clerk L, 1J 60 FIN forew COUNCIL