HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning and Development October 2 1989WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
October 2, 1989
William Roehl called the meeting to order at 1:21 p.m. Council
member Emily Jackson was also present.
1. DISCUSSION OF HORTON ROAD VACATION WITH MR. AND MRS. C. KERMEN
Horton Road Vacation: Roehl says he doesn't know what more
can be done by the Council: the county has already "jumped all the
hoops" and so it becomes a legal dispute rather than something the
council can resolve. Jackson asked if the matter can be moved
before the council so legal staff can come to terms. Roehl says it
would not be helpful. Mrs. Kermen asked if the letter from their
attorney had been reviewed. Roehl said yes.
JACKSON MOVED THAT THE MATTER BE REFERRED TO RANDY WATTS AND
THAT HE REPORT BACK TO THE COMMITTEE. Roehl voted against it as not
appropriate.
The motion failed.
ROEHL MOVED TO ASK THE ADMINISTRATION TO HAVE THE PROSECUTING
ATTORNEY LOOK AT STAFFORD SMITH'S LETTER AND RESPOND.
Motion carried.
2. RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE DENIAL OF OPEN SPACE APPLICATIONS
FILED BE BARBER, HAINES AND LEE (A HOUSE - KEEPING MEASURE)
Clerk explained that the resolution had arisen through a need
to keep the files current.
ROEHL MOVED THAT THE COUNCIL AFFIRM THE PLANNING COMMITTEE
DENIAL FOR THE BARBER, HAINES, AND LEE OPEN -SPACE PERMITS.
Motion was carried.
3. RECEIPT OF HEARING EXAMINER'S RECOMMENDATION ON A MAJOR
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FILED BY GULF VIEW PROPERTIES (DECISION ON
NEXT STEP MUST BE MADE AT COUNCIL MEETING; CHOICES ARE
DETAILED IN THE PACKET)
Clerk explained the County's options on receipt of the Hearing
Examiner's recommendation. Said application must be acted on within
ten days. Roehl said that due to the magnitude of the issue it
should be moved to Council without a recommendation. Council
Chairman Don Hansey said yes put it before the council; if no
changes are made it won't require a public hearing.
JACKSON MOVED THAT THE ISSUE GO BEFORE COUNCIL WITHOUT A
RECOMMENDATION.
Motion carried.
4. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PLAN MAP AND TEXT OF THE PLAN FOR POINT
ROBERTS, A SUPPLEMENT TO THE WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN, TO ALLOW LIMITED COMMERCIAL USE FOR PROPERTY ALONG TYEE
DRIVE (NIELSON REZONE) (SOME INFO ON FILE IN THE COUNCIL
OFFICE)
County Planning Director Dan Taylor explained that the issue was
up for a public hearing, and that there was only a one -word change
to be discussed.
JACKSON MOVED THAT IT GO BEFORE THE COUNCIL.
Motion carried.
5. DISCUSSION OF PORTAGE ISLAND ACCESS
Roehl explained Whatcom County's rights to use of Portage
Island as a park. Said legal rights were established; question now
was what steps should be taken to ensure public interest. Deputy
Civil Prosecutor Dave Cottingham handed out copies of agreement
between County and Lummi Tribe. Said most controversial aspect was
the language concerning the connecting tidelands, because this land
was owned by the U.S. government and made language ambiguous. No
clear position has been taken by the tribe although they have
agreed to the principle of a park.
Roehl recommended a correspondence to be initiated, asking
what steps the tribe and the State Interagency for Outdoor
Recreation have taken toward fulfillment of the agreement. Jackson
asked if they should then move it to the Council. Roehl said yes.
Jackson then suggested an invitation to meet and discuss the access
question as a friendlier gesture than the legal correspondence.
Roehl said discussion was still possible in conjunction w/ a letter
written to the tribal council. Attorney Dave Cottingham agreed to
send such a letter.
OTHER BUSINESS: NONE.
The meeting was adjourned at about 1:45 p.m.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
ATTEST:
Lor aine Bonifacil-I Asst Clerk William P. Roehl, Coun it Member