HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning and Development October 30 19899
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
October 30, 1989
The meeting was called to order at about 1 p.m. by acting Committee Chairper-
son Emily Jackson. Will Roehl was present, Tom Burton was absent.
1. NOISE COMPLAINT ABOUT CANFOR MILL (BY ARLENE
SANDERS)
Jackson said she got a complaint from Sanders about the noisy mill next to her
home. Sanders told Jackson that she had been unsuccessful in her attempts to get
Buildings and Codes to enforce noise regulations. Roehl said he also had been
contacted by Sanders, and he asked Deputy Public Works Director, John Tyler to explain
the situation.
Tyler explained the circumstances surrounding the noise problem. Even though
there is not a noise ordinance in the County Code, he said Sanders could take the mill
to court if acoustical tests show the noise exceeds state or federal standards. In the
meantime, the mill is seeking a permit to expand operations. Tyler told the owner that
unless the noise problem is taken care of, the permit will not be granted. The owner
told Tyler last week that the corrections would be made in 30 days.
The situation, Tyler said, has been frustrating. His staff is trying to find noise
ordinances in other counties that Whatcom County could use as a model. After some
discussion, Tyler said he would make a report to the Council along with some
recommendations.
There was disccussion.
2. UPDATE ON PORTAGE ISLAND ACCESS
Civil Deputy Prosecutor Dave Cottingham said he had sent the letter to the
Interagency for Outdoor Recreation, as the Committee had requested, and was awaiting
a reply. Roehl encouraged Cottingham to pursue the matter further, after some
discussion.
3. OTHER BUSINESS
Gulf View: Carl Batchelor, Planning, commented on the move to re -open
consideration of the golf course development permit by the Council. He said the buffer
between the heron rookery and the golf course is extremely important, and that experts
recommend a buffer between the rookery and development of no less than 200 meters.
Although a golf course will be of benefit to Point Roberts, Batchelor said, he asked the
Committee to keep in mind the developer is lobbying the Council for a change in the
buffer in order to avoid needing to redesign the golf course.
Tyler said the developers feel the buffer requirement may constitute a "taking" of
private land by the County Council, and that the matter may wind up in court.
Eventually the County could be forced to buy the buffer zone from the developer.
Roehl said the Council has been approached from that angle before. Jackson said she
did not like that threat, that the developer should go ahead and settle the issue in court.
P &D Minutes, 10/30/89, Page 2
Batchelor displayed an aerial photo of the heron nesting area and discussed the
importance of the heron colony.
Point Roberts Logging: Roehl asked for a status report from Batchelor.
Batchelor said an environmental checklist is being done on all proposed logging
operations in Point Roberts. He talked about some of the conflicts with landowners who
want to use the land without restrictions. There was more discussion. Roehl said he
tends to fall on the side of protecting the good of the public. Batchelor noted that
herons are Whatcom County's equivalent to the spotted owl, in terms of controversy.
There was more discussion.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:45 p.m.
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Ramona Reeves, Council Clerk y A_Meber