HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Services August 17 1989WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
PUBLIC SERVICES AND SOLID WASTE COMMITTEE
August 17, 1989
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Committee Chairman Corky
Johnson, with Council members Dan Warner and Mary Vanderpol present.
1. DISCUSSION OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING MINIMUM GARBAGE
RATES CHARGED AT CEDARVILLE
Johnson said he wondered why there now is
when prior to the rate increase recently passed by the
can. Jack Weiss, Solid Waste Division, said there is
needs to be cleared up. Staff originally interpreted 1
a $5 minimum charge, regardless of how many cans
now $2, so a person bringing in one or two cans paic
bringing in three cans, for example, Weiss said.
minimum charge of $5 per can,
Council the charge was $1.50 per
a ambiguity in the ordinance that
ie fee schedule to mean there is
.e brought in; the cost per can is
more per can than did a person
WARNER ASKED STAFF TO REVIEW AND REWRITE THE RATE
ORDINANCE TO CLEAR UP AMBIGUITIES.
There was more discussion of the matter, including senior citizens' rates. Weiss
noted that it costs more than $2 per can to dispose of the garbage. Senior citizens pay
$1.50 per can. Under the current system senior citizens are charged for at least four
cans of refuse even if they bring in fewer than four cans. After more discussion, Weiss
clarified that the committee basically wants the minimum charge removed from the fee
schedule. The committee agreed.
Motion carried.
2. CONTINUED DISCUSSION OF PROPOSAL TO HIRE ADDITIONAL
COURT COMMISSIONERS (AVAILABLE SPACE) (KEPT IN PUBLIC
SERVICES 7/20; AWAITING FURTHER REPORT FROM N.F.
JACKSON)
A report had been received from N.F. Jackson, Superior Court Clerk (on file).
Jackson reported that the Council's Health Board Advisory Committee and the Planning
Commission could be accommodated in the conference room, now that it' has been
converted to a mini- hearing room. The Hearing Examiner will be able to use the City
Council Chambers for the months of October and November, while the new court
commissioner uses the Chambers and the two remodeling projects (fourth floor and jail
basement) are being completed. He said the Executive is asking that the Council
endorse the whole project (remodeling in addition to hiring a new court commissioner)
so the available position can be advertised as soon as possible.
Warner asked if Van Zanten would be discussing this project with the Council;
Jackson said yes. Warner asked what the Administration's response is to the added
ongoing cost of $100,000 per year for this new court commissioner. Jackson said he
could not speak for the Executive, but said he thought the added staff would save
money.
There was discussion of the cost of hiring staff and problems within the existing
system.
WARNER MOVED THAT IN REGARDS TO THE SPACE USAGE
PROPOSED BY JACKSON, THE COMMITTEE ENDORSE THIS CONCEPT.
Motion carried.
3. REQUEST FOR VACATION OF A PORTION OF DESOTO AVENUE,
FILED BY ALTMAN AND GRIFFIN
4. REQUEST FOR VACATION OF AN ALLEY WITHIN BLOCK 27 OF
PLAT OF WEST GENEVA, FILED BY ALTMAN
Both requests were recommended for approval by the Committee, after brief
discussion.
5. OTHER BUSINESS
Meeting time: Warner suggested the Public Services Committee begin meeting at
6 p.m. on a regular basis. The other committee members agreed.
The meeting adjourned at about 6:50 p.m.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Ramona Reeves, Council Clerk C.. ' orky Johnson, Member