HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Council for February 21 19850
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Minutes -- February 21, 1985
The Whatcom County Council was called to order on Thursday,
February 21, 1985, at 7:45 p.m. by Chairman Roehl, with all
members present except Hansey.
MINUTES
The minutes of the February 7, 1985 Council meeting were
approved as written.
DISCUSSION ON THE CLOSURE OF HALL AND PERCIE ROADS
Hawley reported that the Public Services Committee had
discussed the closure of the Hall and Percie Roads with citizens
who live in the area who had concerns that had arisen since
the closure of the two roads.
COLE MOVED THAT THE COUNCIL DIRECT ITS ATTORNEY TO TAKE
SUCH ACTION AS MAY BE APPROPRIATE AND PRUDENT TO SEEK REOPENING
OF THE PERCIE AND HALL ROADS.
Cole spoke to the motion.
HAWLEY MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION BY ADDING THE FOLLOWING:
"AND THAT TIIE NEED TO REOPEN THESE ROADS IS DECLARED TO
BE AN EMERGENCY."
The motion to amend carried.
The motion carried.
Chairman Roehl allowed time for citizens to respond to
this issue.
Theresa Pomeroy Asked for a further definition
Blaine City Council of "public service organiza-
tion" with regard to who can
appeal a decision of the
Utilities and Transportation
Commission.
Cole responded to Ms. Pomeroy's question. Ms. Pomeroy asked
whether the County could reopen the roads, and if the State
should be responsible for fixing the holes in the road caused
by the barriers.
Council Minutes
February 21, 1985
Page 2
Robert Frost
5602 Guide Meridian
Fred Chesterly
Blaine
Margaret Westman
Hall Road
Blaine
Pat Madsen
Blaine Road
Bill Davis
Percie Road
Bill Yuschalk
Birch Terrace Place
Urged the County to involve
legislators at the State
level regarding the reopening
of the Hall and Percie Roads;
spoke in support of public
safety and the need for
reopening these roads.
Reflected on the history of
the railroad routes in Whatcom
County; suggested that the
railroad be routed up through
Sumas instead of the present
route.
Stated that the train had
blocked the Bell Road crossing
twice in two weeks.
Spoke on the increased danger
to citizens in the area now
that the Hall and Percie crossings
are closed.
Spoke in support of reopening
the Hall and Percie Roads.
Spoke in support of repairing
the Percie Road.
Hawley urged citizens to send written record to the Council
office with regard to new evidence that has surfaced since the
closure of the Hall and Percie Roads, in order to assist the
Council's attorney with the reopening process.through the Utilities
and Transportation Commission.
The meeting was recessed at 8:15 p.m. The meeting reconvened
at 8:20 p.m.
EXECUTIVE ITEMS
COUNCIL CONFIRMATION - BOARD APPOINTMENTS
Executive Van Zanten explained the three Board appointments
to the Museum Board.
JOHNSON MOVED TO CONFIRM THE REAPPOINTMENT OF NEIL MULLEN
TO A SECOND THREE -YEAR TERM FROM 2/1/85 TO 1/31/88, THE APPOINTMENT
OF ALIX SNYDER FOR A THREE -YEAR TERM FROM 2/1/85 TO 1/31/88, AND
THE APPOINTMENT OF LAWRENCE TAYLOR, FROM 2/1/85 TO 1/31/87, TO THE
MUSEUM BOARD.
The motion carried.
Council Minutes
February 21, 1985
Page 3
OVERLIMIT TRANSFER - FEDERAL SHARED REVENUE FUND
Executive Van Zanten explained the background on the request
for an overlimit transfer in the amount of $253,812.00 in the
Federal Shared Revenue Fund.
BECKER MOVED TO APPROVE THE OVERLIMIT TRANSFER IN THE AMOUNT
OF $253,812.00 IN THE FEDERAL SHARED REVENUE FUND.
Becker spoke to the motion and stated that the Finance
Committee recommended approval of the overlimit transfer.
The following amendment to the overlimit transfer was
added to the main motion:
Under EXPLANATION add the following phrase after the word
"develops ": ", together with creation of appropriate expenditure
line items."
The motion, as amended, carried.
BID AWARD - DEWEY GRIFFIN, FOR TWO 3/4 -TON PICKUP TRUCKS
Executive Van Zanten explained the background on the bid
award for two 3/4 -ton pickup trucks, recommended to be awarded
to the lowest responsive bidder, Dewey Griffin, for a total bid
of $23,267.05, including state sales tax.
BECKER MOVED TO APPROVE THE BID AWARD FOR TWO 3/4 -TON
PICKUP TRUCKS TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BIDDER, DEWEY GRIFFIN, FOR
A TOTAL BID OF $23,267.05, INCLUDING STATE SALES TAX.
Willard Fry, Motor Pool, explained the use of the two
pickups.
The motion carried.
HEARING - ORDINANCE. RID #6. FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL
The hearing was declared oepn in the matter of the Ordinance
of the County Council of Whatcom County confirming the final
assessment roll for County Road Improvement District No. 6 and
certifying the same to the Whatcom County Treasurer for collection.
No one was present to speak at the hearing. Chairman Roehl
entered the following exhibits into the record:
1. Correspondence from Mr. and Mrs. D. A. McLachlan,
dated 2/19/85, opposing the final assessment.
2. Correspondence from Mr. and Mrs. S. Armstrong, dated
2- 16 -85, opposing; the final assessment.
Council Minutes
February 21, 1985
Page 4
3. Correspondence from Anna Farkas, received 2/15/85,
opposing the final assessment.
4. Correspondence from Warren and Mary Stevenson, dated
2/14/85, opposing the final assessment.
5. Correspondence from Mr. and Mrs. R.A. Jacobson, dated
2/10/85, opposing the final assessment.
6. Correspondence from John and Ines Mitton, dated
2/8/85, opposing the final assessment.
Ed Henken, County Engineer, reported on changes and corrections
which should be made to the assessment roll, as noted in his memo
dated 2/19/85 (see attached).
Being that there was no further testimony, the hearing was
declared closed.
BECKER MOVED TO ADOPT THE ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL
OF WHATCOM COUNTY CONFIRMING THE FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR COUNTY
ROAD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 6 AND CERTIFYING TIIE SAME TO THE
WHATCOM COUNTY TREASURER FOR COLLECTION.
BECKER MOVED TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING:
Line 30, page 1, change the dollar amount to $53,742.00
Becker spoke to the amendment.
The motion to amend carried.
BECKER MOVED TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE WITH THE CHANGES AS
NOTED IN ED HENKEN'S MEMO DATED FEBRUARY 19, 1985 (SEE ATTACHED).
The motion to amend carried.
The motion, as amended, carried.
OPEN SESSION
Robert Frost
5602 Guide Meridian
Spoke in support of more
restrooms in shopping areas;
spoke in support of moving
the totem pole on the Lottie
Street side of the Courthouse
to the front of the Court-
house; spoke in support of
finding a use for excess food
in the school district (as
opposed to throwing it out,
which is what is presently
taking place).
Council Minutes
February 21, 1985
Page 5
Lewis Schwam
Boundary Bay
Asked who he could contact
regarding getting some answers
on building permits for property
he owns.
Ed Henken stated that this would require more checking into.
BECKER MOVED TO RECONSIDER THE ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY
COUNCIL OF WHATCOM COUNTY CONFIRMING THE FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL
FOR COUNTY ROAD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 6 AND CERTIFYING THE
SAME TO THE WHATCOM COUNTY TREASURER FOR COLLECTION.
The motion to reconsider carried.
Following discussion on whether or not to carry this item
over until the next meeting, it was decided to vote on this
ordinance, as once the ordinance was passed there will be a
30 -day time period for people to file protests on the final
assessment roll.
The ordinance confirming the final assessment roll for
County Road Improvement District No. 6 and certifying the same
to the Whatcom County Treasurer for collection carried.
Sid Wallace Spoke in support of the passage
Point Roberts of the ordinance regarding
erotic dance studios.
Cathy Bradner Spoke in support of the passage
Point Roberts of the ordinance regarding
erotic dance studios.
John Miller Spoke in support of the passage
Point Roberts of the ordinance regarding
erotic dance studios.
FINAL CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
ORDINANCE REGARDING EROTIC DANCE STUDIOS
COLE MOVED FOR FINAL ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE REGARDING
EROTIC DANCE STUDIOS.
Cole spoke to the motion.
COLE MOVED TO AMEND BY ADDING THE FOLLOWING ON PAGE 5 OF
THE ORDINANCE, SECTION E (1), LINE 14:
"business or the proposed business is /are eligible to be
licensed. No person shall be eligible to receive a
license to operate an erotic dance studio who has been
convicted in this state or elsewhere of a crime of
violence or a crime involving drugs or prostitution, or
who has committed violations of this ordinance, or of
Council Minutes
February 21, 1985
Page 6
(AMENDMENT, continued)
"similar ordinances in other jurisdictions, or who has
been convicted of any felony. And, furthermore, no license
shall be issued unless the applicant shall provide a sworn
written affidavit that he /she has not been convicted of
a crime or committed a violation, as set forth above, in
this state or elsewhere."
Also, delete the remainder of Section E(1).
Cole spoke to the amendment.
The motion to amend carried.
HAWLEY MOVED TO AMEND BY DELETING THE ENTIRE SECTION 13.
Hawley spoke to the motion.
Cole spoke against the motion to amend.
Johnson spoke against the motion to amend.
Muenscher spoke in support of the amendment.
The motion to amend failed.
Chairman Roehl noted a syntactical error on page 2, line 29,
which should be corrected to read as follows:
it the pubic area of either sex with less than a
full opaque covering."
The ordinance was adopted as amended (4 -2, Hawley, Muenscher).
ORDINANCE - COUNTY APPEALS BOARD
HAWLEY MOVED FOR FINAL ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH
THE COUNTY APPEALS BOARD AND TO SET FORTH THE MAKEUP OF THE BOARD,
THE AUTHORITY, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES THEREOF AND THE CRITERIA
FOR APPOINTMENT THERETO.
Muenscher provided background information on this ordinance.
COLE MOVED TO AMEND WITH THE FOLLOWING:
Page 6, Section 14(d) delete the entire section (d) and
replace it with the following:
"The County Executive shall designate a Clerk of the Board."
Donovan Kehrer, Building and Codes Administration, spoke
in support of the ordinance and explained further the duties of
the Clerk of the Board.
The motion to amend carried.
Council Minutes
February 21, 1985
Page 7
The motion to adopt the ordinance to establish the County
Appeals Board and to set forth the makeup of the Board, the
authority, duties and responsibilities thereof and the criteria
for appointment thereto carried.
ORDINANCE - AMENDING COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MAP AND W.C.C. 20.63
Bill Trimm, Planning Department, provided background informa-
tion on the ordinance.
COLE MOVED FOR FINAL ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE AMENDING THE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MAP FROM "AGRICULTURE" TO "TOURIST COMMERCIAL"
AND AMENDING THE INTERIM ZONING MAP FROM "AGRICULTURE" TO
"TOURIST COMMERCIAL" AND AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 20.63
AS IT RELATES TO CONDITIONAL USES IN TOURIST COMMERCIAL.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE - REVISING 1985 PARKS AND RECREATION FUND. SENIOR SERVICES
BECKER MOVED FOR FINAL ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING
A REVISION TO THE 1985 PARKS AND RECREATION FUND, SENIOR SERVICES
BUDGET THEREIN.
Becker reported that the Finance Committee recommended
approval of the ordinance.
The motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
The correspondence from J.R. Clark, Puget Sound Power and
Light Company, dated 2/6/85, was received.
JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT, DISPOSITION OF SOLID WASTE
This agenda item will be scheduled for a Committee of the
Whole session to be scheduled sometime during the week of
February 25 - March 1. The Clerk will poll Council members to
determine a convenient time for the meeting.
INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING ELECTRIC CONSUMERS PROTECTION ACT
Chairman Roehl provided background information on the
resolution.
HAWLEY MOVED TO INTRODUCE AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING
THE ELECTRIC CONSUMERS PROTECTION ACT.
Hawley spoke to the motion.
BECKER MOVED TO POSTPONE THE MOTION INDEFINITELY.
Council Minutes
February 21, 1985
Page 8
Becker spoke to the motion to postpone indefinitely.
Johnson spoke in support of postponing indefinitely.
Cole spoke against postponing indefinitely.
The motion to postpone indefinitely failed.
COLE MOVED TO SUBSTITUTE DRAFT 2 OF THE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING
THE ELECTRIC CONSUMERS PROTECTION ACT.
The motion to substitute draft 2 carried.
COLE MOVED TO AMEND WITH THE FOLLOWING:
Strike all the language between and including lines 13
and 22, and amend the following paragraph as follows:
"NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County
Council hereby requests each Senator and Representative
in the Washington State. Congressional Delegation to
ee -spe ee -ate] work for legislation that will prevent -the
take -evep- ley- publie- utilities provide for equitable_
treatment of private utilities and their customers in
connection with the licensing of hydro- electric facilities
that have been historically operated by private utilities."
Becker asked for a definition of "equitable ".
Cole spoke to the motion to amend and stated that "equitable ",
in this context, meant "fair ".
Becker spoke against the amendment.
The motion to amend failed.
The motion to adopt the resolution failed.
REPORTS AND OTHER ITEMS OF CONCERN FROM COUNCILMEMBERS
Becker reported on the Finance Committee's work on the
budget process and suggested scheduling a Committee of the Whole
meeting sometime in late March in order to help generate ideas.
Hawley reported on the Public Services Committee meeting
.9f February 19, 1985.
` The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
ATTEST:
Carol Eb,
Clerk. of
'rgson
thc� Cotinci..l
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
l.am P X0 C',}1T-
Chairman