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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Council for December 17 1981WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL Minutes December 17, 1981 The Whatcom County Council meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m. December 17, 1981, by Chair Van Zanten with all members present except Johnson, who was excused due to a Jail Commission meeting. The minutes of November 19 and 30, and December 3, 1981 were approved as presented. 7JUADTNT('_Q Nor -Bell Wastewater Facilities Planning Project - Van Zanten gave a brief description of the route the Project had taken in the last two years. Hansey, who owns property in the area in question, stated he had spoken with the Prosecuting Attorney's office and it was recommended that he not attend the hearing on'this matter. He excused himself from the meeting at 7:42 p.m. Hearing was declared open on the project. The following persons gave testimony: Bill Lazareff - Concerned with the cost of the project. 1180 W. Smith Road Ann Brooks - Concerned with the cost of the project. 5307 Belfern Drive Van Zanten stated that the project will be financed by State grant monies and by County bond sales. No additional assessment will be made to the residents in the area. Donald W. Chad -Does not want to be trapped into 5494 Bell -West Drive connecting to the line in the future. D. R. Walker 5313 Belfern Dr. Warren Standal 618 W. Hemmi Rd. Terry A. Unger 4059 "Y" Rd. Chairman Nor -Bell Nursing Home Board John Wilker 954 W. Smith Rd. William Hodges 5357 Northwest Rd. Does not see a need for it. - Opposed to the project. -Would like to see the project in. The line should be left open to any- one wishing to tie into it. - Nursing home needs this badly. Could be closed down permanently and the residents living there may have to find housing as far away as Seattle. Stated there are high nitrate counts in the area. - Opposed to the project. Suggests a septic tank. Could put in for $4,000. - Stated pollution is not as bad as it was in 1977. Requested Council to hold off on its decision. Whatcom County Coun, Minutes December 17, 1981 page two M. P. Meyers 1376 W. Smith Rd. Don Bailey 3188 Unick Rd. Elizabeth Bailey 3188 Unick Rd. 1 Jack Griffin Whatcom Community College -Need a larger line than just a 4 inch. -What will it cost to hook -up to the line? Does not want area annexed to Ferndale. Would like to see the gravity line go in for the whole area. - Concurs that the gravity line is the best alternative. Cannot abandon the facilities that need it in the area. The line should be large enough for future residential hook -up. - Stated the colleges statistics were not correct on the reports. Believes the tightline is the most effective. Paul Rushing stated there is a problem with the meter, showing the statistics of the Community College. Roger Almskaar - Submitted written testimony. Believes 1600 Ten Mile Rd. gravity line with optional future Planning Consultant & Realtor hook -up is the best plan, in order to Speaking on behalf of a client be consistent with the comprehensive plan in this area. Ron Giles - Believes the concerns of the residents 5385 Shields Rd. •living in the area should be looked at only. Not the residents outside the area. Hugh Pottle - Questions the size of the line. Would 1029 W. Laurel like something in writing stating that the residents in the area will not need to hook -up to the line. Sewer should go in and be large enough to serve all of the North Bellingham area in the future. Mrs. E. R. Barnett - Stated that DSHS does not have the monies 1195 Louie Court to go into this project. Suggests postponing a decision. Concerned with the 1.4 million dollar cost. Referred to RCW 36.94 At this time a hand count was taken of who was in favor of the project and who was not. Eight hands were raised in favor and the rest were in opposition. Whatcom County Coun Minutes December 17, 1981 page three Ron Giles Don Bailey Elizabeth Bailey Vicki Sovotiski 1313 N. Smith 1 -If this went in would the Ferndale plant be upgraded? What about the flood line? - Gravity line is the best alternative. This area is unique, but does not want to see the County getting into the sewer business in other areas of of County. - Defends residents speaking that live outside of the area. Entire County's tax dollars go into the County facilities. - Schools are in no trouble. What effect would the gravity line have on wells. Marty Harper explained that there would be no effect on the wells in the area. The area is irregular of existing soils. Van Zanten stated a phone call had been received from Lorna Erchinger, North Bellingham area resident, who was opposed to the project. Correspondence had also been received from Stephen .zones;. Chairman, Whatcom County Library Board, supporting the alternative. Correspon- dence had also been received from the Northwest Community Association regarding numerous suggestions and comments. The hearing was closed. Muenscher made comments towards an additional small area being included in the proposal. Harper stated that if this was done the pump station in Ferndale would need to be modified. McIntyre questioned the need for the County Garage to be on the line. Stated a septic tank system may work just as well. Hawley stated the line should be put in with future use in mind. Roehl questioned if a larger line were needed, how would the costs be met? Rushing stated the costs would be met from the sale of GO Bonds, Revenue Bonds, and ULID assessment bonds. Hawley moved to accept the final draft plan and approve alternative A -1B, gravity line to Ferndale. Motion passed on a 4 -1 vote. (McIntyre) H4 sey. returned to the meeting. EXECUTIVE ITEMS Executive Louws presented the Council t+vi:th the final contract between Whatcom County Sheriff's Department and the Teamster's Union. fie stated a nine percent (9 %) raise increase is included. Also the contract language was standarized with other county contracts. This contract is for 1982, 1983, and 1984. Hansey stated the Finance Committee had reviewed the contract and recommended approval. Whatcom County Counc Minutes December 17, 1981 page four { Hansey so moved to approve the contract and authorize the Executive to sign on behalf of the County. Motion passed unanimously. Council also approved a over limit transfer in the Building and Codes Department Budget in the amount of $17,214.00. FINAL CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS The ordinance authorizing a revised budget for the Current Expense Fund of 1981 and Assigned Counsel Budget therein was before the Council. Hansey moved the ordinance for final passage. He stated the Finance Committee recommended "do pass." Motion passed on a 5 -1 vote. (McIntyre) Hansey moved final passage of the ordinance authorizing a revised budget for the Current Expense Fund of 1981 and the Council Budget therein. Hansey moved to amend the ordinance on line 182 to strike "$800.00" and insert 11$ 2,189.00 ", on line 212 insert expenditure "511- 60 -35, Printing and binding, in the amount of $1,389.00 ", line 23 strike "$800.00" and insert "$ 2,189.00." The added expense is to pay for codification. of the Whatcom County Code for 1980. Motion to amend passed unanimously. Motion to adopt the ordinance as amended passed unanimously. Iiansey moved final passage of the Ordinance authorizing a revised budget for the Current Expense Fund of 1981 and the District Court Budget therein. This revision is necessary for the payment of jury fees. Motion passed on a 5 -0 vote. (Hawley absent) Hansey moved final passage of the Ordinance authorizing a revised budget for the Current Expense Fund of 1981 and the Jail Budget therein. This revision is due to the increased population in the County Jail and the opening up of the Bellingham City Jail. Motion passed on a 4 -1 vote. (McIntyre voting no, Hawley absent) Hansey moved final passage of the Ordinance authorizing "a revised budget for the Current Expense Fund of 1981 and the Superior Court Budget therein. This revision is also needed for the payment of jury fees for the remainder of 1981. Motion passed on a 5 -0 vote. (Hawley absent) Whatcom County Council Minutes December 17, 1981 page five Hansey moved final passage of the Ordinance authorizing a revised budget for the Developmental Disabilities Fund of 1981. These are additional monies alotted to the Department from the Department of Social and Health Services. Motion passed on a 5 -0 vote. (Hawley absent) Hansey moved final passage of the Ordinance authorizing a revised budget for the Mental Health and Drug Abuse Fund of 1981. These are Title 19 funds. Motion passed on a 5 -0 vote. (Hawley absent) Hansey moved final passage of the Ordinance designating the County Council Secretary to serve as Clerk of the Council. Hansey moved to accept draft II of the ordinance for consideration. Motion passed on a 5 -0 vote. (Hawley absent) Motion to adopt the ordinance passed on a 5 -0 vote. (Hawley absent) OPEN SESSION Andy Caan, Bellingham, expressed concerns of a statement made by Planning Comnissioner., Joe Elenbaas, in the December 7th issue of the Bellingham Herald. OTHER BUSINESS The Hearing Examiner recommendation's regarding the request for r preliminary plat approval to create and develop a residential sub- division known as "Hel -Lyn Park was received and referred to the Planning Committee for review. Correspondence was received from the Engineer recommending vacation of a portion of County Road No. 458. A Resolution will be drafted and a public hearing will be set up. Roehl moved to send the matter to the Public Works Committee. Motion passed unanimously. Nominations were opened to the Planning Commission. In District No. 1, Greg Grant was nominated by Hansey and Bill Clement was nominated by the Chair. In District No. 3 Elizabeth Bailey was nominated by Hawley and Alvin Van Dalen was nominated by Roehl. All Nominations will remain open until January 7, 1981. Nominations:w.ere opened to..the.`Open Space Advisory :-Board. Hawley'nominated.Keith Boone.-;-, Nominations will remain open until: January' 7, - 1981. An Application for Open Space Timber Land, filed by Alvin and Pauline Ash was received and forwarded to the Planning Commission for review. Whatcom County Council Minutes December 17, 1981 page six Planning Commission recommendations on 1981 Open Space Taxation application of Sygatowicz were received and sent to the Planning Committee for review. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Roehl moved to add to the agenda the following: 1) Resolution establishing December 24 as a holiday for County Employees 2) Resolution repealing Resolution No. 80 -69 regarding urban services within Bellingham's Urban Fringe Motion passed unanimously. Muenscher introduced and moved for final passage the Resolution to exchange County real property for private real property owned by Leonard Cowden and Dianne Cowden. Motion passed unanimously. Hansey introduced and moved for final passage the Resolution in the matter of the cancellation of warrants over one year old. Motion passed unanimously. Muenscher introduced and moved for final passage the Resolution to preserve and enhance, the Agricultural Infrastructure of Western Washington. This resolution is proposing that the Governor of the State of Washington establish an agricultural task force. Motion passed unanimously. Hansey introduced and moved for final passage the Resolution to reestablish the Bellingham /Wb atcom County District Department of Public Health. Roehl moved to amend the Resolution on Line 24 to insert "hereby.attached." Motion passed unanimously. Motion to adopt the Resolution as amended passed unanimously. Roehl introduced the Resolution amending Resolution 79 -2 regarding rules of procedure governing time, place and conduct of County Council meetings. It will be back for final consideration January 7, 1982. Hansey introduced and moved for final passage the Resolution in the matter of transfers affecting 1981 budget. This will authorize the Executive and Auditor to balance out line item budgets for 1981. Motion passed unanimously. Wh atcom County Counc Minutes December 17, 1981 page seven Roehl introduced and moved for final passage the Resolution estab- lishing December 24 as a holiday for County Employees. Motion passed on a 5 -0 vote. (Hawley abstained) Roehl introduced and moved for final passage the Resolution repealing Resolution No. 80 -69 regarding Urban Services within Bellingham's Urban Fringe. Motion passed on a 5 -1 vote. (Hawley) Meeting adjourned 10:34 p.m.