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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Council for February 19 1981r; WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL Minutes February 19, 1981 eo� The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m. with Van Zanten, Roehl, McIntyre, Muenscher and Hawley present. Johnson had been excused from the meeting on 2/5 to attend a State Jail Commission meeting. Hansey was absent. The minutes of the previous meeting were discussed, with approval being deferred until the next meeting. The first item for public hearing was an ordinance implementing size, weight, and load limitations as part of the Whatcom County Code, and adopting, by reference, portions of the State Motor Vehicle Code as contained in R.C.W. Chapter 46.44. Paul Rushing, Public Works Director, explained the ordinance, giving the rationale for its proposition: that the revenues venerated would pay for a deputy sheriff to enforce the provisions and that it would save the county roads from excess deterioration caused by too heavy vehicles using the roads. He answered various questions from Council members. The public hearing was opened. 20 people testified, rep- resenting local farmers, equipment dealers, trucking concerns and construc- tion companies. All those testifying were in opposition to the ordinance. Testifying were Bob Imhoff, Len Cooper, Lloyd Ludke, Chuck Van Beek, Robert Frost, Linda Zander,James Zylstra, Oscar DeVries (twice), Don Bailey, Don Ryan, Jerry Doornenbal, Alvin Van Dalen, Lyle Hunter, Louis Stremler, Clyde Green, Jim Dotinga, Dick Bedlington, Rich Tight; William Van Werven and Harold KAoyer. The audience of some 100 people was polled by the chair, and were almost unanimously' opposed to the ordinance. The hearing was closed. Public Safety is holding the ordinance for further review. It will come to the Council for consideration on March 5. Hearing was opened on the ordinance which would establish the speed limit on all roads in the plat of Bertranda Estatds. No testimony was given. The hearing was closed. Public Safety had not reviewed it as ;yet, but will have a recommendation at the 3/5 meeting. minutes of Council meeting February 19, 1981 page two EXECUTIVE ITEMS The liquor license application, Class H to Dean's Family Restaurant was withdrawn from the February 19 agenda. Roehl moved to approve a budget transfer in the Assessor's budget of $19,042. Motion passed. OPEN SESSION Robert Frost spoke to the Council, protesting the policy that Council members must follow in not discussing their support of or opposition of C.B.I. and other developments. He also requested that .Nor -Bell Nursing Home's dishwasher be fixed. OTHER BUSINESS Dave Langford, Whatcom County Fire Marshal, answered Council's ques- tions on the subdivision requirements as they apply to fire protection. He stated that lots over one acre would not require the inclusion of a water reservoir, nor do plats of under 5 lots. Dave mentioned that in striking the condition for the water reservoir if it were required as per the subdivision regulations, the County would be liable for damages should fires occur in the subdivision. The problem of maintenance of facilities was also discussed. Roger DeSpain and Pat Milliken of the Parks Department presented the .Parks' proposal for an off road vehicle park in the Red Mountain/ Kendall area, for information. They are interested in a 240 acre site, and need to acquire the option to purchase from the property owners. The proposed plan and schedule for completion was presented. They are employing, a consultant throughout the process, and will be holding public meetings for input on the project in the future. Roehl moved to approve the application of Henry Scholten for Prelim- inary Plat approval and subdivision variance to replat portions of "Lochmoor" and to plat previously unplatted property adjacent to be known as "Lochmoor" subject to conditions as set out in the findings of fact as recommended by the Hearing Examiner. It had Planning Committee's recommendation for approval. There was discussion between Muenscher and McIntyre on the sewer permit process. It was mentioned that a problem exists in that sometime; lots purchased in subdivisioirs will not perk, and that a solution to the i problem might be that the buyer of a lot should be assured that the prop - minutes of Council me�-.ing February 19, 1981 page three erty will perk before purchase, but that that solution was not really practical. The motion for approval of the application carried by a majority vote. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Roehl moved to amend the agenda, including an ordinance amending the subdivision regulations and a resolution calling for hearing to declare property surplus. Motion passed. Roehl introduced an ordinance authorizing the County Treasurer to es- tablish a fund to be known as the Whatcom Community Development Fund. It was sent to Finance. Roehl introduced a resolution apportioning the distribution of Public Utility District Tax revenues. Finance will review the resolution. Roehl introduced an ordinance amending the Whatcom County Subdivision Regulations in order to provide for lot line adjustments to platted parcels. Planning Commission is to review this and make recommendation back to Council in conformance with the Planning Enabling Act. Hawley introduced a resolution in the matter of the sale of Whatcom County surplus equipment and the setting of a date for public hearing thereof pursuant to R.C.W. 36.34.030 (Sheriff Department cars). He moved final passage, and the motion carried. Hearing will be set for March 19. COMMITTEE REPORTS The Chair outlined the upcoming meeting schedule of Council. Meeting adjourned at 10:27.