HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil March 17 20151
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Regular County Council Meeting
March 17, 2015
CALL TO ORDER
Council Chair Carl Weimer called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
(7 :01:23 PM)
Present: Barbara Brenner, Ken Mann, Carl Weimer, Pete Kremen, Rud Browne
and Barry Buchanan.
Absent: None.
FLAG SALUTE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
1. NOMINATION AND APPOINTMENT TO FILL DISTRICT 2, POSITION B,
VACANCY ON THE WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL (AB2015 -071)
Mann nominated all three applicants.
Brenner stated all candidates are extremely qualified. She will support someone who
has stated he won't run for County Council, because she does not want to give someone an
advantage at the election.
Mann stated he agrees that all candidates are qualified, and he appreciates their
willingness to volunteer.
Weimer stated he also agrees that all candidates are well qualified.
Browne voted for Sidhu.
Mann voted for Sidhu.
Brenner voted for Cozad.
Kremen voted for Sidhu.
Buchanan voted for Sidhu.
Weimer voted for Sidhu.
The Council appointed Satpal Sidhu.
Regular County Council Meeting, 3/17/2015, Page 1
1 ANNOUNCEMENTS
2
3 Weimer thanked James Gibson for attending.
4
5
6 CITIZEN BOARD AND COMMITTEE VACANCIES
7
8 Weimer announced four vacancies on the Noxious Weed Control Board.
9
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11 PUBLIC HEARINGS
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13 1. RESOLUTION REGARDING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
14 FUNDING REPORT AND NEW APPLICATION (AB2015 -087)
15
16 (Clerk's Note: The CDBG required handouts were included in the Council's packet
17 and available to the public at the public hearing.)
18
19 Weimer opened the public hearing, and the following people spoke:
20
21 Sherry Emerson stated she thanks the Council for approving the grant last year.
22 This is a renewal. The grant helps provide services to rural Whatcom county, including the
23 East Whatcom Regional Resource Center.
24
25 Paul Schissler stated the County brings in nonlocal matching funds and passes them
26 through to matching projects. The County works with public and private sector partners to
27 compete for this funding. The program with the Opportunity Council works well. There are
28 other opportunities for the County to bring in funds for other projects. It's possible the
29 funding can be used for housing affordability. Whatcom County and Skagit County can work
30 together to make homes affordable.
31
32 Hearing no one else, Weimer closed the public hearing.
33
34 Buchanan moved to approve the resolution.
35
36 Brenner referenced the resolution and asked whether Jack Louws should be
37 designated as the chief administrative official for the County for the term of the grant, since
38 his term of office ends this year. She moved to amend the last paragraph of the
39 resolution, "Whatcom County designates Jaek I= ernes, the County Executive as the
40 authorized...."
41
42 Weimer stated he doesn't know if a name is required for the grant, and it can be
43 changed if necessary.
44
45 The motion to amend failed by the following vote:
46 Ayes: Brenner and Kremen (2)
47 Nays: Mann, Weimer, Browne and Buchanan (4)
48
49
50 The motion to approve the resolution carried by the following vote:
51 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Weimer, Kremen, Browne and Buchanan (6)
52 Nays: None (0)
53
Regular County Council Meeting, 3/17/2015, Page 2
1
2 OPEN SESSION
3
4 The following people spoke:
5 • Kathy Bovencamp spoke about the discussion regarding citizen interest in
6 establishing railroad quiet zones (AB2015 -088).
7 • Bob Earl spoke about the discussion regarding citizen interest in establishing
8 railroad quiet zones (AB2015 -088).
9
10
11 CONSENT AGENDA
12
13 Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
14 moved to approve Consent Agenda items one through three.
15
16 The motion carried by the following vote:
17 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
18 Nays: None (0)
19
20 1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
21 LOCAL AGENCY STANDARD CONSULTANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM
22 COUNTY AND TRANTECH ENGINEERING LLC FOR PRELIMINARY
23 ENGINEERING WORK AND AN ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS TO AID IN
24 SELECTING A PERMANENT REPLACEMENT OPTION FOR THE EXISTING
25 SLATER ROAD /JORDAN CREEK CULVERT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $99,720.50
26 (AB2015 -093)
27
28 2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
29 PURCHASE OF WATERBORNE TRAFFIC LINE PAINT FOR 2015 USING THE
30 WASHINGTON STATE CONTRACT, FROM VENDOR ALPINE PRODUCTS, IN AN
31 AMOUNT UP TO $500,000 (AB2015 -094)
32
33 3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO APPROVE THE
34 PURCHASE OF RETRO- REFLECTIVE MATERIALS, USING THE WASHINGTON
35 STATE CONTRACT, FROM VENDOR ALPINE PRODUCTS, IN AN AMOUNT UP TO
36 $100,000 (AB2015 -095)
37
38
39 OTHER ITEMS
40
41 1. RESOLUTION SETTING HEARING AND NOTICE OF HEARING OF THE SALE OF
42 COUNTY TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY NEGOTIATION - REQUEST NO. TR2015 -01
43 (AB2015 -091) (7 :16:33 PM)
44
45 Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
46 moved to approve the resolution.
47
48 The motion carried by the following vote:
49 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
50 Nays: None (0)
51
Regular County Council Meeting, 3/17/2015, Page 3
1 2. RESOLUTION SETTING HEARING AND NOTICE OF HEARING OF THE SALE OF
2 COUNTY TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY NEGOTIATION - REQUEST NO. TR2015 -02
3 (AB2015 -092) (7 :17:03 PM)
4
5 Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
6 moved to approve the resolution.
7
8 The motion carried by the following vote:
9 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
10 Nays: None (0)
11
12 3. RESOLUTION APPROVING A CHANGE TO THE COLOR OF ROAD NAME SIGNS
13 (AB2015 -096)
14
15 Brenner reported for the Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee and moved to
16 approve the resolution.
17
18 The motion carried by the following vote:
19 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
20 Nays: None (0)
21
22
23 COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
24
25 1. APPOINTMENT TO THE SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE -WASTE
26 COLLECTION INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE, APPLICANT: TROY LAUTENBACH
27 (AB2015 -079)
28
29 Brenner moved to appoint Troy Lautenbach.
30
31 The motion carried by the following vote:
32 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
33 Nays: None (0)
34
35
36 EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
37
38 1. REQUEST CONFIRMATION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S REAPPOINTMENTS
39 TO VARIOUS EXECUTIVE BOARDS AND COMMITTEES (AB2015 -097)
40
41 Browne moved to confirm the appointments.
42
43 The motion carried by the following vote:
44 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
45 Nays: None (0)
46
47
48 INTRODUCTION ITEMS
49
50 Mann moved to accept the Introduction Items, including a substitute ordinance for
51 item two. He reported for the Planning and Development Committee about the changes in
52 the substitute ordinance.
53
Regular County Council Meeting, 3/17/2015, Page 4
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
Nays: None (0)
1. RECEIPT OF APPLICATION FOR THE SUMAS / EVERSON/ NOOKSACK FLOOD
SUBZONE, APPLICANT: CHUCK GELWICKS (AB2015 -089) (APPLICATION
DEADLINE FOR ANY OTHER APPLICANTS TO THIS VACANCY IS 10 A.M. ON
MARCH 24, 2015)
2. ORDINANCE ALLOWING MARIJUANA PRODUCTION, PROCESSING AND
RETAILING AS AUTHORIZED BY WASHINGTON STATE INITIATIVE 502
(AB2015 -099)
3. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2015 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, THIRD
REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $304,500 (AB2015 -098)
4. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF COUNTY TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY
NEGOTIATION - REQUEST NO. 2015 -01 (AB2015 -091A)
S. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF COUNTY TAX TITLE PROPERTY BY
NEGOTIATION - REQUEST NO. 2015 -02 (AB2015 -092A)
6. ORDINANCE FINALIZING A REVISED SYSTEM OF ASSESSMENT FOR
CONSOLIDATION DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 21 (AB2015-
100)
COMMITTEE CHAIR REPORTS
Buchanan reported for the Natural Resources Committee on the overview of the
GreenLink project and potential County participation (AB2015 -101) and stated this
item will be discussed at a later date.
Brenner reported for the Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee about the
discussion regarding citizen interest in establishing railroad quiet zones (AB2015 -088). This
item was discussed at the request of residents near the Yacht Club Road railroad crossing,
who have said they want to help pay for the County and Burlington Northern Santa Fe
(BNSF) Railroad to create a safer crossing and designate the area a quiet zone. She moved
to recommend that the Council request the administration to engage BNSF to determine
necessary safety improvements and develop a preliminary cost estimate to create a quiet
zone.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Weimer, Kremen, Browne and Buchanan (6)
Nays: None (0)
OTHER COUNCIL BUSINESS
Browne submitted a handout (on fi /e) on project prioritization for flood control
construction cost -share programs. The Council will discuss it at the next Surface Water
Work Session. He fully supports all items, and particularly supports the DeBoer culvert /gate
projects. He discovered on a site visit that they really need to be fixed. When the river
Regular County Council Meeting, 3/17/2015, Page 5
1 level is up, it currently floods more than 300 acres. Also, he suggests that the Flood Control
2 Zone District Advisory Committee alter its membership to be able to include people like
3 former member Harry Williams, who has provided very good service but could not be
4 retained because his position was needed to allow a representative of Birch Bay to
5 participate. He would like to make sure they get to keep everyone who wants to serve.
6
7 Brenner stated the Planning Department put together very entertaining videos on the
8 critical areas ordinance and wetlands. The staff are very talented.
9
10 Weimer stated the County has a new website that launched this week.
11
12 Brenner stated she attended a recent meeting with other elected officials about
13 housing and the Growth Management Act. The Municipal Research and Services Center
14 (MRSC) research shows that accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are a good idea and are
15 important for infill. Like other counties and cities have done, the County should create
16 engineered, off - the -shelf designs that neighborhoods can choose from. It's important to
17 encourage and incentivize them in areas where they want growth.
18
19
20 COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
21
22 Mann stated he's been reaching out to the law enforcement and the criminal justice
23 community through the new jail project, and he has learned how much mental health is a
24 factor in criminal justice. He appreciates the new mental health court. He is a member of
25 the North Sound Mental Health Administration Board, which is very interested in helping the
26 County to find solutions to mental health and the criminal justice system. Jails shouldn't be
27 last -ditch mental health institutions. North Sound Mental Health Administration may be able
28 to find funding and help contribute to a mental health crisis center. They will have a
29 presentation and discussion with the Council.
30
31 Weimer stated he is on the Northwest Clean Air Agency, which recently awarded
32 Tony's Coffee in Fairhaven the platinum award for reducing air pollution.
33
34 Brenner stated the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee also had a discussion on
35 mental health and criminal justice. She is concerned about what the public thinks was the
36 purpose of the last one -tenth of one percent sales tax. The County must thoroughly
37 educate the public on the numbers, and why the County needs additional funding. People
38 should feel empowered with good information throughout this process. In addition to the
39 jail, the County could implement a lot of diversion options.
40
41 Kremen stated he's been working with the Washington State Association of Counties
42 (WSAC) and their transportation analyst regarding state legislation for ferry funding. The
43 Lummi Island Ferry Advisory Committee will be making fee structure recommendations.
44 He's working with the WSAC staff to change the language currently proposed in the state
45 legislation that prohibits the County from altering its ferry fee schedule, so that the effective
46 date will be July 1, 2015 instead of January 1, 2015.
47
48 Brenner stated she's attended the Lummi Island Ferry Advisory Committee meetings,
49 and didn't realize WSAC was doing that. She wrote to the local legislative designation to
50 suggest that they exempt surcharges.
51
52
Regular County Council Meeting, 3/17/2015, Page 6
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ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
The County Council approved these minutes on July 7, 2015.
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Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Carl Weimer, Council Chair
Regular County Council Meeting, 3/17/2015, Page 7