HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources June 9 20151 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
2 Natural Resources Committee
3
4 June 9, 2015
5
6 CALL TO ORDER
7
8 Committee Chair Barry Buchanan called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. in the
9 Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
10
11
12 ROLL CALL
13
14 Present: Barry Buchanan and Satpal Sidhu
15 Absent: Carl Weimer
16 Also Present: Rud Browne, Pete Kremen, and Barbara Brenner
17
18
19 COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
20
21 1. DISCUSSION REGARDING A PROPOSED ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING
22 WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 2.118, CREATING A WILDLIFE ADVISORY
23 COMMITTEE (AB2015 -175)
24
25 Mark Personius, Planning and Development Services Department, referenced and
26 discussed his staff memo to the Council dated June 2, 2015.
27
28 The councilmembers discussed whether the Wildlife Advisory Committee is needed
29 temporarily to update the Comprehensive Plan or permanently, the purpose of proposed
30 language in section 2.118.030(B), and whether the function language in 2.118.030(A)
31 should be in the purpose section.
32
33 Sidhu moved to hold in committee.
34
35 Perry Eskridge, Whatcom County Association of Realtors, stated anyone can create
36 this inventory on their own, make it part of the public record, and inform the County
37 decisions. The County doesn't have to dedicate staff and resources. The information is
38 already part of the record.
39
40 The councilmembers discussed past advisory committees on housing issues and
41 reviewing all the County advisory committees.
42
43 Wendy Harris referenced her email to the Council and stated she's been advocating
44 for a wildlife committee for a long time. No one speaks on behalf of the wildlife. A
45 committee is necessary to pay attention to wildlife. Staff doesn't have the expertise to work
46 on these issues. Conservation science is a different field of study. Take advantage of the
47 people who are willing to volunteer on this committee. The committee task to do the initial
48 inventory and recommendation with a consultant is temporary, but ongoing wildlife
49 management issues come up all the time, and the committee should be permanent.
50 Balancing competing interests needs to be done, but not at the committee level. Each
51 committee 'needs to work on its issues and then make recommendations. The Council
52 considers larger policy issues. Restrict membership to those who have an interest in and
53 concern about conservation. Treat the wildlife committee the same as other committees
Natural Resources Committee, 6/9/2015, Page 1
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that represent different interests, such as the Forestry Advisory Committee. Also, they
need to work closely with the Parks Department. Not everyone can do this free for the
County, because not everyone has background in wildlife conservation. Public education on
the importance of wildlife, ecosystems, and biodiversity is necessary. In terms of the cost -
benefit analysis, valuing biodiversity can't be measured.
Karen Brown stated this isn't necessary. There are too many committees that aren't
used. It's a duplication with the Parks Department. There's no money for the
recommendations. It isn't a current necessity. She has concern with how the membership
will be chosen and how it will be staffed.
Carole Perry stated government must prioritize. There are County committees that
exist already that aren't being used. Take the time to proceed wisely.
Greg Brown stated the group proposing this advisory committee can go ahead and
do the work without being a County committee.
Ryan Ericson, Futurewise Whatcom Director, stated language in the Exhibit belongs
better as Whereas statements that provide background to the code. The function should
focus just on what they want of the committee.
The committee discussed applying a cost - benefit analysis and considering competing
interests and how the County should handle these issues in the long -term
The motion to hold in committee carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Buchanan and Sidhu (2)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Weimer (1)
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
AD30URN
The meeting adjourned at 10:09 a.m.
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Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
arr ehana ommittee Chair
Natural Resources Committee, 6/9/2015, Page 2