HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil August 4 20151 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
2 Regular County Council Meeting
3
4 August 4, 2015
5
6 CALL TO ORDER
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8 Council Chair Carl Weimer called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
9 Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
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12 ROLL CALL
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14 Present: Barbara Brenner, Satpal Sidhu, Carl Weimer, Pete Kremen, Rud
15 Browne and Barry Buchanan.
16 Absent: Ken Mann.
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19 FLAG SALUTE
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22 ANNOUNCEMENTS
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25 MINUTES CONSENT
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27 Kremen moved to approve Minutes Consent items one through four. The motion
28 was seconded.
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30 The motion carried by the following vote:
31 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
32 Nays: None (0)
33 Absent: Mann (1)
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35 1. SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE FOR APRIL 28, 2015
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37 2. REGULAR COUNTY COUNCIL FOR APRIL 28, 2015
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39 3. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE FOR JULY 7, 2015
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41 4. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE FOR JULY 21, 2015
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44 PUBLIC HEARINGS
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46 2. ORDINANCE AMENDING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE CHAPTER 10.34, FERRY
47 RATES, AND THE WHATCOM COUNTY UNIFIED FEE SCHEDULE (AB2014-
48 42613)
49
50 Weimer opened the public hearing, and the following people spoke:
51
52 Mike McKenzie, Lummi Island Ferry Advisory Committee Chair, stated the advisory
53 committee supports the ordinance. He described the work of the advisory committee.
Regular County Council Meeting, 8/4/2015, Page 1
Cris Colburn, Lummi Island Ferry Advisory Committee Member, stated he supports
the ordinance. It represents great work from the Public Works Department staff, who
worked with islanders on the ferry fare structure.
Rhayma Blake, Protect Lummi Island Community (PLIC), stated the PLIC supports
the ordinance.
Hearing no one else, Weimer closed the public hearing.
Buchanan moved to adopt the ordinance. The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann (1)
1. RESOLUTION APPROVING RECOMMENDATIONS ON APPLICATIONS FOR
OPEN SPACE CURRENT USE ASSESSMENT (AB2015 -233)
Buchanan reported for the Natural Resources Committee.
Erin Osborn, Planning and Development Services Department, submitted a substitute
resolution (on file) and stated the Natural Resources Committee supported the
recommendation from the Planning Commission that public access be granted by
appointment to the Balolia property. She prepared a substitute version that includes
language that reflects the committee's discussion and totals a new and higher benefit rating
score and tax shift.
Weimer stated he didn't realize that the public benefit rating score impacts the
amount of the tax shift. Osborn stated it includes a reduction factor. The higher the score,
the more commensurate the benefit.
Weimer opened the public hearing, and hearing no one, closed the public hearing.
Weimer stated the Council must work from the original resolution, as introduced, to
make amendments that include all the changes regarding public access.
Buchanan moved to approve the resolution with the new language as submitted by
Ms. Osborn. The motion was seconded.
Weimer read all the changes into the record:
• Finding 31, "On the morning of August 4, 2015, Whatcom County Council
Natural Resources Committee and other councilmembers present considered
recommendations from PDS staff and recommendations from the Planning
Commission forwarded by staff on all applications referenced under File NO.
OS2015 -01. At the conclusion of Council discussion on the Balolia application,
PDS staff was asked to prepare revised ratings for consideration by the full
Council at the scheduled evening public hearing and that these revised ratings
should reflect Planning Commission recommendations requiring public access
with the proviso recommended by the Planning Commission that public access
to sensitive or priority wildlife habitat be reviewed by a wildlife biologist, and
that in the absence of a proposed public access statement by the applicant,
Regular County Council Meeting, 8/4/2015, Page 2
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that such public access should be by appointment. Staff noted that revising
the public benefit rating (PBR) on the Balolia application would, in effect,
increase the estimated tax shift, and that the new PBR and new tax shift
could be addressed in an amendment to the original resolution previously
introduced on July 21, 2015."
• "Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved By The Whatcom County Council: 1. ...PBR
82.25 Estimated shift in taxes if approved: X11;834 -.{i $14,836.00."
• Approval: subject to the following conditions: 1. Public Access Required:
Public Access by appointment in accordance with 1995 Whatcom County Open
Space policies and criteria in public benefit rating system, -Pprovided, that
public access to sensitive...."
Brenner stated she would support this resolution. It includes important
environmental criteria and allows people on the Balolia property. She doesn't like that
access is provided only by appointment.
Browne stated he's responsive to the fact that one of the things citizens have
expressed they want is better water access. This particular property has a small beach
included in one of the parcels. He would like to request that they also post a sign on the
beach that informs of the open space program.
Kremen stated he agrees with Councilmember Browne, if the Council can make that
stipulation. Osborn stated the applicants' original proposal indicated they would like to post
their own special sign about the preservation of the habitat, one of which was to be posted
on the shoreline.
Weimer stated the Council would have to amend condition two about posting a sign.
Osborn stated the applicants proposed their own sign, which they would put on the beach
area.
Browne moved to amend the condition in item two for the Balolia property, "Posted
Open Space Sign near the property entrance at 1728 Lake Whatcom Boulevard, visible to
road users and an additional sign on the beach." The motion was seconded.
The motion to amend carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann (1)
Kremen asked how close the Balolia property is to the Bellingham water intake..
Osborn stated the beach is near Reveille Island.
Brenner stated she can't support the other two applications, which require
appointments for public access. When something has an Open Space /Open Space
designation, public access is the most important. People should have easy access. One
applicant is in an industrial area, so it shouldn't be hard to have people in the area. Another
applicant lives on the property. There isn't anyone on the Balolia property, which has
buildings, and there could be problems. The Council has been asking for years to make the
conditions stricter about requiring appointments. If they can't vote on the applications
individually, she will have to vote against them all.
Weimer stated he agrees, but they need to change the rules, not pick on these three
applicants.
Regular County Council Meeting, 8/4/2015, Page 3
1
2 Kremen asked if this agreement is in perpetuity or if the Council can require open
3 public access without needing an appointment. Osborn stated the agreement is valid as
4 long as the current use of the land doesn't change and the owner abides by the conditions
5 of the approval, or until the State changes the program, or until the County changes its
6 public benefit rating system. Therefore, the County could change the agreement.
7
8 Kremen asked if the Council could change the program to require onsite visits
9 without prior appointments, or the public benefit rating would be zero. Osborn stated that
10 is an update process to the benefit rating system. There are many details about how that
11 works. Essentially, it's about uniformity and fairness in taxation. Once a public benefit
12 rating system has changed in any way, the State advises the County to review all the
13 properties in the classification.
14
15 Weimer asked if the agreement is not written for a certain length of time, and if the
16 County can change the rules at any point. Osborn stated that's correct, subject to a new
17 taxation agreement. If a new rating system requires public access, the owner can request
18 withdrawal. At that time, they can get out of the program without having to pay the normal
19 back taxes and penalties. Should they choose to stay in, and their public benefit rating go
20 down, they can stay in at the lower rate.
21
22 Brenner asked when they can change the benefit rating system. Osborn stated it
23 depends on the Planning Department workload and priorities. If the Council brings forward
24 and adopts a change to the system, the Planning Department has to re -rate all the
25 properties in the program.
26
27 Mark Personius, Planning and Development Services Department Director, stated
28 that if they want to overhaul the program, do it comprehensively. If they want to focus just
29 on public access, he will look into whether they can do that separately. Having to re -rate
30 everyone in the program is a lot of work. If the Department of Revenue doesn't have a
31 problem with it, they could do it within a year.
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33 Weimer stated there are lots of open space considerations, such as for wildlife and
34 habitat, which can be counter to public access. There are conflicting things to consider.
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36 Sidhu stated that if they change just the access requirements, people can still opt
37 out without paying back their seven years' back taxes.
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39 Kremen stated this is another discussion of revisiting the entire policy, which should
40 be done soon. There is an abundance of these parcels in the county that equals a
41 significant, amount of tax shift. They should look at the program in total at another time.
42 For now, he will reluctantly support the resolution. They've invested time and money trying
43 to protect the Lake Whatcom watershed, in which the Balolia property is located. This
44 program is overused, and they need to revisit it. Personius stated he agrees the program is
45 dated and needs an update and overhaul. He would like to do that comprehensively. Staff
46 can come back in the fall with a schedule of when they could possibly get that done and talk
47 through the issues more.
48
49 Brenner stated she's nervous about doing it comprehensively, which will take longer
50 than a year. Personius stated he suggests that Ms. Osborn comes back in the fall to discuss
51 an overview of the program, the issues, and the implications of changing things.
52
Regular County Council Meeting, 8/4/2015, Page 4
1 Brenner stated she would support the ordinance because of the Balolia property.
2 They better get information about correcting the issue soon.
3
4 Browne stated they talked this morning about the desire to have an inventory of the
5 parcels. He would like to know the highlights of the agreements between the County and
6 the landowners. It would be useful information. It would have to be done before they
7 enacted any changes. They want to understand which parcels would be affected and what
8 would be the tax consequence or lack of obligation for tax recovery. In the future, he would
9 like to be able to vote on each application separately. There's not enough similarity to
10 bunch them all together. Personius stated getting the baseline files on everything approved
11 since 1989 in terms of public access is something staff will work on. They will hopefully be
12 able to report back this fall.
13
14 Brenner asked how to find out how much the parcels have been available and used
15 by the public. Personius stated they don't have a monitoring program.
16
17 Brenner stated the Planning Department should put out a guide to open space in
18 Whatcom County. Interns from the college or university could do a lot of that work. It
19 would be great for their studies and great for the County.
20
21 The motion to approve as amended carried by the following vote:
22 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
23 Nays: None (0)
24 Absent: Mann (1)
25
26
27 OPEN SESSION
28
29 The following people spoke:
30 • Sherry Lambert spoke about the proposed new jail and behavioral health
31 services.
32 • Michael Fitzgerald spoke about safety problems at the intersection of Bay
33 Road and Jackson Road.
34
35 Jack Louws, County Executive, stated the Public Works Department is studying the
36 intersection right now at the request of Mr. Fitzgerald.
37
38 Brenner stated she would like information also on the speed at which people are
39 driving through the intersection.
40
41 • Daniel Probst, Cascade Mountain Runners, spoke about a new trail system
42 between Bellingham and Mt. Baker.
43 0 Wendy Harris spoke about natural resources, wildlife, and their competing
44 interests.
45 . Irene Morgan spoke about safety problems at the intersection of Bay Road
46 and Jackson Road.
47 • Joy Gilfilen spoke about the proposed jail sales and use tax and new jail.
48
49
50 CONSENT AGENDA
51
52 Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
53 moved to approve Consent Agenda items one through nine.
Regular County Council Meeting, 8/4/2015, Page 5
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann (1)
1. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND RUBB, INC. TO REPLACE THE
COVER OF THE SALT AND SAND BUNKER AT THE CENTRAL SHOP, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $56,306.60 (AB2015 -239)
2. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND MERIDIAN SCHOOL DISTRICT
FOR PROVISION OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES, IN AN AMOUNT NOT
TO EXCEED $90,000 (AB2015 -240)
3. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND NOOKSACK VALLEY SCHOOL
DISTRICT FOR PROVISION OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES, IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $100,000 (AB2015 -241)
4. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND BLAINE SCHOOL DISTRICT
FOR PROVISION OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES, IN AN AMOUNT NOT
TO EXCEED $90,000 (AB2015 -242)
5. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND MT. BAKER SCHOOL DISTRICT
FOR PROVISION OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES, IN AN AMOUNT NOT
TO EXCEED $90,000 (AB2015 -243)
6. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND BELLINGHAM SCHOOL
DISTRICT FOR PROVISION OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES, IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $115,000 (AB2015 -244)
7. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND FERNDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT
FOR PROVISION OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES, IN AN AMOUNT NOT
TO EXCEED $100,000 (AB2015 -245)
8. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND LYNDEN SCHOOL DISTRICT
FOR PROVISION OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES, IN AN AMOUNT NOT
TO EXCEED $92,500 (AB2015 -246)
9. REQUEST APPROVAL FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A TWO
YEAR CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND US IMAGING, INC. FOR
THE CONVERSION OF MICROFILM TO DIGITAL FORMAT FOR THE AUDITOR'S
RECORDING SYSTEM, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $48,000 (AB2015-
247)
Regular County Council Meeting, 8/4/2015, Page 6
1 OTHER ITEMS
2
3 1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2015 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, NINTH
4 REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $67,710 (AB2015 -232)
5
6 Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
7 moved to adopt the ordinance.
8
9 The motion carried by the following vote:
10 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
11 Nays: None (0)
12 Absent: Mann (1)
13
14 2. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE INITIAL EAST WHATCOM REGIONAL RESOURCE
15 CENTER PROJECT BUDGET (AMENDMENT NO. 6 TO ORDINANCE 2008 -025)
16 TO ADD $62,098.52 OF EXPENDITURE AUTHORITY, FOR A TOTAL AMENDED
17 PROJECT BUDGET AMOUNT OF $5,047,571 (AB2015 -234)
18
19 Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
20 moved to adopt the ordinance.
21
22 The motion carried by the following vote:
23 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
24 Nays: None (0)
25 Absent: Mann (1)
26
27 3. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY AND
28 SETTING OF A DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING THEREON PURSUANT TO WCC
29 1.10 (AB2015 -237)
30
31 Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
32 moved to adopt the resolution with the substitute list.
33
34 The motion carried by the following vote:
35 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
36 Nays: None (0)
37 Absent: Mann (1)
38
39 4. REQUEST CONSIDERATION OF TWO CITIZEN APPEALS TO WHATCOM
40 COUNTY CODE 12.60.050, ROAD NAMING SYSTEM, REQUIREMENT FOR ROAD
41 NAME, REGARDING THE CLEMENSEN SHORT PLAT SUBDIVISION (AB2015-
42 248)
43
44 Brenner reported for the Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee and moved
45 to approve the request to waive the road name change requirement.
46
47 Weimer asked if there were comments from emergency response services about
48 whether this would impede their ability to find a location.
49
50 Brenner stated there weren't. There is already an address. Given GPS and current
51 technology, there wouldn't be a problem finding where they live. Someone expressed a
52 concern if more houses are developed in the future, but there are plenty of available house
Regular County Council Meeting, 8/4/2015, Page 7
1 numbers between the existing residences. Usually when naming a road in a short -plat,
2 there isn't an existing road name. In this case, these people already have an address.
3
4 Weimer asked if the address is well- understood by emergency response, so there
5 isn't an issue for them.
6
7 Brenner stated it seems to be well- understood. One of the proponents of this
8 measure is a Bellingham police officer, who talked about that issue.
9
10 Karen Frakes, Prosecutor's Office, stated the staff report indicates that the ordinance
11 is the statute. It's the position of staff that the code requires the address name change, so
12 the Council doesn't have this authority.
13
14 Brenner stated the requirement is that they have an address. That's the only thing
15 they're bound to. There are few houses there anyway. Few more could be put there.
16
17 Kremen stated staff's reluctance to grant this request is based solely on it being
18 against the existing ordinance. The Council has the authority to grant road name appeals.
19 No emergency responders have come forward to express their opposition to the appeal
20 request, so he will vote for the request.
21
22 Sidhu stated these requests should be the exception, not the rule. Otherwise, it
23 could set a precedent and take time away from other staff work.
24
25 The motion carried by the following vote:
26 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
27 Nays: None (0)
28 Absent: Mann (1)
29
30 S. RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE UPDATED WHATCOM COUNTY MULTI -
31 JURISDICTIONAL NATURAL HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN (AB2015 -235)
32
33 (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of
34 Supervisors.)
35
36 Brenner reported for the Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee and moved
37 to approve the resolution.
38
39 The motion carried by the following vote:
40 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
41 Nays: None (0)
42 Absent: Mann (1)
43
44 6. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE UPDATED WHATCOM COUNTY MULTI -
45 JURISDICTIONAL NATURAL HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN (AB2015 -235A)
46
47 Brenner reported for the Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee and moved
48 to approve the resolution.
49
50 The motion carried by the following vote:
51 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
52 Nays: None (0)
53 Absent: Mann (1)
Regular County Council Meeting, 8/4/2015, Page 8
7. ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 2015 -025, WHICH CREATED A
WHATCOM COUNTY INCARCERATION PREVENTION AND REDUCTION TASK
FORCE INTENDED TO PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS, OVERSIGHT, AND
SPECIFIC TIMEFRAMES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW, OR ENHANCEMENT
OF EXISTING, PROGRAMS DESIGNED ALONG A CONTINUUM THAT
EFFECTIVELY REDUCES INCARCERATION OF INDIVIDUALS STRUGGLING
WITH MENTAL ILLNESS AND CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY, AND MINIMIZES ]AIL
UTILIZATION BY PRETRIAL DEFENDANTS WHO CAN SAFELY BE RELEASED
(AB2015 -047P)
Weimer reported for the Special Committee of the Whole and stated the Committee
made a slight change to the ordinance.
Brenner moved to adopt the ordinance, including the change recommended by the
Committee of the Whole.
Weimer read the change suggested by committee to amend the language in the
next -to -last bullet item, "Negotiate interlocal agreements to provide services to the cities
consistent with this ordinance if necessary. Awf —Fte. agreements shat benefits to the
OF tlflRM
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann (1)
S. REQUEST CONFIRMATION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S APPOINTMENT OF
DAVID SCATTUM TO THE WHATCOM COUNTY VETERANS ADVISORY BOARD
(AB2015 -249)
Brenner moved to confirm the appointment. The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann (1)
9. REQUEST CONFIRMATION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S APPOINTMENT OF
SEAN D'AGNOLO TO THE PURCHASE OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS OVERSIGHT
COMMITTEE (AB2015 -250)
Kremen moved to confirm the appointment. The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann (1)
Regular County Council Meeting, 8/4/2015, Page 9
1 COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
2
3 1. APPOINTMENTS TO THE INCARCERATION PREVENTION AND REDUCTION
4 TASK FORCE, APPLICANTS: VARIOUS (AB2015 -047 O)
5
6 Weimer stated they need to choose the 11 appointed members. They must also
7 decide which of those members will serve the initial two -year terms and which will serve
8 four -year terms.
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10 (See the attached voting sheet for appointment vote results.)
11
12 The Council appointed Dave Finet, Byron Manering, and Moonwater to the
13 community action agency positions.
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15 The Council appointed Susan Gribbin and Jack Hovenier to the consumer /family
16 member positions.
17
18 Weimer stated he voted for Kristin Barron for the interested citizen position because
19 she is a long -time local attorney, led the League of Women Voters on this issue, and is well -
20 known for working on these types of issues.
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22 Browne stated he agrees with Councilmember Weimer. Ms. Barron has also been
23 involved with Law Advocates, which deals with marginalized members of the community.
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25 Kremen stated it's uplifting to see so many qualified applicants interested in serving
26 on this task force. His concern about Ms. Bernstein and Ms. Barron is that they both have
27 spent the bulk of their lives in the legal profession. It would be nice for the only two citizen
28 participants to have a little more varied background and a different perspective. Ms.
29 Bernstein and Ms. Barron are both high caliber individuals who are exceedingly bright.
30 However, it would be nice to have different perspectives when representing the citizens. He
31 encourages the councilmembers to consider another selection with a different background
32 and perspective.
33
34 The Council appointed Jill Bernstein and Irene Morgan to the concerned citizen
35 positions.
36
37 Kremen moved to nominate and appoint by acclamation the following positions:
38 • Stephen Gockley to the Whatcom Alliance for Health Advancement (WAHA)
39 position
40 • Chris Phillips to the PeaceHealth St. Joseph position
41 • Heidi Robbins to the Community Health Center Position
42
43 The motion was seconded.
44
45 The motion carried by the following vote:
46 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
47 Nays: None (0)
48 Absent: Mann (1)
49
50 Brenner asked who could apply for the emergency medical services (EMS) position,
51 and if it includes a representative from the hospital.
52
Regular County Council Meeting, 8/4/2015, Page 10
1 Weimer stated it is for a representative of fire or EMS. So far, there aren't any
2 applications.
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4 Buchanan stated there is a separate position for the hospital.
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6 Kremen moved to appoint the representatives of WAHA, PeaceHealth, and the
7 Community Health Center to four -year terms. The motion was seconded.
8
9 The motion carried by the following vote:
10 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
11 Nays: None (0)
12 Absent: Mann (1)
13
14 (See the attached voting sheet for term length vote results.)
15
16 The Council appointed Dave Finet, Jack Hovenier, and Jill Bernstein to four -year
17 terms. All the remaining positions would serve two -year terms.
18
19
20 INTRODUCTION ITEMS
21
22 Brenner moved to accept Introduction Items one and two. The motion was
23 seconded.
24
25 The motion carried by the following vote:
26 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Kremen (6)
27 Nays: None (0)
28 Absent: Mann (1)
29
30 1. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF WHATCOM COUNTY SURPLUS
31 PROPERTY PURSUANT TO WHATCOM COUNTY CODE 1.10 (AB2015 -237A)
32
33 2. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING WHATCOM COUNTY CODE SECTION 5.20.105,
34 FIREWORKS — SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, TO ALLOW THE COUNTY TO
35 PROHIBIT THE DISCHARGE OF PRIVATE FIREWORKS DURING EMERGENCY
36 CONDITIONS
37 (AB2015 -218)
38
39
40 COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
41
42 Buchanan reported for the Natural Resources Committee presentation of the
43 Upper Nooksack River Recreation Plan (AB2015 -238). He read the five goals in the
44 plan.
45
46 Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee on the
47 annual presentation to Council from the Washington State Counties Risk Pool
48 (2015 -017) and acknowledged Executive Louws, Karen Goens, and Dan Gibson, who
49 received a certificate in recognition of Whatcom County's job well -done in managing risk.
50 Whatcom County stands above the other 30 counties in its risk management, which is
51 reflected in its premiums.
52
Regular County Council Meeting, 8/4/2015, Page 11
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Browne also reported he attended the tourism report, which was commissioned by
the tourism bureau. A company was hired to do secret shopping in Whatcom County as a
tourist designation. The report was incredibly informative. The biggest takeaway was that
Whatcom county has a tremendous amount to offer, particularly with recreation. However,
there needs a better wayfinding system, so people can find local attractions easier. Later in
the year, he would like to get a copy of the report and receive the video presentation. The
Council should consider what they can do with the other cities to significantly improve their
ability to attract and retain tourists who are traveling on Interstate 5 (I -5).
Buchanan reported on a recent tour of Faith Life, formerly known as Logos Bible
Software. He was impressed with how they adapted the existing building. They retained
many really interesting features in the building. They have done a good job of revitalizing
downtown. There are more than 300 employees. It's a great company.
Brenner stated she also attended the Faith Life tour.
Sidhu thanked everyone who voted in today's primary election. More people should
vote. It's a very important right as citizens of the United States.
Weimer stated this is the last Council meeting before the summer break. The
Council will meet again on September 15, 2015.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
The County. Council approved these minutes on December 8, 2015.
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Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Carl Weimer, Council Chair
Regular County Council Meeting, 8/4/2015, Page 12