HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning March 8 2016WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Planning and Development Committee
March 8, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Carl Weimer called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
Present: Carl Weimer, Barbra Brenner, and Todd Donovan
Absent: None
Also Present: Rud Browne, Barry Buchanan, Satpal Sidhu, and Ken Mann
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
1. RESOLUTION INITIATING COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND ZONING
AMENDMENTS (AB2016 -110)
Matt Aamot, Planning and Development Services Department, submitted a substitute
Exhibit A (on file) and answered questions.
The councilmembers discussed whether the applicants are paying the fee for the
amendments, amendments that are held over from previous years, whether they can
remove an old application regarding a mineral resources land (MRL) application, and which
amendments the staff will have time to work on this year.
Donovan moved to recommend approval to the full Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Weimer, Brenner, and Donovan (3)
Nays: None (0)
2. RESOLUTION ADOPTING A STATEMENT OF INCARCERATION PREVENTION,
CRIMINAL JUSTICE, AND JAIL PLANNING PRINCIPLES FOR WHATCOM
COUNTY'S CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEMS
(AB2016 -072)
Weimer stated there are now three versions of the resolution, including the two in
the packet from Councilmembers Donovan and Brenner, and a third from Councilmember
Mann.
The councilmembers discussed the similarities and differences of each version,
consulting with other jurisdictions in the county, whether other jurisdictions would accept an
edited version of the resolution, making sure the jail planning effort incorporates a systemic
review that includes incarceration prevention and behavioral health issues, whether it's
possible to get another proposal on the ballot in November 2017, whether it's necessary to
reevaluate the Ferndale location, and hosting community meetings throughout the county to
listen to people who will vote on the ballot measure.
Planning and Development Committee, 3/8/2016, Page 1
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2 Weimer moved to work from Councilmember Mann's version of the listed principles,
3 without the first clause in the first sentence, in
4vembe GA " and the resolution proposed by Councilmember Donovan with one typo
5 corrected, "Be It Finally Resolved... criminal justice system to, as soon as possible also
6 adopt...."
7
8 Brenner moved to amend item 8 to remove the last two sentences, "...(attorneys,
9 bail bonds, etc.). The F°eFn fe-I sus -eft
10 thO5 -c mt:ea4 � skw-�r# th f alternatives, such as -a
11 sfis "
12
13 Weimer suggested, "The Ferndale location needs greater explanation to the public,
14 so they can try to reach consensus on this critical issue."
15
16 Browne suggested, "We need to obtain consensus on the Ferndale location th+s
17 eFmtmeal on and whether alternatives, such as a downtown Bellingham option, should be
18 pursued."
19
20 Brenner amended and restated her motion, "The Fey- rle -ietr regus
21 reevaluat We need to try to obtain consensus on this critical issue and whether
22 alternatives should be pursued."
23
24 The motion to amend failed by the following vote:
25 Ayes: Brenner (1)
26 Nays: Weimer and Donovan (2)
27
28 Donovan moved to amend item 8,
29 We need to try to obtain consensus on the Ferndale location this , witic .1 deeision and
30 whether alternatives, such as a downtown Bellingham option, should be pursued."
31
32 The motion to amend carried by the following vote:
33 Ayes: Weimer, Brenner, and Donovan (3)
.J`7 Nay,. 1\1101 IC (0)
35
36 Donovan moved to amend item 13. "Work to have a funding proposal on the ballot
37 with a goal of no later than November 2017."
38
39 The motion to amend carried by the following vote:
40 Ayes: Weimer, Brenner, and Donovan (3)
41 Nays: None (0)
42
43 Ray Baribeau stated table approval now and take the draft to the Small Cities Mayors
44 meeting next week. The escalated construction costs from delaying is $350,000 per month,
45 and the cost to build a multi -story jail in Bellingham is much greater. If they build it in
46 Bellingham, Bellingham would have control of the facility.
47
48 Joy Gilfilen, Restorative Community Coalition, stated concerns from the
49 environmental impact statement (EIS) have not been addressed. Have a public hearing on
50 alternatives to building a jail. They have never done a true needs assessment for jail
51 capacity.
52
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Irene Morgan, Restorative Community Coalition Founder, stated she thanks the
Council for writing the resolution. The community concerns about the EIS questions that
have not been addressed can be addressed by doing a community needs assessment, which
is not the same as a jail capacity needs assessment. Make sure the process is transparent.
Doralee Booth submitted a handout (on file) and stated tour other types of jails in
the region. It's very important to plan for all types of services the corrections facility will
provide. Also, strengthen driving under the influence (DUI) regulations in Washington
State, which will affect jail population.
Weimer moved to recommend approval of the resolution as amended to the full
Council.
Brenner stated make sure it is sent to all the jurisdictions and to the small city
mayors before their meeting next week.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Weimer, Brenner, and Donovan (3)
Nays: None (0)
OTHER BUSINESS.
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
ATTEST:
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Dank,BroWn urs,.C6L'incil Clerk
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Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Carl Weimer, Committee Chair
Planning and Development Committee, 3/8/2016, Page 3