HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Council January 12 20161
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Regular County Council Meeting
January 12, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Council Chair Barry Buchanan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
Present: Barbara Brenner, Ken Mann, Satpal Sidhu, Carl Weimer, Todd
Donovan, Rud Browne and Barry Buchanan.
Absent: None.
FLAG SALUTE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
OPEN SESSION
The following person spoke:
• Gary Pederson spoke about rental property requirements.
OTHER ITEMS
I. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND STERICYCLE
ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS TO EXTEND THE AGREEMENT FOR AN
ADDITIONAL THREE YEAR PERIOD, CLARIFY SCOPE OF WORK, AND ALLOW
FOR A THREE PERCENT COST INCREASE (AB2016 -048)
Jeff Hegedus, Health Department, gave a staff report.
Browne stated he knows of others who would have been interested in bidding on this
contract. He asked if this renewal was advertised. Hegedus stated the original contract
was advertised in the Bellingham Herald and through a distribution list, but the renewal was
not advertised.
Browne asked if they would use the same advertising mechanism today for the
original contract. Hegedus stated he would follow bid requirements.
Browne stated the County should advertise requests for proposals on the website
and allow prospective bidders to indicate they're interested in being notified about
opportunities in their area. Hegedus stated he's happy to discuss that with any service
provider who contacts him. For this service, there are few people who would do this work.
Regular County Council Meeting, 1/12/2016, Page 1
1 Brenner stated the original contract includes this extension option. There's no
2 reason to go out to bid again unless the County is not happy with the service.
3
4 Weimer stated it's a great service, and he supports the contract. He asked the split
5 between the Ecology grant and Solid Waste funds. Hegedus stated Ecology reimburses 75
6 percent of expenses through the coordinated prevention grant program. In 2016, the State
7 made significant cuts to that program due to the low price of oil, which funds disposal of
8 toxics programs. The County is now absorbing an approximate $100,000 annual cost due
9 to that reduction in the State capital budget. The Solid Waste Executive Committee
10 recommended a supplemental budget, which was approved by the Solid Waste Advisory
11 Committee (SWAC) and Council. If the price of oil doesn't rise, they will have to review
12 revenues, expenses, and services.
13
14 Weimer stated there is a concern that the cost of this program gets bigger while
15 other recycling programs shrink. He asked if the SWAC talked about finding other funding
16 mechanisms. Hegedus stated SWAC hasn't had that discussion, but staff has. There are
17 options and ideas for raising revenue and cutting expenses.
18
19 Browne asked if renewing this contract is urgent, and if they can delay to allow
20 others to bid. This was last out to bid three years ago. Someone else is interested in
21 bidding. Hegedus stated the contract expired December 31, 2015. The service and cost
22 have been extremely good, so they are not interested in going out to bid again.
23
24 Browne stated he would like to go back out to the market to determine if they are
25 getting the best price and product.
26
27 Brenner asked if the three percent increase is per year. Hegedus stated the three
28 percent increase is per hour, and it is for the next three years.
29
30 Mann moved to approve the request. The motion was seconded.
31
32 Mann stated he's used this service frequently over the years. It's an excellent and
33 worthwhile resource for the community. The staff have been helpful and accommodating.
34
35 Browne stated the extension is an option. The contractor bid a price based on the
36 original three years of the contract.
37
38 The motion carried by the following vote:
39 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
40 Nays: None (0)
41
42 2. RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A LIGHTHOUSE AT
43 LIGHTHOUSE MARINE PARK IN POINT ROBERTS (AB2016 -050)
44
45 Brenner moved to approve the resolution. The motion was seconded.
46
47 Donovan stated he supports the resolution. The lighthouse will cost a lot to
48 maintain.
49
50 Brenner stated the County will receive a $500,000 grant for construction, which is a
51 generous donation. The facility will host meetings and events that will generate some
52 revenue.
53
Regular County Council Meeting, 1/12/2016, Page 2
1 The motion carried by the following vote:
2 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
3 Nays: None (0)
4
5
6 +COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
7
8 1. ANNUAL APPOINTMENT TO VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS (AB2015-
9 367)
10
11 Browne moved to accept and consider the late applications. The motion was
12 seconded.
13
14 The motion carried by the following vote:
15 Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (6)
16 Nays: Mann (1)
17
18 Board of Equalization - District 3 and alternates
19
20 Brenner nominated all three applicants: Emily Weaver and David Simpson as
21 alternates and Tammy Valenti for District 3. The nomination was seconded.
22
23 The motion carried by the following vote:
24 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
25 Nays: None (0)
26
27 Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District
28
29 Browne nominated Seymour and Tomson. The nomination was seconded.
30
31 The motion carried by the following vote:
32 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
33 Nays: None (0)
34
35 F or-estry Advisory Committee
36
37 Brenner nominated all four applicants: Aubrey Stargell, Phil Cloward, Rod Lofdahl,
38 and Gerry Millman. The nomination was seconded.
39
40 The motion carried by the following vote:
41 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
42 Nays: None (0)
43
44 Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force
45
46 Brenner nominated Randy Polidan. The nomination was seconded.
47
48 The motion carried by the following vote:
49 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
50 Nays: None (0)
51
52
53
Regular County Council Meeting, 1/12/2016, Page 3
1 Lummi Island Ferry Advisory Committee
2
3 Donovan nominated all applicants: Mike McKenzie, Nancy Ging, Charles Bailey, and
4 Rhayma Blake. The nomination was seconded.
5
6 Weimer voted for Ging, Bailey, and Blake.
7
8 Browne voted for Ging, Bailey, and Blake.
9
10 Mann voted for Ging, Bailey, and Blake.
11
12 Sidhu voted for Ging, Bailey, and Blake.
13
14 Brenner voted for McKenzie, Bailey, and Blake.
15
16 Donovan voted for Ging, Bailey, and Blake.
17
18 Buchanan voted for Ging, Bailey, and Blake.
19
20 The Council appointed Nancy Ging, Charles Bailey, and Rhayma Blake to the island
21 resident positions.
22
23 Donovan nominated Heidi Forbes for the county position. The nomination was
24 seconded.
25
26 The motion carried by the following vote:
27 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
28 Nays: None (0)
29
30 Planning Commission
31
32 Browne nominated all applicants: Gary Honcoop, Stephen Jordan, Virginia Malmquist,
33 and Atul Deshmane. The nomination was seconded.
34
35 Weimer voted for Malmquist and Deshmane.
36
37 Browne voted for Honcoop and Deshmane.
38
39 Mann voted for Honcoop and Deshmane.
40
41 Sidhu voted for Honcoop and Deshmane.
42
43 Brenner voted for Honcoop and Jordan.
44
45 Donovan voted for Honcoop and Deshmane.
46
47 Buchanan voted for Honcoop and Deshmane.
48
49 The Council appointed Gary Honcoop and Atul Deshmane.
50
51
52
53
Regular County Council Meeting, 1/12/2016, Page 4
1 Portage Bay Shellfish Protection District Advisory Committee
2
3 Weimer moved to appoint Jon DeJong and Albert de Boer by acclamation. The
4 motion was seconded.
5
6 The motion carried by the following vote:
7 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
8 Nays: None (0)
9
10 Solid Waste Advisory Committee
11
12 Mann moved to appoint Ed Nikula and Casey Heinle by acclamation. The motion was
13 seconded.
14
15 The motion carried by the following vote:
16 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
17 Nays: None (0)
18
19 Surface Mining Advisory Committee
20
21 Mann moved to appoint Leaf Schumann by acclamation. The motion was seconded.
22
23 The motion carried by the following vote:
24 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
25 Nays: None (0)
26
27 2. ANNUAL APPOINTMENT TO FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT ADVISORY
28 COMMITTEE AND SUBZONES (AB2015 -367A)
29
30 (Council Acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of
31 Supervisors.)
32
33 Flood Control Zone District Advisory Committee
34
35 Browne moved to appoint all by acclamation: Scott Bedlington, Sonny Kunchick, Ron
36 Bronsema, Scott Hulse, John Perry, and Robert Bromley. The motion was seconded.
37
38 The motion carried by the following vote:
39 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
40 Nays: None (0)
41
42 Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management Advisory Committee
43
44 Weimer nominated all three applicants: Erin Strang, Don Brown, and William Booth.
45 The motion was seconded.
46
47 Weimer voted for Booth and Strang.
48
49 Browne voted for Strang and Brown.
50
51 Mann voted for Brown and Booth.
52
53 Sidhu voted for Brown and Booth.
Regular County Council Meeting, 1/12/2016, Page 5
1
2 Brenner voted for Strang and Booth.
3
4 Donovan voted for Brown and Booth.
5
6 Buchanan voted for Brown and Booth.
7
8 The Council appointed Don Brown and William Booth.
9
10 Lynden /Everson Flood Control Subzone Advisory Committee
11
12 Browne moved to appoint Ron Bronsema by acclamation. The motion was seconded.
13
14 The motion carried by the following vote:
15 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
16 Nays: None (0)
17
18 Sumas /Everson /Nooksack Flood Control Subzone Advisory Committee
19
20 Donovan moved to appoint Kelly Houston by acclamation. The motion was
21 seconded.
22
23 The motion carried by the following vote:
24 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
25 Nays: None (0)
26
27
28 INTRODUCTION ITEMS
29
30 Mann moved to accept the Introduction Item. The motion was seconded.
31
32 The motion carried by the following vote:
33 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
34 Nays: None (0)
35
36 1. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2016 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, THIRD
37 REQUEST (AB2016 -049)
38
39
40 COMMITTEE REPORTS OTHER ITEMS AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
41
42 Brenner stated she would like the Council to approve a resolution supporting a
43 discussion in committee regarding the lack of good emergency phone service in Glacier.
44
45 Mann stated he supports discussing it in committee.
46
47 Browne stated they must ask Centrylink to maintain a phone line out there.
48
49 Brenner stated she will want a resolution and letter to go to the State
50 representatives.
51
52 Buchanan stated the Public Works Committee can draft a resolution and then bring it
53 to the Council.
Regular County Council Meeting, 1/12/2016, Page 6
1
2 Brenner moved to ask the Council Clerk to write a draft resolution to support the
3 concept of having adequate emergency management phone service in the Glacier area.
4 There was no second to the motion.
5
6 Sidhu stated put it in the committee for discussion first. Follow the regular process.
7
8 Brenner stated she will schedule it in Public Works Committee.
9
10 Weimer stated there is a request from the Lummi Nation for a government -to-
11 government discussion about the Cherry Point urban growth area (UGA). He moved to
12 move forward with having a meeting with the Lummi Nation. The motion was seconded.
13
14 Brenner asked if this would interfere with the Gateway Pacific Terminal (GPT) issue.
15
16 Karen Frakes, Prosecutor's Office, stated they can't prevent the discussions that are
17 occurring. If it's being discussed in the context of a Comprehensive Plan amendment, there
18 isn't any way to control the discussion.
19
20 Mann stated the Intergovernmental Tribal Relations Committee Members Browne and
21 Brenner and the Council Chair could meet with the Lummi Nation. Frakes stated they would
22 be okay to meet as long as they don't talk about issues before the committee they are both
23 on.
24
25 Buchanan stated he will work with the Lummi Nation to find out the specifics of a
26 meeting.
27
28 The motion carried by the following vote:
29 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
30 Nays: None (0)
31
32 Mann stated he acknowledges Councilmember Weimer as Council Chair for the past
33 two years and wishes Councilmember Buchanan luck in that role going forward.
34
35 Browne stated he acknowledges Councilmember Weimer as Council Chair for the
36 past two years and wishes Councilmember Buchanan luck in that role going forward.
37
38 Brenner stated she appreciates the work of the Council meeting videographer Lynn
39 Barton. This is her last meeting. She thanks Councilmember Weimer as the past chair and
40 Councilmember Buchanan as the future chair.
41
42 Browne asked if the Council can express a position on the proposals from GPT and
43 the Lummi Nation about the Cherry Point UGA within the framework of the Comprehensive
44 Plan. Both proponents suggest specific language for the Comprehensive Plan about Cherry
45 Point. Frakes stated there is no way to stop anyone from commenting however they choose
46 on the Comprehensive Plan update. All of it will be on the record. She doesn't know about
47 the specific language they are suggesting.
48
49 Donovan stated he enjoyed the welcoming parties and ceremonies for his election
50 onto the Council.
51
52 Sidhu stated he thanks Councilmember Weimer for serving as chair the past two
53 years.
Regular County Council Meeting, 1/12/2016, Page 7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
The County Council approved these minutes on March 22, 2016.
�,��1t11it t tt1�1�,�r
�4r•\ �' �'r �n ' • L ' ''r
�\=s Y� �J • � r
Darya Brnwn- Davis; Council Clerk
Jill Nixon, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
JB Buchahan, Council Chair
Regular County Council Meeting, 1/12/2016, Page 8