HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Council May 17 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
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Regular County Council Meeting
May 17, 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
MINUTES CONSENT
Brenner moved to approve Minutes Consent items one through five. The motion
was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (6)
Nays: None (0)
Absent: Mann (out of the room) (1)
1. REGULAR COUNTY COUNCIL FOR APRIL 5, 2016
2. SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (AM) FOR APRIL 19, 2016
3. SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (PM) FOR APRIL 19, 2016
4. REGULAR COUNTY COUNCIL FOR APRIL 19, 2016
S. REGULAR COUNTY COUNCIL FOR MAY 3, 2016
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, CHAPTER 3, HOUSING
(AB2016 -047C)
Regular County Council Meeting, 5/17/2016, Page 1
1 Buchanan opened the public hearing, and the following people spoke:
2
3 Linda Twitchell, Building Industry Association, stated there is a serious housing
4 problem and they need flexibility and a variety of housing forms. Expand the Bellingham
5 urban growth area (UGA) to deal with the problems, but the Chapter is headed in the right
6 direction.
7
8 Ann Russell stated make a countywide, comprehensive effort to address the
9 affordable housing problem. There is a gap between wages and housing prices, which can't
10 be fixed by zoning, housing supply, or land supply. Think about how to solve these
11 problems in the context of Chapter 3.
12
13 Matt Petryni, Resources for Sustainable Communities, stated they need to address
14 the problem of affordable housing. Intentionally invest in and subsidize affordable housing.
15 A supply -based solution doesn't work. The staff's original draft of the Chapter included such
16 solutions.
17
18 Roger Almskaar submitted a handout (on fi /e) and stated the law of supply and
19 demand does work. There is a problem with over - regulation, which is the cause of most
20 housing problems. It's not legal to ask new developers to pay for existing deficiencies or
21 require them to participate in the transfer of development rights program.
22
23 Patrick Alesse stated pay attention to the cost of delivering services in the rural
24 areas. The costs are higher, and the service is less. The higher cost of services to rural
25 areas is already subsidized.
26
27 Kris Halterman stated the Council must define the difference between affordable
28 housing and subsidized housing. They are not the same. Don't shift the tax burden to
29 others.
30
31 Bill Angel stated address climate mitigation and adaptation. Allow future expansion
32 of climate mitigation options. Rules and regulations for building should allow alternative
33 energy and conservation.
34
35 Robin Dexter stated they must consider the cost and tax shift from housing in
36 inappropriate areas when it disturbs the natural services. Some people benefit economically
37 from using resources on which they all depend.
38
39 David Bernstein stated he is concerned about the housing crisis in Birch Bay.
40
41 Sandy Robson stated keep in mind that statistics can be presented to promote a
42 particular position.
43
44 Wendy Harris stated people have a right to be free from nuisance. People don't have
45 an absolute right to do whatever they want with their property, regardless of the impact to
46 others, particularly regarding air quality. Consider having a ban on recreational burning,
47 especially in areas where people live closer together.
48
49 Hearing no one else, Buchanan closed the hearing.
50
51
Regular County Council Meeting, 5/17/2016, Page 2
2. WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, CHAPTER 11, ENVIRONMENT
(AB2016 -047K)
Buchanan opened the public hearing, and the following people spoke:
Dena Jensen stated the Environment Chapter must be the first chapter, not the last
chapter, in the plan. She opposes fracking. Strengthen stormwater management strategies
to control runoff in sensitive areas. Approve the proposed policy regarding instream flow
rules. Restore the original staff recommendation to develop and implement an action plan
to record water use by 2025.
Pam Borso stated include language about comprehensive flood hazard planning.
Discourage new development in a river migration zone. Use accurate and relevant data for
water quality and water quantity issues. She supports comments from Resources on the
Lake Whatcom watershed. Require landowners to protect water quality. Meet instream
flow rules. Institute countywide water metering of all users.
Judith Akins stated protect and restore water resources. Develop a policy for
countywide water quantification.
Christine Hansen submitted her comments (on file) and stated include policies that
ensure there will be enough clean water for fish, farms, and people well into the future.
Don't permit fracking. Save the salmon, which are threatened by poor water quality and
low river levels. Achieve a harvestable surplus of salmon. Follow the Nooksack River
instream flow requirements.
Karlee Deatherage, ReSources for Sustainable Communities, stated proactively
manage water resources by working with the State. She supports the changes proposed by
ReSources. Quantify water use throughout the county.
Bob Seaman described recent work done in the Ten Mile watershed. There are septic
system failures in the area. People are learning how to do self- inspections, but several re-
inspections show failures. Stay vigilant about water quality in the county. They need more
help with outreach.
Brian Carey stated protect water resources. Restrict further development or urban
growth area (UGA) expansion in the Lake Whatcom watershed. Also, support funding plans
for the 2008 Lake Whatcom Comprehensive Stormwater Plan. Reduce or eliminate
stormwater runoff to protect stream and river quality. Meter water use countywide by
2025.
Bob Aegerter submitted and read from his comments (on file) and stated eliminate
polluted runoff, support salmon recovery, and quantify water use.
Blanche Bybee stated quantify water use in Whatcom County.
Ann Russell, ReSources, stated the County must protect the environment and
enhance quality of life. She referenced a letter from ReSources dated May 12, 2016
regarding Lake Whatcom. They ask for a new policy to not designate any more urban
growth areas in the Lake Whatcom watershed.
Dillon Kilroy stated promote the development of renewable energy.
Regular County Council Meeting, 5/17/2016, Page 3
1 David Jackman stated promote renewable energy. Regulations regarding wind
2 energy projects are outdated. The zoning ordinance should be reviewed and revised.
3
4 Riley O'Leary stated allow wind turbines in the agricultural sector. Wind energy has
5 many benefits.
6
7 Emily Seamons stated she supports allowing wind energy as proposed by the
8 students at Western Washington University.
9
10 Cole Rogers stated allow renewable energy, including wind power.
11
12 Julianna Fischer, Western Students for Renewable Energy, stated support renewable
13 energy policies and incentives.
14
15 Edward Ury stated support changes to respond and adapt to climate change, protect
16 water resources, and convene the climate impact advisory committee. Quantify water use
17 countywide. He supports the policy opposing fracking.
18
19 Joe Knight stated protect against willful action that damages the environment and
20 natural resources.
21
22 Roger Almskaar stated over - regulation is a big problem. Quality of life requires a
23 decent income and housing. Include the Growth Management Act (GMA) goals in the Plan.
24 Find a balance among all 14 GMA goals. Create a set of rules that are fair, clear, don't
25 conflict with other rules, and accomplish a legitimate public purpose.
26
27 Rianna Johnson stated she supports renewable energy. Climate change is the
28 biggest threat to the future. Consider the language proposed by the Students for
29 Renewable Energy.
30
31 Patrick Alesse stated he agrees with the students from Western Washington
32 University who have spoken.
33
34 Tim Douglas stated include a strategy that includes an outreach effort to create new
35 jobs. Invest economic development money in outreach.
36
37 Wendy Harris referenced goals 11L and 11M and stated they are problematic.
38 Standards for development regulations and the critical areas ordinance (CAO) should not be
39 stronger than the policy in the Comprehensive Plan. Use the right terminology and
40 language. Include language about species that are declining or have a cultural value.
41
42 Matt Petryni, ReSources for Sustainable Communities, stated he supports the
43 language proposed by the Students for Renewable Energy.
44
45 Robin Dexter stated he supports the comments in the letter from Ann Russell dated
46 May 12, 2016 and comments from Eric Hurst on Policy 113 -3. Metering water use is the
47 only way to settle water rights questions. He supports good economic policy when they
48 strictly protect the environment.
49
50 Sandy Robson stated she supports comments from Dena Jensen. Create a policy
51 about contracts that the Public Utility District (PUD) makes that use large amounts of water,
52 such as its agreement regarding the Gateway Pacific Terminal (GPT). The PUD must have a
53 transparent public process.
Regular County Council Meeting, 5/17/2016, Page 4
1
2 Carol Perry stated the Public Utility District addressed the GPT contract in open
3 meetings. Predictions about changes in the climate and overpopulation have existed since
4 the 1970's, and those predictions have not come true.
5
6 Kris Halterman stated use good economic sense when creating this language. Some
7 language would prevent businesses from coming here. Solar and wind require a lot of
8 resource land to be viable. Don't create an energy source that makes it less affordable to
9 live here.
10
11 Don Nichols stated don't delay solutions until 2025, because the problems will still
12 exist.
13
14 Hearing no one else, Buchanan closed the hearing and stated the Council will
15 continue to take written testimony.
16
17
18 OPEN SESSION
19
20 The following people spoke:
21 • Wendy Harris spoke about fiscal responsibility and the cost of incentive
22 programs for businesses and farmers.
23 • Gordon Bakke spoke about property rights and recreational resource
24 management areas (RRMAs).
25 • Patrick Alesse spoke about agenda items regarding Birch Bay Community
26 Park.
27 • Kris Halterman spoke about a proposed property tax increase to pay for
28 emergency medical services (EMS) and using volunteer firefighters instead of
29 paid staff.
30 • Carole Perry spoke about the farming community participation in community
31 groups, citizen advisory groups, and other policy issues.
32 • Cliff Langley spoke about the RRMAs and the purpose of government.
33 • David Bernstein spoke about Birch Bay not receiving government services
34 proportionate to the amount of taxes collected in the area.
35
36
37 CONSENT AGENDA
38
39 Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
40 moved to approve Consent Agenda Items one through five.
41
42 The motion carried by the following vote:
43 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
44 Nays: None (0)
45
46 1. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
47 CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND NORTHWEST
48 REGIONAL COUNCIL TO PROVIDE NURSING SERVICES TO OFFENDERS AT
49 THE DOWNTOWN JAIL AND THE WORK CENTER, IN THE AMOUNT OF
50 $85,322, FOR A TOTAL AMENDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,214,902
51 (AB2016 -171)
52
Regular County Council Meeting, 5/17/2016, Page 5
1 2. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
2 CONTRACT AMENDMENT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND THE
3 WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO OBLIGATE
4 FEDERAL EMERGENCY RELIEF CONSTRUCTION FUNDS FOR THE SOUTH PASS
5 ROAD FAILURE REPAIR, IN THE AMOUNT OF $580,000, FOR A TOTAL
6 AMENDED CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $715,200 (AB2016 -172)
7
8 3. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO AWARD BID
9 #16 -22 AND ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE CEDAR HILLS - EUCLID
10 STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT TO LOW BIDDER, STREMLER
11 GRAVEL, INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,039,477.27 (AB2016 -146B)
12
13 4. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
14 CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND SUSTAINABLE CONNECTIONS
15 FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMERCIAL WASTE REDUCTION AND
16 RECYCLING EDUCATION PROGRAM, IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,000 (AB2016-
17 173)
18
19 S. REQUEST AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO ENTER INTO A
20 CONTRACT BETWEEN WHATCOM COUNTY AND NURSE - FAMILY
21 PARTNERSHIP TO PROVIDE TRAINING AND IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT TO
22 ENSURE THAT WHATCOM COUNTY'S IMPLEMENTATION OF NURSE - FAMILY
23 PARTNERSHIP MAINTAINS MODEL FIDELITY AND DELIVERS PROGRAM
24 RESULTS AS EXPECTED, IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,461 IN 2016 AND $16,752
25 IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS (AB2016 -174)
26
27
28 OTHER ITEMS
29
30 1. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS
31 (PDR) PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR TO APPLY FOR PDR EASEMENT MATCH
32 FUNDING THROUGH THE WASHINGTON STATE RECREATION
33 CONSERVATION OFFICE (AB2016 -165)
34
35 Weimer reported for the Natural Resources Committee and moved to approve the
36 resolution.
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. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2016 WHATCOM COUNTY BUDGET, NINTH
43 REQUEST, IN THE AMOUNT OF $162,263 (AB2016 -164)
44
45 Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
46 moved to adopt the ordinance.
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
Regular County Council Meeting, 5/17/2016, Page 6
3. RESOLUTION
APPLICATION
WASHINGTON
FUNDING THE
WASHINGTON
DEVELOPMENT
(AB2016 -168)
AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO MAKE
AND ENTER INTO A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE
STATE RECREATION AND CONSERVATION OFFICE FOR
LOUGH THE k-AND AND n TE° CONSERVATION FUNS
WILDLIFE AND RECREATION PROGRAM FOR TRAIL
AT SOUTH FORK PARK, IN THE AMOUNT OF $209,000
Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to approve the substitute resolution. The motion was seconded.
Mike McFarlane, Parks and Recreation Department Director, gave a staff report and
answered questions about using the real estate excise tax (BEET) fund and other funding
sources, plans for the use of the park, an easement with the Department of Natural
Resources (DNR), and how well the park will be maintained.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (6)
Nays: Brenner (1)
4. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO MAKE
APPLICATION AND ENTER INTO A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE
WASHINGTON STATE RECREATION AND CONSERVATION OFFICE FOR
FUNDING THROUGH THE AQUATIC LANDS ENHANCEMENT ACCOUNT FOR
THE ACQUISITION OF THE BIRCH BAY COMMUNITY PARK PROPERTY, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $615,884 (AB2016 -169)
Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to approve the resolution.
Mike McFarlane, Parks and Recreation Department Director, answered questions
about program funding, whether the community still supports development of the parking
lot, and whether another parcel was sold at auction.
Tyler Schroeder, Executive's Office, stated he will look into the auction process and
report to Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
Nays: None (0)
S. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO MAKE
APPLICATION AND ENTER INTO A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE
WASHINGTON STATE RECREATION AND CONSERVATION OFFICE FOR
FUNDING THROUGH THE WASHINGTON WILDLIFE AND RECREATION
PROGRAM FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THE BIRCH BAY COMMUNITY PARK
PROPERTY, IN THE AMOUNT OF $615,884 (AB2016 -170)
Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services Committee and
moved to approve the resolution.
Regular County Council Meeting, 5/17/2016, Page 7
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 COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
7
8 Browne reported for the Finance and Administrative Services committee and
9 moved to send a letter of thanks to all the jurisdictions, including the Sheriff's Office, who
10 participated in providing public safety during the recent Donald Trump rally in Lynden.
11
12 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
19 EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS�COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
20
21 1. REQUEST CONFIRMATION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S APPOINTMENT OF
22 ASHTON BEANBLOSSOM TO THE AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
23 (AB2016 -176)
24
25 Mann moved to confirm the appointment. The motion was seconded.
26
27 The motion carried by the following vote:
28 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
29 Nays: None (0)
30
31
32 INTRODUCTION ITEMS
33
34 1. ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR SUBMISSION TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF
35 WHATCOM COUNTY A PROPOSITION IMPOSING THE LEVY OF A REGULAR
36 PROPERTY TAX EACH YEAR FOR SIX YEARS, COLLECTION BEGINNING IN
37 2017 AT A RATE OF $.295 OR LESS PER $1000 OF ASSESSED VALUATION TO
38 CONTINUE TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, IN THE GENERAL
39 ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 8, 2016 (AB2016 -167)
40
41 Mann moved to accept the substitute Introduction Item. The motion was seconded.
42
43 The motion carried by the following vote:
44 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
45 Nays: None (0)
46
47
48 COMMITTEE REPORTS OTHER ITEM'S AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES
49
50 Brenner reported for the Public Works, Health, and Safety Committee.
51
52 Councilmembers gave updates on recent activities and upcoming events.
53
Regular County Council Meeting, 5/17/2016, Page 8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 9:31 p.m.
The County Council approved these minutes on June 14, 2016.
ytClfllllffllrl
ATTEST -SO\
f
• ti . �
0
Dana Brol� W7.C] W —ice o nell Clerk
'•�SHINGi9'
't o►
Jill Nixon, Minutes Tra scription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Bar y�uchanan, Council Chair
Regular County Council Meeting, 5/17/2016, Page 9