HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial Committee of the Whole May 17 20161
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WHATCOM 'COUNTY COUNCIL
Special Committee of the Whole
May 17, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Council Chair Barry Buchanan called the meeting to order at 2:05 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.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION — CLOSED SESSION
1. DISCUSSION WITH SENIOR DEPUTY PROSECUTOR KAREN FRAKES
REGARDING POTENTIAL LITIGATION, GPT PERMIT PROCESS (AB2016 -018)
Attorney Present: Karen Frakes
Buchanan stated that discussion of agenda item one may take place in executive
session pursuant to RCW42.30.110 (1)(i). Executive session will conclude no later than
2:30 p.m. If the meeting extends beyond the stated conclusion time, he will step out of the
meeting to make a public announcement.
Donovan moved to go into executive session until no later than 2:30 p.m. to
discuss the agenda items pursuant to RCW citations as announced by the Council Chair.
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Sidhu, Brenner, Browne, Buchanan, Mann, Donovan and Weimer (7)
Nays: None (0)
(Clerk's Note: The Committee moved into the Council Conference Room for the
executive session.)
p.m.
Buchanan announced at 2:30 p.m. that executive sessioh will be extended until 2:40
(Clerk's Note: The Committee came out of executive session at 2:40 p.m.)
Buchanan announced no action will be taken on this issue.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTERS 2 AND 9
Special Committee of the Whole, 5/17/2016, Page 1
1 1. AUDIENCE MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO COMMENT SPECIFICALLY ON
2 WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2, LAND USE (AB2016-
3 047B) AND CHAPTER 9, RECREATION (AB2016 -047I)
4
5 Cliff Langley submitted a handout (on file) and spoke about the recreation resource
6 management areas (RRMAs) in Chapter 9. Don't include property owners on Squalicum
7 Mountain in the RRMAs. The proposed change that restores the RRMA language implies that
8 the County wants to purchase their land for RRMAs. The citizens have not been properly
9 notified, which is required in Appendix A.
10
11 Paul Isaacson submitted a handout (on file) and stated he is opposed to including
12 Squalicum Mountain in the RRMA. It does not meet the criteria. The County will not get
13 access to his property, including the road that he owns. He can't have the public on his
14 property for many reasons.
15
16 Carole Perry stated she agrees with the first two speakers. At a Planning Commission
17 meeting, it was established that the County has almost 2,000 acres of undeveloped parkland.
18 They were told that text regarding the RRMAs would be removed from the Comprehensive
19 Plan, but now it's being proposed again.
20
21 2. POTENTIAL DISCUSSION AND PRELIMINARY COUNCIL DIRECTION ON
22 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2, LAND USE (AB2016 -047B)
23
24 This item was not discussed.
25
26 3. DISCUSSION AND PRELIMINARY COUNCIL DIRECTION ON COMPREHENSIVE
27 PLAN CHAPTER 9, RECREATION (AB2016 -047I)
28
29 Forrest Longman, County Council Office, referred to additional text proposed regarding
30 the Recreational Resource Management Areas.
31
32 Browne moved to hold in Committee.
33
34 The motion was seconded.
35
36 Mann stated don't hold this in Committee, he is against having RRMAs. The amount of
37 attention and angst that people have about RRMAs is not realistic, but should be respected.
38 There is not a lot of benefit to the RRMAs. The Council needs to make a decision today.
39 Don't delay the issue.
40
41 Brenner stated there is no maintenance or public safety for these areas. Having
42 people roaming around these areas could cause forest fires and other problems due to these
43 areas being remote.
44
45 The motion to hold in Committee failed by the following vote:
46 Ayes: Browne (1)
47 Nays: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (6)
48
49 Browne moved to not reinstate the RRMA language in the Comprehensive Plan.
50
51 The motion was seconded.
52
Special Committee of the Whole, 5/17/2016, Page 2
1 Browne stated the RRMA designation does not grant public access to private property
2 or constitute a private property taking. He described the purpose of the RRMA. Given the
3 emotions that have been generated as a result of the proposed RRMAs, he is happy to not
4 include the section on RRMAs.
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
11 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 6
12
13 1. AUDIENCE MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO COMMENT SPECIFICALLY ON
14 WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 6, TRANSPORTATION
15 (AB2016 -047F)
16
17 No one spoke.
18
19 2. DISCUSSION AND PRELIMINARY COUNCIL DIRECTION ON COMPREHENSIVE
20 PLAN CHAPTER 6, TRANSPORTATION (AB2016 -047F)
21
22 Browne referenced item one in Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan,
23 Chapter 6, and moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 6 -18, to create a new policy,
24 "6E -4: Work with Bell ingham /Whatcom County Tourism and the cities to develop and
25 implement a common Countywide Way- Finding system that encourages people traveling
26 between Vancouver BC and Seattle on the I5 corridor to detour and easily find the many
27 tourist attractions that Whatcom County has to offer." He stated the County must develop a
28 countywide wayfinding system to assist tourists in getting around the county.
29
30 The motion was seconded.
31
32 Donovan asked if Councilmember Browne is talking about signage.
33
34 Browne stated he is,
35
36 Brenner suggested a friendly amendment to remove language, "between
37 Vane ewer BG and Seattl z" People are coming from other areas beside Vancouver and
38 Seattle.
39
40 Browne accepted the friendly amendment.
41
42 Sidhu asked if this would include more than signs, such as tourism literature.
43
44 Browne stated signage would be installed off the exit ramps and around the county,
45 not on Interstate 5.
46
47 Gary Davis, Planning and Development Services Department, asked the relationship
48 between a wayfinding system and multi -modal transportation and if this proposal belongs in
49 another section. It could even belong in Chapter 7 as an economic development section.
50
51 Browne amended his motion and moved to number the new policy 6G -9 regarding
52 intergovernmental coordination.
53
Special.Committee of the Whole, 5/1,7/2016, Page 3
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 Browne referenced item two in Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan,
6 Chapter 6 and moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 6 -18, Goal 6F, "Develop a system
7 of bicycle and pedestrian facilities that encourages enhanced community access, promotes
8 healthy lifestyles and supports the recreational segments of our economy."
9
10 The motion was seconded.
11
12 Brenner moved to amend language to allow more segments of the economy, not just
13 recreation, "and supports the ment-sef -eurr economy...." They aren't talking
14 just about recreational segment of the economy in this chapter. People go to work on
15 bicycles, for example.
16
17 Browne stated he's trying to focus on the recreational economy.
18
19 The motion to amend was not seconded.
20
21 Weimer stated these proposals seem to be more about the economy, not
22 transportation.
23
24 Browne stated it's important to integrate the transportation elements that are
25 necessary for the recreation economy to succeed.
26
27 The motion carried by the following vote:
28 Ayes: Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (6)
29 Nays: Brenner (1)
30
31 Browne referenced item three in Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan,
32 Chapter 6 and moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 6 -19, Policy 6F -4, "Identify,
33 analyze and Pprioritize pedestrian and bicycle projects based on the following criteria:...."
34
35 The motion was seconded.
36
37 The motion carried by the following vote:
38 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
39 Nays: None (0)
40
41 Browne referenced item four in Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan,
42 Chapter 6 and moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 6 -20, Policy 617-5, "Develop a six -
43 year Non - Motorized Transportation Improvement Plan (NMTIP) along the lines of the existing
44 process the County employs for motorized vehicle transportation planning. Give priority to
45 construction of pedestrian and bicycle facilities on streets within and between urban growth
46 areas and rural communities where practical, afrd -give priority to Walkways along roadways
47 within a one -mile radius of schools, as well as facilities that support the local recreation and
48 tourism needs."
49
50 Davis stated staff has concerns. It would be a significant shift in how the County
51 plans for transportation facilities. The existing process is the six -year transportation
52 program, not a plan. The program is the year -by -year funding of specific projects, whereas a
53 plan is more a list of projects they want to do and potential funding sources. The Public
Special Committee of the Whole, 5/17/2016, Page 4
1 Works Department is required by State law to create the program. This language may
2 conflict with the State requirements for the transportation improvement program. Staff
3 would like time to construct better language.
4
5 Browne stated the intent is to bring structure and visibility about how they look at
6 non - motorized transportation. They should identify where critical infrastructure should be in
7 sequence. Do the projects with the greatest safety need or greatest pedestrian and bicycle
8 traffic need first. Do things in a logical and orderly sequences. He moved to hold in
9 Committee to allow staff time to review the language.
10
11 The motion was seconded.
12
13 The motion to hold in Committee carried by the following vote:
14 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
15 Nays: None (0)
16
17 Browne referenced item five in Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan,
18 Chapter 6 and moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 6 -20 to create a new policy, "6F-
19 8: Develop plans and prioritize facilities for the County to become internationally recognized
20 as a "Trail- Town" tourist destination (one that offers 100 miles or more of contiguous
21 walking /hiking trails) by 2027." He described the Trail Town designation and stated they
22 must tie the trails together to qualify as a Trail Town.
23
24 The motion was seconded.
25
26 Brenner stated put it in the Recreation or Economy Chapter, not the transportation
27 chapter.
28
29 Donovan asked if pedestrian facilities include non -paved trails. It should also be in the
30 Economic Chapter.
31
32 Sidhu asked staff which chapter this language should be in. Davis stated recreational
33 trails that aren't transportation projects are in the Recreation Chapter. Funding would come
34 from recreation sources. It's not really a transportation facility.
35
36 Browne amended his motion and moved to include this language in the Economics
37 Chapter in a section to be decided.
38
39 The motion carried by the following vote:
40 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
41 Nays: None (0)
42
43 Browne referenced item six in Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan,
44 Chapter 6 and moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 6 -32 to restore a section on
45 commercial transportation, `Commercial Transportation. In addition to the commercial traffic
46 that serves Whatcom County industries and residents themselves the county's transportation
47 system carries heavy cross border truck traffic between the United States and Canada.
48 Freight vehicles' access to industrial and commercial areas, safety on roads shared with
49 private vehicles, efficient long- distance movement of goods, and coordination of commercial
50 transportation with rural land uses are all issues for Whatcom County. Trucks make up the
51 bulk of the commercial traffic, but rail, air, and ship transportation are involved as well."
52
53 The motion was seconded.
Special Committee of the Whole, 5/17/2016, Page 5
1
2 Brenner suggested a friendly amendment, "residents es .... also involved
3 as well."
4
5 Browne accepted the friendly amendment.
6
7 Weimer stated this whole section was removed from the Comprehensive Plan because
8 it's covered in other areas. He asked why it's important to restore it and if staff has any
9 concerns.
10
11 Browne stated it wasn't covered in other sections. He also suggests new policies for
12 the goal.
13
14 Davis stated staff tried to refine policies that were broad or duplicative. Staff may
15 have created policies that provide safe and efficient transportation of all modes, not just
16 commercial transportation. It is covered by broader policies. They restored some policies at
17 the request of the Port of Bellingham, including Policy 6C -5 and 6G -8, but they are Port -
18 specific. He doesn't object to adding specific language that supports commercial
19 transportation.
20
21 Browne stated the new policies he proposes address complaints in the community
22 about certain vehicle types blocking access to certain areas, such as when the rail system
23 blocks streets. The Sheriff had to charge the railroad because it blocked the city of Blaine for
24 a half day. New commercial and industrial developments should not impact or profit at the
25 expense of existing businesses, industrial developments, or residences in the community.
26
27 Sidhu stated the Canadians just rebuilt their border, and the Guide Meridian is
28 congested just because of truck traffic. They need to divert that traffic to Interstate 5 or
29 Highway 9. Much Canadian truck traffic is going through Whatcom County to Seattle or
30 Portland. When they talk about commercial traffic, there is no east -west connector. There is
31 no efficient way to get truck traffic to the Interstate.
32
33 The motion carried by the following vote:
34 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
35 Nays: None (0)
36
37 Browne referenced item 6a in Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan,
38 Chapter 6 and moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 6 -32 to restore a goal, ";6P:
39 Provide for safe, efficient movement of commercial vehicles in Whatcom County."
40
41 The motion was seconded.
42
43 Brenner suggested a friendly amendment to delete "in Whatcom County."
44
45 Browne accepted the friendly amendment.
46
47 The motion carried by the following vote:
48 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
49 Nays: None (0)
50
51 Browne referenced item 6b in Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan,
52 Chapter 6 and moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 6 -32 to create a new policy, "6P-
53 1: Give priority to maintaining service levels for existing commercial /industrial areas. New
Special Committee of the Whole, 5/17/2016, Page 6
1 commercial /industrial developments shall not materially diminish the transportation service
2 levels to /from previously established commercial /industrial developments." Existing
3 business in industrial and commercial developments rely on the ability to move their goods
4 easily and efficiently. Whenever the County does any planning or development, make sure
5 new development doesn't unduly impact existing development in terms of transportation.
6
7 The motion was seconded.
8
9 Donovan stated the question is how they define "materially diminish." Every
10 increased vehicle trip will somehow diminish service levels.
11
12 Browne stated this is a broad policy document. How they define the threshold can
13 be determined later on.
14
15 Davis stated staff doesn't object to this policy. They already have concurrency
16 requirements and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review of new developments in
17 place to make sure they don't go beyond the level of service or impact roads so they fall
18 below the level of service. Staff does this already.
19
20 Weimer stated he doesn't know if they're trying to create new levels of service for
21 commercial vehicles versus all vehicles.
22
23 Davis asked how this is prioritized over something else that they do.
24
25 Browne stated his intent is to protect the level of service of an existing business as a
26 priority over someone who wants to build a new business that would materially impact the
27 traffic flow and other factors of the existing business.
28
29 Browne amended his motion, "...service levels te/fFem of previously
30 established...."
31
32 The motion carried by the following vote:
33 Ayes: Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Donovan (5)
34 Nays: Brenner and Weimer (2)
35
36 Browne referenced item 6c in Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan,
37 Chapter 6 and moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 6 -32 to create a new policy, "6P-
38 2: Any new commercial /industrial development must not materially impact the safe,
39 efficient movement of existing residential, commercial, public safety or emergency response
40 traffic." He stated they should focus on residential traffic and public safety in terms of
41 emergency response.
42
43 The motion was seconded.
44
45 The motion carried by the following vote:
46 Ayes: Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (6)
47 Nays: Brenner (1)
48
49 Browne referenced item 6d in Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan,
50 Chapter 6 and moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 6 -32 to restore and renumber a
51 policy, "6P -3: Support commercial and industrial development adjacent to major
52 transportation corridors, including I -5, rail, and air facilities within urban growth areas, as
Special Committee of the Whole, 5/17/2016, Page 7
1 long as such facilities do not reduce safe, efficient movement of vehicles." He supports
2 commercial and industrial developments adjacent to major transportation corridors.
3
4 The motion was seconded.
5
6 Weimer asked if this policy only supports those facilities in urban growth areas. The
7 text needs to be rearranged so that they are only supporting those developments within
8 those urban growth areas.
9
10 Browne withdrew the motion.
11
12
13 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7
14
15 1. AUDIENCE MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO COMMENT SPECIFICALLY ON
16 WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7, ECONOMICS
17 (AB2016 -047G)
18
19 Bruce MacCormack listed his credentials and organizations and stated he supports
20 Councilmember Browne's proposed amendments to Chapter 7. Don't duplicate the efforts of
21 others and be responsive to potential new businesses.
22
23 Sylvia Goodwin, Port of Bellingham Planning and Economic Development Director,
24 referenced yesterday's email from Rob Fix and described the history of all the economic
25 development organization changes in Whatcom County. There are many agencies in
26 Whatcom County that are working on economic development. All the organizations have
27 worked together on the ChooseWhatcom.com website. The reason that Skagit County's
28 economic development organization has been so successful is because they've had one
29 organization working continuously with the same leader for 28 years. The only thing
30 Whatcom County has done continuously is change. Stick with the status quo. There has
31 been too much change over the years.
32
33 John Michener, Port of Bellinqham, described the economic development efforts by the
34 Port of Bellingham, which include 60 interactions with Canadian business interests in the past
35 two years. It is currently working with nine Canadian businesses. The majority of new jobs
36 come from startups and local companies that are expanding. The Port staff has met with
37 over 160 companies and firms in different stages. It is working with 38 firms in different
38 stages of expansion. Consistency of economic development programs is a key factor towards
39 creating a positive business climate for both existing companies and those interested in
40 moving to the area. The Port staff brought in over $33 million in investment in the county
41 last year. It is working with 24 projects in various stages of reaching their final investment
42 decision about whether or not they want to locate here. The Port is doing its job very well,
43 and would love to work with Mr. MacCormack's organization.
44
45 Sara Sutherland, Sustainable Connections and Whatcom Food Network, stated she
46 supports the proposed addition of the proposed new local food system section. The County's
47 support is very important for economic growth, health, and food access in the community.
48 Only three to four percent of the food consumed here is also produced and grown here. They
49 are working to make that closer to ten percent, which adds $50 million more to the economy.
50 It's important to collaborate, coordinate, maintain water quality and soil health responsibly,
51 and get buy -in from municipal procurement and other food and farming businesses.
52
Special Committee of the Whole, 5/17/2016, Page 8
Jim Ashby, Community Food Co -Op, stated he supports the proposed new local food
system section. They have over 15,000 co -op members who shop local and organic food,
which is the fastest growing segment of the grocery industry. They would like to purchase
more from local farmers. Development of a strong local food system in the Comprehensive
Plan would benefit the county in many ways.
2. DISCUSSION AND PRELIMINARY COUNCIL DIRECTION ON COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN CHAPTER 7, ECONOMICS (AB2016 -047G)
Mann moved to approve Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan, Chapter
7, items 1 through 47, which concern comma use and other non - substantive grammatical
changes and may be considered in a single motion.
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
Nays: None (0)
Browne referenced item 48 in Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan,
Chapter 7 and moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -2, lines 15 -23, "This chapter
specifically addresses Goal #5 of the Growth Management Act, which encourages economic
development and economic opportunity for all citizens of the state. The County -Wide Planning
Policies also have a section on economic development, which this chapter specifically
addresses. Examples include recognition of the need for a healthy economy; the emphasis on
coordination and cooperation among jurisdictions and public /private partnering; coordination
with environmental quality; and the desire to maintain the resource based industries and
recreation as we move toward a more diversified economy. This chapter also recognizes that
the quickest, easiest, and most certain path towards economic prosperity will likely be found
through the promotion of the county's many existing strengths; such as our unique position
to accommodate Canadian companies looking to expand and access the US market, our
extensive recreational infrastructure, and the skilled workforce produced by our excellent
educational institutions." He stated it adds more description. Focus on what they are good at
locally to have economic success.
The motion was seconded.
Donovan suggested a friendly amendment, "This chapter also recognizes that the
quickest, easiest, and me^} eerta!R best path towards...."
Browne accepted the friendly amendment.
Mann stated they first need to discuss the possibility of changing the associate
development organization (ADO).
Browne stated he wants to hold that decision so he can get some answers from the
Port of Bellingham before they have a discussion about changing that role.
Brenner suggested friendly amendments, "...more diversified economy. This
chapter ass recognizes t#a-t the quickest, easiest, and west ~tai~ best path towards
economic prosperity will likely be found through t#e promotion of the county's many existing
strengths; such as our unique position to accommodate Canadian companies looking to
Special Committee of the Whole, 5/17/2016, Page 9
1 expand and access the US market, our extensive recreational infrastructure, and the skilled
2 workforce produced by our excellent educational institutions."
3
4 Browne accepted the friendly amendments.
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 Browne referenced item 49 in Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan,
11 Chapter 7 and moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -8, line 20, to create new
12 subheadings:
13 Community Wide Strategic Planning Efforts
14
15 Whatcom County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
16
17 The item was seconded.
18
19 The motion carried by the following vote:
20 Ayes: Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (6)
21 Nays: None (0)
22 Abstains: Brenner (1)
23
24 Browne referenced item 50 in Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan,
25 Chapter 7 and moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -8, lines 21 -25, "The Whatcom
26 County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) was updated in 2014 -2015.
27 The principal purpose of the CEDS is to facilitate the retention and creation of living -wage
28 jobs and to foster a stable and diversified regional economy, thereby improving the quality of
29 life in the region. Its intent is to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation
30 of an "economic roadmap" to diversify and strengthen the regional economy by integrating
31 the region's human resources and capital- improvements planning in the service of economic
32 development. The CEDS incorporates three vision statements relating to the County's
33 preferred economic future." This lanquaqe he inserts is right out of the CEDS document and
34 describes the purpose of the CEDS.
35
36 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 Browne referenced item 51 in Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan,
43 Chapter 7 and moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -8, lines 38 -39, "The GEDS a
44 id-entifr. infrastructure and oth- r— p-r- leets4%rat--,u-ppert ___..-....- °_'e. E6-jaffient, errs- rFie -1 rd-e5
45 ee® data, Historically, the CEDS report has primarily directed that the sales tax
46 revenue collected under RCW 82.14.370 be used to fund infrastructure." He stated that his
47 point is that the sales tax revenue is primarily directed to infrastructure.
48
49 The motion was seconded.
50
51 Donovan asked the goal of this language.
52
Special Committee of the Whole, 5/17/2016, Page 10
Browne stated it explains how the revenue collected under this Revised Code of
Washington (RCW) has historically been used. It's informational.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Donovan (6)
Nays: None (0)
Abstains: Weimer (1)
Weimer stated he abstains because he doesn't know whether that's historically what
the CEDS document does.
Tyler Schroeder, Executive's Office, stated it's accurate to say that Economic
Development Investment (EDI) money is used for projects on the CEDS list. A project that
uses EDI funds has to be on the CEDS list. He's not sure there isn't a way to make this
broader. He is concerned about removing the first sentence.
Browne amended his motion to not strike out the first sentence, "The CEDS also
identifies infrastructure and other projects that support economic development, and
includes economic data. The CEDS report has primarily directed that the sales tax revenue
collected under RCW 82.14.370 be used to fund infrastructure."
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
Nays: None (0)
Browne referenced item 52 in Proposed Council Changes to Comprehensive Plan,
Chapter 7 and stated this is just background information that explains what Whatcom
Futures did. There were two very useful observations, which he included in his proposed
language. He moved to amend Comprehensive Plan page 7 -8, line 41, to create a new
subsection:
Whatcom Futures
In 2012, more than 90 leaders and representatives from businesses, local
governments, not - for - profit organizations and the public helped shape the
visions that constitute Whatcom Futures which compliments and is partially
incorporated within the CEDS report. It helps capture the economic vision and
values of various segments of the community.
Whatcom Futures includes many thoughtful observations, including:
" Whatcom County's lower commercial real estate costs compared to
those in B.C. - as well as the enhanced access to the U.S. market that
a Canadian company enjoys with a U.S. location - has resulted in
significant Canadian business investment in the County."
Bellingham Technical College's Engineering and Advance Manufacturing
programs offer degrees that are in demand by industries in Whatcom - and
nationwide - with starting salaries for new graduates in excess of $50,000 a
year ".
The motion was seconded.
Special Committee of the Whole, 5/17/2016, Page 11
1 Sidhu stated that if they only address business, they don't address agriculture. There
2 is a significant Canadian investment in the farm sector in Whatcom County. It may not be
3 included in the total or reported, but it creates jobs. There should be a recognition that this
4 is not only industrial development. No one is recognizing or promoting that part of the
5 economic sector and investment from Canadians.
6
7 Browne stated he agrees with Councilmember Sidhu. This particular motion is
8 specifically about the Whatcom Futures document.
9
10 Sidhu stated Whatcom Futures does not report on the agriculture sector or consider it
11 part of economic development.
12
13 Browne stated this is just about what has historically happened.
14
15 Sidhu stated the first paragraph of the motion does not mention or recognize any
16 other organization that is making any effort in that sector. The local land is cheaper and
17 resources and market are bigger. That drives people to invest in this county. A substantial
18 amount of berry land is owned by Canadians.
19
20 Browne stated he agrees that it should have happened, but it didn't happen.
21
22 Sidhu stated he hopes in the future that Whatcom Futures considers this important
23 economic sector.
24
25 Browne stated language about what should happen in the future is not in this section.
26 It's a different section in the document.
27
28 Brenner asked why Whatcom Futures didn't address agriculture.
29
30 Sylvia Goodwin, Port of Bellingham, stated Whatcom Futures did talk about
31 agriculture, recreation, retail, education, and healthcare. This is just one quote that
32 Councilmember Browne pulled from the Whatcom Futures document.
33
34 Brenner stated include language that recognizes the historical growth of the
35 agricultural economy.
36
37 Browne stated other councilmembers can insert other quotes from the Whatcom
38 Futures document.
39
40 Goodwin stated she has a copy of the Whatcom Futures report and will email it to the
41 Council.
42
43 Browne moved to hold in Committee.
44
45 The motion to hold in Committee carried by the following vote:
46 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
47 Nays: None (0)
48
49
50 OTHER BUSINESS
51
52 There was no other business.
53
Special Committee of the Whole, 5/17/2016, Page 12
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ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m.
The Council approved these minutes on June 14, 2016.
ATTEST:
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Bar ucchanarl, Council Chair
Special Committee of the Whole, 5/17/2016, Page 13