HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial Committee of the Whole June 14 20161 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
2 Special Committee of the Whole
3
4 June 14, 2016
5
6
7 CALL TO ORDER
8
9 Council Chair Barry Buchanan called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. in the Council
10 Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
11
12
13 ROLL CALL
14
15 Present: Barbara Brenner, Ken Mann, Satpal Sidhu, Carl Weimer, Todd
16 Donovan, Rud Browne and Barry Buchanan.
17 Absent: None.
18
19
20 COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
21
22 1. BRIEFING AND DISCUSSION OF THE FOLLOWING COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
23 APPENDICES (AB2016 -047L)
24
25 Matt Aamot, Planning and Development Services Department, submitted and read
26 from a presentation (on file) on each of the appendices.
27
28 Appendix A, Glossary
29
30 Browne stated define aquatic resource lands.
31
32 Weimer stated he will create a definition.
33
34 Appendix,_Acrany_ms
35
36 Brenner stated reinstate certain acronyms that have been removed. Aamot stated
37 that if an acronym isn't in the Plan or is only in the Plan once, it isn't listed in Appendix B.
38
39 Browne stated include all acronyms, even if an acronym only occurs once in the
40 entire plan. Also include the zoning designation acronyms.
41
42 Appendix C. Countywide Planning Policies
43
44 Aamot continued the presentation on Appendix C.
45
46 Brenner referenced Countywide Planning Policies item B.2 and asked if infill is
47 allowed. Aamot stated that item refers to rural areas that are the more dense limited areas
48 of more intense rural development (LAMIRDs).
49
50 Brenner referenced Comprehensive Plan page C -10, item five, and asked the
51 difference between resource land industries and resource -based industries. Aamot stated it
52 may refer to resource lands for harvesting and resource -based industries that have a direct
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/14/2016, Page 1
1 relationship to natural resources. He referenced the definitions in the glossary in Appendix
2 A.
3
4 Appendix D. Bibliography and Appendix E, 20 -Year Capital Facilities Plan
5
6 Aamot continued the presentation on Appendices D and E.
7
8 Browne stated don't delete the older documents from the bibliography, because they
9 are historically accurate.
10
11 Donovan asked how specific these documents should get in terms of a new jail or
12 repairing the courthouse. Aamot stated the document should list realistic funding sources
13 for the six -year capital improvement plan (CIP). The 20 -year plan can be more general.
14
15 Donovan stated the documents are saying the County will use economic
16 development investment (EDI) funds, but those decisions haven't been made yet. Aamot
17 stated that has been in the plan in the past.
18
19 Brenner stated she would like more detailed information on the real estate excise tax
20 (REET) 1 and REET 2.
21
22 Mark Personius, Planning and Development Services Department, referenced the
23 coordinated water system plan (CWSP) and stated that once the Council approves the
24 CWSP, the staff will review the capital facilities plan (CFP) to see if the CWSP needs to be
25 referenced.
26
27 Gary Davis, Planning and Development Services Department, presented on the
28 Lummi Island ferry and stated the Lummi Island Ferry Advisory Committee (LIFAC) asked to
29 include capital expenditures in the 20 -year transportation list in Appendix E. Planning staff
30 and Public Works staff will collaborate on the appropriate way to include ferry - related capital
31 expenditures in the plan.
32
33 Appendices F through I
34
35 Aamot concluded the presentation on the remaining appendices.
36
37 Donovan asked if there is language somewhere about impact fees. Davis stated
38 Chapter 6 includes a policy to consider impact fees in the future.
39
40 2. BRIEFING AND DISCUSSION OF AMENDMENTS TO DEVELOPMENT
41 REGULATIONS, OFFICIAL ZONING MAP, AND RELATED COMPREHENSIVE
42 PLAN AMENDMENTS PROPOSED AS PART OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
43 PERIODIC UPDATE
44
45 Gary Davis, Planning and Development Services Department, submitted and read
46 from a presentation (on file).
47
48 Brenner stated she would like a copy of any recommendations from the Surface
49 Mining Advisory Committee and Forestry Advisory Committee to the Planning Commission.
50
51 Mark Personius, Planning and Development Services Department, stated staff worked
52 through the existing Comprehensive Plan policies with the advisory committees. Their
53 recommendations are included in the original staff - recommended draft, which went to the
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/14/2016, Page 2
1 Planning Commission. The Forestry Advisory Committee also submitted a memo to the
2 Council about no -net loss policies.
3
4 Davis continued the presentation on sewer lines. There cannot be service to
5 properties in rural areas until those areas become urban, unless there is a public health
6 issue.
7
8 Mann stated the language should indicate that sewer service is not provided to any
9 lot "outside the urban growth areas." There is no definition for "non- urban."
10
11 Brenner stated there are denser rural areas outside of urban growth areas (UGAs)
12 that can have sewer service. Davis stated he will work on that wording.
13
14 Davis continued the presentation beginning with the Point Roberts Character Plan
15 and answered questions about sign regulations, including flags, in Point Roberts; the short -
16 term planning area designation and urban growth area reserves;
17
18
19 3. BRIEFING AND DISCUSSION ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 10, DESIGN
20 (AB2016 -0477)
21
22 Mark Personius, Planning and Development Services Department, referenced the
23 staff report on Council packet 490 and answered questions about cultural resources.
24
25
26 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7
27
28 1. AUDIENCE MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO COMMENT SPECIFICALLY ON
29 WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 7, ECONOMICS
30 (AB2016 -047G)
31
32 Sylvia Goodwin, Port of Bellingham, stated the Comprehensive Plan is a high -level
33 policy document. Don't get too specific. The Port should remain as the associate
34 development organization (ADO). Most new jobs are created by growing new businesses
35 and expanding existing businesses. Make sure there are labor and utilities to support them.
36 Marketing alone won't create new jobs. Any new marketing program must be tied to
37 available sites and buildings.
38
39 Todd Citron, Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Board, referenced letters from
40 the District Board regarding a stormwater utility district in the watershed and parks in the
41 watershed.
42
43 2. DISCUSSION AND PRELIMINARY COUNCIL DIRECTION ON COMPREHENSIVE
44 PLAN CHAPTER 7, ECONOMICS (AB2016 -047G)
45
46 Brenner referenced Comprehensive Plan page 7 -10, Policy 7A -2, and moved to
47 amend, "Foster a diverse, private- sector job base, which will provide family -wage jobs at
48 the state median income level or greater, and facilitate the retention and expansion of
49 existing businesses. An increasing body of research has concluded communities that
50 prioritize and invest in Business Start Up, Retention, and Expansion will experience more job
51 growth, income growth, and economic resiliency than those that spend heavily on
52 recruitment, including giving away tax money and other incentives to attract businesses."
53 The language was sent to the Council from Sustainable Connections.
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/14/2016, Page 3
1
2 The motion was seconded.
3
4 Browne stated he agrees they should not give away tax money and other incentives
5 to attract business. He suggested a friendly amendment, "...An increasing body of research
6 has concluded communities that prioritize and invest in Business Start Up, Retention,,
7 Recruitment and Expansion will experience more job growth, income growth, and economic
8 resiliency than those that spend heavily on reritfnenta including giving away tax money
9 and other incentives to attract businesses."
10
11 Brenner did not accept the friendly amendment.
12
13 The Committee discussed whether and how recruitment has been successful in the
14 community.
15
16 Browne submitted a handout (on file) and stated his research was on the distribution
17 of educational qualifications across the country. Unlike most counties, Whatcom County has
18 a higher- than - normal educated population, which is a key factor in business recruitment.
19 Also, it is the only cluster of higher education along the Canadian border for 2,000 miles.
20 Whatcom County is the logical place for Canadian businesses to open a U.S. branch, based
21 just on educational qualifications.
22
23 Mann stated he would rather address this motion later. Hold this motion until after
24 Councilmember Browne has discussed his substantive proposals regarding this idea.
25
26 Brenner withdrew her motion.
27
28 Browne referenced Comprehensive Plan page 7 -8, line 41,and moved to create a
29 new subsection:
30 Whatcom Futures
31
32 In 2012, more than 90 leaders and representatives from businesses, local
33 governments, not - for - profit organizations and the public helped shape the
34 visions that constitute Whatcom Futures which compliments and is partially
35 incorporated within the CEDS report. It helps capture the economic vision and
36 values of various segments of the community.
37
38 Whatcom Futures includes many thoughtful observations, the following are
39 quotes from the report:
40
41 "Whatcom County's lower commercial real estate costs compared to those in
42 B.C. — as well as the enhanced access to the U.S. market that a Canadian
43 company enjoys with a U.S. location — has resulted in significant Canadian
44 business investment in the County."
45
46 "Bellingham Technical College's Engineering and Advance Manufacturing
47 programs offer degrees that are in demand by industries in Whatcom — and
48 nationwide — with starting salaries for new graduates in excess of $50,000 a
49 yea r ".
50
51 "The economic value of Whatcom's natural resources manifests itself in
52 numerous ways. For instance, the County is the top producer of raspberries in
53 the U.S. and a leading producer of other types of berries as well as dairy
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/14/2016, Page 4
products, fish and shellfish ".
"However, it is important to note that a single resource will often have value
to more than one economic sector. For instance, the presence of timberland
supports eco- tourism as well as the forest products industry. The same can
be said of farmland - which in addition to the produce it generates also
facilitates agri- tourism - as well as the region's fisheries, which support both
commercial and sport fishing."
"The ability to receive a quality education from Pre -K through post graduate
study greatly enhances the quality of life in the County and is an important
asset in recruiting businesses to come to the region. Indeed, strong public
schools and the availability of higher education are among the principal
attributes that prospects look for when considering relocation."
The language is informational and from a 2012 Whatcom Futures Report. He found
and included the references that Councilmember Sidhu asked for regarding the agricultural
sector.
Brenner suggested a friendly amendment, "In 2012, more than 90 leaders ... and the
public helped shape the visions that ....nsti."_::*: created the Whatcom Futures Report which
e e Carr ic—vi ien d—wa� res --of varret�e ts—of th ha'corn Future
ions, Me following are quotes from the report:"
Browne accepted the friendly amendment.
The motion to approve the item with the friendly amendment was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
Nays: None (0)
Browne referenced Comprehensive Plan page 7 -9, line 27, and moved to create a
new subsection:
Current County Economic Development Activities
In recent years Whatcom County iaas delegated job creation activities to the Port of
Bellingham which serves as the County's "Associate Development Organization" (ADO). The
Port of Bellingham's mission statement is: "To fulfill the essential transportation and
economic development needs of the region, while providing leadership and maintaining
Whatcom County's overall economic vitality through the development of comprehensive
facilities, programs, and services ". Whate e;7, --�ty -eurfe i- -- pferv-i des , #
the —Pe F eeAtFibutes $200,009 pme -t
mss.
This item is informational, and explains that the Port of Bellingham has been the
County's associate development association (ADO) and the Port's mission. This was taken
from comments submitted by Port staff, and he included information about funding,
although the Port didn't think that last sentence was necessary.
The motion was seconded.
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/14/2016, Page 5
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 Comprehensive Plan page 7 -9, lines 32 -40, and moved to
6 amend:
7
8 "Quality of life is an essential component... spreads the jobs and tax base
9 throughout the area.
10
11 We need to continue our focus on retaining the diverse base of manufacturing
12 and other family wage firms already here, as well as prepare for future
13 opportunities by:
14 (i) working with our workforce development partners to ensure we focus
15 on the skills enhancement needed for existing and future industries;
16 and
17 (ii) maintaining an adequate supply of shovel -ready land to support the
18 buildings and infrastructure companies will require.
19
20 The wage and job prospects in the service sector vary widely based on the
21 nature of the employment. Retail positions offer relatively low wages and
22 limited prospects for job growth in part due to the trend of retail sales shifting
23 away from traditional storefronts to the internet. Conversely computer
24 programming and cyber- security positions offer entry level wages that are
25 typically well above the national average with some artificial intelligence
26 positions attracting stratospheric starting salaries in other areas of the
27 country.
28
29 As the developed world evolves away from a resource -based and high -
30 volume /low -value -added manufacturing economy, most of the new
31 generation of family wage jobs will likely come from knowledge intensive
32 industries such as computer software and high - value -added specialty
33 manufacturing.
34
35 The CEDS and Whatcom Futures reports are valuable contributions to the
36 challenge of the improving the Whatcom County economy and Whatcom
37 County has much to offer prospective employers as indicated by our latest
38 informational resource www.ChooseWhatcom.com. But in business it is not
39 enough to have a great vision, product, or service. These must be augmented
40 with a professional sales and marketing plan that identifies competitive
41 advantages, target markets and the likely profile of prospective customers.
42 The successful execution of any such plan largely depends on the
43 entrepreneurial skills of the organization's leadership and the professional
44 sales staff employed."
45
46 He stated this is a great community for producing qualified graduates, who are a
47 resource for industries to grow. However, a disproportionate number of graduates leave the
48 community, which makes Whatcom County a resource community. Use resources locally to
49 raise the average wage. He supports keeping land available to support infrastructure, but
50 don't expect the construction of the buildings to be done ahead of the demand. Banks will
51 not finance construction that doesn't have a tenant lined up.
52
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/14/2016, Page 6
Donovan seconded the motion. He asked if this language still works if he doesn't
support the next item, Item five, regarding proposed Policy 7A -3, which is too specific about
how they are spending the money.
Browne stated this is a goal and policy, not specific about how to spend the money.
The two items aren't tied together. To raise average wages is to attract employment that
pays more than the current average.
Brenner stated the language is too specific for the Comprehensive Plan.
Sidhu stated an impediment to industry is getting a permit. The Port, as the ADO,
hasn't the expertise to help a new company get permits. That effort should come from the
County.
Browne stated he agrees with Councilmember Sidhu. Policies should address that
concern.
Weimer suggested a friendly amendment to delete language,
...www.ChooseWhatcom.com. But in it is net en ... sales staff employed."
Browne accepted the friendly amendment.
Brenner suggested a friendly amendment, "We -nee p rbi -ur fin
wining Retain the diverse base of manufacturing...."
Browne accepted the friendly amendment.
The motion to amend carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (6)
Nays: None (0)
Abstains: Brenner (1)
Browne referenced Comprehensive Plan page 7 -11, Policy 7A -3, and moved to
amend, "Employ innovative techniques to attract a mix of diversified industries for a
broader economic base starting with the creation of a new economic development
organization to be funded at a minimum rate of $5 per head of population per year, ideally
with monies collected under RCW 82.14.370. This organization will be governed by a sunset
provision whereby it will automatically terminate after seven years if it was not able to
document its efforts were contributing to an equal or greater number of new jobs for the
money invested in it, compared to other economic development projects funded by the
community."
The County and Port are spending about $1.50 per person for economic
development. In 2013 -2014, the net result of the Port as ADO was four jobs, which doesn't
keep up with population growth. Attract branch offices of larger corporations that pay
higher than average wages using graduates of local cyber- security courses in the local
colleges. A recruitment organization should seek targeted companies that play to the
County's strengths and promote the idea of branch offices in the community. Spend an
amount equal to about $5 per person, the same as the amount spent by the Economic
Development Association of Skagit County (EDASC), which has had much success.
The motion was seconded.
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/14/2016, Page 7
The councilmembers discussed whether or not they want to create a completely new
economic development organization; the best use of Economic Development Investment
(EDI) funds; different organizations in the community providing different, but related,
economic development activities; developing specialized training programs at the colleges
based on what local employers need; not getting too specific about how to accomplish their
goals and policies in this document; revisiting the distribution of EDI money, and; whether
an economic development agency should be an independent agency instead of a function of
another agency.
Browne withdrew the motion.
Browne referenced Comprehensive Plan page 7 -11, Policy 7A -3, and moved to
amend, "In addition to stimulating family -wage jets employment and jobs in diverse
sectors, plan for ensure we retain entry level and service - related jobs such as those
necessary to support tourism, recreation, a+fd retailing, as well as these *trat- ree ate -to and
other indes#yF industries."
The motion was seconded.
Brenner suggested changes, "In addition to stimulating family -wage jobs in diverse
sectors, train and retain entry level and service - related jobs such as tourism, recreation,
retail, and industries."
Browne did not accept.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (6)
Nays: Brenner (1)
Brenner referenced Comprehensive Plan page 7 -11, Policy 7A -7, and moved to
amend, "Foster an adequate amount of preferred housing supply for all income levels as a
prerequisite for a healthy economy."
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Donovan (5)
Nays: Mann and Weimer (2)
Browne referenced Comprehensive Plan page 7 -11, Policy 7A -8, and moved to
amend, "Enhance the environment for resource -based and knowledge -based industries aid
the with an emphasis on attracting employment to the
communities in eastern Whatcom County." They need to have an emphasis on attracting
employment to the community.
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (6)
Nays: Brenner (1)
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/14/2016, Page 8
Browne referenced Comprehensive Plan page 7 -12, line 4, and moved to add
language:
In the late 1970s, Whatcom County and its communities were suffering
economically. Reliance on natural resource harvesting and export to drive
employment growth was insufficient to generate the jobs that were required.
A work group of community leaders, local governments, and the private
sector was convened, and the Stanford Research Institute was hired to assess
opportunities. Their report emphasized:
a. Selling the State of Alaska on relocating the southern terminus of its ferry from
Seattle to Bellingham;
b. Marketing to BC businesses interested in a foothold in the U.S. market; and
c. Promoting Whatcom County's potential as a regional service center for Northwest
Washington and the lower BC mainland, including retail, healthcare and
manufacturing entrepreneurs
The community rose to the challenge and the Alaska Ferry terminal was
relocated to Bellingham and more than 3,000 primarily manufacturing jobs
were added at a time when the county's population was about half of what it
is today.
The community recognizes both the global and local economy have changed
significantly since the Stanford report was commissioned in the 1970s and the
report itself is out of date. Nonetheless the community remains confident our
history proves that with updated research, and an intelligent, focused
approach, we can again bring much needed family -wage jobs to our
community. Our success will depend on leveraging the significant expertise of
our business community and our willingness to allocate sufficient financial
resources for our economic development initiatives to have a meaningful
impact.
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Special Committee of the Whole, 6/14/2016, Page 9
1
2 This language reflects important history from the 1970's, which shows they've
3 fundamentally changed the wage base in the community before.
4
5 The motion was seconded.
6
7 The councilmembers discussed not including old information in the Comprehensive
8 Plan.
9
10 The motion carried by the following vote:
11 Ayes: Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (6)
12 Nays: Brenner (1)
13
14 Browne referenced Comprehensive Plan page 7 -12, Policy 7B -1, "The Port of
15 Bellingham, serving as the ADO,...to assist expansion and retention of local businesses. Prior
16 to the current ADO contract with the Port expiring in July 2017, the ADO's performance shall
17 be evaluated by surveying the members of the other organizations and private companies
18 the ADO has been working with to promote economic development."
19
20 Mann moved to approve Comprehensive Plan page 7 -12, Policy 7B -1, "The Port of
21 Bellingham, serving as the ADO,...to assist expansion and retention of local businesses. Prior
22 to the current ADO contract with the Port expiring in July 2017, the ADO's performance shall
23 be evaluated by surveying the members of the other organizations and private companies
24 the ADO has been working with to promote economic development."
25
26 The motion was seconded.
27
28 Sidhu stated include language that the organization that is performing this function
29 should periodically be assessed.
30
31 Browne suggested a friendly amendment, "Prior to an ADO contract renewal,
32 the ADO's performance shall be evaluated...."
33
34 Mann accepted the friendly amendment.
35
36 The motion carried by the following vote:
37 Ayes: Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (6)
38 Nays: None (0)
39 Abstains: Brenner (1)
40
41 Brenner referenced Comprehensive Plan page 7 -12, Policy 7B -2, and moved to
42 amend, "Continue to work ;n—kifo,=-n-1e4--Fneet ngs—ef informally meeting with staff from all tie
43 entities and jurisdictions involved with economic development to discuss issues of interest
44 on a periodic basis."
45
46 The motion 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 Brenner referenced Comprehensive Plan page 7 -12, Policy 7B -4, and moved to
53 amend, "Identify, develop, and match funding opportunities with the economic development
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/14/2016, Page 10
projects contained within the CEDS. Funding sources could include the Economic
Development Administration (EDA), Community Development Block Grants (CDBG),
Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB), Rural Sales Tax (also known as the
Economic Development Initiative or EDI fund), USDA Rural Development, and other types of
grants, ai:�d loans, private investment, local match, and many other federal, state, and local
sources."
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 stated he would hold items 13 and 14.
Browne referenced Comprehensive Plan page 7 -12, and moved to create a new
policy, "7B -7: Ever mindful that leads related to economic development must at all times be
responded to promptly and professionally, should the volume of leads increase beyond our
partner organizations capacity to respond to them, then we must ensure adequate funding
is available for resources necessary for our partners to succeed."
The motion was seconded.
Browne stated that whatever they do, they must make sure the County provides
resources for partner organizations.
Brenner suggested a friendly amendment, "7B -7: Ensure adequate funding is
available to promptly and professionally respond to leads related to economic development,
should the volume of leads increase beyond our partner organizations capacity to respond
to them, then we must ensure adequate funding is available for resources necessary for our
partners to succeed."
Browne accepted the friendly amendment.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
Nays: None (0)
Brenner referenced Comprehensive Plan page 7 -13, lines 24 -26, and moved to
amend, "The Planning Unit, representing various stakeholders, is designated to address;
through lerzal +wr -rent; water resource planning needs from a watershed perspective
through local government."
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 Comprehensive Plan page 7 -14, and moved to rename Policy
6G -9 as Policy 7C -10, "Work with Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, and the cities to
develop and implement a common Countywide Way- Finding system that encourages people
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/14/2016, Page 11
1 traveling on the I -5 corridor to detour and easily find the many tourist attractions that
2 Whatcom County has to offer."
3
4 The 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 Browne referenced Comprehensive Plan page 7 -14 and moved to rename Policy 6F-
11 8 as Policy 7C -11, "Develop plans and prioritize facilities for the County to become
12 internationally recognized as a "Trail- Town" tourist destination (one that offers 100 miles or
13 more of contiguous walking /hiking trails) by 2027."
14
15 The motion was seconded.
16
17 Browne stated include "wayfinding" and "Trail Town" in the definitions.
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 Comprehensive Plan page 7 -15, Policy 7D -3, and moved to
25 amend, "Integrate and simplify regulations using the "Federal Plain Language Guidelines"
26 available at www.plainlanguage.gov to make them more understandable and user - friendly."
27
28 The motion was seconded.
29
30 Browne stated this should apply to the entire plan. He moved to amend his motion
31 to put this language at the beginning of the whole Comprehensive Plan document.
32
33 The motion was seconded.
34
35 The motion carried by the following vote:
36 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
37 Nays: None (0)
38
39 Browne moved to include language at the beginning of the whole Comprehensive
40 Plan and apply it to all levels of government, "Benchmark the County's regulatory and
41 permitting performance against itself and other comparable jurisdictions. Develop and
42 publish quarterly reports on these key performance metrics."
43
44 The motion was seconded.
45
46 The councilmembers discussed whether reporting should be done quarterly or
47 annually.
48
49 Browne amended his motion to strike the word "quarterly."
50
51 The motion carried by the following vote:
52 Ayes: Brenner, Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (7)
53 Nays: None (0)
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/14/2016, Page 12
The councilmembers discussed an economic development summit with all the
economic development organizations in the county, the ChooseWhatcom effort, have a
discussion about raising the income level in the community, and the schedule for completing
these chapters.
Browne referenced Comprehensive Plan page 7 -16, Policy 7D -8, and moved to
amend, "Use iRfeFmatien technology a-nd- ifrpP ^ve the int et web site so the public can
receive information on the status of projects, latest drafts of documents, and access to
general resources via the Internet."
The motion was seconded.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mann, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (6)
Nays: None (0)
Abstains: Brenner (1)
Browne referenced Comprehensive Plan page 7 -17, lines 1 -3, and moved to
amend, "A more positive aspect of the proximity to Canada is the opportunity evide fE3F
Ganadian for job creation through BC companies wh<— )-- vvaf-it- ko looking for a great location to
expand or relocate in the United States to broaden their market or enjoy other economic
advantages."
The motion was seconded.
Brenner suggested changes.
Browne amended the motion, "A n9eFe positive aspect of the proximity to Canada
is the opportunity to previde-fef-Ganadian for job creation through BC companies wh ;�
to looking for a great location to expand or relocate in the United States to broaden their
market or enjoy other economic advantages."
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, Weimer and Donovan (5)
Nays: Mann and Brenner (2)
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2 (IF TIME ALLOWS)
1. AUDIENCE MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO COMMENT SPECIFICALLY ON
WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 2, LAND USE (AB2016-
047B)
This item was not discussed.
2. DISCUSSION AND PRELIMINARY COUNCIL DIRECTION ON COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN CHAPTER 2, LAND USE (AB2016 -047B)
This item was not discussed.
OTHER BUSINESS
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/14/2016, Page 13
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There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 4:43 p.m.
The Council approved these minutes on November 22, 2016.
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Bar Suc anan, Council Chair
Special Committee of the Whole, 6/14/2016, Page 14